bell - a verbalization of consciousness

the PNW

So, as of Monday night, I’ve been back in the Pacific Northwest. I’m living in University place doing some catsitting and housesitting. things are good, but things are different. From now on, I’ll be in a steady, lethargic transition until mid-september. Every week I’ll be somewhere new (pretty much), and that has its good things and its not-so-good things. I’m living out of my car, and a backpack. It’s chill. In other news, I ended up healing rather nicely from my rock-fall injury, and all the bruising sustained in my back/hip has turned into scar tissue and minor pain — which is chill. They (stanford trainers) tell me that it’s not broken and I’m doing the right things to take care of it… with that, I decided to play ultimate on Sunday. I picked up with this team called “Frizbee Nation” and being the lowest seed, we ended up losing in the semi’s of the beer bracket — which is chill… I mean, that means we one games on sunday, right? Whereas, they lost every game the day before. I won’t attribute that success to my involvement, but I’m glad I got to be a part of it. The worst part of it all was that after I full-sprint layed-out for this poorly thrown disc, I landed directly on my side and pulled my left oblique muscles. Sucks. I couldn’t even get off the ground… it was like my whole torso froze up and I had absolutely no movement. Gwen was right, I should have rested another day. But, hey, I’m back in the Seattle area, and taking care of myself (orange juice, heavy icing, lots of protein shakes, Vitamin I, Traumeel, warm baths and rest…). Though I didn’t practice last night, I hope to be ready for Kleinman this coming weekend (in Portland). Other than that, things are good, just different. I’m in the process of finalizing all of the clean-up at the ol’ house on 123rd. Getting all my junk out and preparing it for the frisbee cats that are taking it over in the fall. It’s sort of sad seeing all of these empty bedrooms and vacant living rooms. Even the kitchens look like no one’s been in them for centuries. Trangy and Taus have made their way to Portland and will be hiking in the Olympics this weekend… we’ll cross paths again and that will be chill. I’m reading this great book called, “The Fourth Way”, and I think it might be the greatest book in the world … for me at this place at this time. I’ll post on it soon enough. Weather is great — blue skies and 85+ degrees. I’m going to go suprise visit my guy Brian, and we’ll see what the day has in store for us. then it’s some QT with Melius and a surprise Birthday party for Bil Elsinger…. what a day. I’m off….

The Schedule

I kinda need this as a reference for my own sake:

ULTIMATE:

July 24 - 25th: Standford Co-ed Classic — Palo Alto, CA
July 31st - August 1st: Kleinman Eruption — Portland, OR
August 21st - 22nd: Spawnfest — Burlington, WA
September 4th - 5th: Labor Day Ultimate Frisbee Championships — Santa Cruz, CA
September 25th - 26th, Sectionals — Hanford, WA
October 9th - 10th: Regionals — Ogde, UT
October 28 - 31st: Nationals — Sarasota, FL

WEDDINGS:

August 7th - 8th: Minerva Rios and Phil Camp; — Albuquerque, NM
November 24-30th: Jeremy Jeffery and Caitlyn Hinnenthal; — Playa del Carmen, Mexico

CAT-/HOUSESITTING JOBS:

July 26th - Aug 2nd: Wendy Shore; — Tacoma, WA
August 1st - 11th: Eric Mattson: — Seattle, WA

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON:

Sept. 15th: First day on the job as Philosophy Department Grad. Asst.; Eugene, OR
Sept. 27th: First day of Classes; Eugene, OR

POSSIBILITY:

Aug. 13th - 17th: Trip to Wisconsin — Milwaukee, WI

3 quick things

1) Look at this kid. Good to see that you’ve found a place for all of those thoughts of yours, Ira- keep producing. Guess what, I just got my first book on tape, “The Da Vinci Code”… next road trip, I’ll crack into it.

