Pictures

I spent this morning cleaning up the photos on my computer, and I have updated my photo web presence. You can find my more recent items on Picasa and some older stuff on Shutterfly.

The Side of the Road

I was pulled over by a cop recently, for the first time in my life (other than the time I was a passenger in Dad's car). I had no idea why.

The given reason:

going 61 in a 55 zone.

6 mph too fast. This is generally in the range of my speed at any given time on road trips due to my lack of cruise control. I would say there is a good chance that at any given time I am driving the speed limit +/- 6 mph. In fact, the next time I passed the same copy (since he had turned around), I was driving 60 mph up a hill in a 65 mph zone. I am such a speed threat.

I almost laughed. And then I was confused because at the time he pulled me over the speed limit was 65. He claimed he clocked me in a 55 zone. I am convinced he must have clocked me while I could see the 65 mph sign and was speeding up towards it. Either way. Don't they have better things to do in Gila County? Like maybe bust meth labs? At any rate, he didn't give me a ticket - just warned me to watch my speed. I didn't even beg or cry. I was just confused. But for the remainder of my drive through Gila County, I was sure to drive the speed limit so I wouldn't actually get a ticket. Unfortunately this stretch of road includes the beautiful Salt River Canyon, with speed limits decreasing to 35 mph. Yup. That's how fast I drove. For multiple miles. I'm glad I didn't get run off the road into the canyon. Although there are worse places to be.

I'm Back (and Alive!)

Hello there blogfriends. Have you missed me? I returned to Albuquerque yesterday after a peaceful two weeks without the internet (mostly), TV, or really any electricity at all. I have not recovered completely; my body is a bit out of whack. I fell asleep at 8:30 last night and woke up around 5:30. I can't really eat like a normal person. I left work at 1pm to work at home this afternoon because I thought I might pass out.

While I was gone, my husband wrecked his knee, there was a rent check catastrophe, and I got a $200 check in the mail for an essay that took me about 20 minutes to write. Pluses and minuses.

***

Two days later, I have yet to finish my blog. I worked from home yesterday and today, as my digestive system is oddly, though mildly, messed up. I bet y'all wanted to know that, huh? I am contemplating a trip to urgent care tomorrow if I'm not fixed, as I sure don't want this to turn into chronic giardia or something awful. I really have nothing else to say.

The rest of my pictures will be available on Picasa: http://picasaweb.google.com/Bailliams/Ecuador

Merry Christmas everyone!

A photo journal of what we've been up to:


Unfortunately there is no before picture of this, but this was a horrid centerpiece with sparkly blue and silver leaves that my mom got from her office party. I salvaged it into a basket of pinecones and greens.



Making gingerbread houses and cookies! (Don't all gingerbread houses have men and trees on their roofs?). Also holding a baby, but again, I refuse to post children on the internet. Or pictures of them for that matter.


Conquering a mountain. Here we are in the Basin, with 1000 feet under us and 1800 feet to go.



Made it! Check out the turtle fur headband I got from Matt for Christmas.


It sure was beautuiful...


Except for the rock that grabbed Natalie's butt. (You can see the rest of the hiking pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/Bailliams)

I hope everyone else's Christmases, Hanukkahs, Kwanzaas, and pagan celebrations have been lovely!

Yay for snow!

This weekend was a take-advantage-of-the-snow-in-New-Mexico-while-it's-still-here kind of weekend.

Saturday we drove up to Pajarito to do some cross-country skiing in the forest near the Valles Caldera. It was gorgeous with snow-covered trees and an occasional view.



(The hills were a bit steeper and curvier than in my previous experience in Michigan and Arizona. In other words, I fell a lot.) I also managed to drop my camera in a snow bank - hence we look like we were in a blizzard.



But it was actually a gorgeous, sunny, bright blue sky day. When we were leaving the parking lot looking down on the valley of Los Alamos with mountains behind, the sky was pink and blue. It really was like both kinds of cotton candy right next to each other. We didn't actually see the sun set, but the effects were outstanding.

