Pray for Baby Stellan

I follow the blog, "My Charming Kids" (http://www.mycharmingkids.net).

Baby Stellan, 4 months old, has heart problems and needs as many prayers as he can get. Send him all the good vibes and prayers you can muster because this little guy is a fighter.

Nicklaus Anthony R.

I have a pet fish.

Little Nico was gifted to me in a time of desperate desperation (sort of, might be a little bit over exaggerating with that one). He was given to me at a time when I couldn't talk my mind off a slightly depressing recent break up. February 15, 2008, Alyssa shows up at my house with a tank and a little blue betta fish. She'd joked about getting me a fish, but there he was, swimming coolly around the bottom of his little travel holder.

I set about to name him, because as most people know, naming is what I do. I couldn't decide if I wanted to go classic or exotic or trendy or timeless (but, that's kind of the same as classic anyway?). And I couldn't decide if I wanted to name him after anyone (but who really wants a fish named after them?). I was tossing around a few names in my head when it hit me: Nicholas. But the spelling was too traditional. I made it Nicklaus. His middle name became Anthony because...it sounded good. And he kind of looks like a Nicklaus Anthony, though it would probably be safe to say most people would have named him something like Bubbles or Fish.

Anyway, Nick is a very well traveled fish, sort of. If you count traveling every two weeks from Des Moines to West Seattle well traveled. But if you think about it, that's a long way. Do you know how long it would take him to get there if it was all water!? A long time. But he rode in my lap all the way there, every time. We're buds. I sing him good night (my 13 year old cousins got a kick out of that when they visited), and I sing him good morning (my roommate has become accustom to it and fills in for me on those mornings when I'm not in the dorm).

I've discovered through process of elimination that he is in fact a rap/hip-hop lover, preferably Lil Wayne or Lil Jon. Though he does really like Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf, but of course that features Lil Wayne, so maybe that's why. He however, is not a fan of Pitbull, which disappoints me because that's what I usually like to listen to loudly. Oh well, you can't please everyone.

So, we just celebrated Nicklaus' first birthday here on Sunday. Well, actually I was in Seattle without him, so I had to call my roommate and talk to him and tell him how much I loved him. I know he appreciated it. I want to give him a treat, but I think he's being a little moody today, so I'm just trying to coax him out from under his rock (not literally).

I just have to say that I've never loved a fish as much as I love this little guy. He loves me on my good days and bad days, and I love him. Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

For disclosure, I just want to say, I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves their pet fish this much. And if I am, then I guess I have the luckiest fish in the world.

Weekly Grab Bag [02/16 - 02/22]

You know, I do just want to apologize for my lack of commitment to this blog, and especially to my 'WGB', because apparently, I either a) forget that I have a blog, b) procrastinate writing another blog because I wonder to myself, who really reads these? or c) am just too dang lazy to update it, ever. Or maybe option c just covers everything? Yeah, we'll go with that.

Song of the week:

"Where the Story Ends" by The Fray.

Why I like it:

- Because I've yet to find a song by The Fray that I don't like? Okay, no really. The Fray just released their new [self-titled] album at the beginning of this month and let me tell you, there are some chart toppers on it, at least I think so. I like this particular song though, because I can relate. You don't need to know how or why, but it really hits home for me. Nevermind the fact that the piano is amazing (like always though?) and the vocal are totally distinct (think The-Fray-Like, okay what a bad joke, this is why I don't write blogs late at night). It's one of those songs where you try to sing-a-long and every time you sing it you realize you're saying one word wrong and you hear what the word really is and you go, "OH! It makes so much more sense!" ...please don't tell me I'm the only one who does that? That was a compliment to the song, by the way, even if it didn't sound like it. Okay...maybe you should just listen to it.

Movie of the week:

Four Christmases.

Why I like it:

- I liked this movie because it reminded me a little bit of what I'm expecting in my own future; sorry, I can't elaborate. And you know, I'm not usually a big Vince Vaughn fan, but I actually enjoyed him in this movie. Oh, and I'm definitely aware that it's not even remotely close to the Christmas season, so why was this the movie of the week? Just go with it people, okay? It was light and funny for the first 40 minutes or so, but then there were a couple twists and turns that kept you on your toes. Of course, it was a little predictable, but what movie isn't anymore. All in all, I'd watch it again. I recommend you rent it when it comes out on DVD in a few months.

Hotspot of the week:

The Wade King Recreational Center.

Why I like it:

- You know, I don't even know if that's what it's called and there's a definite possibility that I did in fact make that name up. But I feel like I got part of it right. Anyway, I've been spending some time there, more often than not with my friend Sarah. Despite the fact that we seem to keep running into a couple of familiar faces that we'd rather avoid, it's a pleasurable experience. Well, despite the whole "duck walking" that we do on leg days, I'd say it's pleasurable. You know that feeling the morning after you work out your legs and you wake up and find that you can't physically get down from your loft bed? You know that feeling? Yeah, hey, me.

