The Shenanigan Files

The Thrill of Hope.

2011-12-24T02:02:00.000-06:00

Once again, I've fallen behind in posting. Mainly, it's because life decided to smack me in the face with a sock full of lemons. I had what one might call, "a series of unfortunate events" befall me as of late, and well, dealing with the real world took over any online...Shenanigans. (See what I did there?)

However, this post isn't about losing a job, appliance malfunctions, or basement floods. (Yes, for real) This post is about grace... namely, a family that loves and supports me through all things, friends that lift me up in every way possible, and faith that God is sovereign in all things and nothing that passes in this world passes without His Word.

And speaking of His Word...

turn back to God

That, dear friends, is the greatest grace of all.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

And that Word that came, that Word full of glory and grace and truth, what of Him?

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

scripture for today

He is our thrill of hope. He is why our weary world rejoices. He is why yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. World, fall on your knees! O hear, the angel voices! O night, divine! O night... when Christ was born.

Merry Christmas to all.

Niagara Falls! No Barrel Required!

2011-09-23T08:51:00.001-05:00

"Hi, I'm Liz, and I'll be your guide today, here at Niagara. If you'll follow me, we'll take a magical journey behind the falls and to their base, where the roaring rush of water will leave you in breathless awe. Please put on your stylish, yellow ponchos, and watch your step as we travel through the underground tunnels. It's slippery!"

"I know, I know, it's not the most flattering look for a girl, but trust me, you really need the poncho."

"Here we are behind the falls! Isn't it exciting...and wet? I bet you're glad for that poncho now, aren't you? We'd get closer, but there's a couple up there taking upwards of 20 or 30 photos of themselves, eating into everyone's time, so this is as close as we're getting. But, as you can see, it's a continual wall of white, and believe me, the scenery doesn't change much from this vantage point anyway."

"Ah, back on the outside and at the base of the falls! Be careful not to let your camera get too wet. It's extremely misty down here!"

"Here we are, surrounded by great towers of rock, rushing curtains of white water, and spiraling clouds of mist! I hope you can all hear me over the roar. It really is a marvelous sound, isn't it? That sound is caused by the 750,000 gallons of water that spill over the falls every second! That's the combined total for both the American and Canadian falls of course. Though, the Horseshoe falls does claim the lion's share."

"Looking downstream, past the edge of the Horseshoe falls, you can see the American falls, and Bridal Veil falls, the small fall barely separated by Luna Island. The American side of the Rainbow Bridge is also visible. Speaking of rainbows, we've got them! Double rainbows! So beautiful! What does it mean? Well, we don't know, but hey, 'it's a double rainbow, all the way! Whoa, that's so intense'!"

"Thanks for taking the behind the falls tour! We'll take a few moments for photo opportunities before we head back up to the top. Yes, miss, I'll take a screaming photo with you! How fun! There's still a lot more Niagara to see!"

"Poncho, don't fail me now!"

"Isn't this exciting!? I sure think so! Alright, let's head topside!"

"Do you see all the seagulls on that little rock formation, out in the river? Isn't that picturesque? I think so, especially surrounded by all that rushing water!"

"Ooooh! Misty!"

"The entire panorama of Niagara is impressive! I hope you're all taking full advantage of your camera's various settings!"

"Oh, and be sure not to miss the stranded scow in the middle of the river, just upstream of the falls. It's been there for 93 years now, just rusting away a little more day by day..."

At about 3 p.m. on the afternoon of Tuesday August 6th 1918, a steel copper bottomed sand scow (barge) was engaged in dredging operation in the fast currents on the American side of the Niagara River opposite Port Day at the entrance of the Niagara Falls Power Company hydraulic canal.

The scow was being towed by the tug boat - "Hassayampa" being operated by Captain John Wallace. The scow had two deck hands aboard. They were Gustave Loftberg, age 51 and Frank Harris, age 53. The tug and scow were owned and operated by the Great Lakes Dredge and Docks Company. During the operation, the tug suddenly struck a sandbar approximately a ½ mile upriver from the Falls. The taunt rope that held the barge to the tug snapped "like a thin string".

"I'd tell you the rest of the tale, but we'd be here all day! Read the rest of the thrilling story at Niagara Frontier!"

"Ma'am, if you'll stand right there, I'll take a picture for you. There's a beautiful rainbow right behind you. Alright, great shot! I hope you've been enjoying the tour."

"Would you mind taking a picture for me as well? This is my first day as a Niagara guide, and I'd like to document the occasion. Thanks!"

"Yes ma'am, those are seagulls, and no, they're not really scared of humans. However, they're probably getting mad at the fact that you're not offering them food. I would slowly step away now if I were you."

"Yes, the Daffodils are much more docile than the birds. That's a lovely shot. I think it'd make a nice profile picture for the Facebook or the Google+. You certainly are a fun loving person, aren't you? Well, I hope you've enjoyed your tour of Niagara Falls! There's a gift shop to your right, and the restrooms are located on the side of the main building. The bus will be leaving shortly, so please make your purchases and meet us back on board soon! Thanks again from everyone at Niagara!"

"Am I really a tour guide for Niagara Falls? No... but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Enjoy this parting shot! Gorgeous falls, deep blue sky, double rainbow! So beautiful!"

Next up, Jenny and I visit Niagara Wine College. Ice Wine? Yes, please!

Niagara on The Lake... and Beyond!

2011-09-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

Niagara Falls is a place of natural, awe inspiring beauty. Looking out into the horseshoe chasm as the waterfall roars over the edge is a breathtaking sight. On the day Jenny and I visited, the falls tossed us the added bonus of a picturesque rainbow! Hundreds of people were there, as I'm sure they are every day, taking pictures and staring in awe of the churning, surging power before them. It truly is an amazing work spun by the hand of God.

And then you turn around... and jutting up to the falls is this gigantic city of hotels, shops, restaurants, and casinos. Call me ignorant, but I had no idea this stuff existed right beside the falls. What was I expecting? I suppose I expected to be surrounded natural grandeur, but you know, souvenir shops and nickle slots are pretty close, right? There was a bit of a disconnect, at least to me, between the fierce and overwhelming force of nature on one side, and the glass and steel empires of man on the other. It was a little jarring.

And because of that... I needed ice cream.

However, I didn't get any. This terrible picture actually took place at the start of our adventure, before the falls, in the little town of Niagara on The Lake. It just provided a nice transition into this part of the story.

Niagara on The Lake is a charming little town, full of beautifully quaint architecture and wonderful little tourist traps. As a tourist, I felt it was my duty to fall into several of them. Again, ice cream comes in handy, as the first thing I want to show you is right behind Jenny.

Governor's Walk

Granted, I can't really call this gorgeous building, The Prince of Wales Hotel, a tourist trap, but it did draw me in like a moth to a flame. It actually reminded me of New Orleans from the outside. It's the kind of place where you walk in and immediately regret your decision to wear blue jeans and a jersey peacoat, because you're sure the Queen and a service of High Tea are waiting right around the corner, and well, she really doesn't appreciate sneakers.

The interior of the hotel is elegant and sumptuous, filled with rich woodwork, beautiful marble and bronze sculptures, and glorious Tiffany style windows. Every inch of it is filled with Victorian luxury.

Tourist.

This building is also there. I don't remember what it is, but I thought it was pretty, and I'm a sucker for old stonework.

Usually, my photography skills are not so lacking when I decide to document a trip to a foreign land, or well, anywhere, but for some reason, I don't think I really captured the essence of this pretty little patch of Canada. However, this is the best shot that I have of the main drag of Niagara on The Lake.

This clock tower is located on the main street of Niagara on The Lake and commemorates the Canadian dead of WWI. It's known as a Cenotaph which is "A monument erected to honour the dead whose bodies lie elsewhere; especially members of the armed forces who died in battle." Normally, I'd make a joke about 1.21 giagawatts when I see a clock tower, but I'll show a little respect here for the brave Canadians who died on foreign soil long ago. Thank you to the vets of a friendly nation!

OK, off to see some water!

Here's Brock's Monument. Who was Brock? Well friends, he was a British Guy:

"Major-General Isaac Brock, Commander-in-Chief of British forces in Upper Canada was stationed at Fort George in Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake). He had just returned from a victory over American forces at Detroit. Now he observed the build-up of troops on the American side of the Niagara River from Buffalo to Youngstown.

On the fateful morning of the battle, Brock raced from Fort George to Queenston. In a valiant effort to retake the Heights of Queenston, he was fatally wounded while leading his troops into battle.
All seemed lost for the British until General Sheaffe, summoned from Fort George, marched with his men of the 41st Regiment, militia and Native forces and gained the rear of the Heights. With one line charge the Americans were routed. This tactical movement ensured a victory for the British and gave the inhabitants of Upper Canada new hope and commitment to the British cause."

Or, in my own version of history, I think he's the guy that insured Canada would always have the cooler side of Niagara Falls.

I believe that's New York across the way. I was excited to see it, if only at a distance. I've never been to the far Northeastern portion of America, and I hope I get the chance to visit it someday. It looks... just like Canada.

Here is the Niagara Rapids Whirlpool! It's an unusual little spot in the Niagara river where certain turbulent convergences create this swirling, churning vortex! Check out the science behind here!

I think this is the same area, just a little removed.

We're not normally this pink. However, if you look past our bubble gum faces, you can see the skycar that travels over the whirlpool rapids. (Top left.) We didn't have time to ride it, but it looked like it was a pretty fun time.

And that's where I'm leaving it, because this post is long enough, and it's almost time for me to jet. Hence, the falls gots to waits. However, next time, it's full tilt to Niagara!

O Canada!

2011-09-07T12:13:00.003-05:00

mygapyear.ca

You're not my home or native land, but I still think you're pretty spectacular. For my 30th birthday this past April, my best friend, Jenny, surprised me with a trip to Canada! Yeah, I know, greatest best friend ever. In reality, it was all thanks to the Pampered Chef... well, Jenny's ability to sell their awesome products.

Now, I've been to Canada a couple of times, once, I visited one of their fine French speaking airports for 48 hours... FORTY EIGHT HOURS, thanks to a menacing snowstorm that refused to budge. Angry passengers were yelling at angry airline staff in angry Canadian French. Me, I slept on a plastic chair with my sister and nephew and subsisted off day old bagels and questionable beverages... not the best introduction to a country I've ever had. The second time, thankfully, was much more fun, and can be read about in my very first blog post!

This trip to Canada however, was nothing but straight up awesomeness. But, it did begin a little strangely... I won't rehash, but to say that the worst string of tornadoes to hit Alabama in my lifetime struck the day before we left, leaving everything in a state of havoc. Driving to Jenny's in complete darkness, no streetlights, no store signs, not even a visible moon, was one of the eeriest experiences in my life.

Anyway...

"What do all these lines mean?"

We flew to Canada, hopped our transportation shuttle, dropped our bags off at the hotel, registered, and proceeded to immediately get lost on the streets of Toronto. Now, navigation isn't a strong suit for either of us, and I'm pretty sure we won't be earning our merit badges in map reading anytime soon. Originally, we were looking for China Town, hoping to grab a spot of dinner. Instead we ended up in the gay district looking very much like the helpless, hapless American tourists that we were.

Eventually, we decided to scrap the plan for China Town and headed towards the somewhat closer Greek Town... not that we knew how to get there either. Thankfully, some kind Canadian lady took pity on us and approached, asking if we were lost and if she could help. With her directions and only a couple of wrong turns, we found our way to Greek Town. We were both pretty exhausted from all the walking getting lost entailed, so much so, we didn't bother to take many (any) pictures, but take my word, Greek Town was excellent, mainly because it offered me a meal consisting of Souvlaki, feta cheese, lemony rice, and pita bread- much better than the... unsatisfying bag of nothing... offered on the airplane.

And that was day one in the great province of Ontario!

Day 2, which happened to be my birthday, started very early... all thanks to a couple of high profile Brits. I won't lie... I was excited about the Royal Wedding. I'm not much older than William and have always been interested in the exploits of the British crown. I thought Wills was handsome, Kate, absolutely stunning, and Harry was dashing (and ginger and awesome!)

That dress was perfection.

After watching the wedding, it was breakfast time... and the Pampered Chef knows how to put on a spread, but you'd kind of assume that given that they're "The Pampered CHEF." It was amazing, but we still went for birthday donuts afterward, because, well... 30.

Tim Horton's!

*Cue Homer Simpson face*

I'd never actually had Tim Horton's before this trip, but I'd heard their goodness extolled constantly by Jenny. Personally, I thought they were pretty good, and the one that has cinnamon in it is outstanding, but nothing compared to the wonders offered by our local Fultondale Bakery.

After Tim's... I think we took naps. I know, we're not exciting, but that wedding was at an unholy hour! Besides, it was my birthday, and trust me, that nap was a present. After that, it was time to explore the city a little, and by explore the city, I mean find a place for a birthday lunch. (Seriously, we did do more than eat on this trip.)

Though, obviously, eating was a big part of it.
POUTINE! Yes, Canada's famous concoction of fries covered in cheese curds and gravy finally made its way my face. I must say, I wasn't a great fan of this particular gravy, but the concept is a good one. I do like my fries with an obscene amount of ketchup, but this was a nice departure, and with a better gravy, it'd be awesome.

Jenny liked the beer. I still can't stand the stuff.
We had this birthday lunch at a little brewery, Les 3 Brasseurs, which we found while walking around downtown. We didn't know anything about it, but the food was tasty, the service good, and they offered free tours, which was a nice bonus.

This gigantic copper kettle is where the hops (or barley or whatever) are cooked... I'm not sure. I'm by no means an aficionado on the brewing of anything, and it's almost sad to have me attempt to explain it. I just know it's a very important part of the process. It's a beautiful piece of equipment, that's for sure. This is the only portion of the operation that's viewable from the dining area of the restaurant.

Here we are out of the public eye, in the working portion of the brewery. These tanks hold the brew and allow it to ferment for however long is necessary. Also, there's a random guy for your viewing pleasure.

This is where they keep all the grain for the various kinds of beer they make. The guy is pointing something out that's probably important, but I was too busy laughing at the pic I'd just taken, (this one) because Jenny seems to be sauntering through the room like she owns it.

Maybe she does. Jenny's really, really enthusiastic about beer.

Really... enthusiastic.

Me, I still don't like the stuff, but I enjoyed the tour. All of the equipment is interesting, and some of it is downright beautiful. Leave it to an artist to be overwhelmed by the aesthetics of beer while not caring for the taste of it! I will say, I would absolutely love to design a beer (or wine) label. They're often beautiful/funny/cheeky works of art.

A big thanks to this guy, who took us on the tour. I don't remember your name, brewing guy, but I'll never forget you! (Until, I probably forget you.) After that, we played at being the tourists we actually were. We did a little sight seeing, visited the mall, ("Let's go to the mall! ...Today!") took pictures in front of all the American stores, partook of wedding day cupcakes during a replay of the royal vows, and generally enjoyed the rest of the day and the Pampered Chef banquet that night, in my honor. (Well, probably in honor of the thousands of reps there, but delusions are fun!) All in all, it was a great way to turn 30.

Next post... NIAGARA FALLS!

Pardon Our Progress...

