It was another of those weeks that steam-rolled right over me. Exhausting and discouraging. Stayed in nearly every night and went to bed early but wasn’t as productive as I would have liked. And I found out I shot myself in the foot regarding my property tax refund. I filed in April. I requested direct deposit to my checking account. My TCF checking account. That I closed not long ago. TCF snatched up the money and won’t give it back. Bye bye $500! On a related note…I’ve managed to switch most of my auto pay bills to my new checking account. But not all. Every time I’ve tried calling my trash company the wait times have been excessive and I think “I’ll try again later.” Only I never got through. And my bill was overdue. And yesterday I came home to find my trash bin had been taken away. Groan.
Some items of interest:
- Bioluminescent phytoplankton. “Phytoplankton are tiny, plant-like organisms that live in the ocean and are, basically, at the very bottom of the food chain. But, sometimes, they get their revenge. When lots and lots and lots of phytoplankton get together, they can form what we call a “red tide,” a discoloration of the water at a particular point where the plankton have become densely concentrated.” Surfing the Red Tide
- Star Trek Vertical Comics. Just because.
- This is just so random and What the Hell? Werner Herzog to play villain in Tom Cruise pic - Director will star opposite Cruise in Par and Skydance’s ‘One Shot’ thriller
- Wednesday was a sad day of deaths. First I heard about Bert Jansch, British Folk Legend, Dies At 67. Then Canadian singer Daisy DeBolt at age 66. And last but not least, Steve Jobs.
- This is moderately helpful: “Minnesotans can enjoy a varied and local diet all year round – that’s right, even during the winter months! All it takes is a little planning and investment.” Though I don’t plan to store squash under my bed. I don’t even have an under-the-bed what with my platform bed and all.
On a happy note, Trollhunter was pretty much perfect. And I’m so glad we saw it on the big screen at the Riverview (yeah, it’s available via Netflix Instant but that just isn’t the same). Also happy-making? Last night I received confirmation from the current tenants in the duplex we’re moving into. They will be out by November 1st so I can go ahead and reserve a moving truck. Thankfully my wonderful boyfriend has volunteered to assist with the move. Now to beg other friends. And to start packing, in earnest. And to squeeze in Halloween fun for the boy and I (I haven’t pulled our costumes together yet or purchased carving pumpkins). Always so much on my plate.
My body still isn’t cooperating with my brain, and all that my brain would like to accomplish. This lingering illness has left me weakened, with aching lungs, and a powerful need to lie down frequently. Watching this video of a crew filming mountain climber Alex Honnold, who climbs without ropes or harnesses (not the smartest thing to do) is both awe inspiring and exhausting, particularly in my current condition.
Five good things for today:
- Seeing this was one of the highlights of my day: Colour photographs of circus performers, 1940s-1950s. And I stumbled across a 1940s hair tutorial not long after. Serendipity!
- Not that I need to indulge any more, but a new donut shop has opened not too far from home - equidistant from our current home and the one we are moving to. A review of Mojo Monkey Donuts from Dara at the Minnesota Monthly.
- Today I revisited the Exactitudes photo series. The breadth and scope are still breath-taking to me. “Inspired by a shared interest in the striking dress codes of various social groups, they have systematically documented numerous identities over the last 16 years. Rotterdam’s heterogeneous, multicultural street scene remains a major source of inspiration for Ari Versluis and Ellie Uyttenbroek, although since 1998 they have also worked in many cities abroad.”
- “Sissy Bounce” performer Big Freedia announces Turf Club show slated for December 3rd. You’ll likely have to be over 18 and logged in to YouTube to watch any of the videos.
- Thursday night the legendary X will be performing in town again, at The Cabooze. Somehow I have never been inside that club or seen X perform (just John Doe, solo). I would like to rectify this.
Despite still feeling lousy-ish I managed to have a pretty full dance card this past weekend. A backyard fire Friday night with my boys. A Saturday morning Farmers Market visit. Dinner at Origami (my first time there) followed by Apocalyptic Mongoloid: Ocular Variant Infestation at CO Exhibitions. Sunday morning brunch at Modern Times. A kid’s birthday party at Lego Land. And a trek out to Wisconsin’s *other* pizza farm, Pizza by the Pond.
Friday, September 30, 2011
I will always have a soft spot for Echo and The Bunnymen, and other such 80s era bands who were major players during my formative years. They helped make me the little gothling/alterna-teen/darksider I was (and still am, I’m currently listening to This Mortal Coil). So I cringe - seriously, it’s almost a phsycial, visceral pain - when I read things like this:
Our man in Glasgow Neil Cooper was looking forward to Ocean Rain live on Wednesday night. What he got was a very public meltdown from Ian McCulloch. Songs Not Learned Or Sung: Echo And The Bunnymen Bomb In Glasgow
Sadness! How about happiness instead? Five good things for this fine Friday:
- Last night I began reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern wherein ‘two magicians of indefinite but certainly magically long lifespan – one a public performer named Prospero the Enchanter, aka Hector Bowen; the other known only as “the man in the grey suit” or “Mr. A. H—” – are engaged in a profound rivalry, played out over many generations by appointed pupils.’ Right up my alley!