Today KGS and PS drove down from Santa Fe and met us on the back side of the Sandias. First stop - Capulin Snow Play Area. This place was crazy - two separate fenced off areas with stairs of sorts to get to the top. One was a bunny hill for the kiddies, and one was a rather big hill (not as big as Waters) for the big or brave kiddies. And we weren't the oldest ones there. (Although the other ones might have had kids.) However, the snow coverage was not that great and some people (not naming names) couldn't take it. After 4 runs we called it quits.

Stop two - Sandia Crest. We strapped on our snow shoes and headed out to the trails. The mountain and the views were so gorgeous with snow everywhere. I liked it better than I did before. (Hopefully KGS will send me some pictures for illustration.) We tramped over to the Crest House and on the way back played some sort of snowshoe ultimate frisbee golf gambling game. Right as we were about to go for our last target, we saw a guy running off the trail below us yelling, "Help! Talk!"

I immediately sent Matt to the car to get a cell phone in case we needed to call 911, but we discovered that the girl was really cold and possibly borderline hypothermic. She was not terribly responsive, which was why the guy was yelling, "Talk!". We helped get her up to the Crest House where she could go inside and have something warm to drink, and PS got her to talk by asking her questions along the way. This is how we learned she was from Panama.

We had previously passed this group while we were coming back from the Crest House and they were going out to it. We were wearing snow shoes and running all over the place. They were wearing tennis shoes and probably getting their feet pretty wet. (Well first I thought she had cozy boots on, but I think it was just normal shoes with some furry leg warmers.) After we got her to the Crest House and she took her shoes and socks off and drank some tea, she was doing much better. No medical help needed and we took off. Another guy had helped as well, and he left with us.

So her group consisted of the one white boy, presumably her boyfriend or husband, and we think her parents and possibly some siblings. On the way down the mountain we pieced together their entire lives. He looked military and had a Navy jacket, so we suspect that perhaps he met her in Panama. Then her family came up to Albuquerque to visit and he decided to take them on the tourist trip to the Crest. Between altitude, dehydration, and the temperature, it is not too hard to see how a girl from Panama without proper attire could get so cold. Her lips were so blue. On the way back down we heard it was below freezing in Albuquerque, so it must have been quite cold on the Crest.

Nothing like a little excitement in the day. Right now I'm sitting in my house and my fingers are so cold that I can barely type anymore. So I'm going to sign off.

Remember, if you go play in the snow, be prepared. There might not always be people around to rescue you. Be prepared if you go play outside at all actually. Now I sound like a Boy Scout. Or a Girl Scout. Whatever. You know what I mean.

Well what do you think it is?

Well I didn't take a very good picture, but this is Matt's leg. (I know, it's really hairy.) A few days ago he said he got bit by something and showed me his leg. It looked like a couple mosquito bites. Then last night at the laundromat, for some reason he brought it up again. And I made him show me his wounds. And this is what they look like.



They are bright red and blistery and scabby. And about 3/4 inches in diameter.

And yet.

Matt says they look way better than they used to.

I shrieked, "Why in the world didn't you tell me about these before? That is so horrible. You really need to do something about that! Oh my god! Let me see those again!"

His response - "I didn't show them to you because I knew you'd freak out."

Well wouldn't you freak out if your husband's leg looked like this? I don't want that thing anywhere near me! Maybe it's smallpox. Or measles. Or some other god-awful disease.

What do you think it is from?

Stupid Computers (and Pretty Mountains)

I think I started about 30 minutes ago to attempt to write a new post. Lately my internet has decided to be super slow though. My mail functions properly, but almost all other sites, including Blogger, are dreadfully slow. I thought maybe the 8 updates I just installed would fix it, but no. Either Vista is still sucking it up or the internet company is punishing us for having a "network." Maybe we are sharing the available bandwidth.

Anyway, there really was a point to this.

I need to learn to carry my camera with me at all times. I have discovered that winter is an absolutely gorgeous time in Albuquerque. First there was the tree lighting and shop & stroll in Old Town (I have never seen this many people in one place in the Burque before).

Then there was the snow.

