my photos and words

flying time

2009-06-28T22:25:00.002-06:00

Why hello! It's been awhile, no? And what has happened? This:

-work, back in Telluride. It's like I never left.
-rearranged my room, adding a couch, which resulted in an actual living area. MUCH better.
-lost my tan from Nicaragua. Damn.
-celebrated Bluegrass on the only fully sunny day since I've been back (except for today, which is promising).
-developed anxiety (see the first note, about work).

And there has been more, I imagine, although I'm drawing a blank at the moment. Oh, most importantly, I have ignored you! Sorry about that.

lovely leon

2009-05-19T21:38:00.003-06:00

Leon was lovely! I am too tired to write about it at the moment, so more on that later. But shown here in this photo is its claim to fame: the largest cathedral in Central America. Which I am now a bit tired of after editing all of my photos of it. I don't know why I felt the urge to take so many photos, since it looks the same in every single one. I got trigger happy I guess.

It was a cultural visit - we went to museums! Will talk more about that, as well as the amount of food I ingested in 26 hours, and our terrible experience with itching. Excited now, aren't you?

everywhere a bus

2009-05-19T21:06:00.006-06:00

I've touched lightly on traveling via the buses here in Nicaragua, but since it feels like it has consumed our lives the past week or so, I thought I'd expound on the subject and construct a list of a few non-obligatory but seemingly standard rules that I've recognized for being involved in the bus industry here:

1. Be sure to write in an extra large fancy font on the front windshield of your bus anything about God and how much you love him. Call him "senor" or whatever you like, as long as you have words to show your undying love and affection for him. Bonus: additional signage (icons and visuals are a plus) within the bus so the people inside can be enlightened as well.

2. Turn on any type of music you please at any level of volume you would like. Rap-style spanish preferred, but polka-like spanish is also accepted.

3. Hire a fellow bus-worker to hang out the open door while the bus is in motion to tout your bus route and yell the name of your destination in rhythmic style out the window over and over to any and every person who is standing on the street. (Our favorite: Masaya! Masaya! Accent on the final "a") Because clearly every passing person is a potentially additional passenger, which equals potentially additional money for you.

3a. Side note: This guy must be very agile and quick in order to jump off and on the bus repeatedly and to squeeze down the aisle between mushed bodies to collect the bus fares from everyone when the bus is packed.

3b. Side note #2: These guys actually help us when we get anywhere because they always ask where you are heading and then guide you to where you need to be. I like them, actually. I confess.

4. When you stop for gas, don't bother turning off the engine. Not dangerous at all. (apparently?)

5. Be nervous, because there is a lot of competition. I'm talking hundreds (more or less) of buses everywhere, everyday. Really quite amazing. And they are all full.

6. Offer your services to those who live along your travel route - you can quite easily pick up a packed lunch from someone along the way to be dropped off to their distant cousin who lives 10 blocks down.

6a. Along these lines, try to work on the travel route of where your family lives. Then they can hand you your very own packed lunch as you drive past.

7. Ignore the mass of vendors who walk the aisle of your bus selling things: food, DVD's, watches, batteries, drinks, etc and etc. They will be persistent to those on board, returning repeatedly and standing in front of them, repeating their product's name over and over. And over. So much so that they start to think they want to buy it. But they will exit your moving vehicle once you start to drive. They always manage to find their way back to their stall in the market.

That's all you need to know here! You're welcome for the advice.

leon is for eaters

2009-05-18T18:41:00.002-06:00

We are in Leon now for a few days. Got in this morning. Love it! It´s fabulous here. I just ate a very big meal served by a very big woman, which makes me nervous for what I just ingested, but I´m on vacation, so I´m pretty much over worrying about it now. Deep fried anything is delicious! Off to have a glass of the wonderful rum they make here (with Coke; I´m not that intense) to kill any bad stuff that may have been involved.

beach trip

2009-05-17T20:03:00.002-06:00

Today we took the kids to the lake, which they choose to call "the beach", which I guess it does resemble, but it is nowhere I would like to swim. There is a lot of trash and pollution around there since that's where all the streams of water and sewage funnels out, which leads me to wonder what is in the water, so I chose to be an observer rather than a swimmer. In this picture, one of the kids from our class is graciously posing with the white foam-like substance she brought back from the water. I think this foam is actually a relatively normal thing in the ocean (correct me if I'm wrong?), but this foam from the beach here seemed to last longer than usual. I don't know. Call me paranoid (since I am. I know) but it didn't look good to me.

Anyways, an enjoyable day in the heat where the kids went in the water for hours. Anita and I snacked on all of the food we bought. All in all, a success. It was my last day with the class, sadly. Tomorrow we are off to Leon, another town here in Nicaragua, since apparently we have run out of time to do everything we want to do. We are rushing so many things this week. Have to see it all! Stressed! So ambitious, that we are even thinking of another attempt at Masaya. I know. Crazy talk. This time though, we are going to have the lady who cleans the office come with us - she volunteered to help us and is the sweetest lady.

And now I will awkwardly end this post, since I don't know how else to. Concluding sentences are difficult. I was never good in English class.

another week in paradise

2009-05-16T15:18:00.005-06:00

And...I'm back. Ready to discuss what is one of the most special places. It is a beautiful island here called Isla de Ometepe, formed by two volcanos that create dramatic views from anywhere and everywhere you look. Amazing. Anyways, a brief rundown of the week in bullet point form, so I don't ramble on and on:

Hopped on the morning bus to Rivas, which was apparently rush hour. We had seats thank god, but it felt like the seats were smaller than ever, and unfortunately more people meant more sweaty armpits there to accompany us along the way.

Boarded the ferry for the island. A bit of a side-note: Anita and I are probably the two people in the world most prone to getting car/seasick, so we have been fearing this ride since we got to Nicaragua. I was most seasick before the boat even left the dock, and then, thanks to bad spanish-language music videos (I couldn't take my eyes off them!) and fear of death from toppling over with the waves, I forgot about being sea sick and we made it to the other side, sans vomit. Moral of the story? I'm pretty sure my seasickness is mostly mental. It should be called instead, "paranoia of being seasick." That's an ailment in itself, right?

Arrived at the beautiful island and took a taxi to Merida, where we were heading to stay.

Ometepe has BUMPY roads. I'm talking butt-numbing bumpy. For at least an hour of the ride. I am not exaggerrating at all when I say that this island is extremely undeveloped. Which is one of its main assets. Sooo...beautiful scenery along the way, and our first views of the volcanoes. So pretty. Can I stress that any more?

We arrived at our hostel which was along the lake and the most calm place in the world (pictured here). There is really nothing to do on this island except relax. No stores, nothing. So we were forced, happily, to just sit around, swim in the lake, lay in hammocks (but not for long though because I get seasick), watch the stunning nightly sunset, and read our books. Bliss.

Next day, a hike to a waterfall. And when I say hike, I mean a walk to the bottom of where the hike started, where we were kindly picked up by a couple with a car who drove us to as high as we could go in the car, which was about 45 minutes from the waterfall. They cut down our hike by a good two hours, bless them. They were god sent. Especially since it was completely uphill and rocky and in the sun. The waterfall was more like a wading pool, but no less magical. Anita sat on the rock where the water actually fell and said it felt amazing. I chose to only indulge my feet and wade.

Took a bumpy ride with that same couple down to the very south of the island, and shared the road only with locals (some on horseback), pigs, horses, dogs, cows, lots of wild animals. I want their simple life. Really I do.

Yikes this is going to be long. I am rambling like I had promised I wouldn't. Oh well.

Next day was the hike up the volcano! 1350 meters! Whatever that means in feet. I have been too lazy to figure it out. After countless warnings from people that the 7-8 hour round trip hike would be "the most difficult thing you will ever do in your life" (really? worse than childbirth? sorry Kelley and Leah, I'm sure it's not so bad) and that we "really shouldn't underestimate how hard it will be", we woke up after a nerve-wracking night ready to head out at 7am. We went with a group of people and two guides, and after an hour of a not-so-bad start, they informed us that it was at that point where the uphill would begin and it would continue for three straight hours. THREE HOURS. I clearly didn't believe them. But I was wrong. This uphill climb involved huge stairs made up of rocks, climbing up mud hills using your entire body...basically picture the movie King Kong. Very jungly. The guides barely broke a sweat in their 20 year old, torn apart shoes. Yeah, they do it about three times per week. No biggie. At the top we were greeted by a solitary mouse (weird, right? we think he wanted our cheese sandwiches) and a view of the crater lake, made visible when the wind carried the clouds away. Oh and by the way, we were completely beat by a mother-daughter pair who passed us while we were on our way up. The mom was probably about 60 years old. She put us to shame.

Next came the worst part of the hike - the downhill - which I thought would never end and that my kness would fall off before I reached our hostel. Either that or that my feet would never stop moving. It was hell. Luckily my knees didn't fall off and we were able to stop, and we got back, laid on our room's cement floor, and reminisced on how it really wasn't that bad. Ha. Or so we tell ourselves now.

Next day, we stayed at another part of the island where there is a beach, and went to the Ojo de Agua, which was a clear pool made up of spring water from the volcanos. This was heaven. In a nutshell. I'm serious. The nice Nicaraguan guy working there, Byron, talked American baseball with me, politics with Anita, and made us ashtrays out of soda cans. He was nice.

And the next day sadly was our last. It took an all day trip to get back to Granada, and we hung out with a nice Dutch (again!) couple who had gone on the hike up the volcano with us who we loved. And we discovered how hard we are to please since we were able to find so many annoying people at our hostel while we were staying there. Friendly backpackers we are not. People can be so weird. We'd rather just stay to ourselves. Ourselves and the Dutch couple, that is.

Now we are back and I leave on Friday! Weird! Where has this trip gone?

ometepe

2009-05-16T08:44:00.003-06:00

This is the volcano we climbed! The big thing in the background. And I worry it doesn't look as hard as it really was. But I swear, hard stuff. Will talk more about our trip later after we finish up classes today, but I wanted to post something quickly since it's been awhile. Stay tuned.

the lowdown

2009-05-09T21:23:00.007-06:00

The kids are so freaking cute. We have a new kid in our class today who is just adorable. Anita and I can't get over it. He wore all green and you kind of just want to put him in your pocket and take him home with you. Anyways, this photo is not of him, not meaning that Alejandro here isn't cute, it's just that this other little boy is just unbelievably cute. Anyways, enough of the word "cute".

After I got a question about the program here, I figured it would be a good idea to kind of explain things better about the organization we are working with because I don't believe I ever tried. So...the organization's main focus is tutoring kids after school to help them with their studies. There is a sponsorship aspect to it, as they seek donors to sponsor certain kids, and the donors essentially pay for their education since these kids' families don't have the money to do so. It's really sad, the level of poverty they live in. They are so cheerful so it's easy to forget the things they don't and can't experience because of their lack of money.

As for the photo classes we are doing, that is an extra component to the tutoring that goes on. It isn't as constant throughout the year, as there have been I believe only a few workshops before ours with visitors/volunteers, and the lady who runs the organization has done a few workshops herself and started the idea. It is great, since it gives kids something more creative to do and helps to encourage them to continue on with the tutoring program since apparently some of them lose motivation or have other commitments like work and drop out of school and the program.

And I'm not positive how each kid gets chosen to be with the organization, but I believe it is in fact a bit of a selection process since they don't have enough facilities for all of the kids, obviously, but they are all from a neighboring barrio, so I imagine it has to do with teachers' recommendations and word of mouth.

As for cameras, all 9 of them have been donated by people for the kids to use - they are the basic little digital cameras. So we are mainly teaching them the creative, compositional side of photography, and less on the technical side. Especially since I have to keep remembering they are all between the ages of 11 and 12. Still a bit young to get too technical, especially when many are still learning to read.

So that's the lowdown on that. Today we endured maybe the hottest day of my life and spent the morning with the class, then we took them down to the market to take photos and after we went to the baseball game but this time only took pictures - didn't play. This was beacuse we had zero energy and I couldn't even imagine putting on one of those smelly gloves since it would limit the amount of fresh air that could reach my body. I'll take fresh air anywhere. I am forgetting to mention the highlight of the day (sarcasm at its best)when we had returned mid-day to the office after our long morning, and the electricty wasn't working, so again, no fans. We pulled out the rocking chairs and sat outside with our soaked towels draped over our bodies. Like old grandmas on a hot summer day. That's us.

Off to bed and no, I will NOT be taking a shower tonight since we have had no water. All day. After so much sweating and heat, no fresh shower. I am off to jump in a puddle.

encounters

2009-05-07T21:11:00.004-06:00

Here's the San Juan del Sur beach. Note the adorable dog in the bottom who was tanning himself in the sunset. And napping.

Also on this beach we encountered:

An old lady, not wearing enough supportive clothing, going for an early morning jog with 5 dogs on leashes and a parrot resting on her arm. Crazy? Or talented to be able to juggle all of those animals while exercising? You decide.

An old man who apparently is the town drunk/homeless guy, having a snooze. He made many appearances during our stay actually: once asking if we were going to finish our food at the market since he wanted to generously finish it for us, and once letting Anita know that she had a "very pretty face".

beach trip

2009-05-07T21:06:00.002-06:00

We're back from a trip to the coast - a very exciting trip as it is Anita's first time seeing the Pacific Ocean! We think, that is. As we are geographically challenged and are not sure of some locations where she's been in the water, which I'm too embarrassed to ask about, so we'll just go with the idea that it was her first time. And she loved it! As did I. The water was so warm, it was like a bath.

Anyways, to start, we took the fun chicken bus to get there, and we learned a valuable lesson. Sit in the front of the bus. We made this promise to ourselves after arriving in San Juan with sore butts and mild cases of car sickness. Plus on the second bus we had to take, we stood in the back, thinking it would be just a quick trip and to kindly let our fellow passengers enjoy the seats (we are thoughtful people), only to get cramped into the corner by bags of food and supplies, and ladies who decided to get comfortable and stand in our very valuable personal space, directly underneath my armpit and where Anita's left foot should go. You would think that the presence of my armpit would be enough to make someone move (trust me, it should be), but apparently for this lady it wasn't. I may not smell as bad as I think I do. Anita woke up the next day with one sore leg.

