Thing 15: Dune

Yeah yeah I know, I'm behind. Another book into the pile. This time my husband's contribution. One fewer thing in the apartment. The book is Dune. I have not read it, and probably will not. I am curious, or impressed or curiously impressed. I guess J read this book years ago when a young man would read bestselling sci-fi. The curious or impressive part is that he decided to re-read it before getting rid of it. I asked if there was a special reason...he really liked it, he thought he would appreciate it more now, someone just mentioned it - apparently no special reason. Just didn't remember it well and figured he would read it before getting rid of it. Boys are so fascinating. Maybe because J and I spend even more time together or because we are in business together and therefore need to talk more about decisions, our vision for something - it has made me think more about how his mind works, and my own as well. Of course, have always been sorta thoughtful and dreamy about that stuff, but I definitely try to analyze and articulate it more now. It's kind of fun. I think it's making me more clear and direct. I think J is just starting to appreciate how it could be fun. At first he took my questioning as criticism. That was probably my delivery. "Why are we driving this way?" I guess I can see how that would be an accusation. But honestly, J is a smart and interesting guy. I just figured he had some reason that would impress me that I hadn't thought about. Sometimes that's the case. I've learned that "I don't know" isn't "I don't want to talk about it or it's none of your business" but just "I don't know". Allrightey. Good to know. I probably suffer from some need to organize my decisions or understand them or think about them too much. Suffer is the wrong word, I am not suffering at all. And I like to think that, since it is such a big part of who I am and I do have friends and I do tell them what I think - that they must like it, at least sometimes. Friends and colleagues frequently came to me to discuss things. I like to think I had a clarity of thought and could get to the root of the issue and help the person to think about the problem differently. And I guess I don't just think this, it happened, people like to ask me about stuff. But, I used suffer, because I think my poor husband does suffer from this thing I do. Sometimes he loves it and I think it might even be part of the reason why he fell in love with me, but if you are he and you spend a whole lot of time with me, it's gonna get on your nerves too. So so so, a good thing about me can also be an annoying thing. And a "bad" or unsatisfying thing for me (like an answer of "I don't know") while defined as a more negative or annoying or unfathomable thing about my husband - can at times be the best thing about him too.

Thing 14: comics, what gives?

A follower, holy crap! Dear CB what are you thinking?
Well, I'm at work and it's quiet right now. I have stuff to unpack and unburden myself of at home, but here at work, had to look around a bit. I picked up this comic at Crafty Craft Fair a couple weeks ago. Comics. Now why did I buy this? Well, it was a homemade publications table, which I definitely like. And this one was $1, had a record on it and drawing of wolf headed sheep, so duh, of course I bought it. Nah seriously, I can't totally explain why this appealed to me. Maybe I wanted to give comics another try. Seems like I would love, what do they call it, sequential art, narrative art? I can appreciate the art. I like stories. But for some reason, have never been a comic book reader. And sorry to say, Not X Band did not win me over. Eh, I tried. Don't wanna force it. I'll get it or I won't. I'm pretty busy with all the stuff I love. I'm hoping that new life will afford me more time for my own projects. And collaborations! I have a couple plans that I'm sure I could manage alone, but trying to lure a cousin or friend to collab. I seriously think I am missing out on something. I've never been fond of "group work". I don't like telling other people what to do or expecting someone else to meet my standards. It can be hard sharing a vision. And of course, don't want to disappoint someone else. I guess this will be a test of how well I can communicate my vision and explain expectations while simultaneously making it fun and rewarding for the collaborator. I'm gonna try.

Thing 12 + 13: book and vase

The Red Tent was given to me by my SIL. Yes, a gift, but it's a paperback book. No one expects you to save those things forever. Pass it along. I love love love my SIL, she is my brother's wife. She reads a lot and we like many of the same authors. Totally get why she got me this book. I once gifted her Not Wanted on the Voyage, a fictional version of the Noah's Ark story. Now that book was insane. I really liked it, but it was definitely disturbing too, but I guess disturbing and me liking are not mutually exclusive. The Red Tent is also a fictional work focusing on the life of Jacob and specifically the women, told through Dinah. It was fine. A little predictable and little too convenient, but fine enough read. I'm a sap though. Got teary when she died, but only because her loving husband was there and I am inclined to think about death more since I married. I'm hoping not to survive my young husband. I get it, if he died, I would survive, I would grieve, mourn and somehow manage to move on. That's what people do the world over and forever. I just can't imagine now how I would go about doing it. Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking gave me a clue of what it would be like. I just don't wanna do it.
Small Vases, how many do you need? I do not need these 2.

Thing 11: wine glasses

Shut up. I know, another gift. Details of this gift make me a little sad, but that's a different story. I had a bunch of wine glasses in Baltimore that I didn't like (gifts, ha). But, I totally used them. So sometimes ya get stuff you would not buy yourself, and maybe don't even really like, but you use it forever anyway, because whatever, and maybe I am too lazy to go and find and pay for the perfect thing to replace it. And in the end, whatever right? I have stuff I love, stuff I cherish, stuff that's practical, stuff that's fine, stuff that's cool, lame, ugly etc. Doesn't everyone? And what if I went to someone's house and every single thing was cool and intentional? I haven't been to that person's house yet, but if I am ever at such a dwelling, what would I think. hhmm maybe I would be sorta envious and sorta disgusted. I'm not sure, but that's what I think I'd think. I'll get back to you if it ever happens, but I suspect it won't. So so so, wine glasses. Really, just use whatever crazy ones ya got, cuz they break pretty easily and eventually you could go and legitimately buy yourself some that you love. And, you could feel good about it for using the ugly ones for as long as you did. My good friend in Baltimore gets this. She took the ugly 5 white wine glasses and 3 red wine glasses because she has crazy mixed wine glasses and also regularly breaks them - so free glasses are good glasses. Now it would be right to ask, and why the hell ya gettin rid of these here wine glasses then. They don't fit in my cabinets, too tall. And, these are simple enough that someone will be happy to get them. I need less stuff and am totally over buying some fancy wine glasses. I can drink my wine out of juice glasses, or cups or the 5 glasses our Baltimore neighbor gave me that have a shamrock and "irish coffee" written on them.

