Heiruspecs @ the Turf Club

So it all started with an e-mail message from the Wedge Coop. ( who, if you know me, you know that I love the Wedge! ) Anywho, it was a message stating there was a drawing for those who are on the Wedge e-mail list. I entered immediately, because Josiah was with his mom and the Kyllonen family that weekend - I could actually DO something - especially if it is offered. And what was offered were tickets to the 10th year celebration of the local artists known as Heiruspecs.

Lo and behold - I won! Okay, I am sure many others did because the Wedge co-sponsored the event. I am told to go to the door and let them know I got free tickets. Since I had two tickets, I didn't know who to invite. I initially considered asking a co-worker, but didn't because they wouldn't have that day off in time ( I got the original e-mail offer only that Tuesday - and knew I won on Thursday ). So, I called up Leah Seelhoff and thought she would enjoy hanging out - especially as her two kids were with relatives for the night.

And that worked out great, because we both decided to take the #21 there and back. We even walked from our block to Lake Street to catch it on a fairly chilly night. So, there we are at the corner of Snelling and University, 8:45PM and there is already a line! And it is FREEZING out - this is the chilly Minnesota that non-residents think occurs year-round. I am counting my blessings that I wore a hat and gloves - as many others in line were not so fortunate to have such foresight.

9PM rolls around - why haven't they opened up the place? We are beginning to huddle now - but still in a line. I have edged up to the building, face against the bitter wind. Leah finds this situation completely unreal. Many others complain that this is just insane and that they have never had to endure this for any show. This all while the line gets longer and longer - down past the CVS pharmacy - perhaps around the corner.

9:05PM and it feels like an eternity! One young man behind us in line is earing a t-shirt only - not hat, gloves, or coat! It made one shiver just watching the poor ( yet quite unprepared ) man endure such harsh conditions! I was thinking "This damn better be a good show!" having never heard of Heiruspecs, though after I do realize I must have heard them on 89.3 The Current at some point. My feet were freezing and I began hopping up and down to increase circulation to my extremities. And with as many people waiting, I felt like this was definitely worth waiting for if they were tolerant of the situation.

9:13PM - the doors FINALLY open and start letting us in! The line begins to move! I remember the time because freezing like that makes one a bit anxious. My feet felt frozen and I am thankful when I get indoors to get them de-thawed. Leah thankfully wore some warm boots.

As soon as entering I found the merchandise stand. I had to own a piece of this night and purchased their 10 year anniversary CD. I am so glad that I did because they were much better than I had expected! I even liked the opening act "Power Struggle" & "The Show is the Rainbow." I also snagged a free book by the guy who got us tickets through the Wedge: Barth Anderson. His book is "The Patron Saint." I plan to read it when I get through my nonfiction craze.

But before the show, I had some drinks with Leah. Bloody Marys. Never had them before and decided I liked the tomato spice flavor. The lower level at the Turf Club is a nice find! One has to locate the stairs to get there. Lovely random book collection - selling for $1 each and Leah was taken on on particular book!

We then went to a veg-friendly Vietnamese/Thai restaurant ( on the corner of University and Pierce St.) across the street - because we were both hungry( our bill came to $22 with tip - my fave #). We did NOT wear our coats because we would find food nearby - and we did. But MAN was it cold out! And I am happy to have had my fill because it was yumminess and could now enjoy the show properly - with utmost of attention.

Minutes after getting back, we maneuvered our way to the front of the sold out show. Then enjoyed the opening bands - one from San Francisco and the other from Omaha. Leah noted that those at the show were very young for those she usually attends - college age or barely 21. So, Heiruspecs has a large local following.

There were many who could not handle their liquor. One guy started getting bad - he starting fighting with someone and I helped pull the primary culprit away - with others. A few minutes later he grabs both my arms and yells "Let me go! Let me go!" I thought this hilarious because he was holding me and not the other way around. "I'm not holding you!" To which he replied "Let me go!" All I could do was laugh until he was grabbed by some others. Leah almost though she might have to intercede, and am glad. Either way, I thought it quite humorous, barring the possibility of a physical altercation.

All I can say, is that I thoroughly enjoyed their refreshing sound. They are a different sort of rap/hip-hop group - they seem like a mish-mash of other bands that work perfect together! Those who played the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone really do look their part. The energy they had was monumental. They are quite a treat to see!

Old work schedule

I am scanning all my old documents that remind me of the past. :D
Here's one of an old schedule and a random signature paper I found of Rochelle's ( she left it in a booth in 2004). :P

I miss this part of my past. But dang, I hated the secondhand smoke. I do not want any more of my co-workers from their to die from cancer.

Free Speech and the working class

This is probably the most ridiculous thing casino workers could deal with working at Mystic Lake : no talking. Seriously. And that is on top of cancer causing second-hand smoke!

Beginning this summer, they have new core standards. These standards are very positive and guest-centric and not new in any real way. They are standards for the entire corporation. Then there are position-specific standards that are decided by those in charge of our department. The one Americans should take issue with is the "no-talking" standard. Specifically it states: "The team member refrained from unnecessary and/or personal inter-team member conversations while in the presence of guests or in visible guest areas."

The purpose of the no-talking standards is that( in their words): The team member should remain focused on the importance of guest service and leave personal conversation off the [work] floor. Team members should be circulating area spending available time with guests. Therefore, cordial hellos and goodbyes need not apply with those you work with. ( And they are being enforced! )

The First Amendment appears to not apply to American citizens working for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Of course, they also have rules that state talking about unions is grounds for dismissal. And this was a community living in squalor and dire poverty less than thirty years ago. Now they mimic the ruling class with such eloquent precision.

