I'm alive

Not much to say here. Reading my book, drinking vin chaud ("hot wine," my favorite beverage in the world), picking up tutoring clients and trying not to be bored. Christmas in England, here I come! I owe you guys links to pictures from Tunisia, and updates...I'll get on that...sometime...

It rains in Provence!

Anybody who tells you differently is a liar! It's like springtime in Oregon here: sunny and hot one day, rainy and gray the next: I can't take it! I went running for the first time since I've been here yesterday, and it was great, along a beautiful country road that was just lovely. Then it rained a lot today and made me sad. Tomorrow I'm off to Marseille, to hopefully check out the Chateau d'If, the famed Alcatraz-esque prison from my favorite book of all time, The Count of Monte Cristo, which I am currently reading in French and is beyond fabulous! The day after tomorrow I'm taking a ferry to Tunisia, where I will: see my thesis professor Laura, hopefully ride a camel, and go to an all-night election party hosted by the US embassy! I'm so excited! Then on my birthday I will take a ferry back to Marseille...hopefully it will all work out! I'm broke, but I'm loving life and having some great adventures, so I can't really complain! As I said, though, life is not all sunshine: teaching is challenging, and not all the teachers are the most helpful of people. The other day one of the children even took the time to come over and tell me during recess that another kid was making fun of me. Precious! But overall, I'm learning how to cook and having crazy adventures at the one bar in my little town! Will keep you posted, if, as Stephanie says, anything happens in my life worth posting about! :) Love you all!

Moving to France

my mailing address:

Annette McFarland
9 Rue Autheman
Studio Nº 4
84800 L’Isle sur la Sorgue PACA
FRANCE

I have been in France for just over two weeks. In that time I have accomplished many things, had many fabulous unforgettable experiences, and had some crappy ones too.

Upon arrival, I was very proud that I was able to navigate a huge backpack, a suitcase, a purse and myself from the Charles De Gaulle airport onto the RER train, transfer to the metro, and make it to the Place d’Italie stop before calling William. The last time I was in France I paid too much for a taxi to an overpriced hostel. I stayed with William, his sister Aimee, brother-in-law Julien, and 1 ½ year old nephew Max. For two days I hung out at Aimee’s tea shop (in the 13^th arrondisement, it’s called L’Oisive Thé, a play on l’oisiveté which means leisurely). Then I bought a 12-25 card (to get discounts on trains) and a ticket to Lyon, where I stayed with my friend Maren for a night, eating bread and cheese and drinking wine and tea. Then on to Avignon and Steve, who is a dear. I ended up staying with him for over a week as I looked for an apartment in L’Isle sur la Sorgue and thought of options. My first day in Avignon was magical: the centre ville is completely surrounded by an old city wall, and anyone who’s anyone lives intramurales (Steve and I are afraid to go extramurales too often)... We saw a woman akin to Esmeralda singing opera outside of the Pope’s Palace.

One day Steve and I rode his scooter to Saint Remy (evidently a very posh area of France...Brad and Angelina just bought a house there), which is about 20 km southwest of Avignon. We went to see bullfighting, or rather “bull bothering” (they didn’t kill them). A dozen or so men would take turns running at the bull, trying to grab prizes off his horns. If the bull was chasing them they would vault themselves over a fence to get away from him. One bull kept leaping over the fence into the alley between the ring and the spectators. Everyone in the alley would jump into the ring until the bull was led back in. He did this about 10 times. One man yelled “Saucisson!” which means “Turn him into sausage!”

A few days later we had some meetings in Marseille. Steve had to be there a night before I did. I was hoping to get my apartment that day, but the process moved a little slower than I realized, so I was essentially homeless. As I was preparing myself to sleep on a park bench, I texted the one other person whose number I had. Megan from Wales was able to give me the phone number of another assistant, Raina, who without hesitation, without having met me, agreed to house me for the evening. As it turns out, Raina went to Reed, in Portland, and is amazing.

The most incredible experience I’ve had thus far was when the US Consulate General in Marseille hosted the American assistants from the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region for a multi-course buffet at her home overlooking the bay and the Chateau d’If, the prison in my favorite book, The Count of Monte Cristo. I scarfed down one plate of food and then jumped up to talk with the consulate general. She was amazing! I asked her dozens of questions about her career, her education, her life. She’s done tours in Haiti, Saudi Arabia and Morocco, among other places, and couldn’t really talk about Brad and Angelina, although she did say that after hobnobbing with Arabian princes, American movie stars seemed like small potatoes. I also chatted it up with her intern Jonathan, from Puerto Rico. Watching the sunset from the Consulate General’s house, drinking good wine (some of which, Steve noticed, was from Napa Valley) really made me excited for a career in the Foreign Service!

I have visited my schools, but I haven’t met the kids yet (that will come Monday). I’m hoping to get a bike, so I can bike around the region, but I’ve been going one day, one step at a time. I also want to try to find a way to play soccer (or at the very least use the municipal pool). Zandra (another assistant) and I found out today that the kayaking in my town is only for the club in the winter, and it’s now too late to join the club...whatever. I have a pet cat. Well, practically. My first night in my apartment it was hanging out on the roof outside one of my windows...it even came in once! This morning it came in and hid under the bed and wouldn’t leave...maybe that’s because I gave it some cream last night...my hallway stinks because the owner lets it poop in there, but it just needs some love. I don’t have an oven or a microwave, just a range, so I’m going to HAVE to learn how to cook, and where better to do it than Provence? The cheap version of Herbes de Provence that I bought at the grocery store (which are apparently for BBQing) include the following ingredients: sarriette, romarin, serpolet, marjolaine, origan, basilica and thym in variable proportions.

