Domo Arigato, Misses Roboto

my life according to google (thanks to vero)

2008-06-15T21:42:00.002-04:00

Type in the following and fill in the first choice

1: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search:
Marianne needs to be rescued.

2: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search:
Marianne looks like a very smart, friendly, 10-year-old baby.

3: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search:
Marianne does NOT agree.

4: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search:
Marianne hates the sea, and wants to go dance in the town.

5: Type in "[your name] goes to" in Google search:
Marianne goes to the prom in a dress she made by hand, with a boy she knows well and trusts.

6: Type in "[your name] loves" in Google search:
Marianne loves knitting and spinning.

7: Type in "[your name] eats" in Google search:
Marianne eats well.

8: Type in "[your name] has" in Google search:
Marianne has a mural on a bus.

9: Type in "[your name] died" in Google Search:
The Venerable Mother Superior Marianne died at 10:50 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 1918, at the Bishop Home, Kalaupapa, Molokai; then the waiting Angels most assuredly guided her Spirit heavenward.

10: Type in "[your name] will" in Google search:
Marianne will be serving as Master of Ceremonies.

hm...

2008-05-13T18:44:00.003-04:00

What's going on? The weather and natural phenomena around the world this week is sketching me out.

At home: yesterday was the rainiest day in the history of Washington, DC. Ever. And last week there was an earthquake in Annandale? Whaaaat?? I mean, I know we *are* on a fault line, and earthquakes have occurred before. But still. Weird. And also, there are, apparently, sinkholes opening up all over the place too, because of all the rain.

Nationally: Tornadoes and severe weather is sweeping across America. Fires in Florida (albeit, caused by arsonists, they think).

Internationally: The earthquakes in the Sichuan province of China that have killed over 12,000, with people still buried and needing to be rescued. The cyclones in Myanmar... I'm especially torn up about Myanmar, and how the government is continuing to refuse aid-workers access to the country, and what relief *does* get in is being siphoned off for money instead of going to those who desperately need food and water. What food the government decides to give out is rotten. So many more people are going to die if these militant leaders don't open their country up for aid (pray for their hearts to change!). Their souls are at stake, and it really breaks my heart to see this tragedy still occuring. 35,000 are already dead, another 28,000 are missing, and thousands more could die of disease.

Laughing...

2008-03-14T01:17:00.003-04:00

... because I just read a review on iTunes that just says "Weezer has sucked since 1996".

yaayyyyyyyyy!!!

2008-02-08T00:28:00.001-05:00

Stephen got me some awesome espresso cups that I want everyone to see! They're so pretty :)

Five things I'm thankful for today:

2008-01-31T23:24:00.000-05:00

1. My new bunny: so fluffy! So soft!
2. Murky Coffee: delicious caramel lattes, hot chocolate, single macchiatos, regular customers who become friends, and playful coworkers.
3. Jamie: kind, strong, supportive, trustworthy, wonderful.
4. My Ford Escape: a means to miniature, temporary escapes.
5. My parents: unconditional love and support.

SS and WVA

2008-01-22T01:26:00.000-05:00

Have decided that I really love Sufjan Stevens' version of "come thou fount of every blessing" (it's on the Christmas album).

In other news:

I had a really nice weekend in West Virginia with Jamie. There was lots of lazing about, watching home videos, touring the "Aids Magic Mart", and skipping around the Lost World Caverns without interference. We also saw about a million deer.

<3 - M

Fix it up, have a cup, hazelnut or coconut!

2008-01-17T00:47:00.000-05:00

Latest Survey

2008-01-11T18:16:00.001-05:00

1. Who will you be with Saturday night?
probably Jamie, maybe other people too.

2. What woke you up this morning?
unofficially: Oliver meowing. officially: my phone’s alarm

4. Is tomorrow going to be a good night?
well... I hope so.

5. Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
so far, Janet and Allie

6. Who was the last person you rode in a car with?
Jamie

7. How many myspace accounts do you have?
Only one. C’mon. I’m not a stalker, people.

8. What was your first thought this morning?
”But I don’t WANT to move to Liberia!!!” (It was thought with panic, as I woke up from a very bizarre dream.)

9. Do or did you like school?
yes

10. Would you take a bullet for anyone?
would it be fatal?

11. Where would you like to live?
Japan, Seattle, where I am now, Florence, London, the beach… NOT in the deep suburbs…

12. Do long distance relationships work?
Not for me.

13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
an artist, a business owner, an Olympian, a translator…

15. Who is your number one on myspace?
Jamie.

16. Who do you wish you were with right now?
catdog :(

17. Who was the last person that left you a comment?
Pete

18. How often do you log in to myspace?
Usually once, maybe twice a day.

19. Would you rather talk on the phone or chat in IM?:
usually IM because phones can have those weird silences, but it depends who I’m talking to.

20. How many car accidents have you been in?
One semi-major, and a couple of fender-benders

21. Do you listen to music every day?:
of course!

22. Do you still go trick or treating?
no, but I like Halloween parties.

23. What was the last thing you ate?
a rice krispies treat

24. Are you a fast typer?
pretty fast, yes.

25. How many speeding tickets do you have?

Several. Three or four maybe? That’s not *terrible* for 11 years on the road, right? :\

26. What are you doing tonight?
laundry, job searching, and sleeping

27. If you had one whole day to yourself, what would you do?
sleep, play with the cat, shop, play online

28. Is anything bothering you?
yes.

29. Do you miss someone?
everyone tends to miss *someone*

30. What do you want to do right now?
take a hot bath and pay someone to do my laundry for me

31. Are you listening to music right now?
mmhmm!

32. Are you in a good mood?
meh…

33. What are you doing this weekend?
working, sleeping, hanging out with friends, eating. Nothing spectacular, I think.

34. Are you talking to anyone while doing this?
no

35. When were you the saddest in your life?
A few situations come to mind; each involving a man.

36. Do you own more than one cell phone?
no, I don’t need another one

37. Do you use EBay to buy or sell?
occasionally

38. What makes you angry?
people who hurt me or the ones I love, and people who don’t use their turn signals when they drive.

39. Have you ever had a song written about you?
I don’t think so!

40. Have you ever sang in public?
yeah

41. What songs make you happy?
Genuinely HAPPY? California Stars, (Billy Bragg & Wilco), All You Need is Love (Beatles), Don’t Worry Baby (Beach Boys), Under Pressure (David Bowie/Freddy Mercury), Fresh Feeling (eels)… there are others, that’s just what comes to mind.

42. What do you like to listen to before you go to bed?
nothing, really. Sometimes music, I guess.

43. Do you have a job?
yes, and I’m looking for another one!

44. What does your ipod have in it right now?
Um, like…. 4,000 songs or something. Do you want those alphabetically, or what?

45. How many close friends do you have?
Probably around 5 that I confide everything to.

46. What makes you happy?
travel, new experiences, being with loved ones, finding beautiful things, dressing up

47. One wish?
more control over my emotions, or at least giving them up to God more.

48. Have you ever loved someone and were too scared to tell them?
no

49. Next concert?
I dunno.

50. Name one song that explains your current life.
Fidelity (regina spektor)

plaguarism, via the 'plain white ts' (a band with several [and only several...] songs I like)

2007-12-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

I can't stand to watch you go
Cause in my head deep down I know
I don't wanna live without you
I love the way we stay up late
The way you laugh at your mistakes
I love everything about you

a series of short comments on my situation in life

2007-12-15T22:55:00.000-05:00

I am excruciatingly content with life right now. It's the first time in a long time that I've been so... at peace with everything that's happening.