- Also my kind of thing… “What ancient Japanese castles have to do with costumed gadget-sellers and the legacy of anime” and “Fuzz & Fur features photographs of over 100 kigurumi, each profiled with text that explains the mascot’s origins, its likes and dislikes, and its unique personality.” Naturally I ordered this book the moment I learned of its existence.
- Last night I also ordered the new volume of posthumous work by Shel Silverstein - Every Thing On It. As much for me as for my son.
- The Tin Can Castle reopens this weekend - the Frank Gehry designed Weisman Art Museum, and its new expansion, will open its doors to the public with a gala and a WAMdemonium grand reopening on Sunday.
- Lastly, an impressive garlic peeling technique - How to Peel an Entire Bulb of Garlic in 10 Seconds
Tonight I’m planning to stop in to see some lovely peoples at the Art Records Beer Year 2 event at Yeti Records. But I’ve recently learned about Pat’s Tap opening nearby - with skeeball *and* cheese curds. Dangerousity! Just pile those curds on top of the apple pie I consumed this morning, baked by one of the lovely Clockwork sysadmins, made with vodka - which, apparently, is the secret to foolproof pie crust. Who knew?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
It’s all starting to sink in. To feel real. We will be moving. In just over a month. My first move since 1999, when I was single and pregnant. And thus my son’s first move ever. It’s really not *that* far away (maybe six or seven miles from our current location, tops) but the neighborhoods may as well be worlds apart. I’ve never fit into our current one. My block, in particular. Over the years I’ve tried making friends or at least making nice but for the most part? My immediate neighbors won’t even make eye contact with me. And suddenly there are reports of crime on the rise, violent and otherwise: Police counter gang attacks on St. Paul’s West Side. I can’t wait to be out of here for good. But in the mean time I am hosting a few small farewell salon-style events. The first was a great success. And I’ve also found some suitable caretakers to live in the house, temporarily, in that bit of time between our move and the actual closing. To help cover some of the expenses (homeowners insurance, utilities) and to shovel the sidewalks and whatnot.
And now five good things for the middle of the week:
Without jinxing myself I want to say things do seem to be looking up for us, in general. The impending move. I’ve gotten a smattering of freelance gigs. Some wonderful friends. My AMAZING boyfriend. And hey, my kid! He has come such a long way. Particularly at his current school. One of his teachers just mentioned that, since the beginning of the year, he has taken on the responsibility of escorting another student with autism - a kindergartner - to his school bus after school every day. And my sweet sweet son had never thought to mention it to me. It was just this thing he was doing without a second thought. Because he clearly remembers what it was like being a younger and more easily overwhelmed kid with autism.
Friday, September 23, 2011
This week started off with such great promise. The preview breakfast at Aster Cafe on Monday was simply amazing. As was the brutal, beautiful and pummeling Swans show Tuesday night. It was one of those magical evenings at First Ave where I couldn’t turn around without running into someone I know and like. But then my annual allergies-or-illness nuisance arrived early and knocked me on my ass for the last few days. Even I’m sick of my own whining about being sick so let’s roll with five (or so) good things:
I will attempt to power through the fun-filled weekend ahead but naps will definitely be needed in order to do so.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The deed is done. 12+ years of homeownership/residency is coming to an end. I was approved for the duplex I’d been hoping for and have signed the lease. It’s the one further West, in a fantastic neighborhood that has loads within walking distance, and with all of the other quality-of-life improving bonuses. It will be worth the extra rent. The next hurdle will be packing up and moving for the first time since the 90s (and getting to the end of the short sale process - closing won’t happen for a few more months). But we’re so close to the finish line. 2011 has been one helluva year.
Five more good things:
- After three weeks of enduring the harsh rays of the sun - my missing $400 Rx sunglasses magically reappeared! Such a relief.
- When the temperatures drop both of the cats morph back into overly affectionate little lovepigs. I realize they’re just using me for my body heat but I am ok with this.
- In bigger cat/faux cat news, I just learned about the Puli Kali dance in India’s Kerala state. Holy body paint!
- My son randomly declared his love for Mystery Science Theater 3000, which he watched at a friend’s house. Hooray! More things we can watch together that we will both enjoy. I also bought us a season pass for Futurama Season 8 via Amazon Instant Video, and a season 3 pass for myself for Archer. I watched the premiere last night. *sploosh* It seems like I am turning to Amazon Instant more and more over Netflix or iTunes lately. And I don’t know about this Qwikster business. I gave up Netflix’s DVD service ages ago.
