Today I received an e-mail direct from Sadie, our former kitty who it appears now has her own e-mail address (!) at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital. Princess Sadie Thumbs (as she is known for her attitude and extra toes) is now living at the vet's office while she waits for a new home. They graciously offered to house her there as they do for a certain number of Tacoma Humane Society kitties that are up for adoption.

Dear Ensie, Frinklin & the crew,

Life is good here at Met Vet. My food bowl is right next to my bed -- I don't even have to stand up to eat. My litter box is two steps away, so I use it always. I feel like a princess here.

Sometimes the staff makes me walk around for exercise, but I discovered if I try to eat their plants, they let me go right back to napping in my room.

I could live like this forever!

Love,
Princess Sadie Thumbs

As you can see, Sadie has happily taken over their office.

You can e-mail Sadie at Sadie(at)metvetpets(dot)com, especially if you're interested in adopting her.

Posted by: Ensie at 11:49 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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This morning while in a hurry to get out the door to meet the usual group for Sunday breakfast I noticed a suspicious lack of noise coming from one corner of the dining room. Normally this spot is home to Gilbert, my fussy grey cockatiel I've owned since I was nine (if you're doing the math that's 22 years). His large cage appeared to be empty, until I saw his small, motionless body lying on his side on the floor. I sucked in my breath quickly, alerting Frinklin that something was wrong, and rushed to open the cage.

I bought Gilbert from the now-defunct Ramona Bird Farm with the earnings I made my first year of 4-H. I was going through an Anne of Green Gables phase at the time and named him after Gilbert Blythe. He kept a series of parakeets company over the years. Gil never backed down from cats and was fascinated by dogs and loved to ride around on Matchbox's back. Although he never learned to talk he could wolf-whistle like nobody's business.

Frinklin and I have joked for a long time that Gilbert would never die. Guessing life spans for cockatiels is just that - a guessing game. Could be 5 years, could be 20 years. A bird vet once told me that feeding him birdseed was like feeding him cheeseburgers and fries and that I should be giving him pellets. We switched him to pellets and he responded by throwing the pellets at me every time I walked by. He was back to burgers and fries after a couple of weeks. I figured making him happy was more important than making him healthy at his age (18 at the time).

Gilbert's been around so long I can't remember a time that I didn't have him. It's literally been 2/3 of my life. In the next few days I'll need to clean out his cage (once I finally recover from the virus that has sapped my will to live) and decide what to do with it.

Bird people are unique people. Over the last few years I've gone from owning several birds to now owning none. I'm not sure if I'm ready to be a regular person.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:58 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Sorry to hear about the loss of Gilbert. I'm not a bird person but I am a pet person

Posted by: Eden at April 21, 2008 07:02 AM (BDCWt)

2 I'm glad I got the chance to get to know him a little. I'll be sure to pass on any pics I snapped in recent months. He made me happy 'cause I grew up with a cockatiel named Zane. RIP Gilbert!

Posted by: KevinFreitas at April 21, 2008 12:18 PM (/fI+2)

3 Even though I've only known Gilbert for a fraction of his life, I'll definitely miss the guy. I'm glad he had such great bird parents during his two decades, and then some, lifetime.

Posted by: Cassioposa at April 21, 2008 12:28 PM (/fI+2)

4 So sorry to hear about Gilbert.

Posted by: Jen at April 22, 2008 07:07 PM (LMqvC)

5 awww, bunny. Here I was so involed in "headupmyass" land, I didn't know this. hugs, and condolences...

Posted by: JCBetty at May 01, 2008 07:57 PM (lvOTL)

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Tonight I had my first bad experience at The Hub. Which is really unfortunate, considering the fact that I've had really great experiences there previously. I wouldn't normally write about one bad time at a restaurant, except that not only was the food not good, but the service was bad too.

First - let me say that I was there the week The Hub opened in a group of 8 people and our waiter was fantastic and the food was delicious. Then was back last week and the waiter was almost oppressive he was so attentive. Kevin declared his steak "possibly the best in Tacoma" which is saying a lot considering what quality steaks there are to be had. I had pizzas both time and both were good.

So tonight I sat in the bar side of The Hub for the first time with Frinklin, Cassioposa, and Angela. Cassioposa got there first and ordered a glass of wine, only to be told five minutes after ordering that her chosen red was not available. After choosing another the waitress returned again and told her, again, that they were out. Cassie finally asked, "What is available?" and was told, "Oh, pretty much everything..." Not helpful. Fortunately her third choice actually was in stock.

Once we were all seated and ordered drinks it took a good 15 minutes to flag down our server. Granted, the restaurant was busy, but not frantic. We placed an order of fries as an appetizer and proceeded to order our entrees. A ceasar sald for Cassie, a pizza for Frinklin, chicken picatta for Angela, and the flat-iron steak for myself, asking that the fries be substituted with mashed potatoes. I sensed trouble as our waitress didn't bother to ask how I preferred my steak.

Our fries never came. When our food showed and I asked I was told it was a side order. I love it when servers tell you what you ordered. It's not that there can't be a misunderstanding - it's just that I know what I wanted, so I'm not the one that's wrong. The order for fries finally went in at that point.

My steak came, as did Angela's chicken picatta - with fries. When I stated that I wanted mashed potatoes my steak was sent back, only to be returned shortly with word from the kitchen that the restaurant was out of regular potatoes. It was just that no one had informed the wait staff. There was no opportunity for them to warn any patrons that their meal may need substitutions or the like.

At this point we were all starving. I ate my steak (tasty, but cooked more than I would like) with sweet potato frites and three of the saddest asperagus you have ever seen. As Angela said, "I would have been embarrased to plate those!" She half-heartedly picked through her over-peppered, tomato covered, so-so chicken picatta. Frinklin's pizza and Cassie's salad were pretty good, although Frinklin noted his pizza was a good couple inches smaller in diameter than it had been in the past. Our french fry appetizer (made from yams, lest you believe they had received a shipment of regular potatoes) showed up half way through our meal.

When our checks arrived our sever was kind enough to discount my steak and remove the cost of the appetizer completely. It was explained to us that the Head Chef walked out earlier today and that the Bar Manager had also quit. That could definitely explain the irregularity in our meals. While we sat and discussed this development and our meal our drinks were collected and table began to be bussed as though we were not sitting and chatting. There was no reason to throw us out, as there were plenty of empty tables, but we took this as our cue to leave.

I don't know exactly how much the Head Chef and/or the Bar Manager have an effect on the Serving Staff at a restaurant, but it seemed as though our waitress had no idea what was going on this evening. I don't think I'll be sitting in the bar section again. I hope it was just a fluke and that The Hub find a new Head Chef and Bar Manager soon.

