You know what's f'd up?

Taking a vacation to go gloat over someone else's misfortunes. I guess that was what the WTC started. OHHHHhhhhh, I guess the $3 out of every $35 or $29 that will be going to a non profit orginization in the area makes it ok.

STRIKE!!!

So the transit workers union is about three hours away from a strike. You can read here for all of the details. I'm not sure where I stand on the whole thing. I know for certain that MTA is crooked, what with the LYING about their budget over the last couple of years. So I guess that puts me on the side of the workers. (FOR THE PEOPLE!!!) The whole thing seems a little ridiculous to me. I guess because I don't know what a "fair" amount of pension would be, or which year is the most fiscally responsible year to begin paying out a pension.

I did find this blog when I was looking for information though. Keep in mind there is always a battle with the "Upstate" New Yorkers and the "New York City" New Yorkers about how much the state spends on the MTA and the Subway system. The "Upstater's" always think that they pay too much in taxes for a transportation system they don't even use. The "New Yorkers" realize that without New York City, the State of New York wouldn't be nearly as powerful as it is now and they should just be quiet. Hehe.

Post - y

I realized that the post below represents my 50th post on this blog. Which is pretty amazing, considering the rate at which I update this thing. Pretty sweet!

Christmas - y

We've had these lights sitting around for a year. I figured I would put them up even though I won't be in NYC for Christmas, I can still enjoy the prettiness (good word!) Although it looks nice from the inside and outside, I can't keep them up all year. It's a bit impratical for opening the window or the blinds (which we normally do during the summer).

New York is Great

New York is great because you can get on the train and see this guy. The Sci-Fi Fantasy D&D playin' geek. I don't know what he was typing, but it seems likely that it was some kind of story or script or something involving wizards or elves. I had to sneak these pictures with the camera on my phone. I mostly love the fact that he had the balls to walk around in a hand sewn full length cape. New York is great!

Interesting Link

I was looking around for information about Burma, after reading a news article about the military junta that is in power there. I typed "Burma" into Google and ran into this website. It's pretty interesting.

Where do you go when you need information? The CIA of course!!!

Shelby Is Smelby

I haven't had a post solely dedicated to the craziest dog ever for awhile. Also, I was looking for an easy subject to start up the ol' blog again. AND I know you were all waiting around for yet more pictures of the crazy ass dog. Hehe.
These were taken after Shelby had been smelling and scratching around the speaker between the bookshelf and the TV for the past two days, like she smelled something in there. So today, I moved the speaker out, thinking that there would be a dog treat, or maybe a piece of her toy (or maybe a mouse!!!) that she had knocked behind the speaker. However, sitting behind the speaker was a tiny, solitary, unpopped kernel of popcorn. She must have picked up on the smell a few days ago, so once the speaker was moved she ate it and we were all happy again. And also, I took it as proof we don't have mice, as the last time I had popcorn was about three weeks ago, and no self respecting mouse would leave popcorn sitting around uneaten. So now I've filled my Self Indulgent Dog Owning Story quota for awhile. And as lil' Sis says: Enjoy!

bear and tie

i drew this on the back of a receipt on the way home. on the train. (it's kind of scribbly)

i can't decide if he is crazy...or that he just doesn't like to wear ties.

Marathon!!!

Today is the day of the New York City Marathon. It's something that has been a long time coming it seems like. Shelby and I went for a walk and stopped a couple of places to stand and watch the river of people run by, or trudge by, or walk by. It's an amazing sight. I could sit out until dark and watch people run by (of course at the end, there are only stragglers) but the dog was getting impatient and nervous with all of the hooting and hollaring going on so we had to take off for home after an hour. Even with the pictures, my favorite thing is that the crowds watching along the sides are constantly yelling and cheering people on, which is why you'll see people with their names on their shirts - so we can all yell at them when they go running by.

Here they are right by the Wiliamsburg Bridge - you guys should all know where this is...

Here is up the same street - the marathon runs down Bedford Street, this is the corner of Bedford and South 4th.