But alas we arrived in the small town of San Juan del Sur, and it was so cute. We had heard many compaints that it is a touristy, overpriced beach town, which it was, but it was still so cute! I loved it. And I think I want to live in a beach town. Everyone is so relaxed. And the water is so nice. Just so refreshing. Especially after the heat of Granada, since there was a wonderful breeze through town.

We situated ourselves, and then that night met up with a friend of a girl I work with who lives down there. He does fishing tours and rents out property, and it was interesting to talk with someone who lives there and can have some more insight into the town. Basically, it's Telluride in Nicaragua. A small town, tourists discovered it, realtors came in and drove up the prices, and now there are more realtors than locals (or so it seems) and no one is buying. What do you do. We had drinks and food up at this gorgeous resort where you look out over the ocean and watch the sun set, and it was a nice introduction to things.

The next day we headed off to some neighboring beaches, and they were gorgeous. Totally uncrowded, and we ended up all by ourselves where we decided to camp out for the day. It was hot as hell, but we found a shady spot to bring relief to our tanning process, and read our books and enjoyed ourselves, not doing anything really. Not much thinking going on with me, just focused on tanning and having an empty brain, both of which come naturally to me. We came home to realize we were more red than tan, which was not the best surprise, especially since it elevated our inner temperature about 10 degrees, making for a hot night sleep. Oh and also, being in San Juan enabled us to take showers in the morning (hooray for non-stop water!) but apparently they encounter the problem of electricity being turned off sporadically. Wonderful! Which you wouldn't think would be too much of a problem except when you realize that fans need electricity. Yes, they do, I can assure you.

The next day was a day of relaxing. And watching European soccer/football. Yay Barcelona! Otherwise we wandered around, had lunch at the market which had amazing local food (We are getting our nutrients! We ate fish there! Protein at last!), and went for a hike up to see Jesus. Not the real guy, sadly, but a statue of him that overlooks the town from a mountain. Pretty cool. He meant business. There we encountered a family from Ohio who I am quite positive are in the dictionary under the listing for "American tourists". They did such charming things as refer to the Nicaraguan cordoba as "not real money" and ignore the girl who worked at the gate when she spoke to them since they didn't know a word of spanish. The father wore a shirt telling the world that he loves Alaska and the mother informed Anita, when she told them she was from Spain, that she too had a t-shirt that said Spain on it. Great folks. The hike was also entertaining since on the way, you get to see the monstrosities that foreigners have constructed there. I'm talking Mediterranean villas with infinity pools at every place. I think I'm just jealous.

So now we are back in Granada, where, only AFTER our walk home with heavy bags, it seems to be getting a bit cooler. As in, it may now be 93 degrees instead of 95. We're getting somewhere. Tomorrow is our day of planning for this weekend's class, which takes a long time when you put it off all day, doing other unimportant stuff and procrastinating. I'm good at that.

telepizza

2009-05-02T20:11:00.003-06:00

Just a little interesting tidbit - we had pizza delivered to us tonight! Pretty cool, right? We don't even have a street address (there are no numbers here for houses, just street names and a general description in terms of how many blocks away from something you are) but they made it! And it was delicious. We splurged and payed a whopping $1.50 for the actual delivery. After a big baseball practice (where the ball twice went directly between my legs and under my glove into the outfield - not embarrassing at all) and a day of walking aroud with eight kids taking photos in the blistering sun, we definitely deserved it.

early class

2009-05-02T20:07:00.003-06:00

While I am all for enthusiasm, there is a point where one should tone it down.

I found that out this morning when we were getting ready for our class, which starts at NINE AM and the first student showed up at 7:30am. That's right, 7:30am. We had just woken up! Anita told him, half asleep and in her pajamas, that the class doesn't start until 9am and that he needed to come back later. However, the other 6 that were there today showed up at, oh, around 7:45am and said that they would just wait outside, thinking surely we wouldn't just make them wait outside. But being the ever-disciplined person that I am (some may just call me anal, I just say I'm being professional), I made them stay outside until 8:45am so that they learned their lesson. I did feel bad though when they found a mango while they were waiting and brought it to us. I'm mean. I know.

Punctuality! It isn't just about not being late apparently!

deep thoughts

2009-05-01T16:28:00.002-06:00

A few more things about life here that may be interesting, or may not.

But first, a thought from my awesome travel partner, Anita, that I think is genius: For those here, and anywhere really, who think that we, as tourists, may be stupid, inexperienced, out of place, (i.e. the girl in the market who laughed at us (see previous post)), we would like to drop you off in the subway station at Times Square during rush hour and see how you do. Good luck with that. Let's talk again after, when you've figured that one out. Thanks.

I'm still not understanding anyone here, but I've begun to blame it on the fact that they don't pronounce there "s" here and that they have a very strong Nicaraguan accent. And then I feel better.

Oh and by the way, many people, including us before we arrived, would think that the men here would be aggressive toward women because of the Latin men stereotype, that they would be hollering at us, whistling, etc. but you would be quite surprised. Most times they don't even look! It's great! We have concluded that it is worse in New York City and Madrid. The worst for sure is Italy, but Nicaragua, not so bad. (That one is for you dad!)

Something odd - we met 5 Dutch people in our first week here. That's a lot right? And last night was the Orange party at the Dutch-owned hotel run by a guy we know here, and there were tons more. For such a small country, this seems strange to me. PS. For an interesting story, check out what happened yesterday for Orange Day in Holland. Crazy and sad stuff.

It's Labor Day here! Happy May Day!

never ending days

2009-05-01T15:52:00.003-06:00

So since we wake up at 6am, the days just seem so freaking long. Since this is unusual for me to be up so early, I'm not sure if this is common for early risers, but good lord, when 6pm hits, I feel like it's time for bed.

And a few days ago, we truly had one of the longest days since we've been here - in a not-so-good way, but we made the best of it.

We decided to do a trip up to Masaya, known to be touristy, but the place you go to buy souvenirs since it is known for its huge market with crafts, hammocks, etc. I was thinking how great it would be to get some gifts, get something for myself, see other tourists around since there aren't many here. Sounds pleasant.

So we hopped on a bus to get there, which drove us to what seemed like a huge dirt field filled with masses of dust, trash, locals and other buses. We got off and it was so hot - just so hot. The heat cannot be conveyed in words. And no tourists. Which we thought was odd. But we headed into the market that was right there and were immediately overwhelmed. It had so much junk like shoes, clothes, bath products, food with flies buzzing around it, all totally local stuff. And we were the ONLY gringos there. We were so confused, so hot, so lost, since it was a maze of alleyways and everything looked the same. I swear they all sell the same stuff and could make life easier if they condensed a bit. But anyways, we were made fun of by a girl who was working there, and thank god for Anita who could understand and give a piece of her mind right back at her. We spent the next 20 minutes trying to figure out where we were and how it all went so wrong, all while inhaling smells that I swear shouldn't be allowed and getting more and more frustrated. We couldn't pull out our guide book because we would have looked even more out of place, and everyone was just moving so fast. So fast! We bought a Coke, looked at each other, and realized we were both thinking the same, that we should get back on the bus and go home. We failed. And we had no energy to figure it out. We got on the bus, pulled out our peanut butter sandwiches and had a good laugh about it all, at just how pathetic we were in the whole situation. We were so overwhelmed with the culture shock that we had to balance it out by going back and watching the European soccer tournament at a bar and drinking. I had two drinks and felt MUCH better. I think at this point it was only noon too, and the sun was just starting to beat down. God, just terrible. But drinks do help. Yes indeed.

All in all, another day with lessons learned. We realized later on that we were at the wrong market - there are two and we went to the local one. Duh. Good to know. Perhaps we will give it another go, perhaps not. So no one should expect any gifts from Masaya.

And PS: This photo is definitely NOT Masaya. It's Granada.

a change in temperature

2009-05-01T15:27:00.003-06:00

Yes, your eyes are not fooling you, that is Anita wearing a winter hat. The reason being that we hiked a volcano yesterday morning and the temperature there was 60 degrees, a drop from the 100 degree temps in Granada. We did not come prepared, as no one really warned us about this dramatic change, but thankfully our guide had extra clothing for himself that he selflessly shared with us. I had on a huge XL sized red long-sleeved shirt. So yes, this was our trip up to Mombacho Volcano, a quick trip since the volcano hovers right over the city. It was so great to be cold! I made sure not to complain too much about it, since as soon as we returned to the city, we were bombarded again by the heat and wanted to turn around and go back.

On this hike, we saw such botanical wonders as the plant smoked by indigenous people to cause abortions, the plant used in Viagra, and the "sensitive" plant that wilts when you touch it and stays that way for a few hours until it feels better about itself. Our guide also informed us that on the volcano is a plant that gets you high as well as a plant used to induce diarrhea. Who knew! You can take care of quite a few things on Mombacho. We debated bringing some of the stuff back with us to start a new business in the states, but then thought that perhaps we'd run into some problems at customs, so we decided against it.

granada

2009-04-27T20:26:00.005-06:00

Here is a photo to give you a sense of what the city of Granada looks like, architecturally, but to get a real, personal sense, imagine a layer of sweat on your body, lots of heat, stray dogs at your feet, etc. And there you have it.

Anyways, a bit of notes on life so far:

It's expensive here! Well, not expensive of course, but not as cheap as one would think it would be, and definitely not relative to the level of the economy here. Granada is supposed to be more expensive than other Nicaraguan cities, but they all are apparently pricier than one would expect. Or at least what I had expected. For instance, at restaurants, we are spending sometimes close to what we would spend in the US. Damn tourists.

We were fortunate to make friends with a scorpion the first night we arrived, after we were alerted in the middle of the night by the barking dog we are watching. I was too tired to be scared so we got the broom, slammed it down onto he scorpion and killed it (I think). Funny how ballsy a lack of sleep will make you.

Not to brag, but we played baseball the other day and I hit a home run and our team won. Ok, so we were playing a team of 10 year olds, but that doesn't take away from the glory I felt at the time and still feel now. It was so much fun - baseball is huge here and we played on a trash-filled, dirt field in the barrio with some kids from our school. We're totally locals. Big props to Anita for running full force into the field of garbage to get the ball that was overthrown to her. I've never seen such dedication.

Our body clocks have adjusted nicely as we now go to sleep at 9pm at the latest and wake up at 6am. It's impossible to sleep past that time, due to heat, the fully-risen sun and barking dogs. Who knew I was such a grandma. Actually, I did know that. So. Pathetically, life as usual - no change there.

The best part of the day - showering. Which happens only at certain times of day because they turn the water off in the morning after 6am, more or less, and don't turn it back on until about 3pm-ish. It does two things: makes a good excuse for not doing the dishes after breakfast, and makes you that much more excited for your shower at night. Honestly, it's the highlight of our day after being out all day. Although I feel bad for anyone who has to smell me until then.

Another adjustment here: our lack of nutrient intake. Due to our volunteering budget, we are trying to save money on food, which lead us last week to a nightly cuisine of pasta, and this week we have moved up in the world to dinners of rice and beans, which are actually delicious when you add a few spices and olive oil and eat it with tortilla chips. Oh and by the way - we got the beans for 25 cents at a local little store behind someone's home. A find, right?

That's it for now. I don't want to overwhelm you with our stories all at once, so more to come later. Plus more photos. You can see what I've got so far on my flickr site which I'll be adding as I take them.

Gotta go take my shower now!

clase

2009-04-27T20:05:00.002-06:00

Our classroom! Pretty impressive, if I do say so myself, that Anita and I got all this stuff set up in our makeshift classroom. In this photo the kids hadn't arrived yet, clearly, but you can imagine 8 kids, very attentive, ecstatic to be there, hanging on to every word we say...you get the picture.

perros

2009-04-25T13:19:00.003-06:00

Sooo....apparently dogs and I don't get along in this country.

This dog in the photo? Hated me. Right after what you see here in the photo, it aggressively barked at me, and it's friends came out and barked at us and chased us off. I pictured an Alfred Hitchcock "The Birds" moment, but instead of birds, with dogs. I swear it felt like there were 20 that were coming after us.

Also, we are living with a dog who annoys me. Which is weird, because dogs almost always don't annoy me. I don't even want to pet it! I'm kind of mean to it!

What's happening here - I like kids and I don't like dogs! It's opposite day.

nica vida

2009-04-25T13:01:00.004-06:00

Hola de Nicaragua! That's a demonstration of the level of spanish that I can speak, apparently. I know I like to brag about having my minor in spanish at BU, but apparently I've forgotten most everything that I learned. Oh well. It's coming back to me little by little, but I'm sure people are getting sick of my usual response of a blank stare when they speak to me. I can get my words out relatively well (meaning, in broken spanish) but when it comes to understanding, it's not so easy. I knew I should have litsened more to those spanish podcasts before I left! Dammit!

But alas, here we are, and I'm writing after having just finished our first class of photography. How it works is that Anita and I will be teaching a group of nine kids on the weekends. We went into it without knowing too much, so it came as a sort of surprise when we found out we would be the actual teachers, doing it by ourselves (considering my lack of teaching experience and my hesitation towards actually liking children), but it was actually really fun, I have to say. I'm growing up! The kids are so sweet, they learned to speak slowly with me, and we had a nice adventure out into the barrio where we all took portraits of each other. The kids are really into it, which is great for us. Makes our lives easier. And the people are so friendly and warm towards everyone.

Anyways, backing up a bit...we arrived on Sunday to hot hot weather. It's not as horrible and humid as I had prepared myself for (which is my tactic - always prepare for the worst and you will never be disappointed. And yes, I do realize that makes me a negative person. Oh well.) but it is definitely very very hot. We met with the lady in charge of the organization, she brought us into the city where we had a nice dinner outdoors with some of her friends here, and got a taste of what it's like. Granada a lovely little city (more like a big town really) with colorful one-story buildings and lots of happy people. Everyone is out and about, not dying of the heat, apparently. We will have to learn their secrets.

