Kate Space

A (Year) in the Life 2011.

2012-01-03T11:27:00.008-05:00

Travels:
Dryfork, WV
Winchester, VA
Rehoboth, DE
Charlottesville, VA
Austin, Killeen, and Waco, TX
Boston, MA
Winchester, VA
New York, NY
New York, NY
Pittsfield, MA
New York, NY
New York and Brooklyn, NY

Concerts:
White Ford Bronco
The Dismemberment Plan
Wild Flag
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Andalusian Dog
National Symphony Orchestra: Casablanca
Dolly Parton
Alkaline Trio
The Horrors
Wild Flag
White Ford Bronco
Beady Eye
Gogol Bordello

Theater:
The Blackwatch (Scottish National Theatre/Shakespeare Theatre Company)
Newsies (Papermill Playhouse)
Rent (University of Maryland)

Weddings:
Danny and Emily, March 5
John and Shane, September 10

For the only possible:
2011 brought on more responsibility and more confidence. I started ice hockey lessons in July and hope to join a league in Spring 2012. I tutor two wonderful 8th grade girls with Arlington Affordable Housing Corp, and I hope to continue working with them through this school year and the next and the next! I also got a new job this year; same office, but more responsiblilty and working with people I know and respect (not that I wasn't before, but this was a Good move for me).

2012 is already shaping up to be a year of travel, reconnecting with old friends, and trying new things. Like brewing beer.

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

To Breathe, to write.

2011-12-29T17:17:00.003-05:00

So, let's play a game. During which I learn to write again and often and to many.

Project 36, 1: Laundromat.

2011-06-06T00:18:00.000-04:00

Project 36, 1: Laundromat from Katy Ray on Vimeo.

A (Year) in the Life 2010.

2010-12-27T12:52:00.013-05:00

Travels:
St. Petersburg, FL
Orlando, FL
Ocala, FL
Rehoboth, DE
Maine
Lexington, VA
Maine
New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
St. Petersburg, FL

Concerts:
I had a bad habit of buying concert tickets and not going, but I made these:
Editors
She & Him
Dropkick Murphys
Drive-by Truckers
Belle & Sebastian

Did not attend:
Justin Townes Earle (but he got cancelled the first time)
The Thermals
Andrew Bird (whoops.)
Bob Schneider (the time he's actually playing State Theatre and not Birchmere)
All's Well That Ends Well (I actually showed up at Shakespeare Theatre and changed my mind.)
The Little Prince at FlashPoint (There was a dad and his little boy on the standby list, so, yeah.)

Weddings:
Heather and Chris got married in Milwaukee in April, and I was pretty bummed I couldn't get out there for it.

Lindsay and Kevin had a small, adorable service and reception in Washington in Capitol Hill.

Jason and Theresa had a beautiful wedding in Fairfax, Virginia. The reception was in Leesburg and we shut the town down.

John and Shane- simple and personal. So happy for you two.

Other:
DC had a blizzard (or three) in 2010. Got a whole week off of work while Maryland, Virginia, and the District tried to clean up.

Moved into a bigger, brighter, well-managed apartment in the Spring. Living closer to the City, work, and friends and it's pretty great.

Realized that maybe, just maybe, it's not always healthy to have a life on-line and moved to make more personal connections with people and make my circles smaller.

Got into a funk and did not take any photos until I forced myself to in NYC. I still have to develop it.

Family:
The Ray family is about to welcome a new member in March, 2011. My baby brother is getting married! I will have a sister for the first time!

I love my family. It's really hard to explain, let alone comprehend unless you see us all together.

So, what's new for 2011?
I plan on being happy. For the only possible.

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

I went away this Fall.

2010-12-27T12:32:00.002-05:00

Fall 2010 capped a rough year for me. By November, I knew I needed to get as far away from the East Coast as I could and get out of my comfort zone. I went to San Francisco, where my great-grandfather was born, and visted my Very Good Friend, Dottie.

It was good to be turned around; my North was my South, there was ocean and flora and fauna I'd never seen before. Even the air was different.

One thing, though: No matter where I've travelled in the United States-- People are the same. I spend a lot of time observing, watching, waiting, looking and it's one thing that makes me smile. We're all not that different.

Instant San Francisco from Katy Ray on Vimeo.

That's the Spirit of V-M-I

2010-05-22T17:32:00.004-04:00

My brother James graduated from VMI last weekend. He has a Bachelors in Physics and is looking forward to what lies ahead. We are all very proud.

A (Year) in The Life 2009.

2009-12-31T16:45:00.010-05:00

My annual, So What the Hell Did I Do?

Travels:
Dryfork, WV
Columbus, GA
Minneapolis, MN
Charlottesville, VA
Phoenix, AZ
Rehoboth, DE
Cleveland, OH
Salisbury, MD

ROADTRIP!
Arizona
New Mexico
Texas
Oklahoma
Missouri
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Ohio
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Maryland
Virginia

Other:
I moved back to Arlington!

Concerts:
Rebirth Brass Band
The Horrors
Andalusian Dog

Photography:
Attended LOOK3 in June
Took more photos than really ever before

Shows:
First on 1st Art + Music Walk (August 1-30, 2009)
Artomatic (June 6-July 20, 2009)
Critical Mass (May 15, 2009)

Writing:
I left my Moleskine with about 40 pages of prompts and notes somewhere along our route home from Arizona. Sometimes, I still reach for it.
Started <100 this summer. Haven't updated in a while, but I have stories. So many stories.

Friends:
New faces this year. Many I'd like to see stick around for a while.

Family:
Mom and Dad are semi-officially empty-nesters.

Work:
Yes, another new job started in August. But this time, I like it.

Grand.

2009-11-30T00:43:00.003-05:00

Just some Kodachrome taken at the Grand Canyon this summer:

Today.

2009-09-27T22:44:00.001-04:00

Today.
Originally uploaded by katyray.

Alive.

2009-09-21T15:52:00.001-04:00

083109-04
Originally uploaded by akkleis.

Yes, still. I will update soon. Someday.

At the fair, people can fly.

2009-08-16T20:51:00.001-04:00

At the fair, people can fly.
Originally uploaded by katyray.

Home.

2009-08-07T22:58:00.001-04:00

Home.
Originally uploaded by katyray.

Time to catch up with life.

Something new.

2009-07-07T23:03:00.002-04:00

I take up my own pen again—the pen of all my old unforgettable efforts and sacred struggles. To myself—today—I need say no more. Large and full and high the future still opens. It is now indeed that I will do the work of my life. And I will.

Henry James
January, 1895

I started a new writing project. I will still update Kate Space occasionally with events and goings on, but I'm currently trying to focus more on my creative outlets. Please visit <100, for all your short story needs.

'Tis the Season.

