Serenity Now

"Roberta, so great to see you! Thanks for coming to visit."

Yesterday, I went to visit a friend that I hadn't seen in quite a long time. He owns a store and when I got there it quickly became apparent that we would not be hanging out chatting. The store was busy and he was trying to get a couple things done and leave early. He oozed distraction and busyness. And, while I wanted to be greeted with open arms and for him to turn all his attention to me, I fully understand that mode. I get that way frequently at work, I've got a couple things going on and then someone needs me to do one or two things. Or even to just run something by me. My brain screams, NO, please let me finish this other stuff first, but usually I have to turn my attention to something new and try to do so politely. Unfortunately, it probably doesn't end up being very gracious. I usually feel like I give them half my attention, and they probably feel like they have interrupted me (like I felt with my friend). And they have interrupted me, but that's the nature of my job and my friend's job as well.

Then, yesterday, when I got home, I watched a clip of President Obama's time on The View (yes daytime tv talk show). Now, admittedly, he was on a tv show and had planned to be on that show and it was his entire focus. But still, he is insanely calm, (not to mention gorgeous and gracious and charming), but mostly calm. I compared him with my friend and imagined myself walking into Obama's store and Obama welcoming me with a huge smile and turning his entire attention to me (probably while somehow making everyone else feel cared for at the same time). Actually, I imagine him thinking about wars falling apart in Afghanistan and Iraq, oil streaming into the gulf, the economy on the brink of something terrible, the environment going to hell in a hand basket, republicans accusing him of this that and the other thing, him having 5 meetings planned with very important people AND a friend comes to visit and him somehow giving them his full attention for 5 minutes. Somehow, I could see that happening. I admire that incredible sense of composure at all times! Maybe it's just a public view, but when I watch him, it all feels okay and possible.

I should probably develop some of that, but I'm really glad our president has it!

Really?

Ever since I have been a home owner blackberry bushes have been my arch nemesis. Cutting them back sucks - causing nothing but painful pricks and blackberry thorn splinters that plague one for days. Getting rid of them is damn near impossible. And they take over everything. So, I wonder, people really farm these things? Is there really a house in Seattle that isn't within a couple blocks of free blackberries ripe for the picking every August? $2.99 a half pint? Shoot, I probably snack on a 1/2 pint every time I walk my dog around the hill starting just about now. I think it's a racket!

You know you've had a bad day when.....

So this week seems to be my week to post random pictures on the blog. The driver of this poor truck managed to hit the awning of Pacific Place (6th and Olive) on his way around the corner. Doing some serious damage to his truck and what looked like less damage to the awning. Of course there might have been some structural implications, because this happened about 12.15 and when I left work at 4.15 the truck was still stuck in the same position. Oops!

EBC

I think one could safely say that the Elliott Bay Book Company was probably my father's favorite place in the entire world. My dad was in there buying books, magazines, cards etc probably 4-5 times per week. I'm guessing he spent the vast majority of his money on books from there (I am not exaggerating, he probably did). He knew everyone who worked there (and they, of course, knew him). They had pictures of his hanging on the walls. He even got me a job there in senior year of high school (I was in charge of maintaining the automotive and pet sections). So, here is the place that my dad ABSOLUTELY loved and look, they named their cafe after him! EBC - Eben Barnett Carlson! What else could it be. He'd be so tickled.

Thanks Elliott Bay!

Lost and found brilliance

This morning I thought of a beautiful, brilliant blog concept. But now I've lost it deep deep within the depths of my heat soaked brain, never ever to return. Not that I'm complaining about the heat. Yes, it could have gotten to 95 a bit more gradually (55 to 95 is a bit dramatic). Yes, I turn bright red and get kind of strangely light headed dizzy every time I do crossfit (or stand up too fast for that matter). Yes, my house is kind of hot and stuffy. But I won't be one of those Seattle people who complain about the heat anymore. I like the feeling of just being warm, absolutely completely warm. No cold toes or fingers. No sweaters or sweatshirts. No down coat (as I was wearing a mere 4 days ago on the 4th of July). Just warmth!

Now, what I could complain about are the Mariners. Yes, baseball Mariners. Is there a reason why there need to be 4 home games a week every other week? Do you know what that does to traffic approximately 1/2 the spring and summer? It's ridiculous. Who wants to see that many games. Soccer games are once a week and that seems quite adequate. I think I could enjoy one maybe two baseball games per summer (not that I actually go to that many), but why would anyone want to spend any more time than that at the stadium. I think they could greatly reduce the number of games, improving my traffic immensely, with no negative effects on anyone. In fact, it might have a positive effect because I would imagine many baseball fans would reduce their junk food and beer consumption. Not to mention how much money they would save -- food and beer at the stadium is crazy expensive!

Why doesn't anyone listen to my brilliance?

So Sad

It's not even the fourth of July yet and already the poor dog is miserable. With every little firecracker pop and he heads for the hills. Or in this case under a piece of sheet covered furniture. It's going to be a long weekend for the poor little guy! I wish there was a way to talk him through it.

Daisy could care less about firecrackers, but she decided to look like a freak too! In solidarity I'm sure.