Thing 10: it's friggin' cold

Another gift. Whoa, am I terrible person? Nah, trust me, I'm not. I like this all right, but I'm kinda opposed to something that needs batteries and I don't really need it. It was handy in Baltimore to document the chilly temp in our bedroom. I just used it to see what our apartment temps were: bedroom 68F, living room 71F, spare bedroom 65F. And here at the store: toasty office 72F, store proper 68F and back room....drumroll...see pic. I think it's the perfect temp to keep our wine and beer chilled!

Thing 9: fur sweater

Ok, another gift. I tried to make it work. I have saved it for years. I have worn it a few times. I gave it a try on and good hard look last night. I don't like it because it doesn't fit right. A little too big, a little too boxy and short. Coulda worked if the fit was dead on. It's not something I would buy myself but had it fit right, I would have saved it for ice skating. Now I need an ice skating outfit.

Things 6,7,8: game and table

A mini-travel magnetic chess set: I have had this travel chess set since I was a child. I do not know how it has stayed with me for so long and so many moves. I do remember the last time I played chess. It was Summer of '96 at the Hostel Kabul in Barcelona; I won. I was not playing on the teeny tiny travel chess board. We were poor and there were cheap pony beers in the vending machine and a chess table in the lounge room. I love getting beer from vending machines and the size made it even better. Anyway, I don't play chess and figure if I am ever going to take it up, I will play with a full size board.
Holiday tablecloth: a gift. Pic allowed because no longer have that huge dining room table or even a dining room.
Crystal candlestick holders: also a gift. Honestly fine enough, but not really my style. It doesn't go with anything we have and room is limited in our small apartment. Off ya go.

Thing 5: uh oh, gifts

I hadn't even considered it. But of course, most of what I want to give away are gifts. I realize no one is reading, but a friend's MIL got access to her blog and she had to password protect it. Of course she had nothing to really be concerned about, but you write differently for a different audience. I mean, could happen that one day my mother finds the blog and I would feel bad for giving away something she just gave me. I think it's my job to worry my parents as little as possible and enjoy them as much as possible. They old. So, er, not an exciting post, but the thing I got rid of was a gift. But on a positive note, sometimes I get a gift and make fun of it, but then I feel guilty and keep it around, and then, lo and behold some time down the road, I start wearin the gift. I just find a way to make it work that I didn't see before. When that's the case, I always make sure to wear that leather and knit sweater cardigan around my mother. Like she said, it looks smart on me.

Thing 4: so cute and so useless

Cute huh? I've had it for years. Wasn't using it, but didn't want to toss. Then started thinking I would cut it up and sew it on something...which I could still do, but if someone can use it whole, that seems like the better plan. Maybe I retrieve from the pile next Spring if it's still there. Sorta defeats the purpose, but only sorta. Anyway, it holds toilet tissue. A special Asian folded toilet tissue, which I have bought before in NYC, but I don't really need to carry around toilet tissue. It goes into the pile. I have so many cute things, I can't keep them all. Share the cute.

Thing 3: books

I was gonna cheat and just do one title, but that would be cheating. I'm no cheater. We got rid of some books in Baltimore and then, once moved, we found a bunch more that we could really stand to get rid of. Durr, shoulda left em in Baltimore. Ya know Baltimore is "the city that reads" or so some benches have told me. Anyway, they are here now, free to friends or anyone visiting the back room. I'm sure most will end up at a used bookstore or hospice in the area. Now, I might have books again, but then it will be another book that I am adding to the pile, not the pile that is already back there. The book I am reading now will go in the pile. Fine, but not worth saving. Little teaser there.

Thing 2: electric blanket

I will spare you the pic because it's nothing to look at. Just an electric blanket ya know. A dirty tan color. It works though. And it made winter nights in Baltimore bearable. I'm sure you think me a big baby. How cold can a Baltimore night be? Well, we chose the back quiet bedroom in our rowhouse and we keep our home pretty cool in general, but somethin about that back room made it colder than any other room in the house. Seriously, maybe some nights it was 50 degrees F. Ca-razy! Until...we got an electric blanket for Christmas from my in-laws. Turn it on before going to bed, strip out of yer clothes as fast as possible and then nice and toasty. But we definitely went a winter or few without it. We like to see how much we can bear. Not sure why. Some ascetic newenglandy kind of thing. And yes, nice and toasty once under the blankets, but if your partner pulls that electric blanket off of you at night in his sleep, it's like the icy hand of death freezing you awake. Our new apartment, not so cold. And new mattress discourages electric blankets. The blanket is chillin in our walk in cooler of a back room.

Thing 1: function not clear

Ok, I'm not really sure what purpose this serves. I thought it was for a checkbook, but the size and inside construction weren't right for that. I kept it and kept it and thought it would one day serve a purpose. It's time is up. If yer purpose doesn't reveal itself in oh, over 10 years, it's probably not gonna give itself up any time soon. It goes into the pile. I have started a list. The "things" will be stored in the back room of the store. Friends will be free to peruse and take anything they want. If it's still sitting there next May 31st - it all goes to Salvation Army or some such charity. May 31st because that will be the end of the year of buckup. Ah, good to be back and free of one less thing.