I’ve been alternately lonely and happy, excited and nervous, and wanted to run away a few times, but really, it’s just 9 months! I’ve made some good friends, including some assistants in Avignon and Marseille, and Ruth, the other assistant in my town. She’s from England. I don’t have internet in my apartment, but it may be too expensive. We will see...I may think it’s worth it...I may decide that just like learning how to cook, reading, and learning French, living without internet is just going to be one of my challenges this year.

I love and miss a lot of you fabulous people in my life.

I have arrived!

No thanks to the customs bitches at Frankfurt Airport. I was second in line and they closed it and told us all to join another line. I integrated into the line next to me and got up to second again and they closed that one! I went to the end of another line, just to watch them open the one they originally closed and see everyone just move over to that one. And I had a really short layover anyways. I follow the signs to where I need to go and there's another security check! I calmly showed my ticket and asked for a faster line, since my plane was (supposedly) currently boarding. The fast line involved getting felt up by a security woman (joke's on her: she had to touch my very sweaty armpits)! I basically ran a 1/2 mile to the gate only to find it slightly delayed and everyone just standing around. But other than that, no problems. Paris is awesome, and Aimee's teahouse, L'Oisive The, is SO CUTE! If you're ever in the 13th arrondisement of Paris...look it up!

Off to Lyon tomorrow, Avignon the next day, and maybe L'Isle sur la Sorgue the next. Rock on.

Me: Too Cosmopolitan for Wasilla, Alaska

This summer I have been content to lead a provincial life, knowing that adventure lies on my horizon. I ride my bike one mile to work almost every day, and the only people I see with real consistency are my family and my coworkers. I guess my little life is clearly evidenced in the fact that my two current crushes are the guy who works at the local liquor store and the "middle-aged" (late 30's? mid 40's? the family is not agreed) checker at the grocery store. As Uncle Jeff so sagely points out, he gets benefits!

Thankfully, to this mundanity came Alisha and Phil to the rescue! They promptly whisked me off to the big city, where my eyes were opened to the wonders of a cosmopolitan lifestyle. First, we visited Berkeley, a trendy urban campus full of forward-thinking hipsters, and tree-sitters. Then we went to Union Square, to traipse around in Neiman Marcus ogling the gowns and shoes and pretending that we belonged there. As I was half-heartedly perusing the scents (since I don't have one, and feel I should if I'm going to be hanging out in France), I somehow got caught by a pretty young woman who informed me that Chanel was giving free makeovers that day and that someone was here from France for the occasion. After making sure there was room for Alisha too, I was on board. It was an exercise in humility. The Chanel woman helping me and the products she rubbed onto my face made me feel simultaneously glamorous and hideous. I was better off than Alisha though, who got a lecture from the Frenchman about skincare. He told her he'd have to start at the beginning. "This...this is makeup" he informed her. She was finished before me, and decided she would buy the bronzer. Unfortunately, her money was no good there. Neiman Marcus only takes American Express, the Neiman Marcus credit card, or cash. No lowly Visa or Mastercard for them. I guess it's not everywhere we want to be...

Looking fierce, we headed to H&M and each bought a shirt to wear out for the evening. We headed to the Castro district, which took three times as long as it should have thanks to poor city planning and our lack of a map. Phil called his friend who was from San Francisco but who was in Corvallis at the time, and with her help, we were able to get on the right street (who needs an iPhone when you've got friends?). We parked on a side street and got dressed in the car. We went to a Thai restaurant called Nirvana for dinner, where we spent entirely too much money on delicious cocktails. We traipsed around for awhile, before Phil called Jerred to get the address to a club he'd heard of, Badlands. After making our way past the hermaphrodite dancing around in a little bathing suit on the corner, we found the club, and gratefully stumble inside, only to run into...the Frenchman who did our makeup at Neiman Marcus!!! Uncle Jeff was astounded that in such a large city we would run into the same person twice, but actually, when you do the math (vivacious international make-up artist + notorious gay bar), it's a no-brainer. It was awesome, and he and I are facebook friends now! A Chanel makeup artist is always a good person to have in your coterie, for partying in Paris or at the very least, free samples!

It was a great day...I always have a great time in San Francisco. I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm looking to "settle down somewhere," if I ever get that urge (haven't yet)! Until then, I'll keep busy by flirting with grocery store checkers (last night we discussed the alcohol content of rum...Sailor Jerry's at 46% is the more economical choice than Captain Morgan's, at 35% alcohol...I think he was impressed) and befriending international badasses. And rocking out at karaoke bars with Aunt Robin. Definitely one of the raddest times I've ever had, and hopefully an encore will be in order next week!

Less than a month...

