Let's See if Anybody's Reading This Shiz

From Helen Jane

The first five people who comment here will get something I make. Could be a real life thing. Could be imaginary. Depends on what I think you will like and my inspirations. (Note, it’s going to be something I think you will like. Actual liking not guaranteed!)

The only real rule is that you have to make this offer in your own web log.

The Chief

I forgot a very important event from my list of things yesterday which was that we elected a new president. Thank goodnes, right? I thought President Obama's inagural speech yesterday was quite sobering yet uplifting. I'm very excited about the changes ahead. I'll be realistic, nothing is going to change overnight. But, damn, did we get a new leader just in the nick of time or what? Oddly enough I feel a lot more secure about our country's place in the world right now.

Oh Yeah, Its Me Again

Yeah, it's been a while--a good 4 months since I updated at Brinki-Dink. Sorry to leave you all with that creepy video of John McCain up here for so long! I guess I just got busy. Life kind of took over and my little blog fell to the wayside.

Not to worry though. I'm back and ready to spill to the internets again. So, what have I been up to for so long you ask? Well it seems like everything and nothing. The most important shift is that I fell in love and am now domesticating with my lovely boyfriend. It's pretty awesome so far.

In other news, I traveled a lot for work, I went to Mexico for fun. I turned 30. I took some pictures and I saw a lot of friends. I danced at some shows. I met some new people. I cooked a lot and I ate a lot. I exercised a little. I saw Ann Lamott in line at the grocery store.

I'm settling in now for the new year in a new house that I love. I'm getting used to being in one spot just long enough for work to kick-up again and bounce me into another airplane seat.

We've got a new look and some new inspiration and I finally got that back-to-blogging post out of the way (that's always the hardest).

60 Minutes Interviews

If you didn't watch the 60 Minutes Interviews with John McCain and Barack Obama last night, I encourage you to check them out online. The first part of the interviews, to me, were the most enlightening. When asked about the state of the economy, the recent bailouts and what needs to happen to turn things around, it's very clear which candidate is better informed.

It's very disturbing to me that McCain demonstrates such superficial knowledge; he's obviously not doing his homework...it's no wonder he graduated 5th from the bottom of his class.

I can't wait for the debates!


Watch CBS Videos Online



Watch CBS Videos Online

Hopefully

Tour de Fat

The Tour de Fat was a success! Minty McPatty and Doctor Awesome were in full effect as were about 800 other bikers taking over the city streets of Denver with boom boxes, funny hats and bikes of all shapes and sizes. The parade was a blast, as was the party in City Park complete with flowing New Belgium brews, a fantastic circus show and great music. Here are some pictures:


The Stage


Minty McPatty and Dr. Awesome

My New Bike

Guess who got a new bike this week? Me! It's an Electra Coaster 7 in pearl and mint. It's very cute and sassy, but also functional with 7 gears and a light aluminum frame. My bike was a very sweet and unexpected gift from Nicholas for our sixth month anniversary. Gosh, I can't believe it's already been six months. I guess that means I can now officially write about him on my blog. Hi honey!

We're going to ride our bikes in the Tour-de-Fat this weekend in Denver. It's a bike parade, sponsored by New Belgium that benefits local charities and raises awareness for reducing waste (and riding bikes instead of cars). I need to think of a costume that will go along with my new bike. I'm thinking Minty McPatty who wears all green and tosses peppermint patties out into the crowd. If you have a better idea, leave it in my comments section.

Watching the DNC

Here are some photos of the haps around town.


City Pride


Don't Let Your Toilet Run!


Obama Wall


Downtown Flowers


Cheney, get back in the paddywagon!


Police Horses Cutting-off the Mall Ride


Do Tell, Asshole

I edited a few of these with the Flickr application, Piknic. It's a nice little editing feature if you want a quick crop or vignette. `

Best and Worst, So Far

So far, the best thing about the DNC coming to Denver is that there are police everywhere. I know, that doesn't sound like a sentence you would have though I'd write. However, in the past couple of days I've not seen one drug deal or been approached by any crazies...well, unless you count the insane sign-wielding extremists running around town waving pictures of dead fetuses and offensive statements about who "God" says I can and can't have sex with.

I guess I never thought there'd come the day when I would welcome a heavier police presence in my life, but I just feel so safe. I'm not sure where all the homeless people went or where the meth is getting distributed this week, but it sure ain't on my block!

So far, the worst thing about the DNC is all the out of towners running around the city wearing their credentials. I'm sorry dude, but when I'm at a conference and I accidentally wear my badge into pubic, I get chastised for dweebing-out. Here, though, the delegates, press and other esteemed guests seem to think it's a badge of cool. It's not really needed, their ineptitude with public transportation etiquette and their inability to abide by street signs gives them away anyway.

Actually, I think it's really cool that Denver's got Obama fever this week. And, living right in the mix, I have no complaints about disruptions to my daily life. Even though I do feel a little out of place because I don't have a tee-shirt with a political statement or Obama's head on it.

Banjoy

Bela Fleck and Chris Thile during a workshop at Telluride Bluegrass this year. So much fun...this fuzzy video doesn't do the scene any justice at all.

It's Hard to Work...

...with a cat in your lap. Especially when that cat is Obi! He's still cute and lovey as ever. Tuxedo cats are totally the best.

Just Like Old Times

This morning I'm sitting on the living room floor, watching The Smurfs and eating Pops. I guess when I'm home, I revert to 8-year-old behavior. I'm just waiting for my brother to come in and yank on my ponytail.

Next-up: Wonderwheels. I love the Boomerang Network. They don't make cartoons like that anymore.

Jiggedy Jig

I'm home again, home again. I sometimes forget how beautiful it is here in New Hampshire. This morning I jogged by meadows, farms and rolling forest; I even saw a bunny! The weather was clear and warm with patches of bright blue sky peeking through the trees. It's a welcome change after spending last week in Manhattan.

Plans for the rest of the week include hikes, lake time, softball, bon fires, pedicures, babies, a birthday, sleep, boxing, lobster and moped driving. Plans also include work but I'm not thinking about that until tomorrow.