I am sad, as I am any time I think about him (which is often) but my life goes on. And how! So much to do but I’m trying not to let myself get overwhelmed by it. Today I’m taking out another small loan from my credit union, so I can move forward with replacing the boiler. And the great Spring purge of 2008 has already begun. But this time around I’m not giving everything away. Today I’m selling both of the items I just listed on craigslist. And I need to get my lazy butt in gear and post a few items to ebay. More than anything I just need to get excess stuff OUT. But I’m working on it. Oh what an exciting weekend I have ahead of me.

At least I woke up to find my Bush money had been deposited in my checking account. And I promptly blew it, getting caught up on my energy and phone bills. Wheeeeee!

Bonus: I am too busy to be going to the movies, but I’m curious about Speed Racer. And much more interested in Son of Rambow. Also? The Band’s Visit will be at The Riverview Theater this weekend. I might just have to make time for that one.
Plus: Rachel has posted an interview with my good pal Sheela about one of my favorite topics - cupcakes! Though Sheela’s cookies are kickass too.
And: It’s the return of the Red Stag Supperclub’s Block Party. The difference? Last year they weren’t even open yet when the party happened.

Other monkeys on my back, so to speak…well, like many Americans, I accumulate too much crap. I am a packrat. Totally a first world problem, I know, but I’m trying to take it on. Again. I’ve rented another dumpster to get rid of useless clutter. The rest I’m trying to organize, and sort out into “stuff to donate” and “stuff I can sell”. First up on the latter list is the cutesy Paul Frank Julius monkey bike I bought a couple of years ago, and barely ever rode. If you know anyone in the Twin Cities area who might be a Paul Frank fan, or a fan of cruisers (or both) I’d appreciate it if you sent them the link. Thanks!

And yes, this is all preparation for putting my house on the market. For real this time.

Bonus: I’m totally claustrophobic, so I find this body-laptop interface extremely alarming.
Plus: Our intern pointed something out to me, not sure how I missed it before. The original - Noah takes a photo of himself every day for 6 years. And the brilliant Simpsons parody of it, featuring Homer.
And: Robo-Squirrel? Fur-jobs. Just one step away from Cylons.

Instead I’ve been laying around, listening to Fuck Buttons and Santogold. And distracting myself by re-watching Stardust, reading the latest Jim Butcher book, watching the most recent episode of BSG (courtesy of J) and guzzling ginger ale (courtesy of Sheela). And torn between wanting to venture out today - and knowing I shouldn’t push my luck.

Bonus: The MMAA’s Patio Nights line-up has been announced for the season. So many good shows! Hopefully I can make it to a few.
Plus: Found out about this too late…This American Life, live, in movie theaters. At least some friends were able to go.
And: Missed a screening of Beautiful Losers at the Walker the other night. Hoping to watch it on the small screen sometime soon.

Bonus: I highly recommend making some time for the “365 fucked up stories” blog.
Plus: I have so many fond memories of the Oak Street Cinema, and I know others in town do too. Many of us are saddened by its demise. And have some questions before the wrecking ball has at it.
And: I want someone to make this recipe for me. In that spirit, I made a late night impulse purchase…I bought an Octodog, so that I can use it on tofu dogs, and maybe make vegan-friendly bento boxes (inspiration here). Also? This butchering tofu video made me want to do some cooking. Thankfully there are a couple of BBQ and potluck events coming up this weekend.

1. My Dad is OK. Recently he’d had some bloodwork done that was red-flagged. A biopsy had been scheduled but further lab work indicates that everything is just fine and there is no need for it. Phew.
2. A couple of months ago I learned that the little man’s school had lost their lease. They need to move in June and the new school year begins in July (it is a year-round program). Yesterday we finally found out where the new school site will be and, thankfully, it’s one I’m super stoked about. So much so I’m taking it as a sign that I should finally put my house up for sale.

This will be tough, not just because the housing market stinks, but also because there’s so much prep-work to be done before I can even put this house on the market. But if it managed to sell I could buy another house. One in the same neighborhood as my son’s school. A neighborhood that is charming, within easy biking distance of most of my friends, and not too far from where I work. Life could be so much easier. Especially after the new 35W Bridge opens.

Yesterday wasn’t significantly warmer. The lad and I spent several hours at the YWCA. I worked out, we played in the pool, I had some hot-tub time. And I made sure our hair was completely dry before we went back out into the cold. We immediately ducked into The Riverview Theater, to catch a showing of The Spiderwick Chronicles…for the second time. We’ve read the books since the movie first came out, and I caught myself groaning at all of the deviations from the original story line. Afterwards it was straight home - skipping MicroCon - because the thought of a second day at the freezing cold State Fair Grounds did not appeal.

Trying to force myself out into it this morning for our usual Monday work/school routine (31°? Really?) and wondering whether I can tough it out tonight for BlöödHag or if I’ll be all about bed bed bed.

