Northern Exposure

We descended into the brisk (a kind word for f*%#@! cold) weather of Alaska. The fact that Ms. Redoubt has blown her fury and ash all over Alaska meant that in addition to the ice and snow, even beautiful year-round greenery took to a hideous shade of grey. Michael was determined that he not lose his tan, so he set up his lawn chair on the ice blanketing the lake. I heard him mumble something about the reflection of the light and getting burned on cloudy days. I was going to laugh, but damn the boy makes cold look so cool!

I'm not joking....it was really cold when we got here. We drove through the mountains and stared at all of the piles of snow that were bigger than we were.

 Because of the crazy hours we work during the summer, we have to send Mufasa to doggy-day-care via our good friend Tammy (really, your a life-saver!). Well, the tides turned and as fate would have it, the day after we arrived both her and her husband were leaving town and needed someone to care after the animals. The animals including a Rottweiler (who weighs more than Mike), a Yorkie/Chihuahua mix, two independent cats....and Mufasa. 

One day we got really adventurous and loaded them into our car to hike at a nearby bog park. We arrived happily confused because we had been looking DOG park, only this was a much more scenic option. 

I enjoy running, especially when it includes tuning the world out and jamming to RiRi or other especially classy artists. One particular run I decided to put Sasha (the dog that outweighs me by at least 50 pounds) on a leash to you know, motivate me. She pulled the leash every few feet, trying to stop and obsess at some invisible pheromone....but having prepared myself for this was ready and tugged her bag in line. After a few blocks we had both established zen and I was rockin out center stage space cadet style when WHAMMM, DRAG (Kim-I'd like you to meet the pavement. Asphalt-meet Kim), rocks, barking...and panic ensue. This is when it would have been helpful to be aware of the two Rottweilers approaching from the opposite direction. And yes, It was that embarrassing...welcome to my life :) 

But on a brighter note-we saw our first moose of the season! The fact that it really was this close is only one of the reasons I love Alaska. Yakay, and the reason it's blurry is because I had like two milliseconds to capture this moment with mother nature. Was it that he looked like he's giving me the 'don't make me chase you' stare or the fact that I looked like a half naked tourist and I couldn't tune out the laughter from the passing motorists?? Maybe both.Sasquatch, Davy Crockett, Old Yeller....they ain't got nothing on us. Mike, Mufasa, and myself had a hell of a time climbing and conquering Flattop, an Anchorage peak that lies at about 3500 feet. Keep in mind you start at sea-level. I'm totally justifying. Just so we're on the same page, in preparation for the upcoming work season...I'm rebelling against my beauty products for the weekend. So don't be a hater.  Mike, being an unconventional guy....felt the need to descend the mountain in a very, unconventional way. He tried his darndest to get me to slide down the mountain with him, but I was too terrified of triggering an avalanche. I was a wiener, I know. Aside from the fact that this picture is horribly overexposed, I love how quintessential Alaska this picture is.I am typing this blog post approximately 127 miles from boo#2. All of this writing's making me miss you. Muah, and all my love to Mufasa. 

When life brings you down

Laugh your heart out, just a few of my favorites. 

My Little Soap Box: Call it blogger suicide .

Mike and I have been dating for roughly six years and one of the most commonly asked questions of us is: When are you two going to get married- you know tie the knot, make a family, take the plunge??? Which leaves me in the rather awkward position of saying....never. Actually I turn the question around and ask them why I would want to commit myself to an institution that fails more often than it succeeds. But I realize that in most cases I talking to a wall, because the idea of marriage is so readily accepted in society that to oppose such an act is blasphemy, or at least borderline insanity.

I've long shied away from addressing the topic, so clearly linked to my views on religion to spare my family any hurt this belief causes. However, my good friend Kirsten Uhler (kirstenuhler.com) recently wrote a paper on traditional marriage. It required hours of research and from conception I was anxious to read her thoughts on the matter. There were several points made in her paper that reflected my own views toward marriage, and I thought to myself....what a good ice-breaker!! And while this post is in no way meant to be a comprehensive argument against marriage, I am merely attempting to establish a few...points of reason.