A new buckup or Buckup anew

Hi there you/me, welcome back, where ya been! I'm glad you asked (I say to myself). I'm back after a 2 month hiatus. I've missed you blog. First up, since no longer doing the buck-a-day-give-away, I've pondered ways to organize my cyber diary. I am buckless, but I am rich in things I do not want. If I can't give someone what they do want ($) at least I can rid myself of something I don't want. Packing and moving got me down on stuff, kinda. I am still saving stuff at the store, because I probably need to make a sign out of cardboard, packing material and spray paint (done and hanging in the window) but at home, I have boxes of unpacked stuff and no furniture for storing it. Whatever. I am over getting my home all fancy, cute and clean for company. Now I just want to leave it the way it is until I can really do or buy something I want. I'm getting a head of myself here, see, 2 months away and I gots so much to say. So so so, I am about to change my profile to accommodate the new plan. Pasting old profile here so as not to confuse followers (me).
My plan, give away a buck a day for one year. I start my day with a numbered buck and it goes to the first person who asks me for money. If no one asks me first, I leave it somewhere to be found. My mundane goal - to learn about blogging. My real goal - to learn something from the experience.

Ugh, learn something. Did I really need to learn something? I'm not sure I did. I mean, I have the hang of posting and pics and all and maybe the tiniest bit better at blogging, but honestly nothing revealed itself to me in the experience. But I was jam packing the learning outside of giving and leaving bucks. Bucks were just a vehicle for blogging. The learnins happenin daily. I have a whole new life! New place to live, new entrepreneur, working with my husband, reconnecting with old friends - how to navigate it all. So that's what I'm gonna write about and the new vehicle will be the stuff I get rid of. We'll see how it goes.

Buck 102 - Mary

My final buck. And no better place to leave it. I dropped my spare key in Mary's mailbox and tucked Buck 102 under her doormat. I would say all kinds of sappy mushy things about Mary and our friendship but I am sitting at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and don't want to start crying. And I am leaving in a few minutes to meet Mary, Whitney and Heather for lunch. The 3 people I will miss most in Baltimore. Ok, if I start thinking too much I will be a sobbing mess at lunch. In the spirit of Mary I will try to be Westfield wise-cracking sarcastic which should keep the tears at bay.

Aw buck up Nico and start thinking about your new life back in westernmass.

Bucks 99 - 101 Shot Tower

Early morning Baltimore and driving to a friend's house to leave a spare key. I drove down 83 and got in the left lane to turn onto Fayette. Looking at the Shot Tower I remembered how we heard about it during our first pre-decision AFS trip down and how I just recently told that story again to the Warren family when they visited. We are really going to miss Baltimore. Then I noticed the guy walking from car to car for money. I was happy to leave it here in Baltimore and pulled out my last numbered bucks. I gave him Bucks 99 - 101 and saved Buck 102 for my last stop.

Dilemma

I got Bucks 99 - 102 crumpled in my jeans pocket. I really need to number Bucks 103 - 106 to catch up to today, but, I have no money, kinda. We are in the process of moving back to westernmass, selling our rowhouse in Baltimore, starting a business and necessarily re-embracing our former frugal Yankee selves. Frugality, I welcome you with open arms. It is my nature and I love the challenge of making, fixing, creating, reusing with little money. I will admit, we have thoroughly enjoyed the frugality hiatus of recent years with purchases of art, designer toys and a few well-designed pieces of furniture. But, back to being poor and my dilemma. Do I take $ out of the bank to continue this blog? Of course I don't want to be a quitter, but not sure I can be a throwing bucks away daily kind of girl when we have no income. I guess if I put it that way, my decision is clear. And sure, the people finding Bucks were probably pleased for a moment, but they won't miss it. Well, don't have to decide this minute. I will carefully rid myself of Bucks 99 - 102 and think think think of what I will do after that. Maybe I can combine creativity and frugality and come up with something clever. I'm pretty tired though. I guess I have 4 Bucks worth of time to decide.

Buck 98 - beat up

It sucks getting beat up. I hate to see people who've been beat up. They might have deserved it, but still. Guy with a black eye asked me for money at intersection of Pleasant and Main, gave him Buck 98.

Buck 96 + 97 - what's that sound

coming out of the hole in the wood . Buck 96 to the guitar player usually stationed in front of Bueno y Sano. And Buck 97 to the other guitar player down by CVS.

Buck 95 - woman at light

If you spend the day standing on the median with a cardboard sign - you really do need money. Women in front of the Walmart got Buck 95.

Buck 94 - Look Diner

Ah, the Look Diner. I remember you well. Actually, well might be stretching it. It's more of a hazy post-night-of-drinking-pre-coffee-then-salvation sorta feeling. It was one of my favorite feelings. You know, maybe you spent the evening with your best friend driving to Northampton to drink at Sheehan's Bar and then you decide to see the movie playing across the street, Slackers, and you sneak in a couple of beers because how you gonna stop drinking for 1+ hours, and then you head back to Sheehan's and run into a friend who is on his way to see a band at UMASS and you squeeze friend into the back seat of the Karmann Ghia and see Superchunk at the Blue Wall with about 20 other people and are blown away and so want the night to never end and head back to Sheehan's for more drinking and then an after hours party and then wake up early feeling groggy and nauseous and want food and coffee and if you don't rustle your friends up there will be no more homefries at the Look so you pester and prod them and smoke and back in the Karmann Gia with the top down and hair blowing and clumped and reeking of beer and kinda still drunk and then coffee, coffee, eggs, bacon, homefries and homemade bread toasted and then you walk out satisfied, feeling a little clearer and then the favorite feeling: a perfect night was granted you with an amazing show, good movie, friends, too much drinking and now you are on the sunny Rte. 9 roadside with a full stomach and fading hangover and you feel alive and happy and wouldn't change one little thing. Dropped Buck 94 in the Look Diner parking lot.