We spent the week orienting ourselves, having coffee and meals at the cafes, wandering the town, and we took a quick one day trip to Laguna de Apoyo (which is what this photo shows - it's a crater of a volcano that has become a lake. Or something like that). It's a beautiful spot known as the place people go to have a break from the city and escape the heat and it was definitely that. Until, that is, we took the ascending 3 hour hike, that took way longer than that (I am not in shape I guess?), in a forest of trees that blocked ALL wind, creating a cocoon of heat and mugginess, if you will. It was an uphill battle to the top, and I found out that there is someone in this world who sweats more than me, and that person is Anita. And she is proud to admit it. Although not happy about it, as we both ended up with wet clothes and lots of dirty sweat once we reached the top (you're welcome for the visual). But oh well. I am actually quite proud of us and our adaptation to the constant sweat and heat. Or rather, we haven't adapted, we just try to ignore it. Therefore I will stop talking about it to forget about it right now, as I am sweating profusely and I stink terribly. But moving along...

Anyways, much to catch up on and I think I will write in small doses so I will be back in a bit with more anecdotes. As always with traveling there are some funny things to report. So get excited and stay tuned. Well, not that exciting. But will be worthwhile to read, I think. Ahhh so much pressure now.

en route

2009-04-19T06:34:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a month since I've posted and I'm not going to give excuses again, or say that it won't happen again, because clearly it will, so I'll just dive into things. I'm at the Miami airport right now, finished with a red-eye (never fun, especially with a screaming baby and turbulence) and meeting up with Anita here before boarding our flight to Nicaragua. But first, a few observations of the Miami airport:

No moving walkways. What? My bag is heavy and I just had to trek across the whole airport. I am a lazy American and feel I deserve one in every American airport!

Lots of spanish speakers. I feel that if I was more delirious than what I am after barely any sleep, I may think I was already in Nicaragua.

Lack of Starbucks. All I want is my coffee and it seems all there is are only au bon pains and weird cafeteria breakfast places. Don't despair - I did find one, but again, this is America - wouldn't there be Starbucks' everywhere? I feel like I'm already in a different country.

Anyways, next I'll be writing from Nicaragua. Hopefully not too hot, despite the 97 degree constant weather I've been seeing on weather.com. And hopefully a bit less nervous about the whole language barrier. I'm counting on the fact that it will all come back to me. Right?

(PS. Please excuse my grumpiness. Most likely it is due to my lack of sleep)

Until then!

ideas

2009-03-23T15:17:00.002-06:00

It's a snowy yet gross day, due to the fact that it has been sunny and warm for weeks and everything is melted and dirty, and the snow today unfortunately is not helping enough to cover up the ugliness. So I thought I'd put up this Thailand photo to remind me of better weather times.

I'm at work, the job I despise as a concierge, therefore I am thinking. Thinking a lot. And I am enlisting you for help. I realize that I want to work only for myself. That way I don't get annoyed at people who are incapable of doing a good job and I only have myself to depend on. I just need to think of what I want to create. I'd like it to incorporate photography. But I want to do my own business, be it creating some sort of craft and selling it, creating a service for people to use, lord knows. But if you have any ideas as to what would make your life easier that you have been waiting for someone to come up with, please share. Maybe I can help. I am all ears.

Otherwise I am going completely stir crazy. I need to stop this six day work week as I need at least two days off where I can relax. I have learned my lesson. One day off per week is not enough because you inevitably spend that day worrying you aren't doing everything you need to do and trying to get all your fun in on one day combined with your errands you need to do, therefore not relaxing one bit. Sigh. I'd like to also take a road trip of some sort that gets me beyond Montrose and its Target and DMV. That is not a whole lot of fun. But soon...off season and Nicaragua. I can make it!

sneak preview

2009-03-19T22:37:00.004-06:00

Tonight was a great night. For 2 reasons.

1. We hosted an event here for the film festival that has been on my mind for months now, has stressed me out the past few weeks, and eventually it snuck up on me and before I knew it, tonight it was to happen. A lesson I learned is that I am not, nor do I want to be, an event planner. I mean, let's talk about it. RSVP's. It is on the invitation for a reason. Just let me know! Don't make me contact you repeatedly to get an answer. This was necessary because part of the event was a movie at our theatre here, which only seats 185. Considering we sent invitations out to over 200 people and I hand delivered about 80, I spent the past few weeks concerned we would oversell it. Anyways, 130 responses later, and only 80 people come. You just can never know I guess. Hence why I don't like planning events. But it was a great night - everyone was really happy, the reception afterward went well, the people were so friendly, and it left me with a warm happy feeling that makes me happy about my job. Something to remember when I start complaining about it in a few weeks.

2. The film we saw was amazing!! I can't explain how much I liked it. Since I was working as everyone was coming in, I creeped in as it was starting, sat in the back corner and laughed out loud all by myself. I couldn't help it! It's going to be released in July - our director saw it at Sundance and loved it, so she had it brought here for this event, and everyone here loved it too. It's called 500 Days of Summer, and I highly recommend that you all see it when it is released. It's a romantic comedy that is intelligent, quirky and unexpected. The actual film was a surprise for everyone (including me) until the film started rolling in the theatre, which made it that much more exciting. Suspense is a good thing, I am learning. Check out the trailer for it here.

Oh and I forgot there is a third reason why tonight was amazing - I got to take a box full of chocolates home that were leftover from the reception. A highlight indeed. My painful sugar headache I am feeling at the moment is well worth it.

muddy mess

2009-03-17T13:50:00.002-06:00

Someone got into some mud the other day. And was quite happy about it. Although her mother was not.

let's play ball

2009-03-10T22:16:00.003-06:00

Nothing like a good game of catch with Charlotte using snowballs as the object to catch. The game never ends! The snowballs are everywhere!

Note: the game seen here is being played in the pond in town park that snows over in the winter. Everything was fine that day. However - after over a week of sun and no snow, it has returned to being a slushy pond beneath the snow. Which I found out the other day after finding myself and Charlotte knee deep in dirty water. Lovely. My shoes, after laying them on the heater to dry overnight, are about a size too small.

move in ready

2009-03-03T22:30:00.003-07:00

Cute house, right? Modest, simple, basic...and $6.9 million. Still want it? By the way: no yard, no covered garage, small downstairs bedrooms with windows more like air shafts. Sigh.

Or, if that's too much money, feel free to check out this one. It needs a "major remodel" but is priced low, at $1.495 million.

Gotta love this town's realtors. Really helping the average local people to afford a place in this town. Although I do like one - the one who let me take photos of this listing.

film releases

2009-02-27T08:42:00.002-07:00

It's been kinda cool to see the films screened back at the Film Festival being released gradually to the public and to read how they do and if people liked them. I just saw a review for the film Gomorrah which was one of the more disturbing ones I saw but I liked it, so I guess the brutality was worth it. Other people like it too! And all the Slumdog success is pretty cool. A lot of people like to talk about how they saw it first while it was here, because apparently watching movies can be a competition. Did you know?

super saturdays

2009-02-21T08:39:00.005-07:00

I don't have many new photos so I'm using another of the old slides from photographs taken by my grandfather (And dad I'm still scanning! Slowly, but surely they will be done!). This is a view of Diamond Head from an airplane window. (duh)

So as I don't have any real interesting stories, this will be a scattered posting but I thought I'd update the blog anyway. So here goes:

I booked my trip to Nicaragua! Flying down there on 4/19, so surely the blog will get more exciting around that time. Maybe even readable. Possibly enjoyable.

Sadly, due to my procrastination, incorrectly-sized mattes delivered by the frame company, and lack of happiness with my print quality, I am NOT in the show I had signed up for here. I waited too long to get it all done and learned my lesson to prepare myself better next time. Luckily it wasn't a big deal for the lady who was organizing it and I could pull out, but still, disappointing.

I've been snowboarding blues! Not perfectly, but I get down! And I only bail about half the time! It's frightening because it feels like it's as steep as a cliff, while I know it's not. I am dramatic. After some more practice, I imagine and hope it will get less daunting. Oddly after spending all day working on it yesterday my neck is now sore. Hmmm. Because my neck is involved in snowboarding? I think not. Therefore I am confused. Confused and sore.

I love Bravo. Bravo TV, that is. This is the best time of year for me. Real Housewives of OC had the finale and will be airing the reunion next week. The finale was followed by the Real Housewives of NYC premiere, which is pure euphoria for me. Millionaire Matchmaker has premiered. Top Chef finale is next week. And next up is Make me a Supermodel. Good god I'm getting excited just typing this out! Bravo is just the best. I don't know what subconscious addictive measures they use and how they do it, but I can't stop. It's interesting (or sad?) - I can't get into tv shows usually, but these suck me in and I can watch them over and over again. I wave my white flag and embrace it.

Alright. Enough blabber for now. More blabber to come.

my job

2009-02-20T19:29:00.003-07:00

Very timely, the NY Times has written an article about ski clubs, which includes talk of Telluride's and a quote from my boss. So, if anyone's wondering what kind of a place I work at (where people leave their trash everywhere, see previous post), it's like this...

baffled

2009-02-17T18:54:00.004-07:00

Please help me. If someone can explain reasons for the following, I would be much appreciative.

(FYI, these habits have been witnessed at my concierge job, which has taught me that I will, from now on, avoid working in the customer service industry)

-When there is a trash bin directly to your left, why would one leave trash on the counter? Is it too difficult to move one's hand to the left and let go of the object?

-When there are multiple signs explaining a recycling program that uses two distinct bins - one bright blue with writing all over it about how to recycle, the other is just basic black - why would one still put non-recyclable items in the incorrect bin?

-When a cushion falls off of a chair, wouldn't one usually pick it up? And maybe even put it back in its place?

-Haven't men learned to put the toilet seat down? (see the previous related question regarding putting things back how you found them)

-If someone drops something, why wouldn't they pick it up? Bad back maybe? Can't bend over?

-Is it polite to take food off of a plate I am carrying before I have even reached the place where I am putting it?

I could go on and on with the behavior that just blows my mind at that job. I know these people usually have others doing things for them, but honestly, isn't this stuff just common sense and decency that your parents taught you? I think people need to teach their children better how to be respectable human beings.

decisions decisions

2009-02-03T20:53:00.002-07:00

So for this upcoming exhibit, the theme is Before & After. With my uncreative mind (ironic for a wannabe photographer, I know) I have come up with the following interpretation for my photos:

Having moved too many times to count in the past 10 years or so, I have always been fascinated with the objects/belongings I've brought with me to each new place, why I chose certain things to keep with me, what significance they have to me, and where they end up in my new abode. I find there is always a discomfort in trying to find each object a new place in its new home, since it was originally for another home, but now has to find a spot in the new one. Often time each object takes on a new meaning from "before" (the previous home) to "after" (the new home).

I'm thinking that other people experience this sort of transition from an old home to a new one. So I photographed objects in my new place and where they have a new home, and how it fits (unwell sometimes, which is why the lighting is sometimes harsh and the colors are desaturated) in its new place. The montage above are my options, thus far. And I think it will be all of my options because I'm running out of time! Yes, I've procrastinated, as usual. Any thoughts on which to choose? I'm editing it down to 3...

Discuss.

for sale

2009-01-28T12:45:00.003-07:00

Anyone want to move in to the apartment below my sister's? Looks like you'll be sleeping in the bathroom though. Minor detail.

new year times two

2009-01-26T20:13:00.002-07:00

Happy chinese new year! I didn't realize it was already time for it, but apparently it is. Which is weird because that means that it's been two years since I've been in Hong Kong for the Chinese new year when I did my big Southeast Asia travels. Two years! Holy moley. How did that happen. Anyways, new year, new times.

Things are good here. There were about 10 days of sunny weather where I swear it felt hotter than the summer. I know it wasn't of course, because the thermometer said about 40, but the sun is intense here! Honestly I could have worn flip flops. Otherwise, been working a lot, getting out, going to the gym, a bit of hiking and snowshoeing...it's been great. Except that I have a new fondness for pastries and cookies since I am constantly surrounded by them at my job. So hard to resist! They talk to me! They really do ask to be eaten. So I oblige.

I also have a great idea for a new job venture. (And yes, I know, I seem to have a new job idea every few months.) I can't take all the credit for this one as it was my co-worker who got the wheels turning, but she was saying that I should take photos of people in the summer on hikes, like portraits of them at the peak or end of the hike. Which got me thinking...I could be the photographer that documents the hike/tour. I mean, please tell me if I'm off base here, but don't we all love to have great photos of adventures we go on? And not just of ourselves posing (which I would do as well even if I hate cheesy portraits), but of us hiking, biking, rafting, etc. where we are in action. Unposed and candid. And then I would take photos of the scenery along the way. Then they can order whichever ones they would like after the hike. That way it's kind of like a documentation of their outing. So they would have good, quality photos to have with them of their trip! I have to talk to some outdoor stores and see if it's feasible, but I'm thinking they'd go for it. I'd probably just charge for the guests' photo orders, but maybe I could add in a cost to the tour organizers and they could use the photos for marketing. And in the end, it couldn't be terrible because I'd get to go on some cool hikes! Well?? Thoughts?

there is hope

2009-01-24T19:43:00.001-07:00

How exciting is this! I hope they can do it.

1st grade humor

2009-01-24T08:27:00.001-07:00

I am immature, which is why I find this article HILARIOUS.

photos of the day

2009-01-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is pretty cool - seeing how so many people spent this amazing day.

color coordination

2009-01-20T08:22:00.002-07:00

So I think I've calmed down since the other day and come up with a more neutral color for my wall. Thank you all for talking some more sense into me. Not that black is bad, but I think I need to start slowly. So I've decided on the color that's in this blog post. It's cute! And her colors seem similar to mine with the browns and reds. So this will be my next project. Someday. It may take months, but it's on my mind...

chilling with my sock

2009-01-16T17:15:00.002-07:00

It's been awhile since Charlotte has visited the blog, so here's your latest labradoodle fix.

back in black

2009-01-16T17:14:00.004-07:00

Call me crazy but I think I want to paint this wall black. Is that a bad idea? I photoshopped what this side would like like (very sketchily, don't look too close...). I don't know if it goes with the wood drawers/kitchen that face this wall, but I think it could work. No? Thoughts? Other colors?