Most people argue that by repeating verbatim a set a words in front of a person of questionable integrity that your relationship is magically transformed to something that transcends differences and into self created euphoria. The reality could not be further from the truth. In all likelihood, your relationship will continue on the same path it trod prior to 'the happiest day of your life'. While I realize the words symbolize a commitment to each other, that commitment is entirely attainable outside of a legal or religious realm. What's interesting to me is that same commitment that was supposed to draw the couple closer is often the same commitment that serves as their demise. Marriage lulls you into a sense of complacency and comfort. Standards are relaxed and soon the very traits that attracted you towards your companion are the very things which are soon lost in the tide of time. 

One of my original discomforts with marriage was the fact that I had to pick just ONE person to share my ENTIRE life with, often at age when self discovery has just begun. The very idea that two people can maintain a relationship that fulfills all of their physical and emotional needs is slim, as shown by the statistics. I believe that it is possible, even convenient to be able to find such a person, but the reality of the situation is that those people at some point will grow in different directions. It is then, as adults we should acknowledge that fact, and move on in a more positive direction instead of pressing forward in what can only be a oppressive relationship in some sense or another. 

Kirsten Uhler, in her paper on traditional marriage (kirstenuhler.com) nailed down another key argument. "I believe structure, stabilization, security, and consistency can be achieved without a legal marriage contract. A stable "family unit" can exist in a non-traditional sense." God aside, those are exactly the sentiments and judgements an unmarried couple is subject to regardless of reality.

 The vows you repeat come with no 'club' manual divulging the secrets to maintaining a happy relationships, you simply stand alongside the billions of other couples trying to see past differences and share your life with someone who, for the moment at least...makes you smile, laugh, kiss, and cry. 

Six years out, Mike and I  continue to stay in shape, try new things, listen and address each others problems, aggravate, romance, and support one another. We continually ask about each others happiness and satisfaction in the relationship and have established a happy open relationship with each other based honesty, trust, and love. We both know that if the other person is not happy, we would rather say good-bye to see them happy than have them stick around and be miserable. I wouldn't have it any other way.

p.s. I mean really...drawing up a legal document that evolves around a passion based emotion?? Really?? 

Noo Yawk

The greatest thing about visiting the east coast is that there is so much history within a road trips grasp. Mike and I just could not pass up an opportunity to a) visit my spermination destination b) reunite with long lost kin c) and sight see in the city of dreams. So we emailed my sister Emily, rented a car, and packed our bags. All of your typical road trip scenarios ensued: fast food pit stops, music jam sessions, and throw up. Lesson learned: don't let Mufasa chew the entire bone in five minutes it won't come out the right end. 

With the help of Brent's GPS (much thanks!) we made it to New York in.....later that night, it took a long time okay. Eric and Emily let us shack up at their place for the night. She's so effortlessly artsy fartsy it kills me. 

They had some big news to share.......HER EGGO IS PREGGO!!! 

People always told me New York could feel like home in five minutes or less. The NYPD's finest made a believer out of me. 

It's no secret that Mike and I are spontaneous. Inevitably though, there have been situations which we were unsure of, and when this happens we simply look at each other and say......'balls to the wall baby'. Crass, I know but it reflects our life's view of no regrets and no reservations. So, in our honor......balls on the bull. 

The Statue of Liberty has always been to me, the epicenter of New York. The symbol of hope and freedom to millions, whether their dreams saw reality or not. Naturally it was among the first things we saw. So, if you look reeaally hard, that small dot on the left of us is Lady Liberty herself. And really, given we only had one day in New York, and since we didn't want to wait in line for hours on end to get tickets, this is what we got. 

Eric and Emily were phenomenal. I mean really, every living relative that visits them in New York wants to see the same things...and they humor them. We wanted to visit some things they hadn't seen as well. The Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and upon completion , the longest suspension bridge in the world. 