Most integral to my current state of mind (I think) is that my constant companions, restlessness and wanderlust, have been temporarily held at bay thanks to a recent trip to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. Exploration of the holy land was the best thing that could have happened to me at this point in my life, when I felt like I was starting to flounder and lose sight of things that are important in favor of things that were definately less so. And now, with a renewed perspective and stronger will to love God above all else, I've had more peace in my soul over the past month than any time in recent memory.

My current employment is uncertain, but it's a good thing, and has (for the most part) added to my contentedness. I've been getting more and more uneasy there over the past month or two because a combination of two things: bad leadership and the growing knowledge that there's something bigger to seek. Again, I "blame" my trip to israel. Going to work was just... different after I got home. I felt no purpose in it, and for someone who's very used to moving forward with purpose, that quickly became unbearable. And so, I've given my notice, and I'm waiting for guidance as to where I should go next.

My family life is good. I (still) love my parents, who just got home from London tonight, and my brother is coming home for Christmas for two weeks. I haven't seen him for several months, and am always glad to spend time with him.

A couple of months ago I moved into a townhouse with a friend from work and her friend from college. We have ample space, a cat named oliver who is very, very silly, and a 70s 'boom-boom-room' in our basement. The house is warm (when we remember to turn on the heat), the roof doesn't leak (now that our pipes have been fixed), and my bed is more comfortable than your bed.

Finally, for two weeks now, I've been the happy girlfriend of a wonderful man who compliments my psyche in (at least seemingly) every way I could hope. He makes me laugh, he has quiet strength coupled with a gentle presence, and he's a man of God. He's the first guy I've ever met who will spend a half hour with me doing nothing else besides playing with my/his cat (anyone who knows me at all will know that's important!).... And he is, of course, quite handsome :)

Anyhow. That's me, for now. Lots of changes, all in good ways.

::smiles::

.

decisions, decisions...

2007-11-28T01:00:00.001-05:00

My big decision of the night is whether to sleep around Oliver (anne's cat), or to make him move from the center of the bed so I can fit. Pro: I would be comfortable enough to go to sleep. Con: I might lose my bed buddy.

Hrmmm....

As a side note, I think The Cure's 'letter to elise' can make me kind of melancholy no matter how good a mood I'm in.

An ode to the Beatles, with possibly, maybe, one of my favorite songs, which also happens to coincide with my current mood.

2007-11-27T02:40:00.000-05:00

I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink.
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink.
I wonder, should I get up and fix myself a drink?
No, no, no.
I'm so tired, I don't know what to do.
I'm so tired, My mind is set on you.
I wonder should I call you?
But I know what you would do...
You'd say I'm putting you on,
But it's no joke - it's doing me harm!
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain;
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane.
I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind.

good and interesting!

2007-09-27T23:45:00.000-04:00

This is me, being interesting, because Stephen said that I needed to be.

Actually, it's got nothing to do with me. It's just my favorite picture of a cow (that I took. I'm sure there are much better pictures of cows out and about, doing cowsy sorts of things).

This also reminds me that Mike downloaded Picassa for me, and I need to master it, and organize my photos. Maybe I'll spend most of tomorrow sitting at murky doing just that.

And THAT reminds me that Alex told me to get on last FM, so I should also do that... although if I'm honest I probably won't, because I really don't want the world knowing that "Yes. I DID just listen to Dido before bed."

Which brat pack character am I?

2007-07-14T13:27:00.001-04:00

Take the Which Character Am I? Quiz

SHAKE IT!

2007-07-11T20:05:00.001-04:00

There otter be a law! This is otterly ridiculous! Shake it like an otter-ass itcher!

My Binary Name...

2007-07-08T21:53:00.001-04:00

In case you were wondering:

010011010110000101110010011010010110000101101110011011100110 010100100000010001010010111000100000010010000110100101101110 0110010101110011

random things...

2007-07-01T22:47:00.000-04:00

+ I think that my guppy must be incredibly bored, all of the time. Maybe my blowfish is too, but especially my guppy.

+ Some fabrics were just NOT meant to be made into softies.

+ I wish that cut flowers lasted a lot longer than they really do.

+ Apparently I've developed allergies in one nostril only. Not in my eyes... not in my other nostril... only in one. This makes me feel weird... and not in a good way.

+ I bought a little easel today, and got out all of my paints and brushes, but couldn't think of anything to paint. And so I went downtown to paint with watercolors instead. Yay!

+ My iPod desperately needs some new and improved playlists. Additionally, the photos on my computer need to be organized. I don't know where any of them are located.

+ I signed up for Facebook last week, and I really feel like I'm missing something... it just doesn't seem that great...

+ Espresso being extracted through crushed hot peppers is not something that you want to drink if you want to have any tastebuds left.

+ It is time for a nice, hot bath.

Dramatic Look!!!

2007-06-22T17:15:00.001-04:00

OMG, LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! (says the pd)

Zombie Prom - a lovely couple

2007-06-18T00:40:00.001-04:00

Zombie Prom01 - a lovely couple, originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Saturday night was 'zombie prom 2007' at murky coffee. Everyone who is Anyone was there (er... well, the employees were there, anyway...) It was, to date, possibly the best murky party of all time.

Garth was my zombie date. He didn't want to be - he tried to fight me off, but then I ate his brainz.

2007-04-07T15:51:00.000-04:00

At the Arlington Civitan's Garage Sale this morning I bought a Kodak Duaflex II Camera. It only accepts 620 film, and was produced between 1950 -1954... I'm hunting online for film right now, and hopefully will be able to start taking some incredibly awesome photos very soon! I feel all starry-eyed and excited... ^_^

Time for a favorites switch up

2007-03-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

I've long held Diesel shoes in the highest esteem, perhaps all other shoes. But I'm ready to say it proudly and in public: NO MORE!!!

Has Diesel done something bad to me? Are their shoes bad this season? No, and no. I'm afraid it's as simple as... I have found another lover.

Enter the Camper.

Seriously, what's not to love??

300 reasons to see '300'

2007-03-12T13:44:00.000-04:00

I'm sure someone has thought of 300 reasons, but it's not going to be me. I have a thesis to finish up. I will, however, tell you that you should see this movie. That's right, a blatant plug.

Let me just start by saying that I thought I'd appreciate this film for being pretty, and probably not that much else.

I was wrong.

We saw it on Friday afternoon, and it was just amazing. I know it's gotten mixed reviews, especially as far as the story goes, but it's an epic film, and the visuals are simply stunning. There wasn't any moment when I wasn't engrosed - because of the story, yes, but also because I didn't want to take my eyes off of the screen for fear of missing something beautiful. There's also the argument of whether it's pro- or anti- Bush, but I'm not going to gander. And let's be honest. I don't really care. After art school I know that any artistic medium can be over-analysed, and to immediately take this film about war and insist that it has to be one or the other simply because we're at war right now isn't what the film is about. To me it just detracts from it. Leave the politics to the politicians, and let this film stand on its own as an artistic breath of fresh air from an industry that has recently been turning out more politically-biased sludge than my darling DC. Seriously. I read the paper when I want to think about politics. I go to the movies when I want to be entertained.

Anyhow, with that out of the way... This movie shows a tight-knit group of men who believe in comraderie, backbone, pride (the good kind), self-sacrificing love, and dedication. Also, basically, it was a visual tour de force. Snyder did a magnificent job bring the pages of Miller's graphic novel to life while staying true to its origins in comic-land. The dark wash over the entire movie, the sparse use of color, etc, etc... it just read as a graphic novel... only on a movie screen.