Posted by: Ensie at 09:18 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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There's been a lot going on and I've steadfastly refused to blog about it. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's the fact that it has to do with money and the lack thereof. Or the fact that some of it's job related, or again, the lack thereof. I can tell you that I've felt overwhelmed and exhausted when it comes to dealing with life and have spent far too much time curled up in bed as of late. Then again - at least I'm not out spending any money.

Frinklin's job search is on it's eighth or ninth week now. He's sent out a couple of hundred resumes and has had something like four interviews, which s a little disheartening. It's not that his job skills are lacking or resume is poor, it's that for one reason or another he hasn't been a perfect fit for the jobs available (Interviewer: "I see you live in Tacoma, how do you plan to get to Seattle each day?" Frinklin: "Actually I worked in Seattle for two years previously and loved taking the commuter train. I also own a car, so commuting is no problem." Interviewer: "Interesting. We're still concerned about your ability to get to work each day." Frinklin: "??") or there have been a gazillion candidates. The Seattle/Tacoma job market is extremely tough at the moment. See Richard Florida's new book for confirmation.

On the upside, Frinklin picked up some freelance work this week (thank you company who smiled on us!) and the State of Washington concluded their investigation into his unemployment claim last week, so a check finally arrived. Yay!

I can say, it you've ever been in this position, it's all about having funds available to shift around. I'm having to move money from my 401K to other places, and was using a credit card to cover something for a time...until one of my credit card companies decided that they would be halving my available credit without any notice. Gee! Thanks! I completely understand that there is huge credit issue occurring currently, but freaking out and cutting off one of my liquid sources of monies - not cool.

In other news I went on a week-long Conference to the Homeland of Bob's Hogs and Weiner Pigs. It was great fun to hang out with all the fellow Bob's Hoggers. We had "pajama parties" each night hosted by my roomie and myself where we "networked" for a couple of hours with drinks. It was the best part of the entire week. Beet was in fine form. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that we spent an hour "learning" how to color code an Excel spreadsheet. Actually, I spent that hour chatting online with Cassioposa and Kevin while Beet droned on about color coding Excel cells.

The trip home from the coference was an adventure. I'll leave that to my next post, hopefully tomorrow, from my new laptop (hint, hint).

Posted by: Ensie at 09:24 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It is currently only raining on the Eastern half of my house. The Western side is completely dry. And when I say raning, I mean pouring - wind blowing, rain slanting down, etc. But looking out the Westside window - nothing.

Weird.

Posted by: Ensie at 04:42 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I've gotten into the habit of staying up far to late in the last few weeks. Frinklin still isn't working and I'm working from home, so schedules have gotten lax, hours are flexible, and late night television has been aplenty.

Folks, I give you that which has inspired a fresh round of quotes inspiring inappropriate, near-constant, inside-joke giggling:

Has there been a murdah?

Posted by: Ensie at 10:54 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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While watching some DVRed Ninja Warrior episodes this evening, a fabulous invention was brought to my attention - Mop Shoe!

If you aren't familiar with either, let me introduce you to both:

First, Ninja Warrior. G4 happened to be on one day at The Red Hot while Frinklin, Cassioposa, Kevin, and I were eating dinner. While the original Japanese show features men, Women of Ninja Warrior is far more entertaining for my money. The women's courses tend to focus more on agility and less on strength.

And, who doesn't need Mop Shoe?

Posted by: Ensie at 05:15 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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How come Seattle has Ellen Forney doing their public art and we get...this when it comes to art?

WTF?

Posted by: Ensie at 12:24 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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In an exciting collaboration with Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue (SPDR), the Seattle Humane Society is providing FREE spay and neuter surgeries for ALL pit bulls in the Puget Sound region for a limited time!

You can view the PDF here.

Direct from the flyer:

Pit bulls account for approximately 30% of lost, stray, and abandoned animals in our community's shelters today.

TOP FIVE REASONS TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG:

1. Your dog will live a longer, healthier life.
Spaying and neutering virtually eliminates breast and uterine cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate disease if performed before six months of age.

2. Your spayed female won't go into heat.
Females in hear vocalize, urinate, and produce a foul discharge.

3. Your male dog won't roam away from home.
Intact males are highly likely to roam, risking injury in traffic or fights with other males.

4. AND he will be much better behaved too!
Unneutered males mark their territory with urine (inside the house and out), mount your family and guests, and are more likely to develop behavior problems.

5. Spaying and neutering your pet will NOT make your dog fat or lazy.
Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

In addition to the FREE spay or neuter, dogs will be microchipped for FREE during surgery.

If you have an unaltered Pit bull, or know someone who does, call the Seattle Humane Society at 425-649-7560 to make an appointment.

Posted by: Ensie at 08:40 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Today while driving in the car I heard the following news story:

A woman claiming to be Michael Jackson's wife has been arrested for trespassing at the star's California home.

Billie Jean Jackson, 60, was detained at the singer's Neverland Ranch on Monday night, and was taken to the nearby Santa Barbara County Jail.

Doesn't she know that Billie Jean is NOT his lover? She's just a girl who claims that?

Posted by: Ensie at 07:27 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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With all the "Go Local" talk lately, I've been giving the idea a lot of thought. No one can argue that supporting your local businesses is good for your neighborhood, your community, and your city. It supports local commerce, encourages further economic growth and development, and it makes you feel good.

In some circles, it appears that "Going Local" has become more of a clique or a status symbol (some might even say a fetish) instead of something people do as part of their daily lives. When did we forget that "Going Local" is part of living? And who made the rules so freakin' strict?

In the course of living one's life it's desirable to incorporate going local into daily activities. Stop by local stores. Eat at local restaurants. Buy local art. But should you need to go to a big box store to get an item, do not be ashamed. If you need to enter the Tacoma Mall to find clothing, do not feel the need to flagellate yourself upon the trunk of your car directly afterwards.

I believe a good philosophy to follow when it comes to going local is "Do Your Best" (but don't beat up on people when they don't - or can't - go local all the time). As a vegetarian I followed this axiom for years and found it suited me well. Not sure that soup is 100% vegetarian? But the restaurant thinks it is - do your best!

There are a few specific points that come to mind that can make "Going Local" especially difficult:

-- TIME: Please show me the person who has time to run errands to all the different places that one trip to Target can fulfill? Show me the local store that carries toilet paper, hair care products, cat litter, electronics, gardening supplies, storage containers, razor blades, light bulbs, greeting cards, underwear, Vitamin Water, and detergent. All of which were on my shopping list the other day.