2) Got a new digital camera today. Well, it’s actually Trangy’s mother’s camera, and I got it yesterday, … but it’s all worked out, and I’m taking care of it for a while. Pretty excited to begin trying to trap life in a 5 by 7.

3) My back still hurts. Yup. This weekend, gwen and I went camping in Big Sur Park in California. We were walking to some hot springs after dinner in the dead of night with a lousy flashlight, I slipped on a rock, lost my balance and landed on my back — an inch off my spine (could have been a lot worse). I was in a lot of pain, but I feel like it’s getting better. I’ve been icing and hot-springing/tubbing in hopes of a quick recovery. I’m really hoping that I didn’t crack the top of my hip— it was a good size fall, and I landed square on an edge of a boulder. Wish me luck… I’m mobile again, and going to try to pick-up with a team at this Stanford Co-ed tourney this weekend. Hopefully, my play will be some indication of how ready I am to come back to Shazam…. any suggestions with back injuries? Ice? Advil? Is that it??

Bonus item, #4) If you’re up to no good, pick up a Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry album. The one I have is “Maritime Hall” and I literally can’t get enough of it/(him? )…

Eat your heart out, Izar

(Pre-script: it’s weird, when you actually write an expression like that down, “eat your heart out”, you begin to wonder where something like that first originated… maybe Indiana Jones??? it’s hard to tell at this point…but, alas, I digress)

Izar! (and all those interested)… today was a miraculous day. So, I’m in San Francisco; Gwen’s at work and I’m looking for stuff to do. Turns out, my buddy Trangy is in town. He’s here via a great road trip with another great friend, Taus, but Taus was a little distracted (we’ll call this distraction .. Marta, for now). Anyways, so I call up Trangy, and he’s chillin’ at the intersection of Haight and Fillmore. Haight, being a very cool street with lots going on, I figure we can just grab some grub, walk the streets a bit, visit this rad CD store called, Amoeba, and then leisurely head back to our place for some hot-tubbing and story-swappin’. So, in a matter of minutes, I’ve left the mission district and picked up the Trang-ster. We hug, we laugh, and I notice that we are kitty-corner from this dope breakfast place called Kate’s Kitchen. Now, this little hole-in-the-wall cafe has some of the best pancakes and omelettes in the world, and I explain to Trangy that it’s well worth our time and effort to grab a bite.

So, I’m sitting in this great breakfast house, hanging out with a great friend and just feeling awesome. At this point, I’m relishing in the moment. Really, it couldn’t get much better — I’m talking, we’re laughing, we’re ordering…and then it happens! … just as if it was regular day, and as if nothing was out of the ordinary, He walks in, and I tell Trangy (who has his back to the door), “Hey look, it’s Ben Harper…”

Wow.

Andy (Trangy) turns back, does a huge double take, and then, after a choked-up attempt, he coughs out, “w..hat?… I … I .. I gotta go” and he grabs his phone, runs outside, and calls 2 cats immediately (one, being our currently indisposed friend, Dave, and the other, a good buddy of his named Steve). Anyways, Ben sits down with this guy at a table right next to ours - maybe 2 feet away. We respect his privacy and do nothing more than subtle head nods and comforting gestures of good spirits.

It turns out that Trangy is currently workin’ on this mandolin version of Ben’s song, Ashes, and was having some trouble getting the key and some of the chords right… so, our two parties finished a great meal, and then we leaned over, and started making conversation. Andy was just like, “So, Ben, … Hi, I’m andy…and I’m working on this mandolin version of ashes right now, and I was wondering if you could help me out”. So, we began chatting. Ben is a chill, chill dude. We were seriously thinking about inviting him back to our place for a beer or two, but figured that it probably wasn’t something he could fit on his agenda. We talked about tunes, and about the industry a bit. He told us he was up here lookin’ for a place to live, and was seriously hoping to move out of L.A. We assured him that San Fran was chill, and began telling him a bit about us and our situation. We just sort of sat and chilled for 10-15 minutes. It was like we were all good friends, just hangin’ out, and chatting over coffee and orange juice. Ben was rockin’ the beard and longer hair look that I’ve been workin’ on… i’m pretty sure it’s not just coincidence. So, yeah, that’s really it. We met and hung out with Ben Harper, and it was sooo, so sweet. I wish everyone could have been there to meet him, but at the same time, it couldn’t have been a more chill situation. Props to us, Trangy.

