English Language Turkish TV

In Istanbul, during our nap and walk breaks and after dinner when we settled for the evening, we liked to turn on the tv - mostly for noise.  There is a lot of it; Turkish, French, Japanese (like 5 channels), German, Spanish and then there is the BBC and CNBC.  Being English speakers, we tended to land on BBC and CNBC and the programming and format both cracked us up or made us totally crazy!

The BBC is true to what it's like in America - it repeats itself every 30 minutes with one or two shows in between. There isn't a whole lot of variation from this format and programming.  So, after awhile, it gets repetitive and we turn it off.

CNBC is a WHOLE other story! During the day (sometimes when we napped, we're in the room earlier in the day), it's like real CNBC in the United States - a financial ticker of sorts - except it's in Turkish. About 8pm, programming changes to a more American fare. . . The listing of shows we've seen. . .

• The Secret Circle - from the CW
• The Newsroom -from HBO
• How I Met Your Mother - from CBS (though to be fair, it seems to be syndicated now)
• The Closer- from TNT 
• Game of Thrones - from HBO
• Shameless (US version -though I admit Wikipedia and IMdb taught me that there was a British version first - of course, it's good, where else does good TV come from) - from Showtime
• Leverage - from TNT (which I had to look up because I had never heard of it before and it's been on since 2008!)
• The Simpsons - um yeah, Fox
• Conan - like O'Brien fromTBS

The first thing I'd like to say about this is - WHAT?  Weird that CNBC in Turkey has the rights to all of these shows.  Please, someone, explain to me how licensing works?  This must be a very complicated process and I guess there is enough room for all the lawyers out there.  I want to imagine that being a lawyer that does this type of contract makes it big.  But this is research for another day.  If I ever go ahead and do that, I'll come back and edit this posting and put a link to that post.

The weirdest thing? They put cartoon flowers on all cigarettes (there was a lot of smoking in our first television watching session - an episode of The Simpsons).  Upon further, limited, research, this is newish since 2010.  Here's a pretty interesting blog posting about it - and apparently, this happens only on CNBC... though, I have said my research is limited (btw - CHECK OUT there's a link on the blog where you can buy the censor flowers!).  Again, if I ever get up to doing more research, I"ll let you know.

The most annoying?  The "reklam" noise and interruption.  Reklam, in Turkish, means, advertisement.  They come on any time an advertisement occurs, which is less often than you think, but the noise/graphic is played before and after EVERY individual advertisement. . .I took some video so you could see it.


Most awesome advert for a show I wanna see? Dila Hanim (not on cnbc - on a "sister" channel).  She's beautiful and riding up on a horse to some awesomely cool music.  He's very. . . Dos Equis Man.  He's sliding on his knees and taps his heart and sticks his hands up.  She's pulling out a pistol. . . Gotta wanna watch that.  Just in case my description doesn't get it do it for you, here's that video too!


Most liked? Their advert for a very expensive looking refrigerator. Mikal describes it as a very strange conglomeration of Mexican Telenovela, American and Japanese television.

Most disturbing goes to the random disco like computer dance/techno version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

We've also checked into some of the other channels - there's Turkey's Got Talent and a version of Iron Chef Turkey - no translation required.

However, my most favorite times having the television on is during the Turkish national soccer team's commercial.  No translation is needed for national pride and investment in your home team. It moved me to dance - actually, it moves me to dance EVERY TIME!  It's kind of like watching a Packers commercial except it's soccer.  In fact, when we were there, a game happened to be on and the entire lobby of the hotel was filled with fans dressed in national uniforms.  I loved the commercial and the feeling of community so much that Mikal bought me a jersey!  I love it!

Oh - and here's the advert. . . enjoy. . . and DANCE AWAY!

How to clean your house - or - when things go missing

The house was taken apart, swept, cleaned, vaccuumed, and searched.  Repeatedly searched.  This is NOT a good start.


We were leaving Friday and I was so excited because it was our honeymoon!!!  I BARELY made it through the end of the day and I remember asking the team, as they walked by in a cluster suggesting disaster, what was up.  One of them (or maybe all of them in unison) replied, "just go home, you don't need to know."  (I found out later, and really, I didn't want to know).    I left work with a lifted spirit and excitement over the next few days of our first real vacation together.

I walk through the door, my husband comes out of the bedroom, looks at me and says, “did you hide my wedding ring?” This is a bad sign. 

There are many things one could say to this. .. and the amount of things that went through my head were plenty.  And it’s probably a really good thing that I just said, “why would I do that?” Because, come on, WHY WOULD I DO THAT??

He went on to ignore me and continue (I can only guess he was continuing) to search vigourously for the missing wedding ring.  I joined in, as a good wife must, with no words (it was clear he was upset).  I knelt on the floor by the bed, moved all the things that could swallow up a ring.  I moved on to under the bed stands, in the closet, in the bathroom.  I looked through the garbage and the recycling.  I picked up items and put them down and move them around; things I know Mikal had already picked up and put down and moved around.

Then I made my first mistake. . . I asked a question

“Can you remember the last time you were wearing it?” – the answers were gruff and incredilous – OF COURSE!  IT WAS LAST NIGHT.  Ok, lesson learned, he was wearing last night.

I made my second mistake (because we had been looking for an hour or more and I know he’d been looking for even longer than that).  I said, “It’s ok, we can replace it”. . .Um, yeah, not the best sentence I ever said.  Mostly because I underestimated my husband’s fondness for his wedding ring. It’s first one and he doesn’t want to lose it.  And, well, it cost a lot of money (which is a big deal to him too).  The money part – we spent the money. . . and it’s not coming back, so – eh. . .

The fondness for it was endearing to me, but the looking when we couldn’t find it was futile.  So, he finally started to do something else to try to calm himself or distract himself, or something.  And I think he then accepted it.  I told him I was sorry and we hugged.  He was sad.  It’s important to him.

Then it happened
.

He came around the wall from the kitchen and said, “I don’t understand.  I sat here, and took it off (and with a wildy exaggerated movement of taking his ring off and putting it on the coffee table) and put it here.”  I was watching him do this when I noticed that Roku remote.  It was upside down and was sitting on something.