UPDATE! A good point brought up by my dad - is it possible to paint the white back over black paint? Since I'm renting I will have to paint it back when I move out, so would I be creating way too much work by doing this? Anyone?

showing my stuff

2009-01-15T10:59:00.002-07:00

Some exciting news - I am going to be exhibiting some photographs in a group show here done by the arts school in conjunction with the museum. The title is Before & After and my idea is a bit obscure but fits the bill (or so I tell myself). The show is in February and is totally casual, but I'm excited! I'll keep you posted on my progress.

let the sun shine in

2009-01-14T12:55:00.001-07:00

This makes me so happy!

broken butt

2009-01-11T16:53:00.002-07:00

I think I've injured my tail bone. I fell on it not once, but twice today, and I had to take a few moments the second time around to remember how to breathe. Oh yes, and this was when I was snowboarding, I should clarify. On a good note, I'm getting there. While my falls were more painful, there were fewer than usual, so that's good, right?

let the year begin!

2009-01-09T16:54:00.002-07:00

Ahh 2009 - you have arrived! I'm a bit ambivalent about the new year. 2008 really was a good year for me. Looking back on things, it's been full of life changes, travel, new surroundings, health, Obama, and much much more. But then terrible things happened too - the economy, mmm....I've been sitting here for the past few minutes trying to think of truly bad things. But for me, it's actually been an ok, if not greatly positive, year. I consider myself really lucky. I am definitely looking forward to 2009 though. With my upcoming trip to Nicaragua, my new outlook of feeling healthier here in the rockies, and who knows what else, things will be good I think. And after speaking with friends and family, I really truly believe that this will be a year for positive change for all. And that is the word from me, if it matters at all, which it probably doesn't. But there's my two cents. And if you're reading this blog, that means that my two cents maybe count for something.

So to start off the new year are a few random updates from me, since I tend to not be updating this often (sorry Brooke!) and my mind is all over the place lately...

-My snowboarding is improving. The rumor around town was that after 3 days, things should start to click. And I am happy (and relieved) to announce that it is true! Plus or minus a day or two. But today was the day where I actually started to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable position of going sideways down a bumpy hill with both feet strapped onto a board. Seems so illogical, but that's snowboarding for you.

-Holidays are terrible in a resort town. Get out, people! Or if you are here, calm down! You're on vacation! Don't ask me for too much! I'm not used to doing this much work since there is usually no one here! No one except for happy people who you should aspire to be like! Try smiling, will you?! And PS: don't take up the whole ski run or I'll run into you! (By the way, I'm better now because they are gone. I'm done with the exclamations)

-Tom Cruise is a good person. I say this after much deliberation, as I have always made fun of him and have not taken anything he's done seriously (except maybe Top Gun when I was in high school). BUT. After his very generous donations to the film festival and then for supplying his Valkyrie movie to be premiered here in Telluride to raise money for the local high school theater, I think he's a good guy. He'd be an even better guy if he and the family had shown up to the movie, but I can't be too picky. And the movie was decent. I liked it.

More thoughts to come. I'm exhausted from snowboarding which has affected my stream of thoughts. I will write more. Soon, I promise.

And to sum it all up - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

pictures of people taking pictures

2008-12-30T20:03:00.005-07:00

This photo I took in Macau back when I was traveling has always cracked me up. So serious, people, so serious! And it pops into my memory every time I see people taking tourist photos. It is entertaining to sit at a tourist spot and just watch different people's posing styles - like when seeing tourists at the World Trade Center site in New York who stood solemnly looking directly at the camera while someone took their picture, I'm assuming because it is pretty inappropriate to smile for the camera in front of such a tragic place. But they still were in the picture, as if to prove to all their friends back home that they were in fact there. Anyways, I love watching people and how they set up their subject while taking a tourist photo. There are those who pose crazy, mouths open wide or jumping in the air, as if they are having the best time in their entire life at the very moment the picture is taken, those who smile normally (or sometimes awkwardly, as if the camera has brought out their bug-eyes and their huge, totally unnatural top and bottom teeth smile), or those who just plain stand there. Or, the most entertaining, those who have had plenty of practice in front of the mirror, have memorized their "good side" and their most flattering angle. I get it. If it works, it works.

Anyways, (I AM going somewhere with this) I was reading a photography blog and saw this guy's work of tourists taking photos and loved it. He shows the people who are taking the photos, rather than the subjects, but it is still entertaining to watch the thought that goes into it: the person contorted to get that perfect angle, encouragement from the traveler's friend that the angle is great, the satisfaction that their photo will be SO different from all the others...when in the end it will probably end up in the back of a photo album, or filed online along with all the other millions of shots we take as evidence that we have traveled. That's where mine all are!

Click here to see the photographer's photos.

memories of summer

2008-12-17T10:04:00.003-07:00

If it's as cold where you are as it is here, then I thought you too might appreciate a photo from the days of sunny, green summer. It was taken with film and only processed a few weeks ago (thanks mom!), but I feel it is a nice reminder of how enjoyable warm weather is. Not to depress you or anything.

oh christmas tree

2008-12-14T16:12:00.002-07:00

The most beautiful xmas tree in the world! Pretty much.

And yes, I was too lazy to tidy up for this picture. Sorry. I did photoshop a big pile of clothes off the bed to make it a little better.

the season has begun

2008-12-12T08:42:00.002-07:00

Are you still there? Is anyone still sticking around? Not sure, but here goes. This time I do have a better excuse for not writing because I have been working every day since I've been back in town. Today is my first day off in 9 days. Don't get me wrong - I am not complaining since I did have about a month off, and I prepared myself not to complain because of that. So any complaints that may sneak out, I quickly retract.

And today is a good day as it is my day of revival - I'm going snowboarding. The last, (and only) time I had a snowboard on was 12 years ago. It was my first attempt and it didn't go so well, which is probably why it's been 12 years. But now I have Kelley to teach me, which started yesterday with some mental preparation, visualizing what I will be doing. Which includes falling. Often. That, I am prepared for.

In other exciting news - I got a Christmas tree! Probably the most exciting thing about the week. As many of you know (and have had a good laugh about) I have brought my Christmas tree stand wherever I've moved in the last 5 years, knowing that one day it would be used again. So finally it is! However, the tree I picked out is bigger than the one I had bought with the stand at the time, so in order to make it fit, Kelley and I had to saw at the trunk to make it smaller, but since it was so hard (seriously, while sawing, I was yelling and cursing that it was the worst thing I've done IN MY LIFE), we stopped when the trunk could slide in just at the top, even though it needed more sawing so that the trunk hit the bottom of the stand. So...it wouldn't stand up straight without falling. Which is where a pretty ribbon came into play as it's tied to the tree and connected to my curtain rod to make it stand up straight. Ta da! It works. And then I decorated it, and it looks beautiful! If I do say so myself. I come home at night, turn on the tree lights and stare at it, and it makes me happy. I will take a picture.

What else, what else...work is ok. I will write a different post on that when I have more energy to write about working in the service industry, which is the case at my concierge job. I am not good at that kind of service, I am finding out. But oh well - they are paying me. That's all that matters right now in this economy, right?

Otherwise, it's so snowy and beautiful here. There is supposed to be another storm hitting us tomorrow and lasting until Thursday. I love it. Even if I slip every ten steps and it takes me an extra ten minutes to walk to work, it's well worth it because it makes everything so pretty.

Ok, off to do some more mental preparation for my snowboarding today...see you all later when I'm sore and bruised.

brrrrr

2008-12-09T11:40:00.002-07:00

It's snowing! Or I should say, it's absolutely gorgeous today with blue skies. It dumped snow all day yesterday, so it's beautiful now with the snow everywhere. This is the view from my room off the balcony - which, unfortunately I have to shovel when it snows. Not so much fun.

high and dry

2008-12-06T09:34:00.004-07:00

I'm back in Telluride and I am suggesting that you all buy stock in any sort of moisturizing product. Because I will personally be supporting all lotion and chap stick products for the next few months. It's 9:30am and I've already applied two layers of lotion. And I haven't even been outdoors yet, where it becomes worse.

More to come. It's busy busy busy and when I get a moment to breathe I will write an update.

sunrising

2008-11-23T22:55:00.002-07:00

Here is the view over Maui in the opposite direction of the sun rising this morning. Up at 4am! Fun! It was hard to function and we snuck in a quick nap once we reached the top before the sun rose. And for some reason I am still not tired...yet.

All my photos from the trip (that have passed the editing test and that I am willing to share) are up on Flickr if you want to take a look. I'm leaving tomorrow - so sad. Leaving the tropics, heading to winter.

sunset

2008-11-21T11:32:00.002-07:00

There was a fire on Lanai on this night which made it a bit smoky but still beautiful.

crosswalk to nowhere

2008-11-20T00:35:00.002-07:00

I don't know if you know it, but we're on the top of the world here. Or rather, at around 7,000 feet in this photo on my way up the crater. Crazy, right? A big mystery as to what is on the other side of this crosswalk...I'll leave that one up to you.

A special shout out to Leah for having a Canon camera cord! So some more pictures will be coming...

haleakala crater hike

2008-11-20T00:22:00.002-07:00

Entering the crater. I made sure to close the gate and appreciate the view.

long time no see

2008-11-17T19:37:00.002-07:00

I know! Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. It's been awhile. My excuses are: I'm on vacation, and I don't have my camera cords with me so I can't share any pictures. Does that pass? Can you forgive me? Ok, good. So yes, I can't share any pictures quite yet because I stupidly left the cords that connect my cameras to my computer in Telluride (although I swear I packed them - like, I can see myself doing it and can visualize the moment, but whatever). And to catch up, I will do a quick rundown so as not to bore you:

Drove to Berkeley. Was a super long and desert-y (talking about dirt and ugliness for days, not dessert with chocolate, ice cream etc which would have been MUCH better). Stayed in Barstow which is such a sad place - fast food central. Charlotte hogged the bed.

In Berkeley, went running which was TONS easier at a normal altitude (I could run for days! More or less...). Went running too much and messed up my knee so it is resting. Ate amazing food - went down our checklist of the places to hit - Indian, Zachary's, Whole Foods, Indian again, and...rinse and repeat. Bought clothes. Cheap stuff. It was gratifying. Enjoyed having two dogs around. Witnessed time fly by while really doing nothing. Really, was I there for a whole week and a half?

Flew up to Seattle. Stayed with dad. Went for lovely walks through the forest with him and Ollie the dog. Ate too much good food - including the Webster staple - crab. Drove down to Portland to see Megan and her parents. Loved it! Who wants to move there with me? (FYI, I'm serious - let me know if anyone is interested) Fit a lot into the two days I was down there: ate, had a massage, exercised (twice!), saw a movie so stupid we cried while laughing, checked out the downtown, drove around the inner suburbs, worked on planning the reunion. Then headed back up to Seattle (on a drive where people actually obey the 60 mph speed limit! Amazing!). Went for more walks. Went to Goodwill for starting up my vintage clothes selling and holy cow had the best time ever. Goodwill is my new best friend. Found amazing stuff.

Now I'm in Maui! With the best hosts ever - Leah and Jason. Been beaching, hiking, dogging (aka, playing with Scout, their beautiful golden retriever), swimming in the ocean, basically loving it all. It's so beautiful. Today went on a hike in a crater at 8,000 ft altitude! Crazy! It felt like being back in Telluride. Even the park service entry guy said I should feel at home having come from Colorado.

Anyways, I was thinking last night just how happy I am to have made any decisions I have made which have brought me here. Here, meaning being on vacation and seeing friends and family and being happy. I'm so happy to be able to do this and feel so fortunate since I am loving life at the moment. To think that a year ago I was still very undecided.

Alrighty, more to come I promise. I have been taking a few photos so once I get those on my computer they will be yours to see!

weekend update

2008-10-25T08:52:00.002-06:00

You know what's annoying? Is when I am all ready to write something here on my blog but then the Blogger website is "down". I mean, it's only happened once, so I can't complain really, but I usually have moments where I'm in the mood to write, and when they pass, I don't know when they'll come back. Which is why it sometimes is awhile between my posts. Anyways. Here I am. With a sore knee. Because I had my first experience getting stitches yesterday!

The day started out uneventful. I then decided I would go for a run, which is a novel idea lately, because since the half-marathon, I've certainly slowed down on the whole running thing. So off I went, down the valley floor, where I've run quite a lot during my training, nothing new. I was feeling good, so decided to run further, and at about two miles out, I got to an area of the trail that has been re-arranged naturally with sticks, and when I stepped on one stick, it must have pushed down one side of another stick, thrusting it upwards and straight into my knee, which was still in forward motion since I was running forward. It hurt so bad, and when I looked down, I felt faint when I saw that it ripped it pretty deep and my skin was raw, and then the blood began to pour out. I felt so frustrated - I was miles from town and didn't bring my cell phone with me of course. I felt one against nature, and decided to think rationally, so I took off my long sleeved shirt (thank god I wore layers) and tied it around my knee to stop the bleeding, and then proceeded to limp my way back to town, trying not to re-visualize how gross my knee looked and thinking that my leg would NOT fall off. Gotta love the off-season where I passed no one on my way back on the trail (I was very ready to attack the first person I saw so I could ask for their cell phone to call my sister), so after my long hike back, I stopped at Kelley and Wayne's to see if they thought I was overreacting in thinking I should go to the medical center and get stitches. Sure, I could have decided myself, but I refused to look at the cut in fear that I would vomit, imagining lots of blood and bones sticking out. They concluded stitches would be best so off to the ER we went (which is more like a doctor's office here in this small town) and got it all stitched up. And let me just say, I don't know how I will ever bear children because I was so nervous in the hospital bed. Just for stitches. They numbed my knee (by sticking a needle straight into the cut - that felt great) and scrubbed the area and stitched me up, and last night it was great - numb and painless. This morning is a bit different, as the numbness has worn off and it's stinging, but I feel happy that it's stitched up and safe. Especially since I will be moving all my belongings today - great timing.

So. That's it for now. Time to get finished up packing and moving. But otherwise I will be back soon, most likely after our long drive back to the Bay Area tomorrow and Monday.

voting for dummies

2008-10-19T10:17:00.002-06:00

I'm doing research on the Colorado amendments for my mail-in ballot, and while learning about amendment 49, I had to laugh at what I saw on their website: as shown above, it writes that "if you’re on the go… Watch the popular, 2-minute sock puppet explanation of 49". Yes, keep it simple with a sock puppet. Because that's how I'd like to learn about important issues.

friday blues. and yellows.