You ever have one of those days when it feels like every five minutes your posing for another picture...side by side...one in front, one in back....arms around each....okay, give me something new. My budding genius is.so.creative. 

The calories were falling off of us and by block 20 we all agreed that lunch was a great idea. Emily found an amazing gyro joint. Ordering food from a stall had me reminiscing on Asia...but not for long because these things were DELISH! 

What would a trip to New York be without strolling through CHINATOWN! We showed them the markets with their herbal medicine and gutted fish, I busted out all five words of Chinese and had the Asians shaking their heads at the crazy tourist who tried to say 'fish' in Chinese. So in true Chinese fashion....Cheese!!

And no matter what anyone tells you, Teuscher Chocolatier is NOT family owned and operated because despite all our best efforts they refused to give us Eric and Emily a discount. Each and every bite of my $3 mini bar was savored.  

Below you'll find an excellent specimen of raw skill. Never mind what's popping in on the lower right hand corner. The Empire State building in all it's romance and glory. No, those aren't pinatas at a Mexican birthday bash....we're in little ITALY. You know, and I'm so glad we went here because we never made it there the first time around. Can you believe there was only ONE Gelato shop...isn't that some sort of rite of passage over there? 
Isn't this quintessential New York. Now, I realize that these aren't post card perfect...but they are seen through imperfect eyes, so cut me some slack. (take that Hallmark!) And can I just mention that 'the ball', you know, the one that's ginormous on T.V. every year was so miserably undersized I felt deflated when I realized what I seeing. So here we are, two crazy nut's on a day pass from the psych ward. Do we look excited?Do you ever soap off twice in the shower after returning from what you might deem a particularly 'dirty' day, because you just don't trust that the soap got off the first time whatever that guy on the subway sitting next to you had, so you do it again...just to be sure. I do.

Mainnerds

Mike and I have made our way north towards the frigid arctic. Not really, but coming from Florida...it certainly feels like it. I didn't quite know what to make of Maine before I left, but it didn't take me long to fall in love with New England. 

Brent and Kirsten are great hosts and jumped right in showing us around. Adopting the 'what's mine is yours' attitude....LOL(*cough*ahem*)...okay, I guess you have to be here to get that one. One of our first stops were to the lighthouses. The coast hovered in a heavy mist, shrouding the lighthouse in a grey light. We were all frigid and I managed to catch this cool picture of Brent and Mike making a mad dash for the car.

It's handy having a photographer around to give tips...and capture moments like this...you know, freezing your pants off. 

We've also made sure as bartenders, we know our trade. So of course it was only natural to make a stop at the local brewery: Shipyard. They have several good beers, their Summer ale and Pumpkin Head are to be rivaled. 

Mike and I have always said that if we could have kids as well behaved and balanced as these....we would start trying tonight. Unfortunately, life has yet to give us that guarantee, so we'll settle with Mufasa, who I am pretty sure will require a whole lot less counseling as an adult. Below, Kirsten and I took them to Home Depot and they made BIRD FEEDERS!!

Our flight up to Maine included a reeaallyy long lay-over in Baltimore, Maryland (And I'm not racist...but can I just say that I've never before been around so many blacks at one time in America). So we were asking our fellow seat-sharers what there was to do in Maine that would fuel the adrenaline, capture a memory, or at least steal our heart. They all said three things: chowdah (apparently you up for a whooping if you include the 'er'), Lighthouses, and L.L. Bean. So, for your viewing pleasure.  
L.L. Bean is a weird sub-culture of the east coast. I could never have guessed it was this big before my visit. I was a wiener and had to hold onto Mike's hands. Kirsten and Brent were all balls to the wall, and she proudly surrendered herself to the Brent's brute strength. 

 Sometimes, the ice thaws on the grass, the sun peaks it's rosy cheeks out from behind the clouds, and the outdoors becomes irresistible. So we pack up and head to beach, where we play man-sports...like football, catch, and Frisbee. 

