Kitty News:
The new house is wonderful. There is just one problem; my cat hated it. When I brought her in she ran directly under the bed. I drug her out (litteraly) a couple times, but aside from that she stayed under the bed for two days! She only used the litter box once,and the one time she did eat, she threw up. Also, she hated CJ's cat. I don't know. I just don't think she is suited for a house full of college students. We ended up taking her back to my grandmother's house. She was very happy to return.

Anyway, on the way back home Kate, CJ, and I stopped at the animal shelter where I met Frannie. She is a beautiful gray tabby with big green eyes. She was a stray, so she is pretty small from malnutrition, but she is the friendliest cat I have ever had. As you probably already guessed, I brought her home. Her new name is Yum Kaax (Yoom Kaash). I named her after the Mayan god of the wood, wild nature, and the hunt. We call her Kash or Kashi for short.

She ended up having a bad upper respiratory infection. I spent one hundred dollars on medicine two days after I got her, though she was worth it. She's almost better now.

School News:
Last term ended fairly well, though I did poorly in Chemistry. This was solely due to the fact that I did not take the class seriously and failed to study at all until the week prior to the final. Oops. On the positive side, I did learn my lesson. Also, I am done with Chemistry...for good. I am taking biology next year to fulfil my science credit requirement. I also plan on taking botany, geology, and anatomy and physiology. I am realizing that there is a lot to know to be a good anthropology student. Speaking of anthropology, I want to move to New Mexico. UNM has an amazing anthro program, also CHACO CANYON! PUEBLO BONITA! EXCITEMENT! Don't get me wrong, I love the PSU anthro department. Bill is wonderful and I can't wait to be in Cameron's North American prehistory course this term, but PSU only has so much to offer. I may get to go to field school at Fort Vancouver this summer, and if I stuck around who knows... maybe I could work at Cathapotle? Paisley Cave? perhaps... but as far as course work goes, I think UNM is the place. By the time I could go there, I should know my concentration. So far it's archaeology, but as I read more and more I am begining to think ethnology might be right for me. I don't know. If I decide to do primatology (unlikely) I should stay at PSU. Natalie just finished teaching a field school in Florida and now she is off to the research project she is heading in Madagascar. Wouldn't that be a great job?! Speaking of adventure...

Adventure News:
Rob and I are getting closer to our trip. We have calculated that our total distance will be over 150miles. I am so excited. We bought our treking pants today. Two pairs each which is all we will have with us on the hike. One set of clothes on our backs, and one set in the packs. I also picked up treking poles, a buff, and rainpants. The rainpants won't be with us on the trail. They are for biking. By the way...in

Transportation news:
I am selling my truck. I just bought a really nice Kona Dew. From now on, I'm biking. I am tired of my truck breaking down. I am tired of pouring my money into that miserable hole of an engine. No more parts. No more gas. No more insurance. I'm done. And it feels SOOOO GOOOD! I have been riding around quite a bit and I love it. It just feels good to move. Also, this way I don't feel nearly as bad about working out less than I should. It makes me feel like a better hippy as well. Overall, bike=good.

Well, anyway, that is enough of an update. I really should update more often so I don't have to ramble on quite so much. Oh well, I guess. It is written and I am not reviewing it. I hope everyone had a good spring break.

Yeah, it's a tad late, but what can I say? I'm a little busy these days. First of all, I have really been enjoying this term. I love archaeology, or more rather Bill; he is such a wonderful professor (the fact that he reminds me of Dr. Grant has nothing to do with it, really).  In other news, (and speaking of wonderful men) Rob and I are doing really well. I still can't get over how wonderful he is. He's just...WOW. (And no, WOW does not refer to World of Warcraft) However, he is quite nerdy and it tickles me pink. I am very excited to be moving in a couple weeks. (By the way; Kate, CJ, and I put a deposit down on a townhouse. We move in March 12th.) It will be nice to have a little space of my own (ie. Monsterous master bedroom). Though, hopefully, the space won't be all my own for too long. After Rob pays off Italy, he is planning on  moving in. (Question for Kate and CJ: Do you mind if I give him a key when we move in?)

