Month of October, 2005

U2 in Dallas

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I went back to Dallas this weekend to go to the U2 concert with Chris. We had the most fantastic weekend. The concert itself was a religious experience. I cried through at least half of it because it was so magical. I don't think I've ever been to such a packed arena before with so much energy. Incredible. I now understand why people follow them all across the world to see them play.

You're probably wondering who Chris is. Chris and I dated briefly in high school (very briefly, like 3 weeks, because I got grounded). We lost touch and got reacquainted at our high school reunion in August. We really like each other as adults so we've started dating (despite the distance). It figures I'd meet someone in Arlington just as soon as I move away. Fate has it in for me like that. I mean, Chris lives less than 10 minutes away from where I was living. How did this not happen before? (Well, truth be told, we did see each other in a bar about three years ago and I blew him off. So I totally blame myself for missing an opportunity.)

The rest of the weekend was spent with friends and family. I had a wonderful time seeing everyone and it even made me a bit sad to be away. I'm glad I'll be back in Arlington in two weeks for Kristen and Chris' wedding!

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Ghosts of Phoenix

Saturday night I went to the Ghosts of Phoenix Tour at the Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix. I was amazed at how many people showed up, which was probably over 50. Before the tour started everyone wandered around the small and crowded lobby or spilled out into the street. The hotel is very, very old but has quite a nice charm to it.

The tour itself was good. The tour guides started off with some basic explanation of hauntings and history of the hotel. Then they split us into two groups for ease of movement. My group started on the 2nd floor where we toured an apartment built for the hotel management. The apartment has been empty for quite sometime due to unusual activity in it. My tour guide told stories about when the apartment had been turned into an office and regularly items were moved during the night. In one case, a whole desk was moved across the room. Apparently hotel employees avoided the apartment because of the strange happenings there. The dark and empty kitchen definitely creeped me out, but I didn't see/feel anything weird.

Next we moved to the basement. In general, I think basements are creepy. This one was creepy just because it's part of the hotel guests aren't meant to see. In typical form, there were maintenance items, items for storage, and various utilities running in the basement. At the beginning of the tour, it was mentioned that there was a lot of "activity" on the ramp leading into the basement. So when we got down there, I was certainly focused on it. I took a number of pictures of the ramp because I was hoping to get "orbs" in my pictures. Many people believe that orbs in photos are ghosts. Unfortunately, I did not get any orbs in any of the pictures I took the whole night. However, I did have a strange experience while I was taking pictures of the ramp. After taking a couple pictures, my camera suddenly stopped. It was still turned on and appeared to be working, but the shutter wouldn't release. (This camera is an SLR digital.) Naturally I found that very strange. I could turn away from the ramp and take pictures but nothing of the ramp itself. After a minute, another woman came next to me and we began discussing the weirdness of my camera. She wanted to check my settings and without changing anything was able to take pictures of the ramp. After she handed the camera back to me, I was able to take pictures again of the ramp and other things in the basement. I'm definitely making a bigger deal out of this than it probably really was, but it's by far the most interesting thing that happened to me that night. I'd like to believe that the ghosts simply didn't want me taking pictures of the ramp at that moment.

I missed the tour guide telling the story about the basement which was quite disappointing. But what I picked up was there is a well in the basement. It was drilled in the late 1800's when a school was built on the land. At the time of the drilling, native Americans in the area opposed it because they said the water supply was a sacred one. Now some people believe the water and this well in particular is a portal to the spirit world. There was also something about three children who died in the well, but I didn't catch any of that story.

After the basement we proceeded to the top floor of the hotel, the seventh floor, I think. In the hallway, we were told about a woman who threw herself off the roof of the hotel in the 20's or 30's. She was apparently having an affair with the bellboy at a hotel down the street and he called things off. Though, there was speculation that he may have helped her off the roof. It is now believed that this woman haunts the hotel and often men staying in the hotel alone see her at the foot of their bed. She only stays a short while and then disappears. Others have seen her floating down the hall and can smell her strawberry perfume. Another event she is believed to have some part of was in the past 5 to 10 years when the seventh floor was being remodelled. One night a guest on the sixth floor called the front desk to complain of the person in the room above him had the television on too loud. The front desk thought this was very strange since there weren't any guests on the seventh floor, but the hotel is haunted after all. So two security guards went to the seventh floor where the discovered every television and every radio on the entire floor turned to full volume. Can you imagine how creepy that must have been to turn them all off?!

