Monday, February 27, 2006

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Celebration: Feliz Cumpleanos a Mi

Took a trip down memory lane this morning and uncovered a plethora of saved birthday cards from my childhood...
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And lots of photos of birthday parties and celebrations...
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I loved this princess tiara...
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Yes, that is pecky cedar in the background, and my brother is a month old in this photo...it was my 7th birthday...
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A Raggedy Anne themed birthday party...
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A birthday party at the roller rink...
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A birthday in Kansas with relatives...I was rockin' the Holly Hobbie look...
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Looks like I raked in the miniatures that year...I was totally into collecting miniatures...
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Probably my 13th birthday or so...I was so excited to get one of my first albums. The Eagles. You'll note my mom in the background: my teen years were probably not the easiest. For anyone. Love you mom!
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I'll end the trip down memory lane there. But for this year's birthday fete, complete with photos, visit this totally sweet post over at Recovering Straight Girls. Ah, shucks, peeps. This is one of the best birthdays ever...

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

What do you hear when you close your eyes?

what do you hear when you close your eyes?
When I close my eyes I hear Lionel Richie. Lionel and I have a love/hate relationship. And since I heard him singing to me on the radio this morning (note to self: put CD from Superinky into car stereo), he’s now planted firmly in my brain.

“You are the sun, you are the rain…”

When I was in high school I went on a date with a friend to a Valentines Day dance. Roberto was a nice guy: funny, goofy, sweet and a good person. I thought of him as a good friend. Friend, is the key word. That night, as his mom chauffeured us to and from the dance, Roberto sat in the back of the car with me. Hmmm. Lionel Richie played loudly.

“That makes this love a foolish a game…”

Roberto put his arm around me. And sang along to the music. To me.

“You need to know, I love you so…”

And I thought to myself “oh shit, he likes me more than a friend.”

At the dance I tried to keep us in with groups of friends as much as we could, but it’s that car ride that seemed to go on forever. I wish I could remember what I wore. I’m pretty sure he had a Cosby sweater on.

Awkwardness. I hope I was nice to Roberto. Nothing ever came of our date, and I’m pretty sure he was a complete gentleman and walked me to the door. I think even from the door I could Lionel Richie.

Now when I hear Lionel, I’m filled with this kind of awkward dread. I think that means I need to open my eyes and change the radio station.

So there you go for Self Portrait Tuesday, this week on Wednesday due to the holiday, and thanks to Brett for getting me off my ass and posting a portrait this week. Go check out Brett’s new hairdo: it’s very handsome.

Monday, February 20, 2006

How will you be defined in the dictionary?


LeLo --

[noun]:

A hermit living in the big city



'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com


Props to Gaymo.

Peace to Laurel

Si lo sabe dios que lo sepa el mundo

If you’re dying, you shouldn’t have to spend your remaining time alive fighting for your partner to receive your pension. But that’s what Lt. Laurel Hester did for her partner, and for all of us. A lifelong cop and member of her New Jersey Police and Firemen's Retirement System, the freeholders in charge of the system refused to turn over her benefits to her partner if she were to die. Lt. Hester was very sick from cancer yet she testified and eventually they relented. She passed away yesterday. Peace to Laurel.

Si lo sabe dios que lo sepa el mundo—If god knows, let the whole world know.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

My front door experience with a “First Things First” petition gatherer

This is the post I almost wrote a few months back but didn’t. At the time I thought, “Lelo, yes you’re pissed off but give it a break.” Turns out the experience at my front door with an idiot petition gatherer was a good indicator for what has happened, as the signature gathering has turned into quite the ruckus and news story. I should have followed my instincts and blogged about it then, but better late than never.

The doorbell rang one night and the woman at the door said she was gathering signatures for a petition "to keep taxpayer money from going into politicians pockets and to support schools instead."

It smelled funny to me.