Back to archaeology: I don't know what to do about my project. I really want to forge a copper axe, but I have three dillemas:
1)Malachite is fucking expensive. (Though I could write it off on my taxes next year as an expense for school.)
2)I would need to fire a mold AND FAST! Which means that I need access to kiln. (This may be possible through the art department)
3)The only means of accurately measuring the concentration of aresenic in the air during the process (which will take place out in Jones Creek) is to inhale the arsenic myself and then have blood work done to measure the concentration of arsenic in my bloodstream. This I am perfectly fine with, however, I am not sure that my insurance would cover the test and I am afraid it might be a tad spendy.

(SHOUT OUT TO LIBBY!!!!! I miss you, babe. I keep trying to stop by when I am in town, but noone ever answers the door. I feel bad for not having spoken to you in so long. We need to grab some fondue...or subway....or anything really. Sushi? I don't care; I just miss your face and your witty humor.)

Well, I am signing off. It's almost time for archaeology. *Peace and Love* Tschuss!

::::EDIT:::: I have just realized that flint knapping may be the answer to all my problems. Anyone know where I can get some cheap obsidian or quarts. I am also seeking reccomendations for a hammerstone. Limestone or quartzite?

Actually, I believe that the fact that this Christmas was white was the most unpleasant thing about it. In other words: it was wonderful and by far the best Christmas I have ever had! Due to the financial crisis, my family opted not to give gifts this year which made for the most stress free holiday ever! I literally went to the mall once this holiday season and it wasn't even for gift shopping! The only gift I had to worry about this year was my gift to Rob (which ended up being spectacular). I bought him a book covering the Oregon and Washington portions of the Pacific Crest Trail with in-depth trail descriptions and topographical maps. I also printed larger versions of the larger maps covering each of the twelve sections, and planned a trip that we will be taking in late August or early September. We spent a good portion of today talking about gear and how we need to start practicing orienteering. It will be a longer hike, with two supply drops along the way. We will need to recieve a rather large package at our second supply drop as we will be going off trail to visit Breitenbush and Bagby Hot Springs. In return, I recieved an REI membership, a compact camp stove, a water bottle, and the book LAMB (the gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood pal). It was nice; this Christmas wasn't about finding the right gift to make so-and-so happy. This was the most non-capitalistic Christmas I have ever had and it was wonderful. The only gift exchanging was really about a shared passion, and rather than spending the break shopping and fretting and having panic attacks in crowded malls, I was able to spend time with my family and another someone I care for deeply. I got to go snow camping and play in the woods. I got a pet bunny rabbit (by the way, her name is Sophie after Sophie from Sophie's World). I got some time to figure out my priorities. Really, the greatest gift I got this holiday was the opportunity to experience it. I really couldn't be happier; I just feel so at peace. It has nothing to do with the holiday, but I feel like I am finally becoming the person I always knew I was supposed to be. I have really come to cherish who I am and what I am capable of. I don't think that I am being self centered, I have just finally learned to not only respect, but to rejoice in myself. Because, really, who I am is the only thing I can be sure I will always have. Money can be spent, property can be taken, relationships can be lost, but no one can take away your identity, who you see yourself as. And knowing that, that no matter what may happen you will always be in control of who you are, should bring you all the happiness in the world. But it really is a gift you have to give yourself. And for me, it has been a long time coming. I might have been wrong when saying that no one can take it away from you; what I meant was that no one can take it from you but yourself. It is easy to cheat ourselves out of self appreciation or to look to others to define who we are, but we can't let ourselves do that. At some point we all have to come to terms with, if we had known no one but ourselves, who we would be. After I left Travis I had no idea who I was supposed to be and I was afraid to be anyone other than who I'd been. It was almost like being reintroduced to society. I had to relearn everything. It sounds silly, but it took me over a year to be comfortable looking a man in the eyes. Since then I've worked very hard to become who I am today. And as I have begun to see the payoff, I am very grateful for it. Though the time I spent with Travis and after him may have been difficult, I really do think I am better for it. It's a little late for Thanksgiving, but if I really had to choose something to be thankful for, that would be it. I really feel like I have come so far since then. I find happiness and peace through my worldview (atheism), I have come to have a great appreciation for all that provides for me (family, nature, my own abilities), and I have found an amazing man to share this portion of my life with; someone who respects me, cares for me, excites me, and challenges me to be better at who I want to be. It really was a spectacular Christmas; I got everything I could have ever asked for and more.

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bxhVl_VuE0


On a more serious note, I made the Dean's list. I am quite happy bout that, as I really didn't expect myself to do as well as I did.