This one is on South 1st (I think) I mostly took it because the trees were so pretty.

The guy running in front seems to be smiling.

And of course...the dog.

Light

light
Originally uploaded by transplant.

This is a picture that I took of the flourescent light outside of my apt. in the hallway of my building. I didn't think the picture would turn out like this when I took it.

more fun with friskit

bird
Originally uploaded by transplant.

look it's a bird!

monster

monster
Originally uploaded by transplant.

I finally found Liquid Friskit, which is (for those of you who don't know) kind of like rubber cement, but not gluey, so you can paint in on the paper, and then paint over it to keep parts of the page white.
But his teeth were kept white. Rar!

new family member

jade
Originally uploaded by transplant.

So it may not be as exciting as a baby. Or a new dog, or even a rat. But I bought this Jade plant the other day, and I'm hoping that I won't kill it. It's the first time I've owned one of these, and I'm not exactly sure how to take care of it. The heiroglyphics included on the little plastic thing don't exactly tell you how often to water it. They are like looking at washing instruction symbols, but they aren't that clear. Luckily, I have a mom who is good with plants, and can diagnose any problems down the road.
I recently repotted my other plant into a bigger pot for the first time in 4 years and it was extremely happy. I'm just hoping that this new Jade plant will be as Susan-Resistant as my first one.

Internet-less

So for the past week, I haven't had an internet connection at home. This computer has seen better days I think, and the constant influx of dog hair and dust seems to be dragging it down. It hasn't read CD's or DVD's much less burned a disc properly for around a year now, and lately, the Airport card seems to be hit or miss. Ahh, the joys of obsolete technology. Now we can throw it out and wreak havoc on the environment, or ship it off to China to be recycled for a few pennies.

Anyway, the whole point of this was supposed to be how I have gotten used to having the good old World Wide Web handy, and when it's not there, how much it sucks. How else am I supposed to look up phone numbers to get a burrito delivered, much less order groceries and have food in the refriderator to eat? I wanted to go to a movie yesterday, but when I couldn't look up movie times or Fandango some tickets, that idea went out the window as well. I didn't want to take a chance and go to the theater, only to have the movie I want to see sold out, or have to wait around for 3 hours for the movie to start with nothing nearby except the Gap to entertain me. Last night, I actually had to sit through the 11:00 news, instead of seeing a commercial for the news, and then looking up the story on the internet so I could get actual in-depth reporting, instead of the news bits they show on TV.

But it's back now. Hopefully permanently, so there will be more to come.

Gambling Nuns?

This is another picture from the nunnery that we visited. I don't remember if there was a story to this particular room, but this little alcove was beautifully painted. The ceiling was also painted with various little pictures on it. If you look closely, towards the top, you can see a pair of dice. Not exactly keeping with the religious art and the dried nun hearts in jars, although it was among my favorite rooms

On a lighter note

I finally found a website to replace the once great All Music Guide. I figure it's only a matter of time before they become Registered User only like AMG, but I'll certainly enjoy it while it lasts. They even have some of the local and indie bands listed, which AMG never would.

Check it out!

Here is the Artist Direct bio for my favorite local band.

Katrina

"Washington, D.C. – The overwhelming human and financial impacts of Hurricane Katrina are powerful evidence that political and economic decisions made in the United States and other countries have failed to account for our dependence on a healthy resource base, according to an assessment released today by the Worldwatch Institute.

Alteration of the Mississippi River and the destruction of wetlands at its mouth have left the area around New Orleans abnormally vulnerable to the forces of nature. According to many scientists, the early results of global warming—90 degree Fahrenheit water temperatures in the Gulf and rising sea levels—may have exacerbated the destructive power of Katrina"


A little message from our friends at the World Watch organization. More of the same idea about global warming causing weather disasters. Now if only the people in power would actually listen. Here are a couple more fun facts from web page.

? Since 2001, the Bush Administration has frozen spending on the Corps of Engineers, responsible for protecting the countryÂ’s coastlines and waterways, at around $4.7 billion.

