I just found out that Super XX Man is playing tonight at the Doug Fir. Sadly, they are also playing with Point Juncture Wa, a band that I really can't stand. Honestly, I think they sound awful.
Anyway, as described in the WW, Super XX Man plays the most beautiful, meaningful, and sweet music.
I saw him play at some thing Bob's band also played with at the Acme and fell in love. I think I will ride my bike down to the Doug Fir tonight, listen to the wonderful songs, then run away before Point Juncture takes the stage and ruins my evening.
Doug Fir, 9pm if anyone wants to join me.
Apr 28, 2006
Apr 27, 2006
Apr 26, 2006
good vs bad
Bad: Bob is probably in the air right now, on his way to New Orleans with his work. I'm trying to be happy for him, but mostly I am jealous and sad. Oh well. I have pleny of secret birthday things to take care of while he's gone.
Good: There is a really cute exploding dog comic today.
Bad: I'm really tired from waking up when Bob had to leave for the airport at 4:30.
Bad: Half my neck has hurt terribly for the past two days. I think I pulled something while riding my bike.
Good: Riding my bike, when I don't hurt anything.
Good: Baby-sitting. As if I weren't baby crazy enough already.
Good: Free lunch because it's Administrative Professionals Day.
Good: There is a really cute exploding dog comic today.
Bad: I'm really tired from waking up when Bob had to leave for the airport at 4:30.
Bad: Half my neck has hurt terribly for the past two days. I think I pulled something while riding my bike.
Good: Riding my bike, when I don't hurt anything.
Good: Baby-sitting. As if I weren't baby crazy enough already.
Good: Free lunch because it's Administrative Professionals Day.
Apr 25, 2006
Words!
I've been obsessing about something for awhile, so I decided to write about in order to get it off my mind. And I thought, why not share? It's long, I know, but I think it's interesting.
A Discussion of a Couple Common Words and their Contradictory Uses
Main Entry: 1cou•ple
Function: noun
1 a : a man and woman married, engaged, or otherwise paired b : two persons paired together
2 : PAIR, BRACE
3 : something that joins or links two things together: as a : two equal and opposite forces that act along parallel lines b : a pair of substances that in contact with an electrolyte participate in a transfer of electrons which causes an electric current to flow
4 : an indefinite small number : FEW (a couple of days ago)
(as defined by Merriam-Webster)
According to the definitions of the word couple, as defined by Merriam-Webster, I could gesture to a group of three or four people and say, "There are a couple of people over there," and I would be using "couple" correctly. I could not, however, gesture to that very same group of people and be correct in saying, "That is a couple." (Unless I was referring to only two specific members of the group and those two people were, in fact, a couple.) I don’t see a need for this one inconsistent use of the word couple. We have "some" and "few" for situations in which we need to refer to small amount without being exact. Using either of those words gives you the meaning you need without a contradiction of meaning. Couple is most often used to mean a definite number, and its definite definitions must be definite for the definition to be of any use. So why use couple to mean something indefinite?
On to another instance of this inconsistency issue: the word instant. Most often, "instant" means: an infinitesimal space of time; especially: a point in time separating two states (Merriam-Webster). Or: a particular point in time; "the instant he arrived the party began." Meaning, essentially, that something occurs with no unit of time between the point at which it had not occurred and the point at which it had occurred, or was occurring. And I mean "essentially" with the sense of essence; the whole point of using the word instant is that it refers to a specific point in time. The problem surfaces when you realize that I could also say, "I will be there in an instant." To say, "in an instant" causes "instant" to be an increment of time, instead of a point in time. In the main defintion of "instant," the word is defined as both a space of time and a point in time. To expect "instant" to mean both a point in time and an increment of time is comparable to expecting a point on a piece of paper to also be a line. If we all remember Algebra I, that just isn’t possible.