Chavis currently at #2416

I just read in the paper that there are 6 million different surnames in the United States, but one is shared by millions: Smith.

Anyways, not many of my friends names are in the top 5000 most common surnames - mine is. Chavis ranks at #2416, but has fallen from #2265 in 2000. I suspect it will continue to fall as more Hispanic names like Garcia (#8) and Chavez (#69)rise to the top.

But I still think it’s interesting that 5 in every 100,000 Americans has my last name. And that there are at least 5 other Kevin Chavis in the United States ( 3 own Macs - I know because they couldn’t identify me immediately when I called Apple to register ).

No Fahrenkamp,DuCharme,Nyanchoga,Omete,Chiri,Gemeda,Skarhus,Skluzacek,Sticha,Pekarna in the top 5000 surnames. At least not in the United States.

To find if your surname exists within the top 5000 go here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/us/17surnames.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1195491687-LPiz8LQli+x+nYIdJTDl+g

When I die....

Recently, someone I know's sister passed away. She died due to complications while pregnant. She died while en route to a hospital, as she lives in a rural area of Kenya. ( for those who think proximity doesn't matter - it very much DOES - even IF you own a car).. And I cannot even go there on leave, because I wouldn't have a place for Josiah - and does a workplace offer leave for the death of a girlfriend's sister? This is America, not Africa or Europe.

I believe she died on November 2nd, known as El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Many cultures throughout Earth believe that these days surrounding the first of November ( including Halloween) are days when the realm of the dead is closer to our plane of physical existence. I ask people from Africa their feelings on this type of celebration, and many state they celebrate a persons departure from life on the day they died. In America, we should make Halloween the day it used to be or start celbrating with Hispanics. We don't have the time or memory to remember each individual day a person dies - maybe a few but not all.

My Grandmother Loretta Dougherty is dying of alzheimers. She looks physically okay, but her mind is leaving more and more each day. I cannot even have a coversation with her anymore. She not only forgets things but makes up stories about people who don't exist, are dead, or aren't even around. Even the high dose of Aricept she is on haven't made a difference.

Maybe she has an imaginary friend? But the stories about her "boyfriend" don't make sense. He helped my Grandmother's parents move to a new apartment. Even helped with their dog. Trouble is, my Great Grandparents are dead. So why would they move to a new apartment last month? And her boyfriend works at the same factory my Grandmother gets workman's compensation through. Except that business is down in Anoka County and she is up in Pine County. And as far as I am concerned, my Grandmother is gone already - her physical ghost remains to prove she once existed.

I have not been sure how to console those who have lost a loved one. I don't even know how to make my friend feel better, so instead I listen to what she has to say. My friend's sister had a huge impact on her life, and she is so sad that she left so suddenly. Had she still been around, she was to move to New Hampshire, with her recently graduated husband from there. But she is gone, along with their only child. It is quite a sad turn of events, and a tragedy that I cannot fully comprehend. But it is an event that should make us all realize how precious and delicate this thing called life is. We should celebrate it each day, and not take it for granted.

I do like what Ajahn Brahm says about those who die young. Try thinking about when your flight gets bumped at the airport, and you must fly on the next one. The airline gives you an upgrade to first class as a way to make up the inconvenience. So for those who die young, the next life should get an upgrade. A better life situation is awaiting them, and we should be thankful they have such an opportunity.

I am not trying to be morbid or gothic, but realistic. We are all going to die. So here's my plan - quite simple: cremation. No fighting over where I should be buried - I don't want to be. Why take up a spot on the Earth when 2000 years from now someone will be farming their anyways? It's a cheaper solution than traditional burial, and its interesting I have felt this long before I became Buddhist.

And if I go crazy Alzheimer's - and can't even be myself anymore or am a vegetable - I would rather NOT be around. Yes, move me to Oregon or somewhere else where I can choose to die. I'm not going to waste my time with a "living will." Those who care about me should know my feelings, and for those who don't know - I am posting them. By the time I am old enough to die of Alzheimer's they will either have a cure, proper prevention, or will be as close as they are today to a solution.

And my funeral? I will proudly claim that I stole this idea from my friend Angel: a big PARTY! Yes, that's right. If you want to cry about my death, do it in private. You are crying for yourself, not me. Celebrate that I existed, that I didn't just sit and do nothing my whole life, that I may be a drop in the ocean of life, but I existed nonetheless. If I made an impact on you, it is this that should be celebrated, not mourned as if it were gone. Because the actions of our lives live on, even if we think life may seem pointless - which I don't think it ever is.

Siah's birthday: going to a Twins game!

strik
I got tickets to a Twins game for Josiah's birthday. We did not have a big party with all the neighbor kids as we did the night before. But it was very fun, though Siah was not calm enough to stay the entirety. :(

But I saw Carlos Santana set a record for the most strikeouts in a Twins game: 17! Amazing.

I still love baseball, but don't think Hennepin County taxpayers should foot the bill for a regional asset.

Of course, this is Siah's birthday. So we finished the day by going to Holy Land. :D

Black Candle with Brandy

I went to see this with Brandy. It was excellent, and the first showing of anything at the Ritz Theater is years! Very fortunate to have been a part of such a momentous event! I loved this, though it is still very difficult to acknowledge how much women have to achieve in this world to gain equality.

Brandy and I really needed to get out more at this point. She had just spent several months in Costa Rica. We were moving to from Stevens Square/Whittier to East Phillips. It was a busy time! But I cannot miss out on events such as this.

Always eager to see more plays and dances!

Picking up the neighborhood

Well it's early Summer/late Spring and Josiah wants to go out and pick up the street trash each day! He's the "Garbage Man!"