2009-05-15T11:52:00.002-04:00

Tonight is Critical Mass, a one-night exhibit and dance party hosted by DCist Heather Goss's Ten Miles Square and Civilian Art Projects . See work from over 20 area artists and then dance the night away with DJs KC and Nite Krawler. 9 p.m. $5.

Featured artists: Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Cory Oberndorfer, Billy Colbert, Erwin Timmers, Kristina Bilonick, Sean Hennessey, Rania Hassan, John Ulaszek, Kyle Gustafson, Brian Knight, Cesar Lujan, Pat Padua, Angela Kleis, Kerrin Kastorf, Drew McDermott, Jack Whitsitt, Paivi Solonen, Lynne Venart, Kelly Rand, Davin Tarr, and Katy Ray.

Civilian Art Projects
406 7th Street NW
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Two Weeks Away...Artomatic 2009!

Prepare to celebrate Artomatic's 10th anniversary: The trademark,one-of-a-kind multimedia arts event will be at Half Street's 55 M Street, S.E., in Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. I'll be showing work with a group of very talented Ten Mile Square photographers.

May 29 through July 5
Half Street's 55 M Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C.
Artomatic is always free.

The Way Ahead.

2009-05-06T14:51:00.007-04:00

MSY, 2008. (c) Katy Ray

Looking out and into the upcoming months, I found something strangely missing: I am still here. Granted, missing may not be the proper word to use, but in the usual "does-not-make-sense Katy-Ray way," it's perfectly logical.

I travel because I get claustrophobic; I become attached to a place for too long and I need to get out, away, detached. Yes, so far in 2009 I've been to both Georgia and Minnesota, but, I need more.

Where to go? What to do?

Flower Parts.

2009-04-02T16:46:00.002-04:00

it's the little things

fresh lavender
waking up early
laughing loudly
playing scrabble
walking to the metro
the sunday paper
singing along
plain cheerios
walking though a creek bed
eye contact
the last page of a good book
standing on top of a mountain
the golden hour
sleeping with the windows open
seattle
that first morning together
coffee in a real mug
taking a good photograph
compliments
milk
the last three miles of a ride
the wind
the taconic state parkway
stone bridges
getting lost

I posted this to my old LJ blog on September 13, 2007. Nothing has changed.

Goings On.

2009-02-12T00:35:00.004-05:00

Danny graduated Basic Training down at Ft. Benning in Columbus, Georgia on January 30th.

And this past weekend I was in Minneapolis visiting friends and having fun in the snow!

A (Year) in the Life 2008.

2009-01-06T13:50:00.002-05:00

2008 abbreviated recap. And my 300th blogpost.

Travels:
New Orleans, LA (February and September)
St. Petersburg, FL (April, September, and December)
Cape Charles, VA
St. Georges Island, MD
Lexington, VA
Stuttgart, Germany

Concerts:
The Hives
Loretta Lynn
Oasis

Photography
Two things:
Ten Miles Square
FotoweekDC

Work
New job started in October. Again. Whoa.

Annual Holiday Photo.

2008-12-23T01:28:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again: Third annual holiday photo! This year I was invited to my old job's gala at the National harbor. And we had mucho fun.

The Chief.

2008-12-22T00:08:00.000-05:00

I finally saw Oasis.

Until December 28th.

2008-12-12T21:11:00.002-05:00

Fotoweek Central will be open Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-6pm until December 28th. They have some great exhibits showing. My favorite is the “Contact/s: The Art of Photojournalism from Contact Press Images"-- amazing. You can also catch the finalists and winners of Fotoweek's juried competition.

I was honored to win the Gold Prize in the Amateur Portrait category with my piece called Fleeting. All winners can now be found in slide-show format on the FotoweekDC homepage and is well worth seeing.

Thank you to all the Fotoweek sponsors, judges, and volunteers for a fantastic experience.

FotoWeek is Here!

2008-11-16T22:02:00.009-05:00

Last night was the official opening at FotoWeekDC's hub in Georgetown. To mark the occasion, FotoWeek is having a "Night Gallery" show all around the city.

FotoWeek DC and area museums will team up to create an unprecedented, world premiere digital video slide show. During FotoWeek DC's inaugural week-long photography festival, visitors will be treated to a dazzling display of large scale projections of photographs selected from the collections of some of Washington DC's most honored institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Newseum.

It was definitely a cool thing to see, and having our work included was pretty sweet. Photos courtesy of Marie Kwak and used with permission.

("Fleeting" by Katy Ray)

("What do you see" by Max Cook)

(I don't know the title or who this piece is by, but I loved it.)

Eleventh.

2008-11-11T13:29:00.002-05:00

Today marks the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day-- a celebration of the end of the Great War and a day of remembrance for the 20 million lost in World War One.

In the US, we celebrate Veteran's Day and honor all veterans who have fought to protect our country and others.

Please keep our troops, past and present, in your thoughts today.

Official.

2008-11-05T23:21:00.005-05:00

The finalists in the juried competition for FotoweekDC have been announced. I'm in the running with friends Max, John, and Shawn in the Portrait category. I think it's funny that we all know each other!

Winners won't be announced until the Fotoweek Gala at the NGS on the 22nd. I'll have to miss it, since I'll be in Germany (GERMANY!) visiting friends.

Our pieces will be on display November 15-22 at FotoWeek's central hub at 3338 M Street, NW in Georgetown. I encourage everyone to visit any of the Fotoweek exhibits and shows-- there's so much to see.

Writing.

2008-10-02T14:37:00.002-04:00

I wish I had:

Dorothy Parker's wit
Michael Chabon's vocabulary
Mark Twain's mastery of satire
Stephen King's imagination
Seymour Hersh's tenacity
Scott Fitzgerald's America

Just for Now.

2008-08-26T10:19:00.003-04:00

In the news: I started school yesterday. I'm taking Chemistry and Calculus. Mason has changed so much and may take some getting used to...so will commuting, but I can battle-ax my way through like the best of them!

This weekend, I'm going to Florida to visit my grandmother over Labor Day, and next weekend I'll be in New Orleans for a quick visit with friends.

Oh yes, and two weeks ago I went camping with some friends from college out on St. George's Island:

Monticello.

2008-07-28T21:49:00.001-04:00

My Flickr Tags.

2008-06-14T11:56:00.000-04:00

Jump!

2008-05-28T09:57:00.001-04:00

Jump!
Originally uploaded by Brian Knight Photography.

Just came back from a relaxing trip to Cape Charles, Virginia.

Good friends, good food, great sunsets.

It's all Happening.

2008-04-30T10:43:00.002-04:00

Move was a success. Also bought a car; 37 mpg, here I come!

I have to talk to Mason admissions soon. I'm limited to ten hours for the fall term, but I need 12. Uh oh.

Next Steps.

2008-04-21T00:09:00.001-04:00

Starting school again. And moving, to boot.