Yesterday I called my mom in tears because McCain had picked a woman running mate and it is all over my friends! She assured me that it was nothing to worry about: Sarah Palin has less than no experience and will be the proverbial nail in the coffin for McCain. We hope. It's Obama's campaign to lose. Today I called Nevada residents to tell them to vote for Obama. Just for one hour, but it was more than nothing.

If things don't go the way I want them to in November (on my birthday eve! And I want a happy birthday...)...I won't come back. I won't come home from France. I'll live abroad and essentially expatriate myself!

Less than a month. Just over 2 weeks left at the silver shop job, about 2.5 weeks left in California, and I guess just a *scoche* more than that in the country. The South of France, here I come! I'm going to get as much volunteering for the Obama campaign in as I can before then! And then hope and pray.

I saw Ever After just now. That will be my life in France, hell yeah! Beautiful scenery, beautiful men, what more could I ask for?

Bob Costas: sexist!

Shocking, right? This evening, the first opportunity I've gotten to seriously watch the olympics (goddamnit! I've been too busy living a fabulous life, going out in San Francisco, etc.), Bob Costas literally and seriously offended me when he referred to the 4x100 meter relay in swimming as...the 4x100 meter relay. What's wrong with that? You (and my 14-year-old cousin Reid) might ask. Hey Bob, don't you mean the MEN'S 4x100 meter relay, as opposed to, oh, I don't know, the WOMEN'S 4x100 meter relay?!?!? Effectively, by referring to it as THE event, he implied (or did he infer?) that the other one was the OTHER one. Thanks. Because men are the center of the universe and women fill peripheral not-as-important supporting roles. I'm disappointed.

I have so much to do before I leave for France. Which is a good thing. Otherwise I would spend my time until then being morose about the fact that I'm not there yet. Work. It. Out.

Tuesdays with Madeleine

Heckled by the French

Today I drove up beautiful highway 1 to San Francisco, where I had a quite fabulous day with my little cousin Madeleine. First we waited around in the French consulate for a couple hours where I got my (free!) visa for France, but only after getting heckled by a French woman. Apparently the last time I went to France I stayed 2 months longer than I was supposed to, and SHOULD have applied for residency, but didn't...hence I had been illegal! I better not be pulling that shit again. ...She said to me dryly. As she handed my passport over. We've all got to get our jollies somehow, I guess.

An Object Lesson: Wine Glass Half-Full, or Half-Empty?

Then Madeleine and I bumbled our way through the city to Fisherman's Wharf, where we had a delectable lunch on the 3rd floor of some building, where we paid twice as much for the same food that was being served down on the street. BUT, we had a view of the Golden Gate bridge, and a tablecloth! When my glass of house Pinot Noir came, Madeleine was shocked that it was half empty. Upon which I had to explain that the way Aunt Robin and I do things at the house (i.e. fill wine glasses to the brim) is not exactly "the norm" or "proper etiquette" everywhere. Later, Aunt Robin pointed out that the a full wine glass is A. perfectly normal for home-drinking and B. completely depends on which restaurant you go to (Upper Crust, the local pizza joint, fills the glass)! Touche, Aunt Robin, touche.

The End is the Beginning

After buying a loaf of sourdough bread in the shape of a turtle, Madeleine and I headed to the next item on our list: shopping! Of course this meant that we set out in the general direction of Union Square, which consisted of me navigating up and down ridiculous hills, Madeleine attempting to read the map, and one near-death experience (only one?!? I'd say we did pretty damn good). In our frazzled search for parking, we ended up parking a block and a half away from Union Square in...the very same parking structure we had parked in this morning, directly across from the French consulate. Wow. All in all, we spent $28 on parking today. Whatevs, I got a free visa, and 3 Mormons going to France had to pay $465 for theirs all told, so HA!

God-damned Christians!

A very frazzled and upset me headed to Union Square, hoping to find H&M and DSW (shoes!). Instead, I heard some live music. 'Oh that's nice!' I thought. But no, some youth group from Southern California on their mission trip performing some High School Musical-esque song-and-dance numbers talking about how great Jesus is. I'm sure the only people who were enjoying it were already Christians, hence already saved, and I'm also betting they were shopping and ignoring homeless people just like me when they weren't deluding themselves into thinking that their little performances were doing God's will. Some people build houses on their missions, some people sing and dance. Work it out. They didn't make my day better, so HA!

Thanks, Cheesecake Factory Lady!

Macy's was overpriced, and the kindly concierge of the Cheesecake Factory pointed us in the direction we needed to go. On the way, I found a FABULOUS jewelry store, 10 times more fabulous, in fact, than the silver store where I'm currently employed (and, consequently, 10 times more expensive). There's this one necklace I may decide is necessary for my life to go on...we'll see... H&M was everything I remember it to be (I bought a maroon vest and a black jacket, woot!) and DSW was a pretty great shoe store (Madeleine bought some sweet little Rocketdogs). Then we fueled up at Starbucks and hit the road, which consisted of a couple rainbows and a rad sunset. So all in all, a win-win-win-win-win kind of day.

