My Nest

Body Business

2009-09-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Aaron's mom has been reading a few books about juicing, how our body processes foods, and the food industry. I know you all are very familiar with all of this stuff, so I'll just jot a few notes that were new to me.

If your body is in an alkaline state, rather than acidic, diseases can not survive. So, stay away from vinegar and processed foods. Apple cider vinegar is good though. So I've been drinking 2 tsp of ac vinegar a day. This is especially beneficial if you eat meat because it helps you process the protein. I don't eat meat anymore but I take it anyway.
It's extremely beneficial to supplement the amount of raw vegetables and fruits you normally eat with juiced raw veggies and fruits - make sure it is a juicer and not an emulsifier because it's hard for your body to process the fiber found in the skins and pulp. You just need the fiber from the 5 un-juiced servings you should be eating. I'm going to buy a juicer one of these days... or those days.
Carrots and spinach are life savers!
Processed foods suck - we all know this. But they layer the foods so that your mind gets complete satisfaction and you become addicted. Gross... it's like brainwashing.

Okay, peace out.

Artsy Craftsy

2009-07-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I are volunteering for a local non profit called Treasures for Teachers. They have tons of 'junk' donated to them on a regular basis and teachers can fill a bag of random items for a couple of bucks to make projects with their students. We've been contracted (freely) to make fun arts and crafts projects for the store to display... so that the teachers have ideas for what they can create out of the random odds and ends. We filled a huge bag - binders, styrofoam cups, pine cones, styrofoam blocks, coin wrappers, fabric, string, plastic trays, so on and so forth. We'll make about 6 items out of these materials. So far, we made a stained glass inspired panel (plastic tray, paint, bubble wrap, wood sheet), neo-conservative finger puppets named Dan and Louise Meadows - they're married and he's a reporter - (coin wrappers, styrofoam blocks, paint, wood sheet, fabric, pine cone, plastic strap), and a penguin (styrofoam cups, file folder, plastic cap, pine cone, paint). Well, WE LOVE them! We took some pictures and together, they look like they're on a 70's TV talk or game show set.

Over the weekend: We had an awesome visit with Becka this weekend and she looks amazing and seems full of spunk. Vivian's (Aaron's mom) 50th birthday was also this weekend and we threw her a surprise party at a greek festivity restaurant. That was also so much fun - she was super happy. Last night we all went to see Wicked for her b-day (Aaron, his sister and her husband, Vivian and Ron, and I). Their set was pretty kick-ass, and likely very expensive, and Glinda the Good's character was quite funny. I read the book a few years ago, so now I'll finish Son of a Witch finally.

Becka and me... I need a tan:)

Vivian with the belly dancer

Goings On

2009-07-06T14:42:00.001-07:00

So, Aaron and I are both gainfully unemploy', (I just finished reading Confederacy of Dunces) and we're looking into jobs of various skill, pay, and objective. We want to get rid of our debt - who doesn't? - and then just get easy breezy jobs and travel around working on farms, making art, and eventually, hopefully, buying a piece of cheap land that has lots of dirt that we can use to make bricks and build a little dwelling, and have a garden, grove, and some goats. Anyway, there are tons of avenues to take. We both have our resumes out, our contacts contacted, our extra car on the market, and a few small, freelance (and babysitting) jobs scheduled to make it through August and hopefully get our credit cards paid off by mid 2010. But, our Mega Blaster 3000 to Get Out of Student Loan Debt Free plan is to get our teaching certificates and teach in low-income neighborhoods for 4 years. They pay a large percentage each year towards your student loan debt and by the 4th or 5th it's inilated. Oh yeah, I didn't get the AmeriCorps jobs - rats! So, that's that. Who knows what will actually happen but this is what we're thinking at the moment.

I was reading this book called Shelter last night. I think Dad happened upon it in one of his used book store rummages and gave it to me. It's really great - lots of pictures and random writings about shelters built throughout history throughout the world. I think my favorite buildings for the moment are that of the Dogon of central west Africa. They make bricks out of the earth and water, then make a mortar to plaster the outside. They could definitely work in Arizona. Also, the ghorfas in Tunisia are pretty awesome. They remind me of Arcosanti.

This is the book cover. It's far out - very 70's and delightful.

Two above - Dogon village and dwellings

Two above - Ghorfas in Tunisia

What else? Oh yes, WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. So, you can work on organic farms that are listed through WWOOF (www.wwoof.org) and your food and lodging is paid by the farm. They typically want you to work 5 to 6 hours a day 6 days a week. Pretty cool. So, that may be something else we do after paying off our debt. So many wonderful things.

Okay, I'm going to eat some of the butter oatmeal raspberry bar that I made. It's so terribly good.

2 sticks butter, 2 cups oatmeal, 2 cups flour of your choosing, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 cups brown sugar. Mix it. Put 2/3 in a buttered (more butter!) pan and press it. Spread either fresh fruit or preserves on top. Then add the rest of the butter crumble mix and press. Put in 375° for 40 minutes. Let cool and eat... but not too fast because it's like eating a sweet butter stick and it's very bad for you.

Peace out!

No One's Blogging. What's the Deal?

2009-05-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

I suppose summer has us heat stricken.

Well, I had a phone interview for an AmeriCorps position today. The woman who interviewed me recommended me on for a live interview with the supervisor of the Phoenix office. I REALLY hope I get it! It sounds perfect for me and it would be something I feel exceptionally great about. This is the description of the program:

Rebuilding Together Capacity Corps is a high-impact National AmeriCorps program of 44 full-time AmeriCorps members serving in 24 Rebuilding Together affiliates in 15 states including Arizona. RT CapacityCorps members will build the capacity of Rebuilding Together affiliates to serve additional low-income homeowners through volunteer recruitment, client outreach, direct repairs for low-income homeowners, new project implementation, community partnership development and program expansion.

Also, I was feeling inspired last week and made a piece of art for Becka... finally.

Amazing Food Blog

2009-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

I love this website. www.deliciousdays.com. The site design is fresh and simple, the pictures are awesome, and she has some very cool recipes. Have fun:)

Bircher Muesli - made a variation of it this morning... yum!

This red onion confit looks rockin'

Hmm... squid breadsticks

I'm SO going to make these cubes of decadence

Fragrant Spring

2009-04-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hi. Here I am at last! I haven't blogged in a while. I've been out of touch with this and Facebook since coming back from Louisiana. Aaron and I may be moving to California next month (I know - it's getting pretty close for me to still say 'may be' but that's how I roll... or stroll). I'll be a cook for Rachel! How exciting:) I love to cook and I love Rachel and I love to eat Rachel's food so this should work out well, I hope. In the meantime, Aaron and I have been looking for and applying to jobs in the area but it's pretty slim pickings.

I haven't been packing or anything of that sort. Nope, I've been painting and preparing my bath püffs ('poof's). I made 15 püffs this week and they smell and look great, I must say! I'm packaging them and sending them out this weekend. Look forward:) They are made with organic, naturally derived ingredients.

Look, I've finally drafted something to paint!

Here are the püffs and two that were packaged for Aaron's bosses

My birthday is in two weeks and Aaron and I will perhaps spend the night at Arcosanti again (I want to make it there in case we leave soon) and will definitely head to the Reiki center and river in Sedona (as seen in the pic with Aaron - he's unwrapping some new stones at the river).

I am also volunteering in the office at the refugee non-profit organization I've worked with over the years. I started that today and it was just me and the director Kelly in the office Aaron and I designed and decorated... I must gloat that it's a relaxing space. Kelly is awesome - she likes to cook, sew, knit, garden, entertain friends, do community work - a combo of we Main girls. She invited me to her home to see her garden, so I'll bring her a bath püff and this wonderful herb book I've been reading and recommend by Jack Staub. I love the illustrations, and he gives a history of how the herbs have been romanticized over the centuries and their practical applications today.