-- MONEY: Price is a factor for many people. It's been pointed out over and over that big box stores undercut local businesses when it comes to price. I hate WalMart as much as the next good liberal, but that doesn't change the fact that people have a need for cheap goods.

-- ACCESS: Accessibility can be an issue for those who work odd hours or weekends. Locally-owned businesses that close at 5 PM or on Sundays can be difficult to shop for many people. I know I've been thwarted more than once when trying to hit up a downtown location or local restaurant on a Sunday.

In the past few weeks while attending the Go Local or Die event and reading all the "Go Local" campaigning I've been ashamed to admit that I work for a large company. I shouldn't be as Bob's Hogs, while we've had our differences, is a pretty good company to work for. I've been with them for almost eleven years. When Frinklin and I decided to move to the Pacific Northwest they created a position for me where there was none. I'm proud of the hard work I've put in to reach the position I have and I shouldn't have to hide that fact.

So this is a coming out of sorts. I'm admitting that I work for a Fortune 500 company that has several locations all over the Puget Sound. While I enjoy shopping locally, I also will hit up the Tacoma Mall from time to time as I don't see many Tacoma clothing shops that carry a variety of clothing that cater to women who wear anything over a size 14. You can typically find Frinklin and I eating dinner in one of many locally owned eating establishments, often joined by friends. But occasionally we'll feel the need to hit up Carl's Jr. or Panda Express.

Lets be realistic and inclusive with our "Go Local" campaign going forward instead of making lists and shutting people out who may have reasons for spending their dollars outside of local businesses. If I feel uncomfortable talking about what I do for a living because it's not local enough, I'm sure there are plenty of other people who aren't bloggers who feel exactly the same.

Posted by: Ensie at 12:00 PM | Comments (35) | Add Comment
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1 BRAVO! I agree with you 100%; I think "doing the best you can" is as good as it gets whether it's trying to live a greener existence, trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle, or trying to parent a kid-- we're all human. Myself, I try to use indies & local establishments as much as I can, but I'm a huge Fred Meyer fan, have been known to purchase basic clothing items at the Gap, shoes and makeup at Nordstrom, and kid's clothes at a variety of mall places-- and Target-- from time to time. I find I have to work to get the best balance for our budget and our lifestyle, and I do the best I can.

Posted by: jcbetty at March 12, 2008 11:51 AM (lvOTL)

2 I agree, completely. I don't know why "Go Local" campaigning has been turned into something by some folks as a "Go Local Exclusively" campaign. As you suggested, that approach is bound to generate guilt, frustration and a sense of exclusion, among other things. And that's not what's going to inspire pride amongst the masses for making local choices. Taking a tip from various recycling campaigns around the nation, the "every little bit helps" goes a long way. And I'd be willing to bet that the messaging that results in adding a little bit more local-conscious shopping to everyone's routine will yield far better results for local businesses than setting some kind of "local exclusivity" goal that only a small number of this area's demographic can realistically attain.

Posted by: Cassioposa at March 12, 2008 12:06 PM (/fI+2)

3 There is, as with anything, a balance to be struck between cost, convenience, and other social and ethical considerations (and I say ethical here in the personal sense... as in if you choose to go local, that is your personal ethic, rather than suggesting that not doing so is broadly unethical). Stadium Thriftway, for example, shows that balance for me: I go there because the location is convenient, and I'd rather support a local shop, but I trade off for a smaller selection and higher prices. Or, to take an example of personal investment, I make a point to buy all my comics at Comic Book Ink. The fact is, it's the farthest away Tacoma option I could choose, but I like to support it. BUT I've never been of the mindset that I must not support the competition if I can't support them, which seems to be the demand of some Go Local folks. There are comics that I can't find at CBI that I will go to Borders for. There are products that I can't find at Stadium that I will go to Fred Meyer for. Despite Mr. Blue's recent declaration, there really are products that no local store carries, nor should they be expected to, either because the product is not local and shipping costs are prohibitive to non-national companies, or simply because of store size. All the people insisting that local is the only way to live remind me of that couple up in Canada who decided to live entirely off of food grown within a 100 mile radius (or something like that) for a year. Right up until they discovered that they couldn't eat anything with sugar in it.

Posted by: Joe Izenman at March 12, 2008 12:37 PM (/fI+2)

4 I love the story about the Canadian couple.

Posted by: ensie at March 12, 2008 12:58 PM (yNgp+)

5 Leave it to my brilliant and pragmatic wife to inject a small dose of sanity into this. Again, we support local business to the best of our ability, but not to the detriment our own lives. Besides, what local store carries absurdly overpriced Dolce and Gabbana handbags?

Posted by: frinklin at March 12, 2008 01:10 PM (yNgp+)

6 Oh yeah. That's me. Pragmatic. Ask them at the Volcano how pragmatic I am. And let me note - Nordstrom is local to the Pacific Northwest.

Posted by: ensie at March 12, 2008 01:13 PM (yNgp+)

7 Well said! I keep thinking I have paid a price for not putting some sort of big clobber you over the head Go Local notice of some sort on my site indicating that it is, in fact, all about local things, but then I think a) If you actually read it regularly you have to be a dumbass not to notice that b) If you don't read it because it says mama or some such stupid thing, I don't think you're going to notice it anyway c) It would only look preachy and alienate people. d) everything you said. Lord knows I spend some time in Target.

Posted by: Jen at March 12, 2008 01:50 PM (LMqvC)

8 Ur, that is, not referencing the "Go Local" campaign specifically, I didn't mean to be bashing that, more the idea of branding my site as all about that.

Posted by: Jen at March 12, 2008 01:51 PM (LMqvC)

9 Guilt is not the catalyst that should be used for going local - I agree! I'd also say that buying locally or even what we individually get out of going local is only part of the whole idea behind going local. Unhealthy relationship with the middle east, pollution, minorities having a political voice, and social disconnection that psychologists are saying is leading to epidemic levels of anxiety and depression are just a few issues that going local lies at the center of a solution for. If we were going to talk about what we get out of it individually, or purely economically, we could start with the greater life that comes from living in a holistic community instead of the craziness that spreads us out over ten different ones with lots of different groups who only know us a little bit. Also, with China and India developing a middle class that has the potential to be eight times the size of ours, we are only seeing the beginning of the likely economic shift in this country. Wood and most raw resources going up as much as quadruple in two years is nothing compared to what could happen if we still live in a system that is based upon cars and we are reaching peak oil like many experts say. Add China and India's middle class modeling ours and oil can become a much more scarce resource. Practicing things like import substitution may be the only way to simultaneously bring growth to our local economy and invest in a locally sustainable system, because our current American economic model is not sustainable. The writing is on the wall. So while going local might eventually challenge what we think is truly valuable in life I think it will be worth it. I'd gladly trade more random stuff for less quality, truly necessary items that I know my neighbor made and I can see him as I walk by on my way to work. Eventually going local will have to be more like being local. I just hope we choose it.