On those days, there always seems to be a name that tugs at the guilt strings in our hearts. Kirsten is going to school full-time and working several days a week. That means that while we are at the beach having fun, she's at the hospital working. So we visit her for lunch every time she works. Cause were pretty much her possy. 

Not to make this post too much like recap vomit, but I have to include this. Because it was soo much fun! We took the ferry out to Peaks Island. Mike manned the boat. With a Captain as delicious as him, I'd sail the world round. 

Then we raided some locals shed, dug out two tandem bicycles, and cycled around the island. Kirsten weighs like two pounds and it was really funny to watch her pouncing up and down on the pedals trying to help them get up the hills.  We had a delicious lunch....and desert...

Blood and Water

Hookay. I had one task to accomplish today: post on my blog. I realize that like a corpse slowly decaying and returning to earth, my blog is slowly deteriorating and returning to the cyberworld I created it from (clearly a morbid analogy, but hey, it paints the picture right?). And I refuse to let that happen.

To make the transition less awkward, I'll start with the present (this would have worked a whole lot better if I posted this when it was written....like...a month ago) and just flash back on the highlights of the trip that my ambition has left unwritten.

 Mike and I have returned to responsibility...or America, either or. Mike's Dad is about to turn 60 and as if celebrating aging (hip hip hooray for the saggin and the baggin) wasn't enough to return to the states, a family reunion is. Mike's siblings hadn't been together in over f.i.f.t.e.e.n. y.e.a.r.s. So, we cancelled our tickets, bought new ones and headed west. 

I've had met all of Mike's family except Christina, Mike's older sister. So after six years and countless stories, I was able to put a personality to the name. What's wonderful about Mike's family is that no matter how longs it's been since you last saw each other, the conversation continues as if it were only yesterday. They make me feel so much at home, and I love them for that. From left to right, starting in the back is Scott, Brent, Mike, and Ken. Christina and Richard are in the front. Love em!

Brent, Mike's older brother is the family photographer (both professionally and personally) so with his permission, I've hijacked his talent. To see more of his work visit: 'flicker.com/brentdanley' or therhetoric.net  

We arrived in small town central Florida...St. Cloud. We kept our return a complete surprise and when Richard (Mike's dad) arrived at the airport, instead of his eldest flying in, his youngest trod out. Luckily, no AED was needed. Hokay, and I know I look like shiznat in this picture but if you'll cut a sister some slack, I had like two outfits and a brush to my name (not much has changed). Thank god my first stop home was to the salon, hence the newer darker do. LOVE it. Mike on the other hand could be naked and he'd look good. damn him. 

We were totally stoked to stay here after shacking up at low budget hostels for several months.

Most of the time we just hung out at the house, talking and eating amazing american food. 

We did venture out and go to Kennedy Space Center. But when we arrived and saw that tickets had been moved from free to forty....we decided it would just as cool to take some pictures of the rockets on the outside. I mean common...has anyone at the Space Center heard the news about the recession? I love being broke, lol. 

Did I mention that I'm dating a dare devil. He keeps me entertained, especially when he plays with the toys. These are the new ones that he declares are not nearly as fast as the XP he had in his glory days. Mike and Scott (oldest brother) still managed to make some waves though. 

Scott got married (big breath) again. But this time she's super cool, and they call her Kelly. She's a sweet-heart. 

So all I heard were these jokes about how Christina is not a cook. I mean, NOTTTTT a cook. I laughed and didn't really believe them, until I got up at the butt crack of dawn to make these cinnamon rolls with her. She's got this darling southern accent. Seriously, accents are so cool and I wish I could have one. But really, she can't cook. Pictured below are her husband, Trent and her two boys. 

I know your all holding your breath, but you can relax because Mufasa survived the trip and is happily enjoying his time....outside the house. That's right, no pets allowed inside and so he's chillin it poolside. He's even managed to snag some girl time with the local bitch Buffy. She plays hard to get.