Nice Things

2009-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Before leaving Louisiana for architecture school in Arizona five and a half years ago, I was told by a unseemingly drunk woman of 80 years that she would help me receive a scholarship for interior design school. I was working at Foodies Kitchen and she and I had a funny chat while I helped her find a few items. She gave me a date and time to come to one of her lectures at the Longue View Gardens in Metairie. So I went. It turned out she was a textile designer from Europe. A cute, sweet, old thing. There were plenty of designers at the lecture. And me. I talked to her during a break and she didn't remember who I was or that she ever mentioned anything about school to me. Her assistant said she drinks at night and she probably forgot. Anyway, that was that but I've been interested in textile design ever since. She made tapestries mainly but I would love to design wall coverings and apparel fabric - and be an old lady who gets tipsy at night and goes around town having random, inspiring conversations with strangers (seriously, I would:)).

Here are a few interesting pictures I found last week. The clothing looks like leaves or palm bark, but it's made of silk thread and other materials.

Glazing Dayz

2009-02-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

So, we glazed last week in ceramics class. These are the results. So much fun! I'll go in tomorrow and make a few things so that I can glaze next week and start sending a few things to people.

Also, I made bath fizzers a month ago. Only, they don't fizz because I used lemon juice instead of citric acid powder. I bought the powder so my next batch should fizz and you all will get a sample.

I Wanna Look Like This When I'm Prego

2009-02-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

I love M.I.A! I've loved jamming to her Kala album all year and tonight I saw her on the Grammys (we veg'ed out to it tonight). Her due date was today and she was bangin'! Hmm... I have to get up to speed on the cool factor though.

What is This?

2009-02-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

So, on Superbowl Sunday, I noticed a mark on my arm... the crease part opposite my elbow. Aaron had given me a piggy back ride from our room to the television so we could watch the game a while earlier. I didn't remember it hurting at any point but I went ahead and chalked the mark up to a burn from rubbing against Aaron's back. It got progressively worse through the evening and hurt like a rug burn would. The next day I noticed another faint mark on the wrist of my other arm. It also got worse and started itching the next day. Yesterday I noticed another mark running from my wrist, on the arm with the first mark, up to mid forearm. It kind of itches and kind of burns a little. Anyway, today I have yet another mark on my arm so, two marks on each arm. I'm noticing that some of them are spreading as water would on a floor. I've attached images... yay for the faint hearted! What is it? Oh, also, my lips feel gross. Kind of like their chapped but with little bumps. ??? What is happening to me? I don't have insurance so I won't go to the doctor unless I faint several times or can't breathe at all. I took Benadryl and it didn't make it better so it may not be an allergic reaction.

Thinking of sunnier times, Aaron and I went to Superstition Mountains on Saturday. It was lovely, full of juicy succulent ground cover, hairy desert grass, and fun-shaped cactii with alienesque dangly fruits, and reminded me of dinosaurs. We'll hike further in next trip... we saw rock climbers and under-sky campers coming down from a trail that looked more adventurous as we were leaving.

Posting Two in a Row

2009-01-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

This post is not about posting two in a row.

It's about recent wellness issues and what I've successfully done to ameliorate them. So, you can skip to the post below (also posted today) about a coffee alternative if you wish.

A few recurring health issues have popped up recently. Let me go through them one by one since I have so much time (ah, the life of working from home part time = no money but lots of flexible / free time).

Number one: Difficulty Breathing

YES I'M EATING DAIRY. Geez. But I've recently reduced my intake, especially since I've reduced my coffee intake and I like half and half in it. And I do only eat / drink organic dairy. I can't find raw dairy here. Is there some food law that prohibits it in Arizona?

Anyway, I've been drinking an herbal, medicinal tea by Traditional Medicinals called Breathe Easy. I like it... I love black licorice and the licorice root in it leaves that flavor lingering in the back of my throat. Also, and more importantly, it seems to be helping. I woke up several nights last week because of my respiratory unrest (get it?) but so far, no night terrors this week.

This is all to say, I love Traditional Medicinals tea! You should try them if you haven't. I'm going to buy a few more for overall wellness next week. If only they made a tea for migraines, which brings me to

Number two: Migraines

This blog is totally no fun. I'm sorry. I'm going to keep writing though.

Yes, last week I had 4 migraines!!! It was awful I tell you, just miserable (do you like the dramatics?).

Again, yes I'm eating dairy, though it's recently been reduced. I'm also doing yoga quite often and sitting outside to get more Vitamin D. It seems to perhaps be helping, as I cross my fingers.

Number three: Hip Dysplasia or Some Such Thing

I'm 25 and a human, not a dog. But apparently, according to Becka's massage therapist, I have hip dysplasia or it's homo sapien equivalent. So, I've been adamant on paying close attention to the way I'm sitting, walking, and resting while standing. I've been moving my glute and hip to counteract it's ill placement. Also, I've been doing a lot of yoga and a bit of pilates and it feels so much better! Really, almost no pain now.

Amazing what taking care of yourself can do, right? Finally.

I'm a Coffee Girl in a Coffee World

2009-01-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

So, as some of you may know, I am a coffee fiend / fanatic / lover... addict.

Seriously.

I'll drink a whole pot of richly colored coffee or several macchienettas (stove-top espresso maker) full of espresso if it's there (i.e. if I make it). I've been drinking it since second grade, and watched Mom through the years scavenge several pots relentlessly while studying or working at home. It's in my blood - likely!

Well Friends, the time has come for me to face my demons, and I'm on a path to a caffeine-free life. Or, at least a less caffeine rich diet. This week I've been drinking 1 macchienetta of coffee a day. :) That's rough for me, I must say. I think I'm also going to try a brand of natural coffee alternative called Teecino. Have you heard of it? I picked up a brochure by the company at Whole Foods yesterday. It's designed for coffee lovers who can not have or are trying to reduce or eliminate their caffeine intake. I'm super excited about it - because I'm a dork who gets excited about things like this.

Here are the ingredients:

(all organic) carob; barley; chicory; ramon nuts or dates and almonds; and other spices and fruit, nut, or bean derived flavors.

I'll let you know if it's any good! www.teecino.com.

Hairy Potter

2009-01-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

I start a pottery class tonight and I'm super stoked! I bought an old bike last week and I've been riding it around town. Yesterday I went to the art store to buy supplies for tonight's class. Among the essentials - a 25 lb bag of clay. I have a single speed cruiser with a small rack so I strapped it on with some string I asked for from the grocer next door. It was a difficult ride because the bike wobbled quite a bit but I'm looking forward to hauling my clay to class tonight, strapped to the back of my Free Spirit.

Plans so far: to make molds for my vegan soaps and bath fizzers, and to make beads so that I can string a few necklaces for myself and friends (and sisters)... and pots and bowls, of course.

We have 6 hours of open studio (studio time set aside separate from class for ceramics students to use free of charge) 2 days a week, so I'll take advantage of that.

I'll post a picture of my first project when it's complete... no matter what it looks like! And hopefully I'll be able to afford the ingredients and equipment to get some soaps and fizzers to you all soon.

Gonna Make Some Bath Stuff

2009-01-04T00:49:00.000-08:00

It's super late and my computer is going to die... and I don't want to step out of my warm bed and onto the cold concrete to get the plug. So, I'll make this short.