Triathlon & Steve, my life as of August

O.M.G. I am officially a "triathlete" as today, I completed my first-ever triathlon, something I've been dreaming about for years. It was awesome, chafing and slight sunburn and wanting to die and all! The Sandman Triathlon in Aptos, CA included a .5 mile ocean swim, a 15 mile "moderate" bike ride, and a 4.2 mile run on the beach, a.k.a. sand, a.k.a. hard. I'm more exhausted than maybe I've ever been, but it is good, so good. I finished in about 2 hours and 14 minutes, which is faster than what I was expected (though admittedly, I didn't know what to expect). I was pretty slow, but not the slowest. (I kicked the swim, though: 22 minutes)! I felt like I belonged. And I want to do more! Then we saw dolphins...how cool is that? I'm super proud right now, if you couldn't tell!

A balanced life is a happy life. A balanced life includes work and play, exercise and reading of books, wine (and margaritas!) and good food. At the beach. Surrounded by good friends and family. What more can we ask for?

A good day (last week) in the life of me: went to work (blah), Steve picked me up (my new friend who will be teaching 15 miles away from me in France, what what!), and then we went to El Palomar, downtown Santa Cruz, and promptly downed 2 pitchers of margaritas before catching the matinee showing of Mamma Mia! (accompanied by a gaggle of middle-aged moms), complete with a $5 medium coke which we drank down a bit and then filled with rum I had in my purse (we're such badasses)! We gorged ourselves on snacks from the Jelly Belly store (also snuck-in contraband) while singing our hearts out to ABBA, then went out to coffee afterwards (after discovering that American Apparel is not limited to freaky ads on facebook, but also has actual store locations, buying a cute pair of sunglasses at some other store, and having Steve talk me out of buying a necklace I didn't need), while making all sorts of evil plans about what and who we're going to do while in France together. Then we came home and had delicious crockpot food prepared by my aunt and continued drinking (wine) as we played the piano and sang together.

A perfect day, no?

It's a charmed life, but somebody's got to lead it!

Life is almost too good to be true at the moment. It feels like I'm due for a really big disaster here soon. Please, loved ones: don't get yourselves hit by buses, and make sure you survive any and all hostage situations of which you find yourselves on the wrong end. Here is a sampling of the things I have been doing and learning here in sunny California (because I love lists):

• how to drive stick shift. I've driven over 200 miles in the last 2 weeks on the thing. Go me! I'm still figuring out gears and hills, and I still stall every now and again (to remind myself that I'm human), but all in all, I'd say I am now competent at driving standard cars!
• where to shop. specifically, for wine. I went to Safeway (because I just found out that a US Bank is inside! this is big news because previously I had thought the nearest one was up in the bay area...boo), and they were charging $6, $7 for a bottle of Barefoot! As if! So I spent $10 on food (for me and the cats) there, and $20 on 6 bottles of wine at Trader Joe's. 3 bottles of 2-buck-chuck (Charles Shaw), and 3 other reasonably priced bottles ($4-$6). yeah!
• i have also been hosting BBQs, going out dancing, hanging out with Hannah (SO fun! I think reunions are in order every so often, wherever we are in the world...it's healthy for my soul to be with her and laugh at other people, making each other feel good that we're us, and not them, ugh!), and watching great movies. The Lost Boys, filmed in the 80's in Santa Cruz, featuring Keifer Sutherland, is actually not half bad. But Corey Feldman, with a crazy deep voice, really took the cake in the film. Hannah and I watched the movie and then went to the Boardwalk later in the week...we rode this ride where it's like you're in a hang-glider and I felt like a vampire: flying above the boardwalk and swooping down on unsuspecting citizens...I couldn't stop cracking up. We also saw: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Conclusion: I still love oceans! They (and the creatures in them) are so grand! Screaming kids and crying babies, not so much.

I have also been trying to keep up with my reading. The New Yorker, Entertainment Weekly, and currently The Road by Cormac McCarthy are keeping my occupied and informed...The Road is definitely going to make a sweet film with Viggo Mortensen. That's all. I'll end with this: don't be jealous, just come visit!

Graduate from college: check and check!

I officially did it. The pomp. The circumstance. The wine! Moving on.

To my to-do list for the summer:

• figure out all necessary French documents, so I'm legit when I get over there.
• study for and take the GRE. Continuing to nerd it up: school, I just can't quit!
• read for fun (still).
• rock the silver store (still).
• art projects (including: Courtney's, mine, more drawing, that collage-like activity with broken plates whose name escapes me at the moment...)
• learn how to cook. (HA!)
• visit Steinbeck's house.
• host friends and cousins and all visitors to SC.
• Fulbright application. Life: it's never done.
• drink wine with Aunt Robin, Crystal, Limber, etc.
• drink beer with Uncle Jeff, Crystal, Limber, etc.
• swim
• bike
• run
• compete in a triathlon with Aunt Robin in August.
• lift weights, do yoga, eat healthy, and in all other aspects of my life continue the yuppy-fication transformation.
• SLEEP! (it's good. really good)

Employed

I have a job, as of yesterday! It's a dream job: a little silver shop down in Capitola Village (read: tourist central). I can ride my bike to work (downhill, mostly), and it's easy, the coworkers are great, and the customers are nice, for the most part. I get a 70% discount on everything in the store, which is going to be a challenge, but I just have to chant to myself: "saving for France! saving for France! saving for France!" and I hope that can work.