2011-08-23T11:25:00.001-05:00

I was writing about Canada, when all of a sudden I realized I was tired of my blog... the way it looked, I mean. So, I'm changing it. I hate everything I've done so far, so this might take a while.

Debby Downer posts about Deadliest Catch.

2011-08-04T11:58:00.003-05:00

Yeah... I'm a slacker. Ok, now that we've covered the basics, let's move along to something else. The only reason I'm blogging today is so I'll feel less horrible about myself. You know what's nice? Being the only person in a group not invited to something... and everyone else having no problem talking about it in front of you. Happy Thursday, Liz, you suck.

~~Fine.~~

So, here's more outdated Deadliest Catch stuff. Well, first there's some baseball with friends. The Mariners apparently play this sport, but I think that might be debated by the fans of the game. Lynn, Travis, Kristina, and I all made it into the season opener, sans tickets, thanks to some expert schmoozin' by Trav. The Mariners were my first pro baseball game, so going back was fun. I do have fond memories of that day and the team, even if they didn't exactly win.

Here's somebody hitting a ball that somebody else probably caught.

Lynn and I are totally pumped to be at the game, especially since we were late, and tickets were going, going, gone!

...And here's a visual treat for all of us. I now know what Santa does in the off season. He goes to Baseball games, wears a giant hot dog on his head, and probably forces parents into difficult conversations with their children.

I wish this picture was better, but it's not. Look past the kid on his phone and the grampa in the jacket and see beyond to the dude in the jersey that seems to be sprouting odd, bear-shaped growths. Yeah, that guy... look at him. He's wearing a Mariner's uniform covered in teddy bears. WHAT IS GOING ON THERE? ...Should we hide the children?

If you can't tell by the Sad Sam faces in this picture, the Mariners pretty much stunk it up. I felt bad for Lynn... he was so excited to go to the game!

Still, it was fun to watch. Live sports are always interesting, and the atmosphere was charged, though it was more a "trade 'em all!" kind of charged...

Our final shot at the game... I forgot to tell Kristina and Trav we were doing "happy fun times faces" for this one.

Alright, here's some CatchCon stuff...

The Deckhand relay... always fun to watch. Here you see Mike "THE BEAST" Fourtner getting into a survival suit in record time. It looks like he's about two feet off the ground, but if you look closely, you can totally see his left leg is still on the ground. Optical illusions FTW! Also, his GIANT BOAT shoes may be used as flotation devices in case of emergency.

Around the time everyone else finished the first station of the relay, Mike was done with the whole thing and safety ensconced in his apparently condemned survival suit.

Now, everyone else gets in on the fun. Gumby is pleased.

Jake Anderson gets some nice air as he tries to wriggle into his suit.

Sometimes, you've got to help a brother out.

Poor Lynn, he got caught up in the "toss the hook" portion of the event, and it took him a little longer to get to the suits. Also, notice his hat. That Mariner's game was pretty bad...

That's some determination on that face right there!

Lynn was in his suit in record time!

And well, Lynn, you look kind of murderific in this shot. Just sayin'.

A little later, or earlier, I don't remember timelines at all... Lenny was out there on the ground coiling line like a pro. You know, Lenny doesn't get his due on the show, but Lenny's awesome. He's a super nice guy, and funny, and totally rocks the deck and engine room. So, let him know! Give him a shout out on Crabwizard!

The Captain's Panel. This is one of the most enjoyed aspects of CatchCon. Jeff Conroy, moderates the forum and the Captains answer questions posed by fans about what was seen during the season, or whatever is on their minds relating to the show, crabbing, life in general.

Here, Captain Scott Campbell Jr. a newbie to the show, but not the fishing biz is answering a question about something or other. Capt. Keith looks on, and as you can see he was still wearing a brace from some recent surgery. Of course, it's no secret I'm a Wiz gal, but I really like that Capt. Scott and his Seabrooke. I think they're a good addition to the show.

Jake Harris was around being a goofball and enjoying the festivities... and his brother was somewhere else shooting off his mouth. I won't go into it, but suffice to say, he needed to check himself. And that's all I have to say about that. I hope they're both doing well, and getting through the sad times/ problems that have plagued them so heavily during the last few years.

This was a huge highlight from my trip. I finally got to meet this lady! This is my friend Mel and we've talked online for years on various forums and facebook. It was our love of the ~~deliciously handsome~~ er, highly talented Corey Arnold and of course, Deadliest Catch, that brought us together. I was so thrilled to finally get to meet her. I can't wait to see her again!

I didn't get to see that much of this guy, which kind of sucks. As most DC fans know, Trav jumped aboard the F/V Time Bandit this season, and has been doing some excellent racing with Time Bandit Offshore, so if you know of a super boat race in your area featuring the one and only Travis Lofland, make your way out there and support him and the crew. Oh, and Travis, head back to B'ham sometime soon, K?

Paul Sr. from American Choppers was there and unveiled the Deadliest Catch Bike. I don't have any pics of Paul, but here's a couple of the paint job on the tank and fender of the bike. There was some cool chrome work as well, though I didn't care for the wheels. However, my pics don't do the paint justice. Check out the pics from CC and of the bike on Crabwizard for more, including Sr. introducing the bike.

I love that color scheme, and of course, seeing the Wizard, even in illustrated form, is always a treat.

Anyway, I think that's all I'm going to cover. Everything else was just good times with friends, and I don't really have any more pictures. ~~Sorry I'm such a Debby Downer today, but you know, being snubbed is just so fun.~~

Next post: Tornadoes abound, I turn 30, some English people get married, and I find myself in Canada. Such is my glamorous life.

CatchCon 2011: Part Two-It's About a Staircase!

2011-06-14T15:58:00.001-05:00

We were being filmed coming into the pier. I'm not sure they've done that before. I honestly don't recall from years past. Most of us were on the bow of the boat, taking pictures, thus ruining what would probably have been a dramatic shot. :)

I made him pose for this shot. I'm awesome at interrupting serious work. Anyway, that's a monkey fist knot and it weighs down the line he's holding so that he can toss it to someone on the pier and drag the big lines through to tie up the boat. Hooray for not drifting!

After we were secure, the NW slipped in beside us, being driven by none other than...

Edgar Hansen! Jake Anderson was of course, there to help out as well.

Edgar's not fond of taking direction from others when it comes to tying up the boat!

Matt Bradley was around for the ride too! Good to see him back on the deck, even if he doesn't look happy to be there. (Oh, and Ryan, if you happen to read this, show up next time, k? How else can we get fake married and freak out our loved ones?)

Here, Jake and Matt are setting buoys between the two boats along with Danny Maki! Danny is one of the new crewmen on the Wizard and a super guy! It was great to get to meet him, and I'm looking forward to the next time I see him.

I also managed to snag a shot of the elusive Norman Hansen. I once spent an evening just talking to Norm about all kinds of stuff. He's actually a very nice guy with a great personality, just kind of quiet. I'm sure he doesn't remember me in the slightest.

Monte and Keith directing the action on deck!

One of the camera guys was filming everything. I tried to stay out of his way. I probably failed.

Here you can see Soper running the crane... FROM BEHIND HIS BACK, just like he does during the season, so that he can keep his eyes on the deck. Great skills... he has them.

At one point, the crane actually sprung a leak, and here's Lenny, well, his hands at least, taking care of it!

The sorting table has to be moved out of the way so that people can walk on the deck during the tours... outside of bagging bait, it's times like this when it's handy to have greenhorns.

I know this isn't the most interesting shot ever, but I like it, a lot. The crane was swinging over my head, and I managed to snag a shot as it buzzed past. I figure this is a "crab's eye view."

After moving the table, it was time to bring the gangway down onto the deck so that people could travel onto the boats. That giant metal staircase is weird. The stairs aren't deep, and they're too long, but not quite long enough that you want to take two at a time, so you end up just kind of shuffling down it while the boat is rocking, praying you don't take a header down the sucker. It's like the stairway to heaven... by which I mean, it's surprising nobody had died on the thing yet. Deadliest Catch, deadliest staircase. "On a staaaaaaircase I ride..."

Yeah, I'm ending this one here... with a staircase... because I'm ~~lame~~ awesome like that. Next up, the Mariners disappoint Lynn Guitard, and CatchCon 2011!

CatchCon 2011: Part One- Sailing, Sailing!

2011-05-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

CatchCon!

Well, I'm finally posting about Seattle where another round of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch convention, CatchCon took place. Like the previous CatchCons, it was full overrun with fans and fishermen alike! Of course, my experience is usually a bit deviated from the norm at these events, and this year was no exception.

The flight into Seattle was the standard cross country adventure, nothing to write home about... or blog about for that matter. The ride home however was a terror-filled, white-knuckled panic fest, but I'm getting ahead of myself. After landing, I met up with my fabulous friend, the wonderful Cindi, since she was landing only a half-hour after I did. Together, we grabbed our bags, headed outside and met up with our friend Lynn and two of his friends Brianna and Danielle, who were good enough to come pick us up from the airport. Lynn and Cindi are pretty much bff, and he's just a great guy all around.

Me, Brianna, Cindi, Keith, Danielle, and Lynn at The Market Arms... good times!

We ended up in Ballard at a little establishment called the Market Arms, just outside of PacFish, where we met up with Keith, Monte, Lenny, Gary, and a few of other people. It was a fun night of swapping stories, playing a few darts, and making new friends and catching up with old ones. However, it was getting late, heading towards the 2 A.M. mark, and we all had an early morning coming at us hard, so we turned it in for the night. The morning would bring us back to PacFish for our annual visit to the F/V Wizard!

Once the lines were untied, we started off pretty quickly. Unfortunately, Monte and the new greenhorn Danny were still standing on the deck of the Pinnacle! However, Keith maneuvered the boat close enough for them to hop aboard, no man left behind on the Wizard!

Lynn! He's becoming a seasoned vet of the CatchCon shindiggery now.

Craig Terrill was kind enough to pose for a pic with Jackie and me.

We had a huge crowd on the Wizard this year for the morning crossing. Craig Terrill from the Seattle Seahawks, several people from Discovery Channel, friends and family of the crew, Peter Moran from Rezin Marketing, who does a great job for the Wizard, and then there was us! It was a gorgeous morning for a boat ride.

Norwegians!

Of course, the F/V Northwestern was gearing up for the ride over as well...

...Complete with camera crew!

Captain Sig Hansen. Sig wasn't on the boat by the time we arrived at the Locks. I'm not sure if he hopped aboard or drove over to the pier actually. All I know is that he showed up at some point after the boats docked.

We make this same face and take this same picture at every single event we attend together. We're awesome.

Here's a shot of a lot of the folks with us for the day on the bow of the boat. Discovery, business partners, deckhands, and a Seahawk or two are all enjoying the ride. Still, I think Jax and I had the best seats in the house.

Riding high! Jackie and I get a great view from the top of the F/V Wizard's Wheelhouse.

We had a stowaway or two make their way to the deck as well! It seemed a few ravens wanted to take the ride from the terminal to the pier!

Beautiful!

I thought this was a nice shot of Gary Soper. Soper's a cool guy, quiet, but with a great sense of humor. It's always nice to get to see him when I'm around for one of the functions. You'll probably recognize him from the cover of Season 6's DVD box!

I always love sailing in and seeing the city appear in the distance. The grey, cloud-filled sky just screams "Seattle!"

And, what ride into Seattle would be complete without a picture of the Space Needle?

As we were sailing in, a Coast Guard chopper seemed to appear out of nowhere and fly directly over the boat! I've only seen them two other times, once at a previous CatchCon during a rescue demonstration, and again in Panama City, FL after a very tragic double red flag day when they were out searching for several bodies. The memories are chilling, one for what could happen, the other, for what did.

Thank you, US Coast Guard, for all you do!

There it is, The Bell Harbor Conference Center, and the pier I've come to know so well. The next day will be a long one...

And, as always, I'm loving every minute of it! Next up, docking the boat, "hey, look, it's Edgar," and other shenanigans.

Alabama Tornado Outbreak April 2011

2011-05-03T10:08:00.001-05:00

heycameraman@flickr

1.5 mile wide wedge Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado in downtown Tuscaloosa, AL.

On April 27th, my home state, Alabama, along with several other Southeastern states, was hit by a devastating outbreak of severe weather. It has now been estimated that roughly 362 tornadoes touched down over a three day span, the 25th-27th, 312 of which occurred on the 27th. The destruction and loss of life was staggering. We had excellent warning, days of notice that severe weather was coming, and for many, up to half an hour of tracking coverage before an actual strike... still, the absolute power of the storms was too much, and despite the fact that these storms were taken very seriously by the majority of the populace, they were simply to strong, too big, too deadly, and many were killed in spite of their safety measures. So far, over 350 deaths have been recorded, and over 300 people are still unaccounted for.

AGU Blogosphere Dan Satterfield

Statistics courtesy of NOAA

The clean up and relief efforts have started, but this isn't something that can be fixed in a week or even a month. The people affected by this storm will need long term support. The areas hit were highly populated, both urban and suburban. Communities I have known my whole life are gone, and people are left with nothing. These are my neighbors... these are your neighbors. Please offer whatever support you can, time, money, goods, blood, prayer... all of it is needed. Remember them when the next sensational story overshadows the coverage of their suffering. Below are some links where you can donate or sign up to volunteer your time.

The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham

Local churches are also organizing aid distribution and drop off sites, so check in your community to help at these aid stations. Also, contact your city hall for more information.

If you have been affected by the storms, please contact FEMA to apply for federal aid.

American Nation.Info

Boston.com

This site has many pictures of the devastation and puts a human face on much of it, such as this photo of a grandmother comforting her granddaughter... this tragedy happened to real people. (Fair warning, some of the reader comments are atrociously ignorant.)

myfoxal(courtesy Beth Shelburn's fb page)

Cullman County's tornado, destroyed much of downtown Cullman, including homes and businesses.

wxbrad
The damage path of the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado as seen from 41,000 feet.

A few, pictures from own community:

These apartments have been condemned.

Metal siding was ripped off like paper.

Completely destroyed.

Total loss, owner has decided against rebuilding.

The damage shown here is along the main stretch of highway and in no way shows the complete picture of what was affected. Other homes and businesses suffered greater damage. It is surreal, the extent of the destruction state wide, regionally wide. I have debris in my yard from 60 miles away, people's mail, parts of their homes...

Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Cullman, Pleasant Grove, Pratt City, Hackleburg, Cordova, Concord, Athens, Fultondale, Smithfield, Rosedale, and many, many other communities need our help.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'." Matthew 25:40

Deadliest Catch, Seattle, and More! ...All Over Again!

2011-04-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

Me and my friends! (Photo courtesy of Discovery)

Yep! I'm heading off to Seattle tomorrow, as I've done pretty much every April for the past 3 years. It's time for Discovery's Deadliest Catch CatchCon again, and I'll be right in the middle of it! I'm hoping to see some old friends and make some new ones. For anyone who won't be going but wishes they were, be sure to check out the live webcam on Discovery which will be streaming from 12:30-6:00 PM PST on Saturday, April 9th! Who knows, you might even see me hanging out on the F/V Wizard!

LIVE WEB CAM!

Hope to see you there! (Photo courtesy of Discovery)

Somewhere Over The Rainbow...Cake!

