smiles. all smiles.

The title should pretty much sum it up. I was on the slopes from 8am until 330 pm. They opened up the "upper valley..." at about 9. For those of you who are Alp'y riders, this would be comparable to chair 2. However, it is not a chair but rather a t-bar. And I'm sorry to say, I do NOT miss riding tbars. Riding a chair with strangers is fun. Riding a t-bar with strangers - a little close even for my comfort. Oh well. If people would learn etiquitee for tbars we'd be in better shap (like GET OFF THE TRACK when you fall of. and NEVEr ski back down the track...) Anyways.. couple other notes from today. The joys of an mp3 player. IT used to be that if you were alone people might feel bad for you. However, if you have the ear phones in, its almost like now you are "aloof" and just to cool. Ah well, it was just amusing to see how many people were riding with them (myself includeed).

And another joyous moment. I am a powder girl. I love powder. We all know this. Nothing new, its how I got my PB nickname. But this morning I was brought back to my roots (east coast skiing) when first tracks was a glorious run down smooth crisp chorduroy... Cruising along on that stuff is always a good time. :-),.

Another funny moment. There was this little girl, who was on the side of the tbar. Her mum was tending to her older sister and the little o ne was just sitting there chucking snow/ice chunks at her siste.r Reminded me, of well me! Good times.

Anywho, I am utterly exhausted and need a shower. Good thing I can wash some of my clothes tomorrow. They are no longer so fresh and so clean ;-)

lilwaldo

quote of the day

Today's quote of the day was sent to me by none other than my sister julie.

"Its better to be hated for who you are then beloved for who you are not" - Van Zant

And I very much have to agree!

lilwaldo

Ski ski ski

Well, after 5 hours of skiing today one would assume that I am knackered. Well, you'd be assuming wrong! Little tired, yes, but ready for some evening hiking to hopefully get some sunset shots of the mountain. I really wish I could post photos for all to see but alas, this internet conneciton I'm using it not condusive to doing so. I promise I will do tons when I am in Auckland on Monday.

Anywho, someone else has a pair of the big girl skis on the mountain. Though I found rather amusing that this someone is a 6ft2in male from sweden. ANd he's on the exact same ski as 5ft 4in me. :-) and I could still keep up.

Snow report today. No freshies, but in true PB fashion, I found the power, biatch ;-) You just have to look for it but its always there. It might be under guise of ice but its not.... Gotta hunt out the best pow pow, but if you are willing you can find it! In all seriousness it truly was a lovely day. The skis rode like a dream. The boys at www.edgetoedge.co.nz did an incredible job. They are still trying to get me to work there. And are interested in home networking software... ha ha ha...

Anywho, things are pretty uneventful. I am hoping that the group of 35 ten year old boys has checked out. That wouldbe quite lovely. And that noone has cases of bad ice otnight. It was not me, that I can assure you, but it was not a pleasant thing to hear down the hall at 2 in the morning last night.

So I am off for some hiking. More skiing tomorrow. Looking forward to it. THey are going to open up the very top of themountain so it should be a good time.

lilwaldo

The mountains make me smile.

So after an uneventful evening last night, I got up early this morning and headed off for Mt. Ruapehu - http://www.skotel.co.nz. The drive was stunning. First it was pretty flat as I drove along the southern coastal way. Then I took a turn in towards the mountains (that were teasing me in the distance the entire time) and spend about 2 hours driving through some of the most amazing farms and country side I have ever seen. It is absolutely gorgeous. Huge rolling hills, sheep and cows everywhere, and the occasional waterfall. In some ways it slightly reminded me of West Virginia.

Ok. I have to take a break in my post. this is the SECOND time in 2 hours that vanilla ice has come on the radio. What in gods name is up with this place. I think they are obsessed with this dude... Or just stuck in the 90s. Don't know which is worse..

Ok back to my post. Upon arrival at my hotel (which sits half way up ruapehu...) I quickly checked in, dropped my stuff off and headed down to the ski shop to get the skis ready to go. And once again the big girl skis were called into question (are these yours, your brothers... someone elses?) to which i firmly said, NO! I have riden them for 2 years, and don't plan on quitting them now... I have to admit I had a bit of a smirk on whilesaying this simply because I love the expression people have. It's all about breaking down the stereotypes...

