As I drove home from my favorite bulk warehouse, squinting through my dusty windshield, I had a revelation. Recently we've been experiencing some, how do you say, issues or rather indicators of an unfortunate lifestyle. Yes I think what we've been experiencing lately are indicators of hoopydum.
When you have to take a bath in the morning, not because you want to, but because my eyes water with more pressure than the shower nossle, life is getting a bit hoopty.
When you have to roll down your window just to get out of your car, hoopty strikes again.
When you place your newly bought wine in the freezer to expedite consumption, you might be pushing past hoopty into a whole other realm, but to stick with the theme, you're turning hoopty.
When you break sticks of gum in half to reduce the cost of your gum addiction you're thrifty right? I suppose I could go with hoopty on that one, but honestly its a gum addiction.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Citizen Cope
Cameraless and less than 20 feet from the lead signer of Citizen Cope, how embarrassing. Once I got over not having my tourist appendage and the fact that a sweaty middle age drunk woman kept touching me with her gross sweaty skin, I thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic concert performance.
This past Friday we were lucky enough to catch Citizen Cope playing at the rather "intimate", seat-less, Marquee in Tempe. Sure the lead singer came out looking as high as a kite, but hell, why not? Pretty sure if I could perform as well as they could, and have a hell of a time doing it, I would too. Cope and his band were just as talented at the pinnacle of their high as they were at the close of their concert, about an hour and a half later.
After the group performance Cope followed up with a multi-song encore with just an acoustic guitar and his soulful voice. After about 3 solo songs he was again joined by the remainder of his group for an additional 3 songs, finishing the night with a fantastic, slightly rasta, performance of Radio Head's Karma Police. Damn fine show by a damn fine group.
Never heard of Citizen Cope... for shame. Do yourself a favor and check them out, their music is awesome. We first saw them perform as an opening act at BB King's Blues club as a warm up for BB King and shockingly talented blues guitarist, John Mayer.
This past Friday we were lucky enough to catch Citizen Cope playing at the rather "intimate", seat-less, Marquee in Tempe. Sure the lead singer came out looking as high as a kite, but hell, why not? Pretty sure if I could perform as well as they could, and have a hell of a time doing it, I would too. Cope and his band were just as talented at the pinnacle of their high as they were at the close of their concert, about an hour and a half later.
After the group performance Cope followed up with a multi-song encore with just an acoustic guitar and his soulful voice. After about 3 solo songs he was again joined by the remainder of his group for an additional 3 songs, finishing the night with a fantastic, slightly rasta, performance of Radio Head's Karma Police. Damn fine show by a damn fine group.
Never heard of Citizen Cope... for shame. Do yourself a favor and check them out, their music is awesome. We first saw them perform as an opening act at BB King's Blues club as a warm up for BB King and shockingly talented blues guitarist, John Mayer.
Late but not lost
Not this Sunday, but the one before, we drove about an hour and a half out of Phoenix to view what a confused white man named "Montezuma castle" and "Montezuma Well". The drive included the obligatory "unique" scenery including an over-sized Captain Morgan billboard surely representing Phoenix's affinity for spiced rum, a "Jesus is lord" billboard with a confused and surprised looking Jesus face (unfortunately the picture was blurry and the face could not be seen... perhaps it was... a sign) and of course a cell tower not covered with fake pines, or fake palms but instead religious crosses. "Can you hear me now"?
Aware that I will not be able to convey with any remote accuracy the beauty of the Well and Castle, this time, I'll leave it to the slide show to the right. No Ansel Adams here, just a few snapshots of a gorgeous natural wonder and the ingenuity of a small tribe of Indians. The people who delicately and respectfully used the world around them to create the castle and utilize the natural power of the well are amazing, and unfortunately no longer culturally existent. Apparently after what has been declared a sudden and rather inexplicable departure from the Castle and Well the small group of natives eventually split up and integrated into different tribes throughout the land.
As always we enjoyed a lovely trip out of the valley and are thankful for the culture and natural beauty of the new state we call home.
Aware that I will not be able to convey with any remote accuracy the beauty of the Well and Castle, this time, I'll leave it to the slide show to the right. No Ansel Adams here, just a few snapshots of a gorgeous natural wonder and the ingenuity of a small tribe of Indians. The people who delicately and respectfully used the world around them to create the castle and utilize the natural power of the well are amazing, and unfortunately no longer culturally existent. Apparently after what has been declared a sudden and rather inexplicable departure from the Castle and Well the small group of natives eventually split up and integrated into different tribes throughout the land.