I am collecting all sorts of 'points' from various promotions such as Coke Rewards, Taco Bell, Pepsi, etcetera. Turns out these might be a bit of an incentive to pick up the block as well! I would hope others through Minneapolis do the same, we'd have a cleaner city and take advantage of free points!

But nonetheless I have been getting involved in the garden lately also. Joined the 17th Avenue Garden steering committee and will be vice-chair, with Brad Pass as chair. So far so good, though plans for my garden are going well.

Lynne has a "double-dig" method that takes a lot of time, but has the potential to reduce weeding. I have completed my plot and Sarah Skarhus's and a couple others - such as the Children's plot.

Either way should be a fun summer on the block. Siah seems to be enjoying his chosen career! :)

Liam's pathetic biological parents

I did my taxes for 2004 earlier this year. Brandy never does her taxes, let alone mine. So when I deployed to Iraq for all of 2005 I could not do my taxes. I could have done them last year, but was missing some paperwork - primary about Liam. When I tracked it down and filled out the forms, I was disappointed.

It seems that since Liam is not biologically related to me, I cannot get anything back taxwise. From January until August of 2004, Brandy and I watched him. His mother, Karin Marie Bayer, decided to move to Germany to marry an ARMY soldier ( who was subsequently discharged for misuse of property ).

I lent Karin Bayer the money to fly there - over $1000. She was to return after marrying, but decided not to. She also never paid us for watching Liam - ever. Once we realized she was abandoning him, we applied for WIC and applied for medical care for him.

Liam was also in poor shape when he moved in with us. His legs were malformed because he was never let out of his crib. He was also very weak for his age ( one year ) and could not speak at all. He made no facial movements, appeared to have no emotions at all. Karin obviously did not want this child - but being a conservative didn't believe in birth-control, adoption, or any other forms she considered "abortions." Obviously, her ideology didn't include adquate childcare.

Karin got pregnant with her new husband, got divorced after he was discharged, and moved back to the US. Her daughter may or may not have been taken away from her by now. But if she is the same person she has always been, the child should be taken.

People like Karin Bayer should be sterilized, to prevent physical and genetic abuse to humanity.

Liam's father was an ardent drug addict, dying of a heroin overdose in 2006.

Liam Patrick Austad was taken into custody by the state of Minnesota. He was adopted by a lesbian couple living in the suburbs of Minneapolis. Even though Brandy and I care for the kid, we are never allowed to see or know where he is. Karin has this option, but most likely does not care.

Transit rally at the State Capitol

It was less than an hour before my planned trip to Saint Paul when Brandy called. Josiah would have to come with me. That is fine, but I could not be as present at the rally with him there. Nor could I find my friend Mason as easily either. But it went okay.

I did see another comrade of mine who deployed with A co 1-194AR to Iraq: SPC Hanson. It was interesting to see him at the rally, seeing he was from the Brainerd area. But the entire state wants to see more roads and transit built.

Josiah was able to take a tour of the capitol. He also found a dog to pet and play with before we left the rally - early. But I am still glad to have been able to show my support for transportation. If only our Governor Pawlenty shared the same vision - for this century and not the next.

While I held a sign for the already built and quite effective Hiawatha line, other lines need to be built. The line that I think shows quite some promise in the near future is the Bottineau route. Currently BRT is being touted, but LRT would be much more effective in this working class area of the Twin Cities.

The Bottineau Partnership states: " BRT generally fails to attract the “non-transit-dependent” rider at the same scale as LRT. These riders will park and ride to an LRT station, but shun BRT" It is quite wise that Bottineau be considerd for LRT.

LRT would attract far more riders and be a true alternative to car driving. This should be a goal of any transit route and system. I would like to see more of Minnesota become a part of transit. Rail should connect from the Twin Cities to Duluth, Saint Cloud, Rochester, and Winona.

AMTRAK already does this, but its hours of operations are sketchy, and its system needs a major reform. AMTRAK is a national system that should focus on long-range travel. Perhaps it should skip cities that have local transit and focus on larger cities to improve travel times. Either way, faster forms of rail travel should be explored in America as oil prices continue skyward.

Volunteering for SISTER'S CAMELOT

1) Sister's Camelot

The photo at least if a part of the Sister's Camelot Bus. This bus is what one looks for in south Minneapolis if they want free organic food. Today, I volunteered to assist them in their magical duties.

Leah ( a neighbor at the Pumpkin Palace ) and I went to their location at 36th and Chicago at 9:45. It seems their website it out of sync with their true volunteer times - as no one was there until 10:30AM. No big deal, we chilled out and waited. We met Tracy and the infamous Eric the bus driver.


We first drove to the warehouses. Both are the Twin Cities largest provider of organic foods. One is Co-op Partners Warehouse, then to the ( ? ) warehouse which is quite larger.

The first beneficiary of our newfound foods was The Jackpine. They are another collective that is essentially a meeting place where activists can organize. They are located at 2815 East Lake Street and open 7 days a week.

Our next stop was 1st and Lake Street - right next to McDonald's. I wish I had my camera because it was quite humorous. Here we are giving out organic vegetarian food next to a corporation that sells empty calories and meat. Can things have been any weirder? But that is just how it was - very memorable if you ask me!

Anywho, that went quite quickly - though I did not get home until about 3pm. But I got a box of free organic foods - which I gave most away to neighbors. After all, I can't make it to the neighbors meetings so I might as well support them. It is also worth pointing out that the founder of Sister's Camelot lived in the Pumpkin Palace when he started it.

I made myself lentil soup for dinner. Yumminess.

Then at 6 I went to a Somali store and bought another phone card - TC Express is what all the Oromos are raving about for calling Nairobi. So I will call Phanice using it this weekend.

Then onto the Carlson School of Business for the SC meeting....

