I'm so behind!

I went downtown three times last week. Once with Max on Tuesday, down to Hawthorne and then Pioneer Place for dinner, then the next day with Bridget to the same places. On Saturday my cousin Jessica, her boyfriend Bach, Max, and I all went down to OMSI to explore the fascinating world of science and the history of the Titanic. I considered myself done with downtown for at least a while.

Then my cousin Ray called me Monday night and asked if I could help him with something. His friend had two Japanese girls over at her house for awhile, and wanted to take them down to Portland to shop and see the “sights.” Seeing as both she and my cousin live in Vancouver, they wanted my expertise on TriMet and the city.

I agreed, those decided that no matter what I would not take them to Hawthorne!

Somehow it worked out that my mother and aunt (a.k.a. Ray’s mom) would also come along, and we’d all meet at the Vancouver Transit Center at 10:00.

For some reason Ray insisted on catching a different bus than I had suggested, and for an even stranger reason everyone agreed even though I was the only one who knew TriMet!!! So I watched my bus come and go at least six times before Ray’s bus arrived almost an hour later. -_-'

Once aboard I sat by Ray’s friend Halley. We talked about religion and I found we shared many of the same views. She was pretty cool; she was born in India and was then adopted here in the United States by a reverend and his wife. When I asked more about India, she grew very quiet so I quickly chained the subject and asked why she didn’t want a guide dog. Turns out she didn’t like dogs and wanted a “guide cat.” Ray didn't want a guide dog either, but I've been trying to convince him for the past 12 years.

We got off the bus and took the Japanese girls to the Nike Store. I’m not sure why, but all Asian exchange students seem to love that place. I wandered around the store, with Halley gently holding on my arm, and I explained to her and Ray how strange the Nike shoes looked. Halley agreed that the springs on the back probably couldn’t make you jump much higher.

I got myself a really cool bag for $15.00, and Kyoko got a Michael Jordan shirt for her brother back home. Then we went to the mall.

The girls found our love for coffee quite strange, and took off by themselves while we all went into Starbucks. Halley and I both got the same thing, but my cousin Ray just got hot chocolate. How lame. My mom and aunt seemed to be having a good time talking.

I liked Halley, though she was way into perfume and lotions.. basically anything that smelled good. I suggested she get a job at one of those aroma therapy places.

After two hours looking around the mall, I was getting pretty tired. We went back out to wait for the bus back to Vancouver when I started feeling bad. My mom assured me she could handle getting them all on the bus, so I decided to go off and take the 33 home alone.

My Schedual

School is only two weeks away! :-/

Class:	Teacher:
Journalism	Haker
Acting	Quinn
American Lit (2)	Jarmer
Pre Calc	Elliot
Psychology	Mobely
German 3-4	Smith
US History (3)	Owensby
Chemistry	Judy

I guess it's a pretty cool line of classes, but I'm a bit sad I had to drop Theature Managment for Journalism. I'd like to thank Max for the table. You can check out his schedual in the same format on his blog.

The Mafia Picnic

Well the picnic went off rather well and everyone seemed to have a good time! The Giant Spool Olympics turned out better than I expected they would; and as expected, our water balloon-toss quickly erupted into an full scale war. The afternoon was filled with epic battles, sneak attacks, and sweet revenge.

Our guests ranged from 8th grade to freshman in college, and at first I worried there might be a certain amount of seclusion between the groups. Although we lost three, antisocial persons early in the event, the rest mingled happily and ate the various food items set on the tables. It was an enjoyable social event.

The decorating contest produced many interesting works of art, along with the heavy scent of spray paint. Misters Reiter, Parmer, and Ebert proved to have the strangest design, and ended up wining second place. Though, I’m still not sure what the "medium-sized rock" thing was about.. and I guess I don’t really need to know.

It was a lot of work and planning, but definitely worth it!

If I Ride any Further my Guts Will Fall Out

Woke up tired, rode 10 miles. This time we left a little bit later and so, by the time we crossed the Steel Bridge, most of the hobos were already awake and reading their newspapers.

The remaining tents and objects still standing from The Bite were being taken down in an orderly fashion as I rode past.

I was definitely not as energetic as I had been on the last ride, and was happy to reach the end of it and head back home to rest. Or, at least, finally finish painting my room.

Max came over around 3:30 and we started watching Outfoxed. It was pretty good until the VCD went berserk and ceased to play. What could be done? We sat around aimlessly for a bit, wandered around the garden, and then my dad took us to the video store. Hooray!

So we ended up watching Hidalgo, a good movie, and eating some dinner.

