The temperature is fine :)

I really don't like to be cold. It's true that hot is an issue in my world too. The perfect temperature is hard to achieve. The neat thing is you have more control in heating up vs. cooling down. :) That's where I'm at right now.

Friday was the first cold night that my down comforter wasn't enough. I was actually shivering but not awake enough to get up and get something. I had stored my electric blanket under the bed. Saturday night when I got home from CSz and after I got out my blankie and plugged it in. There is not much better than getting into a pre heated bed. It's better if it is warmed by a special someone but if that isn't possible an electric blanket is awesome. Man oh man was I snuggly and warm.

I ended up with is the Irish wool throw from an expensive store in Portland. It was a Wedding gift I never really appreciated for it's warmth before. It was Living room decor in my old life. I now wear it around my shoulders when I'm sitting in my room. (mine is the coldest room in the house) It's woven and very light weight but WOW does it keep me comfortable. It makes it easy to move around doing whatever.

So I really enjoyed going to knit last night. The women I met were nice and knowledgeable. We chatted away while working on our projects. It really gave me lots of ideas for new projects. I really want to try new things and have fun with my knitting. Creative klatchs are such a great sharing of knowledge and inspiration. You all have the art in common but meet people you might not normally hang with. I really enjoyed my time at Mable's Cafe. I almost went out for the DIVA's night but after my last two late nights I wanted laid back. To me it was to be a cozy night.

I ordered Chicken Chow mein from Canton Grill on the way home. From the time I ordered on 31st and Division it was ready when I rolled into the lot on 82nd and Division. I had a lazy cozy plan. I got home and headed for the kitchen. I put the still hot food in the microwave then headed upstairs. I turned on my blankie, readied my throw and jammies. I rewound the tape of Charmed I had just received from Joseph (Thank You!) and put my knitting bag on the bed with the remotes. All I had to do was claim my food, change and get cozy. That's right, my night was watching Charmed from the warmth of my bed while pigging and knitting! It was awesome. Life is sweet. I'm still smiling at the simple time I had that I totally loved. The temperature was fine.

84 posts and 2 unfinished drafts is the count inside Marta's world

Thanks for the complements

It was nice to hear the quirky redhead is amusing to read. Two different people told me they enjoy reading my blog and what I have to say. For that I thank you. I'm not posting as much lately and I shall explain now.

I have gotten back into a hobby I really enjoy and am pretty good at. Knitting is a great creative outlet that produces cool and useful items but it gets one out of there head. Great tool for an improviser! I hear more what goes on on stage and retain it. Not because I'm not watching (cause I can knit without looking) but because it opens the brain. It's hard to explain but it is working for me. (what do you think Bron?) No matter, I'm enjoying and that makes everyone happy. I wish I could safely knit on road trips. If I'm driving I cant really. ;)

I have made some friends on the national CSz forums. We play on the forums but also IM, text and chat on the phone. It has been great getting to know them. The forum is a awesome tool in this too. We can post pictures and write details of ourselves and lives. I look forward to meeting people that see and accept me for the quirky gal I am. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Not to ignore my Portland peeps. I have neglected you all a bit in recent months - sorry. I have made the effort to make workshops, sign up for shows and work the door (in Portland) on the weekends. I'm glad you all welcomed me back with open arms and hearts. I'm glad you still love me.

Enough of the lovefest for now. I gotta shower and gather my knitting. I have Queer knitting group this evening. I hope to start putting an old project together and learn how to knit beads into my current felting project. I want to get it done and felted. It's sooo easy and fun!

Smile and relax. The holidays should be about personal beliefs and the love for the people in your world. Keep it simple and happy!

Bron

Bron is Fine!

Beware of the Funny Bunny! Thanks Heather and Evan.

Luke

Luke after one beer!!!

Miss me?

Hello! Bit of time no post but no worries. I'm doing well and happy. More later just wanted to say thanks to my support system and those I adore to spend time with. That includes my crazy on line forum pals (you know who you are) I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to continued play with y'all! ;)It's actually 2:24 am Saturday but I'm gonna change the time so I can post later today. Nite (morning?) Bye!

Maybe you didn't get the message

Maybe you missed it the first time so I will tell you now. Check out the post from Sunday October 31st. Really read it and take it to heart. Thanks.

We will return to our regularly scheduled positive later. :)

Marta is Pucca. Pucca is Marta

Stand back! Here's Marta!!

