Memories

What if our experiences

left physical marks on our bodies

as it does on canyon walls

and exposed tree trunks?

Imagine interpretations made by future archeologists,

sorting out the effects of

wind,

water,

and light.

S.W.C.

We're going to keep doing stupid things

until we're done.

You'll think about it everyday

until one day you don't.

It'll always hurt until

one day

it won't.

Eastern Sierra Range

Glacier lakes over 11,000 feet.

Cold and inviting,

every single pore

open and ready to receive

the burn.

Distant sounds:

The constant swoop and curve of the water over rocks.

Sweet treble.

Rocks sharply sliding downwards heavy with age, sun, and the slow movement of the earth.

Muted bass.

The wind snaking through your clothes. Your hair following the notes.

Idyllwild

Silence is deafening,

but our voices carry.

We're covered

in a thin layer of dust

with smoke in our hair.

Pictures or it didn't happen.

You can only take our word for it.

Up on Suicide Rock,

we forget the aches

and breathe deeply.

AIDS LifeCycle

A card I received in the mail from my parents, bless their hearts – no one knows how to insult, congratulate, and ignore proper grammar in sutble ways like Asian parents.

Dear Bee [family nickname],

Since we raised you, we know that you’re not a physical girl.

But for you to complete the bicycle ride for AIDS LIFECYCLE in June 2009 SF --> LA 545 miles.

"It was beyond our believe and our imagination!" [sic]

Congratulation to our Little Girl!

Love Always,

M + D Kliengklom

Bonneville Salt Flats

the air is different here.

this is what it must feel like to be in a desert.

i'll take your picture

of you

taking a picture.

you say there's nothing to focus on...

the white expanse sharpening your features

as you squint and smile.

Bear Lake, Utah

one man's abandoned property is where

another's treasures

are found.

pull off here

there is something I want to

take a picture of.

look,

it looks better in real life. 

South Dakota

Memories are made in South Dakota.

Road side stops.

Detours just because.

Sometimes all you can do is roll down the windows

and just listen to the road.

Fight or Flight

i'll take off for a while

to build up my strength

Why Moms are Kinda the Best

On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 7:48 AM, Tattiya Kliengklom wrote:

Oh yeah, and she gave me a $25 gift card to Red Lobster. I gave her a big hug. There's no way in the world she could have known that RL is my guiltiest of all pleasures, the cement that holds together the bond of a near and dear friend, Liz Albertson (located in Knoxville, TN), and I together whilst landlocked in Madison, WI, unless, of course, my contention that the cheshire moon was smiling specifically for me was true. Big sigh!    

Can you say Crab Crackin' Monday?

Tattiya

From Villes to Boroughs to Burghs

The trees change from lush greens and reds and purples

to reveal rusty patches.

my heart pounds through steel to rubber to cement to earth

through bare black arteries, branching veins and thin capillaries

blurring and softening the gray skyline.

It just might be a crackhead, got a hold of the WRONG stuff.

Adventure with Crackheads / Austin, TX

So... Adriana and Marie were enlisted to offer $5 haircuts at 1808 during SXSW. Simple enough? I volunteered to get the ball rolling. Adriana gave me a very sweet french braid that wrapped around my head earlier during the day (trust, it was cute), and the plan was to get a bitty trim and re-braid. Trim? Done. JUST as Adriana starts the french braid, STRAIGHT from the alley, comes SHEILA. In all her glory. All up in Adriana's hands as she's braiding my hair. Choice quotes:

"You gotta wet ALL that."

"You gotta use the comb. Get all that baby hair."

"Here, let me show you."

"You gotta pinch it."

"Baby, am I hurtin' you?"

"I'mma make my own style!"

"Ooh, if you were here yesterday, I would have given you microbraids, with a little bead at the end."

"When you go back to LA, and you just take them our with your fingers, your hair's gonna be CURLY curly."

