Thought of the Day 3/28/2012: Longmont Fare

Crazy busy at work, Training for the Bolder Boulder, Mom's here for a visit..... 'Nough said.

Training for a race and having Mom here is happy coincidence since she takes me out to eat, which I never do otherwise.  Consequently, over the next week I'll be reviewing various Longmont establishments as I get better acquainted with my new home the fare it has to offer.  Last night, because I had a coupon, we went to Old Chicago and had the 'Thai Pie' Pizza; I also had the Mediterranean Salad.  Both far exceeded my expectations for a chain restaurant.  I'm not ashamed to admit that it the Thai Pie was easily the best tasting pizza I've ever had, though needless this surprised me!  It was my Mom's pick, many kudos to her.  The base was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy teriyaki and thai chili spices, with sesame seeds baked into their delicious crust.  For an added kick, a must for me, apply liberal amounts of crushed red pepper.

I think we'll have BBQ tonight.....

Book Review: In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

Disclosure and Spoiler Alert:  Due to a combination of listening to this book while working and thus not paying full attention, and the fact that the narrator sounded like a 1940's newscaster and couldn't keep my attention very well to begin with, I only got these take-home messages from this book: Hitler and the powerful Germans of his time were completely crazy and often referred to as displaying child-like behavior and mentalities, Martha was a unabridged whore and Dodd was an affable idiot.  That was it, along with 10 hours of other words that couldn't quite captivate me.

I love Erik Larson's style, and thoroughly enjoyed "Devil in the White City," but I believe this particular work would've been better appreciated if I had actually read it.  Admittedly, I'm also not a Holocaust enthusiast.  In conclusion, my mediocre regard for "In the Garden of Beasts" is a result of the fashion in which it was absorbed and my lack of zeal on the particular subject.  Nevertheless, Martha's many culturally diverse and politically taboo indiscretions were remarkably entertaining.  This book's poor performance notwithstanding, I still anticipate relishing in "Thunderstruck" as it seems to mimic the feel and manner of the aforementioned work, which I adored.

Thought of the Day 3/21/2012: Herding the Cat

 

Question: If Charlie is a Corgi, whose parents were actual working dogs on a ranch in Byers, CO, why the hell was it ME herding the cat into her kennel this morning at 4am instead of HIM?!

Glad to be somewhat settled in our new home in Longmont, sans furniture.  The sunrise from our East-facing balcony was gorgeous this morning and I'm looking forward to some stargazing tonight!

Thought of the Day 3/20/2012: Happy First Day of Spring!

My name be damned, Spring is my absolute favorite season.  Everything in bloom, the birds singing, early sunrises, warm breezes, perpetual sunshine, the smell of dirt, growth and moisture from the mountain run-off; I love it all!

This looks about right.  Happy Lent, Easter, Jesus-Day, Whatever!

Oh yeah, and let's not forget the Cadbury Creme Eggs!!!  I don't care is that is Chihuahua piss in the middle Mom, they're delicious!

Thus, the only appropriate song for such a day and such sentiments is:

Thought of the Day 3/19/2012: Aveo, How I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways

If you've never bought a brand-spanking-new car, I would highly suggest you do.  My car had 9 miles on it when I drove it off the lot in January 2006; the smell was mesmerizing.  I was a senior in college and knew I'd be the envy of my friends upon my return for Spring Semester.  Ever the anticipatory thinker, I even bought a stick-shift to afford myself a convenient excuse as to why others couldn't drive her.  I paid the car off last month, and though it's now 6 years-old with a cracked windshield I appreciate her more than ever; here's just a few reasons why:

1. Over 40 mpg!
2. Drove her with all my belongings from Rochester, NY to Denver with my BFF Nancy.  It was a liberating journey featuring a pit-stop in Iowa to toss around Rory-Bee (my frisbee).
3. Road trips to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.
4. As I packed it for the move last night, I simply couldn't believe how much fit into it.  I wasn't sure if I was more proud of the car or myself.  It fit damn-near everything, minimizing my need for several trips between the two apartments.  Now the obligatory three will suffice!
5. I realized yesterday while walking out of the gym that the front end damage to the bumper caused by my ass-packing a stopped car at a red light, which I thought should have been green, was fixed inconspicuously during a recent 60K routine maintenance at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet.  These people had always taken excellent care of me and my Aveo, but this was astounding; she looked brand new again!
6. The audio-books absorbed and panic attacks suffered while driving her; she's seen me at my best and my worst.  
7. Shockingly, I've never had to replace the brakes. 