Only in DC.

2008-04-17T22:46:00.002-04:00

Today, we could actually blame the Pope for the traffic problems.

Up, Up and Away.

2008-04-07T21:56:00.002-04:00

I love flying through the clouds, especially the giant poofy ones.

I think I read James and the Giant Peach too much as a child.

Friday.

2008-03-03T23:14:00.002-05:00

Super-Productive Sunday.

2008-03-02T16:26:00.003-05:00

Oil: changed.
Windows: washed.
Living room: cleaned.
Dishwasher: run.
Debit card: canceled due to fraudulent activity in the Midwest.
Police Report: filed.

Happy Leap Day!

2008-02-29T15:30:00.002-05:00

That is all.

I think I just wanted the time stamp.

800mg.

2008-02-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

Another for the List.

2008-02-09T02:45:00.001-05:00

My life right now.

NBM.

2008-01-29T01:36:00.000-05:00

So, a bunch of us visited the National Building Museum on Sunday. More photos from the meetup can be found here.

Curiouser and Curiouser.

2008-01-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

I have to be happy about moving to Northern Virginia; the past five years have given me opportunities I might never have had. Granted, I moved here to be near my parents over the tumultuous transition years between high school, college, college and real-life, but, by actually being here NoVA (as it's lovingly-- or annoyingly-- called) has changed my outlook on life itself and has allowed me to really see who makes up this world.

I don't think I would have ever had the same opportunity to discover and explore ethnic, cultural, and racial diversity anywhere else; certainly not in Oklahoma, and definitely not to the same extent as New Orleans. I also have to give kudos to George Mason University for helping out, too. Named one of the "most diverse" colleges in the country, Mason also had a hand in my discovery phase.

I guess what prompted this post was an event that occurred this past weekend; I spent Saturday afternoon with my friend Gracie wandering around the Korean shops in Annandale, Virginia. We stopped at a Korean bakery called Shilla for pastries and coffee, where green tea was sold for your "well-being" and good health and giant bowls of fruit and shaved ice were a hot-ticket item.

Earlier that afternoon, we had stopped in a little gift shop where I bought some Rose paper for folded flowers. Gracie had mentioned that she didn't know how to make these particular roses, so I offered to teach her once we settled in the bakery. After a quick tutorial and an hour or so of gab, we noticed people staring at our table. After checking ourselves to make sure we hadn't spilled anything, I thought maybe they were staring at me, I was one of the few non-Asians in the restaurant, but no! They were looking strangely at Grace! She caught on and wondered as we were leaving, how strange it must have seemed for a Caucasian to teach a native Korean to make paper flowers.

We thought it was odd, and nonsensical, and hilarious. And it's my diversity story for the week.

"Oh, dear! What nonsense I’m talking!" --Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Almost Forgot!

2008-01-10T18:37:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

A (Year) in the Life 2007.

2007-12-29T13:34:00.001-05:00

I think I did more self-exploration this year than I have any other. Hooray for being brave, doing what I wanted, and making friends along the way!

So, how does one go about doing a recap? Outlines!

Travels:
Dry Fork, WV
Columbus, GA
St. Petersburg, FL
Chicago, IL
Seattle, WA
Selinsgrove, PA
Altoona, PA
Williamsport, MD
Pittsfield, MA
Trenton, ME
Baltimore, MD
Columbus and Atlanta, GA
Tulsa, OK
Chicago, IL (not planned)

Flight stop-overs include: Detroit, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Chicago, and Newark

Concerts:
Lily Allen
The Thermals
Scissor Sisters
Pete Yorn
Ben Folds
Bob Schneider
Badly Drawn Boy
Blonde Redhead
Arctic Monkeys
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Wilco
Rilo Kiley
Bob Schneider

There may be more, but these are the only ones for which I have stubs.

Photography
Cameras bought (and used):
Polaroid SX-70 (until I broke it)
2 plasticky junky things from the thrift store
Lomo SuperSampler
1961 Canonet rangefinder
Polaroid OneStep from the thrift store

Delighted that my photography actually took off this year; excited about Gallery-worthy and marketable work.

Writing
Every day. I received the best compliment this year: "Have you ever tried getting this published?" From my mother.

Friends
I enjoy the people I have in my life right now. It was fun seeing old friends and getting re-acquainted with family; we'll see what the next year brings!

Family
We've all grown up and we know it.

Work
New job started in October. Whoa.

Via Chicago.

2007-12-29T11:59:00.001-05:00

Like everyone else, I got stranded in Chicago Wednesday night on my way back from Oklahoma. Thankfully, I was able to stay with an old friend from high school (hooray bed!).

Annual* Holiday Photo.

2007-12-17T10:54:00.001-05:00

dcistgt 137b
Originally uploaded by sintixerr.

Photo by Jack.

Here's my end-of-the-year portrait.

More to come later for my 2007 Wrap-Up. Why do I do wrap up posts? I don't know; maybe I like lists.

*Annual tradition as of last year.

Home For the Holidays.

2007-11-27T22:46:00.001-05:00

"Are you OK? What happened?" My mom asked as she peered down the stairs, the kitten poking its head around the corner.

"I think I busted my knee," I responded, still halfway up the painted, plank-stairs, one leg tucked underneath the other, my sock-covered toes balancing my weight. I was half-laughing, half-crying. God that hurt; the part below my kneecap was throbbing where I landed on the stair, the top of my thigh swelling where I forced my knee forward and into the overhang. The apple pie I had dropped was plopping down the stairs-- I didn't lose too much of it, just what was left was going to have to be eaten as an apple crisp, instead of pie.

"Honey, I think you have to carry your daughter again," Mom called into the den.

"Do I have to?" My dad.

"No, I'm OK." I balanced on my left leg, on my real bad knee. I don't know what came over me, thinking I could run up the slick basement steps...holding a pie...in sock-feet.

Maybe the holidays make you think you can run around like you're four again. Maybe accidents like this are there to prove that you're not as resilient (or bouncy, per se) as you once were.

But what killed me was when Mom asked my dad to carry me. Again. When was the last time your dad carried you? Physically put you in his arms and rushed you away for a band aid, an icepack, a safe place?

For me, it was a year ago. It happened last summer, when we were in my grandmother's barn-- the large garage/workshop where we keep and work on the cars. I was wearing sneakers and my jeans were slightly covered in grease and dirt and we were all stinky from working in the garage on a hot summer Florida day when I did something stupid. Well, sort of.

Sneakers protect your feet, not your ankles. And well, I kicked an axl for a 1932 Ford Model A. We have a ton of them laying around, but I miss-judged and kicked it, hard, with the knob of my ankle (or whatever you want to call that protusion). I was in mid-sentence when it happened and I just stopped. I couldn't talk, I couldn't make a sound, I stood there for what seemed ever. I tried to move my leg, but brain-to-foot function wasn't working.

