Saturday, May 31, 2008

Cute baby!

From our trip to the Dancing Paint studio on Bainbridge Island on Memorial Day:



Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend

My Memorial Day weekend began like most - I cursed my alarm clock as I awoke at 6am to get ready for work. Work was interesting, because it was Memorial Day and we had maybe quarter staffing for the holiday. I ended up with too much work, missed my ferry and had to take the next one, which made me miss my ride, but it all worked out, cause I just walked and met my ride at our destination.

Destination: Dancing Brush (or Paint, or Paintbrush, whatever it's called now) on Bainbridge Island. I decided on making a birthday giftie - a painted Green Man (Froud) on a large serving platter - and it took three hours to paint. Then, I realized I might have just enough time to do a mug I brought with me, and painted mod style poppies on it (Thanks to M. for the design inspiration!).

After that, I got food at Central Market (yum!) with M., and we watched three episodes of Flight of the Conchords, which was totally sweet. I love those guys - so hilarious. I know they hate being called British/English, but their humor vibe is totally Monty Python with music.

My evening ended with a trip to McCloud's with my friend J. to sing some karaoke. I decided to really go for it, and sing "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette, a song I hadn't ever done before, and totally nailed it, so that's always a fun adrenaline rush.

Finally back to my apartment at 1am to go to sleep and be rested for my 12 hour day at work (today).

All in all, I'd say an excellent holiday. :)

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Coming home tomorrow!

I have had a simply wonderful time here in Austria. I hung out with friends, took lots of pictures with my new camera, and went shopping, ate good food, lazed about in the backyard.... essentially everything that I have to work to make time for at home.

Here are my favorite pictures from my trip: Schloss Belvedere, Ruine Aggstein, Stift Melk, St. Stephen's Cathedral interior, and part of the fountain at the Parlament.






Monday, May 12, 2008

Austria

I am currently enjoying a short (9 days) vacation in Austria, which you can see documented in great detail with my new camera on my flickr page. :D

It was a spur of the moment decision in January, and now I'm so thankful I decided to go. It was a great break from my schedule - constant working, essentially - and my schedule when I get back - constant working.

For now, I'm going to fully enjoy the remainder of my vacation, and I hope you all are doing well! Here is my favorite picture I've taken on this trip thus far:

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Myanmar Aid - Donations

As some of you know, my friend Michael Shirk has been living and working in Yangon, Myanmar since 2005 as a band director. He is currently there, helping the Red Cross distribute food and water, bags of rice, and clean water in Yangon. Because of the lack of volunteers, and the difficulties imposed by the Burmese government upon granting visas to aid workers makes the support of those already in the country that much more imperative. The first UN Aid plane arrived in Myanmar only today. The Burmese government has stated it will accept international aid, but it will be distributed by the government - the corrupt military junta that has been in power since 1962. US officials believe the death toll may reach 100,000.

Because of the difficulties imposed on aid organizations in getting aid into the country, I am depositing money in his bank account via Paypal to use for direct relief efforts in Yangon. Mike currently has cash in the country, but due to Myanmar's infrastructure, it is difficult to send money of any sort in. This deposit will either repay his personal investment, or if it is possible to do so, his mother may be able to wire transfer the money to Myanmar when services are more restored. Every little bit helps in a country where people scrape by on less than $2/day and rice currently costs $40/bag.

Please let me know if you would like to help donate to his efforts in Yangon or if you would like further clarification. I will forward the information to him and his mother and give information on how to send funds via Paypal.

As always, your good wishes and prayers are also appreciated.