ChChChange

Today I had a realization which resulted in a decision. Yes! A decision! I woke up at 8:30am and started getting ready to attend class (AutoCAD class). It's a beautiful day today, so beautiful. I got to thinkin that I just felt like being outside today and wanted to do work on the remodel. My decision: I will not go to school anymore. It no longer serves me, at least for this semester. I've learned what I wanted to learn. I don't want to drag out something I already feel done with. In turn, I will recieve sub standard grades and possibly a few F's. I feel lucky to have the privilege to use this freedom. What will I do now that school's out? Work more on the remodel, bike more, make art, and try to start up my granola business. I have a great granola recipe I can bet no one has heard of or tasted.

Over the weekend I went to Santa Cruz for my buddy Fallin's bday (best buddie since 1st grade) and consequently to look at a truck I wanted to purchase. The car I've had for the last while no longer serves my needs. I need a vehicle I can put wood in, haul stuff, and not care about getting scratched. I checked out and bought the 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 manual 5-speed. Yesterday was my 2nd time driving a stick shift and I drove about 500 miles. It went well. I only stalled out a few times. My mom was super awesome and took the train to San Jose so she could drive my other car back to Sacramento. Selling it privately is the best option.

Not tooo much else going on at the moment. The chix got put ootside today. I'm contemplating getting a job as a backpacking guide or something along those lines sometime in the next 2 years-ish. Though, I need to take a WFR (Wilderness First Responder) course. Adventures abound!!

Sprout Out!

The past 24 hrs

These two characters are Brett and Lindsey. Brett is a giant and a magicianfarmer. Lindsey is a curly toed skreevnaught. This was last night as they were preparing a feast of orbular proportions. You see, Brett is raising beef cattle and it came that time in a few young bull's lives where....well....they needed to loose a few pounds. Brett de-balled the bulls and made them right new steers. The process was a simple one (says Brett who is very good at telling this story--and most stories); his old timer neighbor Freddy showed him the ropes. In two words (2.5), cut n' yank.

They prepared a mixture to deep fry 'em. Yum deep fried bawlz! When they were cut open they resembled chicken, very tender. They were lightly fried in coconut oil and set on a plate, ready for the eatin'.

We ate them and they were pretty good. The texture was kinda light, airy, and a tad frothy, but all around if i didnt know they were balls I woulda thought they were calamari that someone tenderized real well. The perks of friends with cows :)

As alla this ball eating was going on we had an appt. to interview a potential new roomie. She came in right as the balls were done. It was good she got to see how a usual roomie gathering kinda night is like. She held her own and went with it. So we offered her the room. Yay! Now Linds and I just need to find 2 subleters, this has proven to be tough. Many people have emailed me and the second I get back to them about availability they don't respond. This has happened with like 6-7 potential subleters already. can you say flakers? The night ended with a roomie ab sesh then a quick jaunt to youtube for some cat vids along with a foot rub from Linds. This house!!

This morning was so so so beautiful. So sunny, so warm, no wind. Linds and I took a 23.6 mi roundtrip bike ride to Stardough's in Blue Lake. Blue lake was bustling today (saw at least 10 people out and about). It was such a gorgeous ride, I even got a lil' sunburn. Blue Lake is just East enough that they can actually grow corn, so cool! I inhaled a bug while riding I could feel it lodged in my throat (or esophagus, not sure) so I hacked like a cat for a good 30 seconds and got it out, close one!

 Tonight was the mini party. My roomies held it down with me so well. I was stoked to see them get in to it like they did. What good buddies!

mini-cookware

olive penguins!!

mini baked potato

We made dioramas for the mini party, because whats more mini than a diorama?!

Here are some photos from my SB with Lynx:

Here are some photos of separate mom and dad/uncle visits:

Hope you enjoyed!

Sprout Out!

A Pril?!

the back yard

Saying hello to April for my 25th time. Spring (sprang) is always so great. The enlivening of everything/everyone around you. Flowers getting ready to go to seed, birds chattering away in the shrubs, and more daylight hours. Its so great when the stays out 'til 8! wee.

So i did the no spending money thing for about 3 weeks. I was doing this in conjunction with a workout program (which I'm still doing), but it turned out that I needed more protein and nourishment than I could just rely on donations by. It was a great practice though. I'd like to do it again sometime in a few months. It showed me how easy it was to live not spending money on superfluous items. I recommend it!

We recently got 6 chix. They are so cute! I've never been a chik parent before. They've already got 2 gay aunt's who I can babysit and offer the fun edge a parent can't (Celina and Jess!!). hah. Hopefully when they get older and are out of the barn they will not get murdered by racoons. That will be on the roomies who are here in summer for the start of their outdoor life. I fed them a glop of worms from the vermiculture bin today and it was their first experience with wriggling food. they were cautions and apprehensive at first then someone started to peck and it was worm pandemonium after that point.

There was a community seed/plant exchange last weekend. People bring their seeds and starts and they are free for the taking and giving. I got sooo many great seeds! It was such a great place to see friends I haven't seen in a while and network with new friends too.

Lately I've had so many ideas swirling in my brain about projects I want to endeavor to take on. Like a vortex! Most of them are completely feasible too. I really want to start a granola company. I want to be the first tiny home builder in Arcata. Dan and I have an idea for this venture that involves housing the homeless population in a responsible and welcoming way.

I know people have many opinions and judgements about homeless people. Yes, some of them are substance abusers, violent, and numerous other groupings. All of those things aside though, they are still people. Just imagine going about your life without being acknowledged by the general population. How would that change your mind, your heart, and your whole being? These members of society need programs that work to help them get better and not perpetuate a viscous cycle (here read this short article). That's around what Dan and I wanna influence.

My nook is feeling so so good. Here are a few pictures:

This is the start of my most favourite sandwich of the moment. It is toast, pb, veganaise, fried egg, Sriracha, and cabbage!! oh damn is all i haffta say.

lifting the skirt

 Enjoy, all!

Sprout Out!

Egypt like you've never heard before....watch it...