NEITHER ONE OF US HAD MOVED THAT ROKU REMOTE!!!!!!! It’s about 6 inches by 1.5inches by about a half an inch thick. . . small – sometimes hard to miss – but in the MIDDLE OF THE TABLE! We had moved the couch, the bed, all the computer stuff, all other items on this table – ALL OTHER ITEMS ON THE TABLE (yes, we did).

I picked it up and WAH LAH! Wedding ring found.

I started laughing so hard and the smile on Mikal’s face was like a sunrise that happens very quickly.  I said, “get over here and thank me NOW”! He started laughing and came over to give me a big hug.

The moral of this story is (and is for EVERY time Mikal loses something) – if you are missing something, pick up the remote control.  Or the piece of paper. Or the hat. Or the sock. Or the belt!  

We call this Mikal eyes.  

It’s right there, but Mikal’s eyes can’t see it because he’s covered it with something and as we all know – out of sight, out of mind!

crisis averted

The walking bug

my magic best friend

Sunday I will be walking a half marathon.  I have now done two 10Ks and a 5K  -  I cried when I walked over the finish line.  It's a pretty emotional thing, this walking.

Ciara got me started.  She asked me if I'd walk a Seattle Marathon (that's like 26.2 miles. . . ).  I don't think I've walked that much at one time. ever.  I supposed I've walked at least that much in my lifetime, but to walk it all at one time, before the sun goes down on a given day?  That sound pretty challenging.  So, what did I say when she asked?  I said yes.

Ciara happy to be walking 7 miles with me

Yes?!?!?! you say?  Yes, I said yes.  I trust Ciara and she was loving all the walking she was doing.  And this was in June, so I thought I'd have enough time to train and I really wanted to do something since I retired from Theater.  This was perfect timing (Ciara has a knack for having perfect timing for me - another day I'll tell you how remarkable and fantastic she is and how much I couldn't do any of this without her) - I was going through a change and this was healthy and something I did every day anyway; it was just *more* of it.  And we started to walk for miles each week.

People's reactions are interesting; supportive, confused or incredulous.  Supportive comes from those individuals that understand what it's like to have a goal and try to accomplish it.  They know that I'm going through change, and this is one of the things that's helping me through that.  Confused comes from those that know that I have never done this sort of thing before.  Incredulous come from people like me (the me before I committed to doing a marathon) who think that walking that far is crazy.

so glad Trish crossed the finish line with me

she loved it - really

At first, the magnitude of the actual amount of miles that I've committed myself to seemed CRAZY!  And I guess, it is a little bit.  But I've now done two 10Ks and one 5K which add up to be more than a half marathon and I haven't died yet from all that exercise.  And not only has Ciara been there, I have had the privilege to walk with my step-daughter, Lauren and my friend, Trish.  Laughing and crying with them has been amazing as well!  I couldn't have gotten through some of the races without my girls.  They rock!

Ciara and I ready to take on more miles!

I'm so excited for this weekend.  I can't wait to cross the finish line in Vancouver, WA at the Girlfriends Half Marathon.  The feeling you get when you cross the finish line is indescribable.  It isn't something you can explain, it's something you feel, starting deep in and under your heart where it spreads outward, lifting you and filling every part of your body until the only way to release the energy is to cry and laugh - yes, both.  It is the amazing feeling of accomplishment, yet another gift Ciara has given me.

So, is saying yes to a marathon crazy?  Not to me.  I get to finish this.  I get to finish this with my best friend and she'll laugh and cry with me at the end and we will feel burst with pride - together - and it is awesome.

On Being Lazy

I often say I'm lazy; mostly because I feel lazy.  Then I say it to someone that responds, "yeah, cuz raising money, walking 10Ks and working 50 hours a week is lazy. . . yeah, you're lazy".  Perspective is always everything.

I haven't published any posts in more than two months which only compounds my feelings of laziness.  I have 10 posts that I COULD publish, however, if I don't give some sort of context, timeline or, let's say. . . um. . .a story, none of it will make sense.  So, again, I ask for forgiveness in my lack of comitment to publishing.  But please know that I have been writing; writing A LOT.  And I'm really excited to share with you all the things that have been going on.  So, in an attempt to give some context, here's my timeline and story of the last two months.

In July and August, I started, and successfully finished a crowd-funding experiment fundraiser.  I introduced you to the idea in early July in my post Stumping for Food. Then, a couple of days later, I posted a humbling update.  After that update, a collegue from work, Chris Dettmering (he's a whole funny story in an of himself that I will try to do justice to at some point) took up my cause and really got us going!  With his help (and his family and friends's generosity) and two really big last minute donations from some super cool guys at work (they know who they are and would rather be less than famous about it), we made our goal AND paid the fees to the funding site.  In the end, we got to give $1522.47 to the University District Food Bank for a silver level sponsorship!!!

Then - STUFF HAPPENED!  Stuff like, sponsorship names being created on the fly, logos getting created, walking two 10Ks and a 5K, going to Turkey, and applying and getting into a Literary Fiction program.

SO - those 10 posts I haven't published have something to do with all of that stuff.  Tomorrow I'll start with the sponsorship name and logo for the fundraising event - it's kind of funny and a little bit cute.

After writing all of that, I know I need to kick myself in the butt and say - "I am not lazy, I am not lazy, I am not lazy".  I guess until I actually publish regularly, I'll not feel lazy, especially NOW since I am going to be a writer (at least that's what my admission says about me. . .).

The story so far - I'm so. . . humbled . . .

This is the begining of the story of  A) my journey to raise funds for a very worthy cause and B) my goal to prove that crowd funding is the way to go when supporting something I really believe in it.

Monday I posted, and about 3 and a half seconds later, a good friend (and fellow crowd fund believer), seeded the first monies.  It was amazing.  And by the next morning, another friend I haven't spoken to in years, but have shared some pretty cool things with, posted an amount that got us 25% of the way to the overall goal. AND that person is checking into whether or not his company will match.  He gave so much AND is willing to talk about it with his employer.  It makes me feel a whole new level of respect and love for my friends and family.

new followers!  eeeeee!!!!