- Broke down and got a Costco membership today. Had never been in one of these supersized warehouses of conspicuous consumption before. I was having flashbacks to Idiocracy but the way my pre-teen son is eating, it’ll be worth it. Though I mostly joined to get a deal on tires for my car.
Full speed ahead. This morning I’m meeting up with a fine group of ladies for breakfast at the Aster Cafe. Tomorrow night the boyfriend and I are seeing Swans, with Sir Richard Bishop opening, at First Avenue (something we’ve both been looking forward to for a while now). Wednesday sees another installment of Social Science, the adult night at the Science Museum. On the other side of that is another action-packed weekend and somewhere in between - processing the nearly 1000 photos I shot at a lovely wedding this past Saturday.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Twelve years ago today a star was born. I mean my son. Yeah, my son was born twelve years ago today. But he is the star that my life orbits around. And I am a-ok with that. But that doesn’t mean I acquiesce to all of his demands. I don’t get him *everything* he wants. Like this high-speed personal sports amphibian, for instance. But I did pick up treats for him to share at school today. And after school I will endure the movie of his choice, followed by the dinner of his choosing. When it’s your birthday you should get to run the show, just a bit.
Five good/interesting things:
I have been under the weather this week with a variety of annoying ailments. Culminating in coughing until I vomited last night. Hoping to be on the mend. I am back in the office today and I seem to be in need of a clone for tonight. Not only is it my son’s birthday, tonight a friend is having her bachelorette party. And Perish, the Kitty Cat Klub’s goth night is going on. And there’s a reception at the Black Dog in Lowertown. I’d completely forgotten I allowed the St Paul Almanac to use one of my photos for their 416-page, 180+ photo full color guide - which includes hand-drawn, poster-size, pull-out maps of the City of Saint Paul and Downtown. Neat. We’ll see how many happenings I make it to tonight. I really do need to rest up as I’m shooting my last wedding of the season on Saturday. And checking out other wedding photographer blogs for inspiration. This is a fine example. And all the while I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear if I’ve gotten approved for the duplex of my dreams (thankfully I know we’re approved for the backup apartment, just in case). It’s life plus plus, as always.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Feeling a bit calmer and more hopeful this Monday. Maybe everything’s gonna be all right. Thursday and Friday I looked at several oppressively carpeted apartments/condos but also found two very lovely ones, each in fantastic locations. And we may be able to move into one or the other of them sometime after November 1st. I’m applying for both, just to be on the safe side. One is $200/month more. I’m torn, feeling like I *should* likely go for the less expensive one. But wow, the more expensive one comes with some life-changing amenities. Parking in a garage for the first time in my life sounds so appealing. No scraping ice off the windshield on cold winter mornings. Or attempting to brush all the snow off the top of the car with my stubby T-Rex style arms - there’s always a spot in the middle I can’t quite reach. And that one also has a dishwasher, free laundry in the basement, ceiling fans in every room, a den off of the living room, an attic with stairs off of the kitchen for extra storage, a front porch and a backyard for the boy to play in and for us to kick back with friends. So I know which one I want. So please please please Let me, let me, let me Let me get what I want This time (that’s certainly worked out with the new boyfriend situation).
Five good things:
- Friday night the boyfriend brought over some goodies including “Hedwig & the Angry Inch.” Can’t believe I hadn’t gotten around to seeing it before! It was WONDERFUL.
- ‘Attack the Block‘ is finally playing at a theater - exactly one - in the Twin Cities. I plan to see it this week.
- The boy’s 12th birthday party was a good time yesterday, even if only three other children showed up. The rest were adult children - my friends. Unlimited lazer tag may seem like a grand idea but we were all worn out after just two back-to-back games. Also? Next year I think we’re going to go low key with birthday party outside, at a park.
- Gorgeous underwater photos with human and non-human animals.
- My long-time tattoo artist friend Nic Skrade is always booked out months in advance. But a sudden opening came up and he was able to squeeze me in for two tattoos Friday night. My son spent the afternoon/evening hanging out with a friend and his kids while I was under the needle. I couldn’t be happier with how each piece turned out.