I think Dad sensed something had happened, there wasn't any sound (no loud CLANG when I hit it), but I had zoned out and Danny kept asking for the wrench that was in my hand, to which I had no reaction. Then, in a sort of wimper, I said I hurt myself. And I started to cry.

I couldn't even feel it, and I was thinking to myself, Why the hell are you crying? I'm 23 and I realize I hurt myself, but I can't feel the hurt and the tears are coming anyway I DON'T UNDERSTAND. And that's when Dad knew I needed him. He scooped me up and ran me into Grandma's kitchen where they put my swollen ankle up on the kitchen table and covered it in an icepack. And then I felt the hurt.

I didn't break anything, didn't twist anything; I definitely got bruised and definitely had a hard time walking the rest of that day...but knowing that my dad, at 56 (then) was still ready to jump across the garage and run his (then) 23 years-old-and-still-a-klutz-daughter to the kitchen to get a boo-boo bunny (ask later) put on her ankle still amazes me.

I hope I can do the same for my kids.

Have You Fed the Fish?

2007-11-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

My cat hates sushi night...

Clarification.

2007-10-26T11:34:00.000-04:00

I am not the Australian Christian Pop singer.

Just an FYI.

My Ode to Mr. BR Jones.

2007-09-29T02:05:00.001-04:00

My bestest friend BR and his wife Cherie are starting a new life in Germany. They leave tomorrow and will be missed very much by all of us here. Hooray for new beginnings and we'll see you in Deutchland soon enough! It was thanks to English 325 where he, John L., Bennett, and I met four years ago.

and of course:

katyray

2007-09-26T16:56:00.001-04:00

katyray
Originally uploaded by Joe in DC.

Joe caught me doing what I love.

Although, I came to find out that this camera is broken :(

I love this.

2007-09-24T19:17:00.000-04:00

History and Audio.

Why I Love My Friends, Part Deux.

2007-09-21T12:36:00.000-04:00

On 9/21/07, promosupport wrote:
Hi Carl,

Unfortunately, we can not offer a substitution. This promotion is for Brad Paisley merchandise only. All of the prizes are listed on the contest site.

Thanks
Promo Support

-------------------

Date: Sep 21, 2007 12:32 PM
Subject: Re: Hersheys instant win candybar game
To: promosupport

Hi Promo Support,

It's ok, I understand. If it makes you feel any better, your candy bars are really good, and the only reason that I entered was becuase i was licking the wrapper and saw the numbers and said to myself "gee I wonder what those numbers mean" so I read the little words under them and it told me to go to your site (which is awesome by the way). My mom says I should do my homework so I have to go, but I hope that I can eat more candy bars, I just don't like the country music.

Thanks
Carl

Why I Love My Friends.

2007-09-20T14:11:00.000-04:00

Subject: Hersheys instant win candybar game

To whom it may concern:

I just won a song from your instant win candy bar game. The songs were not that good for me because I don't really like country music that much. I'm more of a hip-hop kind of guy. I just dont like the twang that they normally have. Now... im not saying that he's a bad artist, im just saying that you need to put up some hip-hop. Can you offer me anything else other than a country song?

Thank you very much!

Carl

Perfect.

2007-09-14T08:23:00.001-04:00

Hilarious.

I Guess This Really Means I Need a New Camera Now.

2007-08-29T23:16:00.001-04:00

Up to Bat.

2007-08-24T11:51:00.001-04:00

When I was in high school, I think I was the world's biggest book snob. I'd only read books by Names: Steinbeck, Vonnegut, Golding...the list could go on. Thing is, I remember reading a lot of books before I was actually ready to. Treasure Island in third grade, just to make me feel important; do I remember it? No. Did I understand any of it? Most likely not.

At the moment, I'm rereading John Updike's "Maples" stories in Too Far to Go. I read them in high school and loved them, loved the family (even through all their in-fighting and subsequent demise). I'm also reading The Catcher in the Rye because the only thing I remember from it is the sour taste Holden Caulfield left in my mouth and the hooker in the green dress. That's it. I'm three chapters in and he's already annoying me; most obnoxious character ever written. Did Holden Caulfield change my life like he has so many since his inception in the 1940's? Yes. It's made me dislike men named Holden.

Recently.

2007-08-22T19:29:00.000-04:00

Kamera.

2007-08-17T10:18:00.000-04:00

I've got to preview some work for a gallery opportunity I have in Falls Church, which means I have to go through my slides and figure out which are 'show-worthy.'

I've pulled some out and made a set on Flickr here. There are a few shots that are of the same subject, and that's only because I don't know which is better. Any input is well appreciated. I think I should only provide 10-12.

I need to add a light-table to my long list of 'need to get in the near future' items. I'm thinking of building it myself and making it dual-use as a coffee table.

Potluck!

2007-08-12T21:24:00.001-04:00

We've been having a few potluck dinners over the past weeks. Tons of yummy food and friends to eat them. These are a few polaroids we took at my house this past week. My friend Nic has some more on his webpage as well.

Altoona.

2007-07-30T12:58:00.000-04:00

We spent the weekend in Altoona, PA to see Pete race. He did really well and I'll have more photos up as soon as I get them developed.

The Wallet Story.

2007-07-24T14:10:00.000-04:00

So, last month when I was out in Seattle visiting my friend, Josef, we were walking up Pike Street in the Capital Hill area when we passed by this shop that sold custom messenger and courrier bags. It was after-hours, so we spent a good few minutes staring into their windows looking at their beautifully made, custom appliqued bags. Something small and red caught my eye in the window. It was a wallet. A wallet that I hoped would be mine someday.

One month and a slew of emails later,

in through the mail comes my CUSTOM MADE randL Wallet made by Jean and Chicka in Seattle.

Turning a new page.

2007-07-18T19:12:00.001-04:00

My 35mm Canon SLR has stopped working; there's something up with the electronics in it. My parents had given it to me as a graduation gift when I finished high school. Seeing that I can buy a new body for about $100, there's no point to getting it repaired.

Now, I have some thinking to do about a new camera and where I can put that $100 towards. I know what I want, I just have to come to terms with it and dive in. Be prepared for something spectacular.

Something simple.

2007-07-13T21:12:00.001-04:00

I got off work early and walked up to the Hirshhorn.

Passed the WWII Memorial and traced the letters of Oklahoma's name with my finger-tips. Absence, I guess, really does make the heart grow fonder. This is one of the reasons why I'm scared to go back.

Walked around the art museum barefoot for an hour or so.

Art seems to make more sense without shoes on.

And God was a Giant Pixelated Mario.

