Like An Animal In A Trap.

Petty internecine conflict and dispute continues to ravage the office. Bickering and small stabs pervade the simplest of exercises. What baffles me more than anything is the way people covet and scrape over the meanest of things. An office here. A title here. One cretinous lout apparently expressed interest in my salary. This was conveyed to me by one of my peeps. I thought people that tacky were imaginary characters on television, and bad television at that, but I was wrong.

What's more, and what they don't seem to grasp is that I'm merely a pencil pushing functionary. An exceedingly efficient and gifted pencil pushing functionary, but functionary nonetheless. Why the need to turn it into bloodsport?

I mean of all things to make a hot spectacle about? Falling all over oneself so anxious to make a point or prove someone wrong. So impulsively that the only thing that is actually revealed is the person's inability or refusal to figure the problem out themselves. "No manners in the ordinary sense".

But whatevs. That's what Friday's are for. Ultra sweet Bones last night that almost brought a tear to my eye. The flickering box has been quite moving lately. Enjoying the new Beach House album and the album art brings to mind Zinka.

Her Stunning Defeat.

So I am going to admit something. I was a little moved by the President's State of the Union speech. Honestly, and I'm not being sarcastic. I even got a little teary eyed. I think maybe it's because I was a little drunk, but I honestly needed to in order to get through the last eight State of the Unions and it kinda just stuck. Like steeling myself before the dawn.

There were some serious sour pusses in the audience. They just sat there all frowning n'shit. I can't imagine what their problem was. I for one was just relieved I didn't have to think about what the President had said three sentences ago and could just passively listen to the speech. His words flowed, but more importantly they conveyed coherent thoughts that one didn't have to piece together. It was quite refreshing. The cadence of his voice lacked that irritating tone where you just know the speaker doesn't totally understand all the words they've been asked to say. I shouldn't say irritating. It's not irritating in nine year old reciting Shakespeare, but again refreshing.

Thumbs Up.

Let's Call It An Affront To My Diginity.

The stupidness is coming hot and quick this morning. And it’s coming in waves. Didn’t even have time to open my mailbox this morning. Maybe just not the desire. It was waiting for me in the printer this time. Things that make you say “Jesus, are you serious?”. The mailbox is another story entirely, but one so indecent it belongs in a back alley somewhere.

Still outrageously excited about curling and the comically adorable John Morris. As Angela from Bones would say he’s about as “cute as a monkey petting a puppy”. He in fact may be the Derek Jeter of curling. He is about the only thing that has ever made me excited about the Olympics spectacle. The only thing save Alexie Nemov, but I digress. To place it in perspective, if I can, it is quite huger than the girls downstairs bringing lunch from Chipotle. Which they are in fact doing today.

Thoughtfulness On Display.

Hurry hurry tiny peeps!

This size small Burkman Brothers jacket is on sale at Ron Herman. $72.50 marked down the universe from $290.00. This would make a nice summer weight addition for some small framed person. Hurry! Pretty sure Ron Herman has free shipping if you buy enough gear. Hurry!

An Emerging Schism.

So I got a little caught up watching curling of all things this weekend and for a brief second I wondered why on Earth I was gettting so wrapped up. The tiniest of moments that is.

Just another thing to get consumed with.

Wouldn't Refuse If You Asked.

Just the idea of five floors of ultra tasteful and gorgeous luxury goods has me feeling a bit weak this Monday morning. I seriously have episodes every time I walk into one of these shops. Hermes. The first ever Hermes MAN shop will be opening shortly on Madison Avenue in New York and I'm left wondering if a trip to Merry Ole' is still in my immediate future or rather some ferociously extravagant retail therapy might be a better option. [Selectism]

Quick Succession And Last.

Another spooky episode of Bones which despite the need for some serious script editing was quite fresh. I really don't think Jacqueline Kennedy was wearing a Chanel suit. And last week, I really don't think someone of Dr. Brennan's intelligence would refer to immigrants as aliens. But at least they are staying out of the courtroom this season. That's when the show seriously goes off the rails.

