So I am now a graduate of College, and at 41, I have to say huzzah! And wait...what just happened? Is that really it? I'm done? Well....shit.
I am pleased to have earned it, hope it earns me some employment clout (and the income), and maybe gain the respect of others who are also graduates. But of course, there will always be those who have more education and experience than me, and I will just have to deal with it.
Part of me wishes that I could be a student forever. Seriously. I wish I could get a degree in logic, English, philosophy, Greek mythology and math. I really enjoy the learning process and education system of higher ed. That is one of the main reasons that one of my life goals is to teach at a community college. I know, you might be thinking way to set a good goal, community college. In my experience, my most memorable learning experiences came at community college and it shaped me in profound ways and encouraged me to transfer to a state school and acquire my BA.
I think I might be in shock also. I literally just turned in my last assignment, ever, and am drinking a beer and thinking about the huge wide gaping void in front of my, intellectually speaking, and am pretty scared.
I used to worry about how long winter break was and how if I did not keep up my good habit of diligent reading and studying how I would not fair well in the next quarter. Now, I have that same sense of dread, but there is no next quarter to look forward to.
My hope is to land a job that I have no idea how to do, and use my skills and research abilities to become proficient at it. And then I'll have to learn more things, like how to buy a house and all that good stuff.
Good news, well, for some anyway, is that I am planning on moving back to the Seattle area. So, I have that going for me. For now I will still be working at REI and looking for more work and ways to increase my ability to earn money, for bills and all that.
For now, I have to work out some nervous energy and start planning on what the hell to do next.
Sweet goodness, it has been a long time. Man this has got to stop. I mean, my long leaves of absence. Not the internet. Well, some parts of the internet...maybe.
So, I have been busy. School, work, trying to make a long distance relationship work, missing family in the Midwest like crazy, making beer, drinking beer, my goodness it is all so much.
Hope you have been enjoying yourself in the meantime.
I saw Agent Orange and Guttermouth (whose videos are odd to watch as compared to seeing them play live, video fails to capture their true magic and essence) at The Shakedown in Bellingham. What a great show that was. Loud, fast punk with "dancing" that was physical enough that I backed away, least I fall and break a hip. I am getting old, time is a bitch.
My ears hurt and were partially impaired for at least a day after that show, as they ought to have. A great show indeed.
Then I got to see The Joy Formidable play at The Neptune Theater in Seattle. I did bring some earplugs as I have seen TJF before and they get loud. Such a great band, and I can't recommend them highly enough.
Sadly, I had no camera to document these events.
I have been cooking a little, but as busy broke college student it is hard not to make the pasta with tuna and salsa or grab a slice and pint at the bar, because it is easy and even though cheese will do a number on me I am just lazy sometimes, okay?
Good news is, I miss this thing, this poor substitute for paper internet blog thing. I miss typing and trying to, with limited success, convey my experience, thoughts and whatnot to others. Why? Because this is the only reason, or a very large reason, for living a good life. Giving back and contributing to others.
I recently went to a trivia night with two very drunk and competitive friends. I was there for for a break from the stress of my life than to win anything, and the baseball game highlights were on also so I was passively playing. We ended up in a tie for third place and we had to have a trivia showdown with them. The rules were simple, you had to raise your hand then say the answer. Once you raised your hand, you could not confer with your team for the answer but had to answer. If you got the answer wrong, the other team gets a chance to win the point and thus the showdown as first to answer one answer correctly wins third place.
So, apparently all the team members were either a) not bright or b) drunk, or both. I was and am both. All the time.
This goes on for about 3 questions, and my two companions haphazardly raise their hands without truly knowing the answer because, like I said, the are competitive. Then the other team answers a question that I can't believe they missed. The question was "Name the metal with the lowest melting point". The girl on the other team said "Gold", which was wrong and I answered the right answer.
I knew this answer was correct, because it was taught to me many years ago by my uncle. In fact, many things I have learned from him; how to change the brakes and oil on my car, how to shoot a gun, how heavy lead is, the best defensive position in a building, and what metal has the lowest melting point.
It is mercury (it is liquid at room temp!).
While I like the Metal Men, and my love of comics may have had a role in my knowing the answer, I maintain that my uncle is to take credit for my knowing the correct answer.
Check out this video about Magic Mercury. Vaporized mercury sounds scary as hell.
Also, why aren't comics informational like this anymore?