2007-07-09T15:55:00.001-04:00

I'm trying to spend as much time outside as I can this season. I love reading on my back deck and watching the birds in the backyard; laughing at GB as she stares longingly out my bedroom window, doing her cat-chirp when a bird or squirrel catches her bright green eyes.

As I soak up more and more sun, I'm reminded of summer days long-past; photos of my brothers and I, dark tan with scraped elbows and knees, our bikes laid out in the front yard (who needs kickstands?). Playing on our monkey bars at the house in Maryland, the swing-set, jumping from the top of the play fort, we didn't care about our landings. Mom yelling at us, Danny on her hip, telling us to be careful. I think I got a concussion on that playset; knocked myself out and later wandered into the house, nose bleeding, not really knowing what was going on. Think I scared Dad to death.

Fireflies, ladybugs, frogs, earthworms. I've actually caught a few of each so far this summer. Carl thought I was crazy when I showed him a frog I had picked up. They like their chins rubbed.

And now, summer nights with friends, talking about our own adventures and stories "you wouldn't believe." Random dreams only a few would understand; our thoughts on life and books we've read. Boris Pasternak and Vladimir Nabokov, Nintendo and bike helmets and new car radiators; Shiner Bock and bike races, photographs and sudden downpours. Even scraped knees and elbows.

Adding to the Arsenal.

2007-07-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

1961 Canonet 19.

I'm taking it out this afternoon to shoot a test roll on my lunch break. It's clean, functions well, and I got it for cheap!

More information on Canon Rangefinders can be found here. They're a good, all around camera-- although this one weighs a ton and a half.

I also recently acquired a Polaroid SX-70 Model 3-- and broke it within 3 hours of having it. Because I'm a genius.

Hyperventilating.

2007-06-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

I can't breathe.

EDIT (and a bit of an explanation):

The Verve have been my favorite band since I was fifteen years old. It was the late nineties (ha) and britpop was at its peak; bands like Oasis, Blur, Travis, Manic Street Preachers, Kula Shaker, Stone Roses, Supergrass were all on top of their game, bringing new (and now, somewhat cliche) sounds to rock and/or roll.

Ashcroft, McCabe, Jones, and Salisbury (and Tong) were it for me. From their first single, All in the Mind, thru bootlegs of Voyager One and their Northern Soul days, and to their final epic escape of Urban Hymns and last release, Sonnet-- The Verve defined my teenage existence in a small town away from what seemed the world. My mother still reminds me, "I'm so glad you've widened your musical horizons since that 'verve' band."

Previous references to The Verve in Kate Space can be found here and here.

Let the Damage Begin.

Seattle: June 7-11, 2007.

2007-06-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

Chicago: May 11-13, 2007.

2007-06-25T10:59:00.000-04:00

Adding to my list.

2007-06-18T10:30:00.001-04:00

A while back, I published a list of things I'd like to do, but haven't; this is the update to that.

-Catch a tumble-weed
-Paint a house
-Survive a homecoming (going back to Oklahoma for xmas)
-Live more than 1,200 miles away from my parents
-Ride an airboat
-Live overseas
-Bake Grandma's apple cake
-Plant (and maintain) my own garden
-Bike a standard century

Things that will hopefully happen in the next five years:
-Hike the App Trail
-Volunteer for an AIDS foundation
-Work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
-Visit Africa; Africa is going to change the world

Slight Observations.

2007-06-07T10:41:00.000-04:00

Again, bullets.

- Summertime is officially here and I want to have a cookout in the coming weeks to celebrate. I may have to get some citronella candles.

- Bowling with Kian, Adrienne, and the AVT kids!

- Saw BRMC with Matt on Saturday. They are still one of my favorites and the new album is rockin'.

- Leaving for Seattle this evening to visit my BFF from high school; I haven't seen Josef since we graduated in 2001. We may have a moment in the airport this evening when he comes to get me. Tears may be involved. Just sayin'.

- Speaking of my trip, this morning I woke up a little late and in my half-asleep haze I locked myself out of the apartment. I gave my keys to Teki (she's cat-sitting) and forgot to leave my door open. Thankfully my neighbor has a spare set (especially since I still have to finish packing!).

- Last night John and I went to the Regional Air Guitar Championship at the 9:30 Club. Word to describe the experience? Amazing. Finished up at Ben's afterwards for good eats.

- It's also bike season. Although due to recent busy-ness, riding hasn't happened as oft as I would like, the summer's still young. Purchases include John's new (old) Raleigh Pursuit and I'm picking up an old Bianchi beater next week. Ah, Craigslist.

-Reads: I finished Dallas's book, Drive Like Hell, a few weeks ago. It was awesome and reminded me of home and stories my dad used to tell of Old Florida (the book is set in Georgia in the 1970s). Currently reading the third Harry Potter book, but will probably have to start the fourth at the airport this afternoon. I'm also planning on taking along Michael Chabon's new book, The Yiddish Policeman's Union. Chabon is my favorite author and I can't wait to crack into his newest novel. I'm sorry I missed him when he was in town a couple weeks ago.

Alligators...

2007-05-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

...cleaning up the world, one Burmese python at a time.

Currently.

2007-05-09T12:36:00.000-04:00

-Vitamin Water XXX (blueberry pomegranate) is my new love.

-Using Mom's old Pentax ME Super with slide film makes me feel like I'm living in the seventies; her Polaroid lands me in 1981. I'm thinking of buying a used Yashica from the camera shop. It's in good condition, but not as manual as I'd like it to be. ~~And I think Dad's Yashica lenses will work with it.~~ Dad's Yashica lenses are old, manual, and screw-mount and won't work with the newer Yashicas (post-1975). I'll see what I can dig up on future trips to used camera shops.

-Riding: Did 28 miles on Sunday, 10 mile quick ride last night with friends from work.

-Reading: Getting into Scott's book so much that I've had to put Dallas's down. I feel like a jerk.

-Writing: Trying. And I'm scared of applying to school.

-Music: BRMC, Jeff Tweedy, old Verve stuff, Pete Seeger, even some Bobs (Dylan, Schneider).

-Seeing Olivia in Chicago this weekend. I can't wait. Adventures are guaranteed (as are bright colors, giggling, and other outlets of silliness).

Reviews.

2007-05-09T12:06:00.000-04:00

I wasn't the only one slightly disappointed at the Blonde Redhead show the other night.

Much like going to the opera, a BR show is beautiful but not particularly fun. Hence the people leaning on the railing of 9:30’s balcony with their heads propped in their hands for the last couple songs, even though it wasn’t even midnight yet.

I left about 25 minutes into their set. I was bored and was running on two hours of sleep.

I enjoyed their opener Fields very much, actually. Their new album came out yesterday.

Photos (of plants).

2007-05-08T22:48:00.000-04:00

Adventure.

2007-04-29T20:12:00.000-04:00

Went on a walk through the Woodley Park area today.