2) Green Party Steering Committee Meeting

The meeting went very well. It is interesting that the Minnesota Greens are still very interested in having the GPUS convention in Minneapolis for 2008. This will most likely occur before the Republicans, but there are no guarantees with the Greens. The Global Greens will have their 2008 convention in Nairobi. Phanice should be in Minnesota before next year May, so she will have to miss it. ( though never proclaimed to be a Green, she holds similiar values )

Anywho, I am just glad that we got a lot accomplished and look forward to our next meeting in May. I am certainly optimistic about the Anti-Racism Training we have scheduled for the 20th. Though I am still reluctant to call the Green Party Meetup any sort of "success" until more show up to them. So always more to work on and strive for. But am upbeat about current successes.

Visited Grandma

My Grandma is not doing quite well lately, having the serious symptom of dementia. She cannot remember things that happened a few minutes prior, like letting her dog out to the back yard.

She is taking medication and has improved dramatically. But she is still not the Grandma I have know most of my life - but becoming more of a shadow.

The photo on the left is of myself, my son Josiah, Grandma Loretta Dougherty, and my mother Carmela. We took it when visiting her in Sandstone. I had realized moments after taking the photo that we were not just four generations, but all first-born. But I do not think this has any significance in my life, nor has it helped me.

The main reason to visit Grandma was to see how she was doing, and disconnect the computer and bring it ot my Mother's. Why my Grandma bought a computer is beyond me, she didn't even use it or know how. But she wanted what everyone else had, until she realized it was just taking up space and let my mother take it. She was even paying for cable internet! ( which we just had canceled ) She has a Dodge Dakota SXT truck in her garage, but can no longer drive due to her vision and memory problems.

Glen Goldsby drove us there, though I have a license - just no car. I was babysitting Kelly so she want along also. We went to the park and had lunch with Grandma. Josiah and Kelly ran to the playground when finished and jumped in the remainder of the snow.

Anyways, my Grandma is having further testing done to find out why she has dementia. This will allow us to all know what is happening and what can be done. Until then it is a mystery, and we can just hope for the best.

I plan to visit her again this august during Sandstone's Quarry Days. Obviously I will end up renting a small-compact hybrid car to get there. The bus prices are ridiculous!

Backstage clip regarding excellent service.

The image is from the March 2007 issue of Backstage. I have had numerous awards from my exemplary customer service.

Worked at Mystic Lake from June 2001 until May of 2008. I would have worked there until they realized I was active in the Green Party. Only tribally approved politics are acceptable to them.

Proud to have marched

Obviously there are many who still find solace in Bush claiming we can still "Win" this war. It would be nice to win, but you have to define what winning is first. Without such criteria, statements about "winning" are empty and unmeasurable.

There are multiple wars being fought in Iraq. The first was to topple Saddam and ended back in 2003. Now we are trying to "help" the Iraqis by being their friendly occupying force. Unfortunately, the many factions in Iraq do not all believe we are on their side. ( whose side are won on anyways?)

I have come to the belief long ago that wars are never winnable. You can only work to mitigate their lethality and destruction. A war is a loss in and of itself.

Most wars throughout history were for imperialistic reasons. I have no doubts that the Neoconservatives believed this war would be easy. That oil would flow freely and that democracy would flourish. Of course, we Americans want to live in a Utopia of a global span. But we have these odd means of doing it known as lethality. And then we wonder why the world sees us as the new Romans.

But I am not truly worried. Every empire falls. The world is becoming multipolar once again, and will become more so once the American economy diminishes in scale. Take the hydrocarbons from America, and you take our might.

For those that think the world will be safer without an American Empire are fooling themselves. There will be more imperialistic and resource wars than ever. What America and Europe should be doing is strengthening the United Nations and upholding Global Values. If we fail at that, as we are now, then expect those like the Chinese and Iranians to uphold their own version of values.

Mandazi Sunday

Today was not quite busy, but a typical Sunday. Josiah and I spent the morning together. Had he been acting better we could have gone out to the park longer than we had. But I made him breakfast, but he tried getting into other things in the cupboards when I was in the bathroom.

But I did end up making mandazi. I still haven't been able to make it like it was made for me by Phanice! It isn't nearly as fluffy.....grrr. But Siah still loved them.

Carie Krogen dropped Kelly off today at around 2. Brandy is now unable to watch her Monday,Thursday, and Friday. She is barely getting by in school. And I rarely saw her this last week, apart from last night. I won't go into details, but Brandy is in very bad shape.

Kelly and Siah chomped down on more mandazi while I moved my computer to the first floor. I really didn't want it there, primarily because it was safer in the bedroom. But I "fixed" my external speakers with Gorilla tape, so it is more worthwhile. Besides, now I can listen to podcasts while doing dishes, folding clothes, and watching Siah!

Well, apart from that I got some paperwork done. Then I took the two rascals to the East Phillips Park. The weather is snow melting, so it was quite slushy. But they were able to exert some of their pent up energy on the dry playground equipment.

Then I finished making lentil soup and grilled cheese sandwhiches. I typically make some sort of soup on Sundays. Last week was potato-kidney bean with vegan-style corn bread. Though most of my meals are vegan.

Anywho, relaxing to music and catching up on blogs/computer work! At least I had today off! :)

Why should I own a car?

I have been asked repeatedly by many friends, acquaintances, and family about why I do not own a car. Many think it a necessity in the United States, like drinking water and breathing air. One cannot be truly "American" without owning a car. If true,when oil prices continue to rise and wages do not keep up, the definition of "American" will need to change.

Having successfully lived carfree 4 years, I am unsure how it is necessary to own one. I can walk to any store I need to get to, or take the light rail to Target or Cub if I must. Every type of business I need items from are within a mile of where I live. That leaves getting to work, which thankfully my employer provides.