I asked her whom she was with and she said the City of Portland. Now I know that the City does not go door-to-door collecting signatures. Duh. I looked at her really weird and repeated, “You’re saying you are from the City of Portland?” and she flubbered some, and I asked who is behind the signature gathering. She couldn’t answer but continued to press me to sign the petition. At that point, there’s no way in hell I’m going to sign this petition, but let’s see what this is really about…. I pressed her for who is supporting the petition, she didn’t have any paperwork to show me nor could she tell me anything more, and when I explained there’s no way I’m going to sign something when I don’t know who’s behind it, what it’s about, or what group she’s representing, she looked at me and overly-clearly and loudly asked (as if I couldn’t possibly understand her), “Do you have access to a com-pew-tor? Maybe you could look it up on a comp-pew-tor.” She didn’t have a website for the First Things First committee, whose name we found together hidden somewhere in her paperwork, but thanks to her great incite I could look it up after she left.

You bet I did. This visit to my front door stunk, and it was topped off with an insult. I probably had googled that committee name before she stepped onto the sidewalk leaving my house. What was that about? Here is someone going to door to door, gathering signatures—and I had seen there were signatures of my neighbors—for something she could not explain one bit about, and, she assumed I didn’t have nor know anything about com-pew-tors.

So I’m not surprised ONE BIT to read:
“…the repeal appeared to have fallen short thanks in large part to unregistered voters and duplicate signatures.” And, upon reading what the First Things First Committee was about and who was a part of it—big businesses like Qwest and PGE—I’m really glad I didn’t sign it. In no way does it represent me nor my beliefs (which, BTW, I do support campaign finance reform), but the way the signature gatherer was presenting it, shoving the petition in front of me and decrying use of my taxes by politicians, I can see how it could easily go the other way for other people. Which got me thinking…I live in a historically depressed, working class, and diverse neighborhood. I’m part of some of the gentrification of it, but what was she doing in my neighborhood? And why was she assuming I didn’t know what a com-pew-tor was?

I’m glad I didn’t sign that, but I do wish I had told her off. If you’re going to gather signatures for a bullshit initiative, at least know what you’re talking about and who you’re representing. And don’t talk to me like I’m an idiot.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Full of Grace!

virgin mary blesses the daffodil buds
Anyone else love the movie Pecker? I can't look at a Virgin Mary statue without playing Full of Grace! Full of Grace! in my head. Props to Bag-o-Donuts for helping out with that one. Have had some other fun pop ins lately from people IRL visiting da blog. Hi mom! Everyone wave to mom. Her warm hugs are the best and I love when she comments because I can hear her voice in the words she writes.

Made it home, late late late last night. Had a delay in Chicago, and the gate staff abandoned their post for 2 hours while a plane load of Portland bound passengers stood around watching the delay update every 15 minutes. Our plane was there and ready, but our flight crew was not. And no one could tell us if we'd eventually be getting out or not. I suppose gate staff have been laid off with the airline budget cutting: comforting, isn't it? What can you do? I'm just glad to be home and to have a whole long weekend to rest, relax, and hang out.

Wink is fine (of course) and though the vet said she'd have little appetite and just want to sleep, she ate a huge breakfast this morning and is up and about playing with her chew bone, wiggling around, and pretty much back to her happy-go-lucky self. No walks for a few days, so we'll just lay low and snuggle. Nice. Thank you for the nice thoughts! I was feeling a bit melancholy yesterday.

Stay warm this weekend peeps!

Friday, February 17, 2006

Lovely Wink


Lovely Wink
Originally uploaded by Lelonopo.
Traveling for work isn't always glamorous. There are good things about it, and not so good things. In the beginning, it's pretty cool. You stay in nice hotels, take cabs, experience new cities and places, go out to eat far more than you do at home, shop and discover new things and cultures...

But then there's the airport snafus, weather delays, time change and long days (and nights), and being away from those you love. AdRi is such a great partner and supports me in everything I want to do. But when I'm away, I miss her, and tending to Wink, Picasso and Frida, falls on her completely. She's a pretty busy lady and has a very demanding job, too. But she loves Wink so much, and even though I said we'd share caretaking of Wink when she first came to live with us, the reality is, it falls on AdRi because I travel and work a lot.