Free-flow: Florida Edition.

2007-04-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

Went to Florida last weekend. To St. Pete to see my grandmother and my aunts. Did the usual St. Pete things, I mean, we're from there, so being a tourist isn't really an option. Helped with a crossword in her kitchen, had a glass of coke in one of the old Muppets glasses we used to fight over when we were kids. Opened the refrigerated pantry just to open it. She still makes her own peanut butter. Although the house has been redecorated a bit and the carpet's semi-new, it's still Grandma's house, still my Dad's house. Could even say it's still my house, since it's the only thing that's stayed the same my entire life. I think her grapefruit tree is dying-- but the pineapples are coming in fine; bananas, too. Helped get a branch off the roof. She needs a new tree for the front yard to keep the sun out of the house.

Spent time after time out on Pass-a-Grille. Taking that left turn on Gulf Boulevard and driving under the Don Cesar just like always. The Gulf was blue for me for the first time-- I'd never visited in the spring before. Didn't go near the water, are you kidding? It's April. The Gulf's not for swimming until at least July when it's as warm as bath water and the porpoises are out; you can see their fins crest the water just past the sandbar. I miss catching sand-dollars, live ones, and letting them tickle my palms; watching the coquinas dance in my hand; playing with dead jellyfish that have washed onto shore; stomping on the sand while walking in the water, warning the stingrays that you're coming; bobbing up and down with the waves as the tide rolls in; finding the catch of all catches: horseshoe crabs with their prehistoric armor and finicky legs.

Took a last minute right instead of going straight back to St. Pete one day. Headed out to Fort DeSoto. I think it was the first beach I'd ever been to, or at least that's where the pictures are from. We'd picnic there; less tourists. The current's so strong you can't swim, but the beach is quiet. I parked the car and walked over the dunes on the trail, straight out to the water and stuck my toes in. Freezing. Seagulls were flirting and playing in the surf; I always thought seagulls in Florida really do live the life. I got a sunburn over my left arm and chest on the way home. The sun can be brutal, especially when you're least expecting it.

When not at the beach this trip, visited our usual digs: Harvey's on 4th Street, John's Pass and Hubbard's out on Madeira, Rio's for Cuban sandwiches although he's changed the bread and they aren't as good anymore. I've never been to Florida without going to John's Pass for dinner. Times have changed though, instead of fishing cruises, folks are more interested in casino boats and Jetskis, parasailing and speedboats; dolphin-sighseeing with free beer after 5pm. At least the pelicans still zoom in thinking there's a fishing boat or two bringing in their catch. My family is from Old Florida, before Disneyworld and tacky souvenirs touting girls in bikinis and prideful debauchery. Is the Sponge Market still out at Tarpon Springs? Is the diving still good there? Dad showed me they put Rosewood back on the map after all these years. Cedar Key used to be his favorite place. He used to ride his bike down 30th Avenue and go fishing at Coffeepot Bayou. This is our Florida.

Went up to Ocala for a day to see my other grandmother, my aunt and my new cousins. It's kind of strange having babies in the family again. Nice to see my grandmother's paintings; touching things I used to play with when I was little. Photos of us as kids, of my Mom and her sisters as kids. The couch, the chair, seashells I used to look at as a child, but could now hold and touch as an adult. She had the tea set I gave her for Christmas set up in the kitchen; said she wanted to paint her bedroom in its blues and greens. Mimi always makes me think of the ocean. She grew up on Key West, her family's spent generation after generation there. Maybe the ocean makes people paint beautifully. My watercolours will never be like hers. Mom has one of her paintings of mangrove trees. Going to Mimi's makes me want the ocean. And I can't even swim.

Leaving Florida is always bittersweet. No matter how often you return, it's changed; it's changing. I just hope that I can remember all the stories my Dad's told me. So that I can remember, too.

There will always be more questions.

2007-04-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

BBC News | Americas | Washington diary: Virginia Shootings

All this happened, more or less.

2007-04-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

Kurt Vonnegut.

Vent.

2007-04-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

I don't believe it's a personality flaw to not want to go to graduate school.

That's one of the problems with going through an 'arts'-focused program; sometimes one doesn't need a degree to prove themselves, well, good.

I should just go back and get my biochem degree like I had decided in the first place.

Besides, lab goggles are schexy.

Make it this.

2007-04-02T23:10:00.000-04:00

"Take your intellectual life and make it this; immerse yourself, focus. And see what happens."

And so I am. I met with one of my mentors the other day-- I needed help and a push in the right direction; make myself a timeline and write and write. Read, too. Baby-stepping through case studies and nonfiction, old newspapers and interviews; wishing I was wearing galoshes as I wade knee-deep in history; filling up pages in my composition book slowly yet steadily-- reminding myself that the tortoise was the winner in that age-old tale.

Now I have the swimming pool wall from which to push off. Do I know how to swim? No. But I can tread water for as long as I can; maybe I'll even make it to the other side, towards the deep end.

Opening Day.

2007-04-02T11:27:00.001-04:00

There are 2,430 games in the regular season every year. Holy cow.

Let's play ball.

Mud.

2007-04-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

It's good for you.

April showers are coming.

First grade: Rescued by a neighbor because I got stuck in the mud in a construction site. Lost my shoes.
Second grade: Woods and creek behind our townhouse = fun laundry days for Mom.
Third grade: Mud-fight with all the neighborhood kids.
Fourth grade: Getting my younger brother to drink a "chocolate milk" and playing in the new school's construction site; did you know you can sled on mud?
Fifth grade: Soccer. Rain. Mud.

Earthworms, frogs, stained clothes, footprints through the house: Spring is here.

Routine.

2007-03-21T10:39:00.000-04:00

I have none. Or any that last more than a week.

OK, so brushing my teeth and margarita night don't count.

The point is, I hadn't been able to find my work badge since Friday. It's in a different pocket, bag, drawer, cubby-hole every day. The damn thing gets around. Found it in my rain coat two hours after I was supposed to leave for work today. Well, I left for work and was a stop down on the train when I realized I didn't have it. Again.

The same thing happens with my Metro card. I'm hopeless.

Oh, dear.

2007-03-13T10:01:00.000-04:00

I think 2007 will be the Year of the Show for me.

Add these to the upcoming list:

Mar 20: Pete Yorn (with Theresa)
Apr 7: Anti-Flag (with my youngest bruva)
Apr 10: Ben Folds (with Theresa)
Apr 13: Bob Schneider (with the usual suspects)
Apr 25: John Vanderslice (with my oldest bruva)
May 6: Blonde Redhead (solo)
May 16: Arctic Monkeys
Jun 2: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Note: Apr 19-23 I'll be in FLA, and May 11-13 I'll be in Chicago. Doing fun things.

Add Western Mass. for Memorial Day.