YouTube video of the week:

Tres Piece - "Finale".

Why I like it:

- Not only is the guy on the left totally bomb, these guys are so good at lip syncing. Well, this video might not be the perfect example (try watching Tell Me Tell Me). Anyway, keep a weather eye out for the white horse that the guy brings in a little over halfway through. I never even liked the song Grillz until I saw these guys rock it. And I don't know what else to say about these three guys except that they've provided plenty of entertainment to my dorm and our neighbors.

Check.It.Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKRPV07lkPk

Weekly Grab Bag [11/17 - 11/23]

New, this week:

Song of the week:

"Forever & Always" by Taylor Swift.

Why I like it:

- It's upbeat. The lyrics are in your face guilty. Almost everyone can relate. Plus, anything coming from Taylor Swift is going to be good, especially anything off her new album Fearless which released on November 11. The song is allegedly about her brief fling with one of the Jo-Bro's. You remember, I'm sure. The song wasn't scheduled to be released on her album but apparently she churned it out at the last second to get it on there. Glad you did, Taylor, it's one of my faves. Whenever I hear it I just want to grab a water-bottle-microphone get up onto a table and sing it to...well, wouldn't you like to know. Hah, just kidding! But really, buy it on iTunes for 99 cents. It's worth it. Song of the week.

Movie of the week.

30 Days of Night.

Why I like it:

- Because it's freaking scary! I think we were all waiting for a good scary vampire movie for a long time. And no, Twilight does NOT count, because there is no way that Edward could ever be scary. Scary beautiful, maybe. 30 Days of Night is freak-you-out-sleep-with-the-lights-on scary. It's not AS scary if you watch it with a group of people and are able to make jokes to cover up your real terror. But we all know how you really feel. It gets pretty gory, so if you aren't a fan of blood then you should definitely leave this one off your Netflix queue. However, if you're into hot sheriffs (Josh Hartnett), a bunch of sneaky Alaskan townspeople, and a flock (flock?) of vampires from God-knows-where, then you're golden. Rent it. Some people think it's one of the scariest movies they've ever seen...some people laugh their way through it. Personally, it's up there on my scary list. Get ON it.

Hotspot of the week.

Khao San Road, Thailand.

Why I like it:

- Because it has everything you will ever need for the rest of your life crammed onto one very long street. Also, I might be a little bit jealous because my dad is there RIGHT NOW, without me. My favorite part about Khao San Road would have to be the melting pot of people standing in front of you. Literally people from all over the world flock (apparently I like this word today?) to Khao San for great deals (bootlegs, of course), great tattoos (fake AND real), great food (for sooo cheap!!!), great fruit shakes (real fruit, no sugar), great company (drunk Irish table dancing, anyone?), great backpacking (Backpacker HOTSPOT), and great times. They call New York City the city that never sleeps, well Khao San Road is the road that never sleeps. In between flash rain storms you can do some shopping...pick up the newest DVDS, some goofy shirts, some switchblades, some whatever-the-heck-you-want-for-cheap! The food vendors that patrol the street are armed with deliciousness and all you have to do is catch them. At night, it's lit up like you wouldn't believe. And one of the funniest parts about Khao San Road has got to be the Hilltribe Women who chase you with their little wooden frogs and trick the easy tourists into paying WAY (way,way,way!!!) too much for one. Hit it up.

Adding a new "grab" this week.

YouTube video of the week:

Harry Potter Puppet Pals - The Mysterious Ticking Noise

Why I like it:

- Because if you've seen Harry Potter, then it's pee-your-pants funny and you'll be singing it ALL WEEK. Trust me, I know...I didn't pee my pants, but I have been singing it all week. It doesn't even have a point except to make you laugh. DUMBLEDORE! I really can't tell you anything else about it. You have to watch it yourself. Link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

Weekly Grab Bag. [11/10 - 11/16]

Ch-ch-check it.

Song of the week:

"The Ave" by Blue Scholars.

Why I like it:

- It's got a beat that makes you want to stand up if you're sitting down, dance if you're standing still, or break dance if you feel like you can own it [which I can]. It's one of those songs where you feel like you know the words but then you try to sing them and you realize you have no idea what you're doing so you proceed to listen to it until you can rap along side of Geologic & Sabzi. It's kind of got a Brazilian twist to it, with the trumpet action going on, I think. I could picture a conga line to the beat, except the lyrics are a little better than those of a conga line. Bonus, it's about Seattle coming from a Seattle-based-band. It's like two for one.

Movie of the week:
High School Musical 3.