Oh yeah, and then we caught a slice of pizza at this New York Pizza Slice place, went to Amoeba records and scored some new tunes, picked up Dave and Marta, came back for some hot-tubbin’… and the night was history. Unreal. With that note - Reality Check - I only have 6 more days in this town… sad.

I’m out.

No Rhyme or Reason

I’ve found myself precariously awake this morning. I guess my nap through 1:30pm yesterday afternoon may be responsible for the extra energy, but i’m not complaining. Life has been really good to me these past few weeks. I’ve been doing and seeing so many things, it’s a wonder that I haven’t blogged more often. I think I find myself more likely to blog when my life is seemingly uneventful — when some particular, isolated event happens (or is happening) that demands prolific analysis. But lately, I’ve been doing so many things, that I’ve hardly taken the time to scroll it down, for future stories to my grandchildren. Oh, and I guess not having internet at Gwen’s house will make blogging an impeccably difficult task. Nonetheless, while I ramble I might as well bring your attention to some stuff.

The other day, Lisa, Jody, Gwen and I checked out this movie called, Coffee and Cigarettes - a very cool movie, indeed. Basically, it was a movie (shot over 17 years, or something like that) about people chatting over coffee and cigarettes. It was pretty fascinating if you’re in to people watching and conversations. But really, does life get more fascinating than that? I think not (… said rather loosely). What I liked most about this movie (and trust me, the sketches themselves were absolutely fabulous and entertaining) was how the movie offered a sneak peak into the conversational lives of more people, from different walks and ways of life, than I’ll probably ever come across in an entire lifetime. I’m always mystified and sincerely intrigued by the interactions of 2 people, and this movie, over and over again, provided ample opportunity to relish and savor good ol’ talkin’.

We saw this movie in lieu of Fahrenheit 911 - not because we actively chose to not see Michael Moore’s film, but Fahrenheit 911 was sold out, and by the hands of fate, the four of us agreed on C & C. Tonight, we might try again, and if one Michael Moore show isn’t available, we might have to check out the other, Corporation. Either way, I think we’d be in for a good wholesome capitalistic treat. Oh goody.

In other news, there’s a really incredible Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, and if you’re ever in the area, I really recommend checking it out. It’s free after 5pm (-6pm), and well worth your time. On a side note, GG Park is a truely remarkable park. I mean, the city of San Francisco seems to really take full advantage of everything that park has to offer — from the botanical gardens, to the baseball fields, the tea gardens, the nature hikes, bike trails, ultimate leagues, and ponds. AND! apparently, it’s bigger than Central Park. I don’t know why San Francisconians feel the need to compare, but I should probably make a note of it if they do, you know?

This weekend, we’re headed to Big Sur to do some camping. Should be a good time. Hot springs. Big cliffs. The ocean — the whole sha-bang (9 yards?). If I had a digital camera, I’d show you where I’ve been and where I’m going, but, alas, this is not the case. Perhaps soon. … There’s much more to talk about, but when San Fran is sunny, you’ve got to get away from the desk… keep on, keepin’ on ya’ll.

Potlatch Pictures

Here are some random pictures that I found on Bil Elsinger’s site - (Bil also plays on Shazam, which is pretty cool … yeah! for friends!). Peeps should definitely check out Bil’s site. It has a tremendous amount of pictures, mostly frisbee, and they’re all worth checking out. He’s had, literally, millions of hits world-wide. In other thoughts, I still think its funny how tournaments are becoming more of a reunion of sorts, and that people in pictures are becoming more and more familiar and recognizable. It only makes me feel that much better about time well-spent playing ultimate!