Some of you may know that this past weekend there was some sort of huge concert event in WA. Some people make this annual pilgrimage and enjoy doing so. I, for one, have never been to this large concert, perhaps one day I shall.
No, instead over the holiday weekend I went to Portland to see The Newno2 and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club perform at The Wonder Ballroom. I was unfamiliar with both bands, but a good friend invited me and I had some free time, or rather made from free time during the busy final two weeks of the quarter, to take a much needed road trip and see some live music.
The reviews of the Wonder Ballroom do not lie, parking is hard to come by. If you can, go early and secure a spot and visit one of the near by watering holes or restaurants. It took me about 15 minutes to find a spot, just a few blocks away, and then make my way to the venue.
Once I entered, I got a beer. What a shock, right? But then I over heard some people talking about The newno2 and how the lead guitarist singer is the son of one of the Beatles. George Harrison as a matter of fact. His son, Dahni Harrison, was in this newno2 band.
Now things were getting interesting. How odd it was to find myself at a concert, seeing the son of a Beatle play. My parents, aunts and uncles were around for the Beatles craze. To find myself at the concert of the offspring of one of these Beatles was somewhat surreal. I did my best not to set the bar to high for my expectations. I really did. It's not that thenewno2 is bad, they are good, in their own way. I overheard one person say their music sounded like heroin rock, whatever that is. I imagine it is music that resembles the heroin experience, or something one would listen to whilst on heroin. But I really have no idea.
Their drummer, Frank Zummo, reminded me of a Travis Barker of sorts. Lean, lanky, some what tatted up. But the music was not conducive to a full fledged drum rock out, but he was doing his best. It might have been overkill on some songs, but what do I know. Looks like he also drummed with Motley Crue and does some street drumming in L.A. So, there is that.
The newno2 rocking the Wonder Ballroom. Source: a digital camera
The BRMC
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club does their thing. Source: The same digital camera
I have to admit, I was not familiar with the BRMC before seeing them. I have heard them mentioned lots on Kexp 90.3 FM and once I had determined that I would go see them play live, I did listen to their newest album through its entirety, once. While I wasn't blown away by the listening, I was also not turned off. At the very least I was going to get a nice road trip in and some social time with my lady.
But when I saw them play live? Oh how my story gets transformed. They are spectacular live, a rock and roll trio that really is just plain old good. You like it loud? Check. You like it rocky? Check. You like it somewhat grunge? Check.
In fact they started their song Berlin and I was reminded of the song by Nirvana Stain. Of course, once I was able to listen to them side by side, I realize that my faulty memory might have been at play when I first thought they sounded similar, particularly the beginnings of each song. Not exact, but textually perhaps?
Food has been not high on my list these days, as being a poor college student allows me to eat only what I need, which is a good thing for my waist line. Can't say I have been too creative in the kitchen, just cooking rice, quinoa, with bullion, peas and carrots. Just getting my veggies on.
But I am going to undertake a new diet regime for a short bit. I have some trips coming up and want to look my best. Where am I going? So glad you asked. My mothers mother is turning 80 and a birthday party is being had in that honor. This is scheduled for late September...I think. The actual date has yet to be determined.
I am also going to D.C. to see the Smithsonian. This is being arranged by my uncle and should be a blast.
Also the Fantasy Football draft is fast approaching, and being the reigning champ I need to represent be being in tip top shape, or at least loose a few pounds. Shamefully, I have stopped riding my bike so much as I have access to a motor vehicle. I have become all that I despise, lazy. So, getting back on that bike will happen starting this Saturday.
I am also going to be doing the Natural Hormonal Enhancement diet, but all vegan and raw if possible. I know, I think this might be the best idea to get ripped like shredded wheat I have ever had.
What else. Oh yea, beer. Beer in Bellingham is a big deal. Kulshan brewing is my personal favorite for being super local, but I still drink Two Beers where I can. Some lucky friends are going to be getting some Kulshan KDA growlers soon, btw.
I received a home brewing kit from my lady for the holidays and have been brewing some beers, some of you might have had the honor to try it. I am working with some co-workers on brewing big batches of beer, and my next batch will be a gluten free goji maca ale. I hope it turns out as great as last time. And I hope I still get to use this label.
A label for the first batch. Source: J. Caldwell, master designer.
Until next time dear blog readers, be safe and party on.
