UnMinded

I'm pretty sure my bike was almost stolen. I'm still a little dumbfounded. Before I left for work this morning I glanced over to where the bikes are parked at my apartment complex. (I always take a glance because I am slightly phobic about my bike getting snatched.) I saw a toppled red bike. After hobbling over with my tired legs in heels I could see that is WAS my bike. Detached from the rack! The lock was still secure around the frame and front tire. It's highly unlikely someone found a way to unlock my bike and then left it there with the lock on the frame/tire. The only other option means that I'm completely stupid. I took my bike out Thursday afternoon to run some errands. I must have forgot to actually lock my bike to the rack in my absent-minded haze. I suppose I had a lot on my mind, but I didn't think it could cause such foolishness. I feel lucky because who knows how long my bike was just sitting there unlocked...? I need to start thinking clearly or who knows what else could happen.

Saturday I voted. It felt superb.

Saturday night I attended a Halloween party. Maybe just a David Bowie costume party, but it gave me a chance to dress up. This year I'm dressing up as a harlequin. The costume consists of white tights with black diamonds, a black leotard with white dots, scarves, a belt, a mask/fake eyelashes, a beret, gloves, other stuff. To me, it kinda just looks like a "costume"...not necessarily as specific as a harlequin, but I love wearing it. I can't wait until this weekend for more opportunities. The party itself was fun too, enough people were dressed up to make it interesting. I love looking at costumes. Honestly, I wish I could trick-or-treat. Or carve a pumpkin. Holiday traditions make me feel wholesome. Watching scary movies is also acceptable.

My new job is going well. This is my last week of training before I am set free. I'm sort of scared because men with gruff/rough/growling voices on the phone really intimidate me. I'll be able to handle it, but I know I'm probably going to make a few mistakes and temporarily feel lame. At least my new boss/supervisor is really nice.

I'm still trying to make a new web site. Trying.

My bathroom ceiling is leaking. My face is leaking. The sky outside is so close to leaking. So I'm taking a nap.

Medieval Glories

***DISCLAIMER*** Sorry that ImageShack has to advertise and make all the pictures look ugly. Soon I will find a less annoying way to display them.

Tonight I saw Ensemble Micrologus. It's an Italian group of musicians that play medieval music.

Their instruments:

Gothic Harp



Harp



Straight Trumpet (two)



Flutes



Shawm



Viola



Rebec



Psaltery (FAVORITE)



Medieval Lute



Percussion (Tambourines & Drums)



Bagpipes



...and castanets.

There were seven people playing, but they all started out modestly. I took until after intermission for them to break out the really awesome instruments. By the end of the show people were tapping their feet and screaming for an encore. Honestly, I wasn't too crazy about the vocals, but the music itself was so different. Just to see the musicians playing these instruments (from the second row) kept my attention. I almost bought their CD, but I'm not sure medieval music is something I'd simply turn on during the day. Seeing it live is probably the best. And it was only their second concert in the United States. They seemed extremely happy that the crowd was so enthusiastic. It was an unexpected glory today, for them and for me.

All My Little Words

Yesterday I saw The Magnetic Fields here in Austin. I was really excited because they're one of the few "favorite bands" of mine that I hadn't seen live. It definitely sounded different than how it does on some of the albums...I guess many of the songs are the result of studio production. Anyhow, the more natural/acoustic-y/live version was easy to appreciate. The music seemed more careful live, if that makes any sense. There was an acoustic guitar, cello, bouzouki (which I just learned is a Greek guitar type of instrument) and a piano. There was also lady that "just sings". Three-fifths of the people on stage used their voices. I think the women sound really good when they sing together. I was also surprised at how smooth and velvety Merritt's voice was in real life. I felt like the band just looked like a bunch of music teachers up on the stage. In a good way. They seem cool because they're not too flashy. Personally, I thought the choice of songs could have been better. They played a lot of stuff from random CDs they put out for plays, movies, Stephin's dog, other projects. There were enough "hits" to satisfy me, but many of the favorites were left out. I'd definitely go see them again; there are still so many I want to hear live.

Tonight I watched the final debate between McCain and Obama. More than ever I feel the need to keep to my promise that if McCain wins I will move out of the country. Watching him...he's just too old. I mean, I'm sure he could get the job done, but he's too boring/old/bitter/redundant. Plus I don't agree with a lot of what he says. He was asked a question, to basically explain his choice for VP, why he thinks she could be president, etc. The first thing he says is that Sarah Palin is a role model. That's NOT a reason to be VP of the United States. I could care less if women look up to her. I'm a woman and I think it's great a woman could be VP, but I don't think it's any sort of qualification. He also mentioned stuff about her lowering taxes, fighting corruption and kids with disabilities. It's fine, but weak compared to Biden. I almost feel like she makes woman look incapable. I don't necessarily approve of her representing my gender. I really respect Obama more because of his diplomacy during the debates. He comes off as being fair and calm, but can still stand his ground. McCain just seems angry and rotten. He points fingers about stuff I don't even care about. Obama has this look in his face when McCain is saying something dumb that reminds me exactly of my dad. It's the face of repressed annoyance. :)

Two years ago my grandma died. I think she would have turned 76 today. It would have been her birthday. I miss her too much. She makes me want to believe in heaven.

Things at work are progressing nicely. I applied for a promotion. It seems as though I would get it, and everyone thinks I will, but it's taking an especially long time. Tomorrow is Boss's Day and I bought some cookies!

Life leaves me mostly confused right now. I am taking things into consideration, whatever that means. I sort of worry about becoming a useless human. I worry that I can't see things for what they really are. I worry that I love stability and that breeds carelessness or thanklessness. Maybe I should "shake things up" like Sarah Palin.

I'm hoping that in a few more entries I'll have a new web site. Theoretically, it will be better than this.