The hardest part is being away from home during important times. Today Wink is getting fixed and here I am in Chicago. I won't be there to comfort her when she comes back from the vet, and I can't be there to help AdRi. Please send good thoughts to Wink today....snip snip. She won't procreate. I just don't want her to hurt.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Link-a-doodle

I've received or found a slew of really good links lately, so here they are compiled for all of your wondrous goodness. Have fun.

Brokeback paraphernalia is finally getting good....if you haven't seen Matt Lauer and Al Roker doing the loge a la Brokeback Mountain style, don't miss this one.

Finally, the Brokeback dolls are out, and available on e-bay. Get 'em while you can. These boys are hot.

Practice your target shooting a la Cheney style. Steady.....steady.......SHOOT!

And the creme de la creme, Jesus the Musical. Damn. That's good.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Miscellaneous Scenes From a Day

Nothing too exciting. Just a few things I saw on a walk-about this evening. I think it's warmer here than Portland: it was in the 50's here today. Neener neener neener.
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And here's an odd one for you. It's also counting as this week's Self Portrait Tuesday submission.
things are looking up

My Long Distance Valentine

My long distance Valentine

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Wink has visitors...


doggy play date!
Originally uploaded by Lelonopo.
...and we do too! What a nice treat to come home from a long workday away on a Sunday and find the wonderful Anna, Brett, Phoebe and Frodo coming to visit for a play date. Those crazy NoPo walkers walked 4.3 miles over to visit for a while, and as you can tell, there was quite the excitement. Wink just wanted to wiggle and wiggle and sweet Phoebe was a little scared but how adorable is her aerobics wear? Frodo was such a big boy and shared his smile with everyone: what a giver! Good to see you guys....next time we'll take the kids to the park and see hilarity ensue, I'm sure.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Seven songs I’m really into

Meme time. I was tagged. By the fixxation. Thank you fixxation. So here’s the deal.

"List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to."

I used to be so into music. I defined my life by music. Music defined me.

Today? Today I have little understanding of what’s happening in the music scene. I’ve just collected and adopted a strange conglomeration of tunes I like, all from different genres. Some because of AdRi and her love of Spanish songs (not from Spain, but sung in Spanish), my exposure to showtunes in the jazzhands* community, my affinity for my music from junior high and high school (how is it that I still know the words to Burnin’ for You by Blue Oyster Cult?”), a haphazard collection of alternative stuff, musicians I’m introduced to via stories on NPR (yes, people, that’s the truth: I think I probably heard about the White Stripes first on NPR, or I know I did Cousteau), and my sporadic browsing through the iTunes store. Then there are the fabulous people in my life like friends and coworkers who share music with me—and even bloggers.

So I show to the light of day my favorite seven songs right here and now. You asked.

1. Ella’s Song by Sweet Honey in the Rock. If you haven’t heard this song before, put on some headphones and crank it. I got this song from a CD of songs all about social change. This song inspires me, makes me remember why I do what I do, and why I fight for rights of all people. I’m doing a project for work with this song and anticipate in two weeks I will have heard this at least 200 times. I hope I still love it then like I do now.

2. Bullet and a Target by Citizen Cope. Great beat, original and I always want to clap along. But not when I’m driving.

3. Still Pretending by Tift Merritt. Sexy lovely.

4. Snow by Gustavo Santaolalla. Acoustic haunting from Brokeback Mountain. I came away from the film touched in many ways, but the music was integral to many of its nuances. I like this one in particular. It makes me feel melancholy.

5. La Camisa Negra by Juanes. Oh, Juanes. My girlfriend loves your music, and it’s rubbed off on me. I can hear your urgency and I absolutely love the strong beat that makes us always dance traditional Mexican style, whenever we hear you. Soy gringa pero amo te.