2008-10-17T15:40:00.002-06:00

I'm at work right now at the dog store and I'm sick. Bleh. I know, it's not good to work when you are sick, you could be spreading the disease, etc. But what can I do - I'm the only employee and really, it's the American way, isn't it? To work non-stop? I'm just being patriotic.

A few things I'm excited about:

I'm going home! Back to the bay area a week from Sunday. Here I come Indian food, sushi, the dog park...all that good stuff.

I have been playing Minesweeper here at work, which is quite possibly the best game ever. I feel like I'm back in the 80's playing such a basic, silly computer game on a PC. But it's incredibly addicting. It's been a few weeks now that I've been working here at the dog store, and it took me that long to actually win. But I did - about an hour ago. And good lord was it satisfying. Seriously.

The sun's out! Winter hasn't hit with its full force quite yet - I guess it's just been spatters here and there to keep people on their toes. But in the end I guess it doesn't matter since I'm going back to the sunny bay area so soon. Then when I get back it will be winter, for real.

telluride to music

2008-10-13T14:36:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share this link of a video of Telluride set to Radiohead that was put together by Variety for the film festival. The footage is really beautiful of the town.

back in the day

2008-10-13T10:39:00.002-06:00

Here's one of the slides of my grandparents in Rome.

Going through these old slides has done two things: 1) reinstated my creative side of the brain to start taking photos again, and 2) revived my desire for travel. Since my grandfather was in the military, they lived in quite a few places around the world, and while I don't know if I could handle the constant change and leaving things behind so often, I do want to get back out and start seeing the world again. One of the spots they lived was Hawaii, therefore...check! Doing that one next month. Also they spent a lot of time in Italy, since they lived in Naples for a few years. And just as soon as the euro goes down, then I will hit up that part of the world. I hope. But I can't complain at all, since I'm still planning my trip down to Nicaragua in April. The lovely Anita is going to go with me, and we are going to volunteer with an organization that teaches photography to disadvantaged children. We are thrilled, to say the least.

And it gives me warm weather to look forward to as the chill sets in here in Telluride. There is a bite in the air and while I do enjoy a crisp breeze, I am concerned that it is already this cold in the beginning of October. Right now, I'm in my office wearing my parka because I don't know where the heater is, if there is one. There must be one though. I'll find it if it kills me.

To help with the transition into winter (or to make it more shocking upon my return) we're heading back to the Bay Area in two weeks for the off-season. I can't wait! I'm already making lists of what I want to do and where I want to shop and eat. I'm excited for my long-awaited reunion with places like H&M and Zachary's Pizza. The excitement....

brrrr

2008-10-13T08:06:00.002-06:00

I know it's only 8am and it's usually colder in the mornings, but still, this scares me.

vintage slides

2008-10-09T20:54:00.005-06:00

When my dad was here, he brought boxes of old slides that his parents had taken that were stored away collecting dust. Now that I have my scanner, I can put them all online for the family to see, and I'm having a ball. These photos are amazing. It is such a trip to see all these photos from so long ago of these people who never knew what was to come in the future, which is what we are experiencing now. Crazy! There I go talking about time again...which I could go on about for days. But this is fun. There will be many many more (I'm talking 4 cases of them) so it may be a slow process, but I'll be sure to share any highlights as I go along. (this one shown is in Yosemite circa 1959) You can see the first batch on my flickr site in the meantime.

i'm cold

2008-10-08T10:48:00.002-06:00

It's been an eventful week. Dad was in town and pulled in with a kidney stone (timing is amazing sometimes) so he had to spend some of his time here at the beautiful Montrose hospital (sarcasm), but raved about the kind nurses and the generous supply of morphine. He's better, and we spent a lot of the weekend making sure he was ok, not exerting too much energy, drinking enough fluids, and not thinking about the huge apparatus they had put inside of him until it was removed yesterday. Gross. He was a sport, and we were able to enjoy some sights, including all the foliage and the emergence of freezing weather. It's cold! No more flip flops - it's official. Unfortunately. I have spent much time lately shopping for winter weather, which is do-able now that I have a taste of how cold it will be. I'm scared.

A few updates on my life to report:

I'm moving. Within Telluride - don't worry! I don't think I've shared the fact that I haven't slept since I've moved into my current condo because my upstairs roommate's bathroom is directly above me and he wakes up at all hours of the night to go to the bathroom, run the sink, flush the toilet, etc. which creates sounds similar to a running waterfall in my room. Vertical piping is a seriously bad idea - who thought of that one? Honestly. So for my sanity, I have been looking for a new place, and I found one thank goodness. I will have my own studio and it's adorable. It has no shared walls, a balcony, is on the quiet side of town, and has slanted walls which I love for some reason. I will be moving in when I get back to Telluride after the off-season.

Also - I got a job for the winter. I will be working as a concierge part time at the ski club in order to get my free ski pass. There is the potential for tips, which is great, and it should be exciting up in the Mountain Village when the ski runs are open. I'm excited. I'll still be working with the film festival part time, which is ideal with my desire for many part-time jobs rather than one full-time one. Nice. And I will seriously be getting the website up to sell my photos.

And that's about it for the moment. Except for the fact that I'm addicted to Mexican food. That's a new development.

rainy sundays

2008-10-05T20:05:00.006-06:00

It rained today. And actually snowed a little! Fun! Dad's here and we went on a drive up the east end of town and I took photos from the backseat of the car, safe from the rain. And the photos came out kinda cool. Lots of blurry and rainy stuff, which resulted in many pleasant surprises. Especially with all the changing colors of the tree leaves.

paparazzi, but not

2008-10-02T16:12:00.003-06:00

I've been up to my ears in festival photos the past week and thought I'd share one of the more exciting ones, as it shows interesting people. And who doesn't like celebrities? If one would like to call them that. It's David Fincher on the left, director of Seven, Panic Room, the upcoming Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and interestingly (as I just found out on IMDB), many of Madonna's vintage music videos, such as Vogue, Oh Father and Express Yourself. I like him even more now. Jean Simmons in the middle - screen legend and amazing lady. And Jeff Goldblum, famous (at least in my eyes) from the bathroom scene in Jurassic Park, one of my favorites - Igby Goes Down, and The Fly - creepiest movie ever. Greg Kinnear is three people to the left, but it was too difficult for me at the time to get them all in. Sorry. You'll have to see my other photos to see him. Although you probably already know what he looks like.

the town is on fire

2008-10-01T10:20:00.003-06:00

How beautiful is this? I went on a hike yesterday morning and brought my camera so I could get shots of the foliage. There are more on my flickr site if you want to take a look. It's so gorgeous. I'll be taking some more this week before it all dies and turns depressing.

running on empty

2008-09-29T17:11:00.006-06:00

Here's the foliage - but a rather tame image that doesn't reflect how amazing the trees were. The reason being that this was on my drive heading to Aspen and I pulled over at this point in the road because a stupid jerk was on my back through the windy roads (even though I was going over the speed limit already! jeez!) and decided it was a sufficient spot to get a quick picture. So I did. But then about 20 minutes later the trees were so much more dramatic and beautiful, but at that point I was too lazy to stop and just wanted to get there already. So this is what you get, which I think is still nice looking.

As for the weekend - it was so great! Aspen had perfect weather, was a really cute town, and it was great to see Anna and her husband and their friends from Denver who were so nice. It is amazing that I am talking so much praise for the weekend because the half- marathon? Yep, not so much fun. Let me see if I can sum it up for you: first two miles - uphill. Like, a serious uphill hike. Up a ski run. My lungs were burning at the top. I was concerned at that point. The next 6 miles or so - gorgeous. Running flat or slightly downhill through the golden yellow leaves and it was along a hiking trail so you are only surrounded by beautiful nature. Then around mile 10 - a terrible cramp decides to accompany me for awhile and my knee began to feel like it was going to snap in two from running down hills, which I can tell you is not good at all for your knees. I was in pain. From mile 11 to the finish line was what I would describe as pure hell. Running through an ugly field of mini hills that felt like they were as steep as that uphill climb at the beginning even though they were probably just small bumps in the road. I was pathetic and delirious. I didn't know if I was going to be able to run through the finish line. But with Anna's encouragement, I ran/hobbled my way through to the end. I am so glad it was such a beautiful course because otherwise I would have hated every second of it. Next time - I will remember how important it is to train. Or rather, there will never be a next time. I have been sure to remind myself to never do this again.

But the rest of the weekend was so much fun - we enjoyed the cheaper (read: still expensive but not $40/person) restaurants. Ate at the Nobu there which was delicious. Hung out in the cozy cabin. Relaxed in the hot tub after the run. It was wonderful. Good company and good scenery. I am unfortunately incredibly sore so I am limping around town today, but with a plan for ambitious stretching, I have faith I will recover. And my 11 hours of sleep last night helped in the recovery process.

And I should have a few more photos in a few weeks - I actually took one of the guy's small cameras on the run with me and snapped some of the shots so I'm waiting to get them so I can share it with you. So stay tuned for that.

milestone

2008-09-25T14:55:00.002-06:00

It's my 100th post! I guess that's not too exciting, but also, I guess it sorta is. Again, I've got no new photos for you - this is from the festival - but I will after this weekend and my trip to Aspen. For all the north-easterners, I bet you thought you were in the fall foliage capital, but you may not know that the leaves are changing dramatically here as well and many have been known to travel here in the fall to experience it. So I promise to take my camera out after it's post-festival hiatus and capture the colors. It's so pretty.

On another note, please please think good thoughts for me on Saturday morning that I am surviving the half-marathon. I have pretty much given up on training. I did a few hikes in the last week, but that's it really. Once this is done, no more running for me for awhile. I'm gonna stick with hiking. I don't move fast anymore since I'm living in a town where the maximum speed limit is 15mph, and I'm quite happy that way. Lesson learned.

dog almighty

2008-09-23T21:44:00.002-06:00

So last week I trained for the dog store, and today was my first day working there by myself. And I quite surprised myself when I actually sounded knowledgeable and answered people's questions about their dogs and the things we sell. I have the advantage of being an aunty to my sister's labradoodle Charlotte, and I didn't realize how much I'd learned from watching how they take care of her. I recommended leashes! I talked about dog experiences! I knew what a flossie was! I loved it. Granted, it's not the busiest store in town, so things do get slow, but at that point I either stare at the walls, read my magazines, or browse the dog accessory collection. It's great. I have been meeting some really nice dogs and people, and I think it's just so sweet how so many owners care so much about their dogs and spoil them silly (well-deserved, of course). It's wonderful how dogs have become like humans. Because they seem to be, in many ways, better than people. Or at least nicer. And happier to see me.

On a different note - I have tons of Larabars since they sponsored the film festival and donated a lot, and I have to recommend the Coconut Cream Pie bar. I just ate it and it was delicious. Buy it.

back again

2008-09-21T08:08:00.003-06:00

I apologize for my absence, and I apologize that upon return from my absence I have supplied only this boring photo of the computers that were in the hospitality tent at the festival. That's the extent of the excitement in my photos at the moment. But on the other hand it's been an action packed few weeks so I'll catch you up in bullet point form:

-had Halyn in town visiting for a week - which was amazing to have someone from out of town in town to hang out with!

-we went to Blues and Brews, the festival every year with great blues bands (they were pretty much all amazing) and beer brewers where you could taste all sorts of beers over a 3 day weekend.

-I cannot drink beer again for many weeks.

-I am still bloated.

-I got two new jobs since my film fest job has shorter hours now - hostessing at a sushi restaurant and then filling in at the dog store where I have already met an 8-week old puppy! I think this job may be perfect.

-I booked my off-season flights! I'm heading home around Halloween, then up to Seattle to visit my dad, then to Hawaii to visit Leah (and get tan), and then back to Berkeley where I'll have Thanksgiving and my 10 year high school reunion. Then back to Telluride the 3rd of December. God bless off-seasons. I think I can get used to this.

-the half-marathon is next weekend!! Yikes.

And that may just be it! I promise I won't disappear again like that.

the tragic state of real estate

2008-09-08T21:18:00.007-06:00

Well well well. This is the post I've been speaking of for awhile now. I find the time appropriate to talk about the dire real estate situation here since I watched a DVD last night about the destruction (in terms of over-development) of mountain towns like Vail and Aspen, which are turning into lifeless towns that serve as retreats for second home-owners who have priced out all of the people give actual life to the town. It really was a sad film, and it's sadder to think that this may be happening as we speak here in Telluride.

Take a look at the photos above and the homes you see there. The four on the left? Those are what you can buy for anywhere between $1.4 million and $1.7 million. No really. And the house on the right? That one is $1.25 million. But if you look closely, you will see that it is a wreck. Rumor has it that the floor inside is the same as the ground outside - dirt and rocks. It's been around for ages and appears to be almost un-inhabitable. But look how considerate the realtor is who listed this home - to the right, they have included their recommendation of what to do once someone purchases it - tear it down and build that model! Why of course - buy something for $1.25 and then pay for the tear down and re-construction! What a deal. I find it so offensive that almost 90% of the already overpriced listings explain how these homes should be seen as development potential - they can be torn down and rebuilt, they can be renovated then resold, etc etc. What has happened is that there are now multi-million dollar homes, hovering around the $6-7 million mark, with bowling alleys, home theaters, indoor hot tubs, etc. Over the top, unnecessary extravagance. And the irony is that this extravagance is being built by and for people who spend maybe a month total out of the year here. The rest of the time the homes are empty. The town is pitch black at night since no one is home.

Sure, you could say, what's the big deal? It's just like New York. It's so expensive there, but that's just the way it is. Well, yes. That is true. However in New York, there is income opportunity. There are too many companies to count where one can build up quite a large income and make enough money to afford the rent or mortgage. However, Telluride is a town where people work mainly in the service industry and most likely make minimum wage or a bit more, and the people who are lucky enough to have year-round, full time jobs often struggle to find customers and clients as people are mostly in and out here - for festivals or for skiing or just for vacation. Those who have retail stores have to pay exorbitant amounts in rent (those prices have skyrocketed too) and have sporadic customers who come in and hopefully buy enough to pay the rent. It's tough to make a living here, and unless you come from a wealthy family or have won the lottery, there is no way you are making enough money to afford a multi-million dollar home. It is so sad that there is no actual home in town - with no shared walls, with a yard, etc - for less than $925,000.