? More than 20 oil rigs were reported missing in the Gulf, and the region's oil output was down nearly 95 percent after Hurricane Katrina.

? Fossil fuels provide over 90 percent of world commercial energy use.

? Over the past decade, the energy produced from wind, solar, and, biofuels has doubled. These new energy sources are now growing at over 10 times the rate of world oil production.

Also, Big Ups to my Pa for hipping me to the World Watch organization.

Volcano

This picture was taken in Arequipa on the roof of the nunnery/church we walked around in. It's of a big volcano. I've always wanted to see a volcano erupting. Volcanos are the main reason I would like to go to Hawaii. This volcano actually looks like a volcano should too. It's amazing the number of people that live in the immediate area, and some on the foothills of something that is basically a powder keg waiting to go off.

Mostly it's a nice picture though, and I'm not feeling very anecdotal, so there will have to be more stories later.

robot

robot
Originally uploaded by transplant.

So the other day, I bought this scratchboard. If you aren't familiar, scratcboard is like when you draw with a marker, then rub black crayon over it, then scrape it off. Except you buy it. And it's clay instead of crayon.

Anyway. I made this robot. Or Robit if you are Dr. Zoidberg.

Finally!

So, $90.00 later, I got my pictures from Peru back. This is one of my favorite pictures, it's of boats. It was taken in Arica at the top of the big hill with the Jesus statue on top. I'll post more pictures later. I actually like getting actual prints back, instead of having them all downloaded into the computer. (I guess eventually, I'll scan them all in so I can reprint bigger ones) One of my favorite parts of that day was that it was cloudy and foggy at the horizon, so there was no line between the ocean and the sky. It was just all grey. I have a picture of that too.

In other news, one of our windows was broken by the kids in the neighborhood. One of the kids in the neighborhood later claimed responsibility (it was the one who was caught trying to light cardboard on fire next to our house) so we couldn't get too mad, because at least he tried to claim responsibilty. We later found out his sister threw the rock at the window anyway. Ususally when things get broken (like the gate, the first broken window, the gate AGAIN) all of the kids either run away or blame it on each other. All summer it's been a pretty fine balance between us and the kids outside, and for a few days it seemed like the final straw. Lately though, we've made an effort to sit outside on the stoop and watch them play stickball, talk to them, and let them pet the dog and it feels much nicer than cursing them under our breaths everytime we go outside.

But more on Peru later.

Hot Fun in the Summer Time

Back in Brooklyn. The photos from Peru will be posted when I get them back. (Yes, I actually managed to drop off film to be developed.) But for now this one will do. I can't exactly say that it's good to be in Brooklyn, what with the 90 degree weather and 90% humidity. It's that part of the New York summer that everyone hates. I'm already counting the days until August is over, and we begin Fall. Which is one of the better seasons over here in Nueva York. But as Lil' Sis recently heard me say. I love wearing sweatshirts, and that is what it all comes down to.

On the upside though, I'm pretty much over being sick, so I can now go back to eating NACHOS without fear or retribution from my poor overworked digestive system.

Pictures will have to wait.

Hopefully I can actually get them developed, since I took the manual camera to Peru. I will post more Peruvian stories along with some pictures later, but for now, let me just say that Peru is a crazy place. I´ve used more Spanish than I though that I would. At least to order food (hehe).

I can´t wait to get back and flush toilet paper down the toilet and take a long hot shower.

Also.

Two things:

Getting up at 3:30 in the morning to go to work sucks. I have had to be at work at 5:00 AM for the past two days. (Actually, today I had to be in at 6:00 - it's really sad when getting up at 4:30 seems like sleeping in.) I don't think I would make a good farmer.

I finally got the SIMS2. I think the reason that I like that game so much is because I often find myself in situations which seem like the game. (Like at the dog run, watching random people talk to each other to see if their interests match up to see if they can be friends.) Or maybe I just play to many videogames.

i hate beards

ihatebeards
Originally uploaded by transplant.

This was a small piece of graffiti somewhere in my neighborhood. The picture was actually taken by my pa, but I took a Polaroid of it too, so I feel justified in posting it. It reminds me that I haven't sent a CD of all of these picture to him either.