Soon after finishing my hamburger I began to feel a bit nauseous and I had a great pain in my abdomen. It felt a little like cramps, but I didn’t think that was it. I rested on Max while we finished up the movie.

Tomorrow is the big Mafia picnic, I’m a little apprehensive. I hope it’s a success! Well, whatever happens I’m sure it will be fun. *knocks on wood*

On the Side Note of an Excellent Pun

Dave Matthews- "Oh"

The world is blowing up
The world is caving in
The world has lost her way again
But you are here with me
But you are here with me
Makes it ok

I hear you still talk to me
As if you're sitting in that dusty chair
Makes the hours easier to bare
I know despite the years alone
I'll always listen to you sing your sweet song
And if it's all the same to you

I love you oh so well
Like a kid loves candy and fresh snow
I love you oh so well
Enough to fill up heaven overflow and fill hell
Love you oh so well

And it's cold and darkness falls
It's as if you're in the next room so alive
I could swear I hear you singing to me

I love you oh so well
Like a kid loves candy and fresh snow
I love you oh so well
Enough to fill up heaven overflow and fill hell
Love you oh so well

The world is blowing up
The world is caving in
The world has lost her way again
But you are here with me
But you are here with me
Makes it ok
Oh girl you are singing to me still
Like a kid loves candy and fresh snow
I love you oh so well
Enough to fill up heaven overflow and fill hell
Love you oh so well


I woke up coughing, and still tired. My throat was sore and dry from the crap I had inhaled during last night’s concert, compliments of inconsiderate smokers. I hate cigarettes.

Max was coming around 12:30 today. I was excited, and passed the time by cleaning up all the mess still left from my cousin’s visit.

There was still time to wait, so I placed a cup of water in the fridge for when he arrived, and sat down to watch some of The Empire Strikes Back. It is my goal to see all the old (good) Star Wars movies this weekend.

The long expected doorbell! Hi Max! ^_^

We watched Pirates of the Caribbean and ate our favorite soup: Minestrone. At least, it’s my favorite. It was a great afternoon.

After we dropped him off, my mother suggested we run over to the mall and look for school clothes.

My shopping experience at Express was quickly ruined by a craaaazy sales guy.

"Need any help?"
"Nope! Thanks though."
"Looking for anything?"
"Not really, thanks."

He then insisted in helping me find things, but here’s the strangest part: I had already found a few pairs of pants I wanted to try on, and was holding them in my arms.

"Here, try this cut. I think it would go really good that shirt.." He took the pants from me, and handed me the pair he was talking about. Then he went away, and I was left holding the tan pants, with a confused expression on my face.

Wh.. what? Why did he take my pants away? I really liked those pants.. and it had taken me forever to find them in 8 Long. Screw this store, I’m out!

So much for that. My mother and I went to Sees and bought chocolate to ease our salesman stress. I did find a pair of jeans later, but I’m not sure if I want to keep them. They’re a bit ass-ish.

Well, it was still an overall good day.

Long Awaited Slice of Festivity

Today my cousins finally left the house and went far, far away. Ne'er to return... well, at least not until Christmas.

My ears took a while to become accustomed to our once-again silent household, free from little girls constantly singing Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, and West Side Story.

Not soon had I enjoyed my freedom when Diana told me we needed to head down to The Bite of Oregon at Waterfront Park to see some "Death Cab for Cutie" band.

Well.. I didn’t know what they sounded like, but I did like the sound of an event dedicated to food. So we hopped in the Bridget Mobile, Jennifer tagged along with us too, and went down to the Port Land!

In a short time, we were wandering down the sunny aisles of food booths, each offering a delectable variety of delicious foods.

We collected our share of free things, and were heading towards the main area when suddenly, I thought I heard a familiar sound. But the impassability of it made me continue walking, thinking no more of it.

Then I heard it again. A familiar guitar and keyboard combination I listened to only when I was sure no one else was around. Could it be? Was it? It was!

There, on a stage under a large tent, played a band with each of its members dressed like pirates. Yes, it was Captain Bogg and Salty’s somewhat famous pirate band. I had received their CD, "Bedtime Stories for Pirates," on my 16th birthday.

We sat down and listened to their entertaining, swashbuckling, tunes. Then I got to meet Captain Bogg! Wooooot.

Around 4:30 we ran into (well, not really. Although that would have been more fun) Cody, Alex, Scott, and, according to Diana, "Cody’s Sister." They had come over to The Bite after the Kerry Rally, about 500 feet away from where we were then. I looked around for Max, as he had also gone down to the rally this morning, but to no avail. I figured he had gone home after a long day in the sun.