Anyways, I have limited internet access (and no way of uploading photos) so no pictures yet. I promise that on Monday I will get heaps and heaps of photos up for every one see.

For now, just picture me and three very large mountains behind me. Good enough eh?

lilwaldo

Song of the day....

Today's song of the day, is "Cheap sunglasses" by ZZTop. Many of you had what would be considered a "normal" childhood. Listening to Raffi and being quite happy to do so. Well, let's just say mine was a little, umm, different. Given that Pink Floyd, the Doors, and of course ZZTop are what I remember coming through the radio. So today, when driving around the back roads of Mt. Taranaki, I could do nothing but laugh and sign at the top of my lungs (in true waldo fashion) when ZZTop's "cheap sunglasses came on.. Not only was I reminded of driving around in my dad's truck listening to said song, but also, every Easter morning quickly came to mind, as my mom always gave us cheap plastic sunglasses on easter. One easter in particular up at hobart these I'm sure came in handy when it is highly possible that Julie & myself had a case of bad ice the night before. If you do not know what having a case of bad ice is, I am sorry to say, but you have not lived the waldo way.

Anyways, cheers, grow your beards long and crank up the zztop!

lilwaldo.

Another day..

So after an incredible sunset last evening, I headed homne for a relaxing "spa" (ok it was just a bath, but just imagine if you will..) had some pizza and not suprisingly was fast asleep. I know I should be out partying, but in all honestly, this is the most relaxed I have felt in years. I have never been able to let things "just go" the way I have on this vacation. I used to freak out all the time, and would have let the passport issue just destroy me with worry. Now, Im just kind of relaxed. Everything is so not intense on this trip.

Anyways, today I was up at 645 and up the hill (behind my hotel) to shoot the mountain and city at sunrise. It was incredible> Then I took off for some hiking on mt. taranaki. And let tell you, these kiwi skiiers are tough. Now I know I do a lot of hiking for a little bit of skiing, but these KIDS (yes kids) who are on holiday, will drive up 40 min, park their cars, hike another 40 min, just to get to a dinky little ski field. I found the hike quite enjoyable (and wished I had known the ski field would be open cause then the big girl skis would have come with me..) Oh well. It was a nice indeed at 9am in the morning - great way to start the day.

Now I am back in New Plymouth, in a great restaurant (with wifi) over looking the water, sipping a glass of NZ chardonnay (yes, i know I am turning into my mothers daughter)and just relaxing.

Ok. here are some photos!




This is Mt. Taranaki at sunris
e (7am) this morning!

















This one is where I went hiking today!!

Driving miss libby...

So today included a whole lot of driving. Thank goodness for talk radio! Ha! Cause that was all that I could hear. However, it did remind me of a couple of things. First and foremost, NZ is supposed to be the land of tolerance where the indigenous and the "others" live in harmony. Recently there was a situation where twin baby boys were murdered, most likely by family. This situation has caused quite a stir because no one in the family will talk to police, thus stonewalling the investigation and thus causing a lot of commotion between the Pakeha (whites) and Maori. I think the truth of the inter-racial relations is that it is just more in the for-front. The issues and problems that arise between the two cultures are much more out in the open, rather than pretending like they don't exist.

Anyways, off of my "soapbox" and back to my regular rantings. And I should probably share, there are few certainties in lil's life and here is another set of them. I tend to be a smiley person with a bubbly (albeit sometimes obnoxious) personality, but there are a few things that will always ensure a big smile on my face and they are:

• pink roses - yes, even I am that much of girly girl at times
  
• coffee with long time friends that I haven't seen for a while
  
• the smell of the sea in the morning
  
• snow covered mountains.

It is this last one that I would like to speak of now. Taranaki, where I currently am, is the home of mt. taranaki, which stands behind me now. This gorgeous and large snow covered mountain, reminds me a bit of rainier. However, it is far pointier (though not quite as tall). This evening I am off to take some sunet shots of it.

Tomorrow should involve some great hikes and more sunrise photos.

Am having uploading issues... this whole stealin wifi thing isn't really condusive to uploading photos... hahaha... I don't think NZ has heard too much about war driving before!

Ok, im out before the internet police catch me!

lilwaldo

Men detterant, advice to men, and a new found addiction?