Why I like it:
- Because it has Zac Effron in it, duh? No, no I'm kidding [kind of]. HSM3 is just a lighthearted movie with a bunch of hit songs [don't believe me? Check out iTunes top 100] that you want to sing-a-long with. It makes you come home and spend money [buy songs, posters, bracelets, lip gloss, you name it, they got it.], and that's really what the movie business is all about anyway, money. But no seriously, I went too see it with Brenna and my sister Sammi the day after it came out and I left the movie theater happy. It's a cute movie. If you're not into corny jokes, corny scenes, corny songs, & goofy actors, then I don't recommend it to you. Sorry. But if you DO have a sense of humor, then you should definitely check it out.

Hotspot of the week:
Boundary Bay Brewery - Downtown Bellingham.

Why I like it:

- Besides the friendly and welcoming staff, you get some good food, and if you're legal, some good beer. It's probably not a great idea to head over to BBB on a Friday or Saturday night spur of the moment unless you're okay with an hour or so wait for a table. The live music that BBB hosts on weekends is usually pretty rockin' [pun intended] and will be sure to blow your ears out. So if you're only a fan of a light violin or a melodic piano solo, I suggest you stay away. Personal recommendation, food wise, would have to be either the macaroni and cheese [but good luck finishing that!] or the enchiladas [muy bueno!]. If you can fit any dessert into you, I would suggest the pie a la mode. It's just like mom makes it...or if your mom never made pie then it's just like the pie you always WISHED your mom would make. Check it out, it's sitting at the end of Railroad Ave.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Your Next President...

Mr. Barack Obama.



Come 8 o'clock, the announcement came on NBC saying that Barack Obama just became the United States' 44th President. My first reaction was shock. I didn't expect it to come so quickly. As soon as I looked at the electoral votes though, I knew he was in. John McCain's speech was very to my liking and very respectful. It actually made me proud to be an American. I still can't get over that Obama took Virginia, Florida, AND Ohio. That is really something.


So as Brenna and I jumped and screamed and ran out into the hallway, we saw Wyatt (Kappa Pres.) and two of his comrades jumping onto each other's backs and running around screaming, "OBAMA! OBAMA!" We made signs and screamed some more and danced around.


All of a sudden, the sound of conga drums brought us to our windows. We could hear yelling in the distance, along with the steady, rhythmic beat of the conga. I looked at Brenna. She looked at me. We grabbed the keys and the camera and sprinted out of Kappa, down flights of stairs and down more flights of stairs to the beginning of a mob forming. People were lining up on the sculptures by the Communications Facility, screaming at the top of their lungs, "OBAMA! OBAMA!" It was a sight I've never seen in my life.


We caught up to them just as they took of running towards Red Square. We jumped in at the front of the mob and bolted across campus where we gathered by the fountain and continued our chanting. From there, we all ran as a crazy Obama-spurred mob to the Viking Union/Mathes Hall/Nash Hall where we congregated and did some more shouting. After that, we took off down the street, by now at least 500 people in tow.


We made our way, screaming our heads off, past houses and apartments where people greeted, high fived, and even joined our crazy college mob. We ran down the street, photographers popping up everywhere snapping us with their Nikons and their Sonys. We were all delusional with happiness. People were hugging each other, high fiving strangers, hugging strangers, laughing, fists raised into the air as the beginning of a Bellingham winter captured all of us. But the adrenaline was enough alone to keep us warm.


The drum beat went on, as did our chanting, changing from, "OBAMA! OBAMA!" to, "YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!" to, "YES WE DID! YES WE DID!" to, "USA! USA!". Photographers, videographers, and bystanders were literally in awe as we stopped traffic, hastily making our way through the middle of the streets of downtown Bellingham.

November 4, 2008, the day we were all able to witness history. A day, I'm sure, that most of us have felt more alive than ever as we dodged curbs, piles of leaves, stationary and unstationary cars, and the gigantic OBAMA/BIDEN sign that two guys carried between them as we closed in on 9:30 at night. Fireworks erupted more than once.

We proceeded (running and walking) all the way from downtown back up to Red Square where we gathered around the fountain, beating our pots and drums. A video camera seemed to just float through the crowd and we all had our change to yell into it. The atmosphere was indescribable. The patriotism was undeniable. The students of Western Washington University were unretainable. After all, we are all ready for a change.

My Teacher is a Serial Killer.

You think I'm kidding.

So I really am kidding, but there is a stunning resemblance between Lucas Chaffee (my college math teacher) and David Berkowitz. I mean, I'm sure that my math teacher isn't really the "Caliber Killer" and I'm sure that he didn't murder 6 people and injure an additional 7. I'm sure... hahah. It's just one of those things that freaks you out a little bit.

I'll try and take a picture of him on my phone and be not creepy about it at all. But really, you've gotta see this. It's ca-razy. Here's a picture of Berkowitz.