The next day, I posted on the gofundme page, twitter, and facebook that we were 25% there.  Two cool things occurred - First, @royal_news started following my twitter account and tweeted to their fans about our goal.  That's a whole new community that I'm part of because I'm a reader and now they can be part of our goal, too!  Secondly, @Udistfoodbank tweeted about us AND followed my twitter name (@kaypearamsdale).  So sweet and I don't want to let them down now.

On the fourth of July, I rested . . . and I so did everyone else!

Yesterday and today, several more people have donated. My parents donated which means a lot since I know how much they give every year to different people and causes.  They live in Wisconsin and our communication is rarely face to face anymore.  Mostly it's electronic since I am not a fantastic phone talker (not my favorite pasttime).  I love this donation because my mom does this great thing called "pay it forward".   Every month, she and a group of women find individuals/families with needs, collect money, and donate it anonymously. It's something I've thought about, so I'm hoping, this campaign is the start of that in some small way.

Critter's cupcakes courtesy of our fabulous PM

Then there is Critter.  He's a great "kid".  He turned 25 today and donated money for his birthday.  Not only did he do that, he asked that his friends and family back at home (in Wisconsin) donate to  this cause in lieu of getting him birthday presents.  He's a great person and has such a great attitude that this gesture makes him even more awesome.  I feel humbled!

 All of your donataions have gotten us to more than 42% of the way to our goal.  Thank you for each and every dollar.  You have shown me how much love and kindness there is in the people I know AND in people I don't know! 

Stumping for food

This is it - let's see if what I believe actually works. 

I've put together a crowd funding site for the University District Food Bank here in Seattle. I really want to help them get to do  their yearly auction in October, and that means  I need to help them by the end of August.

I'd love for you to help out - even $1 helps them - in fact $1 can make up to 4 meals - I've put on the site WHY I want to do this.

Check it out and that tell me I'm crazy - this  is my experiment and I'm excited to see how it will work.

Thank you for being my guinea pigs on my belief system.  I'm hoping I'm right and I know you'll all help me know if that's the truth.

http://www.gofundme.com/t4n8s

I hope this works - and to all of you that got the email - I'm sorry for the spam - I tried to not double post to you all!

Putting money where my mouth is

The last couple of posts have sort of referred to some big thing I'll be doing.  I'm not sure there will be any "big thing"- but I hope beyond hope, that something big WILL happen so that my step-daughter can look up to some amazing women and be able to see options and choices she has and MAYBE even do something that other little girls will look up to.

And also, I want to feel like I've done "enough" in this life.

So - it's time to put some money where my mouth is.

I've got to DO something - get into action - stop thinking, writing and talking about doing something and ACTUALLY do something.  So, here are some things to look forward to (well, I'm looking forward to them)

• I'm going to GET POLITICAL (I know, you can't wait, right?)
• I'm going to CROWD FUND (I've been crazy about Kickstarter, and now I'm going to translate my enthusiasm)
• I'm going to FEED THE HUNGRY (I do this every year, but this year is gonna be different)
• I'm going to INTRODUCE SOME FANTASTIC WOMEN (I've recently met a fabulous woman and the woman that introduced me deserves her own awards!)
• I'm going to TELL YOU ALL ABOUT ALL OF THIS (of course you can totally ignore me - really, I won't be upset).

So - off I go to DO some of these things and I hope you'll come with me. Ready?

Falling down while looking for direction

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about the struggle that young women have today. I've been obsessively thinking about it and talking with my friends . It was really interesting how, without much work, effort, or thinking, how many things related to this subject came up in just the first 5 days after getting all worked up.  Kickstarter campaigns (another obsessive activity), news articles, twitter and facebook posts, television shows I watch, books in my house, and people at work.

I thought - THIS is my new direction!!!  THIS is the purpose I'm looking for. Epiphany HAD OCCURRED and now everything would be ALL BETTER.  I know I can help show there are wonderful role models for young women in the world.  I just hadn't quite worked out the HOW that was going to happen.

this is how I felt - and Willie hung in there with me

Then - depression hit - a melancholia of the deepest order landed on my lap - manic periods ensued - days of eating the WORST  foods stretched not only my will, but my stomach. All this culminated in three days of no sleep.  I could barely work on that Friday morning. The words coming out of my mouth only really made sense as individual words, not entire coherent sentences.  I determined I needed to go to sleep (duh, I know).

Then the thing the following three days became my saving grace.  Again (not that it is surprising that I talk too much but) - please hang in there with me, this will all make sense in the end (I hope).

Day 1 (a Saturday) - I spent the entire day with my husband.  We went to see Prometheus (this will need to be another post because there is much to say there) and then went shopping for duct tape (really, Gorilla tape, but to help those that understand duct tape onboard. ..it's duct tape) and pillow filler. I believe you are now confused - so let me explain.

I like to sew.  I have been making clothing for a long time in my life and it helps fulfill a weird artistic thing in my soul.  Some folks like to sew quilts, some do costumes, and some do bags. Mostly, I like to sew dresses and skirts (it's a bit selfish, but whatever, I feel like the end product is more likely to be used than if I did any of the others, PLUS, I'm the only one I have to please, so I'm heading off rejection just in case). I can get most stuff done well enough, but sometimes  there comes a point where it becomes, well,  exhausting - it goes something like this.

1. get up off the floor (my sewing table in my only table and it's a coffee table which naturally leads to me sitting on the  floor in front of the machine).
2. get naked
3. put on item
4. go to the mirror
5. attempt to pin or draw on you waist, boob, or back/butt (the last is the hardest, I'm sure you can imagine)
6. take off said item without poking yourself (not easy, just not easy)
7. reclothe
8. get back on floor
9. sew
10. repeat 

The process often takes more time than I have patience for. To be successful at sewing for myself, it is a GREAT help to have a body form - and so, I lack a body form.

It's really Gorilla Tape

How does this relate to duct tape and pillow stuffing?  Well, after doing much googling, reading, and watching of youtube videos, I  learned I could make my own body form with duct tape.  You see, I wanted instant gratification rather than having to go out and purchase one at a store or online. Plus, it's supposed to be less expensive.

So - after Prometheus, I had Mikal duct tape me into a body form.  Note this is an EMBARRASSING picture, but I know you wanted to see it.