My friend sent a package with this wonderful bath sud ball and lip balm by a company called Lush. They make handmade, vegan bath products and cosmetics. Love love love! They make a solid shampoo, which I will try this week - one bar saves 3 150 mL bottles. Ultimately, I will make the products I like such as the sud ball and possibly the solid shampoo. I'll send them to you ladies I know will enjoy them. Hopefully by the end of the month.

Fancy That

2008-11-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

We've been terribly busy these days... when we wake up in the morning we realize how little time we actually are able to focus on each other even though we are physically together every day. Things should settle down by February. I think to myself quite often, "I miss Aaron," and sometimes that is simultaneous with me looking at him.

Well, in the midst of the weekend's crazy schedule, of which we were happy to depart (and I mean, actually happy to start the work week so things would settle down), I went to Paolo Soleri's house to have a sketch done. I'm very happy I did it. At some point towards the end he said to me, "Do you know what I would do if you weren't engaged?", and I said, "I don't exactly know..." and then he concluded with a subdued exclamation, "I would kiss your boobs!" "Oh!," was all I could muster. Anyway, it was harmless and a good story to have in the repetoir. Perhaps slightly uncomfortable for some to hear though... sorry:)

Crapizoids! I've Been Tagged and Must Write 6 Random Things About Myself...

2008-11-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

1. Nearly every person who has walked into our apartment has said 1. "I love it! It's so warm and weird," and a few minutes later 2. "You know, it has a grandma'ish vibe." I do love things that remind me of my grandma.

2. I love to cook but have not done much of it in the past year because of the verge-of-extreme-minimalism square footage of our studio... I don't have room to cut anything, or mix, or lay out sheets and bowls, and utensils, etc. We're shooting for a 1 bdrm with a larger kitchen in Chicago!

3. I don't like answering my phone during the weekday. Aaron gives me a hard time, and rightfully so, for this.

4. I love to run around and jump and dance... wherever I may be... including our teeny tiny studio. Especially when Ilo and Aaorn join in too. I like Stereolab, weird transient tunes, and booty music best for this.

5. I LOVE ACCESSORIES AND SHOES AND CLOTHES. It's true and everyone knows it. I like cheap stuff and expensive stuff and normal priced stuff. All of it. I look for texture and funky patterns and interesting juxtapositions of color and lines.

6. I like succulents and anything that looks and feels like it's been covered in epoxy or enamel. These things are all fun to touch and I can't help but imagine myself sticking them between my molars and chewing into them as if they were gummy fish.

They Didn't Take Our Sunshine Away

2008-11-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you God!

We can now attest to our freedom, our rights for all, our equality, and our hope, and press forward in making healthy relations within our world rather than fearful ones that have lead to recession (not just financially, but mentally and spiritually, as a nation).

I only wish that Arizonans were not so fearful of allowing all persons to vow their love for one another. Prop 102 posters should have been honest in saying "Vote Yes for Hate". Ha! I'll keep vying for anyone who wishes to love, be it me and my fiance Aaron, or our friends in same sex relationships. At least God has blessed all of them with wonderful spirits, strong relationships, the realization to acquire their dreams, and health and prosperity. What man unrightfully takes away from another man here on earth, I pray him to find in some other form within himself or the galaxies.

Yay for Obama!!!!!

Mustache Party

2008-10-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

So, our friend Andrea themed this fabulous party - the Mustache Party. We had so much fun even before we left for Andrea's house. We started off around 6:30 pm donning our staches, the three of us Amanda, Aaron and I, and dancing our hearts out to cheezy techno music and drinking lots of vino. Amanda won Best Not Real Mustache, and I won the same title with suffix #2 ... Andrea made awesome trophies with a laser cutter.

Amanda

Me

Aaron

Russian floutist... piccoloist?

Amanda eating at the party

Aaron and I

Andrea

The fabulous prize

For Jovi... Well, At Least the First Part

2008-10-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I love etsy now by the way. Thanks Jov!! Look peeps: I decided to do a little at-work perusing since I'm eating lunch and I saw this kick-ass scarf! Isn't it marvelous? This is what I thought you would like, Jovi.

Additionally, I was looking for a faux fur or vintage fur shawl to go over my wedding cocktail ensemble and I ran into this pretty sweet scarf. Totally doesn't go with my outfit so don't worry, Becka, I'm not buying it:) This part is more for whomever rather than Jovi (unless you're into it of course). It reminds me of the White Witch's wardrobe from the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe movie when they go to battle and the snow has melted.

Lastly, I'm getting one of the two gold feather hair pieces below to go with my outfit. BUT, look at the peacock head band at the bottom. Isn't it fabulous? Very inspiring for Halloween. I think I'll be a bird (fitting) and make a few feather pieces for my hair and tail. Maybe some fab feather cuffs for my wrists as well.

Dance Dance Dance

2008-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Please post a comment with 5 of your favorite songs to dance to. Fun songs... not slow. Thanks.

Stuff of Life

2008-09-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well, the news has kept me tuned in today. This week should be very interesting...

Dad and Patti came to the city this weekend and saw Cosanti at night. It turns out we get to use the entire complex and not just the courtyard, so that is exciting. I think people are going to love exploring a little, though, it's not a huge space... just a lot to ponder and appreciate. Aaron, his mom, sister, and I made 15 dozen tamales on Saturday and froze them for the party. We'll make another 15 dozen soon. We purchased almost all of the decorations on Sunday. So, looks like we're on a roll and things should run smoothly in that arena.

I have a meeting with my friend Laurene today to discuss the logistics of our move to Chicago and to go over a list of neighborhoods to start diving into in search of apartments. Aaron, Laurene, and I will share a 2 bedroom 2 bath place for 6 months so that we can afford a place close to downtown. We'll then have the opportunity to search for other neighborhoods we like and may want to move into once our 6 months together as roomies is up. I'm glad we aren't tying down to a place with a mortgage right now... too if'fy. But I'm no economist.

Best. -Bird

Chicagoland

2008-09-24T09:08:00.001-07:00

Well Folks, Aaron and I plan to be settled in Chicago by mid-winter... after our wedding of course. We have several friends there and another good friend is moving. We've been talking about trying this move if no sooner than at least after the Peace Corps (or whatever type of volunteer venture we are offered). It should be quite an adventure and I'm excited to be in a city again with as much depth (hopefully) as New Orleans. At least in terms of food, music, and art venues. Yippy Hippy.

Ring a Ling a Ding

2008-09-23T00:39:00.001-07:00

As requested

That's Mr. Pog.

To Blog Upon Demand

2008-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

I don't have pictures.
I think I haven't blogged for that reason.

Last week was hectic at work. My boss is anal, sees the small picture before the big (good for clients, bad for employees), and was driving me crazy. So, I went home drained Monday through Friday and didn't feel the desire to write anything.

Saturday was a long day but a fun day. Aaron's grandma had her 75th birthday and the family went to Cheesecake Factory in Sun City... it was cute. We had summer rolls and herb crusted salmon as our 'healthy choice' from the menu. We received a lot of envious oos and awws for our meal versus the lunchtime soup and sandwhich with french fries which was very popular at our table. Both his Dad's grandma (birthday girl - Grandma Ruby) and his Mom's grandma (Grandma Tempurado) went and towards the end of the meal Grandma Ruby was talking to Grandma Tempurado about the senior citizen club she joined for a $7 annual fee. You get a nice lunch and they have exercise opportunities including ballroom dance, Nintendo Wii (which she plans on buying soon), and belly dancing:) And then Grandma T. said "Oooh, belly dancing? I don't know about that," as she giggled. Grandma R. says "Yeah girl, belly dancin' and they have a real good time. Nobody takes their clothes off." And then we all chimed in and Aaron's dad said something about pastie tassels, and then we thought that the senior citizen's club should put pasties on their t-shirts for belly dancing class. Anyway, Grandma T. and Grandma R. are going to check out the class together. I can't wait until I'm 75.