Also troubling is the fact that the market is slow. It's slow in the U.S. and there is no difference here, but these people keep their homes on the market for these ridiculous prices, not budging. It seems very rare that they drop their prices, so these homes sit there, empty and overpriced for many many months. The second home-owners with their homes for sale have no motivation to drop the price - they'll wait until they get the price they want - because they've paid cash for their place and aren't losing anything by leaving it there and they want to make their million. Which as you can imagine, takes even more away from the town.

People argue that you can live down valley, outside of town, for a much cheaper price. However, these "towns" don't have stores, they don't have anything really besides homes, so if you do live outside town, you have to drive windy roads to get to Telluride to do pretty much everything, from buying your milk to doing your job. Factor in the winter when roads are treacherous and you are adding on more travel time and risky, dangerous driving.

It appears that things are so transient here because of it - the people who love it here and are true locals can't stay because they can't afford to be here. No matter how hard they work, they could never buy a home here. I'm waiting for the day when they have no one here to service these rich second-homeowners because no one can stay. Maybe they will put up a stink then when there is no one here to make their latte.

Can you tell I feel very strongly about this? Sigh.

r&r

2008-09-08T20:45:00.003-06:00

I went on what I will conclude has been the prettiest hike I've been on here (although the view at the top of Jud Wiebe for sure takes the cake). My co-worker and I went to Hope Lake - a hike that takes you through pine trees, over streams, up a hill, through a valley, and then to a beautiful lake that has crystal blue water. It was like finding a treasure when we came across the lake. And the weather has been absolutely perfect this past week. It's been a nice balance to the hectic week I had previously. Much needed.

Things have been super calm. My festival work has drained to almost nothing, I am back to 3 days/week, and I've finally cleaned my room, bought groceries, all those super exciting things that didn't get done in the past few weeks. Breathing in....and out...

Half marathon training is back on but terrible. Terrible in the sense that my previous training has worn off and it feels like I'm almost starting from scratch. But I'm going to do it if it kills me. Yes sir, I will.

Also in more exciting news, at my sushi dinner a few weeks back, I got the best fortune ever in my fortune cookie: it says "An enjoyable vacation is awaiting you". It thrilled me to no end, and then I took it on as a challenge. A challenge I am thoroughly enjoying. Over November, during the off-season, I'm going to go to Hawaii! To visit the Moensi! Purely to be a guest of honor on their blog. And to see their dog Scout. And of course also to see Leah and Jason. Oh and to get tan. Did I mention that? I'm so excited. I'll also head up to Seattle to visit my dad and see his dog Ollie. I think I subconsciously plan my vacations based on dogs. Which makes total sense.

This was a very boring blog post so I apologize. Just stating the facts. Reporting the news. Updating the stats. That is all.

and then there were none

2008-09-05T19:11:00.004-06:00

Well I have been waiting for this week for awhile now, where I could say that this festival was all over. So I am breathing a big (massive, rather) sigh of relief. It was stressful even before day one, so that was not a good sign and caused me much paranoia and grief, but in the end looking back on things, it wasn't so bad. Hahaha I always say that when things are over. Bring me back to a week ago and I would never have imagined that those words would come out of my mouth.

So for my wrap-up, I will give a synopsis of my time, the movies I had time to see, and the food I ate (delicious stuff).

Basically from day one, my duties were to take photos of setup of the events (to document the sponsorship fulfillment and to show potential sponsors), work some of the events, and take photos of the ambiance of the festival. Sounds not too bad, right? Well, factor in my lack of confidence in my photography, the terrible lighting (enough to make me sick - it's so lame, but there's nothing that makes me want to throw up more than a) taking photos after dark with lots of uneven tungsten lighting or b) when the sun is so bright that it hurts and there are only intense shadows and highlights - ahhh photography kills me sometimes), and my fear of being intrusive when taking pictures, and you have a recipe for disaster. I can't complain - many people would love to be able to do this, and it wasn't the worst thing I've ever done, but I did come to the conclusion that I am not an event/wedding/documentary photographer. I like things I can plan out.

Anyways, the events were really great. Amazing actually. First off was a dinner for the filmmakers at an amazing home in town. (*A side note - I may be referring to money a lot in this post because I have now been surrounded by people who have a lot of it for the past week and still cannot comprehend that people live this way) This home overlooks the town, and if you liked, you could actually sit in the gorgeous hot tub on her back patio and watch the view. Trust me, I was tempted. The mirror in the grand room (ballroom, whatever you want to call it) I am sure costs more than what I would make in, um, two months I would say. The #1 food of the night (that's the best way to do this food wrap-up): peanut butter and chocolate balls. YUM. There I had my first celebrity sighting, Greg Kinnear, and unfortunately all I could think of that he had done was Stuck on You so I wasn't as excited as I would have been if I remembered he was also in GOOD movies, like Little Miss Sunshine. Also in attendance was Laura Linney, Salman Rushdie, and many talented filmmakers who unfortunately get less of the glory than the actors do.

Anyways, I need to keep this moving along...the next day was the brunch at a beautiful ranch, where I again took photos and had the lovely job of greeting all those who came. Fun! Lots of animation on my part: Welcome! Lovely to have you! So glad you could make it! After, my face hurt. There I saw the same people from the night before, plus Tracy Chapman! As in, the soundtrack of my junior high experience! A delight. The day was perfect and the food again, great. Later on that evening was the feed on Main Street, where they block traffic and all passholders can have free food and drink and mingle. This was my favorite event of the weekend. Food of the day? Lasagna.

Then it was time to crash, as I had to take photos at 7am the next morning. Crazy talk, you say? Nope, that's when the students who attend the education program were having a seminar I needed to take pictures for. Bright and early. It was interesting, but early. And thus my exhaustion began that lasted throughout the weekend. It was not helped by the fact that I spent my days running around making sure I got photos of everything. EVERYTHING! Well, not everything. Most things. Next on the agenda that evening was an event at a restaurant which my sister and Wayne and friends got to go to since we needed more people. It's funny to see how quickly people agree to put on some fancy clothes and get ready for something when they hear they will be getting free sushi and cocktails. Impressive. Food of the day - everything there. They have amazing food. And mojitos! That night we watched a free screening in the park of Pirate for the Sea - an amazing movie about an amazing man who does wonderful things for sea animals. He is a hero. Next, time for sleep.

The next day was the longest day in the world, getting up for a pancake breakfast at 7:30am to take photos (but the pancakes were delicious - food of the day), heading out to take more photos throughout the day (can you tell I'm trying to speed this up? I apologize - this is a long one), managing a workshop that took place to make sure everything was set up ok, then heading to an event at another restaurant where I took photos (it was so dark inside! terrible!), and oh no - the night is not over yet, even though at this point it's 7pm. Sleep would have been nice, but It was time to work the door at the big party that everyone tries to sneak into even though there is a strict list of who is allowed to attend. (A side note - I hate stuff like this where there is a list and people get turned away - so uncomfortable. Oh and also, it's raining) So when the event begins at 10pm, people are coming and coming. Oh yes, and coming. I am tired, and I am cold. And my co-workers were nice enough to let me go home early at 11:30. I was so appreciative.

And then the last day! At last! The day when I was panicked that I didn't get all the photos I should have gotten over the weekend and this was my last chance. As in, no possibility for these photos again until next year. The pressure - do you feel it? So I rushed around, became aggressive about asking people to pose and had no shame in shoving my camera in people's faces. Also that day was the Labor Day Picnic which was great, where the food of the day was the sundae bar! Haagen Dazs gave the ice cream and they had all the toppings you wanted. Which in my book, is heaven. Otherwise the food actually stunk for me, because Omaha Steaks sponsored it which meant there was lots of steak. All being grilled by big, burly men, which I found funny. So my lunch consisted of bread, pasta salad and potato salad. My bloated stomach felt wonderful after that. Later that night was the staff party, and sadly enough, I was asleep before it even began. How's that for fun?

As for movies, I didn't get to see any over the weekend but they have been running a few after the festival for those who are still around. I saw Flame and Citron - a Danish film about the Nazi resistance - synopsis: brutal, stressful, interesting, confusing, well-acted, sad. Next film was O'Horten - a Norweigan film about a train engineer who has to fill his time after he retires and gets into some quirky situations - synopsis: cute, slow, charming, with lovely music. Lastly was Gomorrah - an Italian film about the mafia/gangs in Naples - synopsis: BRUTAL, scary, sad (in a way that makes you sad for the world), fascinating, full of guns and violence. All had subtitles, which makes it hard when you want to shield your face from the violence on screen but still need to read what is being said. Try that one. Apparently the big film this year was Slumdog Millionaire, but that one was packed and I didn't get to see it. But you heard it here first. It's coming out in November and wasn't technically part of the program, more a sneak preview before it heads to Toronto this week. Telluride must have some good powers - we got it first.

So. I'm sure I missed 95% of the weekend in this summary, but I think this entry has gone on far too long anyways. If I think of anything good, I'll let you know. Otherwise, PHEW! It's all done.

festivalities

2008-08-30T14:11:00.002-06:00

Here's a sneak peek at a photo I took. I have to say, it might be awhile until I figure out which photos to share since I have hundreds already, and most are boring photos documenting theaters. But have no fear, some will be on their way in the coming weeks.

It's been fun now that the festival has started - taking photos have gotten me into some cool places and gotten me some great food (perks!). But on the other hand, I am exhausted. I had to be somewhere to take photos at 7am this morning, and I woke up at 3:30am, convinced that I'd slept through my alarm, then stayed up stressing about all the photos I need to take and places I need to be over the weekend. Ah, I just love my mind at night. So active. So unnecessarily stressed. So I'm running on empty, and I've got another event I need to work at tonight. Whoopee! Then another 7:30am morning tomorrow! Whoopee! But with free pancakes! Whoopee! And....good night. Nap time perhaps? That sounds sooooo nice. Ok, it looks like I'm delirious so perhaps a coffee is a better idea. I'd better go before I continue to talk more nonsense.

and so it begins

2008-08-27T21:56:00.003-06:00

It has been a busy busy week, which is going to continue into a busy busy weekend. But I wanted to drop by and say hi very quickly. I think the next post I do after the Festival should be a good one, with some good photos, hopefully some celeb sightings, successful festival stories, and a refreshed, relieved me. I am no fun to talk to at the moment, as I'm nervous, stressed, frustrated, antsy, etc. That is why I have been a bit MIA. I know it will turn into excitement (or at least I hope!) so I am keeping the faith. And it's always good to have an ending date in sight. A light at the end of the tunnel. So, wish me luck, and I will be a better person in 6 days. See ya then.

countdown to september 2nd

2008-08-19T22:45:00.004-06:00

Why hello! Yes, this is Coney Island, not Telluride. The photos I've been taking are all taken with film, and I have yet to finish the rolls so I have no new visuals. Hence, the year-old photo. I like it though, and I feel that the water is good feng shui for happy times.

A few updates:

Went to Durango over the weekend for a day trip with Kelley and Charlotte. It was cute! The people were cowboy-ish and we were confronted with many, many choices of country music radio stations (the other choice was 90's - apparently the town is about a decade behind), but it was a fun little town. We had happy hour sushi with rolls for $3 each and a beer for $2. I think that's amazing. Especially after being here in Telluride where prices are quadruple that. No exaggeration. They had an amazing natural food store, which made me long for Whole Foods and Trader Joe's again. Not their 20 minute Manhattan lines for checkout, but the food. Ahhh, the food.

In-floor heating. Have you heard of it? If not, I will introduce you to this amazing phenomenon. It is getting cold here at night, and I decided to turn on the heat the other night in my room, thinking that 78 was a good, medium temperature (right?), and I woke up in the morning and my feet were toasty upon hitting the ground! And when I say toasty, I mean hot! The bathroom floor was like fire! But I loved it. It worked so well, I was sweating. Which was gross.

Work is still intense. The thought of half-marathon training stresses me out, with the idea of adding it to my full time, over 8 hours/day of non-stop work, which is apparently going to get longer and more stressful. I was informed today that I should be working on the weekends. When my mom is here this weekend. And when I'm not getting paid for those extra days. Can anyone figure out how that makes sense? It was told to me in a sort of way that seemed like I was being guilted into coming in these extra days, and I'm not falling for it. I'm getting my stuff done, and I'm not there to pick up the pieces for other people slacking throughout the past year. That's the most frustrating part - that there really isn't that much extra to do, but everyone loves to stress out and think they are SOOOO important and busy. But if everyone just got their shit done when they should have, we would all be fine and stress free. So there!

And now I'm tired. So good night.

working 9-5

2008-08-15T21:58:00.003-06:00

It's been a week full of work work work. And with work full of people who stress stress stress. I want to lead the world in one big sigh, followed by a repeat-after-me moment of "This really isn't that big of a deal". As I've always liked to remind myself, the world will keep on turning if a mistake is made or if something doesn't go as planned. Really, I promise you, it will. And there's no need to anticipate the worst, because you know what? Often times the worst doesn't end up happening. And then you've stressed yourself out in the meantime. Perhaps I should be a motivational speaker. Or just someone who slaps others in the face to remind them there is more to life than work and stress. I'd be damn good at that.

Anyways, in summation - work is busy. The festival is in two weeks. I'm excited for it to happen, but I'm also excited for September 2nd when it will be over. But in the meantime, I've been meeting some cool people who are in town seasonally for the festival, and I've been feeling more productive in my work, as it's getting down to crunch time. I like to feel like it's all coming together. And I'm also an expert procrastinator. So this is prime time for me.

On another note - I'm resenting this half-marathon. I find it impossible to wake up in the morning to run over 4 miles before I go to work. My body won't cooperate. So I've been slacking. But I have faith (and fingers crossed) that it will go ok. Like I said before, regardless of what happens, the world will keep turning. But I may just end up in the hospital with breathing tubes come September 27th.

stuff. best title ever.