6. I U She by Peaches. Girls kick ass. Enough said.

7. Tear Me Down by Spoon. I love every song on this album but this one in particular makes me drive too fast, play the stereo way too loud, and sing much louder than anyone around me could ever handle. Tribute album made as a benefit, of the Hedwig and the Angry Inch Soundtrack. Steer clear of the Yoko Ono on that one. Owie.

Bonus: Because I love everything Rufus Wainwright, if I had to pick my favorite right now, it’s Hallelujuh . And yes, that’s on the Shrek soundtrack.

Extra Bonus Just Added: Remember playing Stairway to Heaven backwards to hear the satanic lines? Check out this site to hear it clearly and for more. Crazy!

Happy hodgepodge. I suppose if I have to tag poor folks, I’ll tag Rozanne , Recovering Straight Girl , SoozieQ, Bemused and Blogzie ! Go for it ladies.

*jazzhands? Showtune-happy gay men.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I have no idea what this means but the quiz told me this is what I am.

You Are a Newborn Soul

You are tolerant, accepting, and willing to give anyone a chance.
On the flip side, you're easy to read and easily influenced by others.
You have a fresh perspective on life, and you can be very creative.
Noconformist and nontraditional, you've never met anyone who's like you.

Inventive and artistic, you like to be a trendsetter.
You have an upbeat spirit and you like almost everything.
You make friends easily and often have long standing friendships.
Implusive and trusting, you fall in love a little too easily.

Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

I've got my eye on you.

up close and personal
Feel like someone is staring at you? Yep, that's me. You know what this means. It's Self Portrait Tuesday.

So I've been wearing my glasses a lot because my eyes get tired with my contacts. Plus, I'm super sensitive to different contact lens cleaning solutions and there are times when I have severe chemical reactions to them—like ultra sensitivity to the sun, which is not good for me, the sun lover. And last week I was so damn busy I ran out of cleaning solution and seriously didn't have time to get more.

So it was the glasses. For about two weeks, actually. I've been considering lasik so that I can remove this task from my life, and to not have problems seeing. Glasses in all of our rain can be a little irritating, just because of the need for windshield wipers. But the thought of having clippers holding my eyelids open for the eye slicing creeps me out. Both my parents have had eye surgery: cataracts are most likely in my genes, so it's inevitable the time will come when those clamps will one day hold my eyelids open.

Okay, I'll stop staring at you now. Happy day.

Monday, February 06, 2006

I-5 between Seattle and Portland: what's the deal with the signs?!

Apparently, if you live or own property along I-5 between Portland and Seattle, it's a requirement to either post freaky political rantings, sculptural oddities, or praise be, sing the praises of bajeezus. Take for example the following visual proof:

What the frick is this about? Can anyone splain this to me?
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This has actually been growing and multiplying. It's lovely, actually. I guess I'm trying to figure out what the right wing ranting is that must accompany it. (I vaguely remember a sweet story that goes with this installation so I'll take it easy on 'em. Of course, I don't remember anything else nor does some searching on google reveal anything to support my fuzzy memory.)
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And then there's the lovely cramming down my throat the christian quotes. Do they not know that not everyone else supports their lifestyle? Geez. Keep it to yourselves, or, at least don't ask don't tell.
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Somewhere along the drive we stopped to give Wink a whirl through a park and do her thing. That's when we happened upon this. Now don't tell me this doesn't kick some serious ass.
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This is the house of Rich Art. He's applied styrofoam and a whole lotta time and artistic talents to create this installation in and around his home. Read more about him here. I love folks that march to the beat of their own drum. "He just wants people to get off their butts and get to work making art. All around the yard are little signs proclaiming variations on the work ethic."

If I had property along I-5, I think we all know I wouldn't use it for any of the above purposes. Maybe I'd put self portrait pictures on it, or lots of pictures of Wink. Oh wait. That's what my blog is for.

Have a good week peeps. And for chrissakes, enjoy some of this sun. Hallelujah!

Sunday, February 05, 2006