Saturday night we went out with our friend Amanda for a much-needed drunken night. All three of us have been busy with work and life and haven't gone out. Our fun nights have included watching heavy indie flicks at our studio. We met in Tempe at 6:30 pm at a bar to see Amanda's brother play. He plays accoustic guitar and is an awesome singer. There were a lot of high school kidlings there and a band with a sorry attempt at thrash. Aaron and Amanda were wasted by 7:30, so we headed to Phoenix and I drove Aaron's Rabbit for the first time and it was a lot of fun. The clutch doesn't really care about anything... you almost don't even have to use it. We met a friend at a bar that overlooks an ice rink. It was a birthday of our friend's friend. The bar was cool - very dark and normal but good music, darts and totally bizarre atmosphere because the bar area is lowered and sits at the edge of the rink. So I watched this 30 something year old man in a black sweat suit twirl his heart out while I sipped on my vodka tonic. I can't drink cocktails anymore btw. Too much sugar and it makes me ill. By 10 pm we were on our way back to Tempe to meet a friend of Amanda's at our regular hang out spot Casey Moore's. We ate potato skins to keep things kickin' with the fat-kid diet. Aaron and I left close to midnight feeling smug with our too cool for school evening out.

Yesterday we picked up Aaron's parents to get a few wedding celebration basics from IKEA. That's all we did really but I was beat after all of that.

Oh, Aaron gave me a wedding ring and we had it sized on Saturday as well. It was his mom's and it's dainty and perfect.

Lata'

Inspiration

2008-09-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I went out to First Friday Artwalk near the house on Friday. We ran into a friend of Aaron's who recently set up a dance company in town and she was doing a small exhibition to promote their performance for the following night. It was great so we decided to go to the performance at the Herberger Theater on Saturday night. I miss dancing. We are looking at a larger apartment (2.5 times the size we have now) that is in our price range downtown tomorrow. Hopefully something larger works out because I would love to practice choreography at home again. So, this is all just to say that I'm inspired to get back into dancing. I might take a class at her studio if I can keep up with the drive... it's a 20 minute trek but worth it I think.

On another note but the same blog, I've decided that doing consultant graphic design from home would be ideal for me after quitting my current planning job in November. That will allow me flexibility to work with volunteer agencies whenever they need me, and to get paid while keeping up with my design skills... hopefully it would award greater creative license on the jobs I go after as well. No more icky politics. I'm thinking it will also allow me to target firms, personal parties and organizations whose work / purpose I respect. So, here are some examples of work that I (and Aaron in some cases) have done in case you know of anyone who needs a flyer, brochure, postcard, book, menu, etc put together. The examples are not set up to print and were recreated simply as jpegs to get an idea. K. That's it for now.

This was a small flyer (4" x 5") that we made for a refugee outreach organization for them to hand out to ASU students to gain interest in becoming a volunteer and participating in org events. We made them small and in black and white so that they could print 4 to a page, saving money in both paper and ink.

This is, as you know:), the save the date postcard that we made for our wedding. Our theme is funky art nouveau and we used only our color scheme to fill in the black and white collage. We printed on cream paper because that was our fourth color: burgundy, dusty blue, brass and cream.

This is an architectural style sheet that I made for a client. I made 4 sheets, one for each architectural style: Modern, Spanish Colonial Revival, Adobe, and Bungalow. It was printed on 11 x 17 front and back. The front gave an overview of the style and designated images to capture the text. The back provided additional, larger images of the style. The client loved them!

This was a proposal cover for a firm. I took the photographs and Aaron did the layout inspired by the colors and angles of the images. We love this one. It's so simple and beautiful.

Ilo at his Architecture Job

2008-08-26T10:46:00.001-07:00

Ovaries

2008-08-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been eating a lot lately and not exercising and not getting fatter. I've also had pains in my pelvis area. So, I thought maybe it was a tapeworm and was secretively somewhat curious about it... I wasn't afraid or worried... just curious. You mean, I can eat and eat and look the same all the while? How curious. One cookie, two cookie, here you go Mr. Tapeworm.
Well, it wasn't a tapeworm. Which I will say is a good thing because as curious as he seemed, I would have also been, as I'm sure you are while reading all of this, disgusted.
I went to the emergency room yesterday with terrible shooting pains that made me hunch over in tears and not able to walk fully upright. I couldn't see the regular doctor because special tests needed to be completed for abdominal pain cases. So, I spent 8 hours doing five tests and I felt silly once it all started because my pains subsided by the time I got to the ER. So, I was a perfectly perky person being wheeled around the hospital in a bed while other bedridden lads were groaning and sleeping and looking real ill.
Turns out, it was just a large, abnormally placed, fluid encased cyst. Still gross? I'll get it checked out more thoroughly on Monday, and as my dear sister Rachel has already informed, I should eat better and exercise. I'll do yoga today. Unfortunately, we're broke as hell so I'll eat salty noodles as well. Everything will be back to normal next week. I'll eat vegetables and very little salt, sugar, dairy and gluten. I promise.
One last thing: Aaron has been so wonderful in being right next to me through it all... even the scary gynocological part in the ER! We both just shut our eyes during all of that.

Funk it Up but Keep it Sweet

2008-08-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised I made time to do this today. Well... I didn't make the time at the right moment but let's not discuss that. Here's the 'theme':) I needed to do this since we only have a few months and could not even tell my friend what we wanted for the save the date cards, or Aaron's sister what we wanted for decorations. We are thinking lanterns, candles everywhere, paper roses that we'll make in our studio, simple flowers, and red velvet floor cushions.

i love aaron

2008-07-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

My favorite outfit

By Robin Main

Good News for Funky People

2008-07-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, gals and pals, it looks like Cosanti is going to work out! Sorry, Jov, it's not Arcosanti but it's still cool - I promise! It's just less driving for everyone if we have it at Cosanti rather than Arcosanti. And, we aren't restricted in food and drink service like we would be at the garden or buildings at ASU. So, all around that will save us money. Plus, they have a supply of tables, chairs, patio heaters and tree lights. Aaron and I were talking last night about making tamales and pozole, and Rachel mentioned chilaquiles (corn chips mixed with chile salsa and lots of oil, sprinkled with queso fresco and cilantro) which sounds divinely delicious. Aaron's mom's side of the family makes the best tamales... really, their masa is key. They make green chile chicken and jalapeno pork among the other traditional recipes (carnitas with red chile sauce). Rachel has a good vegetarian tamale recipe that we can also make. Any thoughts on what other foods you would like to see there? We'll need a salad or vegetable dish of some sort. I make a nice bean salad. Simple: black beans, pinto beans, lemon, red wine vinegar, olive oil, parsley, red onion, spices - yum. I know of a place that makes the best red velvet cake too! So moist and they use cream cheese icing with just a little sugar.

I like my Volvo. It makes a grinding noise when I turn on my AC though. I need to take it to a mechanic but it's really a great car and I'm happy I sold the other.

What else?

I'm excited for the trip to Becka's wedding in Pismo in two weeks. Love the beach.

Extra Extra...