As great as that news is, I still find myslef in a bit of a dilema. I don't know what to get for Rob for Christmas. I know what I want to get him, but I just can't afford a $300 dollar knife. Not unless I pawn some of my stuff, which I am seriously concidering. The only problem is there is a chance he may buy it for himself before Christmas (In which case I would be royally fucked). I did get him a book that covers the PCT from Canada to California with very nice topographical maps. I was thinking of planing a trip for him instead. I thought we might hike section F which covers the McKenzie pass to HWY 35 near Barlow pass. We could make a stop at Breitenbush Hot Springs. There are also several camps where we could recieve supply drops. I think that this would mean a lot to him as we plan to someday hike the entire PCT(this would be training). Let me know what you all think.

Happy holidays!

Hurray! My name is on Dawkin's Website!

http://richarddawkins.net/article,3405,Interview-with-Nicholas-Wade,The-Colbert-Report-Lori-Lipman-Brown

Something to brighten my day before finals.

Check it out!
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones

Thanksgiving went far better than I had expected. I really enjoy Rob's family and my family seemed to enjoy Rob (save my father, but he is an asshole).

Friday morning Rob and I met up with Joff and his girlfriend for a delicious cuban breakfast. After which, Rob and I took Dog (yes, the dog's name is Dog) and set out for Timberline Lodge where we met Josh (Rob's cousin who manages Dawkin's site) and some of his friends. They were quite drunk when we arrived around 4pm. The drinking continued. The evening ended when Ben (one of Josh's friends) got 86'd for running around the lodge, banging on doors, and telling absolutely everyone that he was madly in love with them. He ended up riding home in the front with their driver, Shelly (who looks a lot like Sarah Palin), singing her a song entitled "shell-ay" and telling her that he loved her multiple, multiple times.

Rob and I ended up camping at Trillium Lake that night after having discovered the greatest diner ever! Pancakes the size of dinner plates, Never-ending breakfast, Delicious coffee, and it was all ridiculously cheap! (and AWESOME!) Saturday we went to Bagby Hot Springs. It was pretty busy once we got to the actual pools, but the hike in was magnificent. It made me realize just how much I want to kayak the upper Clackamas. *sigh*daydream*

Anyway, Saturday night we stopped in Harrisburg to visit Rob's friend, Laura. On the way from there to Waldport (where we ended up car-camping), I had to carry a dead fawn off to the side of the road. It was sad. We ended up stopping at the Safeway in Eugene so I could wash the blood off of my hands. We spent Sunday traveling up HWY101. We played fetch with the dog just about all day. It was great. I love that Rob loves animals and that he is happy to just hang out and play fetch or take the dog for a hike.

It was an awesome weekend, until I got home Sunday evening. After I dropped off Rob, I started to feel really sick to my stomach. When I got home (around 5:30-6:00) I proceeded to vomit. This continued (with intermittent bouts of sleep on the bathroom floor) until 4:00 in the morning. I went to the doctor monday and found out that I have a viral stomach flu. It's almost gone now, but I haven't gone to school yet this week, which is slightly stressful as finals are next week. Ugh.

Anyway, today was fairly productive, despite the terrible nausea. I basically covered all of the material for this term in Chemistry over the course of a few hours. I feel fairly confident about the second midterm tomorrow morning (which I don't actually need to take).

Well, I am off to bed! I hope you all had a wonderful holliday! Tschuss!

The Flying Spagetti Monster = Awesome

"But after a while you learn to cope with things like seeing your dead grandmother climbing up your leg with a knife in her teeth."

This was a crazy weekend. A lot of fun, though exhausting. Stayed up late Friday to watch the rest of Wednesday's debate and the new episode of House. I ended up getting really paranoid about our political system and couldn't sleep. Finally dozed off around 5am. I was supposed to get up at seven to prep for kayaking. I actually woke up at 8:35 (I was supposed to be ready to go at the equipment center by 8:30. I made it there by 8:45 (pretty impressive), though all I had time to pack for lunch was a bag of cereal. After Kayaking, which was exhausting, I made it back just in time to shower and get to the restaurant. After a fabulous dinner, Rob and headed back to my place and stayed up way too late. We got up around 9am and walked to Edelweiss in SE, then to breakfast and Saturday Market. Finished off the day with lots of homework and a very brief, unpleasant social experience with some fellow freshmen. *see cut for detailed story

Overall, great weekend!