As always we enjoyed a lovely trip out of the valley and are thankful for the culture and natural beauty of the new state we call home.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Festival?
I had a great post written, went to save draft and BAM, gone! Oh Google I love your Googly ways, but talk about a kick in the gut. Here goes a second attempt.This past Saturday we attempted to attend what a delightful, free, liberal newspaper advertised as the "Grand Avenue Festival". Sounds great right? The website advertised a lovely mix of art, unique clothing stores, galleries and food/drinks. This event was exactly what I've been trying to find, a free, outdoor event celebrating some of Phoenix's culture.
HA! Talk about disappointment. We arrived on Saturday around 11 AM to an empty 4 lane street with nothing but a few parked cars and shady looking closed storefronts. Way to festival it up Phoenix! Not a flyer, not a banner, not one vendor or open door in sight, nothing. We drove down the street and continued onto our weekend errands. I was quite disappointed but my loving husband pointed out that festivities may start later in the day because, while viewing the ever so festive website he had noticed the free band performances started mid to late afternoon.
Ok, we gave it a second chance. Silly naivete. We drove back to what we were hoping would be a festival in progress only to drive down the same desolate street. We parked and started walking towards festival flyers we saw in storefronts. Mind you these are the same storefronts that appear closed, have covered windows and are unnamed outside. I wasn't about to stick my head into a random door with no clue what would have been waiting on the other side. We walked back to the car and headed home.
HA! Talk about disappointment. We arrived on Saturday around 11 AM to an empty 4 lane street with nothing but a few parked cars and shady looking closed storefronts. Way to festival it up Phoenix! Not a flyer, not a banner, not one vendor or open door in sight, nothing. We drove down the street and continued onto our weekend errands. I was quite disappointed but my loving husband pointed out that festivities may start later in the day because, while viewing the ever so festive website he had noticed the free band performances started mid to late afternoon.
Ok, we gave it a second chance. Silly naivete. We drove back to what we were hoping would be a festival in progress only to drive down the same desolate street. We parked and started walking towards festival flyers we saw in storefronts. Mind you these are the same storefronts that appear closed, have covered windows and are unnamed outside. I wasn't about to stick my head into a random door with no clue what would have been waiting on the other side. We walked back to the car and headed home.
Phoenix may not know how to throw a decent street festival, but what it lacks in social outdoor events it makes up for with awesome graffiti and mural art. Below is one of my favorite graffiti style paintings and it just so happens to be located on Grand Avenue. Thanks to this artwork I wouldn't call the whole Grand Avenue Festival a wash, but it toes a might fine line.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Nice recovery
"... you have such big hands..." Insert insta-rage. Far too close to "man hands" to take it as a complement. "...with such beautiful long fingers". Smooth recovery
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Arizonan Rasin
As I drink my glass of wine in my air-conditioned bungalow and watch a documentary on Death Valley where the temperature is in the triple digits 8 months out of the year and elite athletes participate in the "Badwater Ultra Marathon", a mere 135 mile race in 120+ degree weather, I feel like a big fat wimp. But darn it, it was hot this morning, or so I thought. Turns out it was about 86 degrees at 7:30. Lets be honest, it wasn't really that hot.
As I attempted my usual 6 mile run along the canal I started getting a headache around mile 1.5, the kind of dull ache that I've come to learn tends to indicate dehydration. That's when my mind went on a morbid little run all its own. What if I overheated, fell over and shriveled up like a raisin on the canal path because I was too stubborn to turn back to my car. Yeah I know, its a wee dramatic, but with the right circumstances, heat stroke/death is entirely possible. True there are a good number of runners, walkers and bicyclists that travel the canal at the same time as I do, but what if... What if I continued my run like a stubborn past athlete, overheated faster than I realized, fell over, passed out and died of heat stroke before anyone could find me. That's no way to go at the ripe age of 27. Its very likely that I wouldn't have died or even come close, but I decided to turn around none the less. What I was hoping would be a non-stop 6 miler quickly became a pitiful 4 mile run/walk.
In recent days I've heard from friends and family in other states that Fall is on its way. Fingers crossed it actually makes its way to Phoenix some time soon, a change in season may do this troubled runner, or rather lady who enjoys running, well.
