The Silver Turtle

instamatic fun

2009-02-02T00:22:00.000-05:00

Today I won a polaroid camera on ebay for $1.04. It includes 2 twin paks of expired film.
I also read about someone actually buying the company that used to make polaroid film, and it might not all disappear after all.

I'll be really stoked if this arrives before my birthday this weekend. Those will make some great photos.

I also just added this to my amazon wishlist. Apparently they are working on an all-in-one digital camera/printer deal, too.

so, i don't know if you guys heard, but...

2009-01-20T01:20:00.000-05:00

...there's this kinda big deal presidential thing ~~tomorrow~~ today. In a few hours.

Of course I made this cubee in honor of the big day. I'm excited, and annoyed I'll be @ work during his speech. If Obama can stay true to the principles + ideas he's spoken about + written about, change really is coming.

snowy bike ride

2008-11-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

I had my first snowy bike commute today.

Actually, when I road in it was pretty dry - most of the early morning snow had melted. On the way home I got a bit of snow, but that let up maybe 1/2 way through my ride.

I was bundled in:
two pairs of socks
tennis shoes
track pants
jeans over the track pants
a thermal long sleeve shirt
a t-shirt
a fleece pullover
a medium weight hoodie
medium weight gloves
wool bike cap (from Octopus Inc. - I *heart* this thing already).
bike helmet

On the way in I also had a fleece scarf to cover my face and ears. My glasses kept fogging up. So on the way home I pulled up the hoodie and did without the scarf.

I actually got a little toasty on both rides. I didn't completely hate it, and actually think it's probably easier to get around in crappy weather by bike. I still prefer summer, though.

it's just the beginning

2008-11-15T13:15:00.001-05:00

Just because the election's over, that doesn't give us permission to quit paying attention. I hope that Obama's effort to stay visible and involve the public is successful.

Obama's New Website - note that it's all about CHANGE.

VOTE

2008-11-04T16:21:00.001-05:00

YAY! Happy Voting Day! Now... GO. VOTE.

10 random things tag

2008-10-28T18:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to "ks" over at the good part is coming I have to do this (and so do some of you)...

THE RULES:

The rules are: Once you have been tagged, you write a blog with 10 random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end you chose 10 people to be tagged, list their names and why you chose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment saying "you have been tagged" and tell them to read your latest blog. It sucks I know but what else ya got to do to people??? Isn't this gonna be fun? Now SHUT UP AND DO IT

1. I'm watching House right now.

2. I could have gone to Octubafest @ Capital. Because who doesn't love tubas?

3. I am equally excited + nervous for election day... and the subsequent results. I have turned into an Obama fangirl in the past two months or so.

4. I ~~think I~~ am addicted to Starbux Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas. I tried their cider today, and it was delicious. But I still had my Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha.

5. I do not like kids. (Exceptions are my niece, my nephew, and Nayson). When other people's kids are misbehaving in public, I have to really restrain myself from correcting them myself. I do not like ineffective parents even more. I also have to really restrain myself from correcting the parents.

6. My most prized possessions are my instruments + my ipod. Music, music, music = Happy, happy, happy. :)

7. I wish I could wear my t-shirts, hoodies, jeans, and sk8r style shoes (or flipflops) every day + to every event. I think the notion of "business" clothes, "formal" clothes, etc. is way to antiquated.

8. I find religion + politics fascinating. I could talk about them for hours. I've been known to talk about them a lot.

9. Plenty of people would call me "liberal". I'm a gigantic feminist. (I don't know how any woman couldn't b)e. I'm a fan of alternative energy + transportation. Biking, walking, public transit. Windpower, Solarpower, Hydropower.

10. I often grasp for the exact right word or phrase to express myself. I'm not satisfied with saying "I'm happy" when I mean "I'm ecstatic".

Ok, the end.

TAGGY-TAG-TAG:
Los Daddy, Freedom Girl, Shamus **I just realized how he spells "Shamus". I wonder if that was an intentional 'joke', John, Tomix, Peregrinus, Nutty, Young Raven, Copy Princess
Irish Dreams

(NO TAG BACKS!)

...Oh, and my reasoning is, with the exception of copy_princess, these are the people on my blog list that post the most frequently.

2008-10-23T17:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks 2 Kristin for sharing this. And remember *Your local elections are just as important. Do your research, get educated, and VOTE on EVERYTHING*.

want

2008-10-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

Available Here.

the photos

2008-09-28T23:15:00.003-05:00

As promised, some of the photos from the Brazen Brass DIY photoshoot.