Why is it that when I'm unemployed I'm stressed about not having a job, but that once I get one...I'm working! This is going to be nothing but chill, though: the nicest bosses in the world, the easiest gig, in the sunniest place. The biggest challenge is going to be keeping hydrated on the bike commute!

Last night we had a party for the biology department faculty of the college my aunt works for. These people were great...apart from the fact that they feel some affinity for science...ew! They do have a penchant for travel, and I heard some great stories about Cameroon, Johannesburg and Harare. One guy was even from France, and I was stoked to tell him I'm going there in a few short months! Some lab tech even gave me his number. He was the only other unmarried person at the party over the age of 15, so it's not like it was some great feat on my part or anything. For many reasons, I threw it away today. Nice gesture though, I guess?

Apparently I'm the unhappy owner of 3 credit cards right now. That sucks.

My brother is going to Iraq in less than a month now, I guess. I'm going to see him in a week and a half. It's weird, but ever since he joined the army a year ago now, "family member of military" has become a huge part of my identity. How could it not?

To relax is a challenge. There is so much I want to read and do and be!

Family

Weird. Bona fide crazy. Fun. Sometimes. Always yours.

Everyone has a family, whether they want them, acknowledge it, even like being around them, or not. The function of family...to be a model of how to go through life. Or exactly what you don't want to be when you grow up.

My cousins currently are teaching me to be present, often, everyday. In the moment. Like I really left everything and everyone in Corvallis there in Corvallis: you can't take it with you. My life now consists of helping, reading, and being. And I like it. I've always been one to be where I am in that moment/month. I'm in California now, with people here, and not with people who aren't here. But no matter where I go, or for how long, my family will always be somewhere, look-up-able if I so desire.

It's weird to think that in a few months I will hopefully be trekking into THE Siberia, all because someone who has some of the same ancestral lineage as me is there. I don't know if I would ever get to Siberia if I didn't currently have a cousin there.

Lately, family has mostly been a topic of conversation. What is everyone doing, currently or in the near future? What is the latest drama? Who said what about whom? Who's engaged/giving birth/etc.? Family are people you talk about, fret about, laugh at, hope for, and in the end, will probably always be no more than a few phone calls away...

The first week

In a new place. Santa Cruz, (and Soquel, and Capitola, and Watsonville, I suppose, to be more exact) is amazing. This first week has been a whirlwind, involving a bladder infection, a drive down with the mom and a great cousin, a birthday party for my aunt, grading anatomy papers, good god!, turning in a job application, watching my aunt take the brain out of a cadaver, hanging out with Reid and Madeleine, reading a weird book about the end of the world, watching the first half of the 6 hour Pride & Prej (the good one, with Colin Firth), finally going to the beach, joining the gym, and beginning the arduous task of learning how to drive stick shift. Oh yes, and finding out that I'm going to the Aix-Marseille region in France next year, which was both amazing and my first choice. WOW! I've been busy, and waking up early, but loving life, and I only plan on it getting better! My aunt and I will sign up for a triathlon and start training for it. I will find a job...somewhere! I will continue reading and edifying myself, and perhaps even learn to prepare a few meals for myself here and there.

Becoming a better person. Everyday.

March 21st, 2008

Some friends and I went to see Barack Obama speak at the UofO on this day a few weeks ago. I took a notebook to chronicle the event. Many people contributed. In their notes and scribbles, their hopes and fears are outlined. Their skepticism for politicians in general is tempered by their awe and respect for the great Barack Obama. Here are the real entries by real people, unabridged. Find out who this guy is and who the people are who would wait for hours in a line to see him. (Names sometimes omitted.)

• Rainbows have colors
• A neglected poodle left out in the heat is not a hot dog
• Why does Hawaii have interstates?
• I <3>

What do you get when you cross an apple, Ron Jeremy, and the end of a monkey? Fruit-cock-tail

What does a man with a foot long cock eat for breakfast? I like eggs, toast, and a glass of milk.

3:42 pm So I'm sitting here on the sidewalk enjoying a wonderful lunch/dinner of crackers & cheese along with honey roasted nuts. I'm looking forward to tonight, I hope this experience will make a positive impact on my future decision(s). We got 3 plus hours to go... tick-a-tock tick-a-tock

4:48 we miss Annette & Melissa...come back soon PLEASE

Reaction
What a great event! I am extremely satisfied with the support by our generation. OBama stands for many important issues, and I hope he has the opportunity to lead our country like no other president. His speech was amazing and he brings hope to the U.S. Now everyone, get educated & go out and fight for what you believe in!

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Why are you here? What are your thoughts?

Will Obama put me into some sort of mind controlled trance? 'cause that's what I want.

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O-bama. O-MG! O-regon. I'm peeing myself! I'm here! OMG! This is an historic moment. I got a crush on Obama. He's the best candidate, and I'm looking for some magic tonight! 3:37pm 3 1/2 hours 'til the doors open!

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3:54pm Obama line count - Eastside 550 Westside - rumored to be longer @ 4 per person hold 4400 total unofficial count

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4:59 1/2 So, one hour down like 4 more to go! I can't wait to see Obama! I'm thinking about stalking Obama but have not made up my mind! Time will tell. Bye for now!