It’s always hard to decide what to eat when there’s so many things to chose from, but I finally decided on some pizza, raspberry soda, and a slice of French apple pie.

Diana insisted on arriving an hour early to the concert area, and already there was a large group of people waiting around. She headed for the front, and I followed. If we got separated, I told her to meet back at this one bench. There was only one problem, Bridget hadn’t followed us into the crowd. I hoped she’d find us soon..

"Death Cab" wasn’t too great. In fact, they proceeded to play music that made me think of going to sleep. So I wandered out of the crowded stage area and sat sadly down in the grass. I looked up into the dimming summer sky, and wondered if I would ever find Bridget again..

I was about to give in to despair, when she suddenly came around the corner, spotted me, and sat down as well. We passed the hour or so of music by playing cards. I almost won!

The concert got over, and after a while we all found each other again. A dark Max ride back to the car, and we headed home.

"Not Boyfriend's" Concert

Today was refreshing; my first day in a long while where I had nothing planned. My brother went off to band practice, my sister to work, and my mom and I went out to pick up my paint.

After Kelsey got back she asked if I’d like to go to her "not boyfriend but I’m dating him’s" concert out at some Starbucks. I agreed on the condition I could bring Bridget. So it was all settled and we headed out to Tualatin and found the coffee shop tucked away in a corner.

The "not boyfriend’s" name happens to be Aaron Stewart and he’s actually really good!

All though, he looks a bit strange sometimes.



Mmm, coffee and banana bread: a fine dinner!



He’s singing!



"No really, we’re just dating."



"Nice music, great weather, good coffee."



This cute dog is an interesting cross between a corgy and a German shepherd. He seemed to like the music though, and his name was "Guthrie"



"Play Fraggle Rock!!! WOO! COFFEE!"



Awww.

Good times at the concert!

Somber Clouds and Sunlight

Ever since I was a very small child staring wide-eyed into the dark, I have been aware that there was something deep in my brain that could make me actually go crazy.

I soon learned there wasn’t much use in trying to explain it. It caused me to sleep walk fretfully, screaming when I thought about it too much. My mom didn’t understand why I was crying and freaking out so much. I didn’t want her to think I was crazy, so would lie and say I had a dream about Jason getting hit by a car.

After fourth grade or so my sleepwalking decreased and then stopped altogether. But I knew it wasn’t gone. One night I woke up out of breath and could suddenly picture what "it" was, though it didn’t make sense. Whenever I visualized it my forehead became very tense and I got very jittery and scared.

Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy it; and as a side effect it just made me even more curious as to what it was. However, seeing as I could never seem to successfully explain whatever it was, finding out about it was pretty much impossible.

So I resigned that one day I would probably think about it too much and end up going psychotic. Ah well, what can you do? Right now it just helps to rock back and forth with tucked knees. The boyfriend was right, it is fun.


In other news, I’m not sure if I’ll help out again at the Humane Society camp next summer. It’s okay, but after nine years of attending, with five of those years helping… I’m just not sure if I’m getting anything out of it. Is that selfish? I spend three weeks or so working and working.. but maybe they could do just as well without me. I’d rather just volunteer anyway.

Besides, the junior aides seem to get less mature each year. I seem to spend more time watching their behavior and not the fourth grader’s. No, let’s not hit each other with sticks. Thank you, please go back to watching over your campers. That is what you’re here for, right?

Sigh. I guess I have all year to think about it.

Well, only two more days this week. Then three days next week and I’m all done for the summer. Maybe a Newfoundland will come in…


Today was a long day, but the rain seems to make everything fresh and tomorrow feels like a Monday.

Don't get too many leg-less types 'round here..

I’ve always loved two types of mambas, the upbeat swaying across the dance floor and the deadly snake. Today I finally got to experience the second, a large green mamba!

The little kids stayed very still, leaning a bit away from it. "The Reptile Man" held it out on a long, curved stick; all five feet of it was shining a brilliant, bright green.

I had always loved watching it as a child on TV as it would lash out from branches and snatch birds in midair. Although it’s maximum speed of 13 mph seems slow, you get a bit worried watching it swipe towards the children in a small room.

After a time I found the pastel corn snake wrapped around my arm had fallen asleep. Or, at least, its eyes had been closed for a time. I really wished that, just once, I could hear a snake snoring…

Camp, again

I woke up too tired to remember my dreams, and all I wanted in life was to sleep for several more hours. The bitter memory of last night was evident in my headache that never went away.

