Deja vu.

5/18/1994 (before the 12-countries-in-7-weeks whirlwind backpacking trip around Europe): "SHIT we're really leaving in 3 days. How did this happen? I've never been so ready and so unprepared at the same time for something."

This year I think my official freak out will occur on February 1, but I suspect my thoughts will be pretty similar. At least last time I knew exactly where I was living when I got back, whereas this time I have vague notions of Portland neighborhoods that might suit me... but change is good.

54 seconds!

Created by Oatmeal

A haiku for the bartender at Rock Bottom in DIA.

I'm not your "sweetie"
I just want a freakin' beer
God, I hate airports

Great Falls photo test.

IMMDs.

Customer at the post office: "How much will it cost to mail this letter overnight to New Jersey?"
Clerk: "Overnight is $15.95, it will get there by 3pm tomorrow."
Customer: "...Wha?? This letter? For $20 I can get on a bus and deliver it by midnight myself!"

Me: "Hi, I'd like to do an international wire transfer."
{Much ado about how they are not set up to do that, but in fact they are - I confirmed it three times with three different people before setting out as it would be a trek to this particular branch - training manual is extracted from the depths of the cabinet and dusted off - clerk #1 heaves a big sigh, saying "why me?!"}
Clerk #2: "They're sending spies in to test us, [Clerk #1]."

Laughter ensued with both exchanges. A nice change of pace from the grumpiness usually ensuing in such situations (especially such situations which occur at the post office). And even though I was at post office #2 dealing with clerk # 5 who was insisting they couldn't do this, and even though it turned out I had to go back again today and drag Clerk #1 away from her back-office break, and even though I'm still not convinced that the transaction went through... Both scenes yesterday kind of made my day.

Public service announcement.

When flying a kite, it's best to choose a day where the American flag over the bank building is whipping in the wind versus hovering slightly and then falling limply toward the pole.

Also, it's best to choose an area devoid of geese:


But Mr. Frog the Kite performed well under duress, and as a result I've checked that off the list, even though Saturday was just a trial run. I look forward to putting MFtK to work on the coast someday soon. FUNemployment should make that a possibility.