Of course people disagree with me. 'Mixed reviews' means just that. But for anyone who wants a graphic punch accompanied by, yes, a little violence (haha... a little?) - go see this film!

fishy!!

2007-01-18T13:36:00.000-05:00

fishy!!
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I'm not allowed to have pets at my new apartment, but my land-lady has graciously allowed me to get a fish! And that fish is...

MR. TUMMY-BEAN, ESQUIRE!!!!!

He's a figure-eight puffer, who is endearing, adorable, and at the moment a bit shy.

Murky in the News

2007-01-10T23:50:00.000-05:00

Murky Coffee was just featured in the Washington Post's food section. Hooray for us!! There were actually two mentions:

Wake Up and Cup the Coffee

Worth the trip: Hot Chocolate

Also, btw, this $5 Hot Chocolate that they photographed? I MADE IT! My hot chocolate was in the Post. I'm so, totally famous, man.

I always wanted to be a poet.

2006-12-20T16:46:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I've moved into a place of my own now, and I'm slowly going through the crap I have left at my parents' house. Well, I took an advanced writing class as one of my electives for senior year in high school, and today I came across the notebook we had to turn in at the end of the year. Here's a ridiculously funny sampling...

The assignment here was to write a poem about cliches:

the sweet little girl,
with hair full of curls,
looked down upon the spider with fear.
as she screamed like a banshee,
her curls fell out,
and her eyes grew as large as tea saucers.

Another assignement was to make a pillow book. A pillow book is a collection of things that are described by a single word. A sampling of my tragedy:

elegant things:
a black funeral casket, lined with silver trim, and silk insides.
The beautiful child lying inside of that casket in her lovely dress.
Velvet. Black velvet, red velvet, blue velvet, all velvet.
Furry things:
Afros
puppies who have been brushed with a silver comb (why silver, Marianne??)
Brown things:
Teddy bears that have been sitting on your bed for years and years, which you refuse to admit that you own.
The bark of an old, gnarly tree in the wintertime.
Sad things (as if the casket wasn't enough??)
a newly hit racoon lying peacefully, but perished, on the side of the interstate. We all know that it's fate was sealed as soon as its tiny, unknowing paw touched the asphalt.
A man who is too old to learn much of anything new and technological working at McDonald's (DAMN!).
Seeing a child cry over the dead sparrow who ran into the window; or for the tiny, baby squirrel who has been mauled by a dog and is painfully awaiting its death (HOLY CRAP! Graphic, much??)
Disgusting things:
Walking around with your fly unzipped for three hours.
A spider that was smooshed on the wall and left there by some kid for the world to see.

Also, apparently I was "angry at the m&m's for melting in my hand" while I was writing a poem, and trying to rhyme with "sand".

It's way too cold outside today.

2006-12-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

No, seriously.

It is.

Peach Blossom tea at Ching ching cha in Georgetown

2006-12-01T17:25:00.000-05:00

Peach Blossom tea at Ching ching cha in Georgetown
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

It's one of their "artisan teas". It starts out as a tiny little ball, and opens up to a very pretty blossom as it steeps (It tastes like a Jasmine green tea).

Garth and I went there today as part of my research for my thesis. You know you're spoiled when eating delicious cuisine and drinking the finest teas is considered "research" for your thesis... :)

the sky at my uncle's funeral

2006-11-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

the sky at my uncle's funeral
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

November 21, 2006 - 5:30pm.

My uncle, Bob, passed away last weekend. Rarely do you see such a dramatic and beautiful sky, but it was a late funeral, and God blessed us with a lovely backdrop for his send-off. This picture doesn't even do it justice.

singularity

2006-11-23T15:46:00.000-05:00

single hue
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Such harmony between Man and Nature!

It's an Electra cruiser I saw in Brooklyn -- so perfectly poised atop fall leaves of the same hue.

Sibling love!

2006-11-08T01:23:00.000-05:00

I think that this might be my favorite picture of Matt and I of all time, ever!

Fog at sunrise in Dubai

2006-10-31T15:54:00.000-05:00

Fog at sunrise in Dubai
Originally uploaded by Harry Lambert.

I found this on Flickr, via some very random connections in my head... don't ask. But it's been found nonetheless! It's an image of Dubain in the morning, taken from the 33rd floor of the Emirates Towers.

the funniest halloween

2006-10-31T00:12:00.000-05:00

I read this on a post about halloween costumes:

'I'm gonna wear something slutty looking (slip, fishnets, etc) and wear a nametag that says "Hello My Name Is: Your Mom".'

Newly Discovered

2006-10-09T14:26:00.000-04:00

I've just discovered

Douglas Little

, a "modern alchemist", and "purveyor of curious goods". Someday when I own my little upscale botique, I will most certainly stock some of his items ^_^ Examples:

fun!

2006-10-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

Today I got to go see Alicia, my college roomate of four years, and meet her new (actually three-month-old) baby boy, Joshua. It was soooooooooo much fun. After living together for four years, I feel like we're sisters!... of course, Alicia actully has sisters, and I'm sure it's completely different :)

My picture of the day:

mathilda

2006-10-02T01:01:00.000-04:00

mathilda
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

When Mathilda was only seven years old, her favorite pet caterpillar died. His name was fuzzbutt, and he was a bald, green, slimy thing. Such a devastating event would crush even the strongest of children... and Mathilda wasn't strong. Now, when she walks, she shuffles her feet everywhere she goes because she is too sad to even try to lift them. Why even bother?

In an effort to leave her sad world behind, Mathilda became obsessed with flight. She wanted to fly far away from where she was, and discover new, amazing things!

As she grew older, and her knowledge of physics grew, she realized that one could fly by filling a sack with hot air. She became quite happy, almost to the point of delirium, and was very excited about her discovery and tried to patent her idea, but soon found that this science had been discovered hundreds of years ago.

And, so, she was still sad.

Filabuster

2006-10-02T00:47:00.000-04:00

Filabuster
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Filabuster talks quite a bit more than any respectful soft toy would. He likes to carry a milk crate with him wherever he goes. When asked about it, he says "a milk crate serves many purposes. When I feel a discourse coming on, I can place it on the ground, and perch on top of it. If I have too many groceries, I can carry them in it... And also, when I'm out of milk, I can go to the milk factory and get some milk. You know?"

But no, no one really knows what he means.

Clarice

2006-09-23T01:51:00.000-04:00

Clarice
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Clarice grew up with an overly-controlling mother, who always wanted her to be a beauty queen. But because of her slight chubbiness, Clarice never quite made it in the Beauty Queen circuit.

But because she was teased about her weight (by both her mother and fellow contestants), Clarice has grown up very sensitive about how she looks. In fact, she is so nervous about her weight that she loads herself up on accessories, in hopes that people will notice those instead of her oversized love handles.

Also, she desperately loves boys, and wants a boyfriend more than anything in the whole wide world, but she gets tongue-tied and shy to a neurotic degree whenever she is around males. As such, she will most likely never date...

it is a bi-week of newness!!!

2006-09-20T22:35:00.000-04:00

During the past two weeks, I have gotten three very important and fabulous new things. In fact, they are SO important, SO fabulous, and SOOOO exciting, that I'm going to tell you about all three of them, and right now! ^_^

#1: My new car
It's a 2007 Ford Escape. It looks exactly like this, with the dark grey detals, etc. ^_^

#2: My new phone
This is a Sanyo Katana. I adore this phone. It's slim and icey pink (yay!). It looks much pinker in this photo than it really is, btw. It's really quite pale and pretty.

