Wednesday, July 26th
Substitute Boss
My supervisor called in sick today.
I was imagining how cool it would be if a substitute supervisor came in to the office. After taking attendance the sub would show a movie and I could take a nap.
Alas, I must work.
Chris on 07.26.06 @ 01:38 PM PST [link]
Tuesday, July 25th
A convenient solution
For the first time, I went camping on my bicycle this weekend. My friends Scott, Jake and I biked 26 miles out of town to the mountains near Fall Creek Reservoir. They both are experienced tour bikers, Scott biked from New Orleans to Eugene and Jake biked from Philadelphia to Eugene. I figured we would have no problems, and we didn't! It was a tough ride, weekend temperatures were close to 100. Most of our ride there was up, up and up! Over 5 hours later, we reached the summit and set up camp. There's nothing like being out in the wilderness with nothing but your bicycle to get you around. Very liberating!! Sunday's ride was rewarding, long, fast coasts down the mountains back into town. I can't wait to do something like that again.
Once we got home, I saw An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. It's so sad what has happened to our collective conscience. Our way of living is coming to a melting halt soon if we don't change. I'm pledging a tough sacrifice. I will remain car free until there is an alternative (affordable) vehicle that does not emit pollution/carbon or burn a fossil fuel.
I was so inspired with myself, my bike trip and the movie I started and finished my first painting in almost a year! I'll try to upload that image soon.
This week, I'm looking to buy a nice touring bike for my next vacation!
Chris on 07.25.06 @ 03:10 PM PST [link]
Monday, July 17th
One Red Paperclip Update
HE DID IT!!
I can't believe his pr plan worked. This guy traded one red paperclip for an item, then another trade and another... until he traded for a house. Along the way he got to meet Alice Cooper, too! Check out his story:
One Red Paperclip
WOW!
ps: if you haven't checked out Lego Rave, you should. The feedback has been great! Thanks all!!
Chris on 07.17.06 @ 07:43 PM PST [link]
Bike rides and Kites
Yesterday I flew the tallest kite in Oregon.
maybe 
My friend Scott and I rode our bikes 6 or more miles to Mt. Pisgah's trailhead. From there, we continued to the top of the mountain on foot. Picked some blackberries on the way. Once we got to the top, I took my kite out. I have to admit, I was a little dissapointed by the lack of wind. But, the kite did fly for a short bit. I figured it might have been the tallest kite in Oregon at that moment.
Maybe next weekend I'll try a different mountain. A taller one!
Chris on 07.17.06 @ 06:01 PM PST [link]
Tuesday, July 11th
Oregon Country Fair
I saw so many beautiful people, families and couples at the fair. I ate wonderful food from local businesses like New Day Bakery, Get Fried Rice, Nancy's Yogurt, Dana's Cheesecake and the hospitality kitchen. I danced to hip-hop, reggae, jazz, jam bands, bluegrass and even disco (thanks to the disco cart!) I must have walked 50 miles the four days I was there. I was constantly wandering, but not really looking for anything in particular. All that wandering may have been necessary for me, I have a feeling it may become a significant part of my future.
I overheard some funny conversations while wandering around:
A couple was talking about their drunk friend, Jesse. "He was so wasted!... He opened the door to the port-a-potty and said, 'It smells too bad to go in there!' Then he closed the door and pissed on the port-a-potty door." Since overhearing that, I made sure to open the doors at shoulder level.
Then I heard a debate about banning cell phones at the fair. The main point for banning cell phones: cell phones hurt fairies. And yes, they were totally serious.
I was told by an elder that the fair should hire convicts to sort the recycling because it would save the fair money! Sheez, dude...
I saw some old friends that sincerely wanted to know how I was, gave me hugs and told me how special they thought I was. Thank you, friends. I saw a few old friends who, once realizing I didn't have any popularity value, brushed me off. It's weird how the fair can be "clicky". I met some new friends who I may not see much until next fair, but that's cool. I had the best times with Scott and Ben who stumbled along the 8 with me. From time to time I would experience something that would remind me of a fair from the past. Thanks to those friends who could not make it this year, you were with me in spirit.
I was walking through the main stage area after the Saturday night show. It was dark and only a small number of people were hanging out when a guy stopped me. He said, "I have a gift for you... do you want it?" I hesitated, "sure." He replied, "Look up." I did. The fair was so stimulating I didn't realize how many stars were out. It was incredible. I thanked him and wandered on. That's what the fair is all about. Giving things we can't own.
All in all, it was a memorable time (what I can remember).
360 days until next fair!!!
Chris on 07.11.06 @ 07:57 PM PST [link]