My sister’s "not boyfriend" had come over around 10:30, just as I was preparing for bed. I was very tired and the next day was an early start for another week at the Humane Society. I muttered goodnight and shut the door, falling under the covers and hoping I would be 100% better in the morning.

Unfortunately, my walls possess the sound-proof qualities of cardboard and the conversation between my sister and "not boyfriend" terminated any chance of falling asleep. I prayed silently into my pillow, hoping the Hail Mary’s might either bring and end to their talking or at least knock me unconscious before I attempted strangling something.

Whatever happened first, I suddenly woke up too soon. I must have slept on my forehead for my bangs had been pressed flat over my eyes. The sheep dog appearance was somewhat suiting, and I headed out.

"I know a song!"
"That’s great, kid."
"I am going to sing it!"
"How about you sing it over there?"
"This is the song that never ends! Yes it goes on and on my friend!!! Some people started-"
"Nice. Sara has to go away now."
"I wanna come!!!!!"

It’s easier to break up a fence fight between two rotties than it is to keep a camp of 5th graders running smoothly. The little kids weren’t as bad as some of the "Junior Aids." *sigh*.. early teenagers with too much power…

So I went away from the kids for a time, and took out a little rabbit who’s previous owners had gotten a bit carried with the concept of "Pinkey". Poor thing, at least we got most of the dye out..

I'm feeling a bit dizzy..

The Flutag was very crowded yesterday; I’m sure the estimate that 11,000 people would show up was true, if not broken. We wandered about, looking for a place to sit down and watch. Max found a spot with a great view, but unfortunately the seats were vine covered rocks. We all got as "comfortable" as we could, and proceeded to watch some skydivers.

Well I’d have to say that after those gents flew down from the sunny sky.. it pretty much all went downhill. None of the "flying" devices went further than 35 feet, and it wasn’t as entertaining as I had thought it would be. Sure, it’s cool to see people falling, but I just wasn’t sure if it was worth the sore bum.

So we (Bridget, Jason, Max, and I) decided to head back up and out of the crowd. The sun was hot, and I couldn’t wait to reach the mall to use the restroom and get some more water. I had been trying to drink more water lately, but had only brought a bottle with me.

We got up to the crosswalk and I felt very strange. Everything seemed far away and dreamlike, I walked a bit faster. The seven or so blocks to the mall seemed so far. Maybe if I just sat down for a while. I couldn’t take my eyes off the nearby brick wall.. I sat, arms pressed against my lower stomach. I had such horrible cramps.

We tried getting into a Starbucks but it was closed.. all I really wanted to do was lie down in the shade and sleep. My head was light. I remember Max giving me water. Bridget had my purse. She was talking. It was probably something sensible.. she was always sensible. I was glad they were there.

I think we walked back down. It was at another crosswalk where my vision began to worry me. White dots were everywhere and with each step there seemed to be more white.

Then I was sitting in a chair. Max was upset. Bridget said something about the hotel bathrooms being closed. I felt very sick, and my cramps were killing me. I could have strangled a small school girl for some Pamprin right then. But the worst was how bad I felt for getting sick in the first place. There was nothing worse than seeing Max worried. I wondered where my brother was.

We walked through a rotating door. I didn’t remember coming in through it. We walked down the path and I felt very weak…

Suddenly some lady was yelling about a shoe. I looked up, Max was carrying me. I hoped I wasn’t too heavy. I realized my shoe was gone and looked behind. Bridget and Jason were there, one of them had the shoe. I closed my eyes again.

Then I was on a blue cot. A man was asking me questions but all I really wanted to do was sleep. I wondered where Max was. The man took my blood pressure and sprayed water in my face. Max was there. I told him it was okay, but he still looked very worried. Then my blood pressure was taken again. I didn’t listen to the man, I told him I had to go to the bathroom.

Max was holding my hand. There we outhouses. Bridget gave me my shoe. I looked down and tried to remember how the other one had fallen off.

I felt better after using the outhouse, but my body directed me to some shade. Even though I was pretty sure this was the worst I had ever felt, some part of my brain must have thought it was all very funny. I didn’t think I was making much sense.

I was very cold. Max and Bridget were putting water on me. I think I was smiling, though I wasn’t sure why. Bridget was being sensible again and calling my mom. I just wanted to stay lying down on Max, but I was glad Bridget was there.

Then I was going into the front seat of the car. I thought I must be dreaming, but I kept drinking water anyway. I didn’t want Max to leave…

I fell down on my bed. It was so cold. I piled on blankets and drank water before falling deeply asleep.