Buck 93 - Red-headed stranger vet

Same vet, same can, same location on Main St. in Northampton. Buck 93 this time.

Buck 92 - Fireman

My neighbor in Baltimore is a fireman. First fireman I have known. Firefighters were out in wmass over Labor Day weekend trying to raise money for the department. Stuck Buck 92 in the fireman's boot at the intersection in Easthampton.

Buck 91 - Bueno y Sano

J and I both brought Bueno y Sano t-shirts to our relationship. Weird huh? J got his as a gift. I bought mine used at Savers. Jim's has passed. But I still have mine, with holes and a stain. Oh and then crazy dichotomy - we both had Bueno y Sano t-shirts, BUT we had no common CD/cassette/record! Not a one! It's hard to believe. Not a Ramones, not a Butthole Surfers, not a Beastie Boys. When my friend Holly moved in with soon-to-be-husband John, they allowed another super organizy friend Beth to merge all their CDs with the offer that she could keep all duplicates. Beth got tons of music for her efforts. I think, like, 70-100 CDs. I would not have expected that for us, but never, never would have guessed 0 duplicates. There's a Bueno y Sano in Northampton now (yeah) and I left Buck 91 on the bench.

Buck 90 - "downtown" Southwick

Who knew there would be so much foot traffic on College Highway in Southwick at 9pm. Summer House parking lot is rocking. Couplets of young girls walking the roadside in shorts and tanks, looking for boys. Groups of young boys on bikes, doing tricks, ignoring girls. Dropped Buck 90 out the window.

Buck 89 - morning routine

Coffee and bagel again at Bruegger's. This time meeting Verizon guy at space. Another buck, Buck 89 to vet with can.

Buck 88 - Main to replace Mt. Royal and North

Once we move back permanently, I expect most of my bucks will go to someone on Main St. This could get even more boring, fast. A challenge I suppose. A challenge left for a more creative mind frame.

Coffee and bagel and meet flooring contractor at the space. Veteran with can sitting outside Bruegger's - put Buck 88 in his can.

Buck 87 - drive by the Stop & Shop

Radio on. I'm in love with Massachusetts. Radio on. Heard Jonathan Richman's "Roadrunner" on the drive up, twice (same show). Perfect welcome home music. And when I went to the Stop & Shop first early morning to get coffee for the condo - thought of Jonathan again. Dropped Buck 87 outside the Stop & Shop. Radio on.

Buck 85 + 86 on the road again

About to leave and drive up to our new home in wmass. Lots of feelings. And the road is good for that. I'm mostly excited, but admittedly sad because going alone. I miss J already. Man, this following your dreams stuff makes me sappy. I will see J in a week and have accomplished tons. Got one of the many things to do done this am. Picked up my fixed laptop from Nick. Shout out and all but ain't nobody reading. On the way down, man with a sign at Presidents and Lombard - gave him Buck 85 + 86. All caught up and todays Buck 87 in my pocket. Wish me safe travels (um, busy and preoccupied cyberworld).

Buck 84 - In Watermelon Sugar

This is one of my favorite neighborhood stores. It's the first place I look if I need to buy a gift for a girl friend. The store itself is beautiful to look at with gorgeous and interesting windows and decor. And the merch is cool and unique. The shop-owner is a peach too. Stuck Buck 84 in the door.

Buck 83 - Cupcakes again

Hot dogs and cupcakes are everywhere I go this Summer. 7am auto maintenance means I can reward myself at the cupcake shop I spied off Howard. Gluten-free, which I don't particularly need, and very tasty. Went with the coconut. Dropped Buck 83 outside on 27th.

Buck 82 - on Caroline

Dropped Buck 82 on Caroline Street in Fell's Point.

Buck 81 - sush with Heather B

Who knows how some things get started. I am always fascinated with the way people talk. Once at work, Heather B and Steph IM'd me to see if I wanted to join them for "sush for birf". That is, sushi for birthday and guessing it was one of theirs. Met HB for sush today. She is the best thing about my last job! Tucked Buck 81 in the seat cushion at Chiu's. Thank you Chiu's, but thinking you should really be thanking me. I dropped some serious $ on sushi over 7 years.

Bucks 77 - 80 Haute Dog

Hot Dogs again! I know, crazy. Guess it is Summer and all, but this Summer hot dogs just keep making appearances. The fittingly named Haute Dog is way fancier than Doughy Dog. I got a 1/4 lb. angus beef dog, with onion jam, a home-made tomato-y ketchup-y sauce and mayonnaise. Mayonnaise! The owner said the French like it that way and he has to have mayo on hand for them. I guess it is right next door to Bonjour Bakery, so maybe Falls Rd at Lake is a destination for Frenchies in the area? Who knew? I love the French. And so when the hot dog man said if I want to feel French I should try the mayo - I fell for it. He knew how to sell me mayo on my dog. All this talk of mayo is reminding me I do have a friend, Angela, who is awesome, and she LOATHES mayonnaise. It practically makes her skin crawl and this girl will eat anything! Seriously, like maybe a rat or grilled bird in Guinea - Bissou (from Peace Corp days). But back to my dog. The roll was nicer than your typical hot dog roll, not split, but a hole in the center warmed on a protruding metal bunholemakerandwarmer. My dog rocked. But hey, this ain't no stinkin' food blog, so I won't go into details about J's 2 dogs (but I have to say one was bison meat). I will look to see where I should post feedback about Haute Dog. Gots to support small biz! J paid, so I reached in my pocket and left Bucks 77 - 80 in the tip jar.

