Seen in the Kroger parking lot when I stopped in for milk.

Gone by the time I exited.  With Lucky Charms.  The power of suggestion.

Good to have something junky around on the off off off chance I get any trick-o-treaters.

Pretty woman, don't walk away, hey. Okay. If that's the way it must be, okay.

You know your costume isn't an instant read when it requires a sound track (or side by side).

I did rework the top so it had a bit more of the tank, skirt ring attachment thing going on.

k

Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile.

As a teenager, I was obsessed with Simon and Garfunkel.  

Obsessed as in when Paul Simon married Edie Brickell in 1992 (He was in his 50's.  She was 25.  I was 15) my first thought was "If he's going for younger women then really, what's the difference between 15 and 25?"

A few years ago I met Art Garfunkel and half the dream was realized.

Paul Simon is coming to the Durham Performing Arts Center.  I'm going (duh).  I don't think I'll get to meet him and I have seen him before but it's been a long time and I can't wait.  His lyrics bring me incredible joy and insight.

If he plays "The Only Living Boy in New York" there will be tears.  

The song is Paul wishing Art the best in his role in Catch-22 as he was headed out to begin filming.   It was written around the time of the breakup but it's not about the breakup.  To me, it's about wanting the best for Art outside of their relationship as "Simon and Garfunkel" (or "Tom and Jerry" as they once called themselves).

Tom, get your plane right on time.
I know you've been eager to fly now.
Hey let your honesty shine, shine, shine now 
Da-n-da-da-n-da-da-n-da-da
Like it shines on me

On the same day the tickets were purchased I heard a song from Paul's latest album Harris Teeter.  At first I was happy just for the song and then I was sad because I realized it was being played in a supermarket and then I said "Who cares?" - I bought "One Trick Pony" on VHS and went to "Capeman."  I'll see him if he starts to play state fairs.  That's unconditional fan-ness.

Emileaf

Just realized my last post was a card from my dad.  

This is a note from my step-mom.  

Tomorrow, a real glimpse into my soul:  Bed, Bath & Beyond 20% off coupon and other third class mail.

You had me at "my world"

I shook the hand of my future employer when my new gig was put on the table.

The night before I planned to resign current job I got a little bit anxious not having something in writing from my new employer. 

I trust and respect my future employer so I hated that I felt that way.  We had shaken on it a week earlier.  

Here's an excerpt of what went down "in writing."

Jamie:  I come from a world where it would be remiss of me not to ask for some type of written...

Employer:  I will tell you what.  As a first step into my world - no email confirmation ;)

Jamie:  You had me at "my world."

Darling Dad covers off on special occasions he knows he'll forget

This has nothing to do with his age, by the way.
There's a hint of me in this too, for better or worse.

No, seriously... you need to get the fuck off my porch.

I mourned and honored Steve Jobs today.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on." - Steve Jobs

They call me Baby Driver

And once upon a pair of wheels
Hit the road and I`m gone ah
What`s my number
I wonder how your engine feels.
Ba ba ba ba

Scoot down the road
What`s my number
I wonder how your engine feels.

Every tried to yawn with a hoarse voice?

It will not produce the usual yawn sound.
Nor will you have gotten the yawn out.
The sound the yawn does make will make you laugh.
And the sound of your laugh is also funny.
And you still have that yawn in you.
So your body tries to yawn again, but instead you just get this funny noise.

And twenty minutes later you realize you've been laughing at yourself by yourself.
Which is kinda funny too. But not in a way that makes any noise.

Reunion

Within moments of landing in New York's LGA I wondered how I ever managed to live in such a chaotic environment.

Within a day I realized (remembered?) with the right mindset, friends, "routine" and a bit of cash, the chaos becomes energy. Energy so intoxicating you consider changing out of your pajamas when you get a text about a party at 1:00am. It was nice to plug into that.

Two days later I headed back to LGA feeling like I had gotten a good dose of NYC (certainly wanted more) but was alright returning to my North Carolina world.

