The Trouble With Caffeine

So, it seems I have this new issue with caffeine. It used to be, back in the good ole days, that I bragged constantly that I could drink caffeine laden drinks like coffee and Mountain Dew at any time of the day or night, in any amount I wanted and not have any trouble falling asleep at all. I've always been one of those people that could sleep any place. In fact, on a trip in Mexico, my friend Craig said to me, after I'd awaken from a small pool of drool on the non-air conditioned bus that took us from the Church of Guadalupe to some pyramids, "Nikki, you sure can sleep anywhere!" (This is also the same bus where I changed my clothes in the back [we'd had to wear "nice" clothes to the church out of local custom but were allowed to change into shorts for the walking at the pyramids] and was petrified that someone [namely the boys in my group] was going to see. Since then, I've been known to change my clothes in the car while I am driving. Go figure!)



Where was I going with this? I got all swept up in the parentheses and brackets.



Oh yeah. Caffeine.



So, I can pretty much sleep anywhere and once asleep I am a HEAVY sleeper. It takes a lot to wake me up. But lately, I've noticed that if I have coffee or a soda really close to bedtime...it takes me a lot longer to fall asleep. What is with that? Is it the weight loss? Is it coincidence? I've had stuff on my mind lately, so it could be that, I suppose. I don't know. But I don't like it. Next thing I know, I won't be able to drink as much alcohol as I used to be able to without feeling tipsy (except for wine of course.). Argh.



Big dilemma tonight. Work out in Bellevue? Or drive to Bothell and workout and then do pilates afterwards? Or don't work out? Tuesdays are usually my other day off from working, but I didn't workout on Sunday. Plenty of time to decide I suppose. What's wrong with just going home, you are probably asking. Because once I get home, I watch tv and behave like a slug. That's not good. But Gilmore Girls is on tonight...so...I don't know.



My new game that I play obesessively, practice obsessively that is, is Gin. I feel like I have a better chance at beating The Master than I do with cribbage. I am probably quite wrong about that.

Nikki on 09.28.04 @ 02:53 PM PST [link]

Bath By Polish And Other Stories

On Saturday night, I got ready to go out, which included a shower, of course. I did all those other getting ready to go out things, and as I opened my medicine cabinet to reach for my perfume, out tumbles a bottle of clear fingernail polish. It hit the sink and then managed to splash all over me, fortunately, mainly my right hand. I was befuddled as how to proceed to get it off me. Water wasn't going to work, since everyone knows that water is how you get polish to set faster. However, I tried anyway and managed to set it a little so that I could scrape some of it off. Next I reached for my bottle of polish remover, but there was only a smidge left. It was enough to get the majority of it off of me. It's so wonderful to smell like polish and then polish remover. Argh.



I cleaned the entire house this weekend. It took almost all of Saturday, if you count all the time it took doing laundry, too. I always feel so victorious once the house is fully cleaned. Although, actually. my office is still a little messy, but I allow myself one messyish room.



Yesterday I engaged in some retail therapy and bought two new pairs of jeans because the next size down, 8s, fit. That's right folks. I just announced what size I wear. :)



On Friday night, a friend and I ate at a Mongolian grill restaurant. It was pretty yummy. I love how it's buffet like. I was able to eat fairly healthy. :)



This month has seemed really long. Like, I keep wishing it were October. I know it's only less than a week away...



I worked on the novel a bit this weekend. I think I am up to 122 pages now, more or less. I read over a scene that I'd written last time that I'd actually forgotten about. The first half might have to go, but the second half is decent. I read over a bunch of scenes last night and was amazed at how sometimes I thought, "You know, I'm not half bad as a writer." and then in another I'd lament, "What the hell am I trying to do here? No one is going to be interested in this story at all!" It's a precarious thing, being a writer. Or at least, being Nikki and being a writer. :)



As I rearranged some items in my living room this weekend, I moved a bunch of journals (only the spiral bound ones) onto a shelf that used to hold cds. I had a moment when I was actually amazed that I had filled so many books! Just of the spiral bound books, ther must be at least 10 on the shelf. The first one I started in March of 2001. Somehow many of the entries in the past couple years kind of go on and on about the same issues, morphing from "These journals are strictly for writing exercises and drafts." to being more diary like. Not sure that I like that, but it's still provided me with fodder for different pieces, so I guess it's not the worst thing in the world.

Nikki on 09.27.04 @ 11:17 AM PST [link]

Weird Vibes

Every had one of those days where you just get weird vibes? You don't know exactly from where.



Anyway.