This isn't my car, but looks exactly like it if you were to crack the windshield. 

Thought of the Day 3/18/2012: Just Another Reason to Love Harry Potter and Kitty-Randomness

Today I watched the Harry Potter series in succession while packing up the apartment, and admittedly these wonderful movies often serve as my background noise during such nominal tasks.  Anyway, I took a dinner break during the fourth and was paying better attention than usual it seems during the Yule Ball scene because I realized that the singer of the band was none other than Trent Reznor!

This validates my passion for these films. The End.

PS Though I adore the movies the books are far better; but as I think of the two as distinct entities, I love them both!

On a completely unrelated note, has anyone else noticed that Clorox makes cats go completely insane?  Is this a universal phenomena or is my kitty 'special'?  Either way, after I scrubbed the tub with Clorox she felt inclined to roll around in it.  She's a long-haired cat...... Guess who got to clean the tub again?

Thought of the Day 3/17/2012: Coax Cables? Really?

Nothing helps you learn more about yourself than rifling through your old shit.  While preparing for the move, downsizing and purging random items in general, I found that I have a borderline obsession with coax cables.  I've always thought them very important, I just never realized I ferreted them away like precious gems.

Thought of the Day 3/16/2012: Life

..... is busy!

I've been putting in overtime at work and also getting ready for my move next week.  I know you're all missing my analytical ramblings, but I'll be back and better than ever soon!

PS Let me know if you need a couch, dressers or general apartment crap.

This one's for you Emilee!

Thought of the Day 3/13/2012: Deep Thought

When you live every moment in the light of the present, no shadow from the past can follow you.

Thought of the Day 3/12/2012: Eye Candy Galore!

I decided to switch things up today and headed to Longmont instead of Boulder, opting for a mid-morning workout to relieve myself of my desk for a bit.  It was then that I clearly observed the Pros and Cons of varying my normal 5:30am workout routine.

As you can well imagine, the same 10-15 freaks workout at 5:30am everyday; amongst whom I am a proud member.  I have grown to love these calorie-burning comrades dearly, and have even contemplated asking a couple of the younger guys out.  Furthermore, I've given each a unique identifier such as 'American Beauty Guy,' 'Will' [this kid looks exactly like Will from Will & Grace],  'Bald Guy in Cargo Pants,' 'The Ripped Swede,' 'The Two Old Bad-Ass Runner Chicks' and 'Mr. Burns with Hair' [he looks like The Simpson's Mr. Burns with a lot of hair and no hump].  Today however, upon my 10:00am arrival at the gym, I was met with an overwhelming plethora of new faces and ripped biceps, my superficial personal weakness.  I immediately decided to employ my time getting to know these odd ducks a bit better, but would one workout session be enough?  Needless to say, I found myself bouncing about the equipment half-heartedly for close to 2 hours whilst bestowing idiosyncratic pseudonyms upon my new friends.

Pro:  An abundance of novel eye candy, as well as extraordinarily eccentric displays of conduct from fellow exercise junkies.  I also received some intrigued glances, no doubt inspired by my own behavioral oddities like fist-pumping while running, or by my tattoos, beautiful green eyes and cut upper body.

Con:  I missed my dear friend 'Rebecca of Niwot' whom I see every morning and always engage in the exchange of pleasantries.  Additionally, as I'm unused to preparing my gym bag for a mid-day workout, I forgot to pack a bra.  It's a good thing the camisole I packed has built-in business!

Result:  Maintain this new workout regimen in hopes of either provoking one of these hunks into asking me out using mind-control, or growing my own pair of testicles which will likewise promote the acquaintance.