It was less than successful - I think Mikal would have called it a success if he could have left me in it. . . However, it turns out, we didn't do it tightly enough and my boobs looked as big as the rest of me.  I'll add here, that I had a self esteem dip due to this misrepresentation of my body.  Mikal and I both agreed that I did NOT look like the duct tape clone which made the dip, not so bad.

The important part of Day 1 was that we did a project together.  We talked, watched a movie and had kind of a fun time duct taping and being duct taped.  It was a fun spending time together.  Recharge #1 - time spent with my husband.

a body form will
help me finish it!

Day 2 - DESPITE the failed body form attempt, I spent the day sewing a dress - it's still not done, but it's pretty close!  The important part of this day is that I accomplished something I had forgotten I liked so much.  recharge #2.

Day 3 - I had a pretty hard conversation  with my boss about my unhappiness.  He and I agreed that this had not that much to do with work and more to do with life. - this feeling isn't going to last forever, it will pass, I just have to figure out how to get there.  Without my knowing it, I had started this journey to get back to fully recharged (see Day 1 and Day 2)

So, that night I went to see Ciara, my best friend and another touch stone I need to be normal (she was also in the post of women I  admire). She was leaving in a few days to Spain for a month.  I had not seen her in about a month and I absolutely could NOT miss a chance to see her before she went on her trip!  I had stayed away for so long because I had mistakenly thought that she needed some space.  When in reality, she'd been finding things to do because I was busy.  My time with Ciara was completely needed to fill my tank up to full.

After leaving Ciara's, I came home and slept soundly for the first time in more than a week.

What these three days taught me is that I have neglected myself and helped myself into my crazy spiral of depression by NOT CONNECTING with the three people I need in order to stay grounded: my husband, myself, and my best friend.  I hadn't been able to think straight because I didn't do what I knew to be true (and had been reminded of with that Meyer's Briggs test) - I need people to be me - Recharge #3

So, having gone through this epiphany, depression and then understanding, I understand that I need to go through a process to figure out what I want and can do about promoting women role models.  Maybe even that phrase "promoting women role models" isn't exactly the end result I'll find.  But I know I want to do something with all of this information about awesome women I know or don't know about.  I want it to be a journey to find the end product.  I don't know what the end product will be, but it will be a journey.

I'm now ok with the fact that I don't know, but I do know that it will be a process and sometimes, being IN the process is the right thing.

So - what does my epiphany and journey mean for all of you? Here is what I can tell you.

• I'm going to write about that journey here. Every post may not seem related, but they are all related to how I go through the journey I call my life and will shape anything that becomes an end product.
• There will be a page on this blog that has links or notes on all of my "research" about this journey
• I'll be reaching out to EVERYONE I know and maybe those that I don't know to get  more information and more research
• But MOSTLY, if you so choose, it means you will be able to:
• Come along on my journey
• Call me out when I need your help to remind me that all is not lost
• Celebrate with me when I have triumphs 
• Teach me about what I need to know to stay on the journey

So - things to look forward to (at least for me, and maybe for you!)

• A body form!!!  I'm buying one - any suggestions of type would be appreciated, but here's the one I'm currently researching.
• discussion about some of my favorite people's women they admire (here are a few)
• Klondike Kate
• Geena Davis
• Rachel Maddow
• Dorothy Parker
• Madeleine Albright
• More about the women I talked about before and maybe some new ones (like Ultra - my comic hero)
• Kickstarter campaigns that promote women as role models
• Maybe interviews with those that want to support this sort of thing (Megan - I'm talking about you and that cool event you went to last night!)
• news articles we should be reading
• opinions about all of this stuff
• you helping me through this journey and being part of it

A ridiculously gluttonous day

When we first met, we used to go out to eat all the time.  That was back when we both had jobs that paid us 100% and when we were courting. . . so we spent WAY more time together than we do now.

So yesterday was a bit of a throw back to our courting days.  And MAN - it lived up to what I remember it to be like.

First - I got up and went to breakfast alone (this is very normal for me, my husband likes to sleep in and isn't that much of a breakfast man - which could have been a deal breaker, but he's way cute, so I can't complain too much).

Then we went to the, very seriously anticipated by us, King Tut exhibit at the Pacific Science center.  Now, I could go on and on and on about how cool it was. . . but that would be a big lie.  We left disappointed.  Very disappointed.  The coolest thing there was this cat sarcophagus.

NO MUMMY was there (unless you count the plastic one they made look like the real one on the way out of the exhibit). . . this sucked on an epic scale as our expectations were fairly high.  We bought our tickets for the exhibit at 1:45pm and the mummies movie at 3:30pm.  We were done with the exhibit by 2:10 - NOT KIDDING.

There were too many people and most of the stuff was from other pharaohs.  And you don't even have any context about who those other pharaohs are unless you go to the movie, which you have to consciously choose to purchased before you go to the exhibit.

The movie wasn't much better - I prefer the real national geographic stuff to this 40 minute thing that kind of made sense, but only kind of. . .

But my husband and I did have a fun time at the act the PSC doing other stuff.  Bathrooms, hippies, music, sun, hamburgers, cheese, water, weird people that cut in line and could have caused alarm, the sun telling me I need to lose weight, and my husband espousing on motors and levers. . .

The best part of the day, though, was dinner.  We went to Bizzarro's - and there are exactly three pictures from there and NONE of them are of the food.  Why?  Well, two the pictures were taken before I saw the cell phone surcharge sign and one because I felt a little bit like being naughty.  It's a picture from my seat.  The picture on the right is actually a shot of where I was sitting on the left side by the window (from their website).  The  picture on your left is of my view out the window (and up).  So pretty.

The staff seemed friendly enough and I felt like it was a bit bizarre that the three wait staff seemed to be either a 50's pinup type, a 60's twiggy throwback, and a 70's rocker chick.  I kind of liked it. I was, however, disappointed in the fact that two things did not happen as I thought maybe they would.  There is a sign when you walk in that says "no one is "fine" with just water" - and the table before us, ALL FOUR OF THEM, said "we're fine with water".  Not a peep from the waitress. . . the sign without action kind of lacks conviction.  Secondly, when I took my flower picture, no one told me not to and didn't charge me a surcharge. . . disappointment on lack of follow through.  It could have been a more fun evening with that kind of follow through.