Dureti asks me all the time "If others who make less than you own cars, why don't you?" It makes sense within a Western mentality, even though she was brought up in Ethiopia. Obviously Africans own cars too, but few can afford to. Just because one can buy a car, doesn't mean one has to.

It is the mentality that Dureti and the West have that understands why the rich spend excessively. "They have money, so why not spend it lavishly?" This is why Al Gore need not conserve, he has money. He can throw money at "offsetting" his luxurious lifestyle, while asking those who cannot afford that to simply live with less. In the eyes of the West, this mentality is acceptable and just.

But what if a billionaire decided to live more simply? Just live as the middle class did in the 80s, and own one car ( not three). There would be one family TV, not one in each room of the house. Perhaps the computer monitor would BE the TV. Maybe a landline phone instead of a cell-phone for each member of the household. Instead of buying a library full of books, they would actually go to the library. And where would these meager savings go? Perhaps they could invest in various ways: for future generations, research, philanthropy, religious institutions, etc.

There is a new book out for the West and its more conservative perspectives on car ownership. How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life by Chris Balish. Chris is a TV anchorman and used to be editor for Reader's Digest. He's a pretty mainstream guy, but lives carfree.This book focuses on the financial and social costs of car ownership. Perhaps I will have to get this book for those skeptical of my environmental and ethical beliefs.

As Dureti, Ruth, and other Africans claim,"You will get a car once Phanice gets here." We will see, as I am not dictator when it comes to relationships. I am rather attached to the idea of not owning a car. Perhaps if I am coerced to own one, I will end up working more to pay for one - while rarely using it. I would rather use HourCar or Zipcar, and rent one for a few days than own one.

I was not born in America to be lazy. I want a life of meaning and purpose. I do not want my life here to take away or detract from others currently living or will live in the future. If anyone out there can find a solution to Global Warming and oil depletion that includes a car for all of humanity, please let me know. But just because one can waste resources, doesn't mean one has to.

The affluence America has become accustomed to is immoral and unethical. We have the ability to improve the lives of all future generations, in addition to reducing world population to sane levels. But we are passing by the opportunity so we can buy cheeseburgers in the McDonald's drive-thru 24/7. Each individual is still responsible for their own lives, but we all affect each other collectively. Thus is the karma of mankind.

Ordinary day

Today went pretty well. It is as "normal" as any ordinary day for me I suppose.

I work up around 9:30, and decided to skip breakfast and do some quick shopping before Carie brought Josiah and Kelly over. The previous day, Carie had watched Josiah for me because Brandy has evening classes. I typically watch Kelly for Carie on Saturdays and Sundays. But this week I had Monday off because I got in trouble at work. I also watched Kelly today.

Walked to WellsFargo on Franklin Avenue first for the ATM. Wish I had gone to the teller, because I usually get some dollar coins. It seems that there are some problems with the new dollar coins - some are called "godless dollars." The inscription "In god we trust" is missing, as is the mint mark. I want to get one! Maybe tomorrow....

INTERNATIONAL PHONE CARDS

Then I walked to Shabelle, and purchased some phone cards. Friends told me which cards are best for when calling East Africa - specifically Kenya: One, MN, and Giant. I got one called African Princess and the MN. The others were not there. The connection was great on African Princess, and had I hung up before the voice-mail kicked in, I would have had more minutes with Phanice! The MN ( STI ) was okay, but the connection was weaker.

I do not like cards from Alosmart any longer. There connections are poor, and always give you fewer minutes than the site claims. The ones at Speedy Pin that are good - and have amazing connections! Connection fees vary at that site.

But what is crazy is that it is cheaper to purchase international phone cards at stores! You would think there would be some cheap websites out there, but no. Vonage, Dialpad, Skype, and OneSuite all charge over 35 cents a minute or more to call a Kenyan cell phone! I can get them for 12 cents a minute at Shabelle or any store on Cedar Avenue.

--

Next went to Seward Coop for some food shopping.

Then I went home to call Phanice. She had just got home from work, taken a shower, and a friend was making her dinner. It's always nice to chat with her, no matter when it is! But the STI card cut off. Got the message in Swahili and English that "The mobile subscriber cannot be reached" by a Kenyan woman with a British accent.

So...I went to the library picked up my movie, V forVendetta, and some cds - including Willie Nelson's new reggae album "Countryman."

Walking home from the Franklin library, I saw people waiting for the Mystic bus on Bloomington Avenue. They noticed me too, so I went over to say hi. I decided to stay so I could hop on the bus and say hi to Dureti also. Dureti is working for me today, because she wanted Saturday off. And I do not mind switching my weekends off to help friends out. I didn't chat long, and forgot to ask her about her trip to Miami.

After getting home, I called Phanice to say good-night. It was nearly 11P.M. her time, but she had her dinner and was ready for bed. So I wished her sweet dreams and she wished me a good day.

Siah and Kelly got home and I have watched them most of the day since. I would have taken them outside for more than a short walk, but with the snow melting, it doesn't make sense to have them play in it. They will get all wet or muddy. Not good.

So indoor games like Hi Ho Cherrio and other such funness were inevitable.

I am actually getting tired of watching Kelly for the sole fact that Carie is getting exasperated about Brandy. Brandy will no longer watch Kelly, and I get to hear about it. Carie is lucky I came through for her this week. Next week will be another story. I work Monday and Thursday, in addition to Friday. Saturday and Sunday should be okay - as long as I do not have to watch Kelly overnight ( meaning mornings too). That way Siah and I can do shopping, errands - even go to the Clouds in Water Zen Center - without Kelly.