2008-07-14T22:32:00.001-07:00

READ ALL ABOUT
it... the weekend. a lot happened.
Actually, the entire week was hectic.
Monday: check out condo in mid-town... it's cool
Tuesday: make empanadas and cookies with Aaron's sister and think about wedding stuff
Wednesday: get blind sighted by stupid frickin' Urban Outfitters with a $650 charge for a couch we ordered three months ago and no confirmation e-mail!!! yeah, and I called the week before to ask when it would be charged and the lady said after July 20
Wednesday night: WTF... Billz billz billz
Thursday: lets sell all of our cars (3 to be exact), buy two 'beaters', pay off Aaron's loan, pay off most of my loan, and there you go = better = something we can afford = we can focus on the wedding
Friday: sell my car
Saturday: buy the Volvo and the VW
Sunday: take it kind of easy and go to Cosanti
Monday: work. fix the mercedes to sell. write on my blog upon requests:)

AUTO UPDATE
Well, it's Monday and we're selling two more vehicles. The goal is the end of the week.

This is Aaron handling a car deal via cell

This is my new, old 1984 Volvo. It's quite cute inside too.

This is obviously the back side

This is Aaron's adorable powder blue 1981 Volkswagon Rabbit

RAINY SUNDAY UPDATE
It was pouring on Sunday and quite lovely, I must say. We went to Cosanti which was a nice retreat after rummaging for cars. It's cool. You should visit. Unfortunately, the suggested donation for renting the space is $2,000. Hmph. Their bells and pots are cool, though, and I recommend them as gifts.

The bells

More bells and pots

Vault with Soleri's work, and Aaron

This is the apse where you can have events

This is the courtyard adjacent to the apse... rentable space

Swimming pool

PUPPY UPDATE
Here's Monster Puppy Wag. Our dear Ilo. He looks nice against standard street signage, doesn't he?

Ilo in the handicapped parking

My photo experiment with Ilo in the mirror

Ilo sleeping with his eyes open and tongue out

Our Possible Near Future

2008-07-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, so we were on a brainstorming freak out last night and stayed up yet again until after 2 am figuring it all out. This, in addition to our constant 2012 epiphanies, has really led to some otherworldly-ability-to-grasp-weird-ideas-and-make-them-applicable-to-the-real-world-quickly development.

We are looking into this teeny house in downtown along the edge of the city that is in a transitioning phase. I mean, right on the edge! Like 50 feet away. It's just a hop skip and a jump away from dozens of art galleries, a funk / jazz bar, a fav dive bar, and a grassroots level music venue, as well as a few cool eateries including our favorite Paisley Violin restaurant. It's approximately 500 square feet, which is monstrous compared to our current 236 sf studio, is along a small stretch of alley and a triangular vacant lot that can totally apply to our alley project idea plus a small community park or garden, and the back yard is huge! Okay, so that and we're selling our three cars and buying two small, old, reliable, fuel efficient cars we found on Craigslist. I'd buy a scooter but it doesn't really meet the mindset of Phoenix life and it's friggin' hot'n'her. And, since this is all cheaper than what we're currently paying monthly for everything we can PAY OFF OUR STUDENT LOANS!!!!!!! OMG THIS IS AWESOME! And, we can still apply for Peace Corps because it's in an artsy part of town and if we fix up the alley and yard I think it will be easy to rent.

The cute little house that Ilo will look so cute in!

One of the cars... 1991 Nissan Sentra. Hell ya!

Away to Arcosanti Perhaps

2008-07-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sorry to keep posting wedding planning stuff. It is what has consumed me these days, though, so here I am writing about it once more.

Planning a celebration at the Secret Garden has seemed a bit taxing because of the alcohol restriction and unobtainable interior space, which includes an ever so necessary bathroom. Renting space at the only building on campus where we are permitted to serve alcohol requires a bit of planning and perhaps more money as well, though the building is quite pretty, dating to the late 1800's.

So, today it hit me... why not do a destination'ish wedding at Arcosanti? Their spaces are actually cheap to rent. $50 to $100. I just need to call about catering prices and options, the number of available rooms (they are also affordable), and figure out shuttle options and time frames because it's 70 miles north of Phoenix. It could be super cool and a little bizarre. Totally Aaron and Robin.

Idea for Celebration

2008-06-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I was really sick yesterday and the night before with a 102 degree fever and weird muscle aches and dizziness. The good news is that I stayed home from work and Aaron stayed with me, so we talked about the ceremony options more. We are thinking that the Secret Garden at ASU will be best. We went here a lot when we were friends in Architecture 5 years ago. Once, we walked to the garden after a party and layed down in the grass below one of the trees and were so comfortable (and drunk and happy) that we stayed there until the sun came up. It was the most beautiful thing I think I've ever watched because our eyes were looking up nearly the entire time. And, of course, we were secretly in love with eachother so that also made it magical. I read online last night that the space can be reserved for weddings. Also, it has a fireplace, which will make the space even more fanciful and intimate. We'll most likely just have the celebration (other words: reception) here, and the vows at the courthouse. There's something old timey and cute about the courthouse. We've decided that we're old people at heart because we want to get married in the courthouse, have an evening garden party, and then take the train to the Grand Canyon for a two day honeymoon in a cabin. That's all old fashioned isn't it? Sounds perfect. December 12 in the evening is what we are thinking at the moment. Below are images I captured from a 360 degree video of the Secret Garden.

We're Engaged!

2008-06-16T14:28:00.001-07:00

Aaron and I were lying in bed with Ilo Dog last night, talking about preparing for the Peace Corps, our excitement to do so much together in the future, and our perfect happiness of being in love, when he asked me to be his wife. I said yes, of course! I never thought I would feel so confident or be able to outwardly express so much excitement about marriage until it happened. All I could do was smile and hug him and then secretively roll it around and play with it in my head for a second, hear him say how he happy he was, and then smile again. There is no ring because he was going to wait until he found one but couldn't contain it anymore and I had told him that I don't care about formalities and things being 'just right' - all I do is love him. And so he asked right then. He still wants to find a ring, which is fun but certainly not necessary, so it will be something different but special.

And the date? We don't know yet. A while but not too far off. We'll get married in a court house and then have a celebration with family and friends. We were thinking Mardi Gras would be loads of fun and less planning (on our parts) but it would also be more expensive for some and my nephews wouldn't be able to go. So, most likely it will take place here in Arizona. If you have any suggestions please write something. We would love to have a trunk of ideas to pull from. Maybe an outdoor brunch and then dancing and drinking at the funk club Chez Nous on Grand Ave? No clue really. We just want everyone to have a good time.

Just Stuff

2008-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

So, my brother Doug's wedding was fun. Weddings are basically family reunions, which is nice since I don't see my family often. Plus, everyone looks pretty so it's a nice photo op. Rachel, Laine, Aaron and I went on two small adventures beyond the walnut grove: onto an air landing strip and then later to a blackberry patch. Aaron and I had a serious conversation to attend with eachother while Rachel ate blackberries from a box that a farmer had set aside for the night. Tisk tisk... very smart, though. Aaron did a marvelous job mingling with family and friends. I didn't realize that all the while I was elsewhere either for pictures or finding people to lead to their assigned tables or answering a question of a passer-by or getting a drink at the bar, that Aaron was on his own to answer dodding questions of my aunts and family friends. So, by the end of the night it seemed as though I had abandoned Aaron for lengthy periods of time and left him to his devices in a somewhat formal and alien environment (b/c this was mainly family that he hadn't met or only met once before). Rachel and Laine helped us get to the bottom of that frustration and I think we both learned a lot about eachother just from that one experience. Douglas's bride Rachel was beautiful and the weather was absolutely perfect. So, I think he's a pretty happy dude.

Aaron and I talking to people

Aaron, stealing hearts...

To steal a deal.

The sister dance. He got 40 bucks for this.

Eat cake.