It is beer time. Well, actually it is beer time almost all the time. But in this case, it is my beers beer time. In other words, home brewing has been done and bottling and drinking my own is a sweet labor of love.
Here is what I bottled the other day; a nice looking porter. It was from a kit, so there is that. I mean all I had to do was follow the instructions (thank goodness I can sorta read) and sanitize things well, and BAM. Beer.
Yesterday was The Elizabeth Stations 1 year anniversary. It is a great beer place in Bellingham (which in case you unawares is where I reside as I attempt to complete my training, I mean degree).
One of the workers had the honor of teaming up with Two Beers brewing to make a Rye Pale Ale for this event. Which is just great for both of them. Two Beers is one of my favorite beer companies, and Joel is a great owner. When I first moved up to Bellingham I asked wherever I went if they had Two Beers; sometimes they did and sometimes they did not. But I am glad they and the Elizabeth Station are doing well.
I don't go to the Station as often as I would like, I am a broke college student after all, but one time I went there the on tap was a sour beer from Epic Ales that was brewed with shiitake mushrooms. I love mushrooms and this beer was epic (don't goolgle just the word "epic" btw, especially on a school computer).
I did some hunting while I was at the anniversary party, which means I spent lots of time in the walk in cooler. Which was fine as the Station was packed to the hilt. The beer service line was moving swiftly, and it actually took me three trips through it to finish one pint. So yeah, they were on their game.
And I found a bottle of the Bog brew, and bought it.
I can't believe how long it has been since I have updated this page and actually practiced my writing. That will have to change in a very big way.
What else is new? Quarters almost done so I am procrastinating by writing this blog update. Surprised? You shouldn't be.
I attended the 2013 ECCC and saw the Valiant panel, then had bought a comic and the owner/CEO took my copy to ALL the people who worked for Valiant and had them sign my copy. It was pretty sweet.
There were tons of great comics and artists there, but aside from the Valiant signing I also did get to see Patrick Stewart speak at the end of the day. That was a very nice way to end the day and the weekend.
Check ya later blog readers.
Yours Truly,
J Dizzle
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Puerto Vallarta
So I recently took an early trip to Puerto Vallarta. I say early because the quarter was not over and I missed two classes. Don't worry, they were not vital nor were they exam days. I made sure of that.
The good news is this was my first international trip, so I had to get my passport. The flight was fine and on time. Landing in PV was odd, there was no special things about arrival in PV. A long walk to customs, a fast moving line, and then you get bombarded by the time share guys who own the last 50 yards of real estate at the airport before you can get outside to get a taxi. (As opposed to leaving PV, you literally walk through a duty free mall the entire way with lights, music, it was all a little overwhelming).
Speaking of taxi's, all the drivers are crazy, they drive way too fast. Well, they did not wreck so that is good, but the narrow streets seem to call for much lower speeds. These guys are like ex World Class Rally champs or something. Or they play way to much Grand Turismo in their spare time. I can understand the need for speed as they make money off of the number of trips they can fit into a day. But seriously, slow the f down. Can't take the peso with you amigo.
The ride from the airport to the resort was... interesting. PV is a relatively poor town, and being exposed to that was really eye opening for me. The resort was some sort of sanctuary, cordoned off in a different district with a security gate. No poverty at the resort. But a short walk down the beach to the fishing village reveals more of the same as downtown PV. An odd experience, one that I am still trying to decipher as to what it all means. At the time I was uneasy at the spectrum of differences between the two areas. To be honest, I was a little sickened. Still am. But I readily admit that I have no idea as to the circumstances, the politics, the economic past or outlook, and my first blush impression that I have has no real meaning as far as judgments go.
At least it was warm and for a little while sunny. Summer has yet to hit here in Bellingham, even though the sun tricked us a few times this past month by making an appearance. However, as I write this, cold cloudy rain, or should I say, the usual, weather is occurring.
Speaking of Bellingham, I am on break! The quarter has ended and I get a whole week and a half off. Oh what to do with myself. Hopefully I can work lots so I can to get some dollars in my account.
So my major plans have been shaping up nicely. Urban Planning and perhaps some regional planning in the future. It is such a fascinating area, and so relevant to my personal interests. I have yet to be exposed to all that it has to offer, but I am currently enthralled with New Urbanism and what it has to offer and say. Check out these two planned communities, and truly they are communities. The Kentlands and Seaside, FL.
While these are great, I think they make a strong case for proper urban infill development rather than expanding growth out into new green areas.