Anywho, it is getting late. 12:30AM Friday. Carie is here soon to pick Kelly up. Gonna call it a night.

Last thoughts: Would Al Gore really be okay not having a car and walking as much as I do? Maybe he can offset more of his carbon usage by paying people to live without a car and eat less meat. But can you offset gaining weight or is that called liposuction? :P

SMS Messages Worldwide

Well, since everyone knows I have friends worldwide, how do I send them text messages? This could also be considered a feat because I don't have a cell phone. (how un-21st Century of me!) I do this through a service I found searching online: ipipi.com

Basically you can send messages through a monthly service ( like a cell-phone's ) or pre-pay. I prefer pre-paying because I send them more intermittently. And the price per message is the same if I send them to Jah in Thailand, Phanice in Kenya, or Carie in Minnesota!

I have included the prices to the left, but you can also check out their subscription fees at their site. They start at $15 a month, but I still prefer the pre-pay method.

You can have incoming replies sent to your e-mail or saved on their server. So, it's quite convenient if you have friends in far-away places!

Unless anyone knows of better services out there ( and you have to tell me about them) - I think ipipi is the best value.

Phanice!

I have been absent from the blogosphere for nearly a month. Barely keeping up with my life in "reality" for those outside.

Several months ago I met Phanice online. I have met dozens of people all over the world through various IMing, she being one of the first I met in Africa. Many of my co-worker's are from East Africa. Phanny seemed too good to be true last year, so I decided to meet her this year.

My nearly 3 week vacation to Kenya was amazing including this cities of Nakuru, Kisii, and of course Nairobi. I didn't make it to Mombasa, but that is for the future. I will be going back in time to share with everyone some clips from my times there, because I DID take photos as one can see here.

I amazed at how Phanice is as easy going as myself and even more stable - is that possible? I could go on for a long time about her, and so I will try to space it out over the next few years rather than now.

While Brandy and I are not staying together due to long-term difficulties, neither of us should be flouting our responsibilities towards Josiah. But Brandy and I have gone through the difficult discussions before letting everyone else in on whatsup. ( and we still don't know everything that will happen - we aren't psychic or anything)

The song by UB40 is one played a LOT in Kenya - heard it everywhere! And it's one of my favorites already.....

Who You Fighting For - Reasons Mp3

Music Codes by Mp3Raid.com

Phanice’s Family in order of Age

Joshua - Father, lives in a small village near Kisii Town
Grace - Mother

Ruth
Kennedy - Works at Kenya seeds in Eldoret
Joyce - Lives in Keroka
Charles - A public health official in Bomet
Beatrice - Lives in Nairobi ( I’ve been to her place - tis a cute apt. bldg. )
William - Electrical engineer in Kijauri
Jackline - She died on 2 November 07 - Had a boutique in Kapsabet, married to a man who lived in New Hampshire, and would have moved to America in 2008
Phanice
Maureen
Victor - Live with father in small village
Justus - Still in school, lives with family also

Day 5: Nakuru

It's quite humorous how synchronicity works. I had talked to Phanice about music the night before, asking if she liked Prince. She had no clue who he was, and so I stated his more well-known songs - she couldn't remember having heard them. I also work at Mystic Lake Casino, where we have a Ribbons Restaurant that is primarily a steakhouse. So..

That morning we entered our hotel's restaurant - Ribbons. The song playing was "When doves cry" by Prince.

We decided to eat on the deck outside, overlooking the street. We ordered undazi and tea, undazi are a single giant mandazi. Big enough for a breakfast. I also ordered some toast with eggs. Our waiter was VERY nervous serving us, primarily because of me. He would joke with other patrons but would be stark faced and serious when dealing with us. He was literally shaking when giving us our plates! Was I the first white client he had ever served? Quite possibly, but I honestly LOVED this city and the view of the street.

The weather was to die for! It is so amazing there, with a cool breeze from the lake further outside of town. Though, honestly I can't remember many times in Kenya when the weather wasn't perfect! ( I think this makes sense, as mankind first evolved from what is now Kenya )

We went to Nakuru National Park, after Phanice found a taxicab that would take us there. ( She price compared with many drivers ) When we got to the park, we found another issue. The ticket issuer would not allow us entry using my American money. It seems that any US Dollars dated before 2004 are considered possible counterfeit. I had the some problem with banks in Nairobi. So, we took the taxi back into Nakuru and stopped at a bank - which took bills they wouldn't have even taken in Nairobi! I wish I had had more of my money on me, for I would have exchanged them all at that point!

( Note to visitors to Kenya: bring NEW and crisp bills only!)

We returned to the park, and I paid my fee which was over 10 times what Phanice would have to pay - because I am a visitor I pay a lot more. It's weird how that works, but I suppose most tourists will pay it. There were students from Nairobi at the park, but because their homelands were not Kenya, they had to pay "visitor" prices. Hopefully all the money is truly used to preserve the land there.

Nonetheless, Lake Nakuru National Park is beautiful! Being from Minnesota, it was vital that I see a lake, and man was this a nice one. It's not gigantic, but larger than artificial Lake Calhoun ( should be Lake Wellstone ). I saw zebra, monkeys, vultures, gerbil-like creatures, lizards, and dueling rhinos! The rhinos dueled the entirety of my time there, several hours. Not sure what their issue was, but whatever. Maybe it was practice?

Anywho, I LOVED the view overlooking the lake! It was breathtaking! Phanice felt the same I am sure. Such an amazing place, and quite cooler than in town. But it was still so fun! We stayed for quite a long time, but it was nice. Most of my photos taken in Kenya were taken on this day - including the best of myself and Phanice I think. It was here that I asked Phanice out, and if she would, to come back with me to America. She said yes, but wasn't completely sure about coming to Minnesota, so would let me know before I left. Does that mean it was a 'maybe?'