But without further ado, I would like to say that I had a great meal.  Not everything was great, but overall, I would totally come back to this place.

We started off with the drunken clams - menu actually said the sauce was something to die for - and it was SHAMEFUL I did not finish the last of the clams (did I tell you I hate clams - do not like them. . . unless they are these drunken clams, and then I will eat clams for the rest of my life and only clams).  There were enough clams for both of us to have for a real meal - and this was the STARTER!!!

I ordered the soup of the day, creamy cauliflower.  At first, I burnt my tongue because it was so hot - not a good start.  I think it needed some salt (which I didn't put in there), but after a few spoonfuls, I was enjoying the soup a little too much.  It was creamy and yummy and had a great aftertaste.  Our next course came too quickly - the caesar salad.  Here, nothing too remarkable.  The dressing was original and good, but really, meh -  and next time I would do without and should have tried the caprese salad.

The main courses came - the leg of lamb and brussel sprouts my husband was having smelled SO good.  As did my pesto and shrimp capallini.  My dish needed some salt (and this time I kind of wished I had had some to put it on there).  I'm not a huge salter, but even though the flavors were good, I think it needed a bit more salt.

The brussel sprouts were the winner of the evening - in that lamb sauce - holy ravioli - I would eat that and the drunken clams for every meal every day.  My husband said the lamb was over cooked, but that the closer to the bone he got, the better it was.  I confirmed (of course) with one of the last brussel sprouts and a bit of meat from near the bone.  It's not Plaka's lamb, but it was good - and the sauce and roasted brussel sprouts were DEVINE.

I didn't finish the pesto dish because I really wanted the bavarian cream cake. . . and it was completely worth it.  I finished every last bite and did NOT share.

I didn't mention the wine I had because it was unremarkable. . . and I had to drink it because my husband says nice days are for white wine.  I disagree with this statement and this house pino grigio wasn't so good (the more you drank, the less you cared).  I prefer red wine, but marriage is compromise sometimes and wine seemed to be a small sacrifice.  Mikal had put up with a lot today with his leg and the disappointment in King Tut.

All in all, quite a nice date day with my husband.

The struggle for young women today

It's weird how things come together . . . hang with me here, this will all make sense in a minute (or more)

About three days ago, I was reading my facebook feed and an article from NPR came up. It was an article on the first female african american CEO of a fortune 500 article, Ursula Burns.  I loved the article and thought about sharing it with some of my female co-workers because it had some pretty cool things in it about women and how we should be empowered and just rock it.

Then I got angry.

WHY IS THIS REMARKABLE in 2012?  WHY ARE WE WRITING ARTICLES ABOUT HOW HARD IT IS TO MAKE IT AS A WOMAN (or any part of the "minority")?  WHY? IN 2012?

Because the tragedy of it all is - it is still remarkable in this day and age.  

So, I didn't share the article.  I went on my way ignoring the reality of the situation.  I don't want this reality to be true, so therefore, I pretend it doesn't happen.  And a typically random but wonderful way, I ended up talking about this article with someone I work with who is a fellow female.  She felt the same way - WHY IS THIS NEWS??  It made me feel just defeated that this is still an issue.  And my ignoring the reality is contributing to the fact that it is the reality.

It's funny because I feel like I talk about a lot of things pretty openly.  I give my opinion about anything and everything, but this particular issue, I do not opine or lament about the inequalities for women.   EVER.  I think I thought this type of strategic silent rejection of the situation would make it not so.  I walk the walk so I can talk the talk in so many other ways, I think I felt that by walking the walk (being a good role model by action) that I could talk the talk - unfortunately, we are not there yet for that.  There are still too many "the first female " articles out there for me to just pretend it doesn't exist.

So, last night, I came home and started talking to Mikal about it last night.  And he shared a commercial he remembered about this topic.

Even he was lamenting the choices for his daughter.  I want my step daughter to have role models that ARE NOT reality stars, NOT celebrities for showing skin, NOT fashion models that contribute to eating disorders, NOT famous people that have been made.  I want my step daughter to look up to real women that have MADE THEMSELVES, and are NOT made by an anonymous metaphorical machine.

Women like the following remarkable, amazing  women.

Liz Burns Good - Production Manager for Pearl Jam - one of the ONLY women doing this kind of job for a band of this scale - She hires women and works in a music world old boys club. I am honored to call her my friend.

Terri Weagant - a passionate, courageous, talented artist, director, writer and dreamer - she makes fantastic dreams into reality. I could not have made it through the first part of 2012 without,her, my kindred spirit.

Amanda F'ing Palmer - someone that challenges the status quo for the good of the craft.  She doesn't follow the crowd.  I am proud to have contributed to her cause.

Sharon Nelson - an award winning science teacher and mentor.  She inspired me then and now works with other women to inspire them (including my mom).

Ciara McGrath - a fearless traveller and passionate civil rights activist.  She reminds me every day to reach for places unknown.  Plus, no one can have a beer in a cool bar in a foreign place better than  she! She is my friend and my family.

These are people I want to be like - that I wish I had as much talent, patience, honesty and integrity that they have.  Some are people that I've never met, some are very close to me, some are famous, and some aren't (but should be).

With my discovery of Amanda Palmer, recent connection with a kindred spirit, meeting of new people, and the discussions about why I pretend the inequality of women in the world doesn't exist, and the fact that I'm now a step mother - I have to take a more active role.  I want to inspire like these women.  I want to challenge the current standard, I want there to be NO NEWS - it should just BE.  I want to be part of that.

I'm going to actively have this discussion from now on - I will not be silent.  I will walk the walk and talk the talk in a different way - in a way that will change the WHY these stories are remarkable.  We are remarkable, not because we are the "first" to do anything - we are remarkable, because we ARE remarkable. 

Cocktails at the Centre of the Earth - Review

Most of the time I go to the theater, I spend a huge amount of time evaluating every little thing about the production.  Less about the performance and direction of the performance and more about the lighting or how the show comes off from a stage management perspective.  Why?  Well. . . I'm a stage manager, so I am always interested in how other stage managers make a show go well.  Our jobs are to make the performance go well and look good!