Iced the Facebook account, but am not dropping all social networking. This was a big reason why. But not the only reason. Keeping the more specialized social networks, and avoiding the broad spectrum networks. Twittering obviously. This way I can see what a friend is say eating or watching, but I'm not constantly reading updates about Jesus and the Lawd and trips to the post office. Better this way. Facebook is a lot like signing someones yearbook. Over and over and over and over again. And then again. At least for me anyway. Maybe I wasn't doing it right?

Drinks with Pony and the crew after work should set the weekend off on the right foot. Prolly need to catch the movie Legion tomorrow since it just looks spooky, and I'm all about the spooky.

I Will Find What I'm Looking For.

I kinda took a spell at work yesterday as I think I may have indicated I might and there was a moment where I ceased to respond to emails textually, but rather responded with particular baseball pics I thought recommended my response. Then we all got an "important policy reminder" about internet usage n' shit. Although in my defense someone was "caught" researching hyper sexuality on wikipedia all day long so I'm not the only culprit. I mean I can understand looking up hyper sexuality, but how long do you honestly need to wrap your mind around it? This is what the Jesus phone is for people!

Oh I'd Put That Down If I Were You.

Do you ever have those mornings where you wake up just spoiling for a fight and you think to yourself it might be best for all considered if you just stayed away from the office? I certainly have had such a morning yet unfortunately for everyone considered I'm here at the office ready to have at it. There is one insufferable carbie that troddles his fat arse in around 10:30. Actually knows everything about everything and will never be quiet about it. Goes on and on making a type-A spectacle of himself all up and down the floor. And it must be so challenging for him working with people he considers so far beneath his intelligence. And in point of fact he can do wondrous things with excel spreadsheets and psr files, but otherwise has no manners in the ordinary sense. Just blathers about subjects that couldn't possibly be of interest to anybody. He clumsily tried my patience yesterday by asking me a pointless and unnecessary question right as I was getting ready to leave. Dumb overfed lout made mention that it was about time for me to be leaving so his actual intentions were inexplicably made plain. Not much for subtlety this guy. Now all I can seem to think about is his misfortune. Ways in which to bring it about that is.

The Sense Of Loss Was Expected.

All of this has happened before and all of this will happen again. Portentous words I have to keep reminding myself of. Shall we call this the Jared Hansen experience I really don't know? I think we shall at least until we find a more suitable name. Something I never lack which always escapes people around me is, wait for it, perspective. But as I sit there and soak it all in, the bitterness, hatred and contempt thrown at my general direction but never directly at me where once I found it so baffling I'm beginning to find it nourishing. Invigorating even?

____________________________________________

Thrifting this weekend was a real boon! Some joint was having a close out deal on khakis so I picked up three shades. Perhaps a little early, but I have the feeling that this summer is going to be dressed in khaki. Shopping, cooking and Sherlock Holmes. Refused to give in to the temptations of the gym. The gardeners were not observing Martin Luther King day so that gave me something to enjoy over my coffee and Country Life. Immensely bummed that my "local record shop" has moved 27 blocks away. Curious walk on a gorgeous day to request an album that is apparently "MP3 only". Serious puddles. Was informed at the last moment on Friday that today would be a big suit and tie to-do at work which is actually quite merciful since I was in no condition to coordinate separates this morning after a rather exuberant weekend.

Flaws In Perception.

Fresh new Bones last night! Very fresh indeed. I think The X In The File may be the best episode since the Science in the Physicist last year. A definite high point of the season thus far. Can't wait to get home and watch it again! Silly work day to get through and all.

I didn't just come, but I threw myself out of the closet at work and declared my love of all things Bones to everyone in earshot who had the oppotunity to look up from their luminescent spreadsheet. I think everyone understood and took it quite well. There was some loathesome wretch that asked me if it were anything like CSI. My reaction should on no account be shared for posterity.