Another weekend comes to a close

I had My boys this weekend. I had Nick an extra day since he had no school on Friday. We didn't do anything terribly exciting but had fun. I like just hanging and watching movies. They do enjoy going to CSz especially since they have both taken classes.

We started out our time by running errands. We went to Lloyd Center and got My new phone, caramel corn, and some shoes for Nick. His old ones had holes in the bottom! We rented a movie Thursday night. We just laid on the bed watching. It was nice to have one on one time.

Friday night he had his first indoor soccer game of the season. His team won three to two. The best goal (to me) was the one Nick scored! I'm glad he is able to now switch back and forth from D to O.

Saturday was skateboard day. He started out at 10 am going to a place in SE (not far from me) called Skate Church. He is big on the skate part. As if two hours there were not enough he wanted to go to West Linn later to their skate park. We arrived there around 4:15 and stayed til dark. He had a good day and I'm glad I could help. He does love to skateboard and he is pretty good at it. Before I hurt myself he was coaching me along. He wanted me to get skilled enough to go to a skate park and show them how young I really am.

Wil enjoyed a relaxing weekend with little movement other than his hands on the PS2 controller. He is addicted to Smackdown. He calls it Crackdown because it's so necessary to everyday life. He is 15 and doesn't always remember there is a big world out there.

I actually tried to post yesterday's entry several times but between the internet connection not being strong enough (wireless) and Blogger experiencing some difficulties I couldn't get it done til late last night. I also had to wait my turn on the computer and get myself ready for a CSz show. Today's difficulty has been interruption and emergency Wil pick up. His ride home went home sick. My ex is having a fit that I did him a favor by getting Wil and bringing him to my house. It is close to me but his house is not. Now I actually expect him to come get the boy. Gosh I'm a bitch.

Gotta go get myself ready to attend Gateway at CSz. It's the last class for new kids before they join Games and Skills. Ta ta!

Post note I just got back from workshop and had to say what a blast I had. I think that I have been at the same level of skill for awhile but feel changes. It's cool to see it coming and embrace it. Now I want more! More CSz! More in my tool box! I know I must wait, embrace and grow. Not bad for a Monday. Tootles

New pride in my old ride

Wednesday was the day I would conquer the DMV for the last time. (for awhile anyway) I first had to visit DEQ to test my car. I wasn't even worried about this part thanks to The mechanic Lee. The line seemed long but after a wait of 10 minutes (or less) I was up. I was just really getting into a flow writing in my journal and was a tad disappointed to be interrupted.

When they were testing my car it sounded like a plane taking off. I knew it was the tires on the metal cylinder but It sounded really cool. It has to be the first visit to DEQ I enjoyed. To say I had fun would be silly but not a bad or costly one for sure.
Now that I had the magic paper from DEQ and my car title I was ready for the final faze of this drawn out mission!

I noticed on my way to DEQ there was a lonely auto parts store. I like my car so much more now that I have (say it with me) yummy delicious heat. I've been going out of my way to give it TLC. I wheeled into said auto parts store and got replacement wiper blades for all three arms. I also got anti-fog for the windows. Teenage boys can sure mess up the windows! The guy that helped me was even nice enough to come out and help me put them on. I smartly went in on a sunny day. That took all of ten minutes then I was off to my fail destination - DMV.

This part wasn't hard at all! I got there at the right time of day. I actually thought they were closed for lunch! I was the line. All I had to do was give her three pieces of paper and write a check. She handed over the tags and said thanks. I had set aside the whole day for this and now I had oodles of time before workshop and no plans.

I decided to continue to pamper my ride at home by cleaning and polishing the interior. I had product at home for such a task. It was a beautiful mild day that just seemed like the right thing to do. I worked for the remainder of the afternoon. I got it vacuumed, all the hard interior cleaned, the windows cleaned and anti-fogged and I sprayed a deoderizer on all carpeted surfaces. It was getting chilly so I would have to wait on the Son of a Gun. It's for shining vinyl. I also had leather conditioner for my seats.

All in all a good day in Marta's World.