I am having a cute day. This plum colored turtleneck was a good purchase. :)

Nikki on 09.23.04 @ 04:09 PM PST [link]

Jasmine Tea

So last night I was out walking Hank and I had an impulse to go up to the gas station and buy some soda. And then I came to my senses and decided to drink some tea instead. I have a cupboard of several varieties, mostly green. I am not a big tea drinker, but there are two kinds that I like: green and jasmine. Oh, and whatever tea it is that they serve at Chinese restaurants. Anyway. The first time I had really goot jasmine tea was at this tea shop in Wallingford, before I actually lived in the neighborhood. I met Wendy there one day and we had tea. Not sure of what to order, I chose a jasmine because a friend of mine liked it. It was fabulous. First of all, it smells great. It smells like a garden. And, it doesn't take much sweetener either. So when I was in Cooms a couple years ago, I bought some at the market. Does tea go stale? Well, I had some of the jasmine tea last night and it tasted good. I think I am going to start drinking tea more often. I have this huge, I suppose it's actually for coffee, mug that is perfect for it. Mmmmm. :)



On these chilly nights, the only thing that is missing is a fireplace. I really wish I had one.



I am not working out tonight. Not even Pilates. No. No. NO!!!



So I've torn my room apart. Well, only slightly. I took everything off hangers, tried it on, and threw it into either a "too big" or "still fits/I still like it too much to part with" pile. The second pile of clothes is still on the floor. And then I went through all my sweaters and did the same thing. I didn't realize that I had so many sweaters! I shouldn't buy any more. The rule of thumb with the sweaters was, if I looked like a head floating above a mass of knitting, then it had to go. It was sad. Then I packed away old t-shirts, the kind I used to wear in WI that are like tents really. I gave away so many clothes, yet I still have a buttload. But then, I tend to wear the same things over and over. :) My problem right now is shoes. Most of my daily wear shoes I've had for over four years. But I can't find any shoes that I like. So, I keep wearing the old ones.





Nikki on 09.21.04 @ 01:28 PM PST [link]

A Great Weekend

Yesterday, Judy and I went to Northbend to the outlet malls. We went all that way and never ended up buying anything! Last night I went up to the theatre on 45th and watched Garden State, which was really good. Zach Breff is pretty cute (I figured out that he reminds me of Scott Foley, Noel from Felicity) and not only did he star in it, but he wrote and directed it. I like to watch movies that were written by people around my age. Gives me hoe. :)



Today was just a great day. No reason really. Didn't really interact with anyone. The weather was just really nice. I walked over to Fremont to Oktoberfest. It wasn't all that exciting; again, I didn't buy anything (other than an extremely long brat). Then I got ready and drove over to Greenlake where I proceeded to jog around it...twice! Upping the anty from last week, I jogged 15 minutes, walked 5 all the way around both times. It took me just over an hour. The last half of the last lap was a bit daunting. Now, I am quite sore and probably will be tomorrow, too. But I did it, and that is a nice feeling.



I need to walk th e dog still.

Nikki on 09.19.04 @ 09:43 PM PST [link]

Thwarted

I was all excited to get into the hot tub last night. It was a good night for it. But alas, it wasn't working. I know it was hot a week ago when I checked it, right after the repairman was there. Sigh. Oh well. Saved my navel piercing a fierce scrubbing afterwards I suppose. :) But it would've been the first time wearing the bikini. Argh.



During the search to find some kind of knob to turn the heat up, I did manage to find some kind of dead rodent on the far side of the hot tub, on the ground. Lovely. It was dark, but it didn't look like a mouse or a rat. But it was smallish. Ick.



Writing got cancelled tonight. I know, I know. I can go myself somewhere and write. And I may, depending on how late I work out. But I like going with someone, even if we're not talking. Sometimes, I just need to ask someone's opinion, or about something factual. Like, one time we were writing and I could not for the life of me remember the word, "allowance." And since I don't connect to the Internet or carry around a dictionary with me (I suppose I should, huh? Although it wouldn't have helped in this instance...I know how to spell it afterall) she was very useful for that. I like the energy of having someone around but not having to have to engage with them if I don't want to. I think that has a lot to do with growing up as an only child. My mom or grandparents or whomever were always around, but they left me to entertain myself because I did it well.



Fell asleep upstairs last night. Their couch isn't very comfortable actually. Not for the head.



I don't think the photography class is going to work out. First of all, I still don't have a camera, but the problem really is that the class is full. I am on a waiting list. Maybe I should take some other kind of class. One where the equipment doesn't cost so much. Take this class later. I don't know.



My hair is getting out of control again. It's to the middle of my back again. I think it's getting time for a trim...when is the next holiday? :)

Nikki on 09.16.04 @ 01:08 PM PST [link]

These Boots Are Made For Walking

So last week, in a fit of I don't know what, I bought a pair of boots. Like, the fancy kind, not snow boots. :) They have fairly high heels. They go nearly to my knees. I've never had such a pair of shoes. But for some reason, they called to me and before I knew it, I had purchased them. Today is the first day that I have worn them. So far so good. I tried them on with a skirt because I see women wearing knee length skirts and boots such as these and it looks cute enough...but on my I thought it looked kind of ridiculous. Maybe I just need to get used to it?