I am looking forward to doing some leisure reading over the break, and have currently in my possession Hamlet's Mill, which I have wanted to read for some time. But I also have found out that a book I read for my English class two quarters ago, Ready Player One has a easter egg hidden in the book. Literally, it is a book about easter eggs in games, and then it is revealed there is an easter egg in the book itself. The prize is a Delorean. I also have another book, that I probably won't get to over break, called Deep Green Resistance.
Last but not least in this post, is that I miss music and cooking so much it hurts. I long for the days of brunches, mimosas and band practice on Sundays. My summer goal is to meet some musicians and form a little band up here, because it is much needed in my life. My blood is beginning to revolt in my veins, I can't hold out much longer. Must play drums!
As far as cooking goes, well, as long as I live in a house with a tiny impotent kitchen with 3 other college students, I might as well start a cooking blog about how to make ramen over a fire in the woods. It would be great to find a new place with a better kitchen, but the price of this place is hard to beat. So until I win the lottery, this will have to do for now. I have been eating lots of brown rice, peas and carrots. With a dollop of miso. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches also. Both have been surprisingly good.
I have found that the Kulshan brewery here in Bellingham is great for beer, and they have a food truck parked out front permanently that makes some killer fries. Have I mentioned this already?
I also recently discovered a beer called Churchkey Can Co. beer, which makes and sells their beer in a flat top steel can. Their six packs comes with a church key to open the beers with. Super cool experience to open a steel can and drink the insides. Just like some old school tough guy. Or trendy hipster. Whatever, it is a great idea and a damn good beer, so try some.
Also, this drink here will be made this summer one way or another. Love that green juice.
Apparently Jurassic park is really going to happen. But in zombie form, or at least that is how it will start. I remember reading some time ago some zoologists were thinking of trying to implant Mammoth DNA into a Elephant egg and then have it carried to full term to bring back the mammoth. My only thought about that was, they must know that a pole shift and ice age are imminent and want to populate the world with a hardy species they can hunt to live off of. That is smart thinking there, superb planning.
I wanted to tell you what in the world I have been up to, because I feel like I have not done that in some time.
Well, I am still in school (huzzah!) and closer to realizing my dream (huzzah!). What is that you ask? I am on goal to get my degree in Urban Planning with minors in Comm and Econ. My plan is then to apply to Grad school and either get my Sustainable MBA or a Masters in Urban Planning.
Planning is so frigging cool, and to think I would have never found out about it had I not enrolled in school again after all this time. With any luck, I will be able to help plan cities! I can't even begin to tell you how cool that sounds to me. Even if I just get to work on some important part of city planning, like sustainable planning, or transportation issues, that would be so cool. Can you imagine that? Design a sustainable business and utilities part of the city. Or, build a mass transit system that will decrease costs and increase revenue in the downtown area. My brain is weeping with joy at these concepts.
AB Crepes
So one thing that is readily needed and abundant in college towns is affordable tasty noshes, and Bellingham is a little light in that area which I am surprise at. Mostly pizza and beer joints, a few fast food places, and then some late night places like long time champ of late night food. Pel' Meni. Pel' Meni is a small place with a limited menu. You can get either potato dumplings or beef dumplings, or a half and half combo. It comes with some olive oil, paprika, cilantro, a half slice of rye bread and a small serving of sour cream. All for only $6. One of the best things about this place is they have a record player and I would guess over 100 records to choose from that anyone can put on and play.
But a new place has opened up, and is open late, and offers the same price point. Variety is the spice of life, and AB Crepes is that place. Opened up just recently in downtown (which needs some help here) by a couple of WWU students, AB Crepes is a crepe joint. They offer the traditional nutella variety but also some others, like a Mediterranean vegetarian and breakfast ones with eggs and whatnot on them. They even have a gluten free crepe batter you can ask for. And they are open late with a walk up window, so you can just swing by on the way home and get one to go.
I had to try it, so I went there and got the gluten free Mediterranean one. It took awhile as they did not have any gluten free batter prepped, but it was well worth it. The gluten free crepe held together! That itself was a complete shock. The fact that it tasted great and was moist as well, just outstanding. The fillings were plenty and tasty. Overall the crepe was huge! Lucky for me I was pretty famished that day and ate the whole thing, telling myself it was okay, I earned it. Plus I had to walk home so that would help with the digestion of it all anyways, right? (Kidding, of course I am right).