My favorite group shot:

Some of me:

Our trombone player has a sweet camera + acquired a bunch of stage lights that she was able to set up for a makeshift studio. For the group shots, we used a self-timer. She shot the individuals of us. I shot the individuals of her. (A couple of which I think are ultra dope. So when I get copies I will post them).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also, tonight's bike ride was AMAZING.

Come see my ultra-geeky-rockster friends tonight!

2008-09-27T08:08:00.001-05:00

The Wet Darlings will be @ Rumba Cafe TONITE!

(No, I don't know why they can't come up with better band names.)

new bass...no toenail

2008-08-30T09:41:00.000-05:00

So on Tuesday STB + I were moving a couch. And my entire big toenail was ripped off in a giant, painful, bloody mess. OUCH. It still hurts. And the generic vicodin-looking pain meds aren't really helping much. Although it's better than it was Tuesday. And I have some antibiotics to keep it from getting all infected. Currently my toe is just exposed muscle tissue. The x-ray tech couldn't even look at it because she was so disgusted. I'm hoping I can make the Sunday Nite Ladies Ride tomorrow without it bothering my toe too much. Especially since I don't have to work Monday and can enjoy a late night.

Now on to the really important stuff. My new bass arrived Thursday! It's a (very slightly used) G+L Tribute. It's louder than my Ibanez SR400. The reach is just a bit longer. It's a lot more "live" sounding, and maybe a bit brighter. I'm happy that they have 2 different sounds so I can justify keeping both of them. It's also a subtle sparkly red. I'm gonna go play him in a few minutes after I finish watching Obama's speech on YouTube.

Here's some pics. And I felt like my other instruments were getting a little jealous, so I took photos of everything except my tuba. I'll have to do that later this week.

The new G+L:

My guitar family: G+L Tribute bass, Nameless Acoustic guitar, Ibanez SR400 bass:

The bodhrans: an 18" cheapy + a small Vignoles + a handful of tippers (many also from Michael Vignoles):

pimping the band merch

2008-08-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

The Brazen Brass have an official .com site!

www.brazenbrass.com

While you're there why don't you stop by the Skreened store to pick up some of our new merch?

awesome

2008-08-10T23:58:00.001-05:00

There's something quite addictive about bike riding all in itself.

But I've discovered the joy of riding in a group over the past couple weeks, thanks to the Sunday Nite Ladies Ride.

Large groups taking over the streets. Smaller groups stopping in the park to share wine. Taking in the unexpected with excitement, amusement.

I think I'm officially a bike addict.

little bodhran

2008-07-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

Julia dancing, Doug guitaring, me bodhraning

reasons to bike

2008-07-06T00:30:00.000-05:00

Riding a bicycle is the definition of freedom. Freedom from the oil companies. Freedom from monthly car payments. Freedom from expensive car maintenance. Freedom from monthly insurance payments. Freedom from obesity and all of its associated health risks. Freedom from bus schedules. Freedom to stop and admire the view any time you want. Freedom to choose your own route. Freedom to go at your own pace. Freedom to be yourself.

This was posted on a bike geek site among a list of reasons to ride a bike.

My other favorite reason posted is:

The wheeeeeeee" factor.

i like obama

2008-06-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

These guys are called Bop Du Fway. The background is some pretty great jazz. The spoken word + singing is generally pretty funny, even though the entire experience is a little weird. I do wish I would have recorded his little pre-song speech about endorsing a candidate, and how he used to actually like McCain. The chorus parts are cheesy, but the verses are good. Captured at ComFest 2008.

wow.

2008-06-25T10:49:00.000-05:00

This is an article about a Solar/Hydrogen powered househould. Built by a civil engineer with his own time and mostly his own money (although several grants were involved). It gives me hope for alternative fuel sources - but it also makes me sad that we're still so far away from these ideas being the "norm".

waiting...

2008-06-10T17:56:00.000-05:00

I'm waiting on STB so we can head out to one of our favorite parks & enjoy an evening of grilling food and hanging out.

I thought I'd post a few updates...

On the biking thing.... I've put just under 80 miles on my bike in the span of about 1 month. My longest ride was probably about 5 or 6 miles - so that's lots & lots of little rides. It also means that I reduced the mileage on my car by ~80 miles. Yay!