#3: My new bike!
And Electra Betty, also in my darling, delightful ice-pink, and fitted out with the following sweet accessories. IT IS SO HOTT!!
A) Black leather streamers

B) A black, detachable basket

C) Skull & Crossbones valve caps, in Chrome (My FAVORITE detail!)

D) "Electra Love" Bell (My second-favorite detail!)^_^

my new hair

2006-09-13T02:37:00.000-04:00

my new hair
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

well... icey pink is, apparently, my new favorite color...

As can be seen with my incredible, new, icey pink phone. And my rad, new, icey pink cruiser bike. Photos to be posted soon.

Also, I have a BRAND NEW CAR!!!!! I got it last week, but I haven't updated this thing in so long it hasn't gotten mentioned yet. It is AMAZING! Again: pictures to be posted soon.

Ooooo, my life is just so full of wonderful new things, I'm such a happy girl ^_^

An ecological great is gone :(

2006-09-04T10:15:00.000-04:00

Oh, I am so devastated!

Steve Irwin has been killed! A stingray's spine hit him in the heart! I mean, I guess we all knew it could happen someday, given his propensity to hover too closely to very dangerous animals, but it's still realy sad. And a lot sooner than I thought. I figured that someday when he was old and had lost his coordination he might mess up and get hurt, but he was only 44. When I was in college (oh, so many years ago) I watched Crocodile Hunter marathons whenever I could.

*sigh*

We'll miss you, crazy Steve. You were great.

best cat pic evah

2006-08-25T12:37:00.000-04:00

candy on my cat

2006-08-25T02:52:00.000-04:00

candy on my cat
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

CANDY ON MY CAT!

bikeeeeeee...

2006-08-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if I mentioned it when it happened, like a month ago, but I got a kid's bike at a yardsale. It was $30. But then I started riding it a lot and my right knee went CRAZY on me. As in c-r-a-z-y. I'd be sitting on the couch and suddenly I felt like someone had hit me in the knee with a hammer. Regardless... this is the bike. It's purple, and has a sticker that says "AWESOME" on it. Eventually I'm going to gussy it up with a "Counter Culture Coffee" sticker, and a few misc. stickers I have laying around (probably including one of the GammaGo Yeti stickers Timoni gave me a while back, and assorted Tare Panda representations :)

So I've been thinking and thinking about what to do, and I *think* I just need a better bike. One that actually fits me, and that all of the gears work on. At the moment I have my eye on the bike Kiki suggested ages ago on this very blog (thanks, Kiki!!) It's the Paul Frank 'Scurvy' chopper. It's pretty cute, and also fits my criteria of a. Pink, and b. a basket. I also want what my legendary 'Pink Lady' had - a light that was powered by your peddling (if you'd turned it on). Two out of Three isn't bad, though... But I'm not sure how functional it actually is, so I'm still looking around.

Plus, I'm going to New York this weekend, and I don't want to spend $300 on a bike before I get a chance to spend that money on millions of clothes from NYC ^_^

hellllo, I am a gpeeeee!!!

2006-08-24T14:44:00.000-04:00

hellllo, I am a gpeeeee!!!
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

GP was a present for Katie C, because she toooootally loves guinea pigs :)

This little one enjoys sitting at coffee shops, nursing the same cup of coffee for 8 hours, just so he can use their free wireless. And also check out/hit on women.

He is a little bit depressed, and a little bit overweight, but also very web-savvy and music-literate, so people don't totally mind him (IOW: he's not altogehter creepy. Just a little odd).

Names under consideration:
+ Horace
+ Nelson
+ Charles
+ Fabbi
+ Antoinne
+ Mercutio
+ Javier
+ Anything Katie C decides she likes!

ps - his backside is a baby blue faux-velvet.

Marianne, making lattes, #1!

2006-08-24T01:04:00.000-04:00

Marianne, making lattes, #1!
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I've started trying to take photos at work. It's kinda fun. Also, Goodrow is the most photographed Murky person on the face of the planet, so we need pictures of other people representing. Of course this is me. Steaming Milk. Hooray!

For the record, I'm wearing a tie because Friday is Tie day at Murky coffee. Not because I'm a wannabe rock star.

cleaning, cleaning, cleeeeeeeeeeeeeeaning

2006-08-15T12:37:00.000-04:00

I'm busy cleaning today. It will probably go on, late into the night. I'm cleaning out my closet, cleaning out all of my fabrics, etc, and trying to reorganze them. YIKES!

Somehow I envisioned my summer "break" (actually, only 3 weeks off, and still working, so not TOTALLY a break), as me sitting around, making softies, shopping for clothes, etc, etc. But today is my first day actually free after classes ended two weeks ago, and somehow I decided to use it to clean?? What was I thinking.

Now that I'm sitting amonst piles of textiles and clothing (which I guess can also be filed loosley under textiles), I'm wishing I was walking around Georgetown or something. But I can't.

Maybe if I finish enough to take a short break by 7 I'll make a quick trip to H&M or something, to satiate my desire to spend money on shoes, trinkets, and silly outfits. The chances that I'll finish anything by then, however, are slim to none. And tomorrow I'm totally busy, and Thursday I need to sit myself down and sew some new softies... and I work Friday and Saturday. Soooo.... I'll probably go through my 3rd week of wanting to go to Tyson's by... not going to Tyson's.

*sigh*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-06T16:21:00.000-04:00

It is my birthday!

I'm having a good day!

You lear nsomething new...

2006-08-05T00:13:00.001-04:00

Today I learned:

1. About global warming:
- when 9-11 occured, and planes were grounded for several days, the average daily temperatures rose 2-3 degrees acoss the entire nation. That's when scientists realized that the effects of global warming are much farther along, and worse than previoiusly thought - in an odd twist of fate, one of the things that is protecting us from the more severe effects is the layer of "protective" smog in our atmosphere.

2. About Spiders:
- There is currently an "infestation" of spiders in Australia that is causing mass panic. An article can be found here:

Crazy Spiders! AUG!!

3. About Venomous snakes:
- Bottles of (very expensive) "Habu sake" are sold in almost any alcohol store on the big island of Okinawa prefecture. The venom of 'Okinawa Habu', one of Japan's most poisonous snakes, is present in the sake (along with a dead snake on the bottom)... and it is reputed to increase male virility!

- The King Cobra is the world’s largest venomous snake. The record length for a King was measured at 18 feet, 4 inches. King cobra bites can kill a full grown elephant in less than 3 hours.

A FULL GROWN ELEPHANT!!

4. About me:
- (I actually already knew this, sort of, but was reminded of it today when looking at snakes, and it's a sort-of interesting story, so here I go) I found a picture of this guy, who I swam with while scuba diving in Indonesia. Sea snakes are very curioius creatures, and like to inspect things. And inspect me, he did! He swam gracefully up to my face, bumped his nose against my goggles, moved backwards, looked at me for a moment, and then swam peacefully on his way.

Of course, it's only in the last year that I've discovered that this particular sea snake has the most powerful neurotoxin venom in the world, 10x stronger than a rattlesnake's... I don't think I would have been filled with such wonderment, or been so pleased with himbumping his face against mine if I'd known that. Instead it would have been more... well... panic.