Anyway.

Beards were VERY popular this winter, as all of the hipster boys were sporting beards, or trying to. I think they were trying to look grown up. It's funny how popular facial hair trends come and go. I wonder when the mustache will make a comeback.

IT"S ALIIIIVE!

bridge
Originally uploaded by transplant.

I didn't take this, my pa did on a recent trip.

I just wanted to post something to get over the "I haven't updated my blog in months" gap.

Also, I must like sunset pictures.

Surfing the World Wide Web

I haven't spent time just "Surfing the Net" for some time now. Usually I go to the same couple of places, to get things done. Like pay bills, look up a restaurant or a movie, and of course, check on the family blogs. BUT, I ventured over to the Radiohead site, which I haven't looked at for months, which through a series of links, led to this. Check it out.

Banksy.

It's Actually Sunny

bigups
Originally uploaded by transplant.

For the past two days it has still been light out when I arrived home from work which is about the most awesome thing in the world.

So I walked around with the dog, and took some pictures. This was the only that turned out ok though. The church in the
background is Greek Orthodox. Mostly this is a good picture that sums up the neighborhood pretty well. Graffiti, industrial buildings, and then strange things in the middle of it, like a big church under construction. I think the dome will be pretty when it is finished.

More Signs

spring
Originally uploaded by transplant.

Picture of the first flowers in bloom for the year.

Spring + Dog = Dog Bath

springdog
Originally uploaded by transplant.

I decided since I had the day off today, that I would take the dog to the dog park, and then give her a bath, since she needed one anyway. The other part of this story is that it rained yesterday, and gradually turned into snow making today a REALLY muddy, slushy mess outside.
I figured since I had to wash the dog anyway, that the least I could do is let her go to the dog run and play around in the mud. You can see the "water line" of where she was muddy, most of it she shook off on the way home. The bath water was still a very dark shade of brown though.

The best part of giving her a bath, is afterwards when she looks all fluffy, and runs around the house like a kid with a new haircut.

Just another part of spring.

Dishes Are Done Man.

Dishes
Originally uploaded by transplant.

The one "modern" appliance I wish that I had is a dishwasher. I would love to be able to rinse my dishes, throw them in the machine, push a button, and wait for them to be clean. There is nothing more tedious than doing dishes day after day. I don't mind the occasional bowl. Or a handful of silverware. But I hate having to do a whole load of dinner dishes.

I'm not sure why "dishwasher" ranks higher in the appliance list over "washer" and "dryer." Maybe because I don't really mind going to the laundromat. All I have to do is put on my headphones so I don't have to hear the mothers yelling for their children (named Destiny, and Lexus - true story) and bring along a book and/or a copy of Harpers and I'm good to go.

Anyway. I really took this picture because of the colors. They're all primary. Pretty.

So much for February

I should be getting ready for work, but there is nothing like some last minute procrastination.

It's going to get up to 44 today, which makes it seem like spring is around the corner. Personally, I can't wait. Anyone who knows me, knows I love the wintertime. Mostly the snow in wintertime, but there is nothing like a string of grey, 28 degree days with no snow to really make a person wish for springtime.

Among other things, here is a list of things spring related that I can't wait for:

Not having to wear 4 layers of clothing, plus a coat, hat, scarf and gloves on a daily basis, one great thing about summer is you can leave the house without a coat and be fine for the whole day.

Longer days. I like having more daytime, and being able to take the dog to the run after work because it will be light out until at least 9:00. More sunlight = more time to do stuff.

More stuff to do. New York is a good city to be in during the summer. After the long winter hibernation, everyone is ready to go outside and enjoy it. One thing about living in a large city is that everyone goes outside and spends time either on the street or in the local parks. It's not like living in the suburbs where everyone has a spacious back yard to spend time in. Plus, during the summer there are more free concerts and events to go to.

Riding my bike. Warm weather + more daytime = more time to ride around the neighborhood.

That's it for now.

I'm going to go to work and pretend that the 44 degree weather is about 10 degrees warmer.