So. There are a few things you quickly figure out when you are a 24 year old female, from the states, traveling in a different land. How to ward off men. The simplest way possible - take a seemingly normal silver band, throw it on your left ring finger and voila! Instant men repellent! Some might be freakishly attracted to you, but for the most part, when you don't feel like having men in speedos hit on you, while you are trying to chill out in the spa, it will help keep them away. Which leads me to the second point. Men. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT, wear speedos. Don't teach your children to do it, and don't set a bad example! Some things should go the way of the Apple IIE and that is one of them.

However, if you find yourself around one, I highly recommend you take my advice and therapy and get a 1/2 hour water massage... mmmm I am completely hooked. It was the most relaxing 1/2 hour of my love. Ahhhh.....


So, for those of you wondering how my adve nture at the american consulate went, everything is a ok. It took a little bit to get into auckland (and i found that they put a HUGE stadium up next to where i used to live) but once i found a car park and the building the consulate was quite easy. new passport on its way!

the drive down here, to rotorua was quite beautiful. and while it is early (not even quite 8pm) i think i will grab a bit to eat and relax for the evening!

Arrival, Mon, & silly memories

So. After finally making it through customs/immigration and finally getting my car (and quickly briefing myself on driving on the "left" side of the road, I finally was on my way to Moniques farm. I was quickly greeted by her mum and dad, served a cuppa (for those of you in Seattle that would be a latte, for those of you in Boston, that would be a cup 'o caafeee.) Monique shortly returned home from the gym and it really was like no time has passed at all. I have a few friends like this, around the world actually. Where I may not see them for days, weeks, months, and with Mon, YEARS, but its like we haven't missed a beat. We quickly caught up and found out a couple things...

• 25 year old women throughout the world deal with the same problems when it comes to men and we all feel the same frusterations
  
• the universal truth - men don't want to be married until they *finally* find the right one
  
• it doesn't get better as we get older...
• ha. i had a date with kiwi bloke at this place on the right... couldn't remember at first why it was so familar.. ha ha ha...
  

Anyways, after revisiting some of my old fav. locations (and seeing some crazy changes have taken place.) was quickly reminded how much I love NZ hot chocolate (and that I must bring some of the marshmallows home..) Dinner was had with Mon and her girlfriends (the three of them could quite easily be living mirror lives to KT and lil, I told them of some of the adventures we had, and had them roaring with laughter...KT wait till I tell you some of their stories...)

Anyways, on Sunday I headed down to the Buckleys farm in Te Kwata. When I arrived I found out that Peter and Jud were off picking up their little grandson Zach. Once they arrived home, Tam and I had a nice walk around the farm. I really wanted to see those 51 trees I planted three years ago. While I was hoping they'd be quite large by this point. Oh well. Jud, my kiwi "mum", cooked an amazing roast with kumras, potatoes, parsnip, mashies, peas, and pavlova for dessert. I was a very happy girl and couldn't stay up for very long at all. Apparently dancing with the stars is all the rage here - but yet I couldn't make it through it.

quick post

So, real quick. Passport situation is a-ok. My new one will be waiting for me at the end of the week! FABULOUS. Thanks to all those who helped out. Mum, no need for the birth certificate. I should be good to go! Am having a lovely lunch in the town of cambridge. Yummy paninis! There is so much great stuff that I forgot I loved!!! The people, of course, are as nice as always.

More later and pics I promise are coming.

Time for me and the RAV to get on our way to rotorua and the polynesian spa!

lilwaldo

Ah the life of little waldo

So... As I've stated before (and will state many times in the future) seemingly normal every day things (like passing through customs) are always an adventure for lilwaldo. I have arrived in NZ, my second homeland. After a glorious flight on a 777 (where I was once again reminded why I love Air New Zealand so much) I arrived at customs. I should probably interject that my passport has some water damage. Now, I had been told by a number of officials that it would be a-ok. That I had nothing to worry about. Yea well tell that to the large Maori customs lady. She was none to amused and sent me, down to immigration. Yikes. That was scary enough!Immigration is the place for derelics. Not sweet little girls like me! HA! After a stern talking to by the customs official (he was a bit harsh) I was told that I was allowed in but needed to get a new passport with American consulate before I left. Ok, two weeks to do so. Shouldn't be too bad? Right? Well, being the tech savy child that I am, I immediately hopped onto some WIFI found all the right documents and you can bet at 830 am Monday morning the Auckland consulate will be seeing my bright and shinning little face.