We'll see how long that lasts. Maybe there will be an encore my 2006 Oscar winning performance outside of Whole Foods on Wade in Raleigh at 9:05 pm knocking on the windows in disbelief that they were closed followed by crying in the parking lot because I was really really hungry. It all felt uncivilized to me. Then again, there's plenty about NYC that feels uncivilized.

Well folks, why don't you buy a vowel and some stocks while they're down?

The market took a drop this week. I ended up in the house of NASDAQ (back story on that is forthcoming). The intention of this picture was to show me pushing the market back up. It turned out more like a Vanna White shot.

North Carolina takes New Hampshire

If remember one thing from dance camp (and that's ambitious) I hope it's this

My initial attempt (not caught on video) was some crazy spazzy gyration.
As usual it was the calmer, subtler, simpler approach that did the trick.

Ziplining amidst the pines of Waukeela.

I start my ascent. Note the cabin rooftop.

Let's put the height of this thing in perspective. Note the lack of cabin rooftop.

I expected to jump from the teeny tiny platform.
You actually launch from a seated position.

It feels like you're falling so you scream, then you're gliding and then because I'm me, there was posing.

It's dance camp, not the CIA

I like Fruity Pebbles.
I like Pop's Pizza.
Pop's pizza with Fruity Pebbles topping?
Probably not.

Next week, I'm going to experience two other things I like at the same time:
Swing Dancing & Summer Camp (dance event in summer camp setting).
I hope it tastes as good as it sounds.

Registration for the camp felt a bit like applying to college. I had to indicate the class level most appropriate for my skill. I was also asked to list every instructor, private lesson, class, workshop, exchange, camp, event I ever attended. Plus one reference.

The placement process feels like ripe territory for further exploration through the lens of Behavioral Economics. When my paper on this topic is published in a high profile journal and I'm at cocktail hour at a conference this will be the backstory (I dont even know if they have cocktail hours at conferences - if they don't they should).

I appreciate the intention of the questions & inquiries. The event organizers are trying to manage class size, lead/follow balance and make sure the dancer is in the track that will benefit their dancing (instead of their ego) most. I've been in classes with folks who have over or under estimated their ability. I've been that person. It's not good for anyone.

I do wonder the extent to which self assessment, the sum of your dance activities and the opinion of an instructor is indicative of your skill. I grant they are likely good indicators (I'll stay away from any discussion of statistics/modeling since this blog is supposed to be about adventure and drama). For my upcoming event the dance organizers took it upon themselves to contact many of the instructors listed on my registration form and I very much wonder the value in doing that (to say nothing of the intrusiveness of it). I think it's worth listing I took a class with "so and so" at "xyz" but would not expect "so and so" to necessarily recall me, let alone my dance skill. Even if they could speak to that my dance skills are not static (though sometimes my dancing is).

I'm no dance class admissions counselor but onsite auditions and observations seem like the best way to make an assessment. And many dance events require on-site auditions for the advanced levels. That approach does propose a bit of a planning challenge in not knowing exact class size and follow/lead ratio but enough events do it I have to imagine they've figured out how to manage it.

For example, the camp I'm attending required a video submission prior to the event for dancers who wanted to be in the advanced track. They put a cap on size and track is closed.

I put myself in the lower part of the intermediate track (after the fact someone who attended the event and has a vague sense of my dancing suggest I track up within intermediate). On my registration form I indicated I had no problem being moved up or down if deemed appropriate by the instructors. I noted that class size and ratios might not allow for that but was advised by the organizers that was not a concern for the intermediate level.

So, why then, all the fuss?
I'm half expecting they'll be talking to gym & music teachers from my elementary school.
This is a dance camp. Not the CIA.

And my dance camp classmates better be my mirror image.

I've still got sand in my shoes

I'm home now
And things still look the same
I think I'll leave it till tomorrow to unpack
Try to forget for one more night
That I'm back

Skidoo Wild Blooper and Space Walk

Tonight's move: Skidoo Wild. All I have is a blooper that bears no resemblance to the move (though it was an attempt) because falling is just funny.

I felt so cat-like landing on all fours.
John probably felt more like "London Bridge is falling down. On my head."

Right foot red!

We also practiced the double flip we learned last time. In slow motion. In space.