This Blog

anotherone
Originally uploaded by transplant.

I was looking at my archives, and while it may seem that I have been posting on this blog a lot, because I've had it since September, my average post per month is hovering around 2. My goal for the month of February is to double that. Ambitious I know, but hey, I think I can pull it off.

This picture is from a long time ago. It's MAD old. Son. Hopefully, once spring gets here, and New York City isn't so ugly, I'll bust out the camera again.

New Music

liv_6_lg
Originally uploaded by transplant.

I am tired of my music. I need new music. I haven't really found any new bands that were really great. Some that are really good, but nothing that was super amazing.

If anyone has any suggestions let me know!

hand

hand
Originally uploaded by transplant.

This is a drawing (or if you are fancy - an illustration) that I did a long time ago. I actually am quite happy with it. The funny thing is that it was on this big piece of grey thin cardboard which we were keeping under the couch. Then the radiator leaked under the couch and ruined most of the rest of what was on it. The lucky part is that this part, which I like the most was OK. I didn't really clean up the scan very much either, so you can see where the cardboard was rippled at the bottom.

On another note, I'm trying to figure out how to blog photos from my phone. I think though, I have to enable email service from my phone. I'm afraid of how much that would cost. I already pay for internet access though. We'll see...

It's Yellow!

Bathroom1
Originally uploaded by transplant.

Here is a picture of my recently painted bathroom. As you can tell, the color on the pohotgraph is a tinted a bit red. (Just look at the color of the white towels and toilet.)

But you get the idea. It actually turned out quite nice. I put the bathroom to the ultimate test, which is, of course a bath. It's funny how a coat of paint makes a room seem more inviting and cozy. Even if it was a pain in the ass to paint.

Never Again

I swear on my whole life that I will never paint anything yellow again!!!

Just finished the yellow paint job on the bathroom. Yes it's 1 in the morning. We figured "Hey, it's a small room, it should only take a couple of hours to paint!" Everything started off good. Then, as the paint dried we noticed how patchy it was. There was no problem with the green paint that we used in the living room. A few touch ups here and there, but over all it was a quick and easy one coat job. But this YELLOW paint required a second coat. There are still spots that should probably be touched up, but we have had enough for tonight.

Pictures will follow.

The Dog

And on another note, hopefully the post below represents the last post about The Dog for at least a little while. I'm off to go tape off the bathroom and prepare it for painting.

Skunkie's Heart

deaddeaddeadsky
Originally uploaded by transplant.

The skunk has officially died. Well, he died a couple of days ago. As you can see from the photographic evidence, Shelby successfully opened him up, removed the stuffing, and then pulled out his clear plastic squeaker. She also took off one of his legs in the process, and now is having fun flipping his skin around the apartment. Maybe that part will last five months.

New Toy

Skunkie
Originally uploaded by transplant.

So last night I purchased a squeaky dog toy for my dog. I felt bad, since coming home from her Country Cousin Sam's house, she hasn't had a 24 hour a day playmate available. (Not that Sam is up for THAT much playing.)

Anyway, it's a skunk, that had a sqeaker for about 5 minutes, but it's poor voice was disabled pretty quickly. Luckily, parts of it are filled with this crinkly material (like the cellophane they wrap store bought easter baskets in.) Shelby keeps flipping it around the apartment and succeeded in ripping off one ear, and is halfway there to ripping off one of the legs. The tag said it would last 5 months. I give it about another 3 days. 3 more days of the quiet rustling and dog claws on wood floors to listen to.

Attack!!!

DeadSkunkie
Originally uploaded by transplant.

Mommy Wow!

paint
Originally uploaded by transplant.

I'm a big kid now!

Much to my chagrin, I got home from a Christmas vacation that included repainting a bathroom as a Christmas present only to get home and have my boyfriend go out and buy a bunch of paint for our apartment.

This is the new color of three walls of our livingroom/kitchen. The third wall, where the kitchen counter and cabinets are was left white. Blue will be in the bedroom, and yellow in the bathroom.