Pt. II: The rest of the story

In Seattle Saturday night looking for a parking spot we circled the block a couple of times but not driving eradicaly. I'm paranoid about my tags so I notice every cop. One was parked when we pulled up to a light waiting to turn. The light changed and we start to turn and he followed us. After a half a block he hits his lights. Damn. I'm not the driver but at that moment I wish I was. After all it is my car. It turns out to be a young gung-ho military wanna be. (no judgment other than it's the real world buddy) He comes to the driver's window and starts his questioning. The problem is he didn't really listen to our answers. He thinks we are married and living in different states. (WTF?) I kept telling him it is my car and I'm responsible. He leaves us sitting while he goes to his car for what seems hours but was actually five minutes. He comes back and writes a warning ticket to and chastises the man. Ugh! He then warns next time it will be a $192. Ticket. Oh, and have a nice evening.

We didn't let it dampen the evening. We ate at a Eithiopien restaurant then went to see GOGA. (Girl On Girl Action) It was a great evening in an awesome weekend (thanks again!)

Monday I'm really out of it so I rest, do my laundry and get things tidied up in my little room. Tuesday I got up early (for a Professional Slacker) and get ready to tackle DMV! I took everything I can think of including the box from Evan with my physical address to a different DMV. I stand in line for a fair amount of time but not as long as I expected to. It's my turn and I explain I need new tags and title. She asks to see my DEQ receipt. Oh, do I need to do that? Ah, duh. She gets me papers I will need to fill out, the address to the nearest DEQ and a Portland/Oregon map. (Sweet! I needed one!) I did get a head to the front of the line pass if I could make it back that day. I thought I would but one thing I didn't have but needed was my title. I had a general idea where it was (in the basement) but had to go find it. It was getting late and I had to pick up the boys from school. I raced home and frantically went through papers but couldn't find it. I knew it was there but some re-organization was in order. I got the boys and came home. I took all my papers up to my room and went through them. I needed to do that anyway. I found it but by that time it was late so I decided first thing Wedenday morning! Will I ever get this done? stay tuned for the next installment!

Me, (and a guy) the DMV, DEQ and a young WA. Cop

There's a lot to this story. Let me start by saying it started on or the time of my birthday but I was unaware. (distracted) I will share more later today after more unfolds.

In August my tags on my car expired. I was unaware of this until last week. It seems like "we" all figured this out around the same time.

When I moved into my studio apartment May 17th of 2003 I did go into DMV and file my change of address. It wasn't until much later that I realized I never got anything back from them. Now, I've done a lot of living in the time I moved. I haven't always done things "right" or well BUT I have tried. That's all that can be expected right?

So, I gotta say I was a bit busy and distracted in August. Just lost my job, was losing my apartment (as much as I tried not to let that happen) and found out about the cancer. Knowing I was going to have a surgery and had to wait. Honestly if I had got the notice and someone else for money? I didn't have it.

I was putting some stuff in the back of my car and looked down at my license plate. I almost wet myself! I realized my tags were EXPIRED! I knew that was something I could get a ticket for. I went to DMV and got a number in the neighborhood of infinity while they were helping #212. I know I'm a Professional Slacker but I had lots to do! I did turn in my change of address but hoped to get another crack at it the next morning. Duh! It was a holiday and the next day I was going on my road trip. You see where this is going.
I gotta go to workshop so I will finish later. :)

Life of a Professional Slacker

I know many of you are thinking that Professional Slacker has to be a cushy life. I'm here to tell you while it has it's perks it also has a down side. Not having to set the alarm for the morning.(Yah!) That also means you have no place imperative you have to be. (:{ ) That is nice for awhile but the pay as a Professional Slacker is little to none. It definitely cramps my style.

Here is an example of what "fun" I do get to have. I came downstairs yesterday after sleeping in. (I did get home at midnight) to an unhappy roommate. The home owner is out of town again for his job. He leaves his dog for us to care for. My other roommate has a dog as well so she is mostly in charge. It seems fair to me since I'm the one that cleans up those pesky dust weasels. She informs me that Max (the dog) has shown his unhappiness of his owners absence by using the house as a public toilet. She had already cleaned up a mess from most every room of the house! (I close my bedroom door when I'm not home :])He even went so far as to uncharacteristically lift his leg (he is 8 so he usually squats) to pee on the couch while she was sitting on it watching T.V.! He was able to not only hit the cloth couch but the wool rug it sits on. Now the house smells like pee and Jo Jo ,the other dog, slinks around as if he is in trouble too.