I recently became some what employed again, which is great. As a starving student I needed that. Other than the fact that I now have some pay coming in and some benefits, it also allowed me to finally tune up my bike. It needed it very badly and now, now it rides so smooth that I want to ride it everywhere. I realized as well, that it is like my horse and I have been neglecting it. I will forgo the logic I used to come to the horse comparison, least I sound crazy and scare you off. Never the less, biking is great. Check out this video about biking in Portland.
Polar bears are epic indeed.
It would be great if every city could achieve this sort of rider friendly space. I can't recommend to you highly enough, if you don't bike, start doing so now. It is so much fun.
Anyway, I need to get back to studying for finals. Yes I will be publishing more. Yes I will be taking Summer classes. Yes I will try my best to eat more food and take some pics (although were I live now has a terrible kitchen that is overused and messy all the time. Really makes it hard for me to get motivated to cook in it). I will also get some batteries and take some pics again. I miss posting my OG shots.
Also, I just realized that I have some people (you all) that read this blog from all over the place! Leave a comment!
Also have to give a shout out to Good Capital, a socially responsible investment firm. Check them out.
It has been awhile, faithful blog readers. To be honest, I have not found anything super exciting to be blogging about, but I recently was able to get out and about and had some divine encounters with awesome cocktails and food.
I visited Seattle a couple weeks ago and met up with a dear old friend of mine. With him, my girlfriend and I went to Canon bar and drank some concoctions of amazingness.
Canon is nothing short of genius as far as bars go. Seattle, this is a shining star you have. With some of the best bartenders in Seattle (if not the country) tending there, mixed the ambiance of an era gone by, and stiff drinks to help ease the pain of living in these woeful modern times, Canon is by far one of the best things to ever happen to any drinking scene anywhere, period.
Located at 928 12th Ave in Seattle, WA, the unassuming store front hides well the powerhouse that it really is. I really don't feel like going into detail here about the great bar tenders, there are tons of articles on them already, but I will say that Jamie Boudreau owns it and Murray Stenson is employed there. There are other capable tenders as well but I am unacquainted with their names.
Their drinks are many, and the mixing is great if not perfect. The bathroom is the best in all of Seattle. Seriously, I could spend hours in that thing.
I had a Canon Cocktail, of which it was made of I can't recall but I assure you it was splendid. Sitting on the corner of the bar are old drink/cocktail books. I am always interested in new drinks and lately have tried a Boss Tweed and a Rapscallion; both are strong and taste good.
I picked up the top book and flipped though it to see if there was anything in there that I might want to order, and I ran across this number, the Bennett Cocktail.
So of course I had to have one. I asked the purveyor of drinks working behind the wood bar top if he could make one of these, and he casually glanced at the page and said "Yeah, no problem."
A few minutes later and I had it in my hand. It was either the two drinks prior to this one, or the fact that I may have drank it too fast that led to me not capturing it in a photograph, but who am I kidding, it was both those things.
A great evening all in all, and a place I would visit again on my next Seattle visit.
I was wandering around Bellingham a couple weeks ago and ran across this new Peruvian deli in town called Cafe Rumba. It was closed when I walked by, but mentally noted their business hours to make a visit when they were open.
I do not regret this in any way shape or form. Antonio and Marco are great hosts and the food they prepare is outstanding. It reminds me of Paseo, but Peruvian instead of Caribbean. Whatever, they both serve delicious pork with a sauce on amazing bread.
I am in love with their chicha morada, a purple corn drink that is out of this world and from what I can tell healthy for one as well. I asked Antonio and Marco if I could buy it by the gallon, and they said yes which made me extremely happy. They also imparted to me that they get the ingredients for their chicha back from Peru as they can't find ingredients here to make satisfactory chicha. I didn't ask to see their invoices as I took them at their word about this, and why shouldn't I. A new business in town could hardly lie to a loyal customer who buys in bulk from them, could they?
As far as music goes, I have not been out much these days. Between the study load and the lack of funds being a student, it is prohibitive. Besides, this is Bellingham, and I am not sure how often well known bands get up here. But I guess that is the thing about this smallish, sorta quaint liberal hippy town; there are new bands every week here, home grown, and one of them might turn out to be the next Death Cab for Cutie or Posies.
Oh well, I guess I can start seeing shows once I get a little more free time (Summer, I'm looking at you) and have some more resources available to me.