2011-03-17T23:26:00.004-05:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Last night, my best friend and I got together to do a little baking. Of course, if you've met either of us, you know this wasn't a polite little get together to make dainty tea cookies. No, this was an exercise in creative insanity. Previously, I'd experimented with making a Psychedelic Rainbow Cake, and found that not only was it amazingly fun, it was magically delicious! Now Jenny, my best friend, happens to a Pampered Chef consultant, but not just any Pampered Chef consultant! No, she's the REAL Pampered Chef Consultant... and you should check out her blog: Real Kitchen. Real Life, which features this cake today. It'll be worth your time. Trust me.

Anyway, if you don't know us... this is Jenny:

And this is me:

And of course, you've met the cake already.

Jenny and I might have a slight flair for the dramatic, and honestly, we'll take any opportunity to make something more eventful than it would normally be. So, instead of just making the cake, we decided to add a St. Patrick's Day Flair by dressing up in as much green as I could wrestle out of my closet. What made it even better? The fact that nothing matches. None of those greens go together... at all.

Here I am whipping some eggs together. I am, apparently, really, really happy about that, but why not? Those eggs make cake, and what's not to like about that?

Here's Jenny mixing the cake, and wearing my favorite pair of socks. Jenny's an unconventional kind of girl who sees a sink as more than just a place to wash dishes or fill stuff with water. She views it as a physical challenge. Balance, coordination, and the ability to mix a cake while teetering on the edge of a thin strip of counter are all skills Jenny aspires to perfect.

Of course, we all know the most important part of a rainbow cake is the color. Otherwise, it'd just be, er... cake. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) Still, you might think coloring a bowl of white batter would be child's play, like melting crayons in the toaster, but I assure you, it's an exact science. Just look at that concentration!

Each of these colors were mixed using a very complex systematic equation to obtain optimum colorization. This might be above some of your heads, but I'll go ahead and write an example for you. Because, as an artist, I know all about the maths.

There are two bottles of blue, one neon, one regular. Here is the ratio: A bunch of neon blue to Not as much regular blue. Thus, your equation would be:

(a bunch of)Nb+(not as much)Rb="yeah, that looks good."

Exact. Science.

Now, like all exact sciences, take chemistry for example, you don't really have to pay attention when you're pouring stuff from one thing into another. Just assume it's right. It'll be fine.

See? It's awesome! That's what science (magic!) does.

After you've baked the cake and let it cool as much as your greedy face will let it, spread on some icing. Now, don't go thinking this is some kind of canned crap. Oh no, this is the homemade stuff, with marshmallow fluff no less. You don't get much better than that!

Slap those layers together, ice the rest, and cut into that rainbow on a plate! (Two layers! Double rainbow on my plate! So beautiful... What does it mean!? ) All memes aside, I have to confess that we didn't actually eat any of the cake, we just cut it to show it off for Jenny's blog. She's going to take it to her brother's birthday party, so others can experience the wonder. However, I did have some (most of) the one I baked last time, and let me tell you... if that's not a frosted lucky charm, I don't know what is!

Happy St. Pat's!

Home Sweet Home!

2011-02-22T12:20:00.000-06:00

This is not my living room. This is some girl named Karen's living room, but it's doing an amazing impression of mine... or really, of any room in my house. But, that's OK because all of those boxes like these that I own, are at my house... MY house! I've been living there since Friday, and I love it. Finally, finally, after all the crap - waiting so long for it to hit the market after the bank took it over, dealing with the ~~UNRIVALED MORONS~~ nice people at the bank while buying it, the six months of clean up it took, the endless time, money blood, sweat, tears I shed, I'm there!

Thank. You. God. -and I mean that!

Give me a little time to finish unpacking all those boxes (or at least hide them in the attic) and I'll post some pics of what the place really looks like. It's all going to be a bit mismatched, not like a magazine perfect home, unless it's Eclectic Hand-Me-Downs Monthly. But, I love all my rooms, love having my stuff there, having it feel like home, and also the little extras it has. It's a nice place...

chloe's blog

It comes with its own fruit, like these ^

residential concrete

A basketball court set up, almost exactly like this ^

Darboy

I'm really excited that I have a cast iron fireplace like this one! ^

I know my posts this year haven't exactly been jam packed with awesome, but it's only February, and moving will keep a gal busy... and broke, ($30 for a shower curtain?! Oh, Target, you gots to be kidding!) but it's exciting to me at least! (However, I will say April's going to be an AMAZING month, having nothing to do with moving or houses, and I can't wait to blog about it!)

Well, I guess that about does it for now. :)

3 Blogs of Note!

2011-02-14T12:43:00.000-06:00

At last blogging, I was excited about my move. Saturday, it finally happened! When I get the place set up a bit, I'll do a nice big post on that. Today however, on this Valentine's Day, this Single Awareness Day, as it's known to those of us flying solo, I'm going to deviate from the standard posting of hearts, flowers, and dangerously armed flying babies and tell you about something else.

There are a few blogs I'd like to post links to, because I think people should read them. I believe this, firstly, because I write two of them, secondly, because my best friend writes the other. Yes, shameless self promotion brought to you by The Shenanigan Files.

I've recently started writing on a site called Bukisa. The things I put there really don't fit how I write on Blogger, but they are things that I want to say. It's a write for profit site, and assume I'll at least make enough to order something off the dollar menu once a year. I'd appreciate if you'd at least swing by and give it a look.

I write other things here!

L.A. Douglas on Bukisa (Notice how I went with initials? That's professionalism! I write about different issues I run across, advice, "how to" articles, and various other musings. I've only published two articles at the moment so it really won't take much time to drop by and have a read.)

The second blog I'm going to recommend is anything but professional, and I have to think if you've read this blog, you're aware of my other one.

I made it myself!

The Ugly Sweater (It's about... well, exactly what you'd think it'd be about- ugly/tacky sweaters. However that is simplifying it. It's about all kinds of knitwear, some Christmas disasters, some intriguing art projects, and of course, animals in clothes. It's a good read if you don't like to take life too seriously.)

The third blog, is one that I really think you should visit! It'll improve your life through deliciousness!

You know you want them.

Real Kitchen. Real Life (Finally, I'd like to introduce you my best friend, Chef Jenny-Lyn. She's a Pampered Chef consultant, but her blog is so much more than that! Sure, she tells you the value of the products, how to use them, but she also posts wonderful recipes- like Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits! Plus, she's got a terrific sense of humor so you're not stuck reading a boring blog about kitchen products and bland food. You're reading a blog about great kitchen products and amazing food, and amazing food is my favorite kind of food!))

Finally Moving!

2011-02-10T21:24:00.001-06:00

Well, here it is February of two-thousand lebben, and I'm still not living in that house I bought back in... September? Granted, the place was unlivable for a few months, and at first, downright deadly, but it's good to go now. Then, December happened and I got sidetracked by sickness and surgery, and January seemed to be the month of perpetual weather insanity. Thus, ensuring that every single time I tried to do any moving, a great and terrible snowpocalypse would rear its frozen head and shut me down...

...which of course meant it was time to play in the snow like a kid with a get out of school free card. Be sure to enjoy my cousin eddy style headgear, lack of make-up, and nerd glasses.

And, as I sit here today, and look outside the window I'm pretending I have beside me, I can see that the whole of the landscape is again, covered in a nice layer of "winter precipitation" as the cautious weathermen here usually refer to any sort of snow or ice. However, this weekend, they, the television prophets of doom, the conjurers of meteorological fortune have promised me fair winds and a balmy 65 degrees. That being said, I have a u-haul with my name on it waiting for me Saturday morning at 9 AM, and some friends ~~who I've tricked into,~~ er... who love me enough to help.

Here's what I woke up to this morning. The roads however were clear and dry, so work went on as usual.

Anyway, back to the house (of which I have no new pictures yet.) The place actually looks pretty good, and despite the albatross hanging from my moving van's rear-view mirror, I've even managed to get a few things in the place. It's a far cry from the mold infested, grease covered, cat pee saturated monstrosity I originally purchased. Still, like any older house... and it's hard for me to believe a house built in 1970 is over 40 years old, it has its little quirks. The other night, I was repairing a tile on the counter in the kitchen, just a quick fix until I can find an actual match, but as soon as I'd finished and stepped back to admire my handiwork, three tiles fell off the side. House, your sense of humor is a jerkface.

Well, for now, that's all I've got. Anyone reading this, enjoy your weekend, and if you're one of my friends, come help me move! I'll pay you back with baked spaghetti, chocolate cake, and the begrudged obligation to help you move when you need me.

Well, Well, Well...

2011-01-22T22:38:00.000-06:00

2011 is bright, shiny, and new. Already, it is the best of times, it is the worst of times.

Show me what you've got, year.

So, I Had Some Surgery...

2010-12-24T13:53:00.001-06:00

...and it went well, or so I assume, given the fact that I'm not dead. Although, when I first woke up, I felt as if I'd rather be. Pain and I are not close friends. I don't like it and it doesn't like me. However, it came to visit, and it brought its friend nausea along. Jerks. Thankfully, the whole ordeal didn't last too long. I was in there at 7:30 A.M. and home by 4:00P.M. I don't think my bed has ever felt better.

The doctor said I was an easy surgery, and that I should heal up quickly. My reply was something along the lines of "I want drugs." ...And drugs he gave me! Drugs that are right now making my head swimmy and my thoughts all wobbledygook, and I'm not going to lie, it's awesome. I really don't even know what I'm writing, so I hope it's coherent. I just popped another Percocet so I'm not long for the waking world, I bet.

What's great though, is that for the first time since before Thanksgiving, I can eat without being in tremendous pain afterward. Granted, I'm not eating a lot and I've lost 7 lbs in a little under a week, but what little I can eat, doesn't hurt me. I forgot how that felt. The incisions still hurt, quite a lot, and I feel like I've done a million crunches, but that'll fade. I'm just glad it's done with. The doctor said I needed to have it done as soon as possible. I didn't realize it was as serious as it was, but that seems to be the way I roll.

I'm hoping, later tonight, I can post a Christmas blog like I usually do, but if I fail to, thanks to my love affair with narcotics at the moment, know that I wish anyone who reads this a joyous, Merry Christmas!

Raise Your Hand if You're Not Having Surgery...

2010-12-20T10:55:00.002-06:00

Not so fast Liz! Not so fast.

Well, it's official. I'm having my Gallbladder removed ~~Wednesday~~ Thursday morning at 7:30 A.M.

Merry. Christmas.

Still, I can't say as I'm all that upset; I just wish it wasn't TWO DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I've been in a lot of pain for a while now. I can't eat without stomach cramps or nausea, and really, as long as I'm awake, I feel pretty bad. I finally broke down and went to the doctor, assuming I was dealing with something like a stomach ulcer from the stress of the past few months...all related to the insanity that is home ownership. However, they did an ultrasound and found it's actually gallstones. yay.

My mother and sister have both had this surgery, so maybe the condition is genetic. I don't know. I just want to feel better. If anyone is reading this, please pray that there are no complications. They both had some and I'd really, really like to avoid keeping up the family tradition.

Yep.

The Grinch That Stole Christmas...

2010-12-17T01:00:00.001-06:00

...has apparently moved from the top of Mount Crumpit to Birmingham Alabama, or a surrounding suburb.

Crews clean up the debris from the city of Birmingham's Christmas tree in Linn Park, which was set afire by thieves early Wednesday.

Apparently, the person that did this was looking to strip the tree of its lights, and the lights of the copper in their wiring. I can't imagine that the wiring from a few strings of lights would yield a great enough quantity of copper to make such an undertaking worth the time and effort involved, but I suppose when you're short on both scruples and brains, even the most idiotic of schemes seems like a gem.

City officials didn't have many details Wednesday, but they said that, about 4 a.m., someone took the lights off the tree and apparently began using gasoline to try to separate the copper from the plastic casing.

The fuel ignited.

"The fuel ignited." Imagine that. By the time the firefighters showed up, the tree was in ashes. The tree, which cost $7,500 was not going to be replaced by the city, the charred stump instead being covered by another symbol of the holiday season...

...the festive holiday Christmas cone. Feel the wonder. This guy did.

...And this is where the story gets good. You see, like in The Grinch, Christmas couldn't be stolen by someone whose heart was three sizes to small. The citizens of the city, the businesses, and radio stations all came together to make sure that the people of Birmingham could see a tree shining from Linn Park again, and soon.

As a result, little more than 24 hours after the tree was destroyed, shining holiday lights and ornaments will return to Linn Park this morning, a donation of radio station 98.7 Kiss FM and a quickly formed consortium of neighboring cities, business and individuals.

(I'm tricky, tricky with the crop tool! There's the new tree now!)

It wasn't so much about the tree as it was that people felt compelled to do something, to take something sad and make it glad. Now, to me, as a Christian, Christmas is about more than a fancy tree, pretty lights, or beautiful gifts, and nothing can steal that, not a Grinch, not a thief, not getting stuck with a fruitcake at the family gift exchange, but still, in a time when so many are concerned with the economy, terrorism, and the strife of politics, it's nice to see people come together, put their differences aside, and make sure that at least for a little while, all is bright.

acnatta's flickr (Linn Park 2006)

"Christmas day will always be

Just so long as we have we

Fahoo fores dahoo dores

Welcome Christmas bring your light."

Dr. Seuss-The Grinch That Stole Christmas

All quotes and images from The Birmingham News unless otherwise noted.

A Very Potter Christmas!

2010-12-10T11:16:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the Harry Potter theme, I thought I'd do a quick post showing a few items I made last year for some friends for Christmas. Every once in a while, I manage to tear myself away from the digital medium and make something tangible. All of this stuff was a lot of fun to make...and of course I kept some for myself as well.

The first things I made were some personalized signs, Honeydukes for myself, Flourish and Blotts for my friend Carrie, and Hogsmeade Apothecary for my friend Cindi.

Honeydukes of Hogsmeade

Flourish and Blotts of Diagon Alley

Hogsmeade Apothecary

Each sign was painstakingly done by hand. I'm telling you, painting all that fancy text is no easy task! However, it was a lot of fun to see them materialize. I'm probably going to make a couple more just for the heck of it.

Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean

Thankfully, I've yet to run across anything gross...except "jalapeno," that should never be in bean form! Ever!

("Flavor," spelled the American way for yanks! ...Not because I just totally forgot to spell it the proper, British way. "Flavour" ...you Brits and your superflous usage of 'u'!)

Acid Pops, a special Christmas edition

Honeydukes Best Chocolate

"Mildly sweet chocolate for pleasure and use against dementor effects"

Honeydukes Ice Mice. These were especially fun to make.

Honeydukes Holiday Collection!

So there you go, fun with packaging design! The best part, each of the packs contains actual candy...of course! The Acid Pops contain green, Christmas tree shaped pops, the beans are of course, beans, the chocolate bar is a huge chocolate bar, and yes, the ice mice pack is actually filled with white gummy mice!

I included a few other things as well, just your basic Hogwarts necessities...

Hogwarts Letter and school supply list!

Easily done with some sketchbook paper, a little tea, and a printer, oh and minor skills with a quill.

A wand, of course!

What Wizard or Witch worth their salt would be caught without one? Yep, made these as well...even cored them! Ollivander, you got nothing on me! ;)

Now, to make sure all of these items got to their respective destinations, I didn't bother with the Muggle Postal Service. Thankfully, the wizarding world has its own delivery systems...