Only very minor updates on the music stuff... Brazen Brass will be performing @ the Clintonville Farmer's Market on Saturday, June 21. Ain't Misbehavin' has a private party gig this Saturday.

On job stuff...ugh, I'm so ready for a new job. But am still being choosy over where I apply. I've added to my criteria that it must be within biking distance of my residence. So my options are even more limited. I have a list of jobs to look through, just need to find the time to do that & then apply.

Alternate Transportation

2008-05-26T10:02:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to incorporate my biking into everyday activities as much as possible. My goal is to make the bike my primary method of transportation. (I ~~may~~ will almost definitely wuss out come winter, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it). I want to relegate the car to trips 10 or 15+ miles, events that require instruments, events where I can carpool, or as a back-up for really nasty weather. Right now I'm comfortable biking up to 8 miles roundtrip in a short period of time.

I have 4 reasons for this new way of thinking:

1. To save a little money on fuel

2. To be a little 'greener' in my everyday living

3. To get some exercise - I actually enjoy the gym, but I really love being outside in nice weather

4. I just enjoy riding a bike

I think #1 is going to become a huge issue for a lot of people over the next few months. What will be interesting is to watch how the majority of Americans change their lifestyles to adjust.

The first way of change would be to see more + more people using alternative fuels, hybrid or electric vehicles, walking, biking, using public transportation, etc. All positive changes to reduce our overall footprint, get more involved in local living (a byproduct of limiting your fuel consumption seems to be that you travel less for everything), and in many cases be a little healthier.

The second way of change would be to see people adjust to paying more for fuel by reducing their other expenses. While reducing your expenses is never a bad thing individually (it's typically a great thing!), it will affect the economy as large chunks of people stop spending money on entertainment and "extras". And/or use even more credit for purchases, which they then can't afford to pay off. And it will continue to deplete a limited resource, feed into the oil industry's grasp on our economy, limit research into alternative fuels, and drive up the cost of petroleum-based products EVEN MORE.

Sadly, I think it is more likely to go the way of the second option. It's promising to see a lot of people are starting to think 'green'. But Americans in general seem to be really, really in love with their big, gas guzzling vehicles. Usually with only 1 person in them.

I didn't intend this to turn into a rant, rather just a "I'm trying to bike more + more" post. So to lighten the mood: random comics to make you think about fuel consumption.

And a side note on the subject of being green: I am attending a BBQ later today (who isn't?) and checked Google Maps for directions. I was given the option of "driving directions" or "public transportation directions". Incredibly awesome. I was actually considering pushing myself to bike to the BBQ (10.6 miles each way) but I'm also going to be hauling at least 1 instrument and it's probably going to be nasty thunderstorms later. C'est la vie. Maybe the rain will pass tonight and I can bike to work all week.

helmet head

2008-05-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

I've always thought bike helmets a little on the lame side. I grew up in a motorcycle family, where you wouldn't even consider getting on a motorcycle sans helmet. But growing up with those heavy-duty lids just made me think the slight foam and lightweight plastic of bike helmets is kinda useless.

My commute takes me through a short stretch with not one, not two, but THREE highway exits. Those cars fly of the interstate. Often right at me. So I've done a bit of research and am reconsidering my previous position on bike helmets. At least for busy city biking. Especially because I found these: Nutcase Helmets.

The only problem? I can't decide which one I like the best! I was drawn to the clover design. But I learned my lesson on the motorcycles - black helmets get freakin' hot in the sun. Any dark colors, really. The candy swirl is weirdly whimsical. But there are several I really, really, really like. This one is a close match to my bike.

*Sigh*.... decisions, decisions...

music in the air

2008-05-18T11:59:00.001-05:00

Musicians and the (lack-of-)pay issue:

I don't mind playing some stuff for free - charity, donations, etc. Because I do enjoy it and I don't mind giving back a little to groups that deserve it. (Heck, Brazen Brass played a free benefit last night). But organizations, even non-profits, have budgets. That (should) include entertainment. They pay for other services, food, space rental, etc.

Musicians are offering a (good) service. The more they choose to play for free, the more people expect it. And playing for free devalues music in general. (I've heard professional musicians argue that amateur groups playing for free also drive down their prices, making it harder for them to compete and make a living).

Musicians put work into creating our product, collectively and individually, to bring an experience to our audience. We should be compensated for our work, our time, our talent. This goes for any musician or artist.

new bike!