I have to say - when I watched Cocktails at the Centre of the Earth, written and directed by Simon Astor, I did no such thing.  This tells me two things - 1) the Stage Manager rocked (I subsequently learned she does) and 2) the show rocks!  I rarely enjoy a show and just have fun - rare (and I even mean when I go to a huge production like Mama Mia or the like).

In the interest of full disclosure, I do know Simon Astor and several of the performers involved.  I am, perhaps, biased, and that is probably a huge reason for why I attended.  However, my bias does not outweigh the sheer delight I had watching the show.

I am not all that familiar with the steampunk sub-genre except for the cool looking outfits I see when it's a steampunk pub crawl on Capitol Hill, so this glimpse into their world was quite fun!  The story takes you on boats and blimps (or the steampunk equivalent word), under water and ultimately to the centre of the earth.  There are the elite, the wanna-be elite, the educated and inventive, the hard working blue collar workers, the competing performance artists (you'll see what I mean), the oppressed, a real robot and clouds  and sea horses.  You thinking, can that actually make any sense?  YES!

AND IT'S FUN!!!!

Not only is it fun, it's clever, silly and a good time.  The music, done by Meg van Huygen (whom I know as a friend, but didn't know was a talented musician/composer) complimented the clever dialog and itself was clever and interesting.  It isn't every day you listen to music where an accordion is center stage and good!  The band also backed several musical numbers (see, I'm telling you - FUN!) where several really talented vocalists were showcased.  Yes, an accordion backed some rockin' vocals.  Clearly Simon and Meg know how each other thinks.  This added tremendously to my enjoyment.

It's a huge cast.  In fact, when I was perusing the playbill prior to the performance, I thought, how am I going to keep them all straight?  But, again, the clever writing helped me right through my trepidation.  There are too many I liked so here are a few big stand outs for me.  Jonah Martin was hilarious.  He plays about a thousand people, or really one person with a thousand names in several places.  He cracked me up every time the scene changed and he came on stage.  I really did look forward to the beginning of each scene because of his performance.  Katherine Karaus (Patricia) and Monica Wulzen (Dovecote) play perfect bad girl team beauties. Katherine's innocent, adorable bad girl persona was spot on while Monica's dedicated, sexy bad girl persona will give you the chills when she sings (yep, she sings - it's hot!). Kai Curtis' silent movie skills were phenomenal and Todd Hull, Josh Hartvigston, and Laurel Ryan get huge props for their comedic timing.

There are so many things I didn't tell you about this show (talking foxes, peas, a doctor named bunny, oh and BURLESQUE - to name a few) that you'll need to attend to consume some Cocktails at the Centre of the Earth (and btw - Annex's cocktails were good AND apropos).

Am I terrible? - you decide - this is why I hate everyone

This morning, I went over to one of my favorite breakfast haunts for some protein, caffeine, and fat.  I enjoy going to this place because the staff is really good at their jobs and pretty much leaves me to my own devices without making me feel like I'm alone (to protect the innocent, I have changed the names of people and places).  In fact, I am actually quite familiar with the breakfast staff at Gwen's as I am there, almost without fail, every weekend for at least one day.  Eddie, the ever present staffer is pretty awesome, though, I don't know much about him other than he's married, he has a Kindle, and he's about my age, maybe a little older (like I said, I'm left to my own devices unless necessary, which is the way I like it).

Today I went promptly at 10am.  I ordered a ham and cheese omelet with wheat toast.  This is actually a departure from my regular order of over easy eggs, sausage, and an english muffin, so I should have been prepared for a mind altering experience. . .

About 5 minutes after I sat down, two young(ish) men came in and sat down relatively closely to me.  Eddie came over to them and said, "hey, what can I getcha?".  The "prettier" of the two boys barked out the next sentence, "Well, we will need time to read the menu, and in the mean time you can get me a bloody mary."  I took notice.  It was a terribly arrogant way to address Eddie.  But in true classic Eddie, he graciously created a wonderful looking bloody mary and set it in front of "pretty boy" (that'll be his name from now on).

Once Eddie set the bloody mary in front of Pretty Boy, Pretty Boy said - "HEY - when did you all get so fancy around here"?  Eddie said, "well, about 8 years ago".  Pretty Boy did NOT believe this and proceeded to do what I might call some "schooling" to Eddie about how long he'd been coming to Gwen's and how this had NOT been the case.  Eddie, politely listened and then took their order.

The next 10 minutes I sort of tuned out, but basically it was Pretty Boy telling his friend (we'll call him SideKick) about how things were a particular way and such and such and so and so was this way. . . You see, Pretty Boy seemed VERY knowledgeable about everything.  I think you all know these kinds of people.  He's pretty much a text book case of why I hate everyone.  Note that SideKick was taking it all in, nodding in agreement and pretty much not getting any words in edgewise.  Are you surprised?

Ever the professional, Eddie asked if he could get them anything else.  Pretty Boy needed another bloody mary, "without all of that. . . food" (waving his hands around to show his disdain).  And sure enough another bloody mary turned up complete with NO food.

Two sips in, Pretty Boy decided he wanted to pay and leave (they had been there less than 20 minutes for real).  He goes down where Eddie is prepping and says, "Mark. . .Mark. . .hey Mark!".  Eddie responds by saying, "did you just call me Mark"?  Pretty Boy says, "yeah, I just heard someone call you Mark".  Eddie, says, "my name isn't Mark".

Pretty Boy is annoyed, but pays and tips.  He then takes some matches and goes outside to smoke.  I'm so incredulous about how Eddie's been treated, I guess my face shows it.  Eddie comes over to me and says, "can I help you"?  I am laughing and say , "no, you can't help me."  But Eddie gets me some more coffee because he says that he can help.

SideKick is sitting there still texting on his phone.  When Eddie comes back with the coffee, I ask him, "Do you think that guy knows how much of a douche he is?"  At first, Eddie doesn't know who I mean since Eddie is used to dealing with crazy, stupid Douche bags on a regular basis.  When I mention it's the guy who's just left, he laughs and says, "um, no, there's a pretty good chance, with that kind of ego, there is no way he knows."

SideKick gets up and goes out to talk to Pretty Boy. . . you can all guess. . . I'm being tattled on.

Pretty Boy finishes his cigarette and he and SideKick come back in.  Pretty Boy picks up his stuff, then comes over to me and says, "I just wanted you to know that you are really pretty".