And is it bad that I'm thinking about going to Lollapalooza for my summer adventure?

It's here!

2007-03-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Belle & Sebastian's single, Jonathan David, is here!

Why is this record so important to me? While I was attending Tulane, I worked at their campus radio station, WTUL, and this single was a 'merit' run. A merit is something new, a song that should be on heavier rotation. I kinda cheated the system though; Jonathan David was the merit, but I always played one of it's B-sides, The Loneliness of the Middle Distance Runner. I played the song I loved and got my merit points.

And for the past six years, I've been whistling this tune to myself. Usually absent-mindedly.

Chicago.

2007-03-08T10:39:00.001-05:00

I'm visiting my friend Olivia in Chicago in May. And I get to go to this. I can't wait. I've never been to a big city with sky-scrapers before. Well, I guess London counts, but I never actually saw them because I stayed in Westminster.

Looptopia:

Premiering May 11, LOOPTOPIA will be America’s first dusk-to-dawn cultural and artistic spectacle showcasing the vibrancy and excitement of Chicago’s historic Loop neighborhood through musical and theatrical performances, unique shopping and dining opportunities, indoor programs, outdoor exhibitions, architectural tours, artistic installations and mesmerizing light displays.

Inspired by “White Night” events in Rome, Montreal and Paris, LOOPTOPIA will feature over 75 events staged throughout the Loop including museums, gardens, plazas, cultural halls, storefronts, theatres, night clubs, libraries, cinemas, restaurants, loading docks and alleyways.

LOOPTOPIA will literally transform the entire Loop into a sensory playground with cutting edge lighting and design elements that will immerse the Looptopia visitor in amazing sights and sounds.

LOOPTOPIA’s first-year footprint roughly extends from Wacker Drive to Congress Parkway and from Dearborn to Lake Michigan. We hope to add to this area in future years.

From a audience member perspective, LOOPTOPIA provides the opportunity to be inspired and awed by the talent of over 50 of Chicago’s cultural and artistic partners- all in one night. An additional 15-20 Loop retailers, entertainment venues and cultural centers will extend hours – in some cases until sunrise - with unique and energizing and amazing programming.

I can't wait.

Shows and Shows.

2007-03-07T20:57:00.000-05:00

Busy. Started off Friday night with The Thermals show at The Black Cat (photos in previous entry)...

Sunday night my brother and I saw the Scissor Sisters. The show was one of the best I've ever been to and seeing Jake, Ana Matronic, Babydaddy, Del Marquis and Paddy Boom in action was great:

Tuesday, my friend Kian and his friend Nick joined me for Badly Drawn Boy (aka Damon Gough). He's a brilliant song writer and I've been listening to his music since I was about 17, still in high school. It was a complete joy to finally see him live. Damon played most of his new album, Born in the U.K. and sang for over two and a half hours!

The Thermals at Black Cat

2007-03-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

Like Whoa.

2007-03-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

Rain Nightclub (Ballroom, if you will) = Huge Mason reunion

Haven't seen anyone in a while? Just drop on by there on a Thursday night, I guess.

Sometimes Fairfax really does feel like a small town...Last night was quite the blast from the past.

------
This is what I feel like when I'm at a bar:

This is what I feel like whenever I'm at a Club:

Mary -effing- Katherine Gallagher. Comfort zone: gone.

Congratulations, Scott!

2007-02-28T18:38:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Team Nabokov had the pleasure of attending the book-release party for Grand Avenues hosted by the ever-lovely Happy Booker. We welcomed many reunions with old pals from George Mason University's University Writing Center and former professors.

But of course, the evening was all for Scott.

Kate, BR, Theresa, and Scott.

I hope I can do this some day. I mean, for my own book that is.

We tried not to embarrass him (too much).

I Did It Again.

2007-02-28T18:18:00.000-05:00

The problem I have with Nick Hornby novels is that whenever I pick one up and start reading it, I can't for the life of me put it down. True for High Fidelity, About a Boy, and now A Long Way Down.

My reading list gets bumped again.

Tom and Katie.

2007-02-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

Just a slight observation made by T-bop. Hilarious.

Time to roll up my sleeves.

2007-02-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

Over the past two years, little known to some, I've continued researching and redesigning my Tulsa piece. Now, the real work begins. I've bought my super-pens and college-ruled composition books, found my Library of Congress Researcher's card, and I think I'm ready to get into the realm of putting together an actual piece of history. I'm also planning a trip to Oklahoma this winter to dive into the University of Tulsa's archives.

All I can say is, writing a book is hard. Writing nonfiction is harder.

I'll be hanging out after work at the LOC a couple times a week. Yay!

Note: If you're like me and have to write everything by hand and then compile and type it out, I highly recommend the PaperMate X-Tend retractable medium ballpoint pen. They allow me to write for hours without aching.

Redesign.

2007-02-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

Gave the Space, if you will, a facelift for its second anniversary.

Content. (maybe.)

2007-02-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

Riding home with all three of my brothers listening to Pete Yorn on a Friday night.

The next couple of years are going to be full of transitions and changes. The four of us have been all we've had our entire lives because we moved around so much. And it will happen again soon. My oldest brother is thinking about college in Florida, my middle brother is already out in Lexington attending VMI, the baby in the family will graduate high school in 2008. The world has different plans for each of us. We just have to wait and see.

Come this summer, the house my parents live in now will be the longest they've been in one place since before I was born. How long will they stay there? Unknown. But it's the house my brothers grew up in; three brothers over five years from childhood to near-adult and adulthood, and me, looking in from the outside. My home has always been that brick house on the edge of the world in Oklahoma; watching the storms bubble green and sweep in from the West, standing on my back porch leaning into the wind and allowing myself to let go and be held by it.

I look at my life and the places I've lived, things I've done, opportunities taken and wasted. I'm currently living in my twelfth place of residence (not counting school). I've lived in six states. I've met people that have changed my life; I still do. And for some reason, I keep asking for more.

Love, life, happiness (and my brothers): nothing more, nothing less.

Blatant Advertisement.

2007-02-14T20:44:00.000-05:00

Grand Avenues: The Story of the French Visionary who Designed Washington, D.C. is now available at your local bookstore. Written by the greatness that is Scott W. Berg, my professor and nonfiction mentor, Grand Avenues explores the life of Pierre L'Enfant and his Washington.

It was truly a pleasure to witness Scott's work from research to final project throughout my undergrad time at George Mason University, and I'm excited to finally have the final work-- nice paper choice, Random House, bravo-- in my possession!!!

Checked the Borders in Fairfax tonight with good friend T-Bop. They're right in the front with the new nonfiction releases. Ready. Go.

Upcoming.

2007-02-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

Feb 16: Lily Allen
Mar 4: Scissor Sisters
Mar 6: Badly Drawn Boy
Mar 10: Flogging Molly at Shamrock Fest
Mar 20: Pete Yorn
Apr 7: Anti-Flag

Apparently, I like going to shows.