Posted by: Justin at March 12, 2008 02:06 PM (ZcPDH)

10 Lets be realistic and inclusive with our "Go Local" campaign going forward instead of making lists and shutting people out who may have reasons for spending their dollars outside of local businesses. If I feel uncomfortable talking about what I do for a living because it's not local enough, I'm sure there are plenty of other people who aren't bloggers who feel exactly the same. Don't feel bad about working for a large company. I have always been uncomfortable with "buy local" campaigns because it has made the issue being one sympathy buys for inferior products and services that are better and cheaper elsewhere. The do gooder guilt ridden "buy local" campaigns have some flaws in them. They are also unsustainable because people will not act on such a motivation very consistently or for very long. How ofetn is someone going to buy a $8 candle they don't need? I am trying to look at "going local" the same way one puts oil in their car: for self interested reasons not because they feel bad for the car. If you don't put oil in your car, it blows up. If the "go local" campaigns can configure themselves so that it won't have to be based on guilt any longer but rather one of self preservation and larger visions of self and community interests. Here's my latest reason to "go local": I am too busy to take the time to "march against crime" in my neighborhood from bizarre behavior in the parks and commercial areas. It is far more cost and time efficient for me to support the businesses in my neighborhoods so they stay alive and keep the area in check than me having to put dozens of hours in block watches. That does not mean I wouldn't attend a block watch if pressed or if necessary. Sometimes that may be required. But really, I would like my neighborhood and city to have enough stability so that it is not necessary.

Posted by: Erik at March 12, 2008 03:35 PM (9r3vh)

11 "...Show me the local store that carries toilet paper, hair care products, cat litter, electronics, gardening supplies, storage containers, razor blades, light bulbs, greeting cards, underwear, Vitamin Water, and detergent..." I can give you 2 options, if you like. 1) Thriftway (Based in Tukwilla) 2) TOP/Haggen (Based in Bellingham) Also on the List is Fred Meyer (originally out of Oregon). Even though they're owned by Kroger, I think we can pull the "best you can" card on them

Posted by: Cromletch at March 12, 2008 04:45 PM (nWrtG)

12 Why all this talk about "Exclusivity" and guilt. No one should feel bad about working for a large company, and I love Target as much as the next girl. Sometimes shopping at a large store just makes financial sense. The whole reason this campaign was centered around "Go" instead of "Buy" was for the very reason of avoiding the pitiful plee of "Buy from me instead of a large corp." There needs to be a balance between small business, large corp.'s, non-profits, and government agencies. None of us should be extremists. It is important for us all to co-exist. "Going Local" is more about the connectivity of a community, and the gifts you receive by being AWAKE to what your community has to offer. Sustaining that community by keeping as much of our dollar and resources in it, just makes for a better more rich existence. Decreasing our carbon footprint at the same time as fostering new relationships, is a Win-Win. Nobody is trying to polarize anyone else by "Going Local". the fact that there are so many misconceptions and misinterpretations tells me that "Go Local" is doing it's job of creating awareness. If it wasn't so interesting and challenging, we wouldn't be discussing it so aggressively.

Posted by: Daymaker at March 12, 2008 08:51 PM (DS1It)

13 Thanks Daymaker. I know who you are in real life, and I think you're right. The message that you are spreading is a good one, it's that some people have taken your message and run with it in a different direction - that of exclusivity and one-upsmanship. I'm tired of it, and that's what I'm speaking up about.

Posted by: ensie at March 13, 2008 07:15 AM (yNgp+)

14 yeah i felt immediate regret for using the term "go local" in my above comment, which made it sound like I was talking about your campaign, which I'm not! But there's no edit button. This is about a blogger pissing match, really, that kinda cheapens what you're trying to do.

Posted by: jen at March 13, 2008 08:00 AM (LMqvC)

15 Sometimes words get minced. I also know the person who started the list, and know that there was no intentional malice. Please just everyone put down the rocks and add to the list. It gives us more to enjoy. If you're not on the list, then someone hasn't experienced you yet. Let's change that!!!!! I'm an only child, so i don't have a lot of baggage about being "left out" I was always "out". I've just learned to fight real hard to be "in". "Go Local" /"Grow Local"

Posted by: daymaker at March 13, 2008 08:12 AM (DS1It)

16 No. I refuse to add to any sort of insider list that leaves anyone on the outside for not living up to some imaginary standard. Regardless of the initial intention. What the hell is the point of making a list if there aren't people/businesses/things that are on and off the list? Out of curiosity, how would I and the Fortune 500 company I work for be welcomed to the list, as it is clearly a place for small businesses? And my post isn't just referring to the list, as there are other people in the community who have taken the "Go Local" campaign and are using it to shame those who may buy from larger organizations. "But, because they had stars, all the Star-Belly Sneetches Would brag, 'We're the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches.' With their snoots in the air, they would sniff and they'd snort 'We'll have nothing to do with the Plain-Belly sort!' And whenever they met some, when they were out walking, They'd hike right on past them without even talking." --Dr. Seuss Exerpted from "The Sneetches and Other Stories"

Posted by: ensie at March 13, 2008 01:39 PM (yNgp+)

17 Add to the list? I hate the idea of a list. I'd like to burn the list down. The list is inherently exclusionary and that's what irritates me and many others.

Posted by: frinklin at March 13, 2008 03:20 PM (yNgp+)

18 I won't list it, I'll live it. I'll live real, I'll try to live in balance. Rather than write about a local business, or give it props (which I will do from time to time, but not every time) I'll nip in, chat, spend, and do my business *on a daily basis.* I think , what I find insulting (and not guilt-inducing, actually) is the list-making premise that seems to say, "this is what I'm doing, you should do the same." We don't all live downtown. We don't all live the same lifestyle. We don't all frequent the same version of "local." My local might be embarrassingly un-hipster, compared to someone else's. And I'm FINE with that, and...to a degree, loathe to share my world with the hipster masses who would mock it. For me, there's enough to balance without having to worry about creating a list and have others judge it. It's not about throwing stones, to me, it's not about *not* giving props to those who deserve it. It's about balance, and life, and just doing the best I can do.