I'll say, though, that it was worth it to see him. I did lots of incredibly (and sometimes stupidly) dangeroius things when I was living in Indonesia, and this was the least of my worries. Because sea snakes are, in addition to being the most poisonoius snake in the world, the most docile snakes in the world. IOW: cases of them biting humans withoiut being provoked are rare, if not non-existant. So I wasn't actually in any danger.

**of note: I also got to swim with an ADORABLE orange blowfish, shaped like a little square box, and covered in tiny black polkadots. He looked just like this, except more square. And orange.

And also... a sea turtle! Hooray ^_^

quite silly

2006-07-29T23:45:00.000-04:00

quite silly
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

WHAT?

I saw this in the Metro on Thursday. Just what, exactly, is this poster supposed to be conveying?

I wanted to wait until a girl in a very silly outfit wlked past, and then take a picture of him looking at her outfit, with that expression. But I didn't.

hooray!

2006-07-26T00:41:00.000-04:00

I just found out that they're making a CGI Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie! It's coming out in March '07.

I've been waiting for this since Vanilla Ice's career died!

Seriously. I used to live for TMNT in the afternoons. I totally hearted Raphael. Such a dreamy, rebellious turtle...

...<3<3<3...

I eventually moved my swooning on to better pastures (ahem, spiderman, ahem) around 8th grade, but I still get all swoony when I think of my turtle with the red bandana.

... and yes, for the record, this entry should be taken lightly, because I am talking about cartoon characters. I don't REALLY have a crush on a fictional turtle. Honestly.

Silly expectations!

2006-07-11T13:10:00.000-04:00

I signed onto AOL, and there was a link promising to give you "quirky summer date ideas!". I followed it, thinking that even if I didn't use these ideas for dates, I'd be interested to hear what they were. I saw Horseback Riding near the top of the list, and since I rode competitively for a little over 10 years, I thought "Hey, maybe it'll have something interesting" and clicked on the link.

What it turned out to be was a listing of single men across the country who liked horseback riding, on "Love@AOL, by Match.com".

I WAS TOTALLY DUPED!!!

And that's when I noticed something about Guy #2, COWBOYYUP. He was 38, but listed himself as only being interested in women who were 22-40. "AS IF," I thought, "He should readjust his thinking to have more of a spread, like 32-45." I, personally, don't think that many 22 year old women should be dating men who are 38. I know it happens sometimes, but if it's his dating *RULE*...

Guy #1, "HorseRidingHero" (who, by the way, didn't look like a hero...), was realistic though. He was 24, and looking for a woman 18-26. That's a resonable range, right?

However, my curiosity and desire to find patterns in things was peeked, and I quickly moved on to see what exactly IS the age range these guys were looking for? It turns out that most men over the age of 35 preferred a woman younger than he was, while men in their 20s gave a reasonable age range, from a few years younger to a few years older. Here are some of the older-wanting-younger examples (incidentally, who thought up these names??):

1. Painthor: 55 years old, looking for a woman 30-50
2. Kevinjp504: 41 years old, looking for a woman 26-44
3. Ace107: 54 years old, looking for a woman 32-54
4. Mebcowboy: 50 years old, looking for a woman 30-47
5. asweetcharm: 43 years old, looking for a woman 35-40
6. dawesner: 51 years old, looking for a woman 25-45
7. JYouseff: 41 years old, looking for a woman 25-43
8. S4865: 44 years old, looking for a woman 20-44
9. Sparky478: 54 years old, looking for a woman 30-45
10. Mitchnew2: 32 years old, looking for a woman 24-32

One that also caught my eye was 'SlimDandy23', who's ad says "I am a 23 yearold male who has been threw more crap than anyone should ever have too go threw..." First of all, for the love of pete, use spell check or a grammar book! But what really gets me is that he uses his alotted paragraph to assure us all that things have happened to him, by the wee age of 23, that have obviously left him with huge baggage. Why would you do that to your ad, Slim?? *sigh*

Also, there was "workingaround, who advertised himself as a 43 year old man. Sorry Working. You're totally, like, 60!! If you don't want people knowing how old you are, don't put THAT picture on your 43 year old profile!

Oh, it's been so long!

2006-07-09T13:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't actually written much for the past few months.

Sorry about that (though I doubt it's that big of a deal. If you ask me, images are more fun anyways).

I think the most effective way to go about this will be a list!

1. Today Garth and I are going to the Apple store. He is buying a Powerbook. I am getting an iPod for 1/2 off because I am a student, and he's buying a Powerbook, and there's a deal on iPods for students buying powerbooks.

2. As previously posted, my sofites are hanging at Murky Coffee right now, and they're getting a great review, and selling rather nicely.

3. I'm going to be learning to play Civilization 4 soon. I hope I don't get addicted, but I probably will.

4. My summer class is "eh". Sometimes the teacher brings her dog to class. I really like that bit. Other bits not so much.

5. Kim and I are going to New York in August. It will be ultra-fabulous and I AM SO EXCITED!!!

6. Drea and I will be going to New York in November. I am also SO EXCITED!!!

7. Garth and I threw a great 4th of July party, where I spent all day cooking, and he spent all day building a desk. And then we played Apples to Apples and had fun. And Paolo had to help us move the desk after it was built because it's as heavy as a small horse (and a little bit bigger than one).

8. I am, at this moment, enjoying a delicious Iced Caramel Latte, made by Sadaat (who is awesome, btw). And I can feel myself getting fatter, despite trying to be on a diet, because I had an espresso brownie for breakfast (I'm not very good at this game...).

9. My fish, Sparticus, got Fin Rot this past week, and his beautiful, Beta Fins were melting away into transparent nothingness, until I bought some anti-bacterial tablets for his tank. It's only day 3 of the treatment though, so I have yet to see much improvement. MY POOR FISHY!!!!!

10. I am officially "trained" on the bar, and could make each an every one of you a delicios latte, or cappuccino, or chai! But whether or not you'd get pretty latte art, like Ryan, Aaron, and jonathan can make, is left up to chance. Sometimes mine looks great. Other times it looks... well, terrible.

I *think* that's it. It seems like a good update to me! And besides, Garth just showed up, and I have an iPod to buy!!

2006-07-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

Murky Coffee Clarendon, softie show, view 1
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

... I also have my paintings on display in the back room.
For more images see my Flickr page (www.flickr.com/photos/mhines1).

It's ON!!!

2006-07-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Murky Coffee Clarendon, softie show, view 2
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

My softies are finally up and for sale at Murky Coffee.

Hooray!

Everybody should stop by and peek at them and read their stories. And then, if you like one, you can buy it!

Carpetti

2006-07-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

Carpetti
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Carpetti loves to eat!! He is from Italy, and his favorite thing to eat is Fettuccini with Cappucino sauce (but he will devour any dish you put in front of him).

When he gets wet, his tightly curled coat will spring into an enormous afro, and his eyes will disappear behind his fluffiness!

Also, please don't leave Carpetti alone with siberian hamsters. He is very afraid of them.

$35

Flossy

2006-07-06T10:50:00.000-04:00

Flossy
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Flossy is a sweet little softie, who talks like Beaker from the Muppets. In fact, the day she met Beaker at a 'Muppet Show' convention was the happiest day of her life, because he understood what she was saying. After that day she put pictures of Beaker up all over her walls.

The thing she loves most about herself is her pink, outie belly-button. "I feel like it gives me a certain pizazz," she explains when asked why she loves it so much.

$27

And it floods... again.

2006-07-03T01:10:00.000-04:00

I have to say that I'm not complaining, because I seriously love big storms (although I'll admit to being pretty terrified that day a week or two ago when we had the freak electrical storm. S-C-A-R-Y (but cool)!!

