Is It Just in America??? Texting, Cell Phones, and Other Annoying Public Behaviors

Thanks to Julie, April and I went to the Woodland Park Zoo last week to see Mavis Staples in concert. It was seating on the "greens," as they say. Before the first performer came out there was an announcement over the PA, it went something like this: In order for all to have a pleasant listening experience this evening we ask that you ....

1) Please be courteous of the performers and other concert patrons, and refrain from talking while they are on stage.

(Duh...oh for fucks sake...we're at a concert people....who do you think I want to hear?!?!)

2) Please turn off your cell phones and PDA's during the performance.

(For obvious reasons, right?!?!)

3) And some additional blather about how to be a courteous concert attendee.

As if everyone here who is smart enough to get on-line, or call, and use a credit card to

purchase tickets is not intelligent enough to know how to behave in public? Obviously, not!

Okay, now can you guess what I'm going to RANT about??? First of all, a majority of the noisy people who were sitting around us did not arrive there until after this announcement. I don't mind children, (even the ones with snotty noses). I don't mind low keyed conversations. I don't mind singing along, swaying, clapping, getting in the groove, and having a damn good time but ...

Come on people...your cell phone conversation from your daughter could have waited. I did not need to know Grandma really missed her and looked forward to seeing her. Really! Do you know how close I came to turning around and grabbing your phone and inserting into a tall glass of water??? And what would you have done? You were too big to get your ass off the grass and chase me down, and I honestly think your husband would have thanked me.

Okay, and for all you mom and dad's with small kids. Do you have to "ask" the three year old 15 times if they want to trade seats with you. Obviously the first time she ignored you, you could have stopped asking. Really. You were trying to make nice, but enough all ready. Turn your fucking chair around and look at and listen to the man on stage.

Lastly, political conversations during the concert, really? Is it me or we (the American public) in a state of crisis? Really, want to support the arts? Get some fucking manners while you are attending an event. It just irritates me to no end to think I spent money on tickets for something and now I am sitting next to you. I did not pay to hear your narration of a movie, a play, a concert, or reading. I don't care if you have small children at home and they are your justification for leaving your cell phone or PDA on high alert. Don't leave them with someone who cannot handle whatever might occur.

April and I went to see Spring Awakening (a play) last summer. The girl next to me sat and texted through 3/4's of the performance on her Blackberry (read: bright light radiating from her lap). Obviously, she knew actors in the play. Obviously, she had auditioned for the play or was in it at some point...but for fucks sake. Once again, the announcement had been made about turning off everything...but we individualized Americans think we are the exception to these requests. Why?

I once sat in front of someone who popped their gum through an entire evening of Lily Tomlin. It's a good thing I am anti gun, trust me.

It's getting to the point where I am often embarrassed to be one of us. I wonder if people in other countries experience this arrogance.

I find it amazing that we even have to ask people to display common courtesy...am I the only one? What do you think? I know this has happened to you...and more importantly is there a cure?

I see a day coming when every establishment has a cell/PDA blocker in their building so we can enjoy the moment. What a concept!

My Ears....RIP

Now if only his annoying commercials would leave the face of this earth with him. I am NOT sentimental about the death of Billy Mays. Not in the slightest. Honestly, to rip off a good friend (thanks Ju Ju)...he's was like a modern day carnie selling potion that will heal you. I'm sorry but BFD.

The strangest thing is just in within the last month I have been very vocal about how much this guy's approach annoys me. To the degree of which I choose not to purchase his products, even if they do work. I just don't want to support the insanity of our culture anymore than necessary. I'm sorry, if you have to be yelled at to be encouraged to try a new product it's not for me.

I will admit that his promos for his realty show made him look like an even bigger ass. I see no need to belittle people to motivate or encourage them. In fact in my world that makes me feel anything but encouraged (more like severe anger).

I know some will think it wrong of me to disrespect the dead. Thank god I live in a country where I can express my opinions freely. Just like he could take 60 seconds in between non-cable programs to yell and annoy the daylights out of me.

Don't Judge a Book...or Officially one of the "Others"

In honor of Seattle gay pride weekend...this is an actual conversation I had with patrons who sat at one of my tables for dinner last evening.