But this is language, not algebra. Language is loose; the meaning of any word can be changed by any number of other words, situations, facial expressions, tones or inflections. And here is a contradiction of my own: while I’m obsessively irritated by words like "couple" and "instant," I love the adaptability of language. I appreciate sarcasm, double-meanings, subtle changes of intonation that add layers of meaning to conversation and text, and any of the other ways we shift the meaning of our words. We would lose a richness of communication if words never meant something beside their exact definition; if a junior-higher couldn’t ask, "Is he just a friend friend, or is he a friend?" Language is a tool, and like chainsaws and screwdrivers, it can be helpful at times to use them for purposes other than the one they are designed for. I understand that and appreciate it. What I don’t appreciate is that the original design of some words, their actual dictionary definitions, can make a word mean something in one context that it can not mean in another. I probably shouldn’t obsess about this as much as I do, the words still work, language still functions, and when I say "couple" or "instant," in any use of the words, people still know what I mean.
I just wish that "couple" always means two.
A Discussion of a Couple Common Words and their Contradictory Uses
Main Entry: 1cou•ple
Function: noun
1 a : a man and woman married, engaged, or otherwise paired b : two persons paired together
2 : PAIR, BRACE
3 : something that joins or links two things together: as a : two equal and opposite forces that act along parallel lines b : a pair of substances that in contact with an electrolyte participate in a transfer of electrons which causes an electric current to flow
4 : an indefinite small number : FEW (a couple of days ago)
(as defined by Merriam-Webster)
According to the definitions of the word couple, as defined by Merriam-Webster, I could gesture to a group of three or four people and say, "There are a couple of people over there," and I would be using "couple" correctly. I could not, however, gesture to that very same group of people and be correct in saying, "That is a couple." (Unless I was referring to only two specific members of the group and those two people were, in fact, a couple.) I don’t see a need for this one inconsistent use of the word couple. We have "some" and "few" for situations in which we need to refer to small amount without being exact. Using either of those words gives you the meaning you need without a contradiction of meaning. Couple is most often used to mean a definite number, and its definite definitions must be definite for the definition to be of any use. So why use couple to mean something indefinite?
On to another instance of this inconsistency issue: the word instant. Most often, "instant" means: an infinitesimal space of time; especially: a point in time separating two states
But this is language, not algebra. Language is loose; the meaning of any word can be changed by any number of other words, situations, facial expressions, tones or inflections. And here is a contradiction of my own: while I’m obsessively irritated by words like "couple" and "instant," I love the adaptability of language. I appreciate sarcasm, double-meanings, subtle changes of intonation that add layers of meaning to conversation and text, and any of the other ways we shift the meaning of our words. We would lose a richness of communication if words never meant something beside their exact definition; if a junior-higher couldn’t ask, "Is he just a friend friend, or is he a friend?" Language is a tool, and like chainsaws and screwdrivers, it can be helpful at times to use them for purposes other than the one they are designed for. I understand that and appreciate it. What I don’t appreciate is that the original design of some words, their actual dictionary definitions, can make a word mean something in one context that it can not mean in another. I probably shouldn’t obsess about this as much as I do, the words still work, language still functions, and when I say "couple" or "instant," in any use of the words, people still know what I mean.
I just wish that "couple" always means two.
Apr 24, 2006
Bikes!
Bob and I got bikes this weekend! We rode and rode and I found out just how out of shape I really am. I can barely walk up stairs today. It's worth it though, I love riding bikes. It's so much faster than walking or taking the bus, and a lot more fun. I love that bike feeling: the way the bike moves with every subtle shift of your body, the swooping feeling when you take a wide turn, the pay off of hard work, and that flying feeling when you're finally riding downhill. It's so great. I wish I weren't so terrified of being hit again, I'd be able to ride a lot more.
(p.s. two more entries in the latte blog, for those that are interested)
(p.s. two more entries in the latte blog, for those that are interested)
Apr 21, 2006
Eddy the Wino
I'm not sure exactly what happened last night. We went to see Jandek. Live. (If you don't know who Jandek is, read the willamette week article about him, as I think they do a great job describing the mystery and the music).
He was introduced by way of stipulations that Corwood Industries made (no cameras, only get up during breaks between songs), and after a delay just long enough to make us all wonder if he was actually going to do the show, he walked on stage. He looked just as much like a skeleton as I expected, dressed in all black, pale, tall, and thin.