All this week I have been walking to the bus stop from my house past frozen puddles of the previous day's rain. And then I get on the bus and read a book for 50 minutes, and when I get off I step into snow. Not much - just a bit. Just enough to get my soles wet. And then I look up at the mountains and I pause in my tracks. The Sandias have been covered with snow from top to bottom. A thin layer, allowing the dark rocks to peek out. Allowing the cliffs and canyons to show up prominently. The trees at the top, also graced with fluffiness. Even the radio towers are beautiful - maybe it's snow, maybe it's ice - tall towers of white.

And then there was sunset. Walk out the back of my office building just before 5pm, and the sun is setting over the Rio Grande Valley. Walk out the front, and the sun is casting rosy colors on the mountains. I am used to mountains turning purple and looking like cardboard cutouts in the twilight, but there is something special about the pink hues topping the snow-covered peaks. The sky looked like candy, and clouds still eclipsed some of the peaks. The contrast of white and brown and pink was sumptuous and breath-taking.

And from my co-workers window, the scene was split down the middle by a giant flagpole with an even more giant American flag at the top. Nearly picture-perfect. Nearly.

I stood at the bus stop for about 5 minutes, just staring at the mountains. Mountains are pretty, I know, but mountains dusted with snow are superb.

Winter Wonderland

Ah, Santa Fe Peak. Isn't it beautiful without skiers all over it? Although I do appreciate the owners of Ski Santa Fe for letting people play on the slopes before ski season begins.

We took our brand new snowshoes (Thanks Mom and Dad!) out for a whirl partway up the mountain, and then we sledded down. The snowshoes made the snow walking super easy. (Except for me being out of shape.) And I'm pretty sure I've never sledded so fast in my life. We weren't on a black diamond or anything, but it was still pretty crazy. Crazier than when we used to snowmobile up the Michawye ski slopes and sled down and I would do somersaults and land back on my sled. Nope, this time even when I tried to bail, I was going so fast that I couldn't. Great fun.

And it was beautiful! The aspens were coated with snow all day, and the sun couldn't have been brighter. Although I couldn't feel my toes, it was a blast!

My Last Day of Weekday Freedom

Starting Monday I will be gainfully employed. No more Wacky Wednesday's at the Putt Putt, no more sleeping till 7 or 8 or 9. No more staying up until midnight. No more taking off for Phoenix at the last minute. No more inventing necklace holders. (Isn't it cute? This is a piece of a wire shelf system we are not using. I was never able to find a necklace holder that was tall enough.)


But we will have money, so that's good. No more watching my bank accounts deplete.

In the 2.5 days left before I start work, I have to write a book review, go out to a local farm and take pictures and write a feature, work a catering shift, and do laundry. Hmm, maybe I should be working on one of those things instead of blogging.

While working, I plan to keep catering and writing for the paper as well as volunteer for Albuquerque Open Space and participate in the New Mexico Riparian Council. I think I will be busy. Oh, I'm also planning to join the gym with a corporate membership. So I can get in shape for Ecuador.

In other news, Brownback dropped out of the Presidential race and Hastert will be resigning before his term is up. What is it about Larry Craig that he doesn't quit too. He is a national laughingstock. I almost feel sorry for the Republicans. Almost.

Happy Anniversary (to my blog)

This past Saturday was the first anniversary of my blog! Can you believe it? To celebrate, Natalie, Liz and I got some balloons and had a party...



Just kidding! Well it was the anniversary, and there was a party, but it was a baby shower! One more month to go! There was posole and tostadas and nachos and veggies and beer and lots of presents and games and men watching boxing and watching the kids in the driveway. And it was cold! Good times were had by all. Except for we partied so late we missed Oktoberfest. (Sorry EEE.) Of course we are old so I was home around 11pm. But anyway, congratulations Liz and Glenn! I can't wait to meet Olivia. And thanks everyone for reading! We'll see how many more years I have in me.

Yesterday I Went to the Woods...

to take pictures of dead trees. Seriously. I took about 50. I did this for an article I wrote for a community newspaper. The article took me about 2 hours. My foray into the forest took about 4. He will probably give me $10 or something crappy. But I had nothing better to do. Do you think I should run from a paper that lets me take pictures? I mean, one of these is going in a paper. That's messed up.