Buck 76 - early running with husband, what the?

My husband is the only one ever reading my blog. Thank you J! You make me happy in millions of ways! Now I'm not greedy. And don't expect J to always make me happy. And me being me, I would be miserable if someone were always trying to make me happy. J, you strike the perfect balance, for the most part. And that's exactly how I want it. So my husband does not get up early in the morning to go running with me. We run together some evenings. We run together some late weekend mornings. We run separately too. Sometimes (to tease me?) my husband will say at night, "hey, try to wake me up tomorrow, I might run with you" - he might mean it, but I know he is only lying to himself. It's ok. I try to wake him; I run alone. But this past Monday, 7am in Southwick, MA my husband got up and woke up as I drove to Ashley Reservoir. side note: can not say "reservoir" anymore without singing it like Jonathan Richman. Thank you husband for early running and listening to my childhood reservoir remembrances. Left Buck 76 on the step of the little stone house.

Buck 75 - Skinner

This pic is better right? Walking in the woods of Skinner Mountain, tucked Buck 75 in the bark of tree for the next stoner to find.

Buck 74 - Blue Bonnett Diner

Ahh Saturday night dinner with more of my favorite westernmass friends + one Japanese teenager. It was relaxing and perfect and a miniature train circled above our heads. Looking forward to new routines with old friends and not ever worrying about being interesting. Dropped Buck 74 in the parking lot.

Buck 73 - Herrell's Ice Cream

New life will mean more Herrell's ice cream, but this post isn't about that. First, was wearing my roller derby T from Austin (TX derby rules!) and the adorable young scooper girl asked if I did roller derby. So sweet! and of course she doesn't know how old, uncoordinated and un-athletic I am. Thank you cute young ice cream scooper for the compliment and for eagerly and passionately informing me about westernmass derby and freshman night. I don't think my new life will have roller derby in it unless that MA health insurance kicks ass and I become someone who doesn't mind bruises, cuts and soreness.

J and I ate ice cream with CB and his gf Jenn. CB and Jenn were visiting westernmass from Oakland. Awesome that we got to see them and share an old wmass treat. They are also considering, eventually, to move back East. I'm sure they will do whatever is right for them. These are smart, thoughtful, mature people. I have know CB since we were, what, 16/17 years old. Ca-razy! We be old. Old friends, it's interesting. Do you still think of them as the people you once knew well? I mean, I've changed in 30 years. Or maybe nostalgia makes you mainly remember the best best things about that person? And maybe remembering the best best things about people and their potential makes you want to shake some people? And at the same time you know you wouldn't want anyone shaking you? Sooooooo, reconnecting with lots of old friends. Some of my favorite people in the world and one of the biggest reasons I am so happy to move back. I'm not really saying anything. Just thinking a lot because on the threshold of something new and not really sure what's to come. It's a tiny bit anxiety inducing, but mostly feels exciting and freeing and full of opportunities.

And finally - what I was meaning to say. Since I don't have followers, I can be pretty self-indulgent and rambly here. I have alluded to this blog to a couple Baltimore friends, but never told them what it was. CB and Jenn are the first people I actually told the name of my blog. I expect CB will actually take a look at some point. Poor nico, so many brain cells lost. haha. but CB is so intelligent (way smarter than I am) and really talented (me, talentless) and very very clever (more clever than I usually like in a person) and there is scarcely a written word in his blog! what up CB? Why you being shy? Write already! It's what you're meant to do!

Oh yeah, dropped Buck 73 in the booth at Herrell's.

Buck 72 - new life means time on bike path

Bike Path again. Same bike path as Buck 37. New life home and shop are on this bike path. One way my new life will be different, there will be more bike path in it. As I try to imagine what my new life will be like I came up with the time capsule idea. J seems apathetic to the idea, or maybe he's just cooler. He'll do it though, to humor me and because who knows, maybe it will be fun. So I will come up with this fun list of questions, yes/no, multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer about how we imagine our new lives will be. We will both complete the fun questionnaire and seal the envelopes to be opened on January 1st 2011 (and maybe a second one for a year from now, still deciding). January 1st because it will be one of those soon to be rare, rare days where we are both not working. I can't wait for January 1! We will have a designated reason and tool to reflect on what we have accomplished and where we're at - seems like what January 1 is all about. So we walked along the bike path again this visit. Dropped Buck 72 on the path for the next cyclist to find.

Buck 70 - the dike

Hhmm, need to remember to be more creative if taking pics of bucks. Walked along the dike with J to acclimate to westernmass. Boringly, dropped Buck 70 on dike path. See pic! Westernmass is beautiful. Pic is not evidence of that.