Thought of the Day 3/11/2012: Daylight Savings

That's right, this is about the time of year when I can't figure out why I feel like I'm starving though my other senses are telling me it's only 4pm.

The sun was just starting to be up when I was!  Now I'll have to return to my vampiric ways for another month or so......

Review: The Kitchen Boulder

Thanks to a previous and treasured relationship, I have had the opportunity to cultivate a taste for fine dining.  Having experienced the very best that fine dining has to offer, I've frequented such Denver legends as Mizuna, Luca D'Italia and Fruition.  My authority for offering opinions on this subject however, stem from a once-in-a-lifetime meal at the distinguished Thomas Keller NYC flagship, Per Se.  Therefore, I can confidently and knowledgeably deem The Kitchen Boulder as one of the finest gourmet establishments in the Denver-Boulder area.

Located at the heart of Pearl Street, the atmosphere was quaint, relaxed, and not at all assuming; anyone would feel welcomed and comfortable despite their previous experiences with epicurean fare.  The Kitchen is famous for its community oriented  mission.  All ingredients are purchased from local farmers, and menu items change daily to reflect what is currently fresh and available.  Also, they feature Community Hour Monday through Friday 3:00pm to 5:30pm, during which they serve a family-style dinner around one large table prior to normal dinner service.  This overwhelming sense of sustainability and quality alone should inspire appraisal of this magnificent venue.

With its notoriety in mind, our party of four delightedly discovered that the wait would only be 15 minutes, despite it being after 6:00pm on a Friday night.  We went to the bar where my friends found an astounding selection of wines and beverages which the bartender artfully elucidated, offering expert suggestion for each of their varying palates.  Meanwhile I settled on one of the delicious non-alcoholic cocktails, the refreshing 'Kitchen Rickey.'  We were seated and our waiter proficiently maneuvered each quiz regarding menu items.  Indeed the selection featured something for everyone as well as every wallet; from experienced foodies and people desiring a unique culinary treat, to parties looking for a small and simple, yet novel, array of gourmet nibbles.

Once we had ordered, the seamless arrival of courses ensued.  The bread and butter were homemade, uncomplicated and delicious.  The server offered us more once our basket was empty though we declined in anticipation of further nourishment; still, it's comforting to know they don't skimp.   Next, the starters arrived.  I found the Cumin Yogurt quite salty, but this tends to be a norm at most fine-dining restaurants as they use natural and course sea salt.  In fairness, I'm also not in the habit of salting my food, so everything typically tastes salty to me when I eat out.  Despite its powerful savory flavor, the presentation was pleasing and overall the dish was phenomenal.  My entree of Braised Rabbit and Gnocchi was by far the most mouth-tingling fare I've had since Per Se; the perfect blend of spices and aromas damn near brought a tear to my eye and I protracted each bite.  I did not find myself alone in these sentiments.  Everyone in the party was equally savoring their meals; no complaints to be heard, just happy faces with chewing mouths and glowing eyes.  This even included a friend, normally a vegetarian, who settled on the perch.  We were all a bit shocked to observe that the entirety of the fish was served; bone-in, tall-straight, eyes open and mouth agape.  In a steadfast manner my friend took responsibility for her choice and stated that if she could not eat a fish as it looked in nature then she had no right eating it at all.  She subsequently dug in with her tiny fork and thoroughly enjoyed the flavorful dish.  I found this bold resoluteness extremely inspiring, I could not have mastered the eyeing-fish so easily, and I'm a full-blown herbivore!

A general note about fine-dining here.  Do not cheat yourself from possessing the full breadth of wonder that is gourmet dining.  Go with people you know well and want to spend an entire evening with, and partake of every delicious course ignorant of cost or calories; completely without guilt.  Any fine-dining staff will space the courses to perfectly suite your appetite, you'll never feel full just comfortable and anxious for the next savory delight.  Venture to try something that you have never tasted or have even heard of, like squab, and don't fret over mis-pronunciations; the servers deserve some amusement after all.  To attempt this experience in a rushed, restricted or miserly manner would be nothing short of a travesty.  I likewise believe to do so is highly offensive to the establishment and it's entire staff.  These people are professional servers, there to provide you with an ineffable and unparalleled culinary experience, treat them well by treating yourself well and fully committing to the opportunity of broadening your gastronomical horizon.