Aaron and I have a few art projects we want to do - one or two together. The alley thing won't get started until winter, after I quit working full time and go down to fifteen hours a week max here at the office. We'll do that and then apply for the Peace Corps a little while after starting the alley project. We were able to talk about all of this on our drive home together, due in part to Rachel and Laine helping us understand how the other one feels and communicates. We both had similar plans but different time frames so I was afraid to say what I wanted and that made it seem to him that I thought our plans conflicted and scared him too. But, we are able to talk about all of this now without feeling like we're going to hurt or be hurt by the other person. Thanks, Rach.

Learning to Network... or, Just Ask

2008-05-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

So our CEO visited the satellite Phoenix office today and we went over our home life, goals personally and professionally, and the vision of the firm... etc etc. Business. At meeting's end (there were only three of us since our office is so small) he mentioned that the company will sponsor volunteer efforts, which was directed at me since I was the only one mentioning that as an involvement and remaining goal, and so I decided to send him inquiry into sponsoring the alley project. More than anything, I've learned to ask. I've never cared for asking because it's always seemed so tedious but it's also very necessary in order to get things moving and to make the process of change more efficient. In order to network, you have to ask right?

Hello Dan,

It was a pleasure speaking with you today and formalizing the direction of the company and where I, as an employee and as an individual, fit in with this firm both presently and in the future. I will contact Michelle, Tim, Ken and Danny soon. Michelle and Danny, just from speaking with you, seem to be in positions I am interested in pursuing in the next several years either in my personal life or as a profession. So, thank you again for your perspective, recommendations and direction.

A personal note:

Another project I will be focusing on in the coming year (beginning formally in December of 2008) is a grassroots level alley rehabilitation project. This is something my boyfriend Aaron and I would like to start and complete before leaving Arizona.

I live in downtown Phoenix a few blocks west of where a more dedicated approach to revitalization / renovation / new building has taken place. A few houses on our street are being renovated and things are looking much better but the process is slow, which I actually appreciate. Aaron and I live in a studio and decided we would share 256 square feet of living space (can you believe it?!) for us to have the opportunity to invest in our refugee volunteering as well as a side project to make our back alley look better and feel safer. Currently it is frequented by the homeless, which is not a problem so much as I think it appears. We would like to research grants to fund: undergrounding the utility lines; inserting solar lighting; designating a few of the telephone poles as historic markers that can also be used as community kiosks (as we live close to the Art Walk path and are surrounded by people who would love to publicly post things); landscaping; retaining recycling areas where the homeless can more easily access goods and in turn flow through the space at a faster pace; de-paving the alley and replacing with gravel or a more environmentally friendly material; our list of ideas goes on and on. I still have a lot of research to complete regarding grants and how this project will be organized and what I can realistically do both physically and legally.

You mentioned sponsorship briefly at the end of our meeting today. You knew of our volunteering efforts in the community but I was wondering if this project I plan to take on will fit in with the company's sponsorship capabilities in any way. Or, if not, I am curious to know if you have heard of something like this that another company member has completed from whom I could gain some direction.

Thank you for your time and I hope you have safe travels.
Best,

Robin

To Have and to Hold

2008-05-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

A custom design by CRMain Jewelers:) Here you go Becks. I am bored here sitting in my hotel until I get some work handed my way a little later tonight. So, I put 10 million photo effects on the ring image just for fun and games. It's a positive/negative of the sun and waves... for your 'beachy' wedding band design for Mike (It's shown in two parts: top and bottom). Love!

My One and Only

2008-05-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

True Love

I'm in California right now for work, and I miss him a lot. It may be hard to believe, for those who are non believers, but this is my spirit mate, otherwise known as a soul mate.

Notre Chien - Ilo

2008-05-18T22:56:00.001-07:00

We have a new room mate. His name is Ilo and he is our cute baby dog. He's half chihuahau, half something else that starts with an 'Sh'. Pound puppy. The sweetest dog I have ever met. Very mellow. Already house broken. Only 6 months old. I think his personality must have more of the 'Sh' than the chihuahua.
We love him.

The Where's Ilo? of Where's Waldo?

Shaking baby dog.

Aa and monster baby

Rachel's Dinner Party

2008-05-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

Was so much fun! It was great seeing Dora again and having Aaron meet everyone. We really enjoyed our time with Mom, Kris, Jo, Nancy, Denise, Rachel, Laine and their friends. Rachel's dinner was amazing. The atmosphere was everything it needed to be... classy, simple, exotic, inviting, collaborative. It was truly special seeing it all come together and observing Rachel's process. Kris and Jo have some admirable projects of their own, including a community focussed initiative to eat locally (documented) for a year. Which reminds me, I need to send my friend Jeff their info since they are using GIS to map local growers.
Here are some photos. We had problems with the camera after I pressed a few buttons, disturbing the settings.

Mom and I near Ventura Pier before the dinner.

Doors and Bird at the beach.

Rachel and Aaron fixing the lamb.

Serious biznass.

The Table.

Doors and Robin sippin' Beonce's. Champagne with strawberries. Aaron jovially named them Beonce's.

As I was packing, Aaron put various clothes around my face and neck at Denise and Dora's house to turn me into a gypsy.

The Age of Aquarium

2008-05-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

We have a water habitat. Our studio is full of life these days. 2 people, one dog, 2 plants, 6 snails, and two frogs. So, after spending $101 on this new, fancy aquarium, our poor fish died. We didn't name it. We knew it wasn't doing well. We should have named it.
Well, the snails thrived throughout the drama. 3 fish bowls, 2 dead fish, and a lot of new water. They even had a baby! We have a baby snail. His name is Snail Baby. The frogs' names are Hugz and Kissez. There was a death two days ago. Things have seemed pretty eery lately. A snail body was seen ripped apart and a few inches away we spotted an empty shell. We looked to the other side of the aquarium and saw three of the snails had congregated to discuss some sort of plan while the frogs waded in the plant leaves at the water surface. I don't know what's going on. I think everything may be settled now. I'm out of town so I'll find out more when I return.
Here are photos:

A whole new world.

Monster snail is in the center at the surface. Snail Baby is a speck directly to the right.

Monster snail... He's larger than life. I think he may have eaten the other snail. Either that or he's pregnant. She. He/She. I think snails can turn into whatever is necessary.

Introducing Hugz.

Learning to Love Fish

2008-04-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

That's what I've been doing over the past few weeks.
Aaron and I had a day off together after returning from Rachel's dinner party in California two weeks ago. I had to go to Michael's store of crafty materials to look for a particular vase to make additional centerpieces for the refugee organization's fundraiser. Well, they didn't have the vases, but, while we were floating around the aisles (we drove back at 10 pm, returned to Phoenix at 4:30 and awoke at 8 for a birthday breakfast, and thus, were sleep deprived), we saw this crazy glass pedestal vase thing with a lid. It looked so fanciful that we decided we had to pay the $20 for it.
But what were we to do with it? It was a little too big to put cookies in; too short for flowers to stand inside; and too see-through to just leave on its own. So, since we had also traveled to the pet store earlier that week, we decided that either a hampster or fish would look cute. We also decided at that point that putting a hampster inside of a vase was somewhat ridiculous and maybe even cruel.
This was to be our big adventure for the day.
We went to the best fish store in town and bought 6 snails and 3 fish with other aquarium habitat materials. Mind you, I don't really have any sort of affection for fish. I think they're fun to look at sometimes but I also find them tedious as they don't cuddle and you still have to clean up after them. Anyway, this was just an adventure. So, we put the fish in the new fancy vase, leave for an hour and come back to find one fish dead. That's when my heart hurt a little. I liked his coloring.
So, we left again to find a larger, but equally fanciful fish bowl. That was our mission: it had to be bigger, but still beautiful. We decided that Pier One has all sorts of ridiculous things and we found a tiered fish bowl for $9.99. It was like one fish bowl stacked on top of another so they could go up and down... like a fish condominium.
We awoke the next morning to the second dead fish. That one was fat with googly eyes. Very adorable. That's when we decided we must make sure the last fish lives.
He was doing great until a few days ago. He'd been struggling with air because we didn't have a pump. Last night I was on a mission to save this dear darling fishling, and so I spent $101 on a new set up! Holy mother of jesus, mary and joseph, I now have a complete aquarium, I'm 25, and I don't really like fish. Silly. But, I am still worried about the fish. I must say, he's adorable and if he's alive when we get home tonight, I think it will prove a good time to name him. We'll buy frogs this week. Diving frogs. I'll post pictures later. I know you all must be dying to see our regular old fish tank. This is very exciting for me now. And yes, I now love fish. My fish.