Owl Post boxes!

(The Owl Post image is from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Postcard Book, so I can't take credit for that. I did however clean it up, vectorize it, and apply it to the boxes.)

It was a very fun project and Cindi and Carrie were both happy with their gifts. Stuff like this makes me realize how very much I 'd love design, especially something with a strong theme. I haven't gotten to do much this year since I'm still in the middle of the world's most ridiculous house purchase/move, but maybe I'll get a few Christmas ornaments made before the year's out. I've really only got one more post until I'm caught up and it's been what I've been doing with my life since July.

HOGWARTS!

2010-11-26T02:28:00.001-06:00

In July, I, and three friends, Cindi, Carrie, and Jackie grabbed a portkey to Orlando to visit Universal Studio's newest attraction, THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER!

We're all pretty big Potterheads, so seeing our favorite places from the books and movies come to life was fantastic. The castle, was utterly amazing. Granted, the surrounding palm trees do take away a bit of the authenticity, but, eh, when you see something that doesn't make sense, just claim a Wizard did it.

We got to the park a little before it opened, but they actually let us in early. There were NO lines whatsoever! We immediately made our way to The Forbidden Journey, the ride inside the castle. We tried to take our time as we went through the Halls of Hogwarts, but like I said, no line! We saw the founders in their portraits, and of course, they talked and moved, just as any good magical painting should. I think my favorite thing was the Dark Arts classroom. I don't have any pics from the interior, but if I can snag some from Carrie, I'll update them here! Anyway, on with the rest of the show!

The crest of Hogwarts outside of Argus Filtch's Emporium, which also serves as a locker bay for Muggles who can't use shrinking charms.

Before I get ahead of myself, running off to the Tri-Wizard Tournament, let me tell you a bit about Hogsmeade. You enter the HP section of the park by walking into Hogsmeade. The day we were there, it was overcast and a bit drizzly, which really enhanced the atmosphere. True, it was a bit warm, but at least it looked the part!

Here, you can see the large number of Muggles that are waiting to get into Ollivander's Wand shop. Ollivander's was, by far, the most popular attraction. We got into the shop, but we didn't stay for the show. More on that later.

As you enter Hogsmeade, you are greeted by this happy little Gryffindor snow Wizard and his owl.

I loved the stack of Cauldrons in front of Potages. The entire design of the village is so whimsical.

Hermione's lovely dress robes in the window Gladrags. The robes very gently float as they are displayed. Harry's are in the opposite window.

The rafters outside of the Owl Post are of course, filled with owls! I do regret the fact that I didn't get to send a letter from Hogsmeade to myself, simply for the fact that I really wanted that postmark. Yep, it's a functioning post office!

Speaking of post offices, you usually see wanted posters in them, but this one was just hanging out near the Hogshead, behind the Butterbeer wagon. I'm pretty sure Sirius Black was cleared of all charges, so we didn't bother to look for him. Honeydukes and Zonkos were next on the list!

You could find pretty much anything you wanted, from a stack of chocolate frogs or Bertie Botts to a Sneakoscope, they had it. I will say, the cauldron cakes are excellent, and they make the best cookies and cream fudge I've ever had.

The shelves at Zonkos, packed with many an item from the books and movies!

All I can think of is Umbridge!

Ah, frozen butterbeer. How does it taste? It's like a thick, slushy cream soda with a creamy butterscotch head. Honestly, it's amazingly delish, but have more than one and you might contract diabetes. It really is that sweet. So sweet in fact, that Cindi actually got a little ill from it and decided to call it a day. If it's a bit much for you, there's always pumpkin juice, which, though sugary, isn't nearly so saccharin as butterbeer.

Thankfully, the Hogshead offered water, so I didn't die from a sugar overload. One cool thing, the head snorts and moves and talks, but of course, you expect that of magical taxidermy.

Speaking of Hogsmeade pubs, here's a quick shot from inside The Three Broomsticks, where you'll be happy to see that there are, indeed, three broomsticks.

What visit to Hogsmeade would be complete without a visit to the Hogwarts Express? Not ours!

Aw! Look at all the little Muggles!

Another nifty attraction in the WWoHP is the Dragon Challenge, based off of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

Don't touch it! It's a portkey! Voldemort is such a total jerk if you do.

You can choose to ride either the Chinese Firebolt or the Hungarian Horntail. (Now, long ago, this ride used to be the Dueling Dragons, and I've previously ridden it. The ride is the same, but the walk to the ride is much cooler now that it's HP themed.) Between the two coasters, I have to say the the Fireball is the winner.

Dervish and Bangs had The Monster Book of Monsters, safely caged! They also sold cauldrons, Quidditch kits, robes, and all kinds of HP paraphernalia. From D&B, you could walk directly into Ollivander's shop, which was small and cramped, and so crowded that you literally couldn't turn around inside.

Here is one of the few pictures I was able to take in Ollivander's. Few because the crush of the crowd was just ridiculous. I had to raise my arms over my head and just snap this...so there you go...a ton of wand boxes and a giant owl. Did I buy a wand? No. I couldn't see spending 30+ bucks for a replica when I can very easily make one.

...And one more quick shot. Sure, I didn't buy a wand, but I did get some souvenirs. Usually, I don't buy theme park junk, but I couldn't pass it up this time. I'm now the proud owner of three HP t-shirts, a Slytherin mug, a Dark Mark wax seal set, luggage tag, and House bar glasses. Oh, but I am a nerd!

Well, I've got many more pictures which I could post, and kind of want to, but this post is already ridiculously long and not very linear, so I'll go ahead and wrap it up now. Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you were amazing and my friends and I really enjoyed our time, so thanks. I hope to see you again soon.

Zombies, Zombies, Zombies!

2010-11-16T23:56:00.001-06:00

What do you get when you take a bunch of people, some fake blood, and a hot June night?

I like to call this pic, "victim's last snapshot."

You get the Birmingham Couchsurfer's Zombie Crawl!

What is couchsurfing you ask? Well, it's a great travel organization used by millions of people. I'm not going to take the time here to explain it, but check out the link for more info. Birmingham has a very active CS community, and there is often a function taking place, as well as a weekly meet up. The Zombie crawl was my first official function. I'd been interested in joining the CS group for a while and this seemed like a good opportunity to get involved.

The undead football player, 80's mall pop singer, and granny.

We started the night at The Barking Kudu. At first, it seemed like there might only be three or four of us, which...well, doesn't make for a very good horde. However, as the dark and heavy blanket of night came to settle over the city, legions of the undead began to walk the streets...and get organized. After all, we were a Zombie horde with a purpose, not just a bunch of aimless, brain-hungry undead. Once a pretty good crowd had gathered at the Kudu, we broke off into teams and were given lists detailing a scavenger hunt and several meet up times.

"Haha! Pointing!"

Here we are finding one of the Couchsurfing stickers that had been placed in various locations throughout the city. There were many things on the list, 'find all the CS stickers, take a picture with an Elvis statue, etc, etc.

Most unattractive picture of me ever.

This however, was worth bonus points. There were two cops in the middle of the intersection and Vickie, aka, undead granny starts to hobble over to them. "Excuse me! Excuse me, officers!" The officer takes one look and goes for his gun. He doesn't draw, but you can tell he's freaked out to the max. Vickie proceeds to explain what we're doing and asks if we can get a picture. He laughs and says that he thought she'd just been attacked. As far as the picture, he didn't mind, "as long as it doesn't end up on myspace." No worries sir...it won't be on myspace. (However, you never mentioned blogger.) So, thank you to one of Birmingham's finest for playing along. Also, apparently I didn't get the memo that we were all going to be really happy in this picture.

Rowdy Roddey Piper!

We continued to drag ourselves through the city, stopping to stare into windows, startling unsuspecting restaurant patrons, disturbing local pubs, and causing general confusion and mayhem. Eventually, we invaded Innisfree Irish pub where the music was live and loud. Thank you Jasper Coal for a fun show!

Who doesn't love a little rough-throated Celtic punk, especially when they bust out the bagpipes! Yes, I admit it. I love bagpipes and I'm proud of it. Eh, anything that's got a Dropkick Murphy/Flogging Molly kind of feel to it is always good in my book.

To quote a friend: "Hoppppppps, GRAIIIIIIIINS!"

Zombie Michael Jackson up there is actually wearing my jacket. Why is the majority of my closet also ripe for costuming?

There was much dancing, singing, and clapping of hands...

...Oh, and of course eating of brains, that too.

The crawl was great fun, and our group scored pretty big in the scavenger hunt, but still, it wasn't the main event of the evening. You see, by now, it's close to midnight, and something evil's lurking in the dark...

White tights need to stay in the 80s.

What Zombie crawl would be complete without a performance of Thriller in the heart of downtown at the stroke of midnight? Yes, yes, I know, probably a lot of them, but ours wasn't! We had some audio problems and it's not like we're professionals, but the crowd seemed to enjoy it. We sure did!

At this point, with this many post dance, sweaty, thirsty Zombies roaming around, Dave's had the funk of forty thousand beers. It was a great night, and a fun event for a CS newbie. Oh, and why did we choose June instead of say October? Because, much like the Spanish Inquisition, no one expects it.

A big thanks to the wonderful Crystal Murphy for the pictures and for organizing such a great event, and to Vickie Edwards for such a great welcome into the CS group!

Return to New Orleans, or Meeting MIKE ROWE!

2010-11-11T23:38:00.002-06:00

That's right. I met MIKE ROWE.

MIKE ROWE!

This guy! :D

However, I didn't meet him right away, so I'm not starting there...just keep that in mind...because I did, and it was awesome.

Where I am starting is around 11:55 AM, June 5th, 2010. At this particular moment in time, I was sitting in the back of my father's car as he and my mother drove me to the Amtrak station to meet my train to NOLA. I'd never truly traveled by train before, just taken one for a short sight-seeing trip in Colorado, and I don't think the train at the zoo really counts. I mean, the engineer rides ON the engine. It doesn't ring of authenticity.

My train was scheduled to leave at 12:30, and with fifteen minutes of driving yet ahead of us, I was cutting it close, which for me, is fairly standard operating procedure. Still, you only have to arrive thirty minutes beforehand, so I wasn't that worried.

Until...

I looked at my ticket again, and then once more, and saw that 12:30 was actually 12:03. Thank you, random moment of dyscalculia! This of course, brought about my loud exclamation of "OH CRAP!" After explaining my moment of retardation. 1.21 gigawatts and 88 mph later, I was there at 12:01. I grabbed my bags, kissed the folks goodbye and ran for the platform. Thankfully, Amtrak was keeping it real by running late as well. Mom had followed me and after another frantic goodbye, I was left standing by my train, a frantic, disheveled mess, suitcase and ticket in hand when I heard from behind me, "Elizabeth?" Turns out, my friend Brannon, who I hadn't seen since college, now lives in New Orleans as a tattoo artist. It was nice to catch up, and a reminder of how funny life can be.

And now, time for some pictures:

I just thought this was a gorgeous scene.

Flying into New Orleans last time, I wasn't treated to a view of one of the "Cities of The Dead." I was amazed by this. Yes, I know that due to the water table, folks are placed in mausoleums instead of buried, but WOW, at the size and scope of these cemeteries.

Why aren't more Zombie movies centered in New Orleans?

I was really enjoying the train ride. I had a huge window, an entire row to myself, and having dinner in the dining car was a novel experience. I read. I wrote. I drew. I took a nap. All was going smoothly until we hit Slidell, and then, things got strange.
A gentleman who I have affectionately named "The Crackhead from Slidell," and his lady-friend boarded the train, lawn and leaf bag luggage in tow, and settled into their seats. A couple of minutes later, I'm minding my own business, leafing through the book I brought, when I hear from behind me, "I gonna keel ya" (phonetics for your pleasure!) "I gonna crack ya skull, cause you a n-word, bit**! I'm a man, a mother fu**ing man! I am Naw Awlans, ninth ward, born n' raised!" (on the playground where he spent most of his days...) He repeated this roughly thirty to fifty times, standing up and pointing at his lady-friend, who sat in her seat, doing nothing, as if this was par for the course.

Everyone else in the car was obviously uncomfortable, except for one old lady, God bless her, who actually berated him for his callous and casual use of the n-word and profanity. As I watched, ducked down, between the crack in my seat, I assumed he was about to kill her, but instead, he apologized and acted humbled. Then, he turned to his lady again, looked at her lovingly and said "gonna bash ya skull in."

Anyway, security eventually, forcibly, removed him to his own compartment, where I'm sure he had a wonderful time, because when he returned, as we reached New Orleans, he was in a fantastic mood.

Now, instead of focusing his crack filled rage on his lady, he enlightened us all to his evening plans. "I gonna take on all a Bou'bon street tonight, all a Bou'bon street wit mah man, Reggie Bush! We tight, we tight, me and Reggie Bush, me and Reggie Bush! Tonight, we gon' git all the p(meow!)y on Bou'bon street. Me an' Reggie Bush..." We, the other passengers, let him leave first.

And that, my friends, was my first train ride.

After this, I was glad I wasn't venturing out in the Big Easy alone, (and certainly not to Bourbon Street...not with Reggie Bush and the Gentleman Crackhead were on the prowl.) I was again meeting up with my good friend Cindi! After dinner and a restful night at our hotel, we hit the town. We shopped, toured the city, and ate wherever the locals said was good. I snagged a new book and a Mardi Gras mask at the French Market and lusted after a dress a couldn't afford. That afternoon, we were meeting up with Captain Keith, Florence, and Monte at a local oyster festival, but first, some pics:

Not Reggie Bush.

Saint Jeanne d' Arc, The Maid of Orléans.

Jackson Square

After downing a quick lunch of a shrimp po'boy and a drink of the frozen persuasion, we headed down to the oyster fest for the main event. The Captains and crews from Deadliest Catch were in town for the After The Catch Filming and several of the guys, including Monte, were participating in the oyster eating contest.

Jake and Edgar were representing the F/V Northwestern.

Monte was standing up for the F/V Wizard. Mike Fourtner was ready to chow down for the F/V Time Bandit, and Wild Bill of the F/V Kodiak was also willing to put down his beer for a round of oysters.

I'm just going to say that Mike Fourtner is a beastly beast of a man. Everyone was fighting their way through the plates of the slimy, wriggly oysters. Some even gave up, but he was downing them like his life depended on it.

Welcome to Monte experiencing oysters for the first time. We later informed him that you aren't supposed to chew them. I think he finished with a grand total of four. Mike there, yeah, still going.

Edgar put up a pretty good fight, but I think he's about to blow out a vein in his forehead.

Unsurprisingly, Mike walked away with the championship boot and the admiration of at least four other crab fishermen. I can't recall how many he actually ate, but it seems as if it was something along the lines of 38 in a minute...

After that, the guys headed off to do some filming and Cindi and I headed back to the hotel for a little relaxation and swimming. I met up with my friend Brannon and we took a tour of the wax museum, talked about art on the steps of his house, and grabbed a beverage at a local coffee shop.

A night at the wax museum. Can't you feel the history come alive?