They were an older couple, I'm guessing in their early 70's, pleasant, friendly, and we had fun finding her a beer to drink that she would actually enjoy. We had a few laughs and talked about the fate of our restaurant-she is an acquaintance of the owner so very comfortable giving out advice about the place. Towards the end of their visit, the girls I work with were talking about their Sunday plans.

"Why don't you want to go with us? We'll have so much fun!" asked one.

The other one replied, "Because 30 or 40,000 people is just too many people for me."

"Well, if you change your mind, call me and come with us!" she offered.

A few minutes later, I brought the couple their bill.

"Where are they talking about going that Rachel doesn't want to go?" she asked me.

"Gay Pride, in Seattle," I replied.

I wish you could have seen the look on her face. Or for that matter heard the sounds they each made, something like a guffaw, snort, and huff all combined together.

"Oooohhhhhhhh," she said.

"Well first of all, that's way too many people! And, it's those "other" people. You know, lots and lots of those "other" people," her eyes continued to roll as she finished talking.

What could I do and still remain employed? I just smiled, and just chuckled aloud. They thought I was laughing with them...ah, no.

Of course images of what I wanted to do flashed through my head quickly...use my index fingers to make devil horns and with an evil laugh say, "WE'RE EVERYWHERE!" Just use your imagination for all of the things I could have said or done, all of which would be totally inappropriate, and for a blip of a moment I considered doing it, I'm sure!

After they walked out, I told Jenna what was said...Jenna is a cute, fun-loving, intelligent college grad. She is the one who was asking about going to Gay Pride. She is straight. Definitely not narrow.

She said, "That's why I talk openly about going, so it just makes it more, ya know, normal or whatever. Helps dispel more of the ignorance."

I could have walked away upset by this couples reaction, I could've had my feelings hurt, but their opinion is not personal in any way. I mean it's not like I'm an obvious lesbian, I'm aware of that. While the people I work with know my story, it's not like I wear a pink triangle or anything. I don't feel the need to educate people who frequent our establishment, besides I just don't think it's appropriate.

I had to wonder if they would be embarrassed to know that the ring I wear on my left hand is an identical match to April's.

Vacation and Work Schedule

Okay, so my co-workers and I know it gets pretty busy at our micro-brewery in the summer. Of course, we all still like to leave and go on vacation. This leads to weeks like the last two, where I am scheduled for 6 days in a row or like this week, doubles. Yes, the cash is nice but it does leave one with little time to reflect, contemplate, or even have the energy to care about the usual things.

Hence, my absence. But, not to fret ideas are brewing. The world leaves me much to blog about like the passing of one of my first crushes (remember I'm over 40 and back then he was young and cute and sang about A B C) and how he totally upstaged Farrah by doing so. More about that soon.

In the meantime, I'll be working and plan on doing absolutely NOTHING on Sunday. Thank goodness, April has already forgiven me for not celebrating PRIDE in Seattle with her, lucky me.

Amen

That In the Middle Feeling

Sometimes I get this feeling, for lack of a better term I'll just call it that - In The Middle Feeling. It's not good, but it's not bad. It's not boredom nor massive random thoughts that are bouncing around like pop corn in my head.

It's almost restlessness, but not quite. Almost malaise, but not that either. Do you see where I'm headed...somewhere towards the middle.

Why do I mention this, write about it, because I find it rather stymies me. It stymies me in many ways. For instance, not ready to sleep but not feeling wide awake either. I want to write, but the words are just floating around my head - not demanding to be put onto page. (Although, going to try to put that to good use anyways!) House needs attention, could be cleaned, but just don't feel enough motivation to get up and take care of it!

It's just that limbo land...how I often feel after a very busy day at work. Ha-rumph!

Do you ever feel this way, and if so what do you call it? How do you move out of it!??

More Words to Live By

Happy Father's Day

Jack's New (probably bad) Habit

Jack is a tad bit jealous. She takes issue with the other cats, of April and I lounging together, and even of the bird.

In the morning, when I get ready for work I usually have Pidge on my shoulder or a top my head. I like to give him attention, because he is a very social bird and I know he gets lonely when we are both at work all day. He accompanies me upstairs to the bathroom while I shower, where he sings himself silly in the small mirror. We then head downstairs to "my" bathroom where I proceed to finish getting ready. For sometime, he enjoyed sitting on the shelf in front of the mirror and singing, talking, and just hanging out with me while I primped.