Buck 71 - wrong pocket

I have old gold jewelry. That would seem strange if you knew me. In the early 80's I worked at a jewelry store. And when you spend lots of time working in a retail establishment, you spend some of that time shopping at said establishment. It was the 80's; I wore lots of gold jewelry. I sold some of it off for cash before moving to Baltimore. No regrets. So I went through the gold jewelry I haven't worn since the 80's and did a deeper cull. Still saved a few things because I think I might wear it in the future. We'll see. It's kinda depressing selling stuff, even if you don't want the stuff. So the bag o' gold got carried around in my bag for weeks. Well, after emptying bank accounts to buy house #2, putting some cash in my pockets just felt right. I drove up to Joppa Road to sell my gold. As I strategized (what do I expect to get, do I need to get 3 quotes, can I come up with an amount that will be acceptable to avoid doing this more than once) I almost missed the man at the Perring Parkway/Joppa Road intersection. I saw him with his sign and quickly reached for a buck as the light changed. He got Buck 71, out of sequence. I pondered what that meant. I decided it meant nothing. Sold my gold at the first place I went. Sang Heart of Gold as I walked back to my car.

Buck 69 - cash for condo

I was feeling a lot of things when I emptied out our bank accounts for the cashier's check to buy our condo in westernmass later this week. Lighter, that was definitely one of the feelings. Dropped Buck 69 on Hickory Street as I walked back to house #1. It felt very necessary to drop a buck. I am grateful to be in a position of my choosing.

Buck 68 - viking by Rocket to Venus

J and I went to Rocket to Venus last night to meet a former colleague of mine. He was returning my Fishing with John dvd and we used that as an excuse to have a few beers. I ordered first, a Boh and then J ordered a fancy Hefeweizen to which I replied, "whoa, we have money for fancy beer? why I gotta drink Boh?" J switched to Boh for his next beer, but I hope he still enjoyed his fancy beer with orange slice. On the way to meeting Brent, we passed a dude on his stoop. He was a dude, whatever that means. His hair was long and he had braided a section in the front on each side of his face. I couldn't believe it! It looked sorta viking-like. And my husband, who has had all variety of facial hair recently said, "I think I'm gonna bring the viking look back" and then we see a dude with viking-like hair. I'm sure J interprets that as a sign that he's on to something. How do I feel about it? That's who I married, he does stuff like that, I love who I married, I am amused. I'm not really sure what the "viking look" is, but I'm down. So, drinks and bass players talking about basses and me feeling pretty happy enjoying my Boh.

As we left Rocket to Venus I was planning to drop my buck there, but in the dark next block it looked like our viking was still on his stoop. I let Buck 68 slip from my right hand as we passed the viking. While we were drinking he added more braids to his hair. So he was less viking-like, but still deserved a buck.

Buck 67 - exploring

I don't know what happened, but had the worst run of my life last night. My knees hurt the second I started, got a stitch in my side that I couldn't get rid of and it was really hot and humid. I was very tempted to just go home, but Jim was running circles around me and I was happy to be out with him, so I accepted fast walking and encouraged Jim to keep going. Because I wasn't running, I could actually go further, so we explored beyond the switchbacks and followed the path into Druid Hill Park. Exploring is usually fun. I like the not knowing where you will end up or what you will find. We followed the path and came out at the Maryland Zoo. 3rd time in a week that I have been at or passed a Zoo. That is unusual, so dropped Buck 67 in the parking lot.

Buck 66 - Sesow

J and I went to DC for Matt Sesow's open studio. We have liked his paintings since the first time we saw them at the American Visionary Arts Museum Holy H2O show (one of my favorite AVAM shows). After that we bought a painting online and it hangs over J's desk. We love it. We were excited to meet him and see his new work. We also hoped to talk to him about doing a show at our gallery in the future (Matt Sesow is at the top of our list of artists we would like to host). It seems that is very likely to happen and we're thrilled. Matt was friendly and interesting to talk to and while talking about the "31 days in July project" he mentioned and showed us the headline that inspired his "false flag" painting. Washington Post front page featuring Chelsea Clinton's wedding and at the bottom, below the fold, in small print, 66 US soldiers killed in the Afghanistan War in July. Thank you for your awesome paintings and thank you for doing your part to keep the wars in people's thoughts. 66 US soldiers killed. Of all the things we could talk about, that came up. I had Buck 66 in my pocket to drop. I let it float out the window on Connecticut Ave.

Bucks 61 - 65 Connecticut Ave Exit DC

2nd trip to DC this week. An older woman with a sign needed money to feed her family. Gave her all the bucks I had in my pocket, Bucks 61 - 65.

Buck 60 - Harbor East

Harbor East is a whole new neighborhood. It didn't exist when we first moved down to Baltimore. I worked in Harbor East until I stopped working. I was sort of fascinated by it. Who are these harboreasters? Living in a new harbor view condo, buying groceries at Whole Foods, catching a film at the Landmark, dining at Charleston, shopping at Urban Chic. I'm thinking they exist. But I haven't spotted one yet. Maybe they are rare or nocturnal. Or I can't recognize them. But I would try to imagine being a harboreaster. If I left work for lunch and walked a certain route and went to a new lunch spot in a new harbor east building, for a minute, I could feel like I was in a completely other city. I would pretend I have a sophisticated urban career and I lunch with my sophisticated urban colleagues. It's not like you could maintain that feeling for very long! Maybe a few seconds at best and maybe you had to blur out the background. I had to find ways to amuse myself like that. Especially because nothing about me or my job was sophisticated.

I was excited to visit Harbor East on Friday. I was meeting some of my favorite sophisticated colleagues at TF for HH. If you don't know what TF is, you are not a harboreaster. If you don't know what HH is, aw man, I'm hoping ya call it something else and actually partake but just have a cooler short hand for happy hour. I don't really like TF, but it is so much better when you are going to meet old work friends and drink cheap beer than when you feebly decide to eat lunch there because you suck and are lazy and mad at yourself for spending money on food you don't want. Anyway - had fun drinking and catching up with Steph, Robyn and Denise. Dropped Buck 60 on the street in Harbor East.