Brent and Kirsten are lovers. Lovers make time for lovin no matter where you are. 

Yours Truly

I realize that many of the people that read this blog either don't know me or REALLY don't know me. So, I think this will be a good ice-breaker. I totally nabbed this from Facebook under the label 100 truths, but when I actually counted there were only 54, so here it is. 

FIFTY FOUR TRUTHS-all about yours truly. 

001. Real Name: Kimberly 

002. Nicknames: sparkyballet and flash

003. Status: Happily lovers- I'll never ever ever get married, it distorts relationships

004. Zodiac sign: Aquarius (sing the song, go ahead)

005. Male or female: If the people reading need an answer to this it's going to take a lot more than fifty four questions to break the ice. 

006. Elementary: La Costa Heights...go OWLS!!

007. Middle School: Oak Crest, home of the most awkward years of my life.

008. High School: La Costa Canyon....nuff said

009. Skin color: Varying shades of white

010. Hair color: Brown

011. Long or short: medium

012. Loud or quiet: Depends on how comfortable I am with you, the more comfortable the more loud. 

013. Sweats or jeans: Jeans, fo sho

014. Phone or camera: CAMERA, a picture is worth a thousand words 

015. Health freak: not so much

016.Do you have a crush on someone: always....Mike

017. Eat or Drink: Depends on whats to drink. I can't resist white wine or vodka. 

018. Piercings: One in my ears, but I don't wear many earrings.

019. Water or Fire: Water, because shellooo I'm an Aquarius.

020. Love of your life or 4 billion dollars: Money can't buy love. 

Firsts

021. First fear: Learning to swim, all the candy in the world couldn't move me from the steps.

022. First best friend: Kaitlin Welch, I had the best childhood ever

023. First award: Student Standout....the best part was the free frozen yogurt you won : 0

024. First crush: Gabe Herrak....blond hair, blue eyes...he was a knock out. 

025. First pet: Probably a hamster

026. First big vacation: Utah.yes.back then, that was big. 

027. First big birthday: 6, it was one of those surprise deals...and boys were invited. 

Currently

028. Eating: Nada, I don't eat while I'm on the computer, it contaminates the keyboard

029. Drinking: that's worse than eating.

o30. I am about to: hang out with the family.

031. I am listening to: Mike talk about how dry the shishkabobs are. It's not my fault, I forgot they were in the oven.

032. Plans for tonight: Probably just chill with my homie and watch a movie. 

033. Waiting for: Airline refunds, IRS return, and transcripts. 

Your Future:

034. Want kids: Sometimes

035. Want to get married: Never never never. Marriage is unnecessary, outdated, and expensive.

036. What careers do you have in mind: This changes every year. How bout I just surprise you.

Which is Better:

037. Lips or Eyes: Eyes

038. Shorter or taller: I'm 5'2, it would totally gross me out if he was shorter. 

039. Romantic or spontaneous: Spontaneous, spontaneous, spontaneous. Planners are boring. 

040. Trouble maker or hesitant: Hmmm...hesitant, and trouble in moderation

Have You Ever

041. Been arrested: No... let's keep it that way. 

042. Heartbroken: Yes, it sucked.

043. Cried when someone died: No, partly because I'm heartless, but also because I have to be incredibly close with someone to cry about them. 

Do You Believe In:

044. Yourself: Yes.

045. Miracles: Coincidence, yes. Miracles, no. 

046. Love at first sight: No, strong attraction and compatibility, yes. 

047. Heaven: I'd like to, but it's not likely.

049: Sex on the first date: Are you asking if it's happened or if it's okay?? Hokay. Moving on. 

Answer Truthfully:

051. Is there one person you want to be with right now more than others: Mike and Mufasa, and they're right here now. 

052. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life: Very much y.e.s.

053. Do you believe in God: I consider myself an agnostic. 

054. Do you have regrets: Two. 

Okay. Now that I have indirectly cleared the air on several topics. I hope those who do read my blog can proceed with a clearer prospective on who I really am.