The way Sheila was yanking my shit and talking, I thought it couldn't be anything else but the bomb biggety, but what she gave me was straight. up. DOOKIE. braids. WITH... 4 little rat tails at the end. She worked so hard on my hair, Adriana and I both felt uncomfortable telling her that I look like a broke-ass, first time Midwesterner visiting Nassau / RZA. AND fools were taking my picture while the shit was going down. So not pumped. 

I even tried to pop my collar to hide my rat tails, unsuccessful. Luckily when I came back to pick up the girls, hair undid, Sheila was back in the alley and did not recognize me... Moral of the story: do not, I repeat, DO NOT let crackies do your hair. Either that, or I need to grow a set of balls, and speak my mind when crackies attempt to cornrow my shit.

           

6:37pm CMT

they say you shouldn't

for fear of what you'll lose

but i did

for as long as i could

red phantom dots accompany me on the walk back

thoughts busy with all that was gained

Think about it.

Newton's Laws of Motion:

1) Every body perseveres in its state of being at rest or of moving uniformly straight forward, except insofar as its compelled to change its state by force impressed.

2) The change of momentum of a body is proportional to the impulse impressed on the body, and happens along the straight line on which that impulse is impress.

3) For a force there is always an equal and opposite reaction; or the forces of two bodies on each other are always equal and are directed in opposite directions.

Pop, Lock and Drop it

Scene from Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA

Bitter / Sweet

Main Entry: bit·ter

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English biter

Date: before 12th century

1 a: being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops b: distasteful or distressing to the mind

2: marked by intensity or severity: a: accompanied by severe pain or suffering b: being relentlessly determined c: exhibiting intense animosity d (1): harshly reproachful (2): marked by cynicism and rancor e: intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness

3: expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret

 

Main Entry: sweet

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English swete

Date: before 12th century

1 (1): pleasing to the taste (2): being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is typically induced by disaccharides and is mediated especially by receptors in taste buds at the front of the tongue

2 a: pleasing to the mind or feelings b: marked by gentle good humor or kindliness c: fragrant d (1): delicately pleasing to the ear or eye (2): played in a straightforward melodic style e: saccharine, cloying f: very good or appealing

3: much loved

4 a: not sour, rancid, decaying, or stale b: not salt or salted c: free from excessive acidity —used especially of soil d: free from noxious gases and odors e: free from excess of acid, sulfur, or corrosive salts

5: skillful, proficient 

Astrological

Sun Sign: Cancer

Moon Sign: Leo

Ascendent: Leo

Very interesting. 

Rhetorical

It's not rocket science 

or even algebra

to know that

the unasked question

is never asked

because you already know the answer.

Road to Tarabithia

I don’t even know that this movie/book is about or if it's even the name of the movie, but it connotes some epic shit, and on the real, that’s what we were on.

To start at the beginning:

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

On the eve of this historic day, United States citizens chose Barack Obama as their president-elect. Regardless of political affiliation, this man had to be, and was recognized as shift in the current collective tolerance for how government and the United States represents the American people.

Many others have far eloquent reflections from this very night, but from the ground up in Los Angeles, CA it felt like New Years. The streets were alive with smiles, arms, legs, hands, honks, cries, yelps, hugs, wheels, glass, fire, and smoke.  

Personally, I was in a cozy bar with close friends sharing all of the above, hearts full and heavy, minds completely blown. 

Fast forward less than 2 weeks later and with an email prompt from Liz Albertson, Michelle Garakian and I decide that there is absolutely no reason why we should not be attending Barack Obama’s inauguration.

 And thus the epic 8-day trip begins.