We got back to town and dropped of most things at our hotel. We went to a nice restaurant, which I cannot remember the name of. But again, I was the only caucasian patron. I think I may have seen one other group of tourists there - at Nakuru Park. I was able to get a nice meal there, italian at that I believe. With wine even, I believe. We walked to a nearby park and bought some candies from someone peddling them.

At one point some man walked near us lying on the ground and was staring at us. He wouldn't just leave, so I asked Phanice to take a photo of him. She did, and the man decided it was time to go. :)

Later that night we went to club across the street from our hotel. It's name was Mitwamba or Mituamba Club. We danced and had dinner there. I had more to drink there than I should. 2 tuskers, and like 3 flavored drinks - I want to say Smirnoffs. This was over several hours, but still had its effect on me. We danced to songs I had no clue what they were saying. Some Phanice took offense too, as they were dirty.

I also saw my first pairs of lesbians there, which Phanice was not surprised about at all. And here I thought Kenya was a conservative place, but perhaps it is the Kukuyos who are not. Not a big deal to me, as before the British invaded some tribes were more accepting of other sexual orientations.

Other dancers included an older gentleman, who in America would be told to leave the dance floor. He was still dressed in a business suit, and danced slower than one my age. Yet no one took issue with his presence. I was amazed at such tolerance, which makes America's agism much more apparent.

They did NOT have vegetarian options, so for the first time in 5 years I orded chicken because I was starving for non-salad. But I did say a prayer for the creature whose life was lost due to my hunger. It probably lived a better life than those in American factory farms. But it died for me still the same.

After dancing until LATE - I'd say past 2 AM - we wandered back to our hotel. I am glad that Phanice was still somewhat sober, because I honestly was a bit out of it. She had thought I was rather humorous in my position - even laughing when stating the obvious "You are drunk!"

Day 4: Nakuru

Day 4 - Traveling to Nakuru

We decided to go to Nakuru to relax a bit outside of Nairobi. We went to what I would call an elitist place called “Nakuru Club”. I had my first Tusker there and attempted to play pool/billiards - which I have always sucked at. Phanice was no better or worse than myself. I felt like I made a fool of myself, but whatever. Every girl I have been with for an extended time has somehow played this game with me before we officially were going out.

We had lunch at a restaurant that was confused that I would want a vegetarian meal. I had a semi-veggie meal - but was quite disappointed that it was only a salad. The waiter was practically a member of the city’s visitor bureau. He waxed on and on about how wonderful Nakuru is.

A friend traveled with us, and was taking a bus to Kisumu from Nakuru. We stayed with him for several hours at a restaurant next to a gas station. When we got our chips ( known in America as french fries ) they were exceedingly greasy. I was more than a bit disgusted at this. It even got a bit cold and chilly there, so I am glad I had a jacket with at the time.

After Evan’s bus arrived, we left for a hotel in downtown Nakuru. I cannot remember the name of the place, just that it was so dark walking into the place. I believe there was a power outage, which would explain why the man at the counter was using a lamp.

When we got to our room, I was surprised at how familiar it felt. It was about the same size as one in New York City, with a small bathroom and one bed. It even had a mosquito net for the bed. Outside of Nairobi, the threat of malaria was much higher. And I am glad that we were able to get pills for them.

We stayed up and talked for a bit. It was the first time we had been completely alone together in such a situation. It was nice, but we were both terribly shy - still it was nice to be as close to her and find out how similiar we are though our lives have always been so far apart.

Day 3 in Nairobi

Not your typical Tuesday for me. I awoke early to clean Phanny's [ pronounced FA-Knee-Z ] dishes. She awoke to clean much further - that is after we had some Wheatabix and chai ( Kenya Tea ).

It was very loud outside, as there was some construction across the alley/road. Men were pounding and chipping giant rocks into more square-like shapes. Phanice and a friend had to go on what was initially a quick errand, but the car broke down. It took 3 1/2 hours out of the day, but I just relaxed at her place. Listened to my MP3 player and enjoyed a siesta.

Phanice made dinner after going shopping alone this time at the nearby farmer's markets. She was concerned I didn't like ugali and made rice and tomoatoe/veggie based meal. Later that night we went out for pizza and ice cream. I had a mediterranian style pizza and ice cream known in America as the Peanut Buster Parfait.

It was fun riding in the matatu, though always too loud! Crowded, yes, but okay. I believe we sat in the very back.

After ice cream, she decided to take a taxi back home. But would have to haggle for one without me there. They would charge a ridiculous price if I were there, because they think caucasians are made of money somehow. After we got back, Phanice played some solitaire on the computer.

After Phanice went to sleep, I had noticed there was an excessive amount of bugs - primarily cockroaches - living in the kitchen of her apartment. I hated them. Probably not a good feeling, but I wanted them gone and her kitchen to be as sanitary as possible. So I went to sleep after eradicating a fair amount of them, but would bring up the issue with Phanice at some point. A friend would eventually use a bug spray that would requiring us to stay out of the kitchen for several hours.

To City Center we go

Phanice needed to go to city center to take care of a few things. She had to take care of some paperwork to get her driver's license. She had already passed the necessary exams to get one, just needed to pick it up and fill some form out.

We took a Citi Hoppa, which actually costs 20ksh versus 30ksh to ride a matatu. They are quieter and obviously more spacious.

I tried using their internet, which is fairly slow compared to Minneapolis wi-fi. But I had to schedule meetings for my Green Party Meetup and check my e-mail. Getting my American Express payment out of the way also made me feel better!