While I was on the mountain, I decided I would play. So I did some hiking on the crest. And I had a picnic lunch. And I thought, wow, sometimes being unemployed is great. Unfortunately it doesn't pay the bills. Who knows what kind of job I can get in Albuquerque where all I have to do is go hiking all day?

Dead tree on the Crest. Not part of my assignment.


Hut built by the CCC on the Crest.


Fossils!


Turkeys!

What's Going Down In the Hood

1) "The War Boys" is filming a scene across the street and lighting up the neighborhood. The only person in this movie that I've heard of is Peter Gallagher. Remember him from While You Were Sleeping? He was the oh so vain Peter Callaghan who Sandra Bullock dumped for his on-screen brother Jack, played by Bill Pullman. Good choice. Great movie. I actually did a comedic analysis on it in high school. Netflix it. (Picture taken by MB.)


2) A roadrunner (center of photo) was chillin' in the yard earlier this week.

Praying Mantis

I picked up this little guy somewhere on the Rio Grande Bike Path and transported him to Sonic. I think. First he really liked me. then he really liked my bike.

Baltimore Part 2, a little late

I just discovered pictures from my second trip to Baltimore/DC this past August.





Believe it or not, we rented a paddle boat. Ah, memories.

Bird Shit is Good Luck (or so I heard)

Labor Day

We headed back up to Santa Fe for some mountain playing with KG and PS today. (or maybe KS. ) We drove up to the bottom of the ski area and hiked up a picnic to one of the peaks (not the highest). Matt and I nearly died of altitude out-of-shapeness. Matt had a 6 pack in his backpack. It was gorgeous and delicious. The beer and the mountain. Although I was sipping Pinot. Thanks for providing us some fun guys!

Well I think it's about time, don't you?

Sometimes I worry that I will alienate my ever-dwindling blog-reading audience by not posting for 12 days. After all, I could probably just talk to Matt and Karen and catch everybody up on my life (that is if my lovely sister would ever get on Skype).

But I like to write. Sometimes I am just too tired from staring at a computer all day and then coming home and staring at a computer to try to apply for jobs, and I think maybe I should just stop blogging, but I am not ready for that yet. (I have to blog so I can write really long sentences and use parentheses - both of which I cannot do at the paper - although I can use dashes.)

My time in LA and at the paper is nearly up. I'm not sure what to think about that. I'm certainly not excited. I'm also not really sad. I have no idea what I should do with my life. How can I be content at some water-related consulting job (which has not yet been offered to me) when there are so many great opportunities for environmental and science communication out there? How is it possible for people to have two-career families? I know they do it all the time, but it is just so difficult. I feel like if I don't get into the writing and communication field right now, it will never happen. I feel like I have momentum now. What will happen in 2 or 3 years? Maybe I will want to do something completely different anyway - that has always been the case until now.

Anyways I am currently jobless and aimless and heading toward penniless if things don't change in the near future. But I am glad I got to have this experience. I am glad I got some me-time (in a good way, not in a sitting home alone in Socorro and feeling sorry for myself kind of way). Hopefully the future will fall into place as it always has for me before.

I also want to bring 2 dogs home with me. Of course I can't do that since we don't know what we are doing with our lives, but I would like to. I will try to remember to take pictures of them another day. One is an elderly dalmation who needs more attention and an owner who believes in vets. The other is new to the doggie hostel, a young shepherd who got hit by a car and broke her leg. She loves playing ball and would be excited for people to play with her more often and take her out walking and running. And maybe train her. And she doesn't bark - big bonus. However, she's not even fixed so that's a problem. I can just see all the vet bills piling up. But they're so cute. Matt thinks maybe we should try having an animal before we decide to have kids to see how that goes.

What have I been up to for the past 11 days? Not much. Mom came to visit two weekends ago.
We checked out the Getty

UCLA

Marina del Rey (boring)
and Santa Monica

During the week I went out to Borrego Springs with a photographer and got drenched in a monsoon - in a place that has recorded about 1/2 inch of rain in the last 12 months.