ALWAYS an adventure. That's what I love about my life. The initial stress is over. I've got a plan and will have it all taken care of. And hey, I'm cleared to stay for 3 months, worst case scenario, I'm stuck here, in a land that I absolutely love.

So its a beautfiul day, albeit its 730 am and I'm utterly exhausted, but its gorgeous outside, my shuttle to pick up my car will be here in no time, and I will be on my way to hanging with friends, seeing new sites, and chillin on the mountain!

Cheers everyone!

lilwaldo

Song of the day....

Song of the day goes to Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy." Check it out if you haven't. Going to let the lyrics speak for themselves today:

"I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place.
Even your emotions had an echo
In so much space

And when you're out there
Without care,
Yeah, I was out of touch
But it wasn't because I didn't know enough
I just knew too much

Does that make me crazy
Probably

And I hope that you are having the time of your life
But think twice, that's my only advice

Come on now, who do you, who do you, who do you, who do you think you are,
Ha ha ha bless your soul
You really think you're in control

Well, I think you're crazy
I think you're crazy
I think you're crazy
Just like me

My heroes had the heart to Lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember is thinking, I want to be like them
Ever since I was little, ever since I was little it looked like fun
And it's no coincidence I've come
And I can die when I'm done"

Maybe I'm crazy
Maybe you're crazy
Maybe we're crazy
Possibly

lilwaldo

On the road again...

Actually this posting should be called "in the air again." So far I have successfully made it to San Fran. Ok. I know not as exciting as the "real thing." AKA NZ, but still, I'm on step closer. Though something occured to me this evening, why is that when something is named "International" it instantaneously becomes exotic? For example, I'm walking through the Alaska Airlines terminal at SFO and everything is fine and dandy, however, in order to catch an international flight, obviously you've got to go through the international terminal. There is just something different about being in an international terminal. On one hand everything seems "sophisticated..." Yet in the same regard it also seems so sterile. I've flown quite a bit. Boston, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, etc... And yet it seems weird to me that when you go to all these amazingly unique and beautiful countries - the "international" terminal is always so bland. Which, the more I think about it seems like a contradiction in itself. When I think about the international district of Seattle, I think of the center of all things ethnic. New foods to try, brightly colored buildings... Or if I think of travelling internationally I think of that weird feeling where you are in a completely foreign environment and are 100% out of your element. For me this feeling, that I think freaks people out a lot, is strangely comforting. Anyways, back to my topic. It just seems strange to me that in the gateway to all things international you feel as though you are in a hospital, rather than enterance to foreign experiences.

Well. I will be headed off here pretty soon. Yea for 13 hours on a flight.... WOOO HOOO.... mmm I hope they serve me hokie pokie ice cream and kiwi wine... :-) This is gonna be one helluva trip.

lilwaldo

pics from the weekend

If you'd like to see pic's from the weekend please visit:

http://www.samanthafarbman.com/Journals/2006/2006-2.html

Gotta love the tiara shot. Truth is, sometimes these hardcore sports I do, just aren't girly enough. I'm sorry. I am not a girly girl. I don't care if I break a nail. However, I am proud to be a chic so sometimes wearing a tiara (or lots of pink) is necessary to show those boys that I can rip it up just like they can but I can also do it while maintaining my femininity.

Ok. So things have been a bit crazy.

Ok. So. In a matter of a week all of the following happened:

• Camped at Rainier one more time before heading out of town
  
• Had an amazing day on the mtn with some great friends
  
• Got hysterical looks from the RMI guides when they first saw the tiara on my head (hey, it was princess day on the mtn, well in my world it was) and it was even funnier when they saw the big girl skis (aka my blizzards).
  
• Killer turns had coming down from Rainier
  
• MADE it all the way to paradise without having to hike the skis (sorry bill and Tim - found a much better way down!)
  
• Had a little blister turn into a monster.
  