I was done online around the same time as Phanice. She bought herself and me a pop. Had my first Stony Tangawizi - which is a ginger beer. ( it is nearly as good as Reed's ) It instantly became my favorite drink in Kenya.

Then we traveled to the outskirts of town, not far from the Tea Board of Kenya. I met Phanice's sisters Beatrice and Maureen. Beatrice has a baby daughter named Angel. We stayed over for dinner. They had a TV in their sitting room blasting American rap music. Not my favorite type of music, but I enjoyed the fried cabbage and ugali. Though I tried eating it differently and got a lot of weird glances.

When leaving and crossing the street, a Citi Hoppa nearly ran us over! Another interesting note is that the children in this neighborhood all stared at me. It is likely that whites rarely visit this part of town. It is something I had to get used to while there, but never fully felt comfortable with. I don't think of myself as any better or worse due to the color of my skin. I don't want better or worse service, but people treated me different anyways..

Arrival in Nairobi

I arrived in Nairobi, to find no one waiting at the airport for me. Of course there is no reason for Phanice to wait for me there if she doesn't know exactly when it will be there. And I find out that she moved just a few days prior, so her home wasn't as tidy as she wanted it.

I called her. After being asked by several tourist guides to go on a safari with them, she arrived. I gave her a big hug, but she seemd quite timid.

The air was warm and the sky was sunny. Quite a contrast from a dreary winter in Minnesota. I was skipping to summer early! Or at least the illusion of one - as the rainy season had just ended a week prior in Kenya.

We got to her place via taxi. The roads surrounding her apartment building were unpaved! Just muddy from the rains, and off what is called "outer ring road" in Nairobi. The road is not far from the airport, and just south of downtown. It is busy with foot traffic that I rarely see in the USA. But it was actually slower than most days, as it was Sunday.

After getting baggage situated at her place, Phanice went straight into making me breakfast. She was trying to make me pancakes, and proud that she had practiced several times prior. But when she dropped the batter on the skillet, she smoothed it out with a spoon - thinning it. So I decided to help her out in making true American pancakes. :)

She had never had something as fluffy as our pancakes, and since maple trees are scarce in Kenya, we made do with jelly.

Phanice did not have a refrigerator, so foods like butter and jelly were made to not be.

We also went out for further shopping. She seems to be in a rush all the time, but that is what most people in Nairobi are like. You have to walk fast and aggressive or get run over and stuck at a standstill. Just down the road from her house was a market where we bought vegetables. We even stopped at a place and bought ice cream - not comparable to that in Minnesota ( home of Dairy Queen and Princess Kay of the Milky Way ).

And I also took a matatu for the first time! That was interesting, though I hear it used to be worse when they crammed people in over the van's limit!

We had dinner, and I realized that ugali is not something as desirable in my diet. I prefer rice or pasta - even grits - to ugali. But perhaps there is a way to make it palatable or get used to.

Trip to London - chaotic security rules

I left Minneapolis on Friday,January 5th to find myself in London's Gatwick airport the next day. I didn't know my way around London, though I did check out the whereabouts of the airport which is south of London. I needed to get to the Heathrow airport for my transfer to Nairobi.

Now why was I going to Nairobi? I wanted to meet Phanice and see Africa for the first time. So it was for personal reasons - vacation and relational. Though the fact that the World Social Forum was going to start before I left was icing on the cake.

Second, I have many friends who are from East Africa. Some who had lived in Nairobi before coming to Minnesota as refugees and others who had never touched foot in Kenya. But even those who had never been there sometimes had relatives living there. So, when they heard I was going gave me gifts to bring their relatives or in one case husband. Which ended up going well, except the Oromo husband was bit mean( and the fact he had a female driver and two women in the backseat makes me think he also has 3 additional wives).

I enjoyed who I sat next to on the way to London. It was a gal from South Carolina who turned out to be a Democrat. We had a fun discussion about politics, the Iraq War, and the Presidential Race. She was all for Edwards, too bad he is a hypocrite living fully in Rich America rather than Working Class America. Nonetheless, she is reading Obama's book The Audacity of Hope and will consider him in the primary. So far I like Obama and Kucinich.

I also enjoyed a movie on my way to London - Lage Raho Munnabhai. It was hilarious! It's about this guy who works for a mafia type thug who falls in love with a very nice woman who is a famous radio personality. He has to learn about Gandhi to enter a contest and ends up seeing him! It just gets crazier from there - but the movie is amazing! A must see for any fan of comedies or independent films!

Getting to Gatwick I tried finding a way to get to Heathrow. There were the subways. So I tried that. It cost me £10, or $20 to ride. I ended up going to King's Cross and then walking with all my bags to another linkup that would take me to Heathrow. It would have been okay, except I had a LOT of luggage - max capacity from the US - and was sick. I had a bad cold, and it wasn't getting any better. Not to mention how confusing the map for the transit system was compared to Minneapolis - click on the image to see it clearer!

London was still Green. I wished my layover had been longer for I wished to see more of London. Yet, it would have been very expensive and cost me a day with Phanice - so in retrospect glad it went as it did.

Anywho, it seems that traveling to London one can bring 2 carry ons and 2 luggage. When leaving England, you can only have 2 luggage and ONE CARRY ON. Which leaves Americans struggling to consolidate 2 carry ons into one - not easy. In fact, there were garbage bins FULL of "extra" carry ons. Somehow, we were flying safer from England than the US due to this rule. Whatever, the terrorists are beginning to win is all these rules mean.
.

The flight to Nairobi was packed with British students who would be studying at in Nairobi. One thing I noticed about British women - they don't care about their looks or their hair like American girls do. They just wear it however - not even trying to look nice. The guys have long hair too, reminding me of a cross between 80s and 70s styles in America. I actually looked more normal among them than I do in the states! :D