Posted by: jcbetty at March 13, 2008 10:26 PM (lvOTL)

19 Daymaker: You so totally made my day. Sigh. And you remind me that I'm way overdue for a visit to your shop ...

Posted by: tacomachickadee at March 14, 2008 07:08 PM (nWV/l)

20 Why just because someone lives downtown and wants to give props to it's local homies, are some of you so desperately defensive. "Going Local" is not just about downtown, It's about activating wherever you deem local to be, and within whatever lifestyle you chose to have. It's an act of engagement and celebration. I'm sorry that lists make some of you feel so excluded, guilty,or insulted. Maybe you should seek a local therapist about it. I went back to DB's original post to get a handle on how all this started. I am now even more confused, because what I read was a statement about nurturing the relationships with people and businesses he trusted, while questioning his own ability to really know what or who to trust, but having the faith that he is right. He also allowed himself the possibility of being open to trust things and people he hadn't yet allowed himself to trust (sounds pretty open minded and inclusive to me). In closing he seemed to invite you, and the rest of the local public to share your opinion on local assets and social capital that you find value in. It really saddens me that such a great little town can stir up so much ridiculous animosity within itself. I hope this thread ends soon, cause I'm embarrassed. Tacoma (Like Rome) wasn't loved because she was beautiful, she was beautiful because she was loved. I'm going to chose to believe that all of this passion (even if negative) is truly deep down because we love Tacoma, we just have different ways of showing it.

Posted by: daymaker at March 14, 2008 11:10 PM (cC/WU)

21 Allright. I give. As I feel like I've done so often lately. I'm not making any Goddamn lists. But I'm not arguing anymore. Daymaker - You may be absolutely right. And I'm already in therapy. So maybe I'll come to terms with all of this someday. And either way, I don't want to make any sort of enemy of you. Embellish kicks ass, I get my hair done there, and I admire what you've created and the work you do in the community. Truce.

Posted by: ensie at March 15, 2008 12:31 AM (yNgp+)

22 I will stand next to Ensie happily as a non-listmaker. But I don't wish to make enemies, either, especially of people that should be friends! Not when I need a hair cut, for sure.

Posted by: Jen at March 15, 2008 08:38 AM (LMqvC)

23 well, I am genuinely sorry if I took things in a different spirit than they were originally intended and appeared "desperately defensive" as well as "insulted, guilty, and excluded."--(and yes, I was in therapy, which is probably how I felt strong enough to come forward with my own honest opinion based on intuition that I feel compelled to follow.) Thing is, I've had a reasonably long-term run of "going local" and I have, actually, been told, "oh, no, you shouldn't enjoy *that* restaurant," and, "why do you get your hair done there?" "why do you get coffee there? You should go there," --as well as a host of other comments challenging my taste in doing what I do as I do it, where I do it. These comments can run the gamut, from from my choice in gyms to parenting and daycare choices to lifestyle choices, so it's not just a go local thing, as I've experienced it. There's a certain inner-circle-ness about our fine city that I think can sometimes feel off-putting; as a pretty rah rah Tacoma individual, myself, I've seen some of the different ways this tight-knit community can, in the spirit of "embrace" actually "exclude." I have absolutely no issues with the message or the messengers, I just, in this particular instance, choose not to be a list-making joiner. (and yet, I appreciate that the dialogue that has transpired has been thought provoking, and isn't having thoughts provoked, and keeping an open mind, a good thing?)

Posted by: jcbetty at March 15, 2008 01:19 PM (lvOTL)

24 Jen, Ensie, and jcbetty, IT SURE MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A FELLOW TACOMAN WITH YOU. I had no idea this would end up in a verbal acknowledgement to each other that respect and even fondness is possible regardless of views. Thank you for renewing my faith in "Girl Power". you gals rock! i am also glad to hear that you frequent embellish. good thing you decided to forgive me I would hate to lose you as clients. I just started this whole blog thing when this conversation started, so I am (or was not) even sure who any of you were. It may sound woo woo, but i feel like we can co-exist even if we don't see eye to eye. I'd love to have lunch with you gals sometime. Maybe Quickie too for a crazy Jamaican and herbe' matte? i promise i won't ask any of you to make any lists. Deal?

Posted by: daymaker at March 15, 2008 05:33 PM (cC/WU)

25 Oh and invite tacoma chickadee!

Posted by: daymaker at March 15, 2008 05:39 PM (cC/WU)

26 I'm game! maybe a Quickie too-go before a park take-over? or just a good convo...because girl power is good power.

Posted by: jcbetty at March 15, 2008 08:20 PM (lvOTL)

27 Daymaker, Thanks much. We can definitely share the same blogosphere and the same city, even if we don't share the same viewpoint. And seeing us argue this thing out really does just show how passionate we all are about where we live (which I think you may have pointed out earlier). Jen, jcbetty, Tacomachickadee, Cassioposa (Kevin Freitas' wife - she left a comment early on) and myself make up the Council of Loudmouth Women, which meets once a week for friendship, wine, and America's Next Top Model. I think I speak for all of us when I say we'd be honored to have you as a guest member for a luncheon in the near future. jcbetty recommended before a park takeover might be a good time to do so. I know she'll be out of town next Friday, but possibly the one after that?

Posted by: ensie at March 16, 2008 12:25 AM (yNgp+)

28 Thanks girls. I would be open to hosting a girls night at the building in our Theater too. You pick the flick, and I'll make the popcorn.

Posted by: daymaker at March 16, 2008 12:04 PM (cC/WU)

29 You guys have a theater in there too?!?!?! That purple building is amazing ... All I can say is your daymaker term is way WAY appropriate!

Posted by: tacomachickadee at March 16, 2008 07:34 PM (nWV/l)

30 Thanks so much Daymaker! I had no idea you had a theater in there! We'll definitely have to schedule something!

Posted by: ensie at March 17, 2008 07:58 PM (0Y/90)

31 Call me girls. I may not get back to this thread, or others in the near future, and I'd hate to lose this momentum. Let's get it on the calendar. 576.4006 I'll also be at the park Friday.

Posted by: daymaker at March 17, 2008 09:48 PM (cC/WU)

32 won't be at the park (will be in a sunny netherworld), BUT would like to be a part of future conversations, wherever they may be. y'all know how to get me...

Posted by: jcbetty at March 18, 2008 06:18 PM (lvOTL)

33 Call me, I don't know who you are.

Posted by: daymaker at March 19, 2008 11:58 AM (cC/WU)

34 Daymaker ... We'll introduce ourselves to you Friday if you can make it to Frost Park ... Or I'll be at the purple tower at 10 am Saturday for a long overdue hairchop!

Posted by: tacomachickadee at March 19, 2008 10:21 PM (yNgp+)

35 Hey girls are we on for Juno Wed the 7th??????

Posted by: daymaker at May 05, 2008 07:11 PM (bGoVD)

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Because Natasha is wrong. And I'll tell you why.