So the "fun" I referred to was this. I get dog watch when the roommate goes to work. That also means cleaning up any messes during said watch. I don't want to clean up anything having already potty trained my own kids. I spent part of my evening sitting in the Living room on (the far side of ) the couch watching a reality show. In the Living room we don't have cable but rabbit ears. The channels that come in are ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. I was not interested in the show but had to spend time with Max to keep from cleaning up messes. It's like having my crazy dog Uma back. (That's a whole other story I will get to someday.) I'm happy to say that there were no messes on my watch. I also wasn't doing what I would normally do on an evening I was home. It's not like I had somewhere I had to be in the morning.

So before you wish you had the title of Professional Slacker you might want to re-think that. ;)

The counter of posts is always way off. I counted all of them and here (for my benefit) is the count. 77 actual posts and 2 unfinished drafts. It always bugs me and I had the time since the shower was occupied. Professional Slacker

Replay and other opinions from Me

Hello to all! I had a fabulous weekend shared with a special someone. (You know who you are)We went to Seattle and did whatever we chose at the moment. It was grand to have no plan just ideas and see what came along. It's the most fun I think I've had ever on a trip. *big [world famous] cheesy grin*

Now on to other news of the catch up variety. I will refer back to older posts or comments there in and finish up my views.

~Nick and his team won their last game of the outdoor season. It was a really well played game by both teams and at the end whistle it was tied. They went to a five man shoot out. Our goalie scored on theirs for the first point. The next man scored but No. Three and four missed. The last man faked out the goalie and got it in! That gave us three. On their side the goalie was blocked followed by No. Two being blocked. Three and five missed but four barley got it in. It was exciting to watch and the reaction of the boys at the end. It was a tough season for their team so I was glad to have them finish on a high note.

~I finally saw The Grudge a week or so ago. I fully expected to be scared silly like I was viewing Ju - on. (the Japanese [and original] version)The story was basically the same but they had to change some things from the original story. I enjoyed it and screamed a loud a few times but Ju - on wins hands down. I recommend both but I like Ju - on better.

~Last week I also got to see The Cramps in concert. I had a great time all around. The people watching was awesome fun to start. The warm up bands were great. The Gore Gore girls were hot in gold lame (mini's and hot pants) 60's style outfits. They sounded great too! I would go see them again. The Cramps were great to watch. I cant believe that hot red head on stage was five or so years older than me! She had tons of long curly red hair and a great bod. She does not look to be near fifty.

~I am still basking in the warmth my car heater blasts forth. It has truly changed how I feel about my car and the approaching cold of winter. It wont be so bad. I love to have heat after a few short blocks-YUM.

~I seriously need to choose a new job/career path. I just am at a loss as to how? I see that I cant do the job(s) I did before. I'm physically unable. I need to do something that I will enjoy and I can support myself on. Any ideas? My unenjoyment runs out soon. Nobody wants a gimp for an employee so far. I'm open to ideas of schooling, people to talk to and generally a new way to approach this.

That's it for now. I hope to post a couple times a week but seem to have things other than my computer needed my attention. Get out there and enjoy life!

PNPW. . . BNPW ?

What the actual name is isn't as important as the trouble the league is in. I understand that there is a lot of acting and story lines involved in wrestling. That is what keeps it exciting. In the last couple of months things have changed a lot. I also noted a change in the fans.

I went to last Sunday's T.V. taping at the Milwalkie Elks Lodge. Most of the families I nomally see were not in attendance. The people that were there were harsh and critical of the wrestlers. They got into insulting not only the wrestlers and Ref but each other. It was not the typical crowd for PNPW.

The matches and outcomes were not entertaining. Actually most matches ended quickly as a count out or D.Q. It was odd. Not what I go to watch. Too many people planning? Or not the right people. The Blanchards took over "offically" last month but had a say the month or so before that.

Last taping I went to about a month ago there were too many role changes. Heels to baby face and some doing that and stating they quit or were fired. Jeremy Blanchard turned baby face and was to face his brother Bubba this taping. He was gone. Rumor on Pacific Northwest Wrestlings Bottom Line is he has moved to Portland Wrestling. So much chaos and unfinished business that was passed over. If this is the new management style I'm not interested.

I have enjoyed PNPW over PW (Portland Wrestling) but now think I will give PW a try. Just dont ask me to step in the ring to save one of the two women that "wrestle" for PW.

Jeremy trying to turn babyface to Buzz as the heel?