Later that night, Cindi, Travis, Keith, Florence, Monte, and I all ended up at the Spotted cat for a little live jazz. Live music is always a good thing, and at one point, there must have been ten or more musicians all playing at once in this tiny venue. It was loud, it was packed, it was awesome!

One of the musicians playing a solo.

Cindi, Florence, and me enjoying the music.

Keith and Monte with the rockin' trumpet player.

(all spotted cat pics thanks to Cindi!)

And so went the night. The next day the 'round table' portion of the filming was taking place and Cindi and I were really hoping we'd be able to sit in on the actual shoot. However, that was not to be. The set was completely closed during filming so we made our way to the back lot and watched the live feed from the trailer with Florence.

Thanks Cindi!

The filming was fun to watch. Of course, you see more than what makes it to the final cut, and let me just say, some of my favorite moments were left in the editing room.

Thanks Cindi!

Between takes or while another group was being filmed, the guys would come out to the lot to talk, hang out, or watch the filming as well. Judging by my face, Monte is telling a story that I obviously don't believe. ;)

I think I caught Trav in the middle of a sentence.

Post filming, we were allowed in for the after party.

Jeff Conroy, Andy Hillstrand, MIKE ROWE, unsure, unsure, Trav.

Now, let me just say that Cindi and I don't often get starstruck. The guys we work with are just our friends. The other guys are just the other guys that happen to be on the show. However...I will not lie about this, meeting MIKE ROWE was a dazzling, starstruck, act like a stupid fangirl moment. Cindi was all but shaking and I was pretty sure my face was cracking from my smile. Coherent thought and for that matter, basic tact and manners were...well, it just wasn't going to happen.

Andy Hillstrand saw Cindi and I standing off to ourselves giggling like retards and he asked us what the deal was. We told him we wanted to meet MIKE ROWE.

"MIKE ROWE? You want to meet MIKE ROWE?" he says, "Well, come on!"

He proceeds to grab Cindi by the arm and I follow in hot pursuit. He then tells MIKE ROWE that "these ladies here want to meet you and get a picture," or something like that...it's all a blur.

MIKE ROWE! and me!

MIKE ROWE! and Cindi!

Thanks Cindi!

The following is the conversation that took place upon meeting MIKE ROWE!

Cindi: "You're MIKE ROWE!"

MIKE ROWE: "Eh, everybody's gotta be somebody."

Cindi: "But you're MIKE ROWE!"

MIKE ROWE: *laughter, classic MIKE ROWE sigh, "Doesn't anyone introduce themselves anymore?"

Me: "Hi MIKE ROWE, I'm Liz, and you'll have to forgive our inability to be anything but raging fangirls right now."

Cindi: "I'm Cindi, and I'm sorry, but MIKE ROWE!"

MIKE ROWE: *smirks, laughs, continues to be awesome.

(not verbatim, but pretty darn close.)

Thanks Cindi!

MIKE ROWE and Monte enjoying a big plate of crawfish, cold beer, and a laugh. Cindi and I shamelessly photographed him the entire time.

"Oh, hi MIKE ROWE. Uh...no, no, I'm not sneaking candid photos of you like a rabid, tabloid paparazzi...I'm just...uh...aiming my camera in your general direction...constantly. Stop looking at me."

...click!

He actually wasn't even looking at me here. Someone was beside me was calling his name and I snapped this just as he looked in my direction.

Thanks Cindi!

MIKE ROWE signed autographs for us on the only thing we could find, drink coasters. I'm just glad that as an artist, I always have a sharpie with me.

"Keep it dirty Liz" -MIKE ROWE

Of course, not everything centered around meeting MIKE ROWE. Here, Sig takes command of the bar mixing up, if I recall, a vodka cran.

Russell Newberry showed up which was a real treat. I was not expecting to see him, and it had been a while since we last talked. Russ is a total goofball...and I mean that in the best possible way.

Travis takes over for Sig.

On a more somber note, Phil was remembered and given an honored spot on the wall by the round table. The table itself had been made specifically for the show and had the image of Phil's necklace, a king crab in gold, painted onto the top.

The lovely Florence with Chef Kevin Belton of The New Orleans School of Cooking. Kevin was on ATC showing the guys how to make gumbo. He also gave a very interesting talk about the history of gumbo and how its name is a derivative of West African word for Okra, "ki ngombo."

Speaking of Kevin, cooking, and gumbo, that brings me to this:

After the party, Kevin took us to the famous K Paul's, the restaurant of Chef Paul Prudhomme. Kevin is a regular there and we got top notch service and excellent food. Since I'd never had it before, I ordered the rabbit, and it was spectacular...along with everything else. Still, nothing topped the company. It was a great finish to a great trip. After dinner,we roamed the quarter for a while, were treated to an impromptu concert by a large street band, and surprised a fan or two. To close the night, we dropped by one last party where Cindi and I bid our farewells to all in attendance. I've been to New Orleans twice now and it has yet to disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next time I sway on down to the Big Easy.

I do believe this is the longest post I've ever written. I hope someone out there enjoyed it.

Deadliest Catch: CatchCon 2010

2010-11-02T15:47:00.009-05:00

At last blogging, I'd taken a trip to Orlando to visit my sister's family. As I said, good times were had; no pictures were taken. February and March, outside of family birthdays, were, I assume uneventful. I don't have any pictures, which leads me to believe that not much happened. Apparently, my memory is photographic...literally.

So let's skip on to April. April is my birthday month, and I spent my actual birthday the same way I'd spent it the year before...on an airplane, heading to Seattle. Discovery was hosting CatchCon, the Deadliest Catch convention, again this year and I was scheduled to do a little work and have a little fun. Unlike most of my flights, I did not sleep. Instead, I ended up talking with, through his protege/interpreter, a visiting professor of art from China. He was teaching in Houston and was from a Chinese province that I can't pronounce or truly recall. We exchanged drawings and stories, and took a picture together...on his camera.

Here is the quick sketch he made for me.

Both of these guys were great and I enjoyed meeting two interesting people with lives so very different from mine. My flights to Seattle, they always seem to deviate from the norm. I've been proposed to (jokingly surely, but still with enthusiasm!), woken up to a stranger taking my picture with his camera phone, had song and dance (free!) cocktail hour with a flight crew, and now a drawing exchange with a Chinese art professor. I really should fly to Seattle more often.

Upon arriving in the Emerald City, I met up with two of my most rocking friends, Cindi and Carrie. Cindi and I work on the Wizard site together and Carrie is a Wizard fan who became a close friend thanks to her predisposition towards awesomeness. Our mutual friend Travis Arket and his friend Jay were gracious enough to pick us and all of our luggage up from the airport, and whisk us off to our hotel.

After dumping our bags in the room, we headed to the Westin, where we heard the party was in full swing. All the familiar faces were there, from Captains and crews to friends from far and wide.

You might...

recognize...

Josh Harris. ( I really don't know him all that well, but he's always nice to everyone.)

...I don't think I took many pictures that night. It was mainly just a great night to catch up with friends, hang out, and have fun. The next morning came all too early though. I believe we had to get the boat moving by six or seven AM, which of course means you have to be aboard all the earlier.

The Northwestern crew was having an early morning as well.

Here we are underway before the guys had to get to work, and before I decided I'd be most helpful by taking a nap.

Our friends Sheila and Jim, here with Capt. Keith, came along for the ride. Sheila's been a fan of the Wizard since it first came on the show and setting sail on her was, she said, a real treat.

photo courtesy of Faye Stevenson

Once again, the Wizard and Northwestern were docked along side the convention center and open for deck tours. I was on camera duty this year. If you attended the convention and stepped foot on the Wizard, you met me. I (or Carrie!) probably took a picture of you with the Wizard guys. If so, I hope it turned out OK!

Later that night, a public tribute to the late Capt. Phil Harris was held. Josh, Jake, Phil's best friend, and several of the higher ups of Discovery/Deadliest Catch/OP spoke. It was well done, and gave a nice insight into Phil's life by those who were closest to him in life.

At the end of the memorial, baskets filled with carnations were placed dockside so that people could grab a flower and toss it into the water. Everyone seemed to appreciate the participatory gesture.

Photo courtesy of Sheila Stowers.

After the memorial, we headed over to the Crab Pot restaurant for a bite. The folks on the right, we met in line waiting for the memorial service to open. Meet Aaron and Stacy Peterson. Aaron fishes crab on the F/V Silver Dolphin. It's not a 'show boat,' but meeting Aaron and Stacy was one of the highlights our my, Cindi, and Carrie's trip. They are fantastic, genuine people and we really enjoyed getting to know them. Plus, their boat jackets were slick, some of the coolest I've seen! (That's actually how we started talking to them. "Hey, great jackets! Yeah, yours are nice too...") Aaron says the whole DC phenomenon completely blows him away. I can understand that. It's got to be odd seeing your (grueling!) job become prime time entertainment for millions of people.

After dinner, we all headed back to the Westin...which is always the 'starter party.' Capt. Keith and Carrie seal a deal with a pinky swear while Monte looks on knowing good and well that trouble's brewing.

I ran into the delightfully tall Mike Fourtner again. ("Fun-size" Jackie is behind the camera which really enhances the 'hey look, giants!' feel of this pic.)

Here's Larry Hendricks on the left...who Captained the now retired F/V Sea Star. I designed the logo for that boat. I don't think he has a clue who I am, but that's alright, because the check cleared. I'm not sure if he and Aaron knew each other previously, but probably. All of those guys know each other. (Still loving that jacket.)

...And here's Stacy with Keith, Monte, and Lenny. Bless her heart, she was shy about asking for a picture and didn't want to embarrass herself or Aaron, but I know these guys, so I just grabbed her up, introduced her, and snapped a shot!

Cindi and Jax talking to someone, and Cindi showing off her Wizard crew jacket. (I've got one as well, and man, it is the warmest thing I own!)

Good times were had, as always. We ended up in Ballard by the end of the night at a great little place called the Smoke Shop. After closing it down, we called it a night and left to get ready for the convention. The next day, thousands of fans from as far away as Scotland would converge on pier 66 for a chance to meet their favorite 'celebrity fishermen.'

Butt seriously folks....

Speaking of celebrity fishermen, here I am with my bud, Travis Lofland, "deckhand extraordinaire" as he refers to himself. (He's showing off his best side.) He's actually on the season six dvd cover, behind Gary Soper, another Wizard guy and all around excellent dude.

Gary and Travis

Anyway, here are some shots from around the con...

Winnie! ...oh, and Trav. I was so glad to finally get to meet her. She's friends with most of the guys and does a few publicity ventures with them. She's also a wine judge with a pretty sweet blog.

Lynn, Carrie, and Paul (the Wizard's Newest Deckhand) hanging out on the deck of the Wizard. Paul was Keith's mountain guide when he climbed Mt. Rainier...and a few months later, his newest employee.

Docked right across from us was the Northwestern. Sig had disappeared into the event hall for one of the Captain's events but you can see Edgar, part of Nick, Jake, Matt, and Norman. (Oh, and that's Lenny of the Wiz on the lower left!)

At some point I and my friends Jackie and Carrie made our way over to the Northwestern. We found the elusive Norman Hansen, (rarely seen or photographed...he's like the fisherman version of bigfoot!) and Nick Mavar and snagged a photo. I apparently, found something to my left very interesting.

Unexpected photo!

Here is an unintentional picture of Andy Hillstrand. I was actually trying to take a pic of Trav setting up for the deckhand game he was about to play with some fans, but as I went to take the pic, Andy, who I thought was a random fan standing by Trav turned around and walked right into my picture. So, there you go, Time Bandit co-captain Andy Hillstrand is a picture bandit. I felt like a paparazzi!

Back to Lynn, Wizard crewman and great guy, I took a pic of him in front of the publicity picture for the Wizard. (I love how they're all so serious in the photo, because in real life...well, just look at him!) Lynn, who at that point hadn't seen much of the show, wanted a copy of the DVD for season 6. I told him to just ask for it at the merch table. So, Lynn ambles up to the guy selling stuff. "Hey man, would it be OK if I took one of the DVD sets?" The guy is just kind of looking at him like, "uh?" So Lynn continues, "I haven't really seen the show, but I'm on it. I work on the Wizard." Enlightenment dawns and the guy kind of laughs and tells Lynn to grab what he wants. Hey, if you don't get paid for the show, at least you can get a free DVD box set out of the deal.

Here's another shot of Andy during the Captain's panel...and of course, the bossman, Capt. Keith. I didn't really get to hear much of this year's panel since I was working down on deck, but I did sneak in to take a few quick pics.

Here's John and Sig. I believe John was talking about Phil here and imitated his voice. He sounded just like him. It was truly eerie.

Jake and Josh Harris signing autographs for the fans.

I know this convention wasn't the easiest thing in the world for them to do. They lost their father in February, and his absence was palpable at the event. Still, they appreciated the heartfelt condolences from the scores of people who offered them.

R.I.P Phil.

I believe this lovely tribute was painted by one of Phil's buddies. They made smaller reproductions of this work and gave them out to the fans. The original was for sale, though I can't recall the price.

Photo courtesy of Jen Boyer

Ha! Here's a cool shot I found today because I was trying to recall the pier number at which were docked. After browsing through the article, I landed on this pic, taken through one of the windows in the Wizard's wheelhouse. You can see me and Carrie in the bottom right corner!

Well, like all good things, the convention...after many hours, thousands of people, and a ton of "if you'll stand up there by the crew, I'll take your picture"s later, did end. I'd say it was another successful CatchCon.

With the convention over, Saturday night was spent at various parties at various locations with various people. Sunday however, a few of us decided that it would be fun to see the Mariners play. I'd never seen a pro baseball game before, so I was excited!

We started off by visiting the Pyramid Alehouse, grabbing a bite to eat and drink before heading down to Safeco.

Welcome to Safeco! The Mariners were taking on the Texas Rangers...who just last night lost the World Series. What's so odd (at least to me) about that is that I saw the Colts play last year and they ended up at the Superbowl...and subsequently lost. Apparently, if I go to a pro event one of the teams will make it to the championship game, but they will not win!

States represented: Connecticut, Washington, Minnesota, Alabama, Texas, and Florida...Hawaii is taking the pic!

It was cold enough that Trav actually bought this jacket at the game. It was a little drizzly too, which didn't help matters! I am not used to cold weather in May! I think I had on a tank, a t-shirt, and a giant sweatshirt. I would have been wearing my awesomely warm Wizard jacket, but like a winner, I'd left it on the boat.

Lynn loves this guy! He told me to make sure and get a few pictures. Being a mascot must be a fairly fun job. I mean, look at this guy's day: 1.dress up like a cartoon moose. 2.Ride around on a fourwheeler. 3.High-five strangers who automatically love you. All in all, not a bad day at the office.

That's Ichiro, who is apparently, a big deal. (I don't follow baseball, ok?) It was great fun to attend a Major League game, yet after 11 innings, the Mariners weren't able to seal the deal, and the Rangers walked away with the win.

Photo courtesy of Jackie.

We still all had a great time.

Sunday night, things wound down and I ended up just hanging out with Arket at his director's house, watching some footage from a commercial in which he'd recently starred. Other than that,we just cruised around and talked. He was leaving within the next few days for a multiple month hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. I just wanted to see him one last time; since I was sure he was soon to be eaten by coyotes. Well, that pretty much sums up my trip. It was great fun, saw lots of old friends, made a few new ones, and possibly cursed a baseball team to lose the world series. All in all, a pretty good trip.