As I attempted my usual 6 mile run along the canal I started getting a headache around mile 1.5, the kind of dull ache that I've come to learn tends to indicate dehydration. That's when my mind went on a morbid little run all its own. What if I overheated, fell over and shriveled up like a raisin on the canal path because I was too stubborn to turn back to my car. Yeah I know, its a wee dramatic, but with the right circumstances, heat stroke/death is entirely possible. True there are a good number of runners, walkers and bicyclists that travel the canal at the same time as I do, but what if... What if I continued my run like a stubborn past athlete, overheated faster than I realized, fell over, passed out and died of heat stroke before anyone could find me. That's no way to go at the ripe age of 27. Its very likely that I wouldn't have died or even come close, but I decided to turn around none the less. What I was hoping would be a non-stop 6 miler quickly became a pitiful 4 mile run/walk.
In recent days I've heard from friends and family in other states that Fall is on its way. Fingers crossed it actually makes its way to Phoenix some time soon, a change in season may do this troubled runner, or rather lady who enjoys running, well.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dreamy Draw
With yesterday's morning temperature below 100 we decided it was an ideal time to get out for a short hike at a reserve in Phoenix named Dreamy Draw. Nothing too crazy, probably somewhere around 3 miles or so, but it was nice to finally get out and enjoy a little bit of what AZ has to offer. And heck, it was only 3 miles, a perfect opportunity for a frizzy, sports bra wearing glamor shot! 
Once we got to the highest point in our hike the views were quite nice.
Phoenix to the right & Scottsdale to the left. 
The pictures don't do the view justice.
In addition to the views we saw an occasional spunky cactus and some animal's secret hideaway.
Perhaps one day when the tempuratures are below the mid 90s we'll attempt the 10 mile hike, but until then we're stickin with the short loops.
Monday, September 7, 2009
"Actualy a pretty nice little Saturday, we're going to Home Depot... "
With our closing right around the corner (Monday September 14th) we've been finding out just how expensive our tastes are. We checked out countertops and learned that our favorite material costs over $170/sq. ft.. (As a price reference, "standard" granite costs a mere $40/sq.ft.) After visiting 5 additional countertop stores we found two options with comparable design characteristics as our ultimate first choice. Both top two options are a good $100+ less than our "ultimate" first choice, with the current first choice looking quite similar to the "ultimate" option 1. Our final decision will be based on the cost of the countertops following a visit from our knowledgeable Ikea kitchen designer, who will take measurements of our empty kitchen and advise us on the best cabinet design layout.
With the countertop decision narrowed down we perused kitchen sinks, and kitchen faucets. The kitchen faucet I like the most just so happened to, lack a price at Home Depot, not be listed on their site and is listed on selective faucet web sites for a smidge over $500. Baby has expensive tastes. Our search continues for a reasonable, but spicy sink faucet option.
Fortunately when it comes to sinks, our tastes are pretty reasonable. Our first purchase for our kitchen, and only purchase of the weekend was an awesome new undermount, blank granite-composite sink. Not too sure what granite-composite really stands for, but it looks great and gets great reviews.
Despite not actually having the keys in our hands, our little house is ever so slightly taking shape. Stay posted!
With the countertop decision narrowed down we perused kitchen sinks, and kitchen faucets. The kitchen faucet I like the most just so happened to, lack a price at Home Depot, not be listed on their site and is listed on selective faucet web sites for a smidge over $500. Baby has expensive tastes. Our search continues for a reasonable, but spicy sink faucet option.
Fortunately when it comes to sinks, our tastes are pretty reasonable. Our first purchase for our kitchen, and only purchase of the weekend was an awesome new undermount, blank granite-composite sink. Not too sure what granite-composite really stands for, but it looks great and gets great reviews.
Despite not actually having the keys in our hands, our little house is ever so slightly taking shape. Stay posted!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Survivor's shuffle
Last April I ran 10 mile run at 8:20 a mile. And yes, its darn near close to my most exciting achievement and I'm darn proud of my time and accomplishment. But now, a mere 5 months later, I'm survivor shuffling at mile 4 of a 6 mile run at darn near close to 10 minute miles. What the hell?!
Sure Phoenix is about 30 degrees hotter and about 1000 ft higher above altitude than DC, but seriously this is upsetting. Its taken me 3 attempts to get up to 6 miles with today's effort proving the most successful with only two stretching stops and no walking. The salt in the wound being the usual passer-by is either a scantily clad, six pack bearing skinny woman, or a slender muscular dude. Apparently average looking runners don't venture out in the wee hours of the mornings on a Saturday.
I'll never be one of those scantily clad women (cookies taste too good to give up), but one day, hopefully in the near future, I can actually run a decent 6 mile run sans pebble rustling shuffles and stretching breaks. Go, fight, win, right?