AH - I SEE - what to do, what to do. . .

I'm in a dilema here. . . Does he really think I'm going to feel badly for thinking he's a douche?  BUT - I am afraid Eddie won't be tipped (as I'm not actually aware if this happened when he paid - Eddie, later assures me they did).

So - here's what I said, "well, now I can add liar to the list with douche".

off he goes. . .and I don't feel a little bit guilty.

I hate people (these specific kind of people).  The world does not revolve around YOU, douche bag, and you have no right to treat people like your personal entourage.

Tell me, what do you think I should have done?  Am I now in my own category of people I hate?

How we met

Again with the false promises of updating my blog regularly. . . my apologies.  But now I have a bit more time to do so since I'm not working 14 hours a day, running a theather show AND planning a wedding?  Why, you ask? 

Well, work has slowed down since it's the holidays, so 8 hours is all there is. .. always more work, but it can wait until the next day.  Rocky Horror is finally over - sad, but true.  AND - I got married.  Yep, it's official, I'm no longer single.  Though, honestly, I haven't been single for about two years.

So, I figured I'd give you guys some stories.  I mean, that's why you read this right?  So here you go. .

How we met
Mikal likes to say we met at church. . . those that know Kristin, know that it wasn't EXACTLY church.  It was a Sunday, though.  Kristin had just finished her very first very difficult work deployment (software) and was visiting her local watering hole to relax and have a well deserved drink.  She was talking on the phone outside the building when, across the way, she saw a very handsome man in sunglasses.  After she got off the phone she went into the bar.
This is where the story differs depending on to whom you speak. Both believing his or her story is the correct one.  No one will ever know and they are both so stubborn, they won't conceed.

Mikal says that the ENTIRE BAR was open and when she came in, she thought "how cute is he, I'll sit down next to him." 

Kristin says that she frequently visited this bar and although the seating in the entire bar was open, at the actual bar, there were two seats open.  One next to him and the other in front of the video gambling machine.  So, she sat next to him to get her drink and read her book as she often did.  It was hard to read and spread out in front of the video gambling machine.
What happens next isn't up for debate.  Mikal got the courage up to ask, "what are you reading?".  Kristin replied, "The Golden Compass."  Mikal brightens, saying, "my daughter read that!" (Lauren has since disputed that she's ever read this book)

What followed was a very fun and funny conversation about Lauren, Mikal's daughter, what we did for a living, how Kristin knew the manager, how Mikal knew the owner, and other generally interesting things.  They talked for several hours and Kristin then got up to leave, as she had to work the next day.  Mikal gave her his number because he wanted to make Kristin feel comfortable AND he didn't want to be given a number that was a "wrong number."
When Kristin got home, she texted Mikal (getting home took only 5 minutes).  Mikal had gotten up to leave, but when he received the text, he ran back to the bar in case Kristin had come back.  She had not, but they soon started dating and the rest is history!
.

Getting married

So...getting married in a month. Pretty lovely story. Check it out.

Day 5 - pain levels

well. . . I knew it wouldn't last.  Yesterday, the pain returned.  I was at a pain level of 6-7 and muscle spasms abounded.  Yuck.

And quitting smoking sucks really really badly.

Quitting Smoking. . . AHHHH

Ok - I have to say, this sucks so bad.  I really really want a cigarette.  The worst part about it is that I only really have one a day.  And not even having the one is killing me.

The best part?  Holy ravioli, I have to say, the best part is that when I post on Facebook, I get so much positive encouragement.  How could I not quit?  I might disappoint all of you.  I'm staying strong and having some lasagna.  . . . unfortunately, it's my second choice sine my Chicken Tikka Masala is not going to happen (Annapurna is closed - AHHHH).  I know, food isn't the best replacement, but to be serious, I haven't eaten since 2pm, so it's not so bad.

Thank you everyone.  Much appreciated.

BTW - pain level is up to 5 - I am having bad spasm, especially in my upper peck on the right side.  Driving me crazy!

Pain level Journal - Day 1 (though, really day 4)

The neurosurgeon told me I needed to keep track of my pain level until I meet him again.  Since my appointment is not until Friday, May 27th, I have a couple of weeks to keep track.  I'm going to start with the day of the injection until now.   The first day is a bit verbose because you have to keep track every hour for several hours.

Day 1 - May 12, 2011

• Starting Pain level (out of 10) - 7
• 15 minutes post injection - 2
• 30 minutes post injection - 1
• 1 hour post injection - 2
• 2 hours post injection - 2
• 3 hours post injection - 4 (though, I think this had to do with the injection site)
• Then I slept
• 11 hours post injection - 3
• 12 hours post injection - 3
• 13 hours post injection - 3



see the red on my neck?  That's the injection site!

• 14 hours post injection - 3

I have to say - a 3 out of 10 feels like HEAVEN!!  (pretty funny the apple photo effects randomly picked my injection site!)

Day 2 - May 13, 2011

• Pain level - 4
• No muscle spasms

Day 3 - May 14, 2011

• Pain level - 4
• muscle spasms started in the evening around 7pm

Day 5 - May 15, 2011

• Pain level - 4
• muscle spasms right away in the morning - needed to take muscle relaxers. . . they only died down for now.  Needed to take multiple times during the day.

Anyway - we'll see how it goes!

new leaves. . .

Willing it to Shine!

Yesterday I tried to quit smoking. . . and I failed on the first day.

Today is a new day.  Today I am going to try again.  Today I will be stronger.  Today I am stronger.

I think I let too much of the other things in my life be excuses to my ability to be better.  It is truly those things that make me who I am and make me better.

This week I found out several things that are. . . .let's call them. . . "opportunities to grow" - things I suggest above are my excuses.  Perhaps I can use these as excuses, but really, they are the things that make you better, stronger, more alive.   I need to make this the time to turn over a new leaf.  Not just in smoking, but in other ways too.  First the things that I use as excuses for not being the best person I could be.

Mikal found out he has severe femoral nerve damage.  We don't know what the future holds for him in that arena, and so we move forward to try to work within that world - for an active man, it's a hard blow.  Lots of internet research to understand the long term affects aren't all that encouraging.

