Thinking, listening, writing

Sitting here, in the darkness. Nothing but me, my computer screen and the melodic musings of Mos Def. There's a light from the kitchen. Other than that, nothing. It's nice. Nothing is nice. Like an escape from everything. The noise, the talk, the chatter. Nothing is quiet. Not quiet silent, but quiet like I can hear myself think, ponder. 

Thinking.

Listening.

Writing.

It's only everything I've ever wanted. A momentary pause from the game of life. Like getting to just be. Just be human. A spirit within a body. A ghost inside a machine. With eyes to see, ears to listen. A brain to think. Fingers to feel the keys click underneath my finger tips. Moments like these make me excited to be alive. Brimming with thoughts, ideas. What's in store for tomorrow? More living. More new. More wonder. It's good. It's only everything I've every wanted.

The best days of my life

As I sit here and feel guilty I haven't posted in an embarrassingly long while, I find myself compelled to write about my family. I'm pretty sure there is nothing else in the world I love more. Not even sleeping in or going on vacation. And that's saying something, because those are both awesome.

What other weekend would it be more appropriate to muse on this topic? Thanksgiving for me this year has been a trifecta of family loving goodness that I wish I was never away from. Thursday we spent the holiday with our "chosen family," the Hermanson's. Rod and Bobbie graciously invited us into their homes to celebrate with them along with their two sons, Matt and Jake, and Rod's parents. It was an all day affair filled with deep fried turkey, jello shots and many games of Canadian Rummy. Perhaps it wasn't the most traditional Thanksgiving, but it has been by far my favorite of the 20 years I've been around.

Today, I carried on the tradition of baking Finn bread, a family recipe, passed down through the lineage of the Bidon family. First and foremost, I am extremely thankful for being a part of my step-mom's family. I have known them practically my whole life and am finally to the point where I feel like I'm one of them. My sister Jackie and I were taught how to bake this amazing bread (and also how to eat it). All the while, playing cards with the rest of the clan. Jeff and Kelly traveled all the way over from Wenachee for Thanksgiving along with their kids, Ian and Michael. Matt and Holly were there with their kids Enzo and Lilly (my FAVORITES, but don't tell). And of course Papa and Bamma were there. I set a personal record by playing 3 strait card games. Usually, I can hardly stand on game before my ADD mind screams at me to do something else.

Now, I'm at home. Getting ready for tomorrow, the Apple Cup, where I'll get to spend the day with my roommates cheering on our team to victory.

Albeit, practically none of the people listed above are actually related to me, but funny thing is, they might as well be because I love each of them more than I have the capacity to explain in any combination of words. When I'm with these people, my family, nothing else matters. I'm happy and that's all I'll ever need.

Baby Shower, Lumpia, and Football

Today marks the first day in nine months I have visited the fare town of Yelm, WA. It's not like I travel to Yelm to see... well, Yelm. The truth is my best friend, brother separated at birth, and soul mate happens to live here. Over years of travel to Yelm, I've noticed this place seems like a second home, or third, whatever. Yeah, it's Yelm, defenition of the boonies. But I can't help but feel nostalgic everytime I see Stewart's Meats, the big fish sign, or Lake Lawrence. And when I turn the corner onto Jade Street, I know my best friend Nick is only yards away.

Natasha, a friend I met through Nick, had her baby shower today. First of all, WHAT? BABY SHOWER? Okay, I have to admit, I was totally freaked out when she broke the news. Frankly, I didn't even know she had gotten married, and next thing ya know, boom, baby's on the way. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait and I couldn't me more happy. But, it's sort of a shock when the people around you, the people you've grown up with start getting married and having babies. Makes me feel old, but I'm not. Well, not really.

Natasha comes from a Phillipino family so the snacks of choice were a scrumptious spread of traditional and some non-traditional foods. My favorite, Lumpia. These spring-roll like fried tubes of goodness are filled with either beef, chicken or pork (these with beef), cabbage and carrots. And OH EM GEE. They are heavenly. I have never had lumpia before, everytime they were served to me, they contained pork. And being the Jew I am, I didn't indulge. It was a happy day when I found out these had beef! It was also my honor and pleasure to get to fry up the last of the lumpia for the other shower guests to enjoy. I think I have found a new love in Phillipino food.

Okay, now football. Seahawks finish a perfect pre-season. This is good news, but it is only the pre-season. The team looks solid on the field and I have high expectations through January. Let's pray for a playoff birth my fellow fans! I just finished watching the Cougars get their asses handed to them on a silver platter by Stanford. Although, it was nothing like last year's 58-0 blowout. I guess I have to give them props for that. Now, having just ragged on the Cougs, I may have spoken too soon because the Huskies are set to battle (or run away?) from the LSU Tigers. Great, so we've got the only winless team in NCAA history going against one of the all time best? This could be embarassing. I have high hopes, but my expectation is low. I could live with a loss, but a win would be so sweet (and completely unexpected). So here's to hoping.

Easy like Sunday morning

Know what I love? I love it when you wake up and the sun is already shining bright through the window. I love it when the window is cracked open and you can feel the breeze dance across the top of your head. I love it when you sit up for the first time after waking up and you feel kinda dizzy. I love it when your warm feet touch the cold floor. I love it when you stumble to the coffee pot in the morning and all you smell is fresh brewed coffee. I love it when you sit on the couch and coffee first touches your lips and it's a little too hot. I love it when the dog jumps up on the couch next to you and says good morning in her friendly way. I love it when you reach up to scratch your head and you realize your hair is a mess. I love it when you sit on the couch with your feet on the coffee table and watch tv all morning. I love it when you realize it's Sunday and you have not a thing in the world to worry about.

I love it.

You Talk. I Laugh.

I have started another blog in addition to this one because I am a quote whore. I felt it absolutely nessa to have a special place for my favorite quotes that I hear from day to day.

So, at my other blog, "You Talk. I Laugh." you can keep up to date on the most happenin' sayings of the times. And you might even get a good laugh out of it.

So basically what I'm saying is, follow my other blog because it makes me feel better to know at least someone reads this stuff.

Click here to go to my blog.

Grazie.

For a Roomie

I sometimes think we are the same person. You talk about your dad, that's my dad. You talk about your mom, that's my mom! Our views, morals, beliefs, so similar.

You're so open. Free. I can tell you anything. And I know you will never hurt me intentionally. I look up to you.

You're never afraid to laugh at yourself, cry when you're sad, or speak up when you are incomplete. You're the kind of person I just want to follow around, because I know wherever you go and do, it's going to be amazing.

You taught me how to be okay with who I am. You gave me the gift of empty and meaningless.

No matter how far away you are from me, it's like you never left when we reunite.

Thank you for who you are, you have profoundly made a difference for me and my life.

Love, Cruth

Here in my car

There's just something about driving that just gets to me. I mean, every time I sit behind the wheel of a car and start the engine, I get a rush of adrenaline. It's like I know I get go fast. Move so fast. I like to pretend I'm racing the guy next to me. Beat him at his own game. Get to where he's going before him. Play follow the leader between the lanes. I like when the white dashed lines turn into a blurry solid one. I like it when the Seattle skyline gets bigger and bigger until you are at the foot of it. I like accelerating out of a stop like my foot's made of lead. What is it about driving? It's just so good. So exhilarating.