The Problem with Dress Pants.

2007-02-05T23:08:00.000-05:00

Like most people in the Washington, DC area, I have to dress for work. I usually wear a pair of slacks, a collared shirt, and a cardigan, blazer, or another sweater. All mix and match, so I have plenty of combinations. I'm the most under-dressed person in my office because I don't wear a suit. Why don't I? Because suits are lame. No, not really. I don't wear suits because I bought them while I still had some college weight on, and now that it's gone, nothing fits. And I need to find a good tailor.

I wear pants because I do a lot of walking. I walk from the Metro station in Foggy Bottom to my office every day-- rain, snow, or deep freeze (like now). When it's warmer out, I walk from my apartment to the Metro station where I live, but the coldness has changed everything.

Dress pants are good for some things. They're oddly comfortable, easy to move around in, and they make your butt look good, but that's just my opinion.

But, dress pants also get wrinkled easily, they pick up all kinds of lint, and when it's cold outside, it's like you're running around in just your under-roos. The reason I hate dress pants the most? They have a normal waist or come up just below the waist, making whoever is wearing them, no matter how skinny or in-shape they are, look about three or four months pregnant.

And this is why I hate dressing up for work. No, I'm not expecting. But thanks for asking.

Readings.

2007-01-24T23:40:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Hamlet for the 80-zillionth time on the train this morning. It's one of my favorite pieces of literature.

I'm trying to finish Reading Lolita in Tehran, but the author is starting to annoy me.

I've also been reading Running with Scissors, but I don't quite find it as hysterical, or even funny for that matter, as the critics claim.

Since I finished Hamlet, I'm down to two books, which means I need a third. I know, reading three at a time is slightly insane, but it's what I do. Suggestions welcome.

Note: My backpack is a veritable bookmobile.

My life has turned into a series of bulleted lists.

2007-01-24T23:17:00.000-05:00

My trip to Columbus, GA:

Friday, January 12, 2007
• Caught a cab from work at 1pm
• Raining
• Checked in and ready for my 4:30 flight to Detroit by 1:35, brilliant
• Option to volunteer my seat for $300, but falls through
• Celebrity sightings: Question Mark Man that does the infomercials—he was wearing a bright red suit covered in yellow question marks, I wonder if this man has any normal clothing; Senator Debbie Stabenow (yes, I had to look her up) from Michigan
• Landed with ten minutes to get to my next flight; all well and good, except when you land at gate 5 and you take off from gate 49; grabbed an eight-dollar turkey sandwich on the way
• Flight to the ATL
• I need a drink; Bloody Mary mix: 83% of your daily sodium allowance
• Celebrity sightings: Bizarre from Eminem’s D12 on the flight to Atlanta with his posse…and their Louis Vuitton luggage…they sat ten rows behind me in Coach
• Couldn’t find the shuttle station at the airport; after a couple futile calls, got in touch with Nancy and she walked me through the directions
• Loading the shuttle van, one guy forgot to duck before boarding the van; I’m sure he may have gotten a concussion…and I really did try to hide my laughter
• 2 hour drive to Columbus with strangers
• Sigur Ros’ Taak album and somehow making it the soundtrack to my life
• Getting a big hug from Nancy when we pulled into the shuttle lot at Midnight; I’d have arrived an hour earlier had I driven down instead of flown.

Saturday, January 13, 2007
• Woke up and went to what seemed to be the World’s Longest Strip Mall
• Atlanta Bread Company for coffee and pastries (I had an apple danish….mmmm a Danish…like Hamlet)
• Stopped by AC Moore for some yarn and knitting needles; Nancy is my Guru
• Drove to Ft. Benning and got the tour; stopped at the PX and gawked at the cheapness
• Went to Boo’s Package store and bought some Abita beer (Abita Amber is one of my FAVORITES) and some Negra Modelo...along with some Blue Moon, Blue Springs (Atlanta local beer), Abita Purple Haze, and a few others I’ve forgotten
• Publix fried chicken and eating it on Nan’s back deck
• Spent the afternoon learning to knit and relaxing with one of my best friends
• Met up with some of Nan’s friends at Houlihan’s restaurant in downtown Columbus; long wait and a messed up order means free dinner and three free rounds of drinks; plus I’ve never laughed so much with strangers in my entire life…unless you count that one time at Mardi Gras—ha
• Playing Scene-It with the gang back at the house and drinking the previously purchased beer

Sunday, January 14, 2007
• Cup of tea in the morning
• Went to Ft. Benning again; drove through the Airborne school’s towers, etc.
• Had Sonic for lunch; first time at Sonic in four years: CHERRY LIMEADE and Cheddar Peppers, AND tots
• Took a nap after all that Sonic; Cherry limeades are another reason I should move back to the South
• Starbucks run and The Boondock Saints, which I had never seen—yeah, I know
• Trivial Pursuit and Mythbusters

Monday, January 15, 2007
• Leftover fried chicken and an Abita beer before I head to the airport
• Packed shuttle bus and Nancy waving goodbye
• Atlanta security/TSA lines are insane
• Trading flirtatious glances with fellow travelers
• Flight to Detroit delayed over an hour; have to rebook my flight to National (they still make me fly through Detroit)
• Watching CNN and wondering if the ice storm that’s sweeping the Midwest will mess up anything else that afternoon
• I need a drink; Cape Codder it is (Vodka and Cranberry)
• Get to Detroit in enough time to call my parents and realize that my plane was boarding
• Last flight to DC from Detroit
• Turbulent flight; you get that same feeling in your gut that you get doing jumps when you mountain bike…although landing’s different…and then you wonder if your parents and friends know what you want done when you die
• I need a drink; Bailey’s and Coffee—Flight Attendant: “That smells SO good…”
• Was on the Virginia-side of the plane when we landed
• Annoying woman panicking that she and her husband were at the wrong baggage claim (there are only two in our terminal) even though we’re all standing at the Northwest carousel and we’re all from the same flight
• $35 cab ride home
• And crash; up early for work the next day

When you spend the weekend with an old friend, you have nothing to prove, you don’t always have to be doing something, and you can just relax because you enjoy their company more than anything else.

Dirty, dirty South.

2007-01-09T15:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I'm boarding an airplane, connecting in Detroit, and landing in Atlanta, Georgia. Then I'm hoping a shuttle and riding to the Georgia/Alabama border to rescue my friend Nancy who lives near Ft. Benning in Columbus, GA.

Nancy and I have been friends since our second day at Tulane when we both started college there in 2001. We met in line for the River Boat cruise and haven't been able to get rid of each other since. I'm not taking too much credit, but I also introduced her to her now-husband. HA.

Looking forward to good times.