Squirrels

I don't know much about squirrels except what I've witnessed. We have lots of them in Portland and they behave as if on crack. This time of year they are stocking up for the winter with urgency to get the job done. What do they do the rest of the summer? Procrastinators no doubt.

With that said I just want to make a statement. Squirrels are nuts! (no pun intended - don't throw the flag!) For one they taunt cats and predatory birds. Also they play chicken with massive moving objects. Is their squirrel life so boring or so stressful it pushes them to the edge? It must be the adrenaline rush. Whatever the reason I don't enjoy the stress it puts on me when I try not to hit one.

Another observation is that they behave differently on My side of town (S.E.) vs. The Boys (S.W.) In S.E. they travel by tree and power line. You rarely see them on the ground. In fact I've not had a problem with one since moving here. In S.W. they seem scatterbrained. I am forced to play chicken almost every time I drive there.

I hope to never hit one. Besides being incredibly gross I would feel terrible. I hate to see anything (one) in pain. What a way to go - Yuck!

Have a super day and watch out for crazy squirrels!

HI ! :)

Just wanted to let ya all know I'm still alive! I have my usual big cheesy grin on my face and a smile in my heart. I'm happy with me.

The chill of fall

This morning is Nick's last outdoor soccer game of this year. It is very chilly and frosty out my window. He still has outdoor practice at night but he mostly enjoys that.

I'm looking forward to watching him play today. He has grown as a player this year. He has even been moved (not permanently) from defense where he plays well to offense in a scoring position. He has come so close to scoring !

I'm hoping my batteries (that I forgot to charge) in the camera have some life in them. I want some pics on a chilly foggy morning. I haven't gotten many this year. I've not been happy with the ones I have gotten. I think on the times I have to take pics I'm trying to hard. I will have camera in readiness but relax. I will grab the batteries for the CD player just in case!

Gotta get bundled up and moving! Enjoy the weekend and be good to those who love you. You are fortunate to have them.

Warning: this ramble was written before much coffee was consumed. Also the author was in a nostalgic mood. Thank you

Pretty Fall

fall

Been buzy :)

I have not been hanging around the computer much. I miss blogging but this way I'm writing in my journal more. Either way I'm "venting". (in my quirky positive way)

I've seen some great bands lately and spent time with important people. Speaking of which, I have my boys this weekend. We are going to partake of pizza and scary movies tonight. I'm the one who gets scared and they laugh at me. They also end up with bruises where I grab their arms.

Since I have the boys (and soccer) I will write a few things on a pad and enter them when I get my computer back Sunday night at 6. Type more later. . . .

I had a good weekend

I enjoyed the changing weather and continuing fall foliage. I know it will be gone soon. I wanted to take some pictures this weekend but my batteries weren't charged enough on Saturday. I missed out on capturing some awesome shots. That's the way it goes. :)

I was in the Halloween show in Eugene on Saturday night and Portland on Halloween. I had a lot of fun at both. I think I had a better show on Sunday. It doesn't really matter because to me it is the fun of playing that keeps me going.

I'm happy with the way my life is going. There are things I want / need / wish would change but that is usually the way. What I try to do is focus on the positive while "fixing" the other. I'm fortunate in many ways. I have good people in my life that enrich the experience. I can once again say I have my health and it will stay that way! I'm taking the first of many baby steps to plan for and protect my future. It feels both scary and good.

In News of the Simple I must report that heat in the car = a happy Marta. It is SO cool to get in the car on a chilly evening and within 3 blocks have heat! Yum! This winter I wont have to over dress because I'll be in the car.

I had adult fun on Halloween for the first time since I was in my early twenties. I missed taking the boy's out but I have gotten to do so solo for the last fourteen years. I dressed up after the show and went with some folks to a costume party at Crystal Ballroom. There was a contest and bands. I really enjoyed myself. Some of the costumes were so good. I enjoyed being checked out in my 50's sweater girl a la Sandra Dee get up. Not that I don't get that a lot in everyday life. 30 minutes before leaving the house for call time I threw stuff together. I hope the pictures taken by Brooke, (awesome costume!) Adam (Clark Gable?) or Kristin (hot seventies chick and my date) turn out. I will (with help from someone) post the pictures!

Got to do laundry, paperwork, read a non improv book, shop for the biz, knit, clean and get ready for some good times with exceptional people. Yup, another full week in Marta's world. *big [world famous] cheesy grin* I'm lucky to be me.

Texture

Texture