Musts for Any Gourmet Dining Experience:

1. Good Company
2. Loose Wallet 
3. Ample Time
4. Open, Guilt-Free, Mind

Following my guidelines above, dessert in an absolute necessity.  I had the Pot Au Chocolat which puts any 'molten chocolate cake' to treacherous shame.  They baked it only long enough to ensure a crispy top, gooey bottom and pure warm-melty-deliciousness in the middle.  I can also tell you with 100% certainty this sure as hell wasn't Hershey's chocolate; this was the real stuff, dark and rich.  I luxuriated in this dessert along with an expertly brewed Americano, into which I poured the Heavy Cream that came with my dessert.  Our party sat, chatted and prolonged our stay well past dessert, but never once were we rushed to leave.

The combination of the environment, service, meal, company and dessert was something akin to a three hour orgasm.  After that experience who could possibly concern themselves with money?  I threw down my credit card and declared 'Just keep adding numbers until it says declined!'

Meal Summary
Beverage: Kitchen Rickey - Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, Orange Bitters & Ginger Ale
Starter: Grilled Lacinato Kale - Crispy Anson Mills Polenta & Cumin Yogurt
Entree: Hand Rolled Gnocchi - Braised Rabbit, Bacon, Parmesan, Marjoram & Bay
Dessert: Pot Au Chocolat with Heavy Cream
Dessert Beverage: Decaf Americano

Summer's Take-Home Message: You have not lived until you've experienced fine dining, and The Kitchen Boulder is as good a place as any to start living!

Thought of the Day 3/10/2012: Shrimp is not the Enemy

It's official, I'm not actually allergic to shellfish.  Instead I'm simply over-reactive and under the threat of death following shrimp consumption, I develop panic attack/allergic symptoms every time I think I eat it.  I realized this today once I discovered I had indeed been eating various forms of shrimp for 30 minutes.  Mysteriously, only then did the 'allergy' take-hold; but it was too late, I knew the symptoms were bullshit.  I happily continued gorging my Shrimp-infested food.  Thank you Star Kitchen; not only do you have the best Dim Sum in Denver, but you also proved once and for all that I'm crazy.

Thought of the Day 3/8/2012: Sora and Nummer

Nora is flying in for a visit today!  The kindest and most considerate of our college tri-fecta of caustic wit, her's is a superbly intelligent brand of impropriety.  Whereas Nancy and I were direct with our inappropriate comments and took blatant joy in the discomfort of others, Nora was more stealthy.  She'd often obscure her incongruous retorts with sociable savvy, delaying someone's 'WTF!?' comment with enough time to vacate the immediate area.

Nora and I met in our 'Punk Rock' english course Freshman year and I immediately took to her outspoken and jocular views which, though they reflected my own, were articulated in a way my country upbringing ill-suited me to match.  Once I discovered that we not only lived on the same floor of our dormitory, but she was also friends with my cohort and hall-mate Nancy, we all became positively inseparable.  By accident one day, someone in our CAS class referred to us a Sora and Nummer and it stuck for awhile, once we were finished humiliating him for his error of course.

My love for Nora is parallel only to the love I possess for her entire family.  They're Jews and as I was starved for cultural diversity in college, this intrigued me.  I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but before I met Nora I held the firm belief that Judaism was a dead religion.  Anyway, her mother, Amy, and I share enough odd similarities to make us kindred spirits; we have the same birthday and use the same brand and flavor of chapstick, which we apply liberally and often.  Nora's grandfather was especially entertaining.  A delightful old soul, I was chided for encouraging his inane behavior during a memorable Seder dinner of lox and bagels as I had laughed emphatically when he said 'You think it's funny, but its snot,' after he had sneezed.  I'm a sucker for a good pun.

I love you Nora, and I can't wait to see you!

Thought of the Day 3/7/2012

Today I realized that Black people don't go hiking.