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Danny registered to vote at his current address. Rock rock on!

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"I like excited old people!" -Josh

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"9/11 was an inside job" said a sign a guy was carrying across the street. "Yeah!" I said. "I know, it sucks!" he said. And that was that. - approx. 5pm

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Obama is young, energetic, and makes you want to stand up and say "Freakin A Go!"

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Canvasser for the ballot initiative - today I'm following Obama & talking to people. Good day.

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Hello future voters of my bloodline. I am here with my one true best friend/sister Annette, and we are rockin' our youth and our idealistic attitudes - if you ever become anything but liberal/democratic, may God have mercy on your soul. GO OBAMA!! p.s. we are all freakin' adorable

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"Been following Obama since Iowa" It's been an awesome ride, I don't want to ever get off!!!

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To finally have a president that stands up for the enviromment!
(Annette: Look he likes the environment! Josh: But he can't spell it!)

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Josh: "Some people have so much, I don't know, hope or something!"

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Love Obama's UNITY message! Time heal the nation.

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I've never seen Obama speak, what a good time.

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Some say "It's time for change" is just a pointless saying. They say "what chang?" You look around and this awesome crowd tells you! We want control of our future. We want an end to this vile and pointless war! We want freedom and a better economy! We want change from the rich to the poor! This awesome crowd is here for Obama! Yah!!! Finally this eloquent and brave man, while even being a politician, is here for us!

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I brought my 3 kids to this historical event in the first place because we come from a country that suffered 18 years of dictatorship, CHILE, with Pinochet and if this is a great experience of what freedom and democracy can be. Secondly, we are excited to see in the U.S. a president that understand and can represent minorities. And thirdly this is very very cool!! Thank. Also, it was a great chance to share our chips with you. Obama's real are you!!!

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"Times like these...times like those" did it in the 60's - really special to be here doing it again with my son Kris. Change CAN happen.

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I am volunteering today because we are blessed with a democratic system and inherent in that is a responsibility to others in our country and the world! <3 :)

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"Barack Obama's latest speech was almost touching & a little appealing. I do not support him though. I'm green & for Nader! Actually I may ride home & smoke..."

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I'm 58. Not since Bobby Kennedy have I felt so inspired & hopeful

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Keep up the good work Obama is a great relief in politics - listen to KRVM all music all the time

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34 yr old female - I think Obama is a legend in the making!

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I am Kenyan. I know Obama's family in Kenya.

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Obama fucking rocks.

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Obama 2nd time today...love him

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Reporting on Obama event...once in a lifetime opportunity KMTR

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Annette made the Obama event very entertaining!

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Mac Court is ghetto. People are crazy. (LOL WUT?)

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Well...I was undecided for awhile on the Obama/Clinton issue...but, when Clinton tried to shadily grab Florida & Michigan votes I turned to Obama!! He seems more fair, ethical & the least like a politician...if there is such a thing and...I'm on the campaign trail myself Mann/Nickerson '08!! It's a difficult path, but worth it (I hope). This is a monumental time in our lives & hopefully we will witness great changes.

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I'm going to fill the bubble in by Obama's name. Isn't that neat?

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Stuff! And things! Obama's pretty cool, but he'd better not be late!

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Dreams from my father (1995)

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Hello, my name is Kevin 51 year old white male inspired by rhetoric of Barack. His Tuesday speech in Philadelphia was "out of the park" it brought tears to my eyes for its depth & compassion. I have been following his life & passion for several month and have been truly moved by his openness on the political scene. When someone speaks to you "not at you" it is wonderful. Thank you Mr. Obama the next POTUS.

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We finally got in what a relief. I was willing to abandon everyone to enter, luckily all of your group made it through! Finding seats was crazy & apparently emotional for a few of us, but the seats we ended up with were worth a couple tears!!! P.S. screw those UofO ground level elitist tardy bastards!! 8:02pm

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Very happy to get in! Was worried-now VERY EXCITED. Originally from South Mississippi ART TEACHER Here to feel the energy of the crowd and soak up the experience- Took a pic of the bomb squad truck.

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Hi - I'm sitting behind you @ Mac Court. I'm so excited that Barack is going to be HERE. I thought I'd just have to watch speeches on YouTube forever. I really hope we can hear him, but it seems like we will be able to. I lost my friends along the way, so I'm here solo, so I get to focus 100% on Barack-who is so inspiring! Yay for Barack, make all your friends vote! -architecture student

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Annette: They're closing the door!
Josh: Because he comes out of the floor!

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Wow! What incredible powerful, positive energy. After so many years of being disappointed over & over again by the leadership in this country, we finally have a leader who we can believe in, who has the integrity to do what is right and who can unify the people toward change that will benefit us all. Tonight, preparing to see Barack Obama in person is an incredible moment in time. Let's make it happen & send him to the White House. It IS up to US.

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I think this event is a powerful expression of our democracy. Our country is lucky to have such an inspiring candidate in Obama. My children, ages 10 & 15, will always remember this evening. Obama truly gives you "hope" our country can turn things around.

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My wife dragged me here. No, seriously... These events are for optimists, for people who still believe in the greatness of our country and our ability to move mountains when we are inspired by visionary leadership.