Bonus: My old pal Chuck Olsen was interviewed by NPR for their Sunday Soapbox feature.
Plus: A friend just introduced me to Brian Posehn and his stand up routine. Pretty funny stuff.
And: Trying to get my Radical Sabbatical Book Club off the ground. Obviously I am a big fan of escapist fiction, but I am in need of suggestions for engaging/engrossing non-fiction titles. Bring it! Please?

Five good things:

• The season of Pizza road trips officially began on Tuesday night. We had a lovely evening but it will be even better when Spring really-and-for-truly starts (more snow tomorrow?!) but before mosquito season kicks in.
• BlöödHag returns! I saw them years ago, at the Maplewood Public Library of all places. Monday night I will be seeing them at a much “hipper” venue, a venue so hip it shall not be named! Silliness really. Hopefully I’ll get some more books thrown at me.
• My friend’s record label, Modern Radio, will be having a 9th Anniversary extravaganza week(plus)long celebration thingie. I need to pull together some photos for the art opening next month at First Amendment.
• The next show at Fox Tax looks freaking awesome! I dreamed I dream opens on May 17th.
• The line-up for All Tomorrow’s Parties in New York? Not to be missed (thankfully I don’t think I will be missing it).

Bonus: The geekiest pants ever. I’m not sure if you could play TypeRacer in those pants. It might get a little too…intense.
Plus: Have you seen the Eee PC? Teeny-tiny!
And: It seems that, whenever I’m lounging at my ex’s place (like I am now), he’s often playing some Nina Simone. So it was fitting that I read this beautiful ode to her, from The Fabulist, while her music played.

Hopefully Spring Fever won’t distract too much. The season is really kicking in. I can tell because my head feels like it’s gonna asplode (stoopid allergies), but it’s the price I will gladly pay for decent weather. We kicked things off nicely on Sunday, with a picnic in 70+ degree weather. And last night’s thunderstorm was refreshing.

Other signs of Spring?

• At work we’re splitting five CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares, from The Women’s Environmental Institute. I’m excited about it, except for the prospect of green bell peppers coming my way. Blech.
• My neighborhood’s Cinco de Mayo Festival is coming up.
• Heart of the Beast’s May Day festitivies are just around the corner too.
• Road trips are being planned. To pizza farms (I know of two of them now!) in Southwestern Wisconsin, and to Gigglebees, in Sioux Falls.
• The Minnesota Museum of American Art will be kicking off their Patio Nights series in June. The lineups haven’t been officially announced yet, but I do know that friends’ bands, His Mischief and STNNNG, are playing there together on June 26th (the day after my birthday).

Bonus: I was honored when Nicool/Nicole suggested I submit one of my high school photos for the book she’s putting together, Awkweirds. I was most definitely awkweird back in the day (and maybe I still am). Now I just need to find the hi-res scan.
Plus: Ridiculously excited about seeing Flight of the Conchords next month, at the Orpheum Theatre. Haven’t been there in quite a while, but I would go just about anywhere to see my FoTC boys.
And: St. Paul’s annual rogue art and craft sale, the Craftstravaganza, is happening this Saturday at the state fair grounds.
Random: My old friend Michelle, at last weekend’s New York Comic Con. So jealous.

Five other good things:

• Hezbollah Tofu, a Bourdain veganizing collective. Yes!
• Blik wall decals now come in Threadless designs. I want the Octopus, of course (thanks for the heads up Mary).
• This handmade Wonder Woman sweater is super ultra amazing.
• Artist and acquaintance John Grider was interviewed at The Walker.
• Listening to good music, new and old, courtesy of friends. Like New Bloods and Tittsworth, and Unrest.

Bonus: Also this weekend? The opening of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Fest. And the Not Enough Love bachelor/ette auction at the 331 Club. And the perverted film night at the Belfry.
Plus: The little man told me I should change my name to Sharyn B. Morrow. The B is for bitchin’ - sure, he stole that from an episode of Home Movies, but it was still pretty damned awesome.
And: There’s a Princess Bride game now. Huh.

Five items of interest:

• Thursday the Minneapolis Fire Department evacuated my office. It was minor, thankfully, but stinky. After we were allowed back in a co-worker came up with a fire playlist.
• This article, Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone, was a fascinating read. And sure, it made me a little uneasy, but I totally see the author’s point. And she has a neurotypical child. The little man? I don’t even let him cross the street alone yet, because of his poor impulse control. The new psychologist correctly characterized him as “naive and vulnerable” - which makes me sad, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
• Wired’s night photo contest. Neat stuff.
• Tonight I finally get to see Caribou, at the Triple Rock.
• I hope people think of more than just (wo)man bites dog when they think of local artist Amy Rice. Her artwork is amazing! And she’s having an art reception tomorrow, at Barbette.