So here we go:

In white, are teammates Ryan Hendricks and Kelly Somethin-or-other. Both quality people.

Ryan, again, with the D. Nice action, brother.

My guy, Adam Utley, gettin’ big. A lil’ Reign pride for ya.

In white, Paul and Sarah. Probable recipients of the “best potential couple” award. (… just kidding… i wouldn’t do that to you Sarah… I mean Paul… I mean Sarah… I mean…)

Becky, in white, our lovely captain — but not to be confused with the motivational speaker (aka, yours truly).

In white and in the background, is the great and fearless, Adam “HUGE” Holt (aka, Nike Intern of the Year).

The Bell-man, doing my thang. (… ‘bout to cross this guy over, if you know what I’m sayin’…)

Hope, in white, who is absolutely incredible. Big ups to Hope, for sure.

And one more of the Bell-man, gettin’ up for the D. Not too shabby. (Oh, and there’s Huge on the left, and you can kinda see Kelly’s hair in the center…)

Bakken

… Behold!…

By the hands of fate, [Insert: drum roll] Reid “Boots” Bakken has started a blog!

Really, I couldn’t have thought of a more exciting perspective to be made accessible to the cognitively hungry… Happy Birthday, brother. — ‘some other things’, indeed…

Perhaps we have a future anizer on the rise.

Yes!

A break (through?)… yesterday I got word from Prof. Scott Pratt, chair of the philosophy department at Oregon, that I was nominated for the administrative assistant Graduate Position in the department. This is a .20 GTF that includes a fall tuition waiver and nearly $500 a month. I’m ridiculously excited. This is a job I’ve been waiting to hear about for nearly 3 weeks and, voila, the good news hit me when I least expect it. For all of those interested, I’ll be flying-in speakers, scheduling colloquiums and balancing some bookkeeping for the philosophy department. I’m excited to be doing some hands-on work, and rolling up my sleeves in the name of responsibility. It’s about time. Everyday I find myself getting more and more excited for Eugene this fall. Is it really even happening?… Well, there’s no time for that now; the streets of San Fran are calling my name…

Jeremy and Caitlyn; 2004

So, two of my closest friends from High School are getting married this coming Thanksgiving. It will go down in history as one of the coolest marriages that I could imagine, but also the first wedding in my young adult life that I’ve been invited to, specifically. Very cool. I will be there. Where, you ask… Mexico; I think Playa del Carmen to be exact. This is where we’ll be staying, I guess. I’m pretty excited. If you’ve got nothing to do, you should swing by thanksgiving break for all you can eat meals, and bottomless buckets of booze. They’ve even got a website.

A solid walk

Today was a great day. A great day of thoughts. Learning/trying to write about my thoughts has made Thinking very addictive and each thought has become more precious and intriguing with each new day. I’ve come to love to understand my own thoughts, and moreso, share them — in whatever capacity they come out, and in whatever capacity one is listening. Today I took a great huge walk down and through San Francisco. It’s my second mighty walk this week. I love it. This morning I marched down South Van Ness from Ceaser Chavez and headed for the San Francisco Public Library. The SFPL is a bomb situation. Here, people from all walks of life come to co-exist in a civil manner with similar notions of mental stimulation. Some come to use the internet, some come to do some homework, others to organize their bills. Some read up on the latest sports issues, while others prefer the politics. Some are looking to travel, rocking out drawings, jamming to tunes, doing crossword puzzles, or what have you. It’s a pretty marvelous environment (to be honest, most people were fighting off or endulging in sleep! But that’s a funny conversation of its own). There’s also some really great art work on display in the library. I came across some photo collages that I really really liked by a woman named Grace Sevy. I found some more of her work online, but if you’re ever by the library, she’s got some incredible pieces on display in wake of San Fransisco’s reaction to September 11th. Anyway, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and writing in my journals and I really don’t have the enthusiasm to sit at this computer and type when i could be out on the town. When we cross paths, i’ll fill you in. But, I do, however, want to share a really cool passage that I found posted on the side of a bookstore in downtown San Fran called, City Lights. The passage was this:

Tyranny cuts off the singer’s head
But the voice from the bottom of the well
Returns to the secret springs of the earth
And rises out of nowhere
Through the mouths of the people.