Oh, and a current event update: The Wizard pulled into Dutch last night 11/1/10 for this season's first offload of King crab! Wish them well as they head back out soon!

I'm blogging about 2010...in 2010!

2010-10-28T10:56:00.002-05:00

I...I feel so accomplished! My slacking is current! Well, it's about to be current. At last blogging, I'd just kicked off the Christmas season. It ended as it began, full of festive festivities with friends and family. There were many wonderful events in which I either participated or attended. Also, this past year, my stocking contained the holy grail of the directionally challenged, a GPS!

Thanks Mom and Dad, much love from your no longer constantly lost daughter.

So here we are, JANUARY! (in October!)

New years wasn't much to write home about, but I'm not writing home. I'm writing on the internet...to strangers. Usually, I'm at some city event for New Years, like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert, or WorkPlay's New Year's Party, but this year, I and my friends kept it small. We played Cops and Robbers for a good chunk of the night, found out you can fit roughly thirteen people into a standard SUV and watched the ball drop in NY. Nothing spectacular or huge, but good times all the same.

Also, in January, I went to Orlando, well, around Orlando. My sister lives in the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area, and my mother, other sister, and I went to visit her and her family. It was pretty much your basic family visit...except for the fact that it was horrendously cold. We left Alabama under the "threat" of snow, only to arrive in Florida for a sleet storm.

A sleet storm. In Florida.

The trip itself was not one of those "let's go and do everything we can! Agggh!" kind of vacations. For the most part, we just hung out at Rhonda's house, talked, went to the kids various ballgames/activities, and ate too much. Of course, being that my family is hilarious and awesome, you don't have to do much more than be around each other to be having fun. I'd have some pictures, but my sister Kristin is vehemently opposed to being captured on film. I've tried to convince her that I'm not stealing her soul, but, you know those Amish...

(Amish jokes...like they'll ever read this.)

...And that was pretty much my January. Hey, not every post can be jam packed with excitement...apparently.

Ornament Parties with Tacky Themes...These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things!

2010-10-21T16:16:00.001-05:00

At last blogging on this backlogged blog, I'd just returned from New Orleans. The Christmas season was now in full swing and the rest of December was spent doing the usual December things, decorating trees, baking legions of cookies, and attending various pageants, parades, and parties.

One of my favorite parties is Jenny's Annual Ornament Exchange. Basically, a group of us girls that have been friends for many years get together and have a good time eating, playing dirty Santa, and going to the local tree farm. However, a couple of years ago, I suggested that we kick it up a notch by adding a theme to our standard get together.

Bringing sexy back.

Christmas Sweaters! Now, these aren't your mother's Christmas sweaters...well, actually, they might have been...maybe even Grandma's. But really, that's the whole point. Sure, everyone's doing the whole "ugly sweater" party theme nowadays, but that's because it's fun, if not completely retarded.

"Oh my gosh, I'm baking!"

We each bring some kind of baked good or savory snack. Jenny usually makes the pigs in a blanket and I am under strict orders to bring sugar cookies. By the end of the food, as we're all slipping into diabetic comas, we move on to the ornament exchange.

"IT'S ALL I WANTED!"

We can be pretty ruthless in getting the ornament we want. I brought this little gem back from New Orleans and Jen was pretty stoked to get it...until I stole it back. Yeah, my own ornament. I'm that person.

Jerkface.

Still, it's no big deal because everyone brings great ornaments so it's not like you're going to get stuck with a macaroni string covered in glitter and finger paint. (Awesome if you're 7...not so much when you're 27...or up...)

That's right.

Trees!

After the food fest and the ornament exchange we head out to Pine Hill Tree Farm to goof around for a bit. They have live reindeer, wagon rides, a Christmas store, and awesome cider.

Future Macy's product.

Here I am at Pine Hill, in the store. It's wonderfully decorated...much like myself. Speaking of that, I actually made this sweater. It used to live a lonely and boring life at the thrift store, but I rescued it from its sad mediocrity...and let me tell you, ladies of a certain age LOVE. IT.

Legitimately.

I was asked several times if I purchased it at Macy's. Macy's! Holding back my laughter, which took, trust me, a Herculean effort, I explained that I actually made it myself. After much 'ooing' and 'ahhing,' I was told I should go sell them at, again, Macy's. Last time I checked, Macy's didn't buy its stock from some chick with a box of sweaters in the back of her Hyundai, but hey, if I want to sell them 'at' Macy's, that parking lot is fair game baby.

Upchuck and Klutzo...rejected by Santa.

The tree farm has two reindeer. If you're there at the right time, you can feed them. You'd think they'd be jonesing for something like oats or grains, or some other kind of 'feed,' but no. These guys like overripe bananas. I guess they find them...say it with me...appealing. ha ha! ...apologizes.

Reindeer games.

Sleigh rides.

We continued to play for a while and disturb the peace and tranquility of the other patrons with our gallivanting (I just used the word gallivanting.) and general ridiculousness. Of course, most likely to the chagrin of the employees, none of us bought a tree, but I like to think we spread a little joy.

I'm ready for my close up, Olan Mills!
Tacky sweaters, the 'look away,' and the 'arm shelf'...that's how you say Christmas.

The Big Easy

2010-10-20T09:25:00.000-05:00

First of all, let me just say, I'm exhausted. After work, most days, I head to the new casa and paint or clean until around midnight.I usually don't make it to bed until around two in the morning. The weekends, I'm there till three am. This has been going on for weeks now, and honestly, I really need a nap...and I'm not talking about a couple of hours. No, I mean, something of Rip Van Winkle proportions. However, I want to catch up on this stupid blog for my own satisfaction, so, instead of falling asleep on my desk and drooling like a sugar-crashed toddler, I'm going to write about New Orleans...because I went there.

Proof!

(OH! That bit I wrote in my last post about wanting a little extra money to appear in my life, when I checked my mail, I found a bonus, two rebates, and a check for six hundred bucks. However, the six hundred bucks, as it turns out, is an insurance snafu and has to be returned...so let me be a bit more specific: "I really wish a large sum of money that I don't have to return to or share with anyone or give away in any form or fashion would fall into my lap today!")

Anyway, on with the show.

Right, so, at last blogging, I'd left Texas, headed home, and spent a day at the office. I came home after work, repacked my suitcase, and printed out my boarding passes for New Orleans. I was heading down to NOLA to meet up with Capt. Keith, his wife Florence, and his Marketing Manager at the time. I was going to do a little work, take some pics at the meet and greet, sell shirts, merch, chat it up with fans, but really, for me, it was mostly a pleasure trip to the Big Easy. Can't hate that.

The flight was probably uneventful as, like always, I slept most of the way. After landing, I grabbed my bags, jumped on the shuttle and made my way to my hotel.

The Pelham Hotel. My room.

Basically, the reason I chose this place was because it was close to the casino, and it was within the required budgeting. Still, it had a certain old N'awlins charm. The ceiling was super tall, the staff was great, and I had an excellent view of the alley dumpster.

Speaking of the casino, that's where the first event was being held, so I headed that way. It was a little early yet and nothing was really happening so I moseyed on over to "A Miracle on Fulton Street."

First it's blue...

Then, it's pink! ...It's a miracle!

Every year, apparently, Fulton Street is decked out in white Christmas trees, sparkling, color-changing lights, shining Fleurs-De-Lis, and a mess of fake snow. I like it. It reminds me of being a child and attending the local 'Festival of Trees,' an event I really wish the city would reinstate. However, I'm not talking about my dysfunctional town right now. Besides, there's still more to Fulton Street...

I'd say this tree is at least thirty feet tall...and each of those ornaments is larger than a basketball.

Be good or Santa will EAT YOU!

Which is the perfect size for GIGANTIC METAL SANTA! Color me crazy, but I bet this is why kids start screaming and crying when Mom puts them on Santa's knee in the mall. Perspective is everything.

Time to head back to Harrah's.

You win again, 'need to blink just as the pic is taken'...you win again.

Everything was set up in the Casino right between the slots and the buffet. Here's Keith with a couple of people that I don't know. There was a pretty big crowd and many autograph cards were signed, shirts sold, and pictures snapped.

Can I be a deckhand?

If I recall, these folks didn't even know anything was happening but the dude was a big fan of the show so he was pretty pumped to meet Keith and get an autograph. That's pretty much what this first event consisted of, meeting...and greeting. After that, there was business to be done with Cat Marine...which didn't concern me. So, I found a place that served up a good alligator po'boy and called it a night.

I spent the next day wandering around the city while Keith and the gang were off on more business calls.

Went down to the Riverwalk...saw this guy...

and his girlfriend.

Sweet Jambalaya! My retinas!

I went down to the Steamboat Natchez and thought about taking the river cruise, but really that's something I'd rather do when I'm with someone. I did however try to take a pic of myself with it in the background. However, the eye killing brightness of the searing December sun created the above squinty expression.

The steam on top of the boat is coming from the Calliope...which is really cool, but ear-splittingly loud when it hits a really sharp note. I took a few vids of the guy playing, and planned to upload them, but apparently my camera had a different idea, as they are nowhere to be found.

Cafe du Monde? Cafe de MORTE!

Anyway, I was getting hungry so I ambled on down to the Cafe Du Monde for a plate of beignets. I took one bite and nearly choked to death on the powdered sugar. It's quite hard to act as if you're not strangling to death when you're...strangling...to death. After assuring a wide-eyed server and various staring patrons that I was fine, and leaving my plate and my dignity at the table, I headed off to do some more sightseeing.

So here are some sights I saw:

St. Louis Cathedral.

The ceiling.

A stained glass window.

An obligatory artsy shot of candles.

Some of the statuary on the Riverwalk.

These guys are immigrants. They look really happy to be here in the US. Really...happy.

The Holocaust memorial sculpture.

On a more somber note, the park also has a sculpture dedicated to the six million Jews who lost their lives under the terror of the Third Reich. The image changes depending upon the direction which you approach, a technique in 'Kenetic Art.' I believe there are ten images in all. Yaacov Agam is the artist.

I had lunch at the Court of Two Sisters, a very famous Nola establishment. It was still early, so I think it was actually brunch, but I don't know. A Mimosa in the hand, good food, and a quiet courtyard never hurt anyone. Then, I did some more wandering...

The carousel bar at the Hotel Monteleone. The bar itself actually rotates, so if you say, go to the bathroom and come back...as a friend of mine did, you might find that you're sitting in a completely different part of the room. I figure it really messes with the drunks.

I ended up at the aquarium, where there are lots of fish...and fish type creatures...like this eel.

And even a few non fish creatures...like these Macaws.

"I'm a big, fat, white alligator and I'm awesome!"

And of course, this guy...the albino alligator. He looks extremely content and not just a little smug. I took a lot of pictures at the aquarium, but I'm not going to post them all...it'd be like finding Nemo without the humor or heartwarming storyline.

At some point that night, after a taxi ride with a cab driver who thought it'd be fun to 'get lost' and charge me extra (how wrong he turned out to be,) I ended up at the function for the night. The Louisiana Shrimpers Association Fundraiser in Belle Chasse. These were just hard working fishermen and women who had been through some tough times thanks to Katrina...and this was before the oil spill that tried to eat the Gulf. Having Capt. Keith there was really encouraging to them, letting them know that their fellow fishermen supported them. There was camaraderie, beer, shrimp, and some money raised for a struggling industry...so all in all, a good time for those in attendance.

By the end of the night, we found ourselves on Bourbon Street. Karaoke was preformed, Hurricanes were consumed, and Mike Fourtner was there. After a round of shenanigans, I said my goodbyes to the gang, hit the hotel, and attempted to catch a little sleep. Come some unholy hour of the morning, I dragged myself out of bed, stumbled onto a plane, and made for home. Thus ended my first trip to the grand old city of New Orleans.

This blog is too long and poorly written. I apologize to all none of you who actually read this. I promise to sleep more...eventually.

Texas Renaissance Festival!

2010-10-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

At last blogging, I'd just closed out October. So naturally, it's on to November. I suppose when most people (in America) think of November, they think of Thanksgiving. I do too, of course. I mean, I don't think I could count the year as a success without indulging in disturbing amounts of my aunt's corn casserole and homemade mac n' cheese come turkey day. Still, there's more to November than fun with the family and the embracing the sin of gluttony. There's also Black Friday. Now, I'm not a fan because of the sales, no. I'll keep my money and my sanity, thanks. I'm a fan because it's a free day. There's no work, no expectations, you just have a day to do whatever you will.

I will usually travel. A couple of years ago, I was cruisin' around the Bahamas with my sister...and last year, I was jetting out to Texas to visit my friend Cindi. Cindi's awesome and we always have a lot of fun together, regardless of what we're doing. However, when the doings involve Spooktacular musicals and the Ren Faire, it's extra fun!

Bloods vs. Crip: Holiday Showdown

Me, Cindi, and her mom at the Alley Theater in Houston getting ready to see A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas. Live theater is always fun and this particular production was a little nuttier than your usual Dickensian classic. The costumes, make up, and dance numbers really shook up the familiar tale. After the show, we headed down to the Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner. The building itself is beautiful, filled with expensive antiques, rich woodwork, and supposedly a ghost or two! Ooo! The food was good, even if I didn't get to see any spaghetti specters.

Cindi and I headed back to her house after the dinner and spent the rest of the night reading, watching movies, and picking out garb for the next day. I was extremely excited to go to the Ren Faire, and I'll take any excuse I can to play dress-up. The theme for the weekend was Celtic Christmas and well, I took it to heart...or maybe I should say head...

^ Is a perpetual child.

Now, the corset, skits, belts, chemise, etc, all of that was provided by Cindi, but the headpiece, I made that myself from some spare antlers and stuff from ye olde Hobby Lobby. Cindi is actually a regular at Faire and is well-known as Mystic. Being as I was a Ren Faire virgin, I had no special name...yet.

The jester is Cindi's friend TMI, he works at the chainmail shop making all kinds of spiffy wears, and is in general a pretty cool guy.

We arrived at the Faire just in time to watch the end of the chainmail bikini contest.

Chainmail. bikini. contest.

It's really a lot like a regular bikini contest except for the fact there's no beach for miles, the swimsuits are metal, and I'm pretty sure at least one of those chicks was a dude.

Lopsided!

These leather clad fellows are Cindi's friends the Berserkers. They make and sell leather armor. It's really incredible stuff and not the easiest thing in the world to do. I made a very basic leather corset once, and can't imagine all the work that goes into the heavy detailing on the pieces they're wearing.

Jealous.

As I've mentioned, I like horses. I particularly like larger kinds, like this gorgeous Friesian, my favorite breed. I believe this woman was part of the cast and this was her job, to ride her awesome horse and interacting with the crowds of people. Oh, and speaking of horses...

Now, for Ren Faire, there's nothing too peculiar about this pic, right? I mean, a shirtless, long-haired guy with a drinking horn, and a lady with antlers isn't that out of the ordinary. However, that's only because you're not seeing this from the proper perspective.