Anyhow. Today there was more storming! Garth and I got totally soaked coming out of AMC Hoffman after 'Devil Wears Prada', and then there was this blackout that lasted for hours (and was actually still going on, the last time we talked... which was about 45 minutes ago). Anyhow, it was a great evening. We played cards in the dying light of the evening, and actually enjoyed going to McDonald's for dinner at 10pm. It was nice :)

Anyhow. It has been raining so hard lately!! But, because pictures speak louder than words, here you are:
1. The Masonic Temple from Garth's sunroom on a bright, sunny day.
2. The masonic temple from Garth's sunroom in the rain.

Goodrow's perfect bloom

2006-06-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

Goodrow's perfect bloom
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Part A: I started Milk-Building at Murky yesterday. IT IS SO HARD! I'm really terrible at it, but hopefully I'll soon improve.

*sigh*

Anyhow, here is an example of what I'm striving for. Ryan G did this Latte Art yesterday, and I was so jealous! It's lovely.

pink hair and German dresses

2006-06-27T09:55:00.000-04:00

pink hair and German dresses
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Part B: This outfit was a huge hit yesterday. Apparently I've found my new favorite combination of clothing?

Also, that's the Dolce&Gabana bag I got in NY. Check out the size of that zipper!!!!! I am totally in love with it ^_^

But the main reason I'm showing this picture is, although it's not too clear, you can see the new, pink, peekaboo color in my hair!

the flood

2006-06-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

the flood
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Part C: We are getting more rain here than I have ever seen.

On Sunday evening, when I was driving to Garth's house,GW Parkway was closed due to massive flooding in the Potomac River.

So instead we traveled via Rt. 1 to Russel Road. This is Russel Road. The water was over a foot deep, and lawns were flooded up to people's porches. I felt SO bad for them...

Incidentally, our basment is flooded right now as well (but only a little, ptl).

Monopoly

2006-06-27T09:50:00.000-04:00

Monopoly
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Part D: Our family spent his past weekend at our time share in New York. It was so much fun!! And it was even MORE fun when mom and I beat Dad and Matt at Monopoly, because that is something that has never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever-to-an-infinate-power happened.

Ever.

Apple, 5th Avenue Store

2006-06-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

Apple, 5th Avenue Store
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Part E: The Apple Store at 5th Avenue is, perhaps, the most perfectly design retail store I have ever been in.

That's not to say that other stores aren't better, such as a Prada Store I've never heard of in Milan. I'm just saying, it is awesome. And whoever goes to NY, and knows anything about design, computers, or, really, anything, should get to go see it.

For REALS, people!

yay!

2006-06-20T01:25:00.000-04:00

Garth has finally put images of his drawings up on Flickr! See?:

Garth's Drawings!

I love his drawings!! Especially the one that he drew for *me* ^_^

Soccer playing crows from Japan!!

2006-06-16T00:05:00.000-04:00

You heard it here first!... er... Second!

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2006-06-14-crows_x.htm

"The four young carrion crows at Tokuyama Zoo in western Japan used their beaks to dribble a miniature ball toward a soccer goal, sometimes tackling each other for possession before scoring, according to head zookeeper Satoru Tanaka."

Hello, my name is Hugs

2006-06-15T23:32:00.001-04:00

Hugs
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

This is, hands down, the sweetest, most lovable little monster you will EVER meet!

He wandered out of the woods one day when I was taking a walk in the beautiful June weather. From what I can make out, al that he wants is to be carried like a baby, hugged, and to sit in your lap when you're sitting on the couch. The only times I've seen him get grumpy is when he doesn't get enough attention -- but even then he's more sad than grumpy. Please offer him your love!

I am Patrick!

2006-06-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

Patrick
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I'm trying to think of a clever story for this guy. Any ideas? Or you can each offer a sentence, so that the comments make a story! But since I never get that many comments I doubt we'll get enough to make a whole story... so if you want, feel free to double post, or just offer little specks of ideas.

Please!

yaaaaay!

2006-06-14T21:40:00.000-04:00

Janet will be dying my hair shortly!

The baby-pink is (hopefully) going to take it's place on my head with-in the next week :)

gimme!

2006-06-11T14:10:00.000-04:00

The obsession at Murky, of late, has been bikes. We talked about them for quite a while yesterday. BMX, Hutch... whatever. I really know nothing about bikes. But I *do* know that a bike "gang" is being formed, and I need a bike, asap!!

This is actually something I've known for a long time. It'd be especially helpful in saving gas and getting exercise - I'd ride to both school and Murky - give me a month, and it will have paid for itself int he gas I'd save! I actually almost bought a bike about a year ago, for that reason, but ended up spending the money elsewhere. This time, however, I'm for serious. I really want one.

The biggest problem is finding one I love. My pickiness started as a kid...
First was the Smurf big wheel:

Then came my white and purple bike with streamers and a basket. Next I inherited my brother's rad litte BMX bike (both are in this picture):

After that I didn't have another bike until the 'Pink Lady', in Japan (far and away my favorite bike ever):

And now I'm on the lookout for the bike that I can love as much as I did Pink Lady... and yes. I think I *do* want a basket on the front... ^_^

Looking through those pictures of me as a kid to find the bike pictures was really fun. I've got a few that I'll stick on my flickr account in the next day or two (linked on the right-hand side of this page), if you care to see them. One thing I noticed from them was that about 40% of them are either of Marianne Eating or Marianne With an Animal. It's pretty funny. That would be the 'nature' side of me, not so much the 'nurture' ;)

Cursmudgeon

2006-06-09T09:01:00.000-04:00

Cursmudgeon
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Hello, my name is Cursmudgeon. I don't want to be a downer, but I am always sad. When I was born, there was a raincloud hanging over the hospital, and I have had nothing but bad luck since.

The only thing that makes me truly happy is the flavor of brussel sprouts in my mouth... But I'm allergic to them. I must either walk through life without genuine happiness.... or walk through life with a rash.

Frederich

2006-06-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

Frederich
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

It's pronounced the German way. Like 'Free-drick'.

HE IS A GHOST! He's not a scary one though. He's quite lovable and sweet. He loves to play tricks on his human friends, though!

Don't worry. He never uses the fangs.

I need a name...

2006-06-09T08:56:00.000-04:00

I need a name...
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

He's nameless as of yet. I've been thinking about the name Patrick, but I'm not sold on it. And yesterday I had a stroke of brilliance, during which I thought I'd named him for sure!... but then I forgot what the name was...

Anyhow, this is his story:

He's like one of those blind deep sea fish -
He lures in little girls by acting lonely and helpless, and asking them for a hug to cheer him up...
But then he ATTACKS them!

Yes, that's right. He lives by eating little girls.

Oh, and also

2006-06-06T23:36:00.000-04:00

First: I need to cut my hair again. And then, hopefully, Janet will really dye it for me (yes, please?). It will have a little bit of baby pink! Yay!

Second: Ginny, I can't post on your blog. I don't know why it won't let me. Just so you know I'm not ignoring you full-stop. I love you, and I would never, ever, E-VAH ignore you!

Oops!

2006-06-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, everyone who sent me e-mails and whatnot, that I haven't updated for two weeks. Yipes.