You Tube recognized the brilliance of the moves, predicted views in the millions and offered me large sums of money to place ads on this video. Actually You Tube just recognized the music.

I want a party with rooms full of laughter

Ten thousands tons of ice cream

And if I don't get the things I am after.
I'm going to scream.

I guess I like Spin Art more than Skee Ball.

My birthday, birthday is tomorrow (at 11:34 EST to be exact) but the festivities began on Sunday with a "Stupid/Retro Party Games Birthday Party" featuring an assortment of silliness and including Spin Art which is probably as close as you'll ever get me to crafts.

Spin Art was a very demanding celebrity guest. I had to drive to a Toys R Us in Cary on Saturday during tax free weekend. I felt like a guy in Victoria's Secret. A little uncomfortable, a little intrigued.

The last time I came anything close to a similar situation was simply starting to open the door to a Chucky Cheese on a weekend afternoon (down time, wanted to play Skee Ball) and closing it based solely on glimpse of the volume of children and a nanosecond of the noise from within.

With that, an extremely unexciting video.

I want a ball. I want a party. Pink macaroons and a million balloons. And performing baboons and ... Give it to me Rrhh rhhh Now!

A little bit of my inner Veruca Salt comes out during my birthday party.

Haven't been to Connecticut in a while and lyrics aren't my strong point.
So, here's the real deal.



Veruca doing this number is up there with Meryl Streep falling down the stairs during "Death Becomes Her" on the list things from Jon (my brother) and Jamie's childhood that are just as funny today as they were when we were ten.

Look out Camp Hollywood 2015, here comes, er. Nevermind.

Practiced the double flip tonight.

In an effort to make it more dance-like we wrapped some moves around it. The Little Miss Sunshine's were rocking out to J-Lo in another part of the gym so we went with it.



I've got a birthday jam coming up so in an effort to get the aerials out of the gym we tried a single flip on a floor that doesn't talk back.

Take One



Closing Time (listen for the janitor closing the door and the encouragement of cameraman)



I've got lots to work on but my focus in my landing and keeping my left hand to myself on the flip.

Aerials Blooper. Not quite as funny as Meryl Streep falling down the stairs in "Death Becomes Her"

But funny nonetheless.



Ben and I did the move successfully several times, but there's not as much entertainment value in that.

Yes, this is the second post about cereal today.

I gained my "Freshman Fifteen" picking marshmallows from Lucky Charms.
Here you have a 20 pound bag of the culprit. Marshmallows only.
I so wanted to believe boxes and boxes of Lucky Charms had been purchased and picked through.
I was worried (for my figure) to learn you can order them online.

Where?

"At CerealMarshmallows.com. Duh."
-Kristy (pictured below in the midst of telling me to hurry up and take the picture because the bag was really heavy)

A laugh in aisle five

Even though I know most people don't eat gluten products due to allergies something about Gluten Free front and center on the Fruity Pebbles box in Kroger amused me. The Kroger is near my house so I stop there more often than I would otherwise given how depressing the place feels to me (something about the lighting I think) so I found a laugh in aisle five.

Little Uno

Swam my little one mile race this morning.
Positioned myself in the front-ish for the start (I told myself I would do this last time).
Goggles flooded up (and there aren't any flip turns in this race)
Sighting tricky.
Energy reserves have been really low and I felt it. A lot.
Pushed through and swam with my mind. Repeated words to myself.
My goal was to best (nicer word than beat, no?) my time from a few weeks prior and I did.
Not by a lot, but enough.

Who named this stupid race?

I registered for "Little Uno Big Deuce"
It's a swim race.
You can swim one mile or two. Little One. Big Two.
The dumb ass name of the race almost made me register for two.

Instead, I swam two at the pool.
That's the first time I've ever cared that there's a lifeguard.
Who wasn't 14 and reading People magazine.

That was like "Not Good" with a side of Goonies & E.T.

Until friends post wedding pics here's what I've got from my weekend in Ithaca

Bored while waiting for hotel shuttle pickup at airport. I did very much enjoy the fresh mountain air. NC summer weather is a little repressive.