2008-08-11T21:39:00.003-06:00

ahhh NY Times. Do I have a story for you. You really should have consulted with me before writing this story on "neighborly competition" that seems to have been a lot more friendly in your article than it was (and still is) in my building. Once it is all complete, I will share the entire story with all of you. Which includes a psuedo-celeb (very pseudo, more of a struggling celeb I would say) and a very irresponsible building management company. Or perhaps I will spare you of the trauma that is certainly more dramatic in my mind that it would be for others.

On other notes:

I've been watching some of the Olympics, and is it weird that I get a little emotional? I am quite possibly the least patriotic person in the United States, but when I saw the Americans making their way around the track at the opening ceremony I felt very proud. Proud of people I don't know. And proud of a country I don't necessarily feel proud of all the time. I was moved. And don't get me started on the national anthem. That melody tears me up every time. Maybe I'm less so patriotic, more so emotional.

I've become a fan of Tori Spelling and her husband, Dean something-or-other. If you watch that show, you will know that they're kind of funny. Maybe just to me? I teared up a bit when watching that show, too, when Donna Martin - whoops I mean Tori - was about to give birth.

Oh my god, I almost forgot to share - I climbed my first mountain over the weekend! Mt. Ajax. Elevation 12,800 feet. Plus or minus a few hundred. It was crazy. So challenging. The worst part though was coming back down. The knees! So bad for the knees! And the next day I had to run six miles for half-marathon training. I probably didn't plan that one very well, but in the end, it's done. And my hips are sore, I have shin splints on the outside of my right shin, and oddly I feel like I have tennis elbow.

fancy digs

2008-08-09T09:22:00.005-06:00

Like my new room? Ha. I would too if this was my room. Unfortunately I'm on a bit more of a budget than this person - as this is one of the penthouses in a hotel here.

We had a hotel disaster with my job since one of the hotels that was housing 16 of the filmmakers and that has been under construction for months is not going to be ready for the festival (they tell us now, three weeks prior. lovely) so we had to scramble to get something as a replacement. So I had to head over to a few hotels to take photos of what they look like so the bigwigs could give their approval. I say, I approve. The places were gorgeous.

But as for my room, it's a bit more modest than this, and as I keep promising, the photos will be up soon. I'm doing heavy duty cleaning and laundry today so it will be spic and span for you to see.

august, week one

2008-08-06T21:19:00.003-06:00

Been a busy week so I thought I'd do a quick wrap-up, as I'm feeling short-winded and not in the mood for in-depth writing, but I wanted to give an update. (I'm not sure the reason for all the hyphens in that first sentence)

-I sold TWO, count 'em TWO sponsorships. Whoo hoo! And the good news is, that's it - we've reached our cap so I can't sell more! Even if I was good at it and enjoyed it. Which I'm not and I don't.

-I've been watching non-stop Friends, Scrubs and Family Guy. Seems like that's the only consistent entertainment on TV and it makes me happy. TBS may be my new favorite station.

-I ran five miles on Sunday! Quite an accomplishment. I have to wake up at 7am tomorrow morning to do a four mile run, which will be more than just an accomplishment. Waking up that early is one thing (for me), but actually exerting energy at that time is unthinkable.

-Speaking of my runs, I pass the time listening to Spanish podcasts on my Ipod to refresh myself for Central America. It's great - I think (and hope) it's brainwashing me with the language, which is great. I've learned how to discuss a wedding, how to plan for a party and how to talk on the phone. I debate sleeping with my Ipod on so I subconsciously will become fluent - in my sleep! Effortless. It's coming back to me, which is positive. That minor in Spanish at BU is paying off, thank goodness.

-I got a bed! What a difference it makes. I know I keep putting it off, but I swear I'll put up photos soon. Now it will be once I get some stuff on the walls. The place looks terrible in photos without anything on the lonely, white walls.

-The herbs are growing back!

-My Ebay/Etsy obsession is back!

And that's it really. Hasta luego.

breaking ground

2008-08-04T15:01:00.006-06:00

First of all, this is not my car, nor is it the car of anyone I know. Don't worry. It was an abandoned truck on our hike the other day, and I thought everyone may be sick of landscape shots so I threw this one in. In fact, it has nothing to do with this post. Just a cracked windshield for your viewing pleasure.

The real news, I may have just sold a sponsorship. This is huge. For me. Being an anti-salesperson with no persuasive skills whatsoever, I may have found a company here that will buy a sponsorship. And not at the lowest level! It only took me about two months. And there has not been confirmation quite yet, just a verbal yes, so keep your fingers crossed until I get the official thumbs up. See - it only took contacting about 100 companies to get ONE! God I hate sales.

Also, in relation to my previous post, last night I resorted to watching Pam Anderson - Girl on the Loose and Sunset Tan. My brain is bleeding.

tv trauma

2008-08-03T17:48:00.010-06:00

And one more thing, can someone please tell me that I should have hope for TV these days? Please advise what to watch. I have found nothing.

MTV seems to now be full of ghetto reality shows. Including something I am watching now about two teenagers who are getting married in Times Square, live (good god why?!), called "Engaged and underaged". It is incredibly awkward because they have their entire families there who should NOT be on TV. No one knows what to say. Not even the hosts, who have questioned their decision to get married a few times. Ah, that just ended and now it looks like Randy Jackson is hosting a dance competition. Quality.

VH1 is also full of ghetto reality shows. Disappointing. I watched Brooke Knows Best. I don't know what to say about that. Hulk Hogan's daughter? Really?

E! truly makes me feel like a sad person when I watch their celebrity news wrap-ups repeatedly. With what I feel are the most annoying hosts (is it just me?). That's all they seem to have. Except for Denise Richards: It's Complicated (great title) and tonight is the premiere of Pam Anderson's show. Whee!

Bravo, my old staple, is even disappointing me, with stuff like Date My Ex, that hair cutting show and Flipping Out. Train wrecks. I'd be quite happy if all they had was Real Housewives (from either coast, I'm not picky) and Project Runway, all the time. Ooh but I do love the Kathy Griffin show. Should I be embarrassed to admit that?

Maybe because it's summer is why it's so bad? I know I could always turn it off but I won't give up hope! I will find something good to watch - if it takes me all my life to cut through all the crap, I will do it! (And if you haven't already concluded, I don't get the HGTV channel, unfortunately, because if I did, this post would not exist)

desert town, colorado

2008-08-03T17:44:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Kelley, Charlotte and I went up to Alta Lake which is at the top of the mountain on the other side of the ski runs. On the way up we passed an old ghost town - a deserted mining town from early in the century. It was creepy. So interesting that the town just up and left one day and these old wooden structures were left behind to decay. One of my pictures has a ghost in it! Or else it was that moth that I thought flew out of the frame before I took the shot...but I felt spirits! Anyways, it was a pretty interesting view of old ruins. Perhaps it is kind of like how things will be when our world ends. Which, according to the Field Museum, will be coming up since we are heading into a mass extinction. But keeping postiive.... the hike was so pretty. The flowers were blooming. Charlotte had a ball, especially when she discovered a mystery meat on the trail and inhaled it quickly before Kelley caught her.

In other news, I've been spending the past week settling into my room. I love it. I went to Montrose during the week to get some furniture and to go to my beloved Target. I researched some antique stores in the area so that I could find inexpensive furniture with some sort of history rather than the bland pieces I have been finding online, and when I went, I found a cool wooden desk that will be my work station. I also bought another little night table that requires a stack of coins under one of the legs so it doesn't tip, which is so cute. I'm glad that my collection of foreign currency is coming in handy! The store had wonderful stuff. Got sucked into antique store shopping again. I was thrilled at the idea that I was being "green" and using old furniture rather than buying something made brand new. And then I went to Target and spent about $300. Oh well, I do my best. I've only rearranged my room once, which is a major feat for me, and I love it. I'm feeling settled, and I'm getting a mattress on Tuesday which should complete the room. Then I will take photos to show you guys.

On a side note - if anyone knows anything about trying to revive herbs that may have died, please let me know. I am watching the plants while my roommate is gone this week and I think I have killed his herbs. I'm sick to my stomach about it. It's not my fault though! I think an animal got into them and dug them up, burying a few of them in the dirt. When I found them in the morning they were limp, brown and lifeless. Terrible! Help! Can they re-grow by next week? Please say yes. Please say yes.

another room with a view

2008-07-28T19:54:00.003-06:00

Three posts in one day - the thrill! And I am extremely hesitant to post this, since I want to show a photo of the view looking perfect with blue skies and fluffy clouds, but it's been tough these days since it starts raining every day at around 2pm and doesn't stop. Hence the gray sky here. So I've settled and I'm giving you this. It is the area outside my room! Pretty. My roommate is the green thumb and has been working on landscaping the area, and he added the picnic table the other day. Soon to come - a bocce court. I offer to help but I don't know if I'd do any good and I think he knows that. So I watch, hang out with his dog and talk to him about how great it looks, and I think that is help in itself.

volunteerism

2008-07-28T19:47:00.002-06:00

I volunteered over the weekend for the art auction they hold annually here in town for the art school. I took photos at the setup and during the event, which was pretty neat. I was able to witness a true auctioneer during the live auction who spoke a mile a minute in what sounded like a lot of mumbling, in addition to the bidders' dollar amounts every couple seconds. Thank god I didn't have money to afford any of this stuff because it looks like it can get quite stressful. Wayne had a painting in the silent auction that sold, and there were lots of other pieces of art, with many, shall I say, on the quirky side. I studied Art History, but I tell you, there is a lot of art I just don't get. But there were bidders, so - to each their own.

photo editing

2008-07-28T14:29:00.003-06:00

I just found this post on Jezebel. I had one of those moments, when I am reading something and I feel like they are talking specifically to me. It creeps me out. And then I remember that I am one of many people in this world and it's not all about me. And the selfishness subsides. And I remember that a lot of us feel the same way about things, we just don't realize it.

Therefore, I thought I'd share it here, as I am pretty sure (and I'm talking to the ladies here) that we all feel this way about the dreaded photos of ourselves. We think: that doesn't look like me AT ALL. That really can't be me. What's up with my hair? My eyes look funny. My chin looks huge. My arms look like chicken wings. Large chicken wings. Can you please delete that? Forever? From the hard drive? Thanks.

This explains things like, why there are no photos of me on this blog, why I have so few photo albums on Facebook, and why I awkwardly often pose for photos with my hand on my hip so as not to see the extent of the size of my upper arms (a trick I learned from Ashley - genius!). If only I didn't care about stupid stuff like this, I think I'd be a lot happier. But I doubt that will happen unless I receive a lobotomy and they take out my self-conscious brain cells that I believe got there from years of watching crap like America's Next Top Model and reading fashion magazines. So until then, I will continue to un-tag myself from any unflattering Facebook photos and cower away from those who are taking pictures. It's all in self-defense.

misty water colored memories

2008-07-25T11:35:00.006-06:00

I get the Daily Candy travel deals emails. I used to get their New York shopping emails every day but I had to de-activate them because they were getting too obnoxious and pretentious. The day they started to make up their own dialect - that's when it really started to bother me. But I thought that perhaps I would get some decent travel ideas through their travel emails. After receiving a few, I realized that I am in a different income bracket than their readers. I make a little bit less money than them, if you were wondering. But I was reading one today and it brought back wonderful memories because it showed a special for the Orient Express Hotels in Italy, where I was fortunate to go with my mom and sister back in 2004 (jeez louise, AGES ago). The Hotel Splendido in Portofino was like heaven. Truly heaven. I've never lived in such luxury. With my low-maintenance (or so I tell myself) lifestyle, one might think that a place like that would intimidate me, but it was heaven. That's really the only word I can think to describe it. So peaceful, the friendliest staff, trays delivered to our door in the mornings with delicious Italian pastries, pool on the hill overlooking the water...sigh. It brings back such memories to look at these photos from their website. So, if I ever break the bank (doubtful), win the lottery (unlikely) or marry rich (possibly?) I will be back! And if any of you are fortunate enough to afford it, you should go.

new digs

2008-07-23T22:05:00.002-06:00

I'm in! And I know I say this every time, but the next time I move, I'm paying someone. I did most of it myself, which took a lot of yoga breathing while lifting and acceptance of sweat all over my face at all times. But you know what, it wasn't TOO bad. And I say that now after I'm done. I was cursing everything yesterday - stairs, books (they're so heavy!), etc. Anything over 1 pound was my enemy.

My stuff is still a mild mess because I have to buy furniture - a desk for my new work station and a bed. I'm on my air mattress and it's kind of pitiful.

The good news - I have a TV and cable! The bad news - I don't have a cable cord! So I'm sitting next to a tv that plays only white snow and I had no time today to buy one because it was crazy at work. So I'm sad. But I've adopted Hulu.com for the time being. Tomorrow, the cord will be bought. Or else. I am so clued out of what's going on in the world, it will take some time to catch up. Therefore I will be watching TV for about a week straight.

You know what too? Looking around, I realize my room here is probably bigger than my studio in New York. Plus I've now got a gorgeous living room that looks out at a view over town. It was wonderful to wake up this morning and be able to open my back door out of my room onto the grassy hillside over the town. I'm all about space these days after living in New York City, and this is quite satisfying. Now just gotta get on that tv.

movie suggestion #2

2008-07-22T08:01:00.003-06:00

I rarely watch movies (I usually have my Netflix movie for about 2 months before watching it, completely defeating the purpose of signing up for the service since that averages me at least $10 per movie, but oh well) so when I see a good one I like to suggest it to others. And while I'm no cinematic authority, I think I have decent taste and I like to recommend movies that really affect me. So here in my blog, I think I'll share with you two or three readers anything I deem worthwhile to watch. Including the movie I saw the other day: Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills. It's a documentary about the trial of three teenagers in West Memphis who are accused of killing three seven-year-old boys. It touches on religion, heavy metal music and crazy southerners (ha - just a joke if any southerners are reading!), and makes you think twice about everything and shows the frustrations of the legal system. It's a pretty well known case, and they have gotten a lot of media attention recently - I won't tell you why because then that would give too much away. Definitely worthwhile renting if you are interested in a documentary - I was riveted for the whole 2 1/2 hours.