London was fabulous. Since we go nearly every year, it's been forever since I actually did touristy things. Kinda like how, living here in DC, you don't go to the top of the Washington Monument (I *DO*, thankfully, still take advantage of the museums and the zoo. I love them!). But this time I decided I'd do lots of touristy things since it'd been years and years. I went back to Westminster, saw lots and lots of museums, visited some great modern architecture... and then I also did a few silly things, like going that park-of-the-people-who-died-for-other-people from the movie 'Closer', taking a ghost-walk tour, and going to visit the (very lovely) Highgate cemetary.

You can see pictures on my Flickr site, Here!

Since I got home, I've just been working really hard on jobs and school things...

Except for last week, when I went to Ikea with Garth, and we won a $100 gift certificate by entering a drawing while we shopped. That was suh-weet!! I wasn't planning on buying anything, but because I suddenly had some free money, I got a few Things I Didn't Need, like a butcher block. Yes. I bought a butcher block. And also some magazine holders... and a jar and a stalk of bamboo, which I have now put a betta fish in. I named him Sparticus. He is lovely.

As far as work, I'm loving working at Murky. It's so fun, and after 3 weeks working there, I am officially even MORE in love with Murky coffee. Didn't think it could happen, did you?!

Except that if I keep taking advantage of my free drinks I'm going to look prego soon and all of my friends will look at me warily and then ask probing and concerned questions. But I'm telling you in advance, people:

It's just FAT!!

I'll try to keep up with the posting from now on, I promise :)

in memoriam.

2006-05-16T15:09:00.000-04:00

Prada died this morning.

BINGO!

2006-05-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

I broke my cell phone this morning. Snapped clean in half. BAH!

So if you haven't sent me your phone number yet, please e-mail it to me so that I can continue harassing you with ill-timed phone calls. Whoever you are.

In other news, I found this while I nibbled on lunch. It's meant to be printed out and taken to shows with you, and the person who wins is bought a drink or some such reward. I'm just posting it because it's funny. And it's funny because it's true.

If I go to a show with my usual "crowd" of show people (usually made up of Garth, Timoni, and Geoff) I've got these covered:
+ 4-foot tall girl (me)
+ chunky plastic-frame glasses (Garth)
+ Tattoo of a star (Geoff)
+ Hoodie (Garth)
+ Old-school Chucks (Me and Timoni)
+ Blogger with digital camera (Me, Timoni, and Garth).

Closer to death

2006-05-11T22:35:00.000-04:00

First off, I just saw 'Closer', and despite it being an incredibly depressing movie, about love gone rotten, people hurting and despising each other, there was something so... honest about it. It was really truthful about men and women, at least in most of the experiences I've had. But admittedly, I've never had such crazy ecxperiences ^_^

It DID reinforce the fact that I want to move to London someday for their fabulous design scene. Right after I go to New York! (and, btw, I AM SO STOKED ABOUT LONDON!! Only one more week to wait... :):):):) I haven't gotten to go back for 3 years. That's too long).

Second: tonight my dad and I took my mom out to dinner to celebrate mother's day. She's going to London on Saturday, a week before the two of us, with some friends, so we had to do it tonight. We took her to Cafe Tahi (a fabulous, tiny, whole in the wall in McLean, which serves European cuisine and is totally delish). So, long story short, there was this woman who almost DIED! We'd just started giving my mom a few tiny gifts and cards, when an elderly woman stands up and frantically yells:

"Somebody call 911!!! She can't breath, SHE CAN'T BREATH! Call 911!!"

And we look over, and this woman had collapsed on the floor, choking to death and unconcious.

Eventually she started breathing again, and the EMTs and Firemen came, and everything was ok. In the end she ended up being fine, and it was pretty funny when, two minutes after nearly dying, she sat up and finised her fillet mignon. But hey, as my dad said, "well, the steak here IS good!"

Revamping Restaurant Slums

2006-05-11T16:01:00.000-04:00

Don't get me wrong. I like my cheeseburger happymeal as much as the next 25.... er... 5 year old, but McDonald's isn't the height of foodish fashion. Now, however, they are planning an enormous redesign, and rebranding.

Out with the bright yellows and reds, and in with a subdued yellow, and assorted coffee-shop-esque tones (think Starbucks label).

Out with uncomfortable metal seating, in with textiles and lounge chairs.

Also...

In with the WiFi.

They've had WiFi for a little while at some McDonalds, but now they're trying to make it nationwide (although I don't really see the residents or rural Kansas caring that much).

Essentially, they're trying to make it a little more "upscale cafe", and less "restaurant-club pariah". Anyhow. Here are some images of the new look.

Last Weekend

2006-05-11T15:59:00.000-04:00

Garth and Alex
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

#1. Garth & Alex

Our boys are deep in thought, nerding it up.

2006-05-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

#2. Me n Kim

Me n Kim
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Playing pool last weekend. It was super-duper-trooper fun.

2006-05-11T15:37:00.000-04:00

#3. Timoni looks adorable (and slightly sheepish, for some reason)

Timoni looks adorable (and slightly sheepish, for some reason)
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Having a fabulous time playing Settlers of Catan. Such a great game!

I won this one. My first game ever! Good job, Marianne, running with that beginner's luck.

YEAH!

2006-05-11T15:35:00.000-04:00

#4. Steve and Spock

Steve and Spock
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I've officially started work at Murky Coffee! wOOOOt! It's fun.

Anyway, this wasn't from when I was working. I was sitting around with Steve the wonder-artist and friends.

Good times.

what show is this?

2006-05-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

(Background story: Blanche and Rose were doing a dress rehersal when they were sent home because of a hurricane warning. They didn't have time to change out of their nun's habits, and went home carrying their clothes with them. They walked in to find Uncle Angelo (who happens to be a priest) visiting with Dorothy, and somehow found themselves telling Angelo they're nuns, but Blanche is standing there, holding her underwear...)

Rose: "Hello, I'm sister Rose."
Blanhce: "I'm sister Blanche... We're here collecting... Lingerie.... for... needy sexy people."

So, tell me, what show was I watching? I'll buy a soda or something for whoever guesses...

today...

2006-04-30T22:57:00.000-04:00

Robert: Marianne, I think you need to incorporate more black into your wardrobe.

Yes, Robert. I should, shouldn't I?

Oh. By the way, everybody (though, this is mainly aimed at Timoni and Garth), Monday, May 8, is the Freaks & Geeks marathon at Galaxy Hut. We're GOING! Ok? Everybody else: you should come too. It's one of the best shows e-v-a-h. For serious.

the first night.

2006-04-30T20:08:00.000-04:00

the first night.
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I gave myself a haircut on Friday night. It was so fun! I've been cutting my own hair since I got a pixie cut in college, but I'd been growing it out for such a long time, this is the first time I've done it for about a year.

I REALLY loved that long part on the side, because it looked so cute and punky, but after a few hours, my hair would get oily, and it just ended up looking kind of like a rat-tail. So I cut it off 36 hours after the first hair cut.

... that's one of the best parts of cutting your hair by yourself. You don't have to say "man, I paid 60 bucks for this! I can't change it!!"

the "Now I look even YOUNGER!" shot

2006-04-30T20:05:00.001-04:00

the "Now I look even YOUNGER!" shot
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

This morning, after I made the executive decision to cut off the "rat-tail".

the back (it was the hardest part!!)

2006-04-30T20:05:00.000-04:00

the back (it was the hardest part!!)
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

The back is always the hardest to cut, but it came out really well, I think. Yay!

two weeks, two weeks, two weeks!

2006-04-27T23:43:00.000-04:00

I am ALMOST done with my project, way ahead of schedule (as opposed to 4 in the morning).