Essentially Natasha has composed a piece telling us all that we don't deserve economic development downtown because we don't appreciate what already exists. We don't shop in the stores that already exist, we don't ride the LINK rail, and we fail to provide appropriate feedback to the business owners when unhappy with their current practices.

To start with, she specifically targets bloggers, and I'd like to start by adressing that issue.

To quote the article:

I notice people who are blogging all day long, talking crap about the businesses in Tacoma without ever trying a place out, or without providing feedback on poor experiences directly to the restaurant manager, opting to talk s*** online instead. I think all of the above is weak.

Where exactly are these blog posts with people bitching about about various local businesses that they have never patronized? Let alone people who are posting them "all day long"? I can't even find the terrible experiences that would require someone to talk to a restaurant manager or business owner. Can someone direct me?

What I have found are several posts of local bloggers organizing and meeting up to support local businesses. In fact, there was even concern that local bloggers had overrun one restaurant during their grand opening (it turned out that the restaurant was expecting the lunch rush and was very happy with the extra business).

As a local blogger, and as someone who hangs out with local bloggers, I can guarantee that we definitely eat and shop at local businesses. As my husband noted in the first comment on your post, in the last few days me and my blogger friends have spent time (and money) at local businesses the Red Hot, Herban Cafe, The Helm, Satellite Coffee, PSP, Hello Cupcake, Comic Book Ink, Sushi Revolution, BKB, Next to Nature and that's just to name a few. Not all of these are downtown, but we like to spread our dollars around. Along the way we either spent time with or ran into In-Tacoma, Tacomachickadee, jcbetty, Tacomamama, Cassioposa, Kevin Freitas, Izenmania, and Tacoma Urbanist.

Those Tacoma bloggers. Stuck in their homes, glued to their computers.

Ms. Gorbachev also points out that people need to use the public transportation systems we have in order to have them "improve[d] or extended". I'm all for extending the Link rail system, considering the fact that it travels something like 12 - 15 blocks and unless you're in a hurry walking makes far more sense. I don't mean to seem ungrateful, but lets get a workable system that doesn't just ferry homeless people around all day long. I don't think I should have to ride a relativelessly useless public transportation system in order to get a useful one.

I know Erik of Tacoma Urbanist has pointed out that he prefers to walk for exercise, and can walk across most Tacoma in 10 or 15 minutes. Walking is even better for the environment and people's bodies than public transportation. If people want to walk, I say more power to them. Sorry if that fucks up the economic development plans.

Lastly, there is the issue of crime that was discussed in the article.

I recently attended the Go Local or Die event downtown (Sorry Natasha, I did not see you in attendance). It was a fascinating speaker panel that also allowed much of the audience to talk about what they would like to do to build up their neighborhoods and community as well. One of the ideas that came out of those conversations was taking back Frost Park from drug dealers as it is scheduled to potentially have a fence put up to keep undesirables out.

Shortly after the Go Local or Die event, a takeover of Frost Park was organized online at Feed Tacoma. After putting the event off for a week due to scheduling issues, more than 30 people met up for lunch at noon in Frost Park last Friday. About one-third of those involved were bloggers. Proof that information posted on Feed Tacoma (and blogs) is not only reaching other bloggers, but community members as well.

This Friday we'll be meeting at Frost Park again at noon to take back the park. It's bring your own lunch. Pink cookies to be provided by Gretchen of Herban Cafe. After a month of meeting in Frost Park the plan is to move onto Fireman's Park, then onto another location. Everyone is invited!

My point is - people are ready for economic development now. They are working on all the areas Natasha took us to task for in her article. We're shopping and eating in downtown businesses. We're frustrated at the crappy public transportation (and we've written a lot about it as well as joined groups in order to change things). And we're working to make the crime situation better, and it's getting there. I don't believe it's unreasonable to expect the city to put plans in place right now for future development.

Don't just knock bloggers for writing about the situation. We're community members who are working in other ways too.

Posted by: Ensie at 12:01 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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When one thinks of gout, you don't picture it being a disease that waylays modern folks in this century. Sort of like scurvy, dropsy, or even consumption. While these conditions still exist, in the Western World we just don't worry about them as they did in say, the 19th Century.

But when Frinklin began feeling stabbing pains in his right toe so painful that he was almost in tears, I suggested that we head to the doctor. He had felt something similar every 6 - 8 months that lasted for a few days, but never anywhere near this level of pain.

The doctor was busy and so we headed to Ugent Care. With a few careful prods to Frinklin's toe the doctor proclaimed, "Gout!" and sent us out the door. Frinklin was provided with a couple of prescriptions for anti-inflammation and reduction of uric acid as well as instructions on changes in diet.

I left with a smirk on my face. Why? Because one of the major causes of gout is eating too much red meat. It causes a build-up of purines in the system, which leads to too much uric acid, which causes gout; a swelling of the joints as a response to a deposit of uric acid crystals. And I've been telling my husband to eat less red meat for a very long time.

I'm not the type to lord it over someone when I'm right. But honey? I'm so right on this one.

Posted by: Ensie at 10:52 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Dude, Frinklin, lay off the venison. My grandpa had gout and he was a butcher for many many years. I'm with Ensie--before he got it I thought it was something like scurvy. Get better!

Posted by: Erik Hanberg at March 06, 2008 12:02 PM (9T8gB)

2 I'm not the type to lord it over someone when I'm right. Wha huh? You aren't? Have you met you?

Posted by: frinklin at March 06, 2008 04:32 PM (yNgp+)

3 OK, maybe I'm one to lord it over YOU when I'm right.

Posted by: ensie at March 06, 2008 06:01 PM (yNgp+)

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Seriously Nordstrom. Stop sending me stuff like this! I only have so much will power!

Posted by: Ensie at 10:50 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Frinkling brought a really great interview with Alison Bechdel to my attention. She discusses her bestselling work Fun Home, the experiences following that publication, as well as the upcoming graphic novel she is working on.

Posted by: Ensie at 09:46 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I found an interesting article in Seattle Business Montly this week on a new company called Paperspine.com. Paperspine is the startup brainchild of Microsoft employee Dustin Hubbard. The company is modeled after Netflix, but instead of sending you movies when you subscribe, Paperspine sends you books.

Subscriptions start at $9.99 for 2 books/month and top out at $25 for 5 books/month. I think they are charging about $5 a month too much per package, but that didn't stop me from subscribing to check it out. I didn't read all to carefully through the FAQ, and received a surprise when I started browsing - Paperspine only carries paperback books at this time (although the article I read mentioned audio books?), which severely limits the inventory they carry, but likely keeps their costs down significantly. Frinklin and I immediately added 10 books to our queue and should have our top three selections in 3 - 5 days.