Buck 59 - National Zoo

Went to the National Zoo with some of my favorite people in the world. Family Warren stayed with us for a couple days - so much fun! And so excited that we will be able to see them more regularly once we move back to wmass. Spent the day at the National Zoo in DC. Dropped Buck 59 by the lions.

Buck 57 + 58 Beer and Bunny

We were at the Wine Source and decided to treat ourselves to a bottle of Lambic peach beer. I have been refraining from treats as I stress over $ and moving, selling our house and starting our biz. I'm not sure it if will work, but I've decided self-denial will help with anxiety and prepare me for transition to no incoming salary. Hid Buck 57 under the next bottle of Lambic peach.

I went running early the next morning and saw a bunny, always a treat, and I like to interpret bunny sitings as positive harbingers. Dropped Buck 58 on West University where bunny blocked my path and made me stop to admire her.

Buck 56 - Woodland Octopus

Our house is on the market. This is the first house we are selling. It ain't fun. And if you've sold a house, you know about staging. We have cleaned and purged and repaired and dumped and stashed in storage. The house is looking airy and open and uncluttered, which is un-us. And then there was the octopus. Js handmade halloween costume, and yes, it did involve my sewing machine, which is pretty impressive. Do we pack and move octopus to wmass? We decided no, but could not bring ourselves to throw it in the trash. J found a spot by our light rail stop and we hide the octopus in the woods for commuters to enjoy. Dropped buck 56 at the Woodberry light rail stop.

Buck 55 - sexy, sexy Baltimore

Woke up early to cool, dry weather and decided to take advantage of it and go for a run. I was rewarded with this sexy sexy pic on a van parked at the end of our street. Yeah that's right - Baltimore is as sexy as you've heard! Dropped Buck 55 on the sidewalk after snapping this pic.

Buck 54 - lawyer and a doughy dog

Drove to Glen Burnie to meet with a potential lawyer for our home sale and closing. I passed the building and had to turn around, which led to the discovery of Doughy Dog. The lawyer was fine, great, let's get this meeting over with and please tell me what's the deal with Doughy Dog. She highly recommended it. I don't eat a lot of hot dogs, but I do love them every now and then at backyard barbeques, vary rare sporting events and absolutely if I stumble on a roadside van when hungry. I dropped Buck 54 in the Lutheran Church parking lot where Doughy Dog was parked.

Buck 53 - switchbacks

Switchbacks in my neighborhood - who knew? My father-in-law from Chicago did - that's who. J and I went running with FIL and his fancy, pretty dog Chester (a Saluki) when he was visiting from Chicago. He's a runner and runs every visit, but this was the first time we joined him. And whatdayaknow - he takes us on a new route and we discover the switchbacks between Woodberry and Druid Hill Park. What is wrong with us? I can't tell you. I didn't want to run when J got home from work because it was hot and I am a big baby about the heat. But, I did really want to run and just gave myself an excuse to stop if the heat was getting to me. Dropped Buck 53 on the switchbacks. Thank you shady, reasonably inclined, butterfly filled switchbacks for keeping me running.

Buck 39 - 52 ALL to one funny person

I was getting annoyed with the accumulating bucks and this whole idea. Wondering, should I keep it going or just buck it. Luckily, this morning I read a friend's lament on Facebook and knew what I needed to do. Get rid of the current stock pile and mail it to said friend. whew! and perfect. this very friend once stood on the street outside work asking colleagues for $10 with no intention to repay. I regretted not giving it to her then, just because it was funny. She is funny and original and I'm glad I know her. I am walking to the PO now to mail her Bucks 39 - 52 ($14) for this quote:

Kim Kardashian was given 25K by Armani to TWEET about their brand once?! She has 0 talent, I have talent coming out of my ears and no ones paying me for this FB status update!

Bucks accumulating

It's been too hot to leave the house lately and busy getting everything in order to sell. Pockets full of numbered bucks for next outing.

Buck 36 - 38 westernmass revisited

Buck 36 - to ubiquitous street musician on main street northampton.
Buck 37 - I tucked into bike path railing in Leeds. We liked the condo in Leeds, we liked the bike path, we are excited for our new life.
Buck 38 - got tucked into busy busy wait in line bathroom at rest stop, because I would see exactly who took my stall as I exited. She didn't look like she needed a buck, but it might amuse her.

Buck 34 + 35 - Delaware

On drive up to westernmass we decided to take an exit and find a nonchainfastfood place to eat. University of Delaware exit seemed like a good idea. Utilized new iphone to find downtown and restaurant options. Decided on Home Grown, well, because of course college downtown has an eatery with that name and of course near and dear and confident we would find a healthy option. Noticed the art hanging system - cuz we need to notice that stuff and duly note. Dropped Buck 34 by the table on our way out. J said I looked way suspicious.

Cupcake shop next door, of course, because of the home grown and all and also near and dear, so we stopped in for 2 to go. Asked girl at counter which was her fav, she said Banana???? I like a banana bread fine, but really? I'm thinking she was trying to get rid of the least bought cupcakes of the day. She did confess that the red velvet was their best seller. J got strawberry icing with vanilla cupcake. I got mint chocolate chip. They were good, lots of frosting and ya know, perfect after some home grown and all. Pic of J leaving Buck 35 in apron pocket of cupcake mannequin (mannequin? confusing!).