Not exactly before and after (below).
Sarah and Jamie in the mid nineties at camp and then Sarah and her dad walking up a hill (to hell with the aisle) for to meet her groom
Incidentally, I was seated next to a Carleton person. Ah, the cult can't help but form itself.

Usually I'm entertained by whatever convention is taking place at a hotel were I'm staying.

I've seen crochet conventions, D&D gatherings. drag queen competitions, pimply model UN kids. And yes, I've snickered. Or been annoyed because they crowd up the elevators.
This time I was just plain jealous.

I wonder if he fits in the overhead compartment

Even when I lose, I win.

Jack and Jill ended up feeling a bit like Hansel and Gretel

Fucking law books I'm making my own laws Recited like scripture I make my own cross

Ashley's Workout of the Day: The Assignment

Ashley, the form queen coach at Cross Fit, tasked us with the following assignment

The rules are simple. We have to list 10 physical things that we like about ourselves regarding our looks or things that we can do. Characteristic traits aren't allowed because they're too easy of an out.

#1
I love my nose.

#2

I can pull off short hair (I especially like my left side profile)

#3

I’m a pretty swimmer (I have thirteen summer at camp and synchronized swimming to thank for that) and my endurance is pretty good too (just placed 34^th out of 152 women for the swim portion of a triathlon)

 #4

I’m also a really good skier. I was on the ski team in high school. I can do squats while skiing.

#5

I like to be upside down (handstands) or in the air (aerials). I laugh when I do either.

#6

I’m left handed and which makes me a better candidate than expected to open a jar of something (lefty-loose-y).

#7

I find my weaknesses & flaws (physical and otherwise) more amusing than frustrating. I laugh at myself easily.

#8

I have no doubt that with training and time I will be able to do a pull-up. This has been my goal since 2007.

#9

I’m bold enough to “play” to my weaknesses. Instead of improving what I’m already good at, I work on areas where I need improvement (kinesthetic activities like running, dancing and almost everything we do at Cross Fit).

#10

I’m just a touch above average height. Given that I'm the shortest person in my family it took me a while to realize that. I like my height.

Smile Train Triathlon Take Two. Two years later.

Highlights

• I lost a contact lens in the pool. So, I the ride and run with one eye closed.
• On Friday and Saturday my Achilles were on ice and I was hobbling around. I was able to run the whole damn hilly course.
• My swim rank was #34 out of 152 women. Had I not got stuck behind slowpoke I might have trimmed down my time further but learning to pass is a skill in and of itself.
• I set a race personal record for biking.
• I did the Tri with my extraordinary pal Barb. This whole Tri thing two years ago was her idea. I got hooked on the triathlons she got hooked on running and did a marathon. She was kind enough to share her magic marathon socks with me. It was our special bond. Barb needs a different bike but otherwise the girl rocked it.

Here's the video story of the triathlon set to none other than Dar Williams and Lindy Hop.

Pulling Up

In early 2007 I decided it was my goal to do a pull-up.  This goal appeared on whatever list provided me the opportunity to broadcast it (New Year's Resolutions, intakes with trainers, etc).  Four years later I still can't do a pull-up.  I don't wake up every morning fretting about this or anything.  I've got lots of goals and my focus on them varies.

Since I started a Cross Fit I actually haven't really focused on the pull-up.  That's part of the program.  Constantly varied.  At Cross Fit I use a green band to assist me with a pull-up.  I love those damn bands.  They allow you to experience the motion of a move while you're building up strength to do the move.

Anyway, today I graduated.  I showed up for the 11:00 workout of the day and was the only person in attendance (no church or Father's Day plans for me).  So, I had the Coach all to myself.  He customized a workout for me that included pull-ups.  I grabbed my trusty green band and did a few pull-ups while Coach Paul observed.  It was apparent to him (and a few folks hanging around from the 10:00 that I was ready to "graduate" to a band that made me do more work.  Blue/Red combo as pictured below.   

Hip Hip Hooray.  Progress.  Actually, if I want to sound like I kind of know what I'm talking about that would be "Kip, Kip, Hooray!"
 

And then there were three.

My bikes got it on.

And then there were two.

There was something about the mess I made making a smoothie this morning that I liked

Maaaango.