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This is what democracy is all about. Its very exciting to bring my kids to hear such an inspirational candidate.

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In 1968 I saw Bobby Kennedy while visiting California - since that time no politician has touched me like I am now touched by Barack Obama. Here with my wife and two kids on this historic occasion.

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My 13 year old daughter talked me into it, but it is cool.

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hi, I'm the 13 year old daughter - it actually didn't take much convincing I think he secretly wanted to come, so far it's pretty awesome but everyone has been waiting WAY too long seriously we need a system! Plus the mikes kinda suck...looking forward to seeing Obama though!!!! :)

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I want to see if Obama is the first candidate for the people rather than a few people. Will he help change U.S. policy for the benefit of all people?

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Obama's book "Dreams from my father" and his speeches have really inspired me. I think he is one of a kind and this is his time!

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Whatever else may be said of him, he is a phenomenon. A magnetic personality who I feel privileged to see.

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Hello Barack - may the wind always be at your back.

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Obama is risking it all to give our country a chance again to be a great nation. I believe that he really believes "All men (women) are created equal" and he wants to create the conditions so more equality exist in this country & the rest of the world. If he is gonna risk his life for us, we've got to think about what we're willing to do to bring the ideals that created this nation to fruition. Let's do it. :)

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Barack Obama is putting America on trial. Which America do we want to be? The fearful one George Bush and John McCain and Hillary Clinton are so sure we are - or the diverse, hopeful, rational, forward-looking one that Barack Obama believes we can be? The choice is ours. But if America turns its back on the blessing of this great man, appearing at our moment of need...we'll have nobody to blame but ourselves for the destiny we have chosen.

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ABCD Goldfish?
LMNO Goldfish.
SARZ Goldfish. CM?
(What?)

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I was once skeptical of Obama's plans, his persona, his motives for running, and everything in between. Now, I feel energized, rejuvenated, and excited to be able to assist in America's first revolution since the one that set us apart from Great Britain! Obama is a candidate who I feel can be the first politician to live up to his campaign promises. If he gets elected it will be a historic moment not because he's the first Black president but because he will be the first politician ever to actually be an honest, positive, uncorruptable presence in the oval office. OBAMA 2008! A true awakening of our hopes for change.

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REACTIONS

Holy S**t!! That was spectacular! I'm moved & motivated & believe in change WE ALL can make happen!!

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This is an old person car, everything turns on automatically. - Annette

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I felt bad for giving my support for a candidate that I knew very little about, but it seems fate or the cosmos or just THE WORLD guided me toward this positive power within a man. I will no longer let myself be distracted, giving my focus and power to share with others and better assist myself, my community, my state, my nation, and my planet. Empowerment: a gift from B. Obama 3-21-08 Eugene OR 10:44pm

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@ the Shari's, with Matt and Adam, back in the Cor, 11:42pm

Amazing. Inspiring. NOT owned by corporate interests. NOT in it for himself. CARING. GOOD PLANS AND IDEAS. For as incredible as he is, it's weird that it's such a foreign concept to have a GOOD, GENUINE candidate for pres. He's MY candidate. For students. For the environment. For everyone. Everyone for Obama. '08. - Annette

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I have never been so overcome with emotion simply from someone talking! He gives me hope for tomorrow! I pray nothing happens to him!

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First of all - Annette is my lover!

My experience today was different from the rest of you. I support Hillary Clinton. I don't really have strong feelings towards Obama but however I believe he is a good guy. I was at a potluck for Alternative Spring Break because I am a good person like that. I was riding downtown (Corvallis) and I passed American Dream Pizza where Obama was getting dinner. It was exciting to see that he was in town. What I noticed was that people are very active politically. It really hit me that it is really important to people. They were throwing themselves at him and looking in on him as he was eating. What I realized from today is how active people are. I wish I could have gone to hear him speak because I would love to hear that perspective.

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To believe in the beauty of the unadulterated hope - is quite the awe-inspiring moment that power the movement for change. -Alisha

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What an amazing day! I feel so inspired and filled with hope for the future! Obama rocks!

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After a week of reflection, I've come to the realization that we truly can make a difference on the direction of this country. Barack said that it's so easy to be negative and be against something. It is much harder to support something and take a stand. I'm challenging myself to do that, I hope others who read this will do so too. Barackus with your caucus out baby!!

...heaven...

...a perpetual Christmas, or (if you prefer) New Year's Party: soft lighting; Michael Buble and similar good-feeling, warm, cheery music filling the evening; endless wine (shiraz & shiraz/cab blends...mmm!), champagne, hot buttered rums and other delicious drinks; family; old friends; new friendly faces; delectable finger foods and desserts...that's what MY heaven would like look...

How I live my life:

• I buy cookies and candy bars from Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, always. Pay it forward and all that, plus it's win-win: helping kids out AND getting something delicious! I WAS a Girl Scout, so they're the sentimental favorites, but I give everyone an equal chance, plus my brother was a Boy Scout. But I steer clear of those crazy Campfire kids...they're crazy.
• I care about politics. I'm hopeless: I can't help getting passionate and active. Today, for instance, I canvassed around Corvallis for Barack Obama, MY candidate for the pres. 2008.
• I drink wine. Even if I'm by myself, just trying to relax and not think about taxes.
• I read. There's a lot of good stuff out there. I have so far to go!
  