Suit of Lyrics

2008-04-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

The ace of spades for online radio...

red card... I think I like this one better throughout the day: Princeton's WRPB from where you can link to www.insound.com to buy an album if you like what you hear. I bought Gal Costa's "Gal" cd today and I'm anticipating it's arrival... I wish we had more room in our apartment so I could dance around a little.

http://www.wrpb.com/

black card... used to listen to this in new orleans at night... but interesting nearly all day: Tulane's WTUL. They were down for quite a while after Katrina but recently started back up online. I sometimes have problems connecting to their live stream so I think there are still a few glitches.

http://www.wtulneworleans.com/v08/

Anyway, just a suggestion if you, like me, forget to bring your mp3 charger to work... or, just want to add something to your collection ;)

About Our Volunteering

2008-04-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I casually volunteer for an organization in Tempe, AZ called Community Outreach and Advocacy for Refugees. I worked with them two years ago as a student volunteer, visiting a refugee family from Burma once a week. We would go to the library, take small trips to Touscon or city parks, play soccer, make pumkin pie, or just hang out at their apartment and try to learn English together. It was fun.
Now, Aaron and I do side work for the organization, making brochures, flyers, posters, and other graphic work. They are moving into a new building, in a space that is not so temporary and they can finally call their own. So, Aaron offered his services in space design. We met last night to go over ideas and it seems like it will be a fun project that Aaron can put in his portfolio. We brainstormed some ideas together last night and I'll help when needed. But I'll post that as well when it's finished.
If ever you want to donate, this is a great organization to help, and you know someone who is a part of it now. Here's the website: http://www.coarweb.org/

The picture is from the photography exhibit that a woman has produced for COAR. They can use all of her photos in future publicity for the organization. Very cool.

256 SQ FT

2008-04-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is our studio... we managed to keep all of our clothes and half of the book collection. This is how we have decided to save money. We plan to have fun pursuing our projects now that we are completely moved in. Alley. India. Volunteer. Explore downtown. Architecture for Aaron. Those are the things on our plate for the next year or two.

couch... for now.

This is the one we're getting in the mail. It turns into a bed as well.

Behind the couch... this is where we dress in the morning.

Robin's side of the closet.

Aaron's side of the closet.

The two new pieces we bought to fit the entertainment items, books, and cocktail glasses.

Grandma Main's desk, the art center, and the couch again. That was fast:)

The kitchen... again, I couldn't stand back far enough to get the full view...

We put the net on at night to make the bed into a bedroom. The bathroom has shelving to store my 'pretty princess' items, as Aaron refers to them:}

I Foresee... a Spirited Quest

2008-03-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Things to come. I will write much more very soon. I am almost finished with my move to downtown. Best!

Super Fun on Letter Size

2008-03-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking of entering. What do you think would be a super fun, super bizarre, super cool activity that I can put on 8.5 by 11 inch paper? When I think of something, I'll post too. Thanks for having fun with me.

Alley Project: Photo Op Phase I

2008-02-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

Our alley is up for review. Please take a close look at these 2D views to formulate your perspective of this space and post your thoughts. We need your critical thinking on this and any number and nature of ideas. Thanks so much for taking a part. Note: this is a one block stretch of alley where we live in downtown Phoenix, and are hoping to revitalize... or perhaps, make vital for the first time.

Looking down alley from south to north

A zoom down the alley looking south to north

Our apartment complex on the right along the alley

The standard condition of pavement along the alley, along with graffittied utility boxes (which, in my opinion, may look kind of cool if in contrast to a tidy environment)

A view from the alley into our apartment complex courtyard. Notice the existing space on either side for parking.

To get an idea of the architecture in this neighborhood: this is our complex. It is an older California style. Plenty of potential.

Stepping back again: looking down the alley from south to north. This is the apartment complex opposite ours. They have completey renovated these, thus, change is already in motion.

The alley looking at the parking area for the apartments being renovated.

A view further down the alley, turning around for a moment to look north to south at the two aforementioned apartments and their shared alley space.

Okay, try not to get virtigo... looking south to north from the trash cans in the picture before this one, across the alley to the back yard of a house being renovated.

These are city owned parcels (with the old, vacant houses from the early 1900's) across the alley from the picture before this one.

A zoom in of the city owned vacant lots.

Again

An alley view of the apartments just north of the vacant lots posted above.

We step south again to look down the other side of the alley (the blue apartments mentioned above are to the right in this photo). Notice how close exterior walls are to the back of lots (ex: building on the right)... not only is this inefficient for light entry through windows near these walls, but it shuts off connections between the buildings and the alley = neglection = the ease of blight to occur.

Another view of the wall.

Looking farther north to the next apartment complex. These are interesting. I will post pictures of the front view of these buildings at some point so you can get a better feel of our neighborhood. It is actually a cute area with all of the revitalization happening and still very affordable. This complex uses solar panels and has a large interior courtyard. But from the back, along the alley, they appear extremely crappy, no?

A connection from 5th Ave to parking in the alley

The back of the aforementioned apartment complex again. The solar panels can be viewed at the right of this photo.

An entry from 5th Ave again into the alley between the aforementioned apartment complex and a single family home.

The aforementioned home and a business to the north.

Yeah, we find these often in the alley. Gross.

Turning around here to look from the north to south, we see the solar panelled apartment complex already discussed and a complex in serious disrepair just opposite it. This complex has one of those walls along the side that sits too close to windows.

The southern end of the complex in disrepair. Though, people live here. Look at the space behind the fence between the two trash cans. Perfect for a pocket of green, eh? A little garden or something?

The complex again. That gate could be better connected to the alley (if the alley was attractive for being connected to)

Looking from the aforementioned apartment complex north

The business again across from the aforementioned complex

A business with the same architecture across from the aforementioned business

An single family house at the north end of our alley

The alley along the block just north of ours

A view down the alley from north to south. The Phoenix courthouse is in the very distance of this photo.

A business at the north end of the alley

The single family, historic home at the north end of the alley

A Low Sky

2008-02-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

It keeps raining and I'm in a weird mood.
So, I wrote this really cheesy poem in Adobe Illustrator.

During the eclipsed lightning storm on Wednesday after the spy satellite had been blown up and all undersea communication wires had been cut in the Middle East, a surprising number of cars drove to the top of the hill behind my condo. I've never seen anyone drive up that hill. I fell asleep during the storm with my window open and I didn't see anyone come down. Do you think they were space ships, not cars? Aaron has some speculations.

Anyway, enjoy my serious contemplations of dreaming of things that happen.