• Got a tetnus shot
  
• Went on one type of antibiotics
  
• Almost had my trip cancelled by my doctor
  
• Found out I have a kick ass immune system
  
• trip was back on, again
  
• On new meds

Still haven't packed, shopped or done most anything.
Still have a few things to wrap up for work.
Oh yea, and did I mention I get on the plane in less than 24 hours.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Life is fun as lilwaldo. :-)

Dear lord.

So a full trip report from this weekend is on its way, but to give you all a little snapshot it did involve me wearing a tiara on Rainier and getting a tetnus shot today! :-) And while it might look like it, I did NOT have my appendix removed!

hahaha... great times.

lilwaldo

Song of the day....

Today's song of the day is "Taking the long way around" by the Dixie Chicks. I was very much raised on the belief that if you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything (cliche I know) and well 2 years ago these women took a stand on something they believe in. And that just raised them up in my book...

Lyric samplin'

"Well, I fought with a stranger and I met myself
I opened my mouth and I heard myself
It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself
Guess I could have made it easier on myself

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
If you ever want to find me I can still be found

Taking the long way
Taking the long way around"

Truth be told many of can probably relate to her. Lord knows I can. The path of least resistance has never been my preferred method of traveling. But once again, the hardest struggles and the biggest risks, end up with the most amazing rewards.

lilwaldo

One week until....

The day that never exists for me! I have NO June 23rd as I will be flying to NZ! I leave on the 22nd and 14 hours later I will be in Auckland! WOO HOO!

Shout out

I just want to give a big shout out to all my friends who are there for me. For the ridiculousness of lives we all live - I love each and every one of you for it. And the fact that you all love me including the insanity that I might cause in your lives. To all my "true bum" friends who have gone to pursue something "different," I am terribly proud of you. Samantha - you are going to be amazing on your own. Katie - Costa Rica will be incredible. Xan - keep fighting the good fight. Jesse - shoot on man.

Anyways. I just was very emotionally moved and you all inspire me. I hope you know that. You have such passion and conviction and continue to give me strength when I am lacking. The fact is, some people claim they live the life you guys do. But the truth is, at the end of the day it is very hard to be as true to yourselves as you guys are. It may not be easy and you all fight against some very hard odds all the time. But I wouldn't trade any of you for anything.

people are not right in the head.

CNN Headline today, "$200 bottle of champagne from Hooters and $300 worth of "Girls Gone Wild" videos were among items bought with debit cards handed out by FEMA to help hurricane victims, auditors probing $1 billion in potential waste and fraud have found."

Is anyone else as outraged by this as I am? I mean, the largest at-home disaster for the US in YEARS takes place. Isn't it bad enough how our government handled the situation, couldn't humanity at least pick up some of the slack? Now I'm sure many of you are thinking, lil, stop being so naive. This is reality. Well I'm sorry, I won't take that for an excuse. I never have and I never will. People say that "idealists" like myself paint a pretty picture in our heads that will never come true. I'm sorry, but I just don't agree. I think there is some really messed up shit in this world right now. No doubt about it. However, I also believe that there is a better way. And if we don't at least strive for something better - a unified human race, then what is the point? Crappy things happen to us all. But that is no reason to be cynical about the future. We need to learn from the bad experiences and push for the good ones.

Now, I should say, I do not believe that we will all hold hands and skip around like at a hippie fest. In fact, I'm starting to realize that that attiude drives me crazy, because the truth is, we will not all just get along. However, what we can do is exist on this planet together. Some groups will never get along and be all lovey dovey "living in perfect harmony." However - I do believe that at some point we can all co-exist. Otherwise, what's the point in getting up everyday if you don't believe things have the power to change?

Ok. There lilwaldo's world view post.

lilwaldo

"Our past makes us who we are today but it does not determine who we will be in the future...that is up to us alone."

Snow is a dumpin!

The snow is dumpin at Mt. Ruapehu. :-)

I, of course, have nothing ready to go, and am leaving one week from Thursday and I am sure, will not be ready to go until before I head out the door Thursday afternoon.

But hey, its snowin in NZ and I will be there soon. So, right now, that's all I pretty much care about!

Question of the day....

If you could change one thing about your past, or know one thing about your future which would you choose?

Life is rough when your lil'waldo....