Hence, Jack started hanging out on the bathroom counter. Then she started looking in the mirror (my favorite is when she has her two front paws on the shelf and looks into the mirror), and finally she progressed to hoping up to the shelf that Pidge likes to sit upon. If the bird can be there, she thinks she can as well. Basically if he can, she can, and will.

My only concern is that one day she will figure out a way to sit atop the pantry cover (Pidge's other hang-out), then we will be in big trouble. Or, I should say she will.

Pink, As Promised

This is the Korean Dogwood, in pink. It is one of my absolute favorite trees in bloom right now. This is the only one I drive by everyday, and the full picture is not the best but you get the idea. Someday when I grow up and have a yard of my own, it is one of the trees I want to plant and enjoy every year as it comes into bloom. For now, I'm thankful I have one close by to gaze upon when I travel by it everyday.

Arboretum in June

Massive Case of Tiredness

Wow, I don't know what's going on with me this week, but I have just been extremely tired. I know last week was intense and I'm on the schedule everyday this week, but really I just feel like someone royally kicked my ass.

I had all these good intentions of getting going on cleaning out the garage, my closets, my desk, and the extra room. Ha, I haven't even managed to clear off all my chem homework from the dining room table. Lucky for me, April says it's holding the table down. She's adapted to my way of living (to a degree).

So, while I thought I'd be madly blogging, cleaning, catching up I find myself wanting to nap, curl up with a good book, hang out with the cats, and watch some really meaningless tv. Oh the sweet life of not being in school. Let me rejoice, at least for one week.

Words to Live By

Lettuce, or "Let Us" Rejoice, April's Homegrown Lettuce

Last night, we ate our first meal featuring salad with lettuce from April's deck garden. How cool is that? I don't know the name of it, but it smelled good and tasted even better. This is the first time I've ever had home grown lettuce. It's great to think that for the summer we may not have to buy more! The tomatoes are also heading up, up, and up with multi little yellow flowers all over them (meaning a tomato will be in it's spot eventually). We even have cucumber growing. Good thing we don't have a yard, or we might just have a chicken coop with chickens soon!

Words to Live By

Korean Dogwood

This amazing tree is in bloom right now. The last time I remember seeing Dogwood Trees in bloom I was in Jr. High School, singing along to Barry Manalow, on vacation with my family in Yosemite. I vividly recall how amazing I thought these trees in bloom were, so welcoming. There are even a few in my neighborhood that is in pink. I will post photos of them here soon. I just love trees, and these are true beauties.

Not Just a Test

Sometimes life is more than just a test. So, I had my chem exam last Thursday. What a week it was for me. Before you shrug, and wonder what's the big deal remember I am NOT a math geek, and chem is mostly math. Tried as hard as I could but was unable to get a tutor so I muddled through on my own. Lots and lots of homework, in fact I felt like today's fifth grader I had so much homework.

I am also normally a great test taker, not so in the course. Even when I took an exam I thought I excelled at the results were not quite stellar. But, still I passed, whew!

Over the years I have learned for some topics, in order for me to excel I must study like a demon. That means writing myself notes, flash cards, attending every class time, and paying attention. It means many visits to the library where I can soak up new information in the solitude. I just have to work at it, but I have learned I am capable of being an A student.

So, the point I'm leading to is this...I have not been to present in any other area of my life for the last 3 months. Not just at home, but everywhere else as well. I've let things go, like the house. Socially, I feel like a complete hermit. Luckily our friends know, and have understood and tried to help keep April company while I am studying or working.

Thursday rolled around, and like a big unexciting climax it happened and was done. Nothing too eventful as far as the test went. I thought I did well enough to pass baring any major brain farts or mathematical catastrophes. Class was done, I was expected at work a half an hour later. Life continues onward.

But, the rest of the week was tough. Strange customers, many of them, over and over and over until I was feeling like running from the restaurant screaming. By late Friday afternoon I was done with the week. I arrived home and announced that we were going out and I was in no mood to be told otherwise. I was going out even if I had to go alone. For the very first time in my life I could understand the man stopping at the local watering hole for a drink before arriving home. Perhaps, I should have done that, but did not. I just felt the urge to have a few drinks and completely get out of my head - leave the week behind me, so to speak. The test, all the time away, my girlfriend (who by this point is looking at me with very wary eyes) whom I have been missing, and last but not least work and all it's intricacies.