Sure Phoenix is about 30 degrees hotter and about 1000 ft higher above altitude than DC, but seriously this is upsetting. Its taken me 3 attempts to get up to 6 miles with today's effort proving the most successful with only two stretching stops and no walking. The salt in the wound being the usual passer-by is either a scantily clad, six pack bearing skinny woman, or a slender muscular dude. Apparently average looking runners don't venture out in the wee hours of the mornings on a Saturday.
I'll never be one of those scantily clad women (cookies taste too good to give up), but one day, hopefully in the near future, I can actually run a decent 6 mile run sans pebble rustling shuffles and stretching breaks. Go, fight, win, right?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Woowhoo!
We just heard the good word that the bank selling our casita has agreed to a reduction to the tune of $25,000 from the original asking price. Not half bad : ) There are still plenty of papers to sign and a few more hoops to jump through before closing, but hooray for such an awesome reduction! Our realtor has done an awesome job, we surely couldn't have done this without him. Three cheers for John!!
The real fun begins when we finish closing and get our hands on our new place. Anyone up for some manual labor in Phoenix?
The real fun begins when we finish closing and get our hands on our new place. Anyone up for some manual labor in Phoenix?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Stop the insanity!
At no point is "baby talk" by an adult appropriate in the work place. However, minimal amounts of infantile chatter is acceptable when speaking to a baby, not a wimpy adult, or even worse, a manager, but a real, by the books baby who just so happens to be visiting the office. Consider this a public safety notice because everyone knows, or rather should know, that"baby talk" is a known cause of unpredictable rage.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tug at the Heart Strings
Everyday on my way to work I pass an Elementary school. Usually I see happy little faces playing on the playground before school starts, but today I saw something that almost made me cry and continues to bring tears to my eyes every time I think about it.
As I waited at the crosswalk I saw a man who was walking away from the school's fence turn back around to face the fence. At first I wondered why this man was loitering around the school and then I saw it. There, reaching out to him, were two desperate little kid arms belonging to a little girl in glasses. He leaned down to talk to her and as I passed I could see the very distraught, pleading frown on her little face. Those little arms, that sad little face.
Even know, a full 8 hours later, as I type my chest is starting to hurt and my eyes are starting to water. I sincerely hope her day improved from the morning and that those sad little arms no longer reach out from within the fenced blacktop to perceived safety.
Here's to Thursday starting better...
As I waited at the crosswalk I saw a man who was walking away from the school's fence turn back around to face the fence. At first I wondered why this man was loitering around the school and then I saw it. There, reaching out to him, were two desperate little kid arms belonging to a little girl in glasses. He leaned down to talk to her and as I passed I could see the very distraught, pleading frown on her little face. Those little arms, that sad little face.
Even know, a full 8 hours later, as I type my chest is starting to hurt and my eyes are starting to water. I sincerely hope her day improved from the morning and that those sad little arms no longer reach out from within the fenced blacktop to perceived safety.
Here's to Thursday starting better...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Choices
Despite the toasty temps of above 100 I like to escape the air-conditioned cave of the IT office and enjoy my lunch hour outside. Here is my lovely view. Not bad for the desert, right? The first time I saw Phoenix I was a little aghast at the lack of green. I know, I know, it’s the desert, what else should I expect. I digress.
Anywho, after returning to the office this afternoon I noticed I had somehow collected a mini passenger on my sweet homemade lunch bag. I thought long and hard about what to do with this little drone. At first I pitied the little guy/gal, scurrying about all alone, separated from his fellow drones. He would be stuck wandering about my cube where he would suffer an untimely demise by office chair wheel, over sized shoe or starvation. After attempting to feed my new buddy with a cereal crumb I was unrealistically put off by the fact that he didn't even stop to sniff the sugar coated flake. I started to lean towards letting him fend for himself in the office. Shortly there after my conscious got the better of me and I decided I would… then he fell off the desk. Hmm.
I wasn't quite sure how my co-workers would react if they saw me scouring the floor on my hands and knees looking for my hitchhiking ant. I'm still new here, they're not ready for that yet. I came to the conclusion he was on his own and I was freed of my duties to this little ant.
A good 10 minutes later, what do I see, that’s right, my trusty ant buddy. What a trooper! He had managed to crawl back up to my desktop. I knew I had to fulfill my duty to this little guy/gal and return it to its proper place in the world. Armed with my mini post-it I loaded up the ant and headed down 7 floors to get outside. As only proper I returned the ant to my lunch location.
Who knows what will come of this little adventuring ant, but at least now I know I've done the right thing and released it back to its rightful location. Who would have thought office life could be so exciting?
