T-Day and after

Another year, another Thanksgiving in Lacey.

Before trekking north on Wednesday - the car was in the shop, victim of an engine light. Nothing terribly serious - but somehow amazingly expensive. Catalytic converter had bit the bullet and needed replacement. Still driveable, though.

So north to Washington - a little traffic in town, but a fairly easy drive. Arrived before 8pm - and watched everyone else hit the sack at 9pm. I ended up watching TV and crashing the couch.

Thanksgiving Thursday morning brought the odyssey that is dinner prep. Alex was busy with the turkey, sweet potatoes, and everything else. I pretended to look after the boy - some coloring time here, a movie there. Kung Fu Panda was on the menu - along with the inevitable yummy side dishes and pumpkin pie.

After we stuffed ourselves and Greer had hit the hay, I jumped ship for the multi-plex - and a screening of "Twilight" - the film I worked on (as an extra) earlier this year. It was bearable...and I didn't make the final cut. Ah well, I have fond memories of Vernonia and Oregon City. Maybe when the DVD comes out?

Friday brought a little field trip. Around mid-day, Alex, Greer and I left the house and drove to the Nesqually Wildlife Refuge north of Lacey. It was sprinkling out, but endurable for the purpose of bird watching / nature hiking. About half-way through, Greer began to lay on the mustard....complaining about the hike, and "how we will never get back". A and I, prodded him along with the usual amount of baiting and encouragement. Greer would have none of it. He drug his feet, and wailed aloud - like it was the Bataan death march or some such nonsense.

Thankfully, all things must come to an end...

Back home, we retired for the evening - and broke open "The Golden Compass"....a mixed, but ultimately satisfying fantasy -- even if it threatens to put you to sleep.

Saturday was a surprise of sorts. I had spoken with my old college friend, Phil...and we agreed to meet up for coffee in Old Tacoma - near the Museum of Glass. A little morning respite from the womb-like existence in Lacey. Managed to survive a freeway cloverleaf nightmare - and was pleasantly surprised by the great art and architecture that abounded. Much like Olympia and Seattle, Tacoma has an understated northwest vibe....almost European in feel. The Museum of Glass was a definite return visit - and an open recommendation for anyone with an appreciation for glass art. It was great to see Mr. Phil...and I look forward to our next connection.

All in all....another enjoyable turkey day break. We'll be back in December for a post-Christmas stay.

Greermonster loves leaves

Remembering Harvey...

It was the event that I almost missed.

When I heard that Gus Van Sant would be directing a bio-pic of the late gay rights leader Harvey Milk, I was happy to hear it. If anyone could bring the dramatic and ultimately tragic story of his life to the screen, Gus could do it.

For me, Harvey is a true American hero....a tireless, frank and committed soul who stood up and helped lead the movement for human/civil rights - not just for GLTB folks, but for his entire community. Despite his own insecurities, he answered the call.

Flash forward to last week.....and the Portland benefit premeire of "Milk" at the Schnitz.

I had known about it for a month....asked a couple friends about going....but at the time, I was still jobless and the money needed to go elsewhere. I held back and decided to wait for the release.

As soon as I started back at Regence, the nagging in my head began. I was going to regret missing this one....and besides....it WAS a benefit for Outside/In - an advocacy group for street kids. Before long, I was standing in line at the PCPA...picking up the tickets for Paul, Michael and myself - and getting excited again.

I was not dissappointed.

Van Sant's "Milk" is great marriage of art and history. Instead of a dry portrait of an assasinated leader, we get a beautifully rendered flavor of the times, and an intimate vision of a man finding his place within a community and history. Casting is brilliant. Penn inhabits Harvey Milk in a way that few actors I believe would be capable. His physicality and energy is very believable - and it's easy to forget what actor you're watching. After a while...it's just Harvey. I could go on about the supporting cast...all very solid in their own way. James Franco (Scotty) stands out as well....showing his range and willingness to expand as an actor.

Kudos all the way around...I see this film getting several nods at Oscar time.

Additionally...Rob Epstein's Oscar-winning 1984 documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk" is a definite must for anyone who enjoyed this film. I watched it right after "Milk" - and am still impressed with how affecting it is.

A New Day...

I couldn't be any happier.

It's as if a huge weight has been removed, and in it's place, a hope for something great.

Despite fear, anger, ignorance and eight years of soul-sucking influence within the corridors of executive power - the American people have finally elected a president who just might change things for the better in this country.

It's been a long road, but the mountaintop is within view.

Coming Home to Roost

So here we are again. On the edge, leaning into one of the most important elections in our nation's history.

After eight years, the chickens are finally coming home to roost for the Grand Old Party. Average citizens are feeling the effects of economic downturn, war and greed - and are looking to shift gears.

Change - whether it be real or imagined, is the winning hand.

Democrats will once again control the executive and legislative branches - and will certainly have their work cut out for them. This is an opportunity for good democratic things to be done. I only hope our elected officials have the courage and responsibility to pursue the potential that is at hand.

Halloween - and Crumpa drops by...

It's been quite a week.

All the hubbub of learning the new gig has turned time back on it's head. My first week back at Regence was a whirlwind of meetings, brain dumps and the usual mental traffic. Suffice to say, time blew by, and we were suddenly knocking on the door of Halloween - and the emergence of Mr. Roboto - in all his silvery glory.

After a long day at the office, we quickly connected at home and headed over to a nearby senior center to see Marcia's family and visit her grandma. The girls were drop-dead cute...especially Keira, who was in full Wizard of Oz mode, dressed as Dorothy...right down to the red shoes.



After a short visit (and and few hundred photos), we headed over to visit Chris, Windy and Ember - and try the house to house routine in their neighborhood. Weather forcasts were thankfully wrong - and instead of slogging through a night rain, the three of us enjoyed a quick and enjoyable night of ghosts and ghoulies. Greermonster cleaned up in the packaged sugar department - and was the frequent recipient of positive comments on his robotic veneer.

Home again....Greer counted out his candy, and then promptly sacked out, just before his Crumpa arrived for a quick overnight visit. While our little beastie cut a few logs, we holed up in the basement, and watched the Blazers win a thrilling home opener against San Antonio.

The next morning we enjoyed a leisurely wake-up, and set ourselves to visit the 72nd Avenue Pub for brunch. Opting for footpower, we hiked the short distance to our favorite new hang and settled in for some fantastic grub. Even Crumpa (and his hollow leg) were satiated.

All in all, a great way to start a weekend.