Very cool, I thought. Penny for your thoughts - are pigeons and homeless really all that different?

San Fran

Luckily for me, the air transportation system we have established here in the united states continues to be efficient and reliable and as of yesterday morning, I safely landed at Oakland International around 9am. Let the good times begin. The climax of my summer begins to unroll as Gwen and Friends Co. [aka Judd and Babin, pronounced with a french accent (like, Bab-‘ohn)] were there shortly to great me with open-arms. My struggle to get to the airport and on the plane might very well go unrivaled for the remainder of my life —- I literally pulled up to the airport 25 minutes before my flight, with a line of Southwest passengers stretching the full length of Sea-Tac. No joke. Getting out of the car I thought, “will my checked baggage make it on the plane?” … walking into the airport I questioned whether I would make it on the plane! Then, somehow the airplane gods shined down on me, and low-&-behold, D.J., a good buddy from PLU who went to Costa Rica with me, was at the front of the line. We chatted, I skipped everyone in line, and off my bags went. The line to get through security was easily twice as long as the Southwest line, so naturally, I skipped to the front as if I knew what I was doing. The Masses never care about the questionable skippers that seem determined (and at the very least, down deep, I think they understand). So, needless to say, I made my flight. Some potlatch kids were aboard; we talked. But having not slept the night before, I pretty much was narcoleptic the second after I was instructed on how to use the seatbelt.

San Fransisco was guick to keep the good impressions coming. The four of us hopped over to the dopest Pancake dive in town — Kate’s Kitchen. This place has gourmet pancakes (and omelets!) that are out of this world. The cheese and bacon pancake is definitely the best! Then Gwen and I picked her car up from Palo Alto and headed back to the S.F. pad. Pretty cool situation, … with a hot tub and hammock to top it off. Think cozy. Think chill. Think convenient… and you’ll realize how lucky it is to find such a place. After a nap, and a bit of the greatest movie on earth to date, Wet Hot American Summer, the Anize Con fulfilled its west coast endeavor. It was good to see Taus and Trangy. Those kids are inspirations; really, two of the coolest people I’ve come to know and a definite good time was had. We chatted a bit about their trip, had a little food, and talked about when we’ll see eachother next. Hopefully we’ll squeeze a weekend trip one of the weekends that these kids are still around. I imagine they’re almost at Yosemite by now, as their Explorer trip headed out with music blaring from speakers and hands slapping on the rooftop sometime this morning. They’ve got new campers, and I’m excited for their return for closing campfire on Friday … or was it saturday? Speaking of Anize Con, apparently TMO was at Potlatch this past weekend. It would have been a real treat to meet the man behind the inactive blog. With shirts on the way, Anize is becoming awfully complete.

In other news, apparently I just missed a Fela Kuti (see links) Gallery this week in San Fransisco. It’s last day was monday, after a 3 month exhibition. Would have been a good time… but just knowing that it was here gives S.F. a whole new spirit and energy. I’m confident the days will only get better — which is pretty cool to say, knowing that my first day was outrageously awesome to begin with. And with that, it’s time to strap up the lumbar pack, fill up the nalgene and get to walkin’!

Hey batter, you're on deck

Judging from most of my latest entries… I think it’s safe to say that June was much of a blurr. I don’t really remember much of any of it. … “July”, they tell me. Apparently I’m already one quarter the way through this summer of Transition. It may very well be time to quit riding… and to start steering…