Battery of pin pricks

I just got my Hep A and B shots and now my shoulder feels like it's sunburned.

I decided to forgo the rabies vaccination, which means less playing with monkeys, well - unless the monkeys can prove they've been vaccinated.

Doing my part to make everyone else feel better about themselves

So last night was our first windsurfing class which was both informative, fun and at times, terrifying. Now, I have to say that i'm always game for adventure and I really like trying new things. Part of trying new things also includes taking classes in new things, they are always helpful and the way my mind works.. I just feel like I benefit form some structure instead of just throwing myself into it (unlike Jeremy who seems to throw himself into everything without caution and then turn out to be a natural - i think he has that fearlessness that kids have. I've obviously lost that along the way).

So in several classes I've taken in the past couple years (crew, surfing, guitar, and now windsurfing) and even in previous times (skiing, Russian (see previous posts) it always seems like I'm the one in the class that other people get to point to and say...well at least I'm better than that girl. It's true fellow hobby class takers of the world, I'm here to make you feel better about your novice abilities.

It turned out that windsurfing continued my streak of bottom of the class, which looked very similar to the bottom of Lake Washington. I'm glad I had my wet suit on, cause it turned out that staying on the board and above the water are just not too of my strong points. I got blown over into the reeds at one point and couldn't get out (which Jeremy wanted to know if was looking for baby Moses over there). I did eventually get the hang of it and get some speed up, for a full minute or two at a time. And I have to say, once I get the hang of it (and I will), it's an awesome and super fun sport. There is nothing like skimming across the water, zipping in and out of the waves (little ones though they may be).

For next class I'll be working on my tack and jibes and trying not to fall in. That sail gets heavy draggin it out of the water.

One more from the hike

Someone's been sharpening their nails
Originally uploaded by emjanero.

Colby took this pic of a tree that looks like it's been well used by some sort of big old creature - we're all thinking bear.

After seeing Karen's pics from the game park and seeing Grizzly Man at SIFF, seems like there is a definite theme going on.

When an easy hike suddenly gets hard

Steep climb to Eagle Lake
Originally uploaded by emjanero.

So went hiking this past weekend with Jeremy and Colby. We wanted to do a little reconnaissance trip to judge the hike to Barclay Lake. Looks like it could be a good hike in spot for camping later in the summer.

The way to Barclay Lake is an easy 2 miles, just slight up and down in a really pretty forest. We stopped at the Lake and hung out while Sassy showed off her swimming ability - she should have a sign "will swim for food." She's no retriever, but will get her webbed little feet agoing if you throw food her way.

The next part of the hike was going to prove much more challenging. There is a (poorly) marked trail that goes from Barclay Lake to Eagle Lake. It was less of a hike, more of a scramble just pretty much straight up. We slogged for maybe a mile or so before losing the trail. Taking a break on the big boulders in one of the rock fields, miss sass decided she was having no more of it. Which was fine by me, and our party turned tail and head back down. We might try it again when we hike in to camp.

Here's a pick Colby took of me heading over the boulders.

Where can I get some of those flags?

Not that I'd have a lot of opportunity to use them, I'm a responsible pet owner afterall. But not everyone is.

German police baffeled by Bush poo-flags

LIfe in the CD

I'm loving life in the Central District. After a couple months of living here and exploring, here are my 5 fav places:


1. The Central Cinema - watching a movie while friendly people bring you drinks and pizza - what could be better?

2. Mind and Body, Inc. - $5 community yoga offered several times a week.

3. Cafe Stellina, where the Sass gets lots of love and biscuits from her pal Stella

4. Swimming - the Medgar Evers pool is just around the corner.

5. Bike trails including the tunnel to Lake Washington.

On Design

Interesting and concise article on the princliples design.

Who's up for windsurfing?

Hey kids,

Anyone interested in learning how to windsurf? J and I are going to take a lesson to learn on our very own Lake Washington before taking to the more challenging waters of Lake Arenal in Costa Rica.

The class starts next Wed and meets for three times in the evening (W, then the following M and W). The other bonus is that if you take this class then you are pre-certified to rent their boards all summer. It's 70 $$ for the three classes. More info is in their summer brochure(PDF)

The class is at Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center in Stan Sayers Park on Lake Washington (halfway between I-90 and Seward Park).

You know you want to do it! It's a chance to spend some time on the water while saving for your yacht!

Lack of language

So some of you who know me may know that I'm a total loss when it comes to foreign languages. For the longest time I really thought I hadn't met that special language that was meant for me, but after trying a number of them, I think it's a lost cause. Even living in the Czech Republic for a year, you'd think I'd be able to learn Czech, right? Wrong.

So now, in less than three weeks we'll be heading to Costa Rica where once again I can throw myself on the mercy of the wonderful people of that country. I did study Spanish in high school, but I think the one phrase that I do remember "Toca la guitarra" while a little more true than it was 14 years ago, is still pretty much a lie.

Luckily I'll have Jeremy with me to help in this endeavor. Unfortunately, as we share a zodiac sign and a deep dislike for the current regime, we also share the ability to only be able to converse in our native English. I'm sure the local cab drivers are just wringing their hands in anticipation of taking us to and fro.

My friend Conor who is currently traveling round the world also struggles with the language issues and while he's had no problems in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Hong Kong, seems like South America is proving to be more of a challenge for those of us who have a language disability.

He details his adventures, as usual, in a hilarious style in the following entries: Journey to the Center of the Earth and
The Head . In that last entry, there are also exciting details about eating a local delicacy: guinea pigs.

Ah travels, can't wait.

Cartoon for the day

From David Horsey at the PI

Check it here