Definition: Resentment

Resentment: Drinking a sip of poison every day and expecting it to kill someone else. [Original text by Joyce Meyer]


We hold resentments in an attempt to punish the wrong-doers that pop-up throughout our lives to remind us that 'life isn't fair,' and also to prevent repeat offenses.  Yet remaining pissed-off at people for reasons long forgotten and/or irrelevant, judging others for things they do and/or say, or believing they've done us some injustice and/or injury somehow fails to administer satisfactory retribution.  We therefore find ourselves inevitably getting pissed off, over and over again, for the same reasons.  At the end of the day, the spiteful individual is the only one left wallowing in the pissy-waters of resentment, a pool of distorted thoughts and feelings of anger that poison the Mind and Body.  Where is the despicable Being that committed the injustice?  How are they feeling?  They're living their life and feeling just peachy, likely complacent or simply ignorant of the ill-will held against them, unable to feel the needle being continually mind-jabbed into them by the aforementioned individual.

This definition becomes especially true when we hold resentments against loved ones.  Attempting to hold both anger and love in the same space creates the most self-defeating emotion in existence: Guilt.

Resolution of resentments requires that we first realize each, at their most fundamental level, has one of two sources:

1. Someone has something you want (or think you want), that you'll never have and/or you don't deserve. 
• Examples: money, self-acceptance, fame, ripped biceps, healthy relationships, a pony, happiness, etc.
2. You're projecting your most detested qualities, fears and/or insecurities onto the character of another, opting to despise them for these defects instead of yourself. 
• When I was fat I resented all skinny people, convinced they were disgusted by my girth.  The truth was that nobody was as disgusted by my appearance as I was, but it's 'healthier' to project that anger onto others in lieu of drinking the poison that is self-loathing; right?

Secondly, one must identify, analyze and understand the origin and fictitious nature of their resentments.  This requires one to ask oneself: What do I, as well as others, do that really 'cranks-my-yank?'  In short, what pisses me off?  As I began to ask these questions and determine the resentments I hold against myself, loved ones and even strangers, I noticed a humiliating trend; they were all utterly ridiculous.  Clearly I fancy myself very intelligent, important and deserving of unparalleled praise and attention, because I'm quick to become angry when these things are not bestowed upon me.  Most disturbingly, I falsely believe that I am responsible for the well-being and actions of my friends and family, then I turn around and resent them for it; especially if they fail to show adequate appreciation.  Yikes.  Indeed, no one in my society has ever asked for my repeated interference in their affairs, nor could they conceive of my false perception of guardianship.  Each resentment I held turned out to be true only in my own distorted Mind.  The good news for all is that once these beliefs are discovered as fraudulent, one can release the resulting resentments.

Summer's Guide to Identifying Resentments and Mistaken Beliefs:

1. Recall a situation during which you became supremely pissed-off or otherwise emotionally disturbed.
2. Identify the exact stimulus, words and/or behaviors, which caused these emotions. * Consider only the words, behaviors and actions. They, along with your Mind's interpretation of them, created the resentment* Consequently, remove the offending person.
3. Analyze your resulting feelings, behaviors and reactions.  Did certain words/behaviors trigger fears and insecurities from your past?  Did certain words/behaviors make you feel powerless, rejected, or otherwise inferior?  Did certain words/behaviors bring up painful memories/feelings you had repressed and would rather not re-live?
4. Be honest with yourself about the true nature of your resentment and who it is aimed at; it may be against the offender, but it is likely also against yourself or some other influential person in your life.
5. Cut through the web of bullshit you've spun around yourself and identify destructive thinking trends.  Here it is critical to remember that we often deceive ourselves, thus what we hear and see may not be how it really 'went-down.'  
6. Tell someone you trust about the experience and how it made you feel.  If they know you well they may offer insight, otherwise simply having someone listen to your feelings so that you can release the emotions is beneficial.  
7. BREAK THE HABIT.  The next time someone displays behavior or says something that typically knocks you off-balance, choose to act differently. 