Monday, August 24, 2009
Still waiting
Today was a tough one, and its still not over. Bad news, we're still waiting to find out the results of the appraisal, but good news is the bank might actually be willing to play very minor T-ball with a ever so slight drop in price. We hope to know more tomorrow! Keep those positive thoughts coming out way please : )
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Low & Slow: The Art of the Low Rider
Last night we witnessed an awesome display of Low Riders, and a few classic automobiles at The Phoenix Museum of Art. The car show was a part of a larger "fiesta", "in conjunction with Phantom Sightings: Art After The Chicano Movement" (exceptional exhibit in the museum) To the left are some pics of the cars. Yeah, most are blurry which I'm not too happy about, and as much as I'd like to blame the camera, I'm pretty sure it was my fault. Oh well, guess I'll have to go to the up coming Low Rider car show we received a hand out for.
I would have loved to have see some of the cars in their full hydrolic glory, but they were pretty damn impressive just to look at while parked. Check out the sweet door lock that I think might look pretty hot in the mini...
I would have loved to have see some of the cars in their full hydrolic glory, but they were pretty damn impressive just to look at while parked. Check out the sweet door lock that I think might look pretty hot in the mini...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
HGTV, you deceive me
Have you ever watched an episode of one of the many home buying shows on HGTV? We've watched plenty, and have enjoyed them, but I can't say I'd go back after experiencing it for ourselves. Sure they're pretty entertaining, but don't be fooled. We've been plugging along in the ole home buying process and what do you know, its NOTHING like HGTV will have you think. No wham bam house is yours, no, its a lengthy, stressful process. I suppose I knew it wasn't going to be all sunshine and roses, nor as easy as they show on TV, but perhaps they should have some kind non-reality disclaimer, ya know, toughen up the home buying skin.
The high of finding a house and having an offer accepted is ultimately trounced by, the low of every minor flaw found in the inspection, and more importantly, concerns regrading appraisal numbers and the potential that, should the appraisal come in lower than the offer, the bank that owns the house will be too greedy to negotiate down and our loan company, seeing the lower appraisal will not provide the funds to cover an offer the bank will accept. It could all go smashingly and by Monday we could officially consider the house ours, but just as easily the deal could go down in a ball of flames! Ok, maybe not that dramatic, but it would ultimately stink.
As much as we have been warned "not to get emotionally involved" I think its too late. This purchase could possibly be our very own home. Its not like a replacement tire for my car, its an investment in our future, how could we not get emotionally involved? For all those out there providing advice and knowledge based on experience, we thank you for your input and hope you're not put off by this post. We're accepting any good karma you can spare towards this all working out as well as possible, so feel free to send your good thoughts in the direction of our house purchase.
The high of finding a house and having an offer accepted is ultimately trounced by, the low of every minor flaw found in the inspection, and more importantly, concerns regrading appraisal numbers and the potential that, should the appraisal come in lower than the offer, the bank that owns the house will be too greedy to negotiate down and our loan company, seeing the lower appraisal will not provide the funds to cover an offer the bank will accept. It could all go smashingly and by Monday we could officially consider the house ours, but just as easily the deal could go down in a ball of flames! Ok, maybe not that dramatic, but it would ultimately stink.
As much as we have been warned "not to get emotionally involved" I think its too late. This purchase could possibly be our very own home. Its not like a replacement tire for my car, its an investment in our future, how could we not get emotionally involved? For all those out there providing advice and knowledge based on experience, we thank you for your input and hope you're not put off by this post. We're accepting any good karma you can spare towards this all working out as well as possible, so feel free to send your good thoughts in the direction of our house purchase.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Holy moly we're home owners!!!
Well, maybe not 100% quiet yet, but our offer was accepted and we are moving right along in the home owning process. Yes our little beast of a house is going to take a ton of sweat and love, and yes a little bit of $$ but its a great house, in a great location and its ours : ) Pictures will follow, perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Haboob
What? Has the Huppdates turned to smut? No, no, worry not, its merely a term for a dust storm. Check out Phoenix's definition: "Walls of dirt and debris, usually miles wide and thousands of feet high, are pushed across dry desert terrain by high winds, causing dust to engulf highways. Although usually brief, dust storms must be taken seriously because of blinding conditions on highways." Granted these pictures are a little old (few weekends ago)
they are still an interesting Hupp experience. Note the sky in the picture to the left. One moment they were crystal clear blue, next everything is brown and dusty. Just another day in the desert.
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