I can't believe I am sitting here wearing a turtleneck sweater. Albeit, it's a thin sweater, but still. I'm a little chilly, so I could probably wear a thick sweater and get away with it. I think summer really is over. Although, Saturday was quite warm. Sigh. Maybe there's hope. :)



Why is it so dang difficult to find a book about nutrition that doesn't espouse some kind of diet plan? (mainly low carb)



My grandpa had an auction yesterday and sold most of his stuff. He has this corner hutch that he bought my grandma years ago. There's nothing radically special about it. It's not an antique or an heirloom. But I've always admired it. So Mom told him that I would be willing to pay X amount of dollars for it, but that if, at the auction, someone bid more than that, to let it go. I have yet to hear yet if I get it. The next question is, if I did get it, how the hell am I going to get it out here? A former friend of mine once shipped a bunch of her stuff out here via Amtrack, so there's that option. Or, I could fly out at some point, rent some kind of vehicle that will haul it, and drive it back. That idea sucks. I hate the drive between there and here. Well, it was better the second time when I had a friend with me. But, it's also takes a big chunk of time to do it (about 3 days). Sigh. Well, first I guess I need to find out if I even won it.



Nikki on 09.13.04 @ 01:55 PM PST [link]

A Nice Weekend

Except for this contant fear that someone tried to break into the house and maybe will again, it's been a fairly nice weekend. (The backyard fence door's latch and door are broken and I don't know if it was done long ago or recently.)



Judy and Suganthi came over for dinner last night and we had quite a feast. Judy brought her famous guacomole. Suganthi used the stuff I bought and made her famous artichoke dip (one spicey and one not) and brought wine (no, I didn't get drunk this time!). I made this salmon and vegetable pasta dish...it was good. Not spectacular. But acceptable. Since the three of us hadn't hung out in quite some time, we spent most of the time just catching up on what's been going on and such. We watched Bruce Almighty upstairs.



Today I rollerbladed down to Gasworks and back. It was definitely a better attempt than two years ago when I tried in Marymoor. Still, it's difficult keeping the momentum up. However, I never fell, so that 's a good start. I just got back from jogging around Greenlake. I don't mind jogging as long as it's only once a week. On Sundays I like to do something out of the ordinary for myself. So, I'd jog for ten minutes, walk for five, etc. I finished all 3.2 miles in 45 minutes. Now I realize that isn't the best time, but hey, I am a way beginner. :)



Spent some time today sitting in the awesome backyard writing and reading. It was quite pleasant.

Nikki on 09.12.04 @ 07:40 PM PST [link]

Directions

Last night as I traipsed down my street to the house, I saw a woman, carrying a skateboard, a ways ahead of me. As I neared the house, she stopped. Since the bus stops on the street are either farther up the street or down, I was a little wary. I mean, here it was nearly midnight. There was no one else around. Why was she stopped? I approached and she asked me what direction downtown was. I was a little confused-Wallingford isn't really that close to downtown...and here she was on foot. So I told her it was farther south. She seemed confused then. She wanted to know in which direction she should go to get to Maple Leaf (or maybe it was Maple Wood) and since I had no idea where that is, I pointed out the various neighborhoods in the various directions: the U-District, Ballard, Greenlake. She apologized for being a little drunk. But Greenlake seemed familiar to her, so she struck out in the direction from whence she started. I hope she made it okay. A true philanthropist would have offered her a ride. But I am not.



So the pilates class last night went well. Most of the moves I'd done before either in yoga, on a pilates tape, or in abs class. The only thing that I really struggle with is from a lying down position, sitting up without pushing with my hands or getting some momentum going. It's really annoying. Anyway. I'm not even too sore today. I thought I might be since I worked out for an hour before doing the hour long pilates class and then didn't eat much afterwards: half a grilled cheese sandwhich (which was quite yummy-I haven't had one in SO long) and then late some cottage cheese and an ice cream bar. I might go roller blading with a friend this weekend. Hopefully I'll be better at it than I was a couple years ago. That was just pitiful.



Kind of a quiet weekend ahead, I think. I need to clean the house. Maybe I will switch my summer and winter clothes around. I hate to do it. Seems way too early. But I think my days of wearing just tank tops this season are nearly over. :(



Erich, if you don't want me to ignore you, then you better send me an e-mail. It's the only way that I will know that ET is you. :P

Nikki on 09.10.04 @ 12:26 PM PST [link]

Housesitting

I am housesitting for a couple weeks, which is no hardship since it's right upstairs. :) I am disappointed with myself that I didn't get in the hot tub last night. Good thing I have plenty of time. Instead, I fell asleep somewhere around 9:30. Last I remember, Oprah was on tv...