Thursday, January 15, 2009: LAX – ATL – TYS (Knoxville, TN)

Saturday, January 16, 2009: Arrive in DC

Sunday, January 17, 2009: Welcoming Ceremony

Tuesday, January 20, 2009: Swearing in Ceremony

Wednesday, January 21, 2009: Arrive Baltimore

Thursday, January 22, 2009: BWI – ATL – LAX

Thursday, January 15, 2009 

“Hello Stranger”

Somehow our excitement for the impending trip to the East did not translate into making sure everything was packed ahead of time, so once business was handled in that department, we found ourselves at the end of an equation marked

EXCITEMENT 2:00am at 2605 1/2 = two ladies + anticipation (a full pack, nearly 3 bottles of wine, Springsteen on vinyl, Barbara Lewis on loop) - work for the next 8 days

…exponentially increasing as the second hand ticked solidly into the morning hours

It was like the night before you knew you’d be heading to Disney World. We stayed up in anticipation of the things to come. Advice: If you’re going to pull an all nighter for no apparent reason, do not, repeat, DO NOT, switch to red wine after two bottles of white. You will be instantly knocked out and wake up with the most kickingest breath.

Armed with 3 hours of sleep and a healthy buzz, Michelle and I have the esteemed pleasure of having Mo Twine take us to the airport. Not without a stop along the way to (1) pick up forgotten bootleg Obama T-shirt from my house, and (2) croissants, cinny buns, and glazed treats. Apparently, Mo is quite versed in the donut game around town and this particular SpudNuts near USC is so dependably delicious that it also doubles over as Mo’s office and conference room. TCB.

“Bucktoof Bitch”

Recovered SMS conversation 

Michelle: Me too. I could kill that bucktoof bitch.

Tattiya: Yo, why they always got the most scurryest broad to be the manager type?

Michelle: i’m so hungover this is a test from god.

Tattiya: dude i'm trying not to pass out right now.

Michelle: Shanzi has it. En route.

Tattiya: yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

Michelle: You on board?

Michelle: Are you flying? I’m gonna stalk that ho

Michelle: FUCK THAT BITCH

Michelle: See you fools at 1046pm. Fuck these assholes.

Michelle: In coldlanta, leaving at 950 for knx. Be in by 1046. See ya then. Delta is for ho’s. 

One expired license and expired passport later, Michelle was en route to Knoxville, TN. In the 1.5 hour between when I arrive to an unusually cold Knoxville (coldest day in 6 years!), Liz and I manage to experience Thai food and two Johnnie Walker Black Labels neat. $5.75. Goddamn.

Once we come back to home base, wine flowed and pizza was consumed while Liz let us experience her “Sister Wife” (read: Mormon) wig. It was perfect for Liz, sassy on Michelle, and made me look like a pretty pony. Did that stop us from tromps-ing around channeling Southern charm? Chris Buckner, affectionately nicknamed “Chrissy”, Liz’s roommate was not ready for us. 

“Chrissy’s Southern Style Dorito Salad Recipe”

Layer Cool Ranch Doritos in a casserole pan.

Layer room temperature refried beans.

Layer grated cheese.

Layer Pace Picante or other nasty salsa.

Layer sour cream.

Another layer of Cool Ranch Doritos.

Sprinkle with scallions, black olives, and a can of Ro*Tel.

Serve immediately.

----------------------------------

Knoxville, TN

I’ve had the pleasure twice now to visit this city and it never ceases to entertain. This time I had the extreme pleasure of seeing it through the eyes of another experiencing the city for the first time. For Michelle, as for I, it was love at first site. We were educated, amazed, befriended, and of course, well fed and thoroughly intoxicated.  

I found myself apologising upon leaving to a friend, “I’m sorry that I came in like a whirlwind or Tazmanian Devil for a day and a half and leaving carnage in the wake of my quick escape.” He said he kind of liked it that way, and I realized that I kind of do too.

Knoxville Set #1                     Knoxville Set #2                         TN to DC

Washington, DC

I came to here to do one thing… Bear witness. Unfortunate for me, I was sick the entire DC trip as my lymph nodes always revolt when there is a drastic change in temperature. That did not stop me, however, from putting all the clothes I had with me on my body and braving the cold to see history in the making.