It's ugly, I'm not going to lie, and it sure as hell isn't fun to go through this process; but continuing in this manner, addressing every resentment and behavior that upsets you, you'll begin to see patterns.  These patterns develop into a list of core defects, fears and insecurities.  For example, damn near every resentment I've ever held stems from a false perception of abandonment or rejection.  True, this is born from the fact that I was indeed abandoned when I was five years-old. [Again, something only I believe to be true.  If you asked the person who 'abandoned' me, I'm 100% certain they would tell you a different story.]  Carrying that fear into every relationships theretofore led to a steadfast mistrust of other people's intentions and feelings towards me.  It became a poison which prevented me from experiencing unconditional love, especially for myself as I truly believed there was something about me that eventually caused people to flee like Goths from a pep-rally.  Facing that fact, one that had eluded me for 22 years yet influenced my actions everyday, was butt-ass-ugly and horrifying.  My only comfort is that I can break the habitual thought pattern of 'everyone I love will leave me' because now I know it's a fear instigated by my past, and therefore bullshit.  

Resentment is Human kryptonite, and unless we understand its origins and choose to act differently, we are doomed to repeat resentments which keep us from cultivating healthy relationships with ourselves and others.

Thought of the Day 3/5/2012

Any questions?

Gratefully, my day drastically improved as I decided to meet a dear friend for dinner.  I even indulged in packing on a pie-pouch for the benefit of fueling my hamster-like obsession with running.  Now I'm burping up Mint Brownie Pie, delicious; and thank you for cheering me up Ben!

Thought of the Day 3/4/2012: Social Meteorology

A combination of listening to 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery and partaking in the rampage of chatter that ensued as my Yoga class stepped into the Spring sunshine after class, made me contemplate the social convention of talking about the weather.  Weather is something that is brought up in almost all conversations; during small-talk with acquaintances, catch-up sessions with distant friends and family and also during our own daily reflections upon happenings we found particularly pleasant or bothersome.  For example, I cursed the winds the day they carried something large enough to hit and crack my windshield, yet today I'm enjoying the warmth that the Chinook winds often carry through the foothills and Denver.

Besides the excitement and horror which natural disasters inspire, we have been programmed to habitually comment on the weather for generations, spanning back to the evolution of man.  Why is this?  I suspect it is because in days of yor, before TV and weather.com, when the weather had a profound effect on every day vitality such as crop profits and general health, they had no way to predict day-to-day weather fluctuations.  Consequently, even the most modest changes in the weather became the talk of the town, and could stimulate both social unity and division.  A sudden storm could ruin a farmer's crop but also provide the rain a gardener needed for their flowers to thrive.

If you witnessed this astonishing sight, admit it, you would piss yourself.

Most interestingly, given the criticality of these uncertainties and their effects on one's quality of life, people naturally began cultivating environmental and bodily cues to predict the weather.  Evolutionarily this makes sense and its something engrained into every animal on earth.  Remember the reports about animals heading in-land prior to the tsunami in Indonesia, leaving some behind wondering 'what-the-shit?'  An aching joint, the smell of moisture in the air, the reflection of moonshine off the clouds at night and the color of a sunrise and/or sunset all became ways to divine immediate weather changes.  For instance, in the early 1900's if you lived in Tornado Alley and your ears began to pop you'd know to get your ass into the storm cellar.   I find this all extremely fascinating but unfortunately in present day, with over 40% of all news casts devoted to reporting weather forecasts, humans have begun to lose this innate ability.  Residents of Tornado Alley now rely on the news to inform them of potential danger; yet the people who retained some aspect of their ancestor's abilities are already in a safe place, having felt the sudden decrease in air pressure.  Also, where are the animals? That's right, they're gone because they knew shit was about to hit the fan.  This is precisely why I pay attention to my animals in the spring when Denver experiences frequent Tornado threats.  If Dharma (cat) starts running around like mad and Charlie (dog) hinds under the bed, we all hang out in the bathroom for awhile and stare at each other.  Humans had these very same instincts, but modern meteorology has beaten it out of us and we now rely on someone dressed in a suite standing in front of a green screen to tell us what we may expect for the coming week.  Even then, especially in CO, they're often wrong.