Since the YMCA that I usually go to is closed this week, I have to venture up to Bothell to use that one. It's actually a much nicer facility. Too bad it's just a little farther away. I could go to the one in downtown Bellevue, but then I would probably to pay to park somewhere and I think I pay enough to work; I shouldn't have to pay to park, too. There's a YMCA on Redmond Ridge, but I am pretty sure that they don't have workout equipment there. Odd, but I don't think they do. They're pretty new and I think they have programs there only. So, that leaves Bothell. I went to a step-aerobics class there last night. It wasn't too bad. I bought new tennis shoes and they were a bit stiff so that complicated things as well as the fact that we did it in a gymnasium so I had a hard time understanding the instructor's direction due to the accustics. She wasn't too hard, but I didn't care for the routine much. However, I felt that way about one of the instructors that I now like. I think this one also had us doing cardio much longer: 45 full minutes instead of 30. All in all, not bad. Tonight, I am going to go to pilates. Unlike my YMCA where you have to pay extra for it, it's free. I've never taken a pilates class, only videos, so this should be interesting. I hear good things about pilates, that it's good for toning the abs, which is what I really need.



I am trying to buy a camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but that is good, so that I can take a photography class. It isn't a simple task when most of the vocabulary related to these types of cameras are foreign to me. I need a Photography for Dummies book, I think! I have a line on a decent one. It almost sounds too good to be true, though. Hopefully I'll get to see it in person soon. Not that that will help me a lot more...sigh. There's a part of me that doesn't want to buy a film camera- I love my digital camera and don't miss having to get film developed all the time. I could buy a digital camera that is like a SLA (is that the correct term?) camera, but those are way more expensive than I wish to consider right now. Sigh again.



I looked over my list of things to do this summer, that I had posted several months ago...I got virtually none of it accomplished! I saw Rent and that's about it. Now, I know that there's the possibility of more nice days to come so all hope is not lost. But still. Every year I say that I am going to ride those paddle boats at Green Lake and STILL I haven't!



Nikki on 09.09.04 @ 01:05 PM PST [link]

Archie

I found out this weekend that a guy that I knew from high school died last week. Archie and I had this brief, very innocent, somewhat flirtatious friendship when I was a junior and he was a freshman in high school. I can't remember exactly how it started, but I know we met because of band. And again, I don't remember how, but somehow we started writing notes to each other, which are still probably the closest thing I've ever received to being a "love letter," and they weren't love letters at all. lol Anyway. They started out as being silly and frivulous and then eventually we actually talked about real things. We must have exchanged notes at least twice a day sometimes. Until today when I read the entry about him that I'd written in my "guy book," I couldn't remember why we stopped. I figured that it had something to do with Ryan...everything back then had something to do with Ryan. However, I wrote that he told me about some girl he was "in love with..." I think it was someone from camp or soemthing. I hadn't wantd to date him or anything, but it was nice to have the attention of a male, something that was rare to me as I was constantly pining away for the guy who was going to become a monk (although neither of us knew it then). Archie was a really sweet, shy guy. When he died, he was only 28 years old. He had two young daughters. The newspaper didn't tell what he died of, so I am curious. In any case, he was way to young to die. Funny, I haven't seen him since he was probably 17 and of course that's how I still think of him.



Went to Bumbershoot yesterday and saw an awesome Celtic fiddlist. Seeing musicians perform like that always reminds me that there is a distinction between musicians and me playing an instrument, even if I did it fairly well (at one time). I hate memorizing music, and of course she played it all that way. She could dance while she played, too. That's pretty talented. :)



I dropped down to the next decade in weight this week!



My cousin, Jeremy, and his girlfriend...well, actually his grilfriend, had a baby! They named him Konnor (I know it's spelled with a "k" but I don't know if the rest of that is right.) Since I jsut found out a couple weeks that they were expecting, it's still pretty surprising. Now I know three boys born in the past three months all on the 4th of the month. Well, one I don't know at all, technically so maybe I should ammend that to "know of."



Hey, "ET"...I know it's you Erich. Do you think I can't tell by your writing style that it's you? I may not have talked to you in a long time, but I can still tell your writing style. You should just admit it to me. :)



Oh, that picture of Archie...it was taken during our Winterfest week. He's dressed like that because, I think, it was Dress Like It's Summer and Winter day. He didn't dress like that normally! And it's black and white because it was in the yearbook. I must have had Marie steal it for me. :) It's good to have connections.

Nikki on 09.06.04 @ 07:52 PM PST [link]