Buck 33 - Pit Beef

We heard the best pit beef was at a small shack under the highway. Thin slices to taste as you order! We braved the sun and heat and ate outside at the picnic tables. Dropped Buck 33 in the parking lot. Thank you for the best pit beef sandwich!

Buck 32 - The Brewer's Art

T+J stopped for a visit on their way to the beach. Beers in the basement at Brewer's Art and then walk to Helmand for dinner. Perfect Baltimore night. Found a penny on the way and dropped the buck there, Chase and Charles.

Buck 30 + 31 Wind up space and vicinity

Buck 30 - was dropped on the floor as I left the Wind Up Space. Had a fun night with J and M watching a bad movie drinking cheap beers.

Buck 31 - was dropped on Maryland Ave because I am rarely parked here and someone will be happy to find it there.

all caught up, have just Buck 32 in my pocket now.

Buck 28 + 29 Mt Royal and North

Buck 28 + 29 went to kids drumming on buckets at intersection of Mt Royal and North. So far, the most money was dropped at this intersection.

Buck 26 + 27 health and efficiency

Buck 26 - was dropped in the shade of the dandelion parking area at GBMC, after regular mammogram.
Buck 27 - since at GBMC anyway, drove a little further to stop at dentist so they could get my new insurance info. dropped buck in the lobby hoping the very pleasant maintenance would find it on his way in.

Buck 23-25

Buck 23-25 went to the man with the "homeless" sign at Northern Parkway and Charles. He kissed his finger and then touched the two crosses on the street sign.

Buck 22

Buck 22 - was left at the bench outside UB library, while I waited for husband to arrive.

Buck 20 + 21

The heat eased just enough for a walk in the neighborhood last night. It was beautiful and we were feeling very nostalgic about leaving Hampden and Baltimore.
Buck 20 - dropped by beautiful garden on Chestnutt Street.
Buck 21 - dropped on Hickory after I spied a cutie all grey kitten, even in the dark, I don't miss cute furry little animals.

Bucked up again

So, no one asked me for money buck 20-25 and didn't feel inspired to leave it anywhere. First time I had 5 bucks accumulated to give up. Last night, rushing to get to a poetry reading recommended by a friend, left shorts with 5 bucks on bed and threw on jeans. As soon as we left, I remembered the 5 bucks, but didn't have time to turn around. After poetry reading, a women asks me and my husband for....5 bucks! Exactly! She said, "can you give me 5 bucks for food". Whoa. I couldn't believe it and felt terrible because I coulda said, "yessiree, I have exactly 5 bucks in my pocket for just this occasion" I so bucked up. I'm sad. Husband gave her 4 bucks (regular bucks and all from his wallet and not special numbered bucks for giving). I won't leave the house again without my buck/s!

Buck 17 - 19 some fav Hampden biz

Buck 17 - was left in paint section of Falkenhan's Hardware store. An older woman in one of those house dresses older women wear was in that area right after I placed the buck. I hope she spied it! and Falkenhans rules! I happily walk further to support my fav local hardware store, even though Sirkus is just a block away. Only needed a paintbrush this time.

Buck 18 - was dropped on the floor in the back of Atomic Books. Atomic Books is my FAVORITE store in all of Baltimore! It's cool, they cool and ya know, support local owner-operated businesses!

Buck 19 - was hastily left at the Wine Source. I'm sure I will be there again soon. I shoulda picked something specific to leave the buck under. next time.

Buck 16

was left at UB courtyard. EAP!

Buck 15

dropped in neighbor's yard while wrangling cat in for the night.

Buck 10 - 14 Trip to westernmass

Buck 10 - bought my venti iced coffee for the drive to westernmass and left buck 10 at the bus stop on Roland by Eddie's. Eddie's provided the sandwiches, granola and water for the drive.

Buck 11 - was fittingly left outside the Watering Hole after our last drink for the night with H + J. I started drinking at the Watering Hole when I was underage and spent many nights there with H trying to improve in our pool game. Our pool didn't improve much, but we were exceptional drinkers.

Buck 12 - went to the street musician on Main St.
Buck 13 - went to the next street musician on Main 50 feet away.

Buck 14 - was tossed out the window on College Highway in Southwick. Thanks to E + B for the generous hospitality and beautiful place to stay as we plan our move back.

Buck 9

Buck in bucket at Mt. Royal and North, again. I travel this route almost daily. I predict more boring entries and bucks left at this intersection. Sometimes I wonder if these kids are really collecting for something specific, but that's quickly followed by, who cares. If I am going to give a buck up a day, why not to a school age kid standing at a busy intersection in the hot Baltimore sun.

buck stack

Buck 3 - 8 to catch up

• Buck 3 was tucked in alleyway stone wall. Pretty sure trash collector got it.
  
• Buck 4 placed at feet of Virgin Mary statue, St. Thomas Aquinas.
• Buck 5 lazily dropped in street near neighbor's truck late night. Neighbor woke up that day to 2 slashed.
• Buck 6 and 7 to boy at corner of Mt. Royal and North - to raise $ for a trip to Africa, or so I am told.
• Buck 8 dropped just inside chain link fence one block south.

And now I commit, with earnest.

Day 1 Buck 1 - Buck 2

Blog and practice were supposed to start same day. I bucked that up. Here goes.

• Day 1 Buck 1 - no one asked me for $. Right before bed I went out and left a buck in the grass between sidewalk and street. It was picked up next morning while I drove husband to job.
• Buck 2 - Man with bucket at corner of Roland and N Pkwy got buck. I got this.