So it's no surprise that we talk about the weather so habitually; it's something we've been doing since we developed a larynx and spoken language!  When Mother-Nature suddenly lays the smack-down on your society it naturally becomes the topic of social recourse.  Also the Human Mind evolved to worry about that which it cannot control, thus my 'Anne of Green Gables' reference.  Anne became distraught over heavy rains that fell only days before a much-anticipated Sunday School Picnic; fearing they endangered her opportunity for fun and ice cream, justly so.  This is a minor example but the point remains; in those times especially, conversations centered upon the weather as it was critical to food sources and a perception of general security.  The main difference is that the conversation has turned from 'A sudden flash flood killed half my family' to 'I hope it doesn't snow tomorrow, it will make my morning commute hell.'

One Native American: 'How strong is your hut?'
The other: 'I'm not sure, but I'm about to find out.'

Thought of the Day 3/3/2012: My Ethnic Bias

I was shopping today when an observation hit me and I wondered: Why does it always seem like black people have more fun than everyone else?  Seriously, this is something I now realize I've noticed my entire life.  And by my entire life, I mean since the first time I actually saw a black person; I was around 15 years old.  Anyway, every time I see a black person they are either laughing, dancing or just plan acting jovial and carefree.  They act the why I feel, yet I keep it mostly inside to avoid side-long glances of disapproval.  It's always made me want to hang out with them, and though I have had black friends, it has failed to satisfy my enthusiasm for them as these friendships have been transient.

For example, the best black friend I've ever had was named Tiffany and we worked at a King Soopers deli together.  She frequently missed work because she had been arrested for assaulting her boyfriend.  Though I gave her rides to and from work I was never allowed in her house because it 'wasn't safe for me.'  I should've been scared or offended, instead I was mesmerized and loved Tiffany all the more.  Working with her, when she wasn't in jail, was an absolute blast.  We were always dancing, singing and laughing.  She conditioned me into referring to everyone as either Mister or Miss, and taught me fun phrases like 'kick rocks,' 'pump yo' brakes,' and my favorite 'ain't nothin' to it but to do it.'  Tiffany took both delight and pride in hearing my painfully white self speaking in this manner.  Best of all, she called me her 'Uh-Oh Oreo,' perceiving that I was white on the outside but black on the inside.  And by today's observation I find this to be true; it would certainly explain my obsession with Hip Hop music.

So what is this exuberance and magnetism?  Is it based in ethnicity?  Do white people just take themselves far too seriously?  Am I biased and only think that black people are more fun due to my culturally depraved past?

Either way, I need more black friends....... Any volunteers?

Thought of the Day 3/2/2012: It's Friday!

This song has been stuck in my head for a week and special meaning to me.  Besides, it's Friday, go out and get into some Trouble!

MB- Someday, perhaps.  Until then, know that the same sun shines on both CA and CO.   

Thought of the Day 3/1/2012: Holy Change of Plans

Here's a great example of how fast things can change:

Both my lease and my job contract come up on the same day at the end of March, thus the reason for me taking off and traveling, knowing neither home or career.  I'm not going to lie, this made me anxious.  My boss worked hard to extend my contract, but corporate red-tape prevented it.  In fact nothing short of a miracle, the CEO's signature, could change the policy.   Today my boss called me into her office, and as a 'hasty' subordinate I naturally assumed my mouth had gotten me into trouble again.  Mais non, by some magnificent turn of events, the policy had been changed the night before and my contract was immediately extended to 24 months!  We are talking about a corporate policy at a world-renowned pharmaceutical company, which has been upheld in the most steadfast manner for the past 30 years; changed overnight.  [Hilarious, as I wrote that sentence a commercial for Enbrel was on the TV, our flagship medication]

Here's the thing, the group needs me right away so now have to re-arrange my plans, swallow some plane tickets, and find an apartment within a month, hahaha.  Just goes to show that you can never be sure of anything!  Isn't life great?

PS For those going to my Denver's Good-Bye Dinner, it's still on; I'm moving to Longmont and don't anticipate making that commute again anytime soon!