Many of you know, I love Mt. Rainier... It borders on a slight obsession. Ok. I'll admit it I am addicted to that mountain. So, this past Saturday, after working an 8 hour day at the climbing gym (screaming 7 year olds and all) I loaded up into the golf and headed down to Rainier. My friends Bill and Tim were already down there (and nicely had a campfire and beer waiting for me on my arrival...) Bills "two match" fire (that really should be a one match) was just what I needed to decompress after a rather insane week - and to get ready for the next days activities...

At this point an "attempt" was made at no-bake cheesecake - which really just turned into vanilla pudding pie. The challenge has been thrown down and now Bill is in charge of fires and I am in charge of desserts... Anyways.

An early start, was not had on Sunday morning. We had been a little optimistic, however sleeping in took over. Ok, so to many of you 845 is not really sleeping in, but considering I was up at 4am last weekend when I was camping, this was quite nice. At about 1030 we got up to paradise, got the skis ready and we were off, like a bat out of hell. Ok, so maybe we weren't moving *that fast* but we were cruising along. There were quite a few others on the trail and the sun was shinning so in my opinion it was a great way to get the day started. The three of us stuck together pretty much all the way up to Pebble creek. (Which is still pretty much snowed in except for one spot - what a difference from this time last year!)

If any of you have been on the hike to Muir, there is one thing you know to be true. It is a very long slog. Now, I'm not really sure how to best phrase the rest of the this. Truth be told, lilwaldo was at a pace, which, according to Tim was 2x faster than Tim's pace. (And according to Bill I am in 25% better shape). In my mind, this is an exageration. These two kicked some serious ass as they had never done anything like this before. However, I did end up at camp muir a little bit ahead of them. I think it is due to the fact that when I'm on Rainier, I just get into the zone - with an eclectic mix on the mp3 players (that yes, does range from David Gray to Kanye to even a little Britney) it just pushes me up the mountain. of them and since the weather turned quite rapidly after I got there. So, I decided the best thing to do, would be to ski down to the two and see what their thoughts were. Worst case scenario, I would hang out while they continued on up. The group consensus was that we should all turn around and head back down. And we did.

and some nice june turns on mt. rainier were had by all

There were a couple short stints where skis had to be carried over rocks. However, all in all, The 45 min ski down was certainly worth the 3.5 hours up. There were a few moments when we weren't 100% sure of the best way down, and potentially almost skiied into rocks. But that's the point of having one person "scout it out" right... So that only one pair of skis get ripped up, not all.... :-) I will note, next time, I'm going to due a better job of mentally noting which ways are potentially the best to be skiied down.

Anyways, now I know you all (Mom and Dad in particular) think this is just plain ridiculous. Me carrying my skis all the way up just for 45 min of turns. Well, maybe it is. But I think it was worth every moment. Our journey is not what but who we are. And this is a perfect example of that. I would take the hike up any day. NOt only is it putting me in killer shape, but the rewards are incredible. Plus, sitting around in the parking lot, drinking a beer and shooting the shit with my friends afterwards truly is priceless (not to get all mastercard on you).

yes. my outfit is ridiculous. im ok with it.

On a side note, the home made bread, pie, and beef stew is still top shelf at the copper creek inn. Once again, I recommend it to anyone who may just happen to be passing through Ashland this summer.

-lilwaldo













the happy crew - bill/tim/lilwaldo

Song of the day....

Song of the day: Jack Johnson - Breakdown. Some of you may have received these lyrics in the past from me. At certain stages in my life this song always just seems to make sense. I'll let the following samplin' of lyrics take it from here!

"But you cant stop nothing
If you got no control
Of the thoughts in your mind
That you kept in, you know
You don't know nothing
But you don't need to know
The wisdoms in the trees
Not the glass windows
You cant stop wishing
If you don't let go
But things that you find
And you lose, and you know
You keep on rolling
Put the moment on hold
The frames too bright
So put the blinds down low



I promise a TR from yesterday is on its way. "bluebird" day as eastlaker put it. Abso-lu-te-ly amazing day on rainier!

sometimes....