Also, I just realized that in exactly 2 weeks and 12 hours I will be on my way to LONDON -- whooo!

***SO HAPPY!***

Clooney makes me swooney... or not.

2006-04-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

Wow, this is the first time I've had enough time to do anything with blogger for a week! This project I have due tomorrow morning is sucking the life out of... well, out of my life. Only 24 more hours though. And besides, I'm having a good time working on the project. I didn't think I'd like office planning thatmuch, but it's not so bad.

Anyhow, right now I'm working on a digital booklet thing that I have to turn in with the project tomorrow, and I've got one of my favorite shows, 'Golden Girls' playing in the background.

The point of this story is that George Clooney is playing a young police officer on the show, and, heehee, it's so funny!

penny-pants!

2006-04-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

I found this on "Cute Overload" today. WOW, it's so cute!! Penguins, being one of my two favorite-looking animals (tied with Pandas), are too much. And this image... oh! It slays me!

LOOK AT THEIR LITTLE VESTS!

Hello.

2006-04-19T13:48:00.000-04:00

Hello.
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

His name is Creature.

He's very sad.

He's supposed to be a penguin.

I think he's adorable.

my eye

2006-04-16T17:27:00.000-04:00

my eye
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I like this as a banner. Maybe I can work it into one of my websites. Etsy perhaps?

Sunday Drive

2006-04-16T17:24:00.000-04:00

Country Lane
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

My mom, dad, and I all drove down to Williamsburg Blvd, within 300 feet of where I lived from birth through age 8. Every spring we'd go walk around the crab apple trees. And THIS YEAR I had my trusty camera on hand!

OH THE HORROR!!!

2006-04-16T17:22:00.000-04:00

This one is for Garth (#2)
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I'm not wearing any make-up! My defenses are down without my eyes all painted black. {:O

4.16.06, 1:15pm

2006-04-16T17:21:00.000-04:00

For Albert
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

I took this while I was driving today (not the safest proposition, I know). I'm just always so amazed at God's creation, especially 1. the vast oceans, and 2. the vast skies. And the world seems especially sweet today, on Easter Sunday, because I'm even more aware today of Christ's sacrifice and rebirth for us.

Ma peeps

2006-04-15T22:27:00.000-04:00

Ma peeps
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

At the Ladytron show. We posed for so many pics before getting a great one, but this was my favorite, because it's just so incredibly SILLY ^_^

(please ignore my double chin. I PROMISE that it only comes out on rare occasions...!

Ladytron

2006-04-15T22:25:00.000-04:00

Ladytron
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

Timoni, Garth and I saw the French Kicks and Ladytron last night at 9:30 Club.

SUCH FUN WAS HAD!

Timoni, we have GOT to see more shows together. Period!

weekend wear

2006-04-09T22:18:00.000-04:00

I just want to say that I feel like I've been watching 'what not to wear' ALL. WEEKEND. LONG!!

No, really. All weekend long.

But that's just how it seems. In actuality, I've spent about 20 hours drafting and rendering things for my office design class, eaten a (delicious!) Russian dinner prepared by Michelle, played with my cat, hung out with Garth, waited for AAA to jumpstart my car battery, spent an hour at the bank, and took lots of pictures. Oh! And we ate at Outback on Friday night. I'm *still* full.

For a good chunk of the time I've been drafting, though, I was watching TV, and somehow 'what not to wear' was on my television for about 3/4 of that time. And right now is no exception. IT'S ON AGAIN! I'm pretty sure it's a weekend-long marathon, because it was really (no, SERIOUSLY) on all the time.

I'm not complaining though, I [heart] that show!

meet my friends: FuzzyNavel, Screwdriver, Margarita, and Mojito!

2006-04-07T23:16:00.000-04:00

AOL has an article up about what your favorite drinks say about you. The "Happy Hour Decoder", they call it!

Well, my all time favorite is the Fuzzy Navel, with close runner-ups of Screwdriver, Margaritas, and Mojitos.

The article doesn't address the fuzzy navel or screwdriver, although they talk about daiquiris, so I'll go with that, since they're all fruit-juice-based (and I DOOO love teh daq!).

The Daiquiri (makes me laugh! You don't need a while to find out I'm a good catch. Man, I'm amazing! ;)- "If your date orders a daiquiri, be sure and check her driver's license; she may not be old enough to drink. Daiquiri's are cute, in a fruit juice sort of way, so she's a woman you have to take it slow with. She could be a great catch, but it will take a while to find out."

Next: The Margarita - "Frozen or not, this drink signifies a fun-loving girl who may have made an appearance in 'Girls Gone Wild' in her college days. She's probably a fan of shots too, so don't be surprised to hear a story about how she drank some guy under the table. If you're not afraid of her past, this free-spirited girl could help you create a future of fond memories."

Finally: Mojito - "Here's an exotic woman who isn't interested in the same old, same old. Pull out all the stops if you want to spend time with her; dinner and a movie might not be exciting enough to keep a mojito-drinker interested. Be prepared to do new things, go new places and take dating to a new level."

The tornadoes move in

2006-04-03T21:09:00.000-04:00

The tornadoes move in
Originally uploaded by domo_arigato.

In class tonight we had to stop until the storm passed, because there was a tornado watch in effect, and some woman on a loud speaker outside kept going around saying "Close all windows, and step away from them!"

Well, our room had really large windows covering an entire wall, so we left the room for a few minutes until it passed. But the vista was so dramatic that I refused to leave until I'd taken a couple of photos. And I can also say with all honesty: if there HAD been a tornado, I would have stayed and taken pictures. It'd be so cool looking! BTW - that's a ig golf course that looks all black in the photo, and a lacrosse field in the foreground.

busy, busy.

2006-04-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

I am very, very tired. And partially miffed. But also fairly satisfied, because I got to go sell my softies at the Arlington Civitan's monthly garage sale! I've been going every month that it happens (when I've been home) since I was in 10th grade, but this was my first seller experience.

I only had one customer who rubbed me the wrong way and actually ended up cheating me out of a couple of dollars, but that was a learning experience, and it won't happen again. But it was a successful day. I ended up selling about 15 of my softies. I also made friends with the people selling nearby, and they had tons of great tips for me. In fact, there was a good number of crafters who stopped by to tell me "YOU HAVE **GOT** TO TAKE THESE TO A CRAFT SHOW!!!", which was really flattering. The crowd we were selling to today was a flea market crowd, who is always looking for a bargain. As such, my softies weren't going to sell for $30 each or anything. I basically ended up halving the prices they're all listed at online. And it worked out well!

So, The next thing on my agenda is to restock on softies (I certainly have enough fabric to do it with, too), and then locate some nearby craft shows to take part in in the next month or two. Mostly because at a craft show, someone WILL pay $30 per for these guys. Yay!

Last night, Garth and I took a picnic down to the tidal basin, and we ate under the stars, and beaneath the cherry blossoms. It was quite nice. And this weather is INCREDIBLE. We had meant to get there before dark, but Metro is dumb, so he couldn't get to my place until around 6. By then we still had to get the food and then drive in and park, so I probably won't have any incredible cherry blossom photos this year. I do have some cool ones of the memorials at night, though, which I'l post once I upload them to the computer.

I'm not complaining though. Cherryblossom pictures here just don't qite live up to the ones from Japan, because there are SO. MANY. THERE. See? ---

--- too pretty to compete with! That first one was a park about 20 minutes from my house there, and the second was in a Sakura forest I went to in Oita. Imagine. A whole FOREST of cherry blossoms! It was so pretty...