Even Centaurs need a Flickr

You see, he's not just any bare-chested, long-haired man with a drinking horn, nope. This guy is a bare- chested, long-haired, Centaur with a drinking horn. A full on Centaur! He goes by the name of The Mighty Kiron, and he's pretty dedicated. He's a regular fixture at TRF, several other festivals, and is, I believe, available for events. The costume itself...I never actually saw him walk around, but I assume he's mobile. I do know he's got that thing rigged up so that the tail swishes and swats just like the real deal. I've also come to find out that there are other 'anatomical features' that can be, uh...manipulated...but I'm not blogging about it!

I can't remember this person's name, but it was nice to see someone else with antlers. Though, I do have to admit, I'm jealous of their rack. (a wink, wink, nudge, nudge...) Antlers here was nice person, and told me that thanks to my headgear, I was now a lifelong member of the horned clan. So, I can cross that one off the bucket list.

Looking for Hobbits.

I'll go out on a limb here and say it's not often you see an Ent lumbering through a crowded street. However, Ren Fair, doesn't leaf much to the imagination, and folks feel pretty free to really branch out with their costumes. Cindi and I were pretty much rooted to the spot watching him as he walked past. We just stayed out of his way. I don't know if tree-folk are dangerous, but I'd still assume his bark is worse than his bite. I wood stick with the puns, but well, as far as how to continue, I'm stumped!

In addition to the fantastic variety of garb were the various performers playing throughout the fest. Cindi and I took a couple of seats for Sound and Fury's irreverent telling of Testicles and the Sacking of Rome.

There was much innuendo...

...In your end-o.

If you're looking for some mean finger cymbals and some hardcore mandolin skills, look no further. I joke, but the music was really enjoyable, if you're into that whole medieval vibe...which I am. The only name I can remember is Tartanic, and they were great, but I don't believe they're pictured.

The shouting Bishop here had just performed a marriage and was yelling at people to 'make way!' for the bride and groom...whom you can see right behind him and the beefeater. This couple had ditched the traditional white dress and fancy tux for black leather and red velvet. Hey, it's your party, if it's what you want, go for it! I'd love to be a guest at a Ren wedding. I have to think it'd be a lot of fun, and who doesn't love a good offbeat hitchin'?

Food of the gods.

Ye olde potato shoppe. I'm showing you this for two reasons. Firstly, to point out that the structures at the Faire grounds are permanent. People actually live in the upper rooms during the months of the festival. Cindi and I hung out in one such dwelling after the gates closed for the night. Secondly, because that baked potato was possibly the most amazing thing I've ever eaten. My view might be tainted by the fact that it was getting on in the afternoon and I'd not had much beyond a few bottles of cider, but I'm still pretty sure that spud was touched by an angel.

Avada Kedavra?

Like all good outdoor events, the night ended with a barrage of fireworks and much cheering and clapping from the crowd...and that was that, the patrons were ushered out and the day was at an end. TRF was a great event and I'm really hoping to go back this year, but well, I'll just have to see what next month brings...hopefully a bonus in my paycheck, some lucrative freelance, or maybe just a suitcase full of money on my front porch, because that would be fine by me.

As far as the rest of the trip, Cindi and I spent our time browsing in bookstores, shopping in Old Town, and just kicking back at her house. Finally, after downing some Tex-Mex at the Seven Horses, it was time for me to hit the skyway and head home...

for a day...

because New Orleans was calling my name...which by the end of Ren Faire, was Frosty.

The Great Indiana Roadtrip Continued: Hello Mr. Manning!

2010-10-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

Alright, here we are at the second full day of the Great Indiana Roadtrip of 2009. The previous day had been a great success with our wine tour, exploration of the city, and Halloween night. This day, our 'plans' were contingent on one fact and one fact alone.

The Colts were in town.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start the day off right, with a complete breakfast of...

chocolate filled, sugar covered pastry. So good and so good for you!*

Or perhaps a bagel nosh with a little shmear of cream cheese?
*good for the soul. The body, not so much.

Au Bon Pain...if you're wrong, I don't want to be right.

Ok, back to the main theme, the Colts. Yes, the Colts were in town and playing the 49ers. Now, Jenny and I love football...college football.

Roll Tide!

I wasn't even at this game, I just snagged the pic from Jenny.

We follow the SEC teams, and keep our eyes on the other (lesser) conferences as well. However, neither of us really pays much attention to the NFL. Still, we knew if we could afford tickets, getting to see the Colts play at home would be a good time.

...And here's where the whole thing turns tragically hilarious.

I was supposed to have a hundred dollars in my bag. Notice that supposed to have. Late, late, Halloween night, after our costumed shenanigans, I went to get something out of my purse and noticed Mr. Franklin's inauspicious absence. Suffice to say I had a minor freakout and Jenny and I subsequently tore the room apart trying to find the cash. We found nothing.

Nothing.

I was convinced that it was lying on the floor of some club in Broad Ripple, lining the pocket of some fake pirate's waistcoat, or snugly tucked into the cleavage of a 'sexy' nurse.

The thing is, it wasn't even money I planned to spend on this trip. It was reserved for something else and I'd simply forgotten to take it out of my bag before we'd left.

Completely disheartened and hesitant to drop my remaining cash on something like game tickets now that my reserve was gone, I didn't know what to do. Jenny however, had an idea.

"Liz, we'll make some signs and go down to the stadium to beg for tickets!"

It seemed like a good idea, and far be it from me to be above harassing total strangers for my own entertainment needs. So, we grabbed a couple of sheets of paper; I took out my handy Sharpie and we set to work. Our signs were done and we were ready to hit the steps of the stadium.

On the way, we stopped by the car to load our suitcases and grab a couple of things we needed...

...and there was my hundred bucks, neatly folded and slipped into the door pocket between a couple of pamphlets. My mind was officially blown. I have no way to explain this other than God, because I know I didn't put it there, and in my bag, it had been inside a pouch, inside a zippered compartment, which I never opened in the car.

So, the cash was back! Amen! However, we decided to stick with our begging plan...because that's how we roll.

Had never watched a Colts game a day in their lives.^

Notice the headband and hair bows, we picked those up at the mall because we owned NOTHING Colts related to wear. We wanted to look slightly more like the 'HUGE COLTS FANS!" my sign claimed we were.

So we begged. We pleaded. We even sang along with a bucket drum line. We were laughed at, made fun of, wished the best of luck...and then, we were made an offer:

"I have some tickets you can have, but you've got to do something weird for them."

We decided to hear him out before we started shouting for a policeman. (I need an adult!)

Coolest guy ever.

As it turns out, it wasn't weird at all...not even slightly creepy! All he wanted us to do was use his $220 tickets to get into the game and then trade them with his friends who had $119 tickets. THAT'S IT. So, instead of sitting on the 50 on row 4, we were on the 20 on row 10.

For free.

We settled into our seats, grab some drinks, some eats, got our cameras out, and cracked open our programs to see who other than Peyton Manning was playing.

Suffice to say, we were just a little excited...

OK, a lot excited.

I think we know what got the job done.

So without further ado, here come the COLTS!

Coin toss (I did not realize Peyton Manning was so tall!)

Well, there you have it. A few shots from the game and a few of us being our stupid selves. The atmosphere was very different than a college game, but still a lot of fun and of course, the Colts won. As is well known, they ended up at the Superbowl this past season. They may have lost to the Saints, but they're still #1 to me.

GO COLTS!

After the game, we headed back to the car, jumped in, and hit the road for home. It was five o' clock on the nose...exactly the time we'd hoped to be rolling. We couldn't have done better if we'd planned it...and we all know how much planning went into this trip.

The Great Indiana Roadtrip!

2010-10-01T15:43:00.001-05:00

So, let's continue with 2009.

We just finished with July where I spent the first week in Florida, about nine days in the office, and the rest of the time in Alaska.

Then, August happened...and September too. I did some things, my sis and nephew both had birthdays. Football season started, the weather cooled down, general fallish activities were attended and that was that.

So now we're in October, one of my most favorite months! October '09 was truly stellar...and here's why: Halloween roadtrip. My best friend Jenny and I try to take at least one vacation together every year. In '08 it was Alaska, and in '09, we were heading to beautiful...

(Indianapolis specifically!)

Neither of us had ever been there before, and we both have the goal of seeing all fifty states before we head on off to Glory. Traveling, seeing new things, and experiencing new places are pretty much at the tip top of both of our lists. Now, as far as planning the trip, it was an elaborate and well thought out venture that went something like this:

"You want to go to Indiana over Halloween?"

"'K."

"Let's just get in the car and start driving. We'll figure it out when we get there."

"Sounds good."

So, that's exactly what we did.

Roadtrip!

We left Friday night after work and drove until we got there. It's a straight shot up I-65, so it wasn't a difficult trip at all. We made a few stops along the way, mostly for copious amounts of caffeine and sugar. On one such stop we picked up a tourist guide of Indiana, figuring we'd eventually need some kind of directional to fun. We noticed a list of wineries and thought a tour might interesting. Easley Winery looked to be close by and sounded pretty good by description. We plugged the address into the GPS and headed that way. So, yeah, we were cruisin' for a boozin'.

...I can't believe I just wrote that.

Outside Easley Winery

We arrived before the winery opened, which would usually put a damper on our 'do it now' kind of schedule. However, the owner, being there early, came out to greet us. He was an older, Caucasian gentleman, decked out like a Rastafarian, complete with fake dreads and a laid back attitude. (You win again, Halloween!) He told us they would be open in about a half an hour and would be happy to give us a tour at that time. When we told him we'd driven straight from Alabama to his door, he was impressed enough to say shuck the thirty minutes, come on in for a private tour!

Score.

Now, let me preface this posting by saying that I am by no means a true "coin-assuer" of vino. I enjoy a glass now and then, know a few basic types, and am pretty sure that MD20/20 won't be on the wine list of your favorite restaurant, unless it's a 7-11. Still, don't expect me to start spouting off about oak undertones and full bodied notes. And, as it happens, I know even less about the process of making/bottling/and selling wine. So, if the terms 'doohicky,' and 'thing-a-ma-bob,' aren't beneath you, soldier on, friend.

Here's what I'm calling the tank and barrel room. It also had a chandelier, so it's ultra fancy. Our guide, who I will be referring to as 'Rasta' from this point on, told us all about the different varieties of wine they produce, the awards they've won, and how everyone at Easley just likes to have a good time doing something they love.

I like my wine chilled, thank you.

Each of these huge cylindrical tanks contained a different type of wine sold by Easley. Several of them had iced over thanks to the twenty-six degree temperature at which they are kept. I do recall that one of these housed a blueberry wine that is very popular with the employees!

Jenny, she likes her wine straight from the spigot. Don't get in her way if there's Pinot Grigio involved.

Here, Rasta is showing us around the bottling and labeling room. I've always been a fan of wine labels, even as a child I found them interesting. Walking through the wine isle at the supermarket was like stepping into a miniature art gallery. They've got an artist that designs all of their labels...and they're doing custom pieces now. Label art is a branch of design in which I would love to be involved. Although, I might have to move out of Alabama.

I don't believe these are in use anymore, but these giant casks were formerly employed to age wine. They're huge, I'd say eight to nine feet tall. They keep a couple of them around for their novelty and history.

Totally looks like an Apollo Capsule.

This doohicky, and I believe the black thing-a-ma-bob in the background, has something to do with the process of making Champagne...what part it plays in that process, I can't tell you. Perhaps if I wasn't writing this a year after the fact, I'd be able to recall...but probably not.

Cheers mon!

So here we are at the end of the tour tasting a sampling of the wines offered by Easley. A normal tour and tasting consisted of an offering of seven wines, but Rasta just kept bringing over bottle after bottle. I think we tried every single wine they had! Easley Winery was a great first stop, and I'd recommend dropping by to anyone passing through the area. The employees are fun-loving folks with great attitudes, who are willing to go out of their way for visitors. The wines are tasty and the tour is interesting and educational. For all of my ignorance about the wide world of wine, I did learn quite a bit. Jenny and I each bought a bottle of our favorite, thanked Rasta for a fantastic time, and headed off to see what else Indy had to offer.

Comfy!

Thankfully, Indy offered a place to stay. We were running this whole trip on a shoestring budget so we weren't looking for anything too expensive. (This was before we knew about the wonders of couchsurfing.) We ended up at the Garden Hilton in the very center of the city. Their rates were a little too high but we heard if you booked online using a special code it was cheaper, so in a complete act of shamelessness, we asked to use their computer. They obliged and we came out spending fifty bucks a pop. Not too bad when you consider we were within walking distance of nearly everything.

So walk we did.

The Civil War Monument

We were right across from monument circle, so we headed down that way. There's a pretty impressive monument...in that circle.

She hates me!

I love the romance of the Handsome Cabs. I've never actually ridden in one, but I assume it's a nice thing to do. I also love Draft horses and usually get on well with horses in general. This was Daisy, and at first, she acted very uncomfortable around me, shying away, snorting, stamping and stomping her glitter covered hooves. I turned to Jenny and said 'she hates me!'

She doesn't hate me!

No sooner than the words left my mouth, Daisy swung her massive head around and nuzzled me in the chest. From that point forward, we were friends!

She was a sweet horse.

We walked down to the Capital building and decided to take a few pics. It was a beautiful Autumn day and the weather was insanely perfect. How insanely perfect?

This insanely perfect.

After enjoying the weather, the leaves, and the monuments, we decided dinner should be next on the agenda. We didn't really have any idea what was around us as far as eats, so we asked the locals and ended up at a brewery. There was beer and cider to be had of course, but it was the salad that really made me raise an eyebrow...

Yes, I'm actually wearing 3WM...in public.

...because it contained one ridiculously long carrot curl. Every bit of carrot you see on that plate is connected...and I don't mean that existentially. That was one single curl. I'm thinking it must have been an entire carrot. Apparently you make them with one of those spiral apple machines. Who knew?

We finished dinner around dusk and made our way back to the hotel. Halloween night was quickly approaching and we had things to do and costumes to wear. It took us both a while to come up with something to be for Halloween, but in the end, we settled on...

Batman!

(That monument really came in handy for staging Gotham!)

and...

THE JOKER!

(The door gate made a handy Arkham!)

(The pics are grainy for that extra Dark Knight Grittiness!)

One nice thing about Indianapolis was that so many people were in costume! It was great to be in a city that actually participates in one of the best holidays ever. We headed out to the main part of town again and ended up at the Hard Rock Cafe...for dessert.

Yeah.

Some men just want to watch the world burn...I just want dessert.

Because let me tell you, there is nothing the Dark Knight and his (her) arch nemesis like better than a little hot fudge cake.

Word had it that there was fun to be had down in Broad Ripple, so we hailed a cab and headed that way. It was the only thing we did that wasn't within walking distance. Anyway, we ended up just traversing the length of the district seeing the thousands of costumes and listening to the 'music' coming out of various clubs. People in the bars would hold up signs as you walked by ranking your costumes from 1-10...I'm glad to say Jenny and I both scored highly. ha! Also, just fyi, guys dressed as the Joker really, really get a kick of of seeing a girl dressed as the Joker.

We ended up in one club/bar/venue that had a decent live band and some fantastic costumes...

...none of which are in this picture...or any picture I or Jenny took apparently. However, lil' Manning back there, he found his way into a few, thanks to his ~~completely creepy stalking of Jenny~~ appreciation of Jenny's costume. Other than fanboy, (how old is that kid anyway? He looks about 12!) it was a fun night of costumed shenanigans.