Although I've only been to work two days this week I still feel like I've earned this long weekend! Miss Marple Murder Mysteries all around y'all!

There Will Be No Recovery.

"What wonders and delights could this day possibly have in store for me?" is what I muttered as I flopped out of my bed. Muffin looking up at me. Like I was food. I patted his head and I think this gesture may have bought me one more day.

Pony no longer works in my office, and I thought that when she left they would start being a lot nicer to me. And in a sense they are, however, I just don't think they can help being douchebags. It's just something in their nature. Kinda like muffin and the toilet paper. There's no sense getting frustrated when you come home to a house strewn with toilet paper when the solution is as simple as buying extra toilet paper... Every problem has a solution.

So for now it is steady perseverence, some digital badinage, lunch at Mae Phim and of course a "bracing dose of hatred and contempt". - To Play The King

Forgot Your Place In The Food Chain.

Rather nasty bout with some type of sinus or ear infection or whatever has left me out of the loop for a while. Barely just caught up with my work emails.

Went to see A Single Man on Sunday and parts of it looked and sounded like a Chanel commercial. The clothes were really nice. Well, I suppose anything not coordinated with a pair of Red Wing boots is refreshing at this point. Julianne Moore was as annoying as I've ever seen her, but an altogether pleasant experience. The theater was packed and some of the audience interaction I felt was inappropriate.

I came home and dug out my copy of the book. I read it so long ago that the book mark was (wait for it) a debate flow. I'm sure the point of the movie and book is to make you feel old, but I have to say I felt the chilly breath of a conspiracy about me. Although at that point I think it was the fever talking : (

Artificial Transactions Made Open.

I believe I mentioned the sadness and hopelessness Compadre and I experienced recently when we discovered that our beloved crisp bean burrito purveyor Taco Time had unceremoniously moved off of Capitol Hill. Yes, I most certainly do believe I mentioned it.

Yesterday I discovered that a rather oblique comment I made to no one in particular prompted a response from Taco Time or "TT" as they signed their message. Apparently TT has every intention of moving back onto the Hill and it's just an unfortunate combination of development aspirations and toxic waste that forced the move from this site. Not the economy for once. Of course the building which some people admire as this and that and blah blah blah has to go at once. We understand that removal should begin by the end of the month and testing of the ground soil can begin in earnest.

Good news. I think. I'm not sure how much I should be worried about the toxic waste that has been lurking under TT since 1965 and what my potential exposure is having eaten all of the burritos over the last decade. I certainly don't think I would have advised TT to circulate this article to concerned and loyal patrons, but that just me. Whatever the case TT best move fast if they have any intention of ever remaking their dent in the Capitol Hill semi-fast Tex-Mex food market share. I recently discovered this joint Chipiotle which is just heaven in a wrap, and it's just downtown. All they have to do is open one on the Hill and all sense of proportion will be lost forever. I could not possibly overstate this point.

When The Pot Dealer Happens To Have Ecstacy.

Needed to kill some time before my hair appointment so I ducked into The Comet for a quick beer and some reading. Mac & Jacks (which apparently isn't brewed locally?) and a healthy dose of dive bar grime. Waylon Jennings blaring on the jukebox, and the regulars are handing around some kind of sports bracket. The place really is filthy.

Get to the salon with some moments to spare so I read some more. There are two guys in there with the loudest voices you have ever. They are screaming (not speaking, screaming) about how one of them just got a big promotion and their company is now a legitimate company, my hair girl says that her dog was killed on Friday by a careless driver and she wants to move into a condo. The goons bellow about how this is the absolute best time to buy, their place in the gentrifying ghetto is superb and what a deal they got, two bedroom and 2 and a half (yes and a half) baths, went into some finer details of financing, inspections, and online property searches. None of this mind you was spoken in a normal voice. It was screamed as though one were trying to speak over a hair drier. But there was no hair drier. Just the din. And none of it registered the remotest note of kindness or empathy.

My girl finally got the douches out the door so we could have a nice talk about her poor lost dog. The dog hated me and would always bark at me, but I could tell she was shaken up.