2008-05-12T18:23:00.001-05:00

Yay! I got a new bike this weekend! It's a Schwinn Cimarron. Designed for women. Aluminum frame so it's lightweight. Shocks. Wide seat that is pretty comfy. Made for roads and light trails (which is where/what I ride). I think I'm in love!

(more photos)

(In case you're wondering, I sold my old bike to a friend).

May also happens to be National Bike Month. And this week is National Ride Your Bike to Work Week. I have stuff going on every night except Tuesday, so I'm planning on riding to work tomorrow (provided I wake myself up by 5:15am).

vacation suggestions?

2008-04-05T23:53:00.001-05:00

So I am planning an actual vacation in August with one of my very bestest friends. And her 4 year old son.

Our original plan was to take Skybus somewhere for cheap. That's not happening now, so we're looking at alternative options.

Preferably spots we can drive to within 8 or 9 hours, or even less. (Remember - there will be a 4 year old in the car). We're leaving from C-bus. We'd like a beach. I'd like more of a city than country.

And I'm ready for your suggestions...

st. patrick's day invite post '08!

2008-03-15T09:47:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybody! It's time for one of the best day's of the year - St. Patrick's Day!

**which is also my sister's birthday - so happy bday, sis!**

Here's the rundown on where I'll probably be, what I'll probably be doing, who I'll probably be seeing. You should stop out and join me in celebrating! My whereabouts are subject to change at the very last second so you might want to hit the cell to verify what I'm up to, first.

breakfast 9ish AM @ They Jury Room

Parade 11:30ish AM The Parade **note they have slightly altered route this year

Post-Parade possibly a few drink's @ Byrne's

Afternoon fun - 3ish pm - Rumour has it there's a celtic-type guitar player @ Grandview Cafe

Later afternoon fun - 5ish pm - Come see Julia dance! @ Fado

Evening entertainment 1 - 9ish pm - We'll still be @ Fado for the start of The Prodigals

Evening entertainment 2 10ish pm - After a little of The Prodigals I'll be heading out to Rude Dog's for the first time to see Punch the Monkey. It's likely this is where I'll close the night.

It should go without saying - but - SAFETY FIRST! Curb your drinkin' & drivin' by walking, biking, carpooling, taking a cab, a bus, etc. etc.

storm watch '08

2008-03-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

Our local news directors must be the happiest people on the planet right now. Nothing gets people's attention like the biggest blizzard to hit EVER. Even if the forecast is sunny, 68 degrees, with zero chance of rain - the weather is the big news story around here.

That's right, we got between 12-20" of snow throughout central Ohio from Friday-Saturday. So we topped records for the amount of snow and the speed at which it accumulated. I know - you're impressed.

Of course, STB & I found ourselves out driving in the snow briefly on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday it took about 30 minutes and the help of a neighbor to dig our car out of its parking spot, and then manage to get it into the alley behind our house, so we could go drive on Level 2 condition roads. We made it to the store okay.

Our big highlight @ the store was seeing a man in the checkout line holding his skiis. That's right, he skiid to the grocery store. As we left, we spotted a different man skiing down the road, amidst the few cars, the many walkers, and probably other skiiers, on his own mission.

There were quite a few people walking in the middle of the road. It was kind of like one of those post-apopolyptic movies where the worst of the attack has ended and people begin emerging from their homes, searching for loved ones. Except these people were searching for an open pizza shop.

We turned down a side road, and immediately realized our mistake. After about another 20 minutes, and the help of strangers, we made it back to the main street and safely home.

Sunday's trip was eventful, also. As soon as we pulled out of our parking spot, a giant SUV/Truck thing pulled out and got stuck in front of us. Out we hopped to help a stranger get on the road. We ran our errand, and on the way home saw a couple kids stuck on the side of the street. These are streets where people regularly park, and the snow plows just bury any cars left there during the storm. We stopped to help, and the girl that leaped out of the car recognized us - she works @ our gym. So after we determined the car was good and stuck, we gave her a ride to work (back from where we just came). We did see a city bus get stuck in snow. Exciting!

When we returned, her boyfriend was still out trying to move his car. We borrowed our neighbor's shovel and went back to help, and another stranger showed up with a metal shovel, and we got him out finally.

We're now back in our only sort-of warm house nice and safe.

I really, really hate snow