And Once! That's still my #1 recommendation.

here comes the sun

2008-07-21T22:04:00.005-06:00

I've been gone on a hiatus. I apologize. I had a bit of a mild breakdown over the weekend due to circumstances both within and beyond my control but I have landed on my feet and am now feeling flowery like the photo. As a result of my breakdown, I have made a few changes in my life:

1. I am not buying the apartment here I had originally put an offer on. Due to the lack of professionalism with everyone involved with the deal in New York City, it is still not fully closed. And it's been a headache and a half for me since I've been here. Or heck - really for the last 6 months. Ask me to talk about it and I'll rant for an hour or more, so rather than do that here I will move forward and share the solution (since I try to be an optimist): I am going to go in on a house with my sister and Wayne in the coming months. Sounds weird, but hear me out... To buy a house in this town - and I'm talking no shared walls and your own land - you need to spend over $1 million. Sure, that sounds ok maybe, but when you see these houses that are going for that price, you will laugh your ass off. Pieces of CRAP. Yes, that description deserves capital letters. That will be for another post - describing the real estate situation here. Unbelievable. Anyways, they recently found a real house that is under the radar through our realtor which has two rental units and plenty of space, but it was unfortunately over their budget, but once my money comes in from my New York apartment (again, fingers crossed it's happening soon) they can afford it! It makes me so happy I can contribute, and I then will be owning, managing and renting out the cute unit over the garage and making money from it, since you can make a decent chunk of change doing that in this town with all the vacationers and I can treat it like my own little hotel. Which brings me to....

2. I'm moving into a place with roommates. It all happened very quickly this weekend. I made the decision to save my sanity and pull out of the apartment I was going to buy, opened up the paper to check out housing listings and found one that was the cheapest I had seen since I've been here. I arrived to check it out with skepticism, knowing that places here can be disasters, but this place is amazing. Beautiful views, my own bathroom and outdoor area. Basically it's like living in a studio, since each person has their own space and bathroom, but we share a kitchen. I feel so fortunate to have found it. And I move in tomorrow! Boy does life move quickly.

3. Job changes - well, not changes so much yet, but moving in a new direction. And I won't say anything about that yet because I feel like I will be found out and don't want to jinx anything, but I'm not leaving my job, just adding a new one. Hopefully. That update is TBD.

Goodness that is it! Add on to this drama my half-marathon training which is not getting any easier in this altitude, and a big pimple on my forehead, and that's been my week. So it's a new week (and I had a dream that I was submersed in water which means new beginnings, right??) and I'm taking new steps since, as much as I hate to say it, being as lazy as I am, I am the only one who can change things. Bleh. So here I go.

regrets, impulses and figuring out your life

2008-07-16T18:33:00.004-06:00

I feel often times that I have already gone through several mid/quarter/one-third-life crises. Sometimes I wonder if I've made reckless, irrational decisions and have done impulsive things that bring me to many what-the-hell-have-I-done-with-myself moments. Trust me, there have been pleeeennty of those in my life. In the past ten years I've lived in too many places to count, been through too many jobs, and I still wonder what I'm going to be and where I'm going to live when I grow up. But you know what? I think it's all worth it. I kinda know it's worth it, but it's hard to say that for sure right now when I still feel like I'm unsettled. But it's articles like this one that make me pretty confident I've made the right decisions in my life. Whenever I find myself in new, uncertain places I always consider the opposite - what if I hadn't done it? And I find that in my life, that option is always worse. I'd rather take a dive into the deep end with a chance of fear and failure than live somewhere waiting for something. Maybe I'm going to end up searching my entire life to feel content with everything in my life, but I feel like that's just the way it's meant to be. I'm just glad that someone (the writer here) is agreeing with me that perhaps I'm not so crazy in the head and I'm doing this all for a reason - to live without any regrets. I'm stumbling along the way, but soon it will be smoooooth sailing.

(Thanks for the article Dad!)

impromptu dog sitting

2008-07-15T21:21:00.002-06:00

I had a pleasant surprise today. I was running some errands when I got a call from Kelley that she had found a dog in the street and it's owner wasn't home at the address on the tag and they weren't picking up the phone at the number that was listed. Being dog people, we couldn't just let it run free, so since Kelley was heading to an appointment, I was the lucky dog sitter for this guy. His name was Cosmo. I came home and tried to entertain him as best I could. It was a pretty strange scenario that this random dog was in Kelley's place, and we were both equally confused about what was going on. He panted the entire time. I don't know if that meant anything, but I thought it was odd.

In the end we got hold of the owner, who was in Denver and the dog was supposed to be with the caretaker here in town. Oh right, and the dog was in their OTHER house here in town, which is why no one was home at the address listed on the dog's tag. Obviously they are doing quite well to have two homes here. Damn them. So we brought Cosmo back to his home and dropped him off, and he reluctantly said goodbye and watched us leave out the front window. Too cute.

two enthusiastic and passionate thumbs up

2008-07-14T21:27:00.005-06:00

I know I'm a little late to this bandwagon, since it came out a few years ago and has already won an Oscar, but I just saw the movie Once and am absolutely in love. I think I can officially call it my favorite movie to date. Such a simple yet beautiful and touching story with such amazing music. I adored it to no end and will recommend to anyone who hasn't seen it to rent it now.

old timer

2008-07-13T15:10:00.002-06:00

My dad gave me an old Nikon that his dad got and used back during the war, and it was built in the early 1950's. How pretty is it? So pretty I thought it worthwhile to use a $5 polaroid sheet with my large format camera to capture it. I won't mention that I ruined a polaroid in the process because the film didn't open when I pulled it which always makes me annoyed and ashamed. But there I went and mentioned it - so now you have the whole story. So anyways, it took some googling to get a copy of the old manual for this camera to figure out how it works. I think I've figured it out and I've got a roll in there to test out if it exposes properly. I will be very old school when I use it since I have to carry around a light meter with me to take any photos since there isn't one built in. I imagine it will be worth the effort though and I will share whatever the results are. (Unless I'm a complete failure with it and then you'll never hear me refer to this camera again)

not colorado

2008-07-12T16:29:00.002-06:00

One would be correct in thinking that this photo does not look like Colorado, since this is in Dalat, Vietnam. Longest hike ever. I think it was something like 15 miles. It's back from my 2007 trip, and I've just scanned my negatives, which is exciting because until now, I've only been able to look at them by holding the slide up and squinting toward the sunlight. I'm still figuring out how to scan well, so I'm not 100% happy with the quality I've been getting with it, but I've got some practice to do. And I hear that reading the manual would help.

So I've got a handful more that I've put up on my flickr site - of our hike in Dalat and the ruins in Cambodia, which makes me overheated just to look at them. Ahh good lord it was hot there. I wonder what all the people we met back in Southeast Asia are up to now. They've probably long forgotten about us. But I love that it only takes a photo to bring back all of the memories. Sigh. Deep thoughts.

gossip who?

2008-07-08T10:02:00.004-06:00

I try to keep my gossip addiction controlled and under wraps. Note that I deleted the Page Six web link from my bookmarks and I only read Us Weekly when I haven't paid for it, thus I do not technically support it. I cannot stop my Gawker addiction though, as annoying as that website can sometimes be. While perusing the site yesterday for my fix, I came across something that makes my celeb-centric brain cells fill with a glee like no other. It involves Blind Items. I love them. I love to guess who the scandalous stories are about (they never give names, but rather hints). And yes, I know, they quite possibly may not be true (although let's face it, they are). So yesterday's blind item roundup on Gawker included a link to a website where BLIND ITEMS ARE REVEALED! They totally name names! I don't know how they can get away with it, but if it's available, I approve! Check it out.

rainbow bright

2008-07-07T08:38:00.002-06:00

Rainbows are pretty common here since it rains often, and last night there were not just one, but TWO rainbows after the storm. The second one you can faintly make out in the photo to the right of the one that is quite clear. So pretty.

future travels...

2008-07-06T16:13:00.003-06:00

It's been kind of rainy the last two days (typical Telluride summers I hear) which I have used as an excuse to stay indoors and plan out my next big trip. I know, I just got here a month ago and had a pretty decent size road trip to get here, but my mind is always active when it comes to this kind of stuff - stuff like travel and vacations; not stuff like work, reading, etc. But hear me out - this one involves what could be qualified as "work".

And let me start out by saying this post is also a proposal for anyone who wants to join me. I would rather not do this by myself. And more accurately, I won't do it by myself, so please come!

A little background: I really want to work on my photography. I would love to travel to take photos of another culture, and I've been wanting to volunteer in another country for years now. After finally putting some serious thought into it, I realized that these two ideas could go hand in hand. I brainstormed and found a great website that lists volunteer organizations in South and Central America where they don't require their volunteers to pay to participate - you just have to pay for accommodation/meals/etc which is so inexpensive there. So I was looking into each of them and found several wonderful organizations where I could volunteer with locals, hopefully get to teach some art classes or anything really, and I could work on a photo project documenting the work I would do and the people with whom I would be working. I think it could be such an amazing and rewarding experience. As for where I want to go, I am tending to focus on programs in Nicaragua. A friend from Australia had traveled there and absolutely loved it. She said the people were amazing, the landscape was beautiful and the vibe was mellow. So I searched on the trusty Flickr website for visuals of the country and found that it seems just that - the culture looks beautiful. And since it's a smaller country off the beaten track, it wouldn't feel like I'm in Disneyland, which sadly tends to happen too often in major tourist destinations. And during my research, I've read more about the countries nearby, like Costa Rica (where I've been before, but I was 16 so I think it's time for a refresher), Guatemala, Belize and Panama, so I decided I can add in some travel time to visit another part of the world I've never seen before. FUN right??

Here's the fatal flaw for most of you (which is where I'll understand if you aren't able to join me): the volunteering will be for at least a month and then I'm hoping to travel for another few weeks after to the surrounding countries. I know, I know. There is that silly thing called "work" that most of you take part in. But if anyone's up for a mid-life crisis and would want to quit their jobs and join me, that would be wonderful. I don't know when this will be - my sister's telling me that I may die in the winter here with the temperature drop and my lack of passion for winter sports, so I may aim for early next year so I can get a taste for the winter here but leave before I get SAD (the seasonal disorder, not the emotion). But who knows. I can tell you though that I am obsessed with researching this trip at the moment and currently have multiple Lonely Planet books opened up next to me, so I'm hoping to make this happen sooner rather than later.

Any takers??

Oh and PS - apparently Tom and Katie are in town! Us Weekly showed them in Telluride for the parade on the 4th, but I sadly missed them. How?! I am disappointed in myself and my celeb sighting skills.

happy 5th of july

2008-07-05T09:15:00.002-06:00

Charlotte says hello.

my claim to fame

2008-07-04T15:06:00.004-06:00

Wayne has been in the Plein Air Festival here which has been happening all week long. Artists from all over the country were selected to come to Telluride and paint the town in their own style and then display them at the end of the week for all to enjoy. It's so exciting to see him doing so well and just how much people love his paintings, since we have all loved his work since the beginning, we were just waiting for everyone else to be able to see his talent. He also had an article written about him in the local paper which came out really great - you can read it here.

Anyways, I'll stop tooting his horn. But wanted to share a photo of the exhibition that they held outdoors today that was packed with people. It was so much fun - oldies playing from the speakers, people interested in art talking with the actual artists, a perfect sunny day, dogs dressed up for the 4th, and Wayne sold some of his paintings...all in all a success!

i like pink?

2008-07-02T22:19:00.004-06:00

This photo is an oldie, from last year's Hong Kong trip, but I felt the visuals needed a change (anyone sick of landscapes yet?), so there you go.

Anyways, I really have nothing much to say. Just wanted to drop a line.

Although I will say that I am rather disturbed by the price of polaroids nowadays. I mean, I know they've always been on the pricey side, but I can't believe that even on ebay you have to shell out about 4 dollars per sheet. I know that the polaroid is coming to an end and all, but I think we should all be able to enjoy the last few months of it. Rich and poor. Big and small. Tall and short. Due to the demise of the beloved polaroid, I will be switching to Fuji instant film, and buying the cheaper, smaller size. I am very thrifty, as most of you know. (case in point: my wardrobe consisting of Old Navy, H&M, and outfits I wore in high school)

There's my rant for the day. Wasn't that fun? I'll be sure to entertain you with more very soon, I am sure.

Oh yes, and happy 4th!!

scanning away

2008-06-30T19:33:00.003-06:00

I got a scanner! I'll explain more about my reasons behind getting it a bit later on, but first I am so excited to have it since now I can show you the photos I took with the 3d toy camera I had talked about earlier this month. There are a bunch more on my flickr site if you want to take a look. I just love the double image that results. And you basically have no control when taking the photos with exposure or anything, so I was happy to see that they came out relatively well. Not perfect exposure of course, but I love that look that you get with toy cameras. And I'll be exploring more with it when I take out my Holga more often once I get my medium format film delivered next week. Hooray!

So the reason behind this purchase is because I'm finally made the decision that I'm going to open my own Etsy shop. (By the way, if you haven't heard of it you can see the website at www.etsy.com - it's an awesome hand crafting/home made/art/vintage seller website) I've thought a lot about it, and I've decided that I will give it a try. My film festival job is only three days per week, so I had been planning on getting another job the other two days of the work week. But I was thinking that this may finally be my opportunity to try to sell my photos. And I'm going to combine it with my love for antiques and vintage clothing by selling both of those on it as well. This will give me an excuse to head on mini road trips to go antique shopping! Then I can resell them on the site. I think it sounds pretty ideal, so I'm hoping it will work out where I make a profit. Anyways, this is still about a month away from launching, so I'll keep you posted when it is up.

So that's the latest. Today is Kelley's golden birthday (30 on the 30th!) which is very exciting. Also I've been listening to records now. Oh - did I mention my sister doesn't have a tv? Yes, I'm back to a blissful life of ignorance (speaking of, what is this Walle I've been seeing on the internet??) where I have no clue what's going on in the world. So Kelley has pulled out her old record player which I've been loving since her record collection includes albums such as the Sound of Music, Fleetwood Mac, and the current record I'm listening to - Oklahoma. Brings back my childhood memories of non-stop musicals. So that's been another exciting piece of news to report. And that wraps up my time today with you guys. Signing out.