Into the Wild

2008-02-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Laine, Jule, Owen and I went hiking near the river outside of Lake Havasu. I knew where I wanted to hike (where all of that marsh grass is near the bridge at the bend in the river) but did not know where the trail was. So, we decided not to take a trail. We had Laine so trails were not necessary. The boys were magnificent hikers and I seemed to be the only one slightly concerned of the intensity of our trek. Owen and I fell quite a few times. Actually, I fell onto Owen once and he just turned around, said "Ow", and then smiled and kept hiking. Owen and Jule had an odd fascination with tearing every thing in their path out of the earth... we eventually stopped and had a discussion about it but I don't think it made anything any different. So, they found cacti skeletons and used them as Crowns of the Desert. Additionally, each steep, rocky incline was an opportunity to practice their Spiderman skills. They were awesome!

We were fortunate enough to come home to a hearty meal prepared by Ian and Rachel and the taco salad, particularly, was certainly enjoyed by everyone. Thanks, Ian! Unfortunately, on the other hand, Rachel had this fanciful idea that we sisters would dress up in Becka's fine clothing: Rachel was some Texan girl at a fair or something, Becka was a hoochy Las Vegas regular, and I guess I was some sort of tourist. ? Anyway, have a laugh. We look a little nasty to tell you the truth. But it was fun!

Not Pregnant but I'll Plan Ahead

2008-02-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

I'm thus far not pregnant. Which is just fine at this point in time... just fabulous. I will, however, tell you the only two names that I have ever been attracted to (sorry Becka, I'm not leaning towards Olivia Robin... too vain you know?). Amia came to me in like the 6th grade or something, so that's a girl. But today I realized that Roby isn't so bad. When I'm handed my bagel in the morning they call my name out as Roby (with a long 'o'). Never Robin. I've always thought this strange because Robin is a common name and I haven't in my life met or heard of a Roby. So it's always a bit frustrating... but then today I went to a coffee shop and they spelled my name as Roby on my cup. As I was looking at it I thought, "that's a beautiful name." And it doesn't remind me of Robin. So, perhaps Roby for a boy. Anyway, it could be that I shouldn't post this as a blog and I should just write it in a journal instead. But I'm an Aries so I'll just post this.

Kind of Sort of 'Speak Easy': (DIN)NER-CALL

2008-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

So, yes, a speak-easy'ish restaurant is still in my cards. We were thinking that it would be more efficient to have people call us to set up a 'dinner party'. Rather than having us plan a night to support a restaurant atmosphere at home, people can call me to plan that night for them. "Call A Dinner Party." I'll still use the downtown apartment but this plan will not require that I buy food hoping that people will show up. People will call, pay me for groceries, and I will make the food and leave them the change before the meal starts. I really won't make any money but it should be a lot of fun... and maybe legal? Most likely not.
Additionally, please say something about alleys. Anything. Write a poem or something. Becka, I like plants and painted walls too. I was thinking, the Labyrinth is the never-ending-story of an alley. It's a city of alleys.

Your Thoughts on Alleys

2008-02-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

our stretch of alley

So, I would like to know what you do or don't like about alleys. What makes them interesting, magical, scary, useful, blighted, fun, inviting, etc? The alley at our (Aaron's really) apartment downtown is somewhat dismal. It seems to have so much potential, as any alley would, and so we are coming up with a plan to talk first to the owners of property along the one block stretch of alleyway we use, then get the interested community in on it, generate some input, draw some things up, research good and bad, new and old, look up the regulations on getting this thing through the city, find innovative ways of getting this funded, and having a lot of fun doing something that we both have professional experience in and a personal connection to. We'll be moving into another apartment in the same little complex soon, keeping us in place a bit longer and able to follow this through. So, your thoughts on alleys?

alleys elsewhere

Bleak, Base Bird

2008-02-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

I just want to warn, Rachel, that if I get fired for being obviously unamused by anything my boss throws my way, I will be moving to Santa Paula or Seattle to live with you or mom and find a job. That's all I have to say.

Contracting My Blood

2008-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

This will be the coolest quilt ever. And the best part: my big sister is making it! I love having creative worker-bee siblings.

This is Aaron's favorite mountain (as best I could remember it) and, of course, that's his initial. It's a sunset above his A and a night sky below. He's intrigued by pyramids and cosmic things so I think it's cool his initial is shaped like a pyramid. It really just worked out perfectly.

Becka, you can make the blues in the night sky darker if you want and the sunset brighter for more contrast. The brown at the bottom is a pile of rocks. He said he likes the rocks scattered about the mountain so I figured we would throw a few in. Ummm... this is SO EXCITING!!!

Breaking the Block

2008-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

well, damn planners! i read an article by a professor of mine last night about master planned communities exhibiting ecological design standards. cool and everything, but i think i'm into organic placement and design. there is this small town in AZ called Miami. have you been? OMG, it's the coolest town ever. it's a tangled mess of old, mostly run-down shacks and industrial buildings. there is this turquoise villa on the side of the mine that is burnt down. aaron loved it. i had pleanty of dreams about it too and it would be a great place to fix up and do some funky business out of.
we were wondering what we should do this weekend. maybe we'll go back to miami and take pictures.
rachel, i would love to move close to you and have an underground food business. we'll work on that.

Ideas of Fancy and What-Not

2008-01-24T16:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so now that I've started, let me tell you what's up:
I've had all sorts of fanciful ideas with Aaron these days. I want to have an intimate dining experience from my home that I do not have. It will have a front porch and/or garden. There will be one long table out front to seat up to 6 people (8 if I absolutely must) and two small tables inside seating a couple or a single each. There will be an ass explosion of ambiance and I will do all of the cooking. Now, I think I need to have only two available dinners (to cut down on food waste) and I can switch out the menu once a week or something. I'll be open only 6 hours in two intervals: from 2 pm to 5 pm and from 7 pm to 10 pm. Maybe just from 6 pm to 10 pm. I don't know yet. That's not the point, the point is that I will only feed up to 16 people a night. Okay, I may need to hire two additional people. Well, I have Aaron and he's in on it. So, just one person. But the meal will be $40 to $50 per person and it will include an aperitif, small fresh appetizer, the main dish which will be simple yet hearty and delicious, and an after dinner drink and small dessert.
Now, I'm a planner and everything but how does the zoning for this work? I guess it will have to be zoned commercial / mixed-use and not residential b/c I will be serving = service industry. ?. What's up with this? I have no clue. I think I'll just tell the cops that the people eating at my house are family members. I'll have 100 cousins or something and they'll all be rich and have pitty on me so that's the reason they're leaving money on the table.

Other than that, I want to be a writer and a dancer and a gardener. And I will, later in life, open a shop with my good friend Lilly serving coffee and little yummies such as cheesecake muffins and banana bread pudding pots, with the small side cigar shop and smoking room (how's the zoning for this one too?), the local art on display and for sale, and the used book displays featuring local writers and poets which will act as a small funky library and book store. There will be trinkets with class and whimsy as well that you can buy. All of this stuff will not have price tags. It will just be part of the background and if someone wants to buy it, there will be an approximate pricing list book or they can just ask. I'll work out bargains.

What else? Well, Aaron is the love of my life and I'm sure I'll have plenty to say about that in future blogs. As you all should have gathered by now, I'm happier than ever. This is exactly what I wanted, actually, so much more amazing that I had imagined it could be. He and I have been doing photography and antique / thrift shopping on the weekends among other things like sitting in the mountains overlooking the city and drinking beer and telling stories at night, watching too many Gilmore Girls episodes, chasing each other like retards (I use that word in the best sense possible) around the house and pretend slapping and acting like old grandmas, and other nonsense things that most likely only we would understand or enjoy.

I'm here

2008-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

and I know where all of you are. it's nice to be a part of what you are all a part of. hello becka, hello rachel, hello dad and patti, hey... hello jovi. mom, are you there?