On the heels of that, I had an MRI and a reading of that MRI.  The result?  I met a neurosurgeon. . . My tasks here?  Well, on Thursday I had an injection in the area of C7 where I have a herniated disc.  The neurosurgeon has asked that I journal my level of pain so that he can help determine that surgery may or may not help.  The theory here is that if the injection seems to help, surgery is likely to also help in a more permanent way.

Internet searches are my enemy.  I have decided that people only post when it's negative because it's on their minds.  If they have had success, then why think of it at all?  Whether this is a delusional thinking or not, it's what I'll choose to believe for the time being.  I have wonderful friends that have given me names of folks that have had this type of surgery with much success.

After this news, I felt it was time to quit smoking.  I don't do it much anyway, however, smoking is smoking is smoking.  When I successfully have not smoked for a year, I will be much healthier anyway.  Unfortunately, I am a social smoker especially when alcohol is involved.  And last night, my will did not stand.  I had a great time at a friend's auction event.  There was wine - and it was "included" with my ticket.  So. . .I had three cigarettes.  This is actually more than I normally have.  I usually only have one or maybe two a day and can go days without it.

I also did something pretty horrible.  I forgot a very good friend's birthday.  I hate that I cannot keep up with all of the most important things in my life.  I need to re-prioritize.  So, I take today to do so.  

New leaves - no smoking, no excuses, no forgetting, no getting bogged down in the "what ifs".  On Monday, I actually posted a picture of the back of my head - I was willing a good sunny day - it didn't exactly work until the end of the day.  I'm using it as one of the pictures in today's posting because it's sort of a representation of what I want to do for the rest of my life - I'm willing it to be sunny.

Open Circle Theater Needs Your Help

Many of you may have gotten my mass email and if you have, please forgive me for spamming you again - as well as the official 'ask' I'm about to do (and my apologies if you have gotten this from someone else at OCT). As many of you know, I'm deeply involved in the fringe theater community in Seattle - and as any of you who support or participate in the performing arts (or other types) yourselves, you know how hard it is to keep a non-profit going. As the letter will explain, Open Circle Theater, where I'm currently the Managing Director and have worn as many hats as Stage Manager, Bartender, Box office attendant and general cleaner-upper, has a fantastic theater space - one of the best in the fringe community here for sure and we'd like to keep it. But we do need community support quickly if we're to maintain the space further into the year. 

I completely understand we are just another hand out among many that are asking for your financial support right now - but I'm asking you personally - and letting you know that truly anything you could spare would make a difference. 

Thanks to those of you who've come to support us in the past and even if you're unable to donate, don't be a stranger and come on down to see a late night, hear a play reading or do the Time Warp when Rocky Horror opens near the end of March.

Much love,

~kp (or Kristin for those of you that don't know me as kp)

****************************

Open Circle Theater needs your help!

 

OCT is on the cusp of its 20th anniversary of being a fringe theater in Seattle. This is almost unheard of especially with the recent news of many theaters closing due to the current economic conditions. Two years ago we moved from South Lake Union into Belltown and created Seattle's finest fringe theater space - just check out any of the reviews!

 

Who could foresee the economic downturn that has hit everyone so hard? In response to this change, Open Circle Theater has a new Artistic Director, a new Managing Director, a new acting Board President and in the last year has added at least eight more company members. In addition, we reached out to the community and asked for collaborators. Unfortunately, we couldn't fill that need in the timeline we had. Because of that, we're in jeopardy of losing our space.

 

Here's where you can make a difference in the Seattle arts community. We are asking for your support. Even the smallest donation can help us continue our craft and save our theater.

 

Please act now! You can donate while you are watching one of our great late nights in the next two weeks OR you can mail in a donation.  Here is our address:

 

Open Circle Theater

2222 2nd Avenue, Ste 222

Seattle, WA 98122

We thank you and look forward to continuing to serve you some of the best theater in Seattle!

Much love,
kp Ramsdale
Managing Director
Open Circle Theater
kp@octheater.com

Engaged! Come Join Us to Celebrate

So. . . if you haven't heard, I got engaged last weekend on Friday, February 11, 2011 to Mikal Viencek.  I'm so happy to announce this!  If any of you have followed my blog, you have read about my past and understand that this type announcement is really huge!

We would love you to come and join us to celebrate!  This weekend and next weekend we'll be spending our time at Open Circle Theater (those of you that know me, know this is NOT a surprise).  We want you to come and join us at the theather for three VERY special shows.  Mikal and I will be there either enjoying the show and your company or working the show and enjoying your company!

Friday, February 18th is Sylvia and Tor's Cabaret.  It's the AWESOME cabaret with great singing and entertainment from Sylvia of the famous Bacon Strip.  If you have seen her stuff, you KNOW you'll want to be there.  The COOLEST thing about this Friday, is that it's Pay What Ya Wanna.  You can reserve seats (and it's recommended) on Brown Paper Tickets.  She is hilarious!  It'll be a good time and you can come down and toast to Mikal and me with a special drink (I won't spoil what it is if you're gonna come!).  It starts at 8pm, so come on down to Belltown.  If you wanna have dinner before, you can try the new Dope Burger (great reviews) or Mama's Mexican Kitchen.

Saturday, February 19th is Mitzy's Ditzy Glitzy Variety Show.  It starts at 10pm and is really cool for several reasons.  First, I'm the tech person, so come see me be a slave to the lights and sound.  Secondly, there are some ridiculously talented Burlesque dancers, poets, drag queens, and of course bartenders and crew (that's me and Monica!).  The show is for those of us that need to recover from our Valentine's day.  If you ask Mikal, he needs to recover from my woeful attempt at being romantic.  Let's face it, he and I are SERIOUSLY a mess, so comiserating with the rest of the group will be some great therapy. 

Then NEXT weekend is OCT does CSI: Miami.  It's a TRUE disaster but HILARIOUS!  It's a "script in hand" improv of the television show.  If you came to see OCTV does Battle Star Glacatica, you will LOVE this.  I'm doing tech for the show, so come and see how much I screw up with some scotch!  It'll be a good time. 

At any rate.  Mikal and I want you to come out and toast with us.  It'll be a good time and you'll be helping out my greatest love that isn't a human.  It'll be great!