face smashing...overhauling...bag pipes.

i'm still under the weather, which is really getting me down. mainly because i was given a car for two weeks, and really didn't want to drive it all the time, but since i've been sick it's really easy to just grab the keys when i run out the door. i've found that driving leaves me in a terrible mood, and i can't wait for the car to be taken away this thursday.

however, neat things i've been able to do because i have a car:

1. pick up big black food composter for the kitten shak from swan island.
2. see my sister's tennis match before work (she attends Lewis and Clark, which is too much public transit and too far a ride right before work).
3. went dumpster diving all over ne.
4. was the 'hot lips bus' for all my coworkers at the end of long nights, making everyone's life a little easier.
5. i've been a pizza fairy all week, dropping off pies to friends all over town.
6. i drove my out of commission bike up to n. portland bikeworks for women's volunteer nite.

crappy things about the car:

1. paying for gas
2. paying for parking
3. being in a car
4. being angry because of traffic that i know i could avoid on my bicycle.
5. not being outside with the wind in my face each day.
6. not exercising because i don't have to ride to work.
7. being everyone's ride bitch
8. adding unnecessary pollution to the atmosphere
9. feeling guilty all the time about #8.

memorable event recap for this week:

1. at women's bike nite i discovered that my road bike needs A LOT of work. i was going to true the wheel, but the rim was busted so i had to get a new one, as well as a new tire. i learned how to transfer my freewheel to the new wheel. i also replaced my brake cable and its housing. i replaced my back brake, and transfered my brake pads. it was really neat to do so much, not to mention the fact that all that only cost $66 because n. portland bikeworks is so cool.

2. i found out that i can move out on APRIL 16TH!!! so i will be moving into the kitten shack next month.

3. nickey, helen (new roommates!), and i did yard work all saturday morning. i really miss working in the garden. however, doing so brought up a bunch of memories from the farm, which lead to missing lebn, which was aggravating. i wish i could contact him, and let him know about my life because of all the people who would appreciate everything i'm doing, he's #1. but, i still have lots of issues with our ending, and i think it would probably be healthy to stick out the year without talking to him, unfortunately. i really miss my best friend... anyhow, we cleared black berries, ripped up the old garden, prunned the trees, and generally kicked ass all morning. the weather was sunny and amazing. summer in portland is going to be unbeatable!!!

4. i went on a delivery yesterday night, and it was totally absurd. after knocking a cute pooch jumped up on the door barking up a storm (dogs LOVE pizza). the owner grabbed him frantically, and he attempted to open the door, and while doing so simultaneously slammed himself in the face. yup, opened the door into his face SUPER HARD. he let go of the dog for an instant. it tried to bolt, so he tackled the dog which almost bowled me over. finally he shut the door after restraining the dog, and i asked, "are you okay!?!" to which he responded, "NO, i just got hit in the face." he handed me the cash, didn't say anything else and went back inside. it all happened so fast that i had no idea how to react. or, if there was something better to have done. i imagine it was rather embarrassing for him, although the pain was obviously worse than the embarrassment. bottom line: it was totally crazy.

5. i called a buddy who i was sort of seeing for a while to get a pint of guinness after a long day at work on st. paddy's day only to receive a pathetic request to pick his drunk ass up from downtown. i figure i have a car, and i would really love the help if i were in his position, so i drive down to pick him up. it's a huge hassle to find him, and he is beyond wasted when he gets in the car. he's hollering out my window and being a total jackass during the ride. i decide he can walk his stupid ass home, and head to my house (which is close to his). i realize he's so drunk the only thing to do once i get home is bolt out of the car, slam the door to my house before he can come in, and then he can wander his way home. well, i try to get out, but he is hanging onto me. i tear him off of my arm, and start running for the door.

i know, totally ridiculous.

he bolts after me, straight towards our 3.5 ft tall slab of concrete that we call our 'porch'. safe to say, he eats it...hard...face first into the cement. he starts moaning about losing his teeth. i am furious inside with all of my housemates looking at me like i'm a heartless bitch for not helping this drunk fool. i go out, and he hasn't knocked out his teeth (thank god), but he's torn up his lip pretty bad. i am ready to send him on his way, but my housemates suggest we drive him home. i suggest we go get a pint of guinness and leave him at the bus stop. once he hears that he charges off screaming, "why do you hate me!!" "my fucking face is bleeding"

i chase him and get him in the car. good ol' lozito sits in back with the raging douchebag who is muttering all sorts of ungrateful bullshit at this point.

we got him home, and the ladies kindly accompanied me to 'zack's shak' for hot dogs and that pint of guinness i've been aching for all nite. i fellow in all the garb even came by and played the bag pipes, which was rad. all in all it ended up being pretty funny. safe to say i won't be calling this dude ever again. by sara and lauren's suggestion i've changed his name to 'fuck face' in my phone, so as not to be confused if he ever attempts to call me again.

WHAT A NITE!

lessons learned: a. i'm too nice. b. angry drunks are horrible people. c. men who play the bag pipes are totally hot.

how everyone had a better st. paddy's day than i.

enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!