This was a fun week. An eXtreme week, even. A bunch of workmates and I went up to Sand Point to jump a bike into Lake Washington over and over again. Oodles of fun! Homeboy Jon made it, with help of our young work mascot Tyler, complete with floating bicycle (it was the extra layer of styrofoam over the frame and inflated inner tube in the front spokes that made it complete). Why describe it when you can watch the highlights? I can't believe I made that noise. Y'know, it's been way too long since I've posted a video up here...

I saw Circus Contraption packing up their stuff for the big trip to NY - I wanted to stop and help them, but then I remembered I was exhausted from