Today's horoscope. "Sure, you're silly -- but your silliness has a purpose. Stand behind your frivolity with confidence. Even when it has no point, it helps you enjoy life a lot more than some overly serious types do. Who needs more? "

Interesting this would come precisely today. Last evening was my good friends birthday/house warming party. And at one point, for some reason, I felt completely out of place. Which really was absurd. It was my best friends house, her boyfriend is a great friend of mine, I knew about 99% of the people there, but for some reason, something didn't quite fit. And I think what I now realize is that people really don't know what to do with me sometimes. I mean, I know I am a lot to handle. I have a hella lot of energy. And I'm not afraid to make an arse out of myself when necessary (sometimes when its not necessary). But what I'm left wondering - does this turn people away from me? And if it does, that kinda sucks. But, on the flip side, I'm not putting on a mask and I'm not pretending to be something I am not. I am what I am. And I enjoy it. You may think I'm a little crazy but I wouldn't trade my spunk for the world. Maybe that's arrogant of me. Maybe I'm being a little selfish - but maybe I am finally becoming comfortable with who I am. And maybe, I am done of trying to pretend because I might rub people the wrong way. There is a certain need for people to be appropriate at times. I would not run through a black tie wedding doing the chicken dance. However, I will try and see if I can skip an entire evening instead of walking, just for the challenge. Or, I might happen to wear obnoxiously bright pink pants, just because I love the color pink. There are many people who do things just to get attention, but I think its important to realize, some of us do these things because it is who we are. We're an eclectic bunch, but we will definitely add a little spice to your life.

lilwaldo

what would you do...

If you were handed a million dollars? A friend of mine asked me that recently. And I've decided, I really have no idea what I would do. Suggestions?

Song of the day....

Today's song of the day is wings for marie (part 1) and 10,000 days by Tool... These two songs really shouldn't be listened to seperately so both receive today's honor. As always, if you don't have it, let me know.

Lyrics:
Daylight dims leaving cold fluorescence
Difficult to see you in this light
Please forgive this selfish question, but
What am I to say to all these ghouls tonight
She never told a lie,
... well might have told a lie,
But never lived one.
..................................
Daylight dims leaving cold fluorescence.
Difficult to see you in this light.
Please forgive this bold suggestion:
Should you see your Maker's face tonight,
Look Him in the eye, look Him in the eye, and tell Him:
I never lived a lie, never took a life, but surely saved one.
Hallelujah, it's time for you to bring me home."

While I'm not a practicing person of any religion, as a friend of mine said recently, Tool is the thinking man's white Zombie... and I very much agree. His lyrics are as full of emotion as his songs. And I am always impressed by those musicians who push their personal limits. Rather than always being "heavy rock," Tool continues to incorporate sounds from a multitude of sources. Making Tool a-ok in my book!

How can you not...

Love a kid as cute as this. I swear he gets all his good loooks from his auntie tt... too bad i dont have red hair or a round face, but still. Obviously he takes after me :-)

To all you mass-holes...

If you're gonna be around at the end of August, let me know, KT and I are coming for a visit and as always I will pack a bazillion things to do into my very short time period home. :-) Love to see all of you! And party to be had in honor of the big man's 60th. Rumour has it there will be a band, and of course, in true waldo fasion, plenty of booze and good times had by all!!!!

Song of the day....

My song recommendation of the day is The Man Comes Around Lyrics by none other than Johnny Cash. If you don't have this song then that is sad. Just kidding, let me know, I'd be happy to share.

Best quote:

"There's a man going around taking names and he decides
Who to free and who to blame every body won't be treated
Quite the same there will be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around

The hairs on your arm will stand up at the terror in each
Sip and each sup will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter's ground
When the man comes around"

Hard nights work......

Kt and lil were quite hard at work tonight :-).









"shits messed kt, shits messed.... we shouldn't even try and figure it out...."


Apparently in Seattle we have these spit bugs.. they make my rosemary bush look like its foaming... (see colin, im not crazy! well, at least not this once)

Yet another weekend adventure....

Ok. So this weekend wasn't quite the same as the one before. I didn't ski down any big mountains, I didn't have any adventures involving men, however, I am coming away from this weekend once again with a reassurance about a few things in my life:

• I am fiercely indepdent.
  
• Hood river rocks my world
  
• Lost lake, should really be called hidden because when you put the sign in the middle of the intersection it makes it really hard to find the stinkin' thing
• The dude at the general store in lost lake is darling - he gave me a plastic fork "on the house"
  
• If you see a car with tires taller than you - you will loose the bet- if you make the claim that they are hot based on the fact that they are wearing baseball caps
• It is impossible to overcome OCD systematically because you get stuck on step two and keep repeating it over and over and over and over
• Samantha is a true friend.
  