Barack and roll!

Friday night: saw Barack Obama speak some amazing words with some treasured friends, both new and old. A. MAZING! He lives up to all the hype: eloquent, electrifying, energized, and right on on so many points and levels. I made a book, which I may publish up here, in which I had some friends, some random people write their thoughts, on Barack or anything at all. It was amazing because it got me engaged in conversation with some really neat people. Well, I went to see BARACK OBAMA speak, so it was a given that I would be surrounded by some pretty neat people! Two things were confirmed: I love people, and Barack is my candidate.

The next day my mom and I picked my brother up from the airport! It's always awesome to see him. We drove to Bend and that night I went out to a bar with my little bro for the first time ever! Happy 21 a little late Miles! The next day (yesterday) he was looking pretty sharp in his Class A uniform, even though everybody else in his friend's wedding party were wearing tuxes or (I hate to say it) hideous bridesmaid's dresses. Cherie was gorgeous though.

BEST DAY EVER!!!!!! slash Horrible Hook-ups: Phone Calls That Should Never Be Made

One. I've been making plans all day for the trip to Eugene tomorrow to see BARACK OBAMA speak! It's going to be off the chizzain. 4-7 people I LOVE and me waiting for hours to see the most eloquent man of our time speak LIVE! I'm peeing myself at the moment!!!!

Two. My brother calls at exactly 6:01pm to inform me that he indeed WILL be coming home the DAY AFTER TOMORROW!!!! This after we were all excited that he would be coming home only to find out that his leave had been denied. SHIT! I started crying in front of clients. It was weird/bad news bears/awesome! Another reason I'm peeing myself and better start mopping up soon!

Three. AS IF THAT WEREN'T ENOUGH! Luke's party (in homage to Nicholas' horrible hair...: I hope someone burned that shit by now!) happened. HAPPENED! Oh shit was that shit happenin'! LOVE to Luke, Michael, Rocky, Tanzi, Phil the Shit, Scotty, Sophia, Chelsea, Ingrid, Tristen, Alisha, Nnamdi, Bisola, Monte, Matt, Dau, Shawn and ALL the hotties on the dancefloor tonight!

LOVE is spelled L-G-B-T. Truth is what I speak right now.

And finally, a final thought: when walking home drunk and lonesomeish by oneself at night (only because you're "one," and no one else is with you, not because you're particularly lonely or lonesome), don't, repeat DON'T call anyone you have any slight inkling to call. It was a horrible hook-up you're only thinking back to at the moment because it actually HAPPENED, and not because it was particularly good or wonderful, and so in all circumstances and cases SHOULDN'T be called. Pride yourself in going it alone, your own way, without crutches. Pride yourself in forging ahead, proudly and strongly and bravely alone. Pride yourself,...and don't under ANY circumstances, call ANYONE who isn't related or "related" to you. 'Nuff said.

Write, write, always write. Goo d night.

Sweet Home Alabama? Obama's coming to my home!

I may be going to Alabama in a month. With my mom to visit my brother. That's one good thing about my brother being in the army; for him I'm going to fabulous locales like Oklahoma and Alabama and discovering a side of America I never knew...(or ever needed to, really)...

Honestly, though, I would welcome the experience. I've never been to the South, and I always relish the opportunity to get out of my "blue state, 5th-smartest-city-in-the-country, college campus, very liberal" environment and point of view to see how other Americans are living and thinking the way they do (if at all...some blog comments I've been seeing lately lead me to believe that many 'Mericans don't have a brain to speak of). And meeting other people in the Army and their families is always interesting. I guess it's really happening then: my brother is going to Iraq.

Today is the 5 year anniversary of the war in Iraq. My brother enlisting has really forced me to identify my stance on the whole thing. I support the soldiers and their families, but I would never call this a "just" cause, or attempt to justify the reasons we are over there. I DON'T stand by the current president or administration at all, but that is no reason to take it out on the soldiers. Some of them were driven to the armed forces as their only option because of forces out of their control (lagging economy, little opportunity or education, etc.). Even the ones who do want to "kill, kill, kill;" they didn't make the authorizing decision to be over there in the first place. so until they do something stupid to actually upset me, I've got no beef with them.

In other news I'm going to see Sen. Barack Obama speak the day after tomorrow in Eugene!!!! I'm so excited! An historic moment, whoever turns out to be the Democratic nominee, whoever is elected president. Barack out with your caucus out, baby!

Here we go!

TODAY: I decided I'm voting for Barack Obama, in the primaries and the general elections. For multiple reasons, the first being: he has good experience, gives off good vibes, and therefore is who I have judged to be the best candidate. I don't want my fabulously-feminist family members to interpret this as a betrayal. I mean, don't we want our first woman president to make it there on her own, and not use her husband (e.g. "wife-of-the-president" status as official experience) to get there? This isn't about identity politics here, this is about who has the most change potential. But would I vote for Hillary if she gets the nomination? Hell yes! Democrats who say they'll vote for McCain (or not at all) over Hillary are crazy stupid.
TOMORROW: I'm getting my thesis printed.
FRIDAY: I'm graduating!
THE NEXT DAY: The world.