So that was Halloween. I was going to try to fit the whole trip into one post, but I suck at condensing things. Still, the next day, it pretty much deserves its own page, because, WOW, was it cool!

Pause>

Main Menu>Bonus Features>Photoshop>Geekery>

Photoshop is fun!

Simply the result of too much spare time.

Sailing in Seattle...F/V North American Style!

2010-09-28T09:11:00.000-05:00

At last post, I had just boarded my plane at the Fairbanks airport. The flight was uneventful I assume, given that I passed out like a narcoleptic on Ambien as soon as I settled into my seat. I woke up as we hit the tarmac in Seattle. My face was pressed into the window, my contacts were glued to my sleep-crusted eyes, and I'm pretty sure I might have drooled a little. This was also the start of day three without a shower, and make-up was but a distant memory.

I was looking good.

Anyway, I had a brief layover in Seattle, long enough to do breakfast with a friend, but not much else. Long story short, he wasn't able to meet up early thanks to (lamely) injuring himself. It was quickly looking like my back-up plan of falling asleep on my backpack like a hobo at the bus station was going to come to fruition. However, he called me back shortly thereafter and told me to go get a later flight so that we could still hang.

I was unaware I could do this.

He told me being the bum that he is, he often misses his flights and just asks for another one. At worst, they charge him about seventy five bucks. My next flight was actually slightly delayed so they let me change it without any trouble. Awesome.

After various rigmaroles, we ended up meeting under the Troll bridge.

He is...an Enchanter. There are those that call him...Trav.

I regretted the fact that I didn't have a fanciful hat to accompany his...or even a shrubbery, but well, what can you do? Me. I jumped in his Corvette and we took off towards the Fisherman's Terminal. In addition to being skilled in the ways of humor and haberdashery, Trav is a crab fisherman...you might have seen him on Deadliest Catch Season 4. He also has a fantastic book out about his experiences fishing and aboard the F/V North American:

Buy it on Amazon.com

You should buy it.

Today the aforementioned F/V North American was due for sea trials. Basically, we were (by we, I mean the crew and not me) checking the boat out to make sure it was seaworthy.

This was not my first time on a crab boat. I work for Keith Colburn, Capt. of the F/V Wizard, running his website along with my friend Mystic. I've also done some t-shirt work for the Wizard and North American, logo design for the Sea Star and Deadliest Deckhands...with a little more in the works now. If you're a fan of the show, you'll recognize some of these boats.

Here's the Wiz, Pinnacle (HUGE!) and the Arctic Fury.

...and a little side view action.

The Early Dawn.

It was a beautiful day, but it was hot. Stupidly hot. It was the kind of hot that makes you angry at the fact that the sun exists. If I recall, the temperature was 105 with a heat index of August in Hell. So, while the guys were outside prepping the boat for sailing, I ducked into Trav's cool, dark room and passed out on his bunk for about two hours. It was wonderful. I woke up to us getting underway for the Ballard Locks. I always enjoy a trip through the locks...well, when it isn't packed. There are always people on the sides waving and snapping pics and today was no exception.

Going through the Ballard Locks

Trav giving the ladies on the yacht behind us an eyeful...or Trav getting an eyeful of the ladies on the yacht.

Finally, we hit some open water.

Trav and I goofed around for a bit before the serious business of running a boat had to take over for a while.

Everything was going pretty smoothly, except the anchor. There were some problems with the wench and the line, or so they tell me. All I know is it didn't sound good. It didn't sound good at all. Hank and Trav are working on releasing the line here or guiding it or something else equally nautical.

John Skarr keeping his eyes on the anchor and the wench.

You know that part in Dumb and Dumber that goes a little something like this:

Yeah, well, that's what a screeching anchor wench sounds like. This went on for...I don't know, about 30 minutes or 900 hours. One of those.

No offense Capt. Earling, but I really don't think that's going to cut it.

Eventually, they hoisted the heathen and we started sailing back to Ballard.

During the return trip, I took a few more shots around the interior. For a crab boat, the NA is actually a fairly nice ride. Here's a quick little tour:

The wheelhouse.

I think this is the Captain's Bunk, so either Earling's or Sten's depending who's aboard at the time.

The Captain's dining area. It's not really a galley, since all the food prep areas are downstairs...but still, swankified. I don't recall any of the other boats having two 'dining rooms'.

The deck was pretty open given that it isn't stacked with crab pots. You can see the coiler, block, and launcher in front of Travis, the crane to his left, and Hank walking on top of what I'm calling the shelter deck. Obviously, those NA guys really like their dining options. Here we've got a third, 'al fresco' seating choice.

That's the motto of many a Bering Sea crab boat Captain.

Finally, we passed back through the Locks, headed into Pacfish, docked the boat, and tried to decide what to do with the rest of the day. We all would have loved to have jumped into the water for a bit to cool off, but well, you don't really do that in a ship yard...

unless you want to play BP and the oil spill.

Eventually, Trav and I headed down to the Sea Star so he could drop off some files and discuss a little business. I wandered around and browsed in the shop. I grabbed a shirt with my logo on it...gratis of course! Per contractual agreement on this artwork, payment consisted of specific sum, a shirt with the printed logo, and a sandwich of my choosing with the stipulation of extra cheese. So far, I'm still waiting on that sandwich...Travis.

The crab on the final version is red but I don't have that file with me and I don't care enough at the moment to find it.

After the Sea Star, Trav and I left to have dinner with his family and then hook up with some friends of his out in Seattle...but we had to go to Costco first at the request of his mom...which was exciting for me because I'd never been to one. Sad, I know. Still, I love the fact that you can buy orange juice, a mattress, and a pair of jeans in the same isle. Two gallons of milk and a pack of Swedish Fish later, we hit the Seattle Center hoping to catch a laser show. Sadly, it was already over by the time we got there, but I'd never been to the top of the Space Needle, so that's what we did instead...

But first we played on some public art.

The night-scape of the city was really lovely from the top. We hung out for a few minutes eating Swedish Fish and laughing about something I no longer remember. However, this trip, as all good things must, had to end, and like Cinderella, my coach (seat) was leaving at Midnight. So, once again, I was off to the airport...more hugs, more goodbyes, more lines at security. By this point, I really was utterly exhausted. All I remember was that I got on the plane, and woke up as we landed...got on another plane and woke up as we landed, and finally, got on another plane and woke up as we landed...and then drove to work.

DROVE. TO. WORK.

And that's the real world for you. (At least there's a shower at the gym!)

Welcome to the Ice Hotel!

2010-09-26T01:10:00.000-05:00

After driving through a landscape filled with fires, you might want to find some where to cool off, right?

Right.

How does an ice hotel sound to you?

Good?

Good.

Welcome to the Chena Ice Hotel! Well...technically "The Aurora Ice Museum."

I know it just looks like a large tarp painted to look like an ice castle, but that's only because that's kind of what it is. It encases the actual ice hotel, er museum. The original was built in 2004 and subsequently melted in July of that same year. However, that didn't stop Chena from trying again. I figure the conversation went something like this:

"Gentlemen, we can rebuild ~~him~~ it. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first ~~bionic man~~ permanent ice hotel...er, museum."

Allow me to explain through the use of my skills in copy&paste:

While long daylight hours and summer temperatures in the 90ºF range (lies!) melted the first Aurora Ice Hotel in July, 2004, the project was not abandoned. The second version was completed in January, 2005, with the ambitious goal of making it the only primarily ice structure in the world to stay up on a year round basis.

Because of the high cost of electric power at the site (30¢ per kWh) it was decided to use an absorption chiller design by Energy Concepts Co. and powered by the available geothermal resource to keep the Museum ‘on ice’ year-round.

This chiller was a unique, three pressure design and the first of it’s kind to be built in the world. In September 2005, Chena Hot Springs won an award for the absorption chiller from the Geothermal Resource Council for the best new direct use geothermal project in the United States.

Read the rest!

When you walk into the ice (I'm sticking with hotel...people DO stay there.) hotel, you're given a thick parka thanks to the constant 24ºF at which they keep the place...with that on, you're fine. The first thing you see when you walk past the coat room is the ice sculpting studio. Steve and Heather Brice are the hands that make this amazing place happen.

Anyway, enough talk, more pics!

Here's an overview of the main hallway. Using the flash, you really don't see the amazing atmosphere and colors that the place has, but I wanted a few shots that just displayed the amazing 'icescape.'

Each of these chess figures are around 2 1/2 to 3' tall.

This is the Polar Bear bed and it's extremely cool...both literally and figuratively. Although, the beds do all come covered with several caribou hides which are very thick, soft, and warm.

Uh...they usually don't come covered with a David. Nice shirt stains my friend. Keepin' it real.

I killed the flash so that the colors of the light passing through the ice would really stand out; it's beautiful. The jousters...

The glowing orbs near the bar.

One of the many chandeliers. It cycled through three or four colors.

The ice Christmas tree.

Yes. This is indeed...an ice toilet. A green, glowing, ice toilet. Now, to me, this raises some questions, such as, the ah, ice to skin equation, the 'how do you flush this thing?' enigma, and the quandary of the 'melt factor' when in use. It's something to ponder...and we all know there's no better place to think...

...or to stink.

The fireplace is a lie.

She's been holding that pose for years!

So there you have it. The Aurora Ice Museum HOTEL. It's a pretty cool place. Haha puns! Chena also has some pretty sweet hot springs, horseback riding, and sundry other activities in which you can indulge.

Until I just uploaded this picture, I never realized the guy sitting on the spout was waving at me. We didn't have time to take a dip in the springs, or do anything else, but really, how can you complain after visiting a really upscale igloo?

The herb garden outside the non-ice hotel at Chena.

It's a Christmas tree...made of moose antlers.

Apparently, his antlers ended up as a festive decoration.

On the drive home, we saw a lot of moose. I'd say near fifty. Honestly, they were a constant roadside attraction. I was like 'who let all the moose loose?' Turns out, the forest fires. Yeah. Thanks to that million acres of burning Alaska, the animal populations were all akimbo for a while. Many of them had migrated to areas which were less well, engulfed in flames.

It was homeward bound from this point forward. I had time to get back to Salcha, pack up my bags and head to Fairbanks to hop my plane to Seattle. The goodbyes were tearful and the hugs rib-crushing, but it was a wonderful trip.

...And, that's all she wrote about Alaska.

See you soon Seattle!

Leaving Denali

2010-09-24T11:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I found my CD and backed it up on my T-drive. I didn't even have to tear that much of the house apart.

So, where was I? Oh yeah, animals...

Anyway, here's some more caribou.

Of course, every time I was ready to take a pic, this little family would turn tail (literally) and bolt.

Ok, everyone get together and sit in a circle...

ready?

Duck...

MOOSE! (Embrace the geek.)

I hope you can find the bears in that picture.

Those tiny white specks...those are big horn sheep. Enlarge the picture and you can see slightly larger tiny white specks.

Same Eagle? You betcha!

He really is pretty majestic.

I don't really remember what these are...but they were small and cute and probably only minutes away from being picked off by the eagle...

I have foxes in my own neighborhood...but I was still happy to see him.

Now, this is the first time I'd ever used a camera like Dawn's ...it's huge, comes in a pelican case with a variety of lenses, weighs...I'd say roughly eight, nine...hundred pounds. I was really grateful she lent it to me though, because I'd left the main battery for my own camera back at camp...in the charger...

...because I'm an idiot.

(I discovered this after setting off on the bus tour part of the trip. I had a small point-and-shoot cam as well, but it died almost immediately. "Well, just use some of those spare batteries you surely packed on this possibly once in a lifetime adventure," you might say. I'd say, "spare batteries?" So yes, I had three cameras and no extra batteries.)

I am a college graduate.

I did find a couple of old, nearly dead lithiums in my backpack...I'd used them previously and just hadn't disposed of them. Through what I'm guessing was the battery equivalent of the Hanukkah miracle, they lasted for over eight hours. That's right...they just kept going, and going, and going. (I think God took mercy on me.) Because of that, I have pictures from the first part of the trip up to the mountain...and thanks to Dawn, pics of everything after. ( I didn't want to risk running her battery down before McKinley...because, well...we've already covered that spare battery bit...)

Anyway, eventually it was time to leave Denali and head towards Chena.

Which involved, of course...wildfires. Now, thankfully we really weren't that involved with them. We mostly just saw the towering plumes as we drove down the highway...but man, Alaska was burning. Over a million acres burned in July. The largest fire was near Nenana...guess where we drove to...

Yep.

See you at the Ice Hotel!

Denali, The High One

2010-09-22T15:02:00.000-05:00

And so we get to the mountain...

As I said in the previous post, getting a good look wasn't looking...good. The entire park was shrouded in a thick grey miasma from the fires and you could barely make out anything in the distance, let alone Denali, still, I had that unyielding hope that I'd see it. I just felt it in my bones.

Score one for the bones.

When we arrived at Eielson, it was as if a great hand had pushed away the veil of cover that was obscuring the mountain. It was breathtaking to watch it be revealed. I was literally speechless. It was honestly, quite overpowering to be standing in front of such a creation, feeling the wind as it howled around us, and seeing that great cloud sweep across the sky.

I might have cried a little.

Shut up.

It was amazingly beautiful.

It even had this jazzy little lenticular cloud cap.

Thanks to my friend Dawn for lending me her DSLR!

This cloud, (I see a cheetah!) was stretched across the expanse of the horizon. It was really something in its own right. That entire morning was an incredible display of God's handiwork.

I was pretty excited. (Even if my eyes and makeup-free face pretty much scream, 'insanely tired!')

I was also pretty excited to see the wildlife...like Caribou, a lot of them. Here are two for your viewing pleasure.

I was going to post a few more pics of the various animals we saw, which is what has delayed this...uh... already delayed post, but all of those shots and subsequent pics from the Ice Hotel are on the cd that Dawn gave me.

The missing cd.

THE. MISSING. CD.

I will be tearing apart my house tonight in an effort to find it...because apparently I never backed it up on my hard drive. D'oh!

*Sigh...well, until then, I leave you with this...

For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, who treads the high places of the earth—The LORD God of hosts is His name. Amos 4:13

Vote for Me!

2010-09-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

“Contrary to what most people say, the most dangerous animal in the world is not the lion or the tiger or even the elephant. It's a shark riding on an elephant's back, just trampling and eating everything they see.”-Jack Handy

I've got a new design up on threadless. If you're a member of the site, I'd love to get your vote. If I were to be printed, I'd earn some cash...which would be great to help pay for that house I told you about in my last post. If you're not a member, you should become one...and then vote for me. (Then, buy some t-shirts, because they're all made by fantastic artists and you should own them...and wear them. People will envy your witty sense of style.)

Click Here!^

Changing locations!

2010-09-04T17:27:00.000-05:00

Home is where the heart is...

...and your mortgage. That too. Pardon this brief interruption in the year old updates for this interlude of currently relevant news. You see, as of yesterday, I am a home owner.

Me.

A house.

I BOUGHT ONE!

I paid off my car last year and my credit cards were nice and clear so I thought, "man, I need some debt, something nice and long term, like 3o years worth. Yeah, that sounds good."

I'm pretty excited! My first house...

wow.