Lucky for us, our good friends Kay and Tori were out at Fred's in Snohomish. There they met up with another friend they invited to their table, Speedy. We headed to Fred's and I felt like couldn't arrive there fast enough. Thank goodness for friends. Their smiling faces were good to see, their laughter good to hear, and their hugs the best. A pint of heffie and some killer halibut tacos and began to feel like my old self. By the end of the night, as we sat around the fire pit I was so thankful. I could feel the craziness of the last week falling away from me. I was not hung over the next morning, in fact I felt refreshed when I arrived at work. I mean, I finally had some "life" back in me. Talked with friends about it all, laughed, ate, drank, and got caught up.

I am definitely an older student, and I have a life I miss when I'm ignoring it. I savor my free time and my relationship more than I ever.

By Sunday morning, after another night out with friends and a little drinking and dancing and I felt so much better. On Sunday afternoon, we walked over to "Sorticulture" at Legion Park. We smiled at the babies, loved up some puppies, looked at beautiful plants and art work, and ate some pretty good food. Sometimes I think we need a shot of "life" so we can carry on with the more demanding aspects of being an adult.

M-I-G-R-A-I-N-E

If you've ever had one you know. They almost feel as if an alien has invaded your body and you are no longer in control. For me, it always starts in the same place, on the left side of my neck. It takes over my shoulder, my left eye, my jaw and just plain hurts. Even when the pain itself is gone, there is this after affect that feels as if someone beat me about the head and shoulders and left me very bruised.

Light hurts, sounds make me jumpy or startle, basically a dark - cool room would be a very good place to hang out and just relax. I haven't had one of this magnitude in quite sometime, in a long time to be exact. I'm sure the combination of heat, hormones, working in the heat, and stressing over school has not helped.

Liquid Advil does help, but too much leaves me feeling like I'm going to crawl out of my own skin. Excedrin Migraine didn't touch this on Thursday. Neither did a meal, water, or sleep. Ugh!!!!

Maybe if I just stop post-phoning the inevitable and get the books out and start reading it will help! Surrender, surrender, surrender I say!

It's Never Too Late

A good thing to remember for a woman who needs to spend the next four days studying for her final...and for my friend in OC who is ready for a change!

She's Starting To Get Personality

My little niece is just about 8 weeks old. I can see bits of my little brother in her cuteness and her seriousness!!

June in the Pacific Northwest

June blooms! More to come...when we can head out without being dinner for the mosquito's!!!

Happy Life

Being An Adult - Is Not Always What It's Cracked Up to Be

Okay, so today April and I had to make a tough decision. She received an very unexpected lay off on Friday (although that is a standard part of the Electrical Union). We had thought this job was due to last the year, at least.

We really wanted to have a big ol' shin-dig this summer with all of our friends and family present. The "Commit Me," ceremony it has been dubbed. We reserved the Legion Park Arboretum for the ceremony, a beautiful place where flowers bloom all the time, the trees are magnificent, and there are even a pair of eagles who live next door in a pine tree. It is a wondrous place. The Fireman's Hall was set up for our reception - dowdy on the outside but perfectly adorned inside with all the latest technology available, a bright clean kitchen, and great atmosphere. We picked out the cake. We picked out the caterer and the eats. We even reserved a house in Rockaway Beach, Oregon for our va-kay afterwards. I've been shopping for a dress and April for an outfit she likes.

We sent out save the date cards, ordered invitations. Parents were summoned and invited. Family and friends have all rallied around and made plans to be here.

Sadly, we have made a grown up decision and decided it is best to elope. Neither of us is willing to go into debt to get hitched. To the disappointment of friends who have made plans to come and celebrate with us, we apologize from the bottom of our hearts. To our loved ones who gave their full support, we are sorry as well. We can't tell you how much it means to us that you were willing to be here with us.

Our "day" will come, it just won't be this August. Besides, I actually think it came the day we went to lunch and both had the realization how we felt - and neither of us has ever looked back.