Paperspine's website has some limitations right now. The categories have some odd definitions, and are kind of hard to search. What is "Contemporary Fiction" and how are the titles listed within? How do I find the Chick Lit, which is definitely different from Romance? Where are the Graphic Novels? The site failed a major test by not carrying Time's Book of the Year for 2007 (and one of my favorite authors), Alison Bechdel's Fun Home.

I should stress that Paperspine is currently in Beta, and that Hubbard has recently added a "Lipstick Blogger" to write about women's books. He also has plans to add a purchase option for people who love their rented books too much to send them back. If you can't find a book on the site that you want to borrow, Paperspine will order it for you. The site is actively requesting feedback at this time, so things should improve.

I'm hoping this will limit my book purchasing addiction while allowing for plenty of reading of backlist titles I've been meaning to catch up on. I love the Tacoma Public Library, but find that I'm great at racking up fees and getting my card suspended. This may be the perfect solution.

Posted by: Ensie at 09:27 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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You never really think about elephant overpopulation being an issue. But the other night at dinner with a number of friends, Michael of in-tacoma.net mentioned the fact that there are now plans in place to kill off the overabundance of elephants in the world. I was incredulous at the thought of this, beliving that elephants - definitely Asian and most likely African - are endangered animals. I would be wrong.

Asian or Indian Elephants have been listed as endangered since June 14, 1976. The Asian elephant has smaller ears than the African elephant and the females never have tusks. There are approximately 34,000 to 54,000 Asian elephants left in the world today.

African Elephants are another story. African elephants are the enormous elephants that often roam for miles searching for water all over the African savannah. They have large ears and tusks and live in matriarchial groups. There are approximately 470,000 to 690,000 African elephants in the world today. There is still a significant problem in Africa with the poaching of elephants for ivory.

I've paraphrased some of the below writing from the linked article (IPS: AFRICA: Elephant Overpopulation Keeps Cull Debate Simmering):

During the 1970s and 80s elephant populations around the world were nearly destroyed due to the demand for ivory. In 1989 the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) banned ivory trade. This act allowed elephant populations to begin to recover, and has lead to elephants competing with humans for food and land in numerous countries across Africa. Nearly half of the African elephant population is crowded into the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

In order to control this exploding elephant population, many regional governments believe a closely monitered legal ivory trade is the answer. The question is, would this bring the economic stimulous the regions need without threatening the African elephant species? And would it really be possible to monitor a truly legal ivory trade, or would it just be a cover-up for illegal poaching?

Zimbabwe would like to take the extra step of culling elephant herds, something that has been illegal under CITES. Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa are also pro-culling. This would allow them to trade their confiscated collections of poached ivory to fund conservation work.

CITES has thus far denied permission to all countries to trade raw ivory, but has allowed for the trade of elephant hides, hair, and some worked ivory from select countries.
_______________________________________________

It always bothers me when humans fuck something up, get animals involved, and then make the animals suffer because of it. No one can explain to the animals why we're makeing them suffer, why we're killing them, or torturing them, or doing what we're doing - we just go ahead and do it. Don't worry that the animals are sentient beings, capible of feeling pain or that they are self-aware.

Elephants are my favorite animals. They live in family groups, are matriarchal, speak in a complex language, and mourn their dead. More and more zoos are giving up their elephants to sanctuaries as we are recognizing that zoo conditions cause physical and mental damage. Circus elephants are widely acknowledged to be abused.

On the one hand, I understand that the people in Africa need to be protected, and that there is a need to get the large population of elephants under control. On the other hand, I don't like the idea of allowing the ivory market to start up again. I think that's a mistake. Once it's up and running again, it would be very difficult to ever shut down again.

I don't know how anyone could ever hunt an elephant, with all the information we know aobut how their minds work and the things they think. You know you're killing a thinking, feeling, loving being. It's sickening. And you don't eat elephant meat. It's only for a trophy.

This is a decision that CITES and the individual governments of Africa will need to undertake very carefully. I wish them intelligence, insight, and wisdom in their decision.

Posted by: Ensie at 01:36 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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"Goddamn it!"

I knew exactly what pocket of my fabulous new purse I had placed the parking garage ticket in and now it was gone. Completely vanished. I swept my hand around the interior of my entire bag with no luck. My purse was even clean, having just transferred a limited number of items from my old handbag to the new one. It had to be there.

But it wasn't. I turned all the lights on inside my car in order to better search the front passenger seat better. Still nothing. I didn't have any pockets, so it wasn't hidden anywhere on my body. I hadn't moved it or touched it during my meeting at a Seattle restaurant. I had hardly done anything with my purse the entire time.

You know the parking garage rule if you lose your ticket, right? You pay the maximum amount. And this garage's maximum was $40. Not a lot by most garage standards, but more than the $12 or $16 I was expecting. And hey, I live in a one-income household now. I have to save that money for extravagant purchasing of unnecessary goods. Oh, and bills. After a good 15 minutes of searching I gave up a faced the inevitable and drove the plank.

"Hi," I started as I rolled down my window and extended my credit card, my mouth babbling frantically, "I lost my parking ticket. I know...I'm so sorry. I know it means I have to pay the maximum. I just, I don't know what happened to it. I put it in my purse and it just disappeared. I just had it! I don't know where it went! Here's my card." At that point I realized I had been talking at the attendant while he just stared at me so I shut the hell up.

I received a big sigh in return and, "What time did you get here?"

"I had a meeting at 11 so I was here at 10:45."

"OK. Write down your name and phone number on this new ticket and I'll swipe it. It will act like your ticket." He handed me a blank parking stub.

"OK?" I wasn't going to argue. I would have given him my social security number and the promise of my first born as at this point as it appeared I was going to get away with the downtown parking equivalent of murder. Or if not murder, at least a felony hit and run (I know, I know crime isn't a joke, you don't need to remind me). I passed back my contact information and he gave me a receipt for $16.

As I started the dance of thanking him profusely, he leaned over and grasped a stack of receipts and pulled one free.

"See here? This is the last person today who lost their parking ticket." A very clearly $40 charge printed dead center stared back at me. My profuse thanks went up a notch. I wondered if I should get out and hug him. Thank God a car pulled up behind me, forcing me to pull forward, leaving the parking garage and the attendant behind.