( The Freshmen Experience: Ugh! )

I guess I shouldn't get too used to it, but this basically feels like Highschool without all of the complete idiots. The work load is the same; I'm just having a lot more fun.

I have still only gone to one chem lecture. I should probably stop by sometime and see how far along they are (If they have introduced atoms yet...that is). I'll probably start studying for that class next week; I've got some time before the midterm. =)

I missed the second week of Ballroom dancing (meaning I missed Rumba and Cha Cha). I don't think it will be too hard to pick up, though. I just need to get someone to dance with me outside of class. I really wish Rob was taking that class with me. Though I think I will probably get him to next term. *See below.

My Biological Anthropology course is really behind in the lecture series, so we may have to push back the date of our huge, overly weighted in-class essay. I am quite happy about this as I would like all the time to study I can get.

On another note: Kayaking is fucking awesome!!! Tonight is my second training session and this Saturday I get to go out on the Clackamas River. I should get back around six (just in time for dinner with Rob at Syun Izakaya, the magical Japanease place under the "Public Library").

*That is something I really like about Rob and I: we have so many common interests. We both want to learn to dance and kayak. We go hiking all the time. We have similar aspirations, and we both hope to travel. We both love to work with kids and have a heart for teaching.

It feaks me out, but I just can't help but think what a wonderful father he would be. I know that that should be the last thing on my mind, but I can't help it. I just can't help but think that if I were to have kids, I would want him to be there for them. He is just so sweet, caring, considerate..... The list goes on.

I really think that this could work out. The relationship thing is nice; I'm just not used to it. I feel like I am relearning how to date. I haven't felt this close to someone in years, but this time there is no crazy immoral behavior associated with it. It's nice.

I'm so excited! I feel like I have so much to look forward to. Dinner at Syun Izakaya on Saturday, Sailing this Friday (Kate, you should come!!!), Caving next weekend, Whitewater kayaking the next couple weekends, and a romantic weekend getaway to the beach. This is pretty much going to be the best October ever.

On a similar, yet different, note, I love college life. I dig it the most. I love having my own place. I can bring the most random people over, and smoke hookah and salad all day long... Ah, I love it.

Anyway, I feel as though I should bring this inebriated LJ post to an end.

Also, I had the most beautiful moment today. I don't think I'll ever forget it. I'll post it later perhaps....

Well, Goodnight and Goodluck!

I am, officially, no longer single. Last night Rob and I, who have been going on dates (though not "dating") for quite a while, were gleefully forced to decide one way or the other. We were walking back from Firejam when we ran across my wanna-be-tranny friend, Stormy, who thought it would be a great idea to ask me if the gentleman I was with was my boyfriend. My (very inteliigent) response was something to the effect of "Ummm...well, huh? Mmmm... something like that.....?" Of course Rob brought up the conversation later and the rest is history.

"Yes, heat has to do with how fast tiny particles-which we will come to know as atoms and molocules-are moving. But don't worry; we will get to that in a couple of weeks."

Well, I ended up coming back from my camping trip a bit early to take care of some financial stuff for school. All my tuition and housing are paid, but as far as living expenses go, I'm royally fucked. Not to say that I am not having a fun time at college, though I am a bit stressed. I wish my cat were here; she would fix everything. =^.^=

On another note: Bill, I am sorry for not getting your tent back to you yet. I have been a little busy since returning home. I should be out in the FG area in the next few days. I'll give you a call to let you know when I am coming.

Well, off to another day living in P-Town. *Peace and Love* Tschuss!

Well, Children, Adios! I am off for a two week camping adventure in the woods North of Tillamook off HWY101. If you would like to come visit me, just call and leave a message on my cell phone. I will get back to you when I am in cell phone range and we can set a time to meet in Tillamook so that I may lead you to my camp. As most of you know, my number is (503)803-0366. Hope to hear from you!

***EDIT: It now appears that I will not be leaving until Friday. Though, the offer still stands.***

I have put in my notice of termination to both Schmizza and Truss. The Monday after next I will be officially unemployed for the first time since early 2005. It feels so good. I decided to quit early so that I can go off and live in the woods for a couple weeks before college. You should all come out and visit me at some point. I am leaving around the first of September. I will be just north of Tillamook off HWY101. I will try to post a map of sorts before I leave. Well, back to the office... I love and miss you all! Can't wait until these 50+ hour work weeks are over! *Peace and Love* Tschuss!