Matt showed up Friday afternoon.
We went hiking

visited CityWalk
drove through Santa Monica Mountain NRA and Malibu
tried to go for a walk on the beach but instead I got stung by a bee on the bottom of my foot (and I'm not yet fully recovered - thanks for asking)

went to a pathetic Tigers game.


This week I am writing for science and health since my editor is now gone. These stories are much shorter and faster - I wrote 3 in 2 days. Not quite as stimulating, but still good experience.

7 more days left of work. I have to apply for jobs, finish my fellowship reports, pack up my room, and have a little fun before I leave. Looks like I'll be a busy bee.

Counseling in the Park

Yesterday Jackie came over to my house to hang out while we worked on job applications. However, we were pretty lazy and ended up not accomplishing much, so we ventured out into the world. First we stopped at Borders and picked up some books (because I think spending money when you're unemployed is always a good idea...) and then took them to a nearby park. We were sitting near the edge of it so we could see the car since there wasn't very much money in the meter. A little older lady drove up in her Mercedes, pulled into a parking space and asked us if the meters were in operation. We said yes. Somehow this launched her into a discussion of how awful her day had been, how she would have liked to have driven her car off a bridge, how her identity was stolen, and on and on and on. She eventually got her dogs out of the car and sat down with us in the grass. This seriously lasted almost an hour - I actually had to go feed the meter.

While Jackie and I were being good citizens preventing a possible suicide, we learned about the lady's $20,000 dining room table hand-carved in the Philippines, her $100,000 worth of furniture that was stolen from storage, and how her late husband's personal assistant had done this to her. We also learned that she, in her 60s, is apparently man-crazy over nearly any boy that walks around, preferably under 40. She griped about how she has so much money, but she just can't get to most of it right now. I found myself wanting to interrupt her, saying, lady, count your blessings. I probably will never see the amount of money you have accessible right now in my lifetime, but I restrained myself.

Unfortunately, after telling us we should check out the concert in the park, which we would have done, she decided to go to. At that point we told her we had dinner plans. She seemed genuinely grateful for the time we had already spent with her, so we didn't feel too badly about it.

After that we decided to get some drinks. (I'm not sure why I'm putting this up since we look kind of large.



And here was the evening's benefactor, trying to look all suave and not even noticing what Jackie was doing. He actually offered to take us shopping for clothes.

More Updates. And Santa Monica. Again. With Pictures.

I have to apologize for my recent lack of posts - I have been without internet again and only finally got it back this evening.

In summary:

Last weekend Jackie and I went to the beach in Santa Monica yet again and then to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. It was hot in the inland valley ya'll. Hot and humid. How do those southerners handle it?

Monday and Tuesday at work I had to help another lady with an article - it ran on A1 Thursday without my byline. Alas...

Wednesday I actually got the day off. My fellow fellows chickened out on the hiking owing to the heat, so I went by myself. I took the Sam Merrill trail to the Castle Canyon trail to Inspiration Point - gorgeous but bad view.


After that I drove down to San Diego to hang out with Laura and Kyle on the 4th. They were gracious enough to host me last minute so that I could get up at a reasonable hour to head to Imperial Valley on Thursday.


I spent that day in 120 degree heat checking out some canals and graveyards - story to follow later this week I hope.

Friday it was back to work, but I didn't accomplish much other than finding out I lost my job at Sandia. Yup. I am officially unemployed. Well, officially I am still on leave, but you know. So I have no idea how we are gonna pay the rent come August. Anyone have a lucky lottery ticket?

Matt showed up at the Greyhound bus station several hours late on Friday, but I'll let him relate his experiences. While he was here we:

• Checked out Pasadena
• Visited the La Brea Tar Pits
• 
• Drove through Hollywood
• Hung out in Santa Monica (again)
• 
• Hiked to a waterfall
• 
• Went to a Dodgers game
• Strolled through Griffith Park
• Had a beer at Good in Silverlake

Now it's back to the old grindstone. I think the pollution is catching up to me, as I can barely breathe right now. Time to take some drugs!