He never said a word to the audience. He played about two hours of dissonant, haunting music, and then he left. The music is too much for me to describe. I had never listened to a full Jandek song, though Bob has a few of his records. Despite the mystery, I had never been that interested, passing off his music as one more expiremental artist. Interesting in it's way, and vaguely important in a way I don't really care about. But listening to it live was an experience all it's own. Typically at shows, even shows of bands that I absolutely love and that put on a really great show, I get bored after awhile. But not with Jandek. I kind of expected to, but after Jandek finished playing, packed up his guitar while ignoring his standing ovation, and left the stage, I felt like I'd only been there for 30 minutes.
I can't describe what the music sounded like, or what it was like to listen to it. The music is raw and tuneless, sounding like all kinds of sad, angry, confused, scared, and other negative emotions. But it made me feel calm, vaguely happy, and oddly enough, very much in love.
Most of the songs started with random guitar sounds, Jandek with his back to us while he played. He would eventually turn around and sing a few lines, turn his back and play more on the guitar, turn around and sing, play more, and then end. The first song he played, he sang something close to: I like you too/I know those other boys like you/but, I like you too/well, thank you.
One particular song was about Eddy, a wino in New York City. This song was pretty funny, particulary when he said: it went glug glug, referring to some nasty liquor Eddy bought.
So... Jandek. Wow.
He was introduced by way of stipulations that Corwood Industries made (no cameras, only get up during breaks between songs), and after a delay just long enough to make us all wonder if he was actually going to do the show, he walked on stage. He looked just as much like a skeleton as I expected, dressed in all black, pale, tall, and thin.
He never said a word to the audience. He played about two hours of dissonant, haunting music, and then he left. The music is too much for me to describe. I had never listened to a full Jandek song, though Bob has a few of his records. Despite the mystery, I had never been that interested, passing off his music as one more expiremental artist. Interesting in it's way, and vaguely important in a way I don't really care about. But listening to it live was an experience all it's own. Typically at shows, even shows of bands that I absolutely love and that put on a really great show, I get bored after awhile. But not with Jandek. I kind of expected to, but after Jandek finished playing, packed up his guitar while ignoring his standing ovation, and left the stage, I felt like I'd only been there for 30 minutes.
I can't describe what the music sounded like, or what it was like to listen to it. The music is raw and tuneless, sounding like all kinds of sad, angry, confused, scared, and other negative emotions. But it made me feel calm, vaguely happy, and oddly enough, very much in love.
Most of the songs started with random guitar sounds, Jandek with his back to us while he played. He would eventually turn around and sing a few lines, turn his back and play more on the guitar, turn around and sing, play more, and then end. The first song he played, he sang something close to: I like you too/I know those other boys like you/but, I like you too/well, thank you.
One particular song was about Eddy, a wino in New York City. This song was pretty funny, particulary when he said: it went glug glug, referring to some nasty liquor Eddy bought.
So... Jandek. Wow.
Apr 20, 2006
What I would like less of
Reviews that are made up mostly of comparisons to other works. Honestly. Can't any reviewers think of a way to describe something besides saying, "it is a lot like [name of well known popular work], but with less of [aspect of work]. [Creator of work] is [more or less] able to bring out [some apsect of work] than [name of more creator of well known work]. The two are similar in [some similarity]." Or, "It sounds like a cross between [popular band] and [popular band]."
I understand that comparisons will help those aware of popular culture understand what the reviewed thing is like, but it gets old fast when most reviews consist mostly of comparisons. And for people like me, it usually does no good, because I don't know what those other things are any way.
I understand that comparisons will help those aware of popular culture understand what the reviewed thing is like, but it gets old fast when most reviews consist mostly of comparisons. And for people like me, it usually does no good, because I don't know what those other things are any way.
Apr 19, 2006
books
Feeling better today. Hooray!
I registered for this great thing today, it's called bookcrossing, and it's a site that tracks where people leave random books all over the world, and, if all goes right, when someone finds it, and then what they do with it.