I feel like when I try to describe this experience, I end up sounding like a mash up between child talking about her father’s job responsibilities – I can’t say that I’m 100% sure I know what he’s in charge of or how much power he actually has, but I do know that his responsibilities are immense, vast, and amazing – a really sentimental, idealistic girlfriend of some famous musician – in awe of how his presence and craft can evoke so much visceral emotions – or a crackhead – we needed some of that good shit BAD and I’m ready to go the distance for this fool if only he’ll give us what we want.   

On the real, Barack Obama had me wide open.

First line about the opening ceremony in the Washingon Post, “Rap fans danced to country music…” When Garth Brooks singing “Shout” has thousands of people twisting down to a hunch, whispering “A little bit softer now…” and Stevie Wonder is vocalizing Barack Obama’s name, it sweeps you up and you can’t help but be optimistic.

Inauguration day was emotional, intense, and surreal. Taking the Metro and walking to the Capitol after waking up at 5am was sobering and intoxicating at the same time – was this really happening and yes, this is happening; people of earlier generations as well as mine own doubting that this event would take place in their lifetime. Elders turning to the very young saying, “See, you can do whatever you want.” Tears in trickles and floods. Boos for Bush, Hallelujahs and Amens for the benediction from all denominations, and pure enegry from the crowd. Navigating our way to the Silver section (we had tickets, hwhat?!), I leaned over the side of a highway filled with human bodies lined up and yelled, “What color are your tickets?” A resounding “PURPLE” and cheers instantaneous produced smiles all around. People were supremely pumped.

I, personally, always had a mixed relationship with being American. I was born on the Fourth of July and was the first generation raised in America as opposed to Thailand. Here people want to know my heritage, nationality (American, fool!), and ethnicity, but everywhere else in the world I’m an American. I believe in Buddhist teachings, but want a white wedding in a Church. I never said “God” during the Pledge of Allegence, but I love the way the American flag looks, red, white, and blue. I believe the underlying principles in which our nation is based are noble, but I am aware of the circumstances that lead the American people to collectively develop in a certain way. I love the United States and desire more for it at the same time. But, on this day – January 20^th – I was afford the time and space to believe that we are on our way to make the United States a better place, not just for Americans, but also as active participants in the larger world. Obama’s speech lingers in my mind and while I can say with confidence that he is not our savior, his ideals and goals are one that I would also strive and sacrifice for. I believe that he has our best interests in mind and hot damn, he has a long road ahead. As with all other important things in my life, I try not to have high expectations – I believe he’s going to do the best he can while serving the American people.

Side note: The Obama schwag was top notch. 

Washington DC Set # 1 Washington DC Set # 2 Washington DC Set #3

Baltimore, MD

Amy (parahase): Baltimore was voted one of the ugliest cities in the United States – not really the city, but the people in it. I never thought I was hot, but when I walk into a bar, I’m pretty intimidating.

City of Scrapple, I hardly knew thee, but I would love to have you open up to me and show me what you got. Until next time…

Washington DC / Baltimore Set # 1

Many thanks to the Knoxville Crew: Liz, Chris, Travis, David, and Brian, DC Crew: Kara and Alex, and Baltimore's Finest: Amy, for being amazing hospitable; we are forever indebted to you.

Two

of my favorite words:

Precise
Pronunciation: \pri-ˈsīs\
Function: adjective

Etymology:
Middle English, from Middle French precis, from Latin praecisus, past participle of praecidere to cut off, from prae- + caedere to cut
Date: 15th century

1 : exactly or sharply defined or stated
2 : minutely exact
3 : strictly conforming to a pattern, standard, or convention
4 : distinguished from every other

Concise
Pronunciation: \kən-ˈsīs\
Function: adjective

Etymology:
Latin concisus, from past participle of concidere to cut up, from com- + caedere to cut, strike
Date: circa 1590

: marked by brevity of expression or statement : free from all elaboration and superfluous detail

Reference from Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online.