A Photograph Of Justin On The Sidewalk.

The paucity of news, media and blogging is leaving even TMZ posting pics of Derek's tummy. You see he has a tummy? Always like me some Derek. I find his casual dismissal of washboard abs somewhat refreshing, but I'd hardly call it news. After scrolling though several stories this was, however, the only one with a celebrity I recognized.

Kids at work have been yapping over the new google phone with the stupid name. The name where you just want to scream "To the moon and back!" every time you hear it. The Nexus One is the iphone killer that looks really stupid. Not as cool as an iphone. Looks like one of the pads from season 2 and 3 of Star Trek Voyager. Which isn't good. Who wants to be seen typing shit into that. Like a prop resembling an iphone on a sound stage where you just know you ain't getting coverage.

One of my carbies was just too excited and declared that 10 years ago no one had ever heard of google, and I had to be like, that isn't entirely true. It's not really the same thing if the tree is falling in the woods and you happen to be one of the few people not to hear it. The implications are not the same you see. It could have been ugly, but I was in my Wellies and ready to kick nerd butt. Nerd butt the size of the side of a barn I might add.

It's Always Jacked Somewhere.

For some reason I woke up yesterday and was all about Dries Van Noten. Spent a few spare moments yesterday browsing the web as I've been known to do and I come across this lovely bluish wool cardigan which is only $150 marked down from $495 over at South Willard. It was a little rough going as very few places are stocking Dries at the moment which is pants by the way. But anyway and best of all they have it in a M which means "me"! I'm noticing a converse relationship between the degree to which something is senselessly hyped and one's ability to find awesome deals. Although I'm also a bit slow figuring this stuff out.

I've really been getting into this Irish sporting brand Dubarry. They naturally have ads all up and down Country Life, but they are yet to make a serious appearance on any of the afore referenced McBlogs. This is a momentary phenomenon I'm sure as they seem to be clinging onto anything with an air of heritage and hunting.

CL recently ran a nice article featuring various hip flasks. They didn't actually include this leather covered stainless steel number, but I stumbled upon it and me thinks I like! Ultimately I may have to go with the Highgrove. Or maybe just both!

I Will Be Good.

As promised and despite the uncooperative nature of King County Metro the first thing I did in 2010 was see The Young Victoria. And it was simply enchanting! But no, no Oscar for Ms. Blunt is her name I found out. Midway through I remembered Judi Dench in Mrs. Brown and was quite relieved this movie doesn't go into any of that. It's hard for me to separate the movie from the countless books I've read from Weintraub to E.F Benson to Longford, but I was a little pleased that I was by myself. I think I had a special appreciation for the subject matter... And I kinda went ape-shit on these cretinous goons that insisted on trying to maneuver around me. I won't say what I did, but they ended up walking all the way around the theater to enter the row on the other side. Well away from me I can assure you. Creeps.

Followed that with some sales. Cold Cream Soap at Loccitane, and everything at Barneys was an extra 33% off so I scored a nice Burkman Bros hoodie. Still eyeing the Deth Killers tees, and am seconds away from pouncing on that as they are now on well over 50% discount. They really have nothing to do with my style however.

____________________________________________

Thrifting a bust.

Apartment spic and span although at the cost of "acquiring" another storage unit.

Blazed through the second season of Big Love with boat loads of Miss Marple on the way!

Started reading this book called Wolf Hall. It's also about English people of the past specifically Thomas Cromwell, Wolsey and More and yeah it just hit me that those three jokers have the same name. I first heard about it in the issue of Country Life where they featured all the Booker Prize nominees. I had forgotten all about it when I found it under the tree already having won the prize. Oh Joy! And it's about English people did I mention that? A little strange to be reading fiction after 2 and half years, but the words and such are generally the same. Came up empty handed at the used book store which is probably a good thing as this may keep me occupied for a while. So many descriptions for essential things. Oh well. I guess that's how fiction writers do it. Loquaciously.