I'm not exactly sure what it was that prompted the parking garage attendant to give me the cheaper parking rate. It's true, I was having an excellent hair day yesterday as well as wearing a fabulous new outfit. But he could only see so much from behind the car door. And maybe he thought he was hitting on me? Although I was clearly wearing my wedding ring. Are things going to be awkward now? Does this mean I have park someplace else now even though this is the best parking garage in Seattle?

Sigh - weep - sob! /drama

Posted by: Ensie at 04:13 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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With the upcoming change in the law (ESSB 5037 Bans driving while using a handheld cell phone without a hands-free device, starting in July 2008) regarding cellphone use while driving I contacted Bob's Hogs about providing me with an earpiece for my current adorable cell phone. I love my phone. It replaced my Nintendo 64 of phones that I carried for several years until it died a tragic death that may or may not involve a cereal bowl half full of milk and a precariously balanced phone on a shoulder.

My current phone, the AT&T LG CG225, has been very easy to use for business purposes. The address book has been especially great, allowing me to enter people in and add up to three phone numbers per person, note if they are colleagues, VIPs, or family. I also have a number of pictures stored on my phone, my wallpaper was a picture of Pharaoh sleeping.

Bob's Hogs apparently does not send out earpieces for my beloved CG225. They informed me earlier this week that I would be sent something new and Bluetooth compatible. Once the fancy, new phone arrived I would need to purchase an "earbud" myself and become one of those obnoxious people who wander around grocery stores appearing to talk to themselves.

The new phone arrived today and it's a Razr of of all hideous awful things! Seriously - a Razr!? I fucking hate these things. They're ugly and uncomfortable to use and the internal address book sucks ass. I can't believe I've got to carry one. Ugh.

I did download a couple of new ringtones - "Popular" and "What Is This Feeling" from Wicked (SHUT UP)- to make my new phone a little more likeable.

Plus there's the pink Bluetooth earbud thing I found. Which is pretty cute.

The irony of all this is that I should really be carrying a Crackberry, as I'm in outside sales for Bob's Hogs. I spend a lot more time in the office than I should because I'm tied to my computer. Bob's Hogs won't give their Sales Team Blackberries, so we get Razrs instead. According to Beet the official reasons are things like, "You can't be trusted with expensive pieces of equipment like that."

"You mean, like our laptops?"

Doh! Hole in that logic!

Posted by: Ensie at 10:24 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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It's long been suspected that I am a bit of a shopaholic. My house would confess this sin with closets busting with too many clothes and and a large tower of shoe boxes. At one point in time I owned 37 pairs of pants of varying types, styles, and fabrics. In my defense, not all of them fit or were in wearable shape at the time. I am afraid to count the current number of pairs of pants that I own for fear I may eclipse the aforementioned number.

I grew up in a middle class family that didn't make a lot of money, but sacrificed to allow me to have a broken-down horse that was a gift from a family friend, eventually trading up to a nice horse that was moderately priced. As I grew up, my Father worked extremely hard and earned a much better income that allowed my younger teenaged sister to enjoy riding a horse that was imported from Europe. We hardly saw my workaholic Dad during the week but we reaped the monetary benefits. So I lived without money and with money.

I've held a job pretty consistently since I was 14 years old. My only unemployed periods were my first year of college and after a nervous breakdown my second year, second semester of college. In May I'll have worked for Bob's Hogs and Weiner Pigs for 11 years. I certainly haven't always made much money, but it's been enough. The really interesting thing is that whenever there has been a money crisis, money always shows up.

When The Jeffrey got terribly sick and we though his liver was having all sorts of issues but it turned out to be bladder stones that were ripping his insides apart my commission check was unexpectedly high.

When one of the cars unexpectedly needed the brakes done Frinklin had a random monetary bonus kick in. This has happened TWICE with two different employers who almost NEVER gave cash bonuses. Weird.

When I was 21 years old and had an ancient Ford Bronco II that insisted on breaking down every other day my Grandmother stepped up and gave me a cash infusion out of nowhere "because you need it." I was able to fix the car and take care of some other things that had been weighing heavily. She told me she had set aside the money for college or for a wedding, but at the time I wasn't in school and was a lesbian. Thanks Nana!

Anyway, back to the point.

Because I've had a fortuitous relationship with money, I've not been particularly careful with money. I've always been able to pay my bills on time, have good credit, and don't have any collection agencies stalking me. And I have a nasty habit of spending money I don't have. Even when my husband is out of a job.

Like yesterday. When I was at the new Nordstrom Rack in Southcenter after making a particularly successful sales call and meeting up with Frinklin after he had a particularly successful (cross fingers!) interview with what appears to be a great potential employer. I was looking for a Perlina purse that I had fallen in love with a few weeks earlier when we were a DINK household to celebrate our particularly successful (although potentially fictitious) fabulous day.

I found the Perlina bag, and it was cute. But then I turned a corner and There. It. Was. I heard a rushing in my ears. Frinklin spoke, but I heard nothing but the Angels singing. I walked forward, and touched It. The chorus intensified.

Finally, Frinklin's insistent voice broke through, "How much is it?"

"What?" I didn't look up. I was too busy opening pockets and noticing the cheetah print interior. So amazing!

"Ensie...how much? It's got an electronic tag on it. It's going to be a lot."

"Fuck," I said. Reality setting in, "I can't get this bag. It's going to be crazy expensive. It's Dolce and Gabbana." Searching out the tag I finally answer Frinklin, "Holy shit! It's four hundred dollars!" I got silence as an answer as I continued to fondle the bag. My heart raced.

"Honey. Buy it."

"What?"

"Buy it."

I thought my husband had lost his mind at this point. He's unemployed! We only have one income! I started to argue with him briefly, but then realized I was arguing my way out of a kick-ass Dolce and Gabbana bag that I didn't know how to quit. I quietly whispered, "OK!" as though we were getting away with some sort of crazy crime. An employee was flagged down, the bag was freed, and we were out the door with our loot a few minutes later.

The only down side was that I didn't know how much money I had saved on the bag. It didn't have an original price on it. I spent a good hour searching the interwebs for my bag (which is tan leather, oh so soft, with a cheetah print interior), only to find that it doesn't exist. There is only a mutant version currently available, priced at $2,195.00:

Perlina, I feel bad for cheating on you, but I love my new D&G bag. And if it makes me an uncontrollable shopaholic, so be it. I challenge anyone to step into the realm of really good handbags and/or shoes and then try to go back to crappy ones. If nothing else, I treat my quality items like gold so they last forever.

I'd like to give a huge thank you to my husband, who gave me the OK to buy something I love and really wanted. I told him that he doesn't have to buy me anything for my birthday or Christmas this year. I love you honey!

Posted by: Ensie at 05:30 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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