It was a weekend of skipping shows. Friday night I was too tender from being tattooed. Contemplating a crowded venue, with people bumping into my bandaged sore bits? Wince-worthy. I would have liked to see Black Moth Super Rainbow on Saturday but I didn’t want to shell out $18 for a Turf Club show. Last night I was bummed but I was way too wiped out by my son’s birthday party to go see Kitchen’s Floor, on tour from Australia (instead I stayed in to watch the destined-to-be-cult-classic ‘Super‘). Tonight I may just get out to see Olivia Tremor Control but chances are I’ll faceplant on my bed by 10pm instead. And sometimes that is a-ok.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wow. My re-introduction into the world of renting has been brutal. I have been getting the runaround like nobody’s business. I’ve looked at several apartments now and the only two I actually want? I CANNOT HAZ. The first was the landlady who doesn’t want to rent to someone with a child, even though he’s nearly adult-sized. Even worse? The duplex I looked at on Tuesday was ideal. It was as though someone had plucked the perfect place from my thoughts and made it real and shown it to me only to deny me it. The woman I dealt with there was moving out but screening applicants as a favor to her landlord. When she asked who would be living there with me I said my son and our two cats and suddenly the whole vibe changed. Not sure if she objected to my kid or the cats more but she was clearly hell bent on cockblocking me. She wouldn’t even give me an application. Her final word on the matter yesterday didn’t make any sense. She emailed this gibberish:
“Sorry it spears it is going to send to be rented to another party pet the owner.” WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? I’ll stop shouting. Deep breathing now. I’d happily pet the owner to get this place! This only serves to remind me that I haven’t been apartment hunting since the pre-internet era. Back in the day we had to use the telephone to inquire about apartments. So it wasn’t quite so obvious how badly some people communicate via the written word. Anyhow, I looked at a garden level apartment (felt like I was on “Laverne & Shirley“) last night that looked particularly sad and dumpy after seeing the previous splendor. Tomorrow I look at two more places. But I hadn’t realized how much time and energy I’d be expending in this search. Hell, I’ve already looked at more places than I did when I was buying this house.
Let’s roll with five good things now before I start crying:
I’m trying to crawl out from under the doom and gloom and stress stress stress. There is happiness. The boy had had a rough second day at school but we talked it through and got his assignments done. Afterward we played some vintage board games before watching a movie together. And a friend’s recent pinata birthday party was a big hit - HAR!. And I’m getting tattooed again tomorrow night as my guy is able to squeeze me in then. And a very special man-friend sent me some lovely and unexpected flowers. I’ll take the goodness where I can.
Monday, September 5, 2011
When my son returned from his trip last week I told him someone had finally made an offer on the house (well, two someones but I accepted the best offer). I saw the light bulb flash on over his head “that means no more showings!” Which is what I assumed as well. But one was somehow scheduled for Friday. I shot my realtor an email along the lines of “what gives?” and he canceled it. Phew. I’m not about to let our tidy house backslide into frat house mode or anything but I do need a return to privacy, without constant stranger danger. Speaking of, the other morning I woke up to find some female arm hair fetishists had friended me on flickr. I don’t even have arm hair! A glance at their profiles led to BLOCKING with the quickness.
In happier news, five good things:
- ‘In 1972 Ed Catmull (founder of Pixar) and his colleagues created the world’s first 3D rendered movie, an animated version of Ed’s left hand. This is the film that they produced. It includes some “making of” footage (around 1:30) and some other early experiments.’
- A friend introduced me to Posh Nosh (how did I manage to miss this awesomeness?) and I returned the favor by introducing him to the amazingness of Archer.
- It figures. Now that I am moving away from the downtown St Paul area, cool things are happening. A rock and roll triumvirate just opened. Amsterdam (a venue), Eclipse (the reopening of the record store) and Big Table Studio (a poster shop).
- Boris teamed up with Ian Astbury. Not everyone approves, but I am loving it!
- The lad and I waited until the last minute (today, Labor Day) to hit up the State Fair. And I’m glad we did. We scored free tickets to get in and a friend who lives nearby let us park in her driveway for free. The weather was perfect and we wandered around together, hoovering down our usual favorites while going up for a Sky Ride and down the Big Slide. Lovely. Our photos are here.
So things are moving right along. I decided there is no way we’re moving in the middle of winter. If the house closing happens a little bit after we clear out, so be it. That’ll give me time to move all of the important things to our new home while disposing of the unwanted detritus back at the old place. I’ve begun searching for this new place in earnest. Renting for the first time since the 90s is a bit surreal! A gorgeous Crocus Hill condo was a no-go (despite being illegal the owner made it clear she wouldn’t rent to someone with a child). I’d prefer the Merriam Park neighborhood anyhow, further West until it’s nearly Minneapolis. We looked at one lovely unit yesterday but it was lacking in closet space and didn’t come with a storage unit, nor did it have off-street parking. Thankfully I’m looking at a more promising rental in the same area after work tomorrow. A spacious lower level duplex, with all utilities (except electric) included plus free laundry and a parking spot in a garage. Wish me luck! And wish the lad luck too. Tomorrow is his first day of 6th grade - his last school year in his current school. Life = change. Always and forever.