• I have a tendency to get over-involved and it is my new goal to over come this
• I love to spend every single night that I can in a tent with my friends, laughing over stupid shit, getting up at 4 am to take pictures of sunrises that don't happen, having coffee - sitting on a wall - overlooking some of the most amazing mountains I know - and being tired for the rest of the day, but not taking a nap
• driving relaxes me until people from seattle cut me off.
• RMI guides will always be hot. No matter what.
• Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Rainier like to play "peek-a-boo" with one another
• When a national park road says closed ten miles a head, its probably for a good reason and you probably shouldn't try and push your luck because you might just "happen" to end up with a car making funny noises... that would never happen in real life of course
  
• After a few waterfalls - they do all start to look the same.
• Getting a way every weekend - my number one goal for the summer.
  

That pretty much sums up my weekend, now I must get all these pesky pictures up online. Thank god I finally learned all the ins and outs of my camera... Till the next adventure!

-lilwaldo

• 
  

May 28, 2006

Ok, so I know its a week later (sorry!!!) but I am finally ready to finalize this posting about the weekend in J. Hole. Sunday went something a little like this: wake up (well some of us did, someone who wasn't feeling all that great slept till three) breakfast, nap, hike, dinner, movie, sleep! ha ha ha.. Little bit more than that, ok ok ok. The weather went something like this though: sun, rain, sleet, hail, sun, snow, sun snow, clouds.... Craziness. After Alex, Colin, and I had some breakfast the weather turned pretty sour and we all headed back to the house... We lounged a bit Ben finally overcame his bad ice, Colin and I fell asleep on the couch and woke up promptly at 430, pm. At this point, I started to get a little stir crazy (and since I think everyone would have really thought I was insane if I had run around outside banging on pots and pans - like I normally do when cabin fever strikes) I did start dancing in the driveway. Alex I think recognized those signs and Ben Alex and I decided to take a nice little hike in Grand Teton National Park. Once again, I was amazed and loved the peaceful beauty of our nations National Parks. There is just something different about a National Park that you can't quite explain unless you've been in one when no one else is around. Most of you know my most favorite place on earth is Rainier Mt. There are a million reasons as to why but it is due in no small part to the beauty I see and the peace I feel on that mountain. There is an inner calm that takes over. I once again was struck by this feeling in GTNP. Anyways, Ben Alex and I took a nice couple mile hike up to some over-looks and promptly were snowed upon... Oh well. After which we headed home for an amazing dinner, (who knew a Hamlin boy could cook!), chilled out, watched a movie... Sadly at 8am the next morning the boys (Alex and Colin) headed back to the mountain for some more runs and Ben and I loaded up the mom mobile, I mean volvo and headed back to the fair city of seattle. Sad to leave Jackson, yes. But I came away with precisly what I was looking for, though I didn't even know I was looking for it. The truth is, when I headed out on this trip I was not in the best place. I was getting out of a seemingly good relationship, that turned horribly sour (which I still don't get) and feeling a bit over-whelmed with life. After this mini-break I found I had a restored sense of who I am. More to come.

Pink is the color for flirts.....

I was recently informed that pink is the color for flirts. For this reason, this will be the summer of pink, or if you care to translate, summer of flirts. Which has lead KT and myself to come up with a credo, on this first day of June, for the summer of 2006. It currently includes the following items:

• Pink must be worn by all participants at least 3x a week
• Friday night happy hours are to take place on the road to camping/hiking/surfing for the weekend
• We will not spending weekend evenings at the Red Door/Nickerson/Norms, etc.
  
• Pedicures will take place at least once a month
• All men selections must be pre-approved by other members of Summer of Pink (herewithin SOP)
• By pink for KT we mean green (and we all know what green means ;-)
• All road trips must include a customized SOP cd
• Only "girly" drinks allowed in our SOP flasks
• Catch phrase: "You curse the day I decided to stay true to myself."

Feel free to add more!

lilwaldo

Rainier, anyone?

June 11th, anyone interested in heading up to Muir, skiing down? If the weather is good maybe some camping in RNP on Saturday night? If interested, inquire within. :-)