There was a book left at the doernbecher lobby a few days ago, I'm going to see if it's still there. There was a book left at the starbucks in pioneer square, one on a street car.... all over the place!
I'm going to go through my books tonight to find some to leave everywhere. This is really a lot of fun.
I registered for this great thing today, it's called bookcrossing, and it's a site that tracks where people leave random books all over the world, and, if all goes right, when someone finds it, and then what they do with it.
There was a book left at the doernbecher lobby a few days ago, I'm going to see if it's still there. There was a book left at the starbucks in pioneer square, one on a street car.... all over the place!
I'm going to go through my books tonight to find some to leave everywhere. This is really a lot of fun.
Apr 18, 2006
Apr 17, 2006
Good!
I haven't felt this relaxed and refreshed in a long time. What a lovely weekend!
Here is a list of things that make a great weekend:
baseball
Hilmans
brunch
Janaki and Bryce
good church service
eating too much
more baseball
getting two beautiful bikes!
lots of time to hang out with bob
putting off housework all weekend
Awesome.
Here is a list of things that make a great weekend:
baseball
Hilmans
brunch
Janaki and Bryce
good church service
eating too much
more baseball
getting two beautiful bikes!
lots of time to hang out with bob
putting off housework all weekend
Awesome.
Apr 14, 2006
ow!
I started a conversation today! And not for any reason either, it was just social. The person I was talking to is the type of person I usually don't like, and don't have anything in common with. But I did, just to see if I could. It worked out just fine. Yes!
My head hurts right now, I think from not enough sleep and lots of coffee before food. Oh well.
My head hurts right now, I think from not enough sleep and lots of coffee before food. Oh well.
Apr 13, 2006
coffee, just coffee
I had some black coffee this morning, and it wasn't very good, but it reminded me how much I love black coffee, and how I would like to switch back to that instead of lattes. The problem is, though, that we can't keep coffee grounds in our house long enough to make it worth the expense, since we all make more than is consumed at one time. We buy good coffee, so it's at the very least 8 dollars, and it's gone in three or four days. Bob and I make coffee in the morning, and there is some left over. But it's either not enough or it's cold by the time Michael wants coffee, so he makes more, nnd I think there is ususally left overs from that, too. And that's how we run out of coffee.
Anyway - I could get a tall coffee from somewhere every morning, it's not too expensive, it's just the right amount, and it's easier. But - the cups leak. Those stupid lids let coffee drip out. Which is why I get lattes. The foam is just non-liquidy enough to keep all the drink in, until it goes to your mouth.
I suppose a good solution would be bring my own coffee cup and get it filled at the place that has the right balance between price and flavor for coffee. This bring about another problem though. I don't like Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Coffee People's, or Peet's black coffee. So where can I go?
Anyway - I could get a tall coffee from somewhere every morning, it's not too expensive, it's just the right amount, and it's easier. But - the cups leak. Those stupid lids let coffee drip out. Which is why I get lattes. The foam is just non-liquidy enough to keep all the drink in, until it goes to your mouth.
I suppose a good solution would be bring my own coffee cup and get it filled at the place that has the right balance between price and flavor for coffee. This bring about another problem though. I don't like Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Coffee People's, or Peet's black coffee. So where can I go?
Apr 11, 2006
baseball, baby, and birthday
Bob and I decided last minute to head down to PGE Park to catch a Beaver's game last night. Read his blog for a description of the evening. I'll just say I had a lot of fun even though I was too cold. One thing Bob didn't mention was the adorable baby that was hanging out in the seats in front of us. He was probably around 1, he was very active and smily, and just really cute. I wanted to take him home with me.
Now I am too tired and have a lot of problem solving to do at work today. Not a good combination. Oh, and I can't forget to meet with Jan this afternoon instead of going straight home.
I am really jealous of the birthday present I am getting for Bob for his birthday. It's great!
Now I am too tired and have a lot of problem solving to do at work today. Not a good combination. Oh, and I can't forget to meet with Jan this afternoon instead of going straight home.
I am really jealous of the birthday present I am getting for Bob for his birthday. It's great!
Apr 10, 2006
It's about time
I finally put up another entry in the latte blog! It was for an almost perfect latte, too, so if there is anyone besides myself, Bob, and Cherise that care about that blog, you should check it out! I'm still open to suggestions for places with good lattes, by the way. Does anyone know a place that still uses Torre for their espresso?
In other news, Bob and I missed the screening of Matt's movie again. Last time Bob was sick, and this time Bob's mom stopped by. Not only do I really want to see the film as it is now (Matt put up a trailor on his blog. Check it out!), I really want to see Matt and Alicia and everyone else. They're great peoeple and I haven't seen them in a long time.
In other other news, if anyone has a bike that Bob or I could borrow Friday, please let me know. I really want to go on this week's midnight mystery ride.
In other news, Bob and I missed the screening of Matt's movie again. Last time Bob was sick, and this time Bob's mom stopped by. Not only do I really want to see the film as it is now (Matt put up a trailor on his blog. Check it out!), I really want to see Matt and Alicia and everyone else. They're great peoeple and I haven't seen them in a long time.
In other other news, if anyone has a bike that Bob or I could borrow Friday, please let me know. I really want to go on this week's midnight mystery ride.
Apr 7, 2006
Grumpy
I was in a bad mood yesterday and I am today too. I think I'm feeling overwhelmed and scattered at work, and I think that is why I'm in a bad mood. But I'm not sure. I also haven't been able to really hang out and relax with just Bob and I for two weeks because I got sick, he left with his band, and since he's been back, we've been busy. That's probably part of my bad mood too.
But it's Cherise and Wyatt's birthday party tonight, and so at least I have something fun to do. The problem is, all I really feel like doing is going to sleep.
But it's Cherise and Wyatt's birthday party tonight, and so at least I have something fun to do. The problem is, all I really feel like doing is going to sleep.
Apr 4, 2006
The look of smirk
so, my boss and office mate told me today that I smirk. She said I was about to smirk at one point, and later on said I was smirking again. I don't think I smirk. I don't feel the emotion of smirk when I am said to have the look of smirk.
My question to all of you is: do you think I smirk?
My question to all of you is: do you think I smirk?
He's home!
My husband is finally back from tour! You seriously have no idea how happy that makes me. Well, I bet Alyssa does. I bet Alyssa knows better than me, actually.
Anyway, Bob brought home a bag and a shirt for me from his trip (thanks again sweetest) and I had a dream last night that I had actually gotten a bag, two shirts, and a hoody, but decided to give Cherise one of the shirts and the bag for her birthday. (Hey guys, it's her birthday tomorrow!). But I accidently put all of the stuff in her birthday bag, and then I had nothing, and I was really sad. And, Cherise didn't even really like the things I had meant to keep for myself, but it's not like I could ask for them back. I was seriously heartbroken. Not necessarily becasue I liked the stuff so much, but because Bob had brought them for me, and now I didn't have them anymore.
But in real life, Cherise, I promise I will get you your own present and not give you things that Bob gave to me, that I actually really want.
Anyway, Bob brought home a bag and a shirt for me from his trip (thanks again sweetest) and I had a dream last night that I had actually gotten a bag, two shirts, and a hoody, but decided to give Cherise one of the shirts and the bag for her birthday. (Hey guys, it's her birthday tomorrow!). But I accidently put all of the stuff in her birthday bag, and then I had nothing, and I was really sad. And, Cherise didn't even really like the things I had meant to keep for myself, but it's not like I could ask for them back. I was seriously heartbroken. Not necessarily becasue I liked the stuff so much, but because Bob had brought them for me, and now I didn't have them anymore.
But in real life, Cherise, I promise I will get you your own present and not give you things that Bob gave to me, that I actually really want.
Apr 3, 2006
Mostly
Well, I'm back. Back at work, back in life. Almost back to health. I still hate eating, I've got a cough, and I tire pretty easily. But I'll take this over last week any day. Bah.
Nothing new or exciting for me, just happy to be feeling better.
Nothing new or exciting for me, just happy to be feeling better.
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