Our tour ended outside the hotel across the street. From that viewpoint, our tour guide could easily point out the apartment that was built on top of the hotel. It was built for the owners of the hotel though no one has ever lived there. According to the hotel staff, at times lights will turn themselves on and off in that apartment despite no one being allowed entrance to it. Our tour guide, who seems to know the hotel staff quite well, said she tried to gain entrance to the apartment but the staff had a difficult time finding a key. She finished off the tour by telling us about various bars and buildings in the area that we also haunted.

After the tour, I stuck around and listened to people's stories. One woman showed her friends all the pictures she got during the tour that had orbs in them. Another woman talked about the travel channel episode that was done about the hotel. The tour guide answered lots of questions and told some great stories - like the story about the two psychics on the tour the night before.

All in all I really enjoyed myself on the tour. Despite nothing exciting happening to me and not getting any orbs in my photos, I'm glad I went. I got to see a neat old hotel and hear some good creepy stories. It was well worth my $10.

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Fake Money

link via Leia

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Words

Words that I think technology companies use too much:

solution
scalability
enable
synchronize
collaboration
real time
fully realize
actionable

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Quote of the Day

"I've been dreaming about Sonic."
- Karen, who is coming back to visit the States in 2 weeks!

Gardening

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On Sunday I did some gardening. In the front yard, I replaced some unappealing (to me) grassy plants with cactus and succulents. I still have a few more to replace, which I'll get to in the next couple weeks. I also planted an indoor cactus bowl. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out! The weather is beautiful here so it's nice to get outside and do this gardening.

Coworker Frustration

I work with one of the most unhelpful people I have ever come across in my life. It's so amazing to me that he's unhelpful because we're in the department that gives customers help. This person is so unhelpful I'm trying to find ways not to work with them. I just want to avoid them. I've never had this problem before. I've never had such difficulty with a coworker. It's weird because it's work. It shouldn't be like this.

Any suggestions for how I should work through this? I know that this person is not going to change so if things are going to get better, I have to change. Advice would be appreciated.

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Stoplights

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the stoplight blink red for the people in the left turn lane. It means you can turn left if you proceed with caution. Flashing red means go if you proceed with caution. That seems to go against everything I've ever learned about red. Especially since if you wait long enough you'll get a green arrow after the flashing red. It struck me as very stange.

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I Miss My Mommy!

Really, I do. And I miss my dad too. My parents have been on a cruise for the past week and a half. Usually we stay in touch by talking on the phone regularly but we don't have that luxury when they're on a ship. I feel so disconnected from them. It feels like AGES since we've talked (really, it was just over a week ago). I'm glad they get back tomorrow.

Today is Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday!

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Items Missing Since the Move

(and whose location I'd really like to find)
- sewing supplies, you know simple needle and thread
- power cord for the printer
- memory card for the Game Cube

*Update*
I found the printer power cord on 10-23.
Sewing supplies found (in the garage) in December.
As of June 2006, I still haven't found the memory card.

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Nightmare

I was having a nightmare this morning before I woke up. So I guess that would make it more of a morningmare. I was dreaming that I left for my business trip and I found myself running two hours behind schedule. I suddenly realized that I had missed my flight which also meant I missed my connection. There was no way I was getting to Michigan in time. Yet somehow I ended up at the airport and was trying to standby for another flight. Then I realized that I didn't have any luggage with me. The one item I was most concerned about was that I forgot the power cord for my laptop. For some reason I actually had my laptop with me, but no clothing. I suppose that's becausein real life I almost always have my laptop with me. So in my dream I resort to running around the airport with a security guard, who looked like a British cop, trying to get my luggage which I thought I left in a cab. It was all very frustrating and horrible when I finally convinced myself to wake up and actually begin packing so this horrible nightmare wouldn't happen in reality.

Hiking

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This morning I went hiking with Gail, Cathy, and Ann. Bentley went with us too. We hiked the Waterfall Trail in the White Tank Mountains. The hiking was easy but it was just nice to be out. The area where the waterfall would be (if it had rained anytime recent) is incredible. I'm definitely going back during rainy season so I can see the water running through it.

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Girl Talk on a Saturday Night

S: You are fallin hard grl
me: I know!
S: I can't wait to meet this young man
me: I can't wait for you to meet him!
S: he seems very cool
S: cool enough for you
S: thats a tall order
me: He is. You know the scary thing is I don't know the bad things about him yet. I kinda keep waiting to find out that he's got some really horrible habit or something.
me: That's such a crappy outlook.
S: Just grounded in reality...I guess
S: What if you NEVER find the crap stuff?
S: Now - that is a soul mate
me: Then I know I don't REALLY know him!
S: hahahaha
me: Well, you're my soul mate and I know you don't have any crap. So maybe it's possible.
S: It's becuase we are women. we're lovers not haters

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Update

This week has been typically all about work. Some days have been better than others but they've all been quite busy. During my lunch breaks, I'm reading a book about Arizona's history. I figured I'd better know something about the state so I can be a decent tour guide when my friends start visiting. (Friends, when are you going to start visiting? Now would be a good time, it's not hot as hell anymore.)

Wednesday night, I went to Matt and George's house to eat steak and watch a movie. Matt and George are Lubbockites so it feels like home with them. We saw The Tao of Steve. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it if you're looking for a romantic comedy that's geared towards men. There are three rules of the Tao - 1. Eliminate desire. 2. Be excellent. 3. Retreat. My favorite line from the movie - "We pursue that which retreats from us." Its so very, very true.

I'm travelling all next week. Going to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday and Tuesday. Hope it's not too cold up there. Then on to Dallas for the rest of the week. It's kinda weird to travel to Dallas for business after living there for so long. The weirdest part is definitely driving a rental car there instead of my own car; it just doesn't feel right. I'm looking forward to visiting clients and seeing coworkers, friends, and family while I'm there.

The Weekend

Saturday morning I got up early and met Gail, a coworker, for a hike around Piestwa Peak. We didn't actually hike to the summit but took a quieter, less travelled path. We took Bentley and he did amazingly well for such a little guy. The weather was incredible - sunny and cool. The highlight for me was getting to know Gail better.

I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up the house. I finally got rid of a giant pile of boxes that had been collecting in the garage. I made a trip to the dump and got all the cardboard in a huge recycling bin. (I sure hope they recycle that stuff and don't just dump it in the landfill.) Oh, and as I was driving out of the dump, trying not to gag when the wind blew my direction, someone driving into the dump whistled at me! Come on! I'm at the dump. Do you really think you're going to pick me up?! Geez.

Saturday night I went to see The Civilization of Maxwell Bright, which was showing as a part of the Scottsdale International Film Festival. It was an excellent movie. A little raw because it's an independent film but the story was incredible. It made me cry. After the movie, the lead actor, Patrick Warburton, and the producer, Steven Wolfe, held a question and answer session. I didn't stay for the whole session because I was still crying too much about the movie. I really should remember to take kleenex with me to the theater especially when I don't know what the movie is about.

After the movie I treated myself to sushi at Kyoto. The sushi was good, but not as good as the place in Ahwatukee (south Phoenix) the week before. I think it was called Sakana. After dinner I headed to Rogue, a bar that was full of hipsters. The dj, William F-ing Reed, isn't quite as good as he's written up to be in the paper. But it was fun to watch the crowd, tap my toe to the music, and laugh at all the long hair. (When did 70's rockstar hair become cool again? That's one fad I'm definitely too old for.) I met, Ryan, who's lived here long enough to practically be a local. When things got too busy at Rogue, he took me to Ky's Place, which is definitely the most punk rock bar I've been to in ages. The crowd was cool and the conversation good, so I'll definitely be back again.

Sunday I spent the morning recovering from a hangover and folding clothes. I let the clean laundry pile up and I probably had 5 loads to put away. sunday afternoon I headed off to the mall to pick up some clothes for work. I had an amazingly successful trip and am quite pleased with the new wardrobe. OK, I didn't really buy a whole new wardrobe, but I did feel like a clothes horse as I dragged multiple, bulging bags out of the mall.

Sunday night I went to the circus. OK, not the circus you'd think about normally but a musical, rock and roll circus. I saw The Yard Dogs Road Show. It was definitely the best mix of music and performance I've seen with a carnival theme. I was highly entertained and sad when it was over. There were dancers, a sword-swallower, a snake oil selling caller, an accordian-playing tap dancer, a rockstar, a fire-eater, and a washed-up boxer (whose song was probably my favorite). If this show comes to your town, I'd highly recommend you see it!

KB

Autumn sent a new picture of KB! In random facts, I was at a bar on Saturday night called "Ky's Place."

Butterfly

Sunday afternoon I saw a buterfly in the backyard. I love how it blends so nicely with the yellow flowers.

The weather cooled off nicely this weekend. I opened up the house and turned off the air conditioning. Last night it was so chilly I had to close the windows before I went to bed. I love living in the desert!

Bentley

This dog completely cracks me up. I caught him in a funny moment in the backyard yesterday. What do you suppose he was thinking about?

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First Friday

First Friday in Phoenix is when downtown shows off all its art. It reminds me a lot of the gallery night that Houston did. I found myself in a very few commerical galleries and in a lot of studio spaces. I had a great night walking around downtown and taking pictures. I still have some improvement to do on taking night pictures but here are some that I'm pleased with.

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New Years Resolutions Revisited

At the beginning of a new year, it's traditionally the time to reflect on ones life and make resolutions. I usually don't do it because a few years back I decided that one resolution was enough for a lifetime. That resolution is to live without regrets. But at the beginning of this year, things felt different. I decided that I indeed did want to reflect and I forced my friend, Phil, to do it with me. He didn't really know what he was getting in to when he agreed to spend new years eve with me in Austin, Texas.

So before we went out to enjoy what turned out to be a fantastic 80's dance party, Phil and I reflected. And then we made lists. I taped butcher paper to the walls of the western-themed hotel room. We used big markers to write our lists. It was awesome.

While the butcher paper lists are long gone, we preserved the content. When I saw Phil earlier this week, we talked about new years (and the possibility of spending it together again) and our lists. I dug them up and we've reflected again. So here you go.

Erica's Objectives:
1. More fresh fruit and vegetables- I've done a horrible job on this one. Horrible, horrible, horrible. It's amazing my insides haven't rotted away yet. I've got to continue to work on this one. If it's any consolation, I ate an apple for dinner last night.
2. No cussing - I've still got a potty mouth but it's much more under control than it was. For example, my boss hasn't heard me drop an f-bomb since the beginning of the year. And it's not because he wasn't listening, but because there haven't been any at work.
3. MBA - HELL YES, I DID IT!
4. No regrets - Done. This one is easy. It's a way of life for me. It's baked in the way I live. I don't do anything I regret and I don't regret anything I do.

Here are a couple lists that aren't really new years resolutions but were part of the whole process.

Erica's Getting Rid Of:
1. Dating Mr. X (the man who will be unnamed) - Done. Got out of that relationship though I didn't necessarily do it with as much finesse as I should have.
2. 10 pounds - Nope, not even close. I've added 10 though!
3. Being out just to be out - Done! I found a place in myself that allowed me to slow down and stay in. I've been doing an especially good job of being content to stay in since I've moved to Phoenix. Maybe it's because I love my house so much.
4. Always chasing - I was referring to chasing men. Not really sure if I've stopped doing this completely but I've definitely improved. Right now I'm not chasing and that feels good.

Erica's Mondo Beyondo:
1. Six figures
2. Really, really in love
3. Dream house in the desert
4. Luxury car paid with cash
5. Real estate mogul
6. visit Asia
7. Be my own boss
The "mondo beyondo" concept is one I read at Superhero Journal. The idea is to think big (really big) about the future. I'm posting these now because it's good to remember what your big hopes and dreams were...because they change.

At the Airport

I love the lighting in this picture. Airports are strange places but sometimes they're perfect for photos. You can't tell, but I was on a moving sidewalk when I took the picture. It felt very Jackie Brown.

Monday I went to San Antonio. Tuesday I came back. The highlight of the trip was dinner with Phil, who always knows a good French restaurant to take me to.

It was nice to come home and have Bentley be so happy to see me. Gail takes really good care of him while I'm away, but it's good to know he still loves me the most. Though this morning, he just barked and barked at me even though he had everything he needed. The only thing he hadn't had was a treat so I gave him one and he shut up. What a demanding litle dog!

The weather in Phoenix was perfect this morning. I just wanted to sit on the porch and read the paper. But I figured it was best for my career to show up at work before 10am instead. I think I'll go hiking Saturday or Sunday morning in order to take advantage of the low temperatures. I'll either hike Lookout Mountain or Piestewa Peak.

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Passion

How would you describe your passion in three words?

- from the article in Wired on Tim O'Reilly

Mine is something like...
socialization on the internet
internet socializing
connecting through technology
internet networking
social networks

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House Pictures

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Saturday night I had a housewarming party. Since the house was good enough to show my friends here, I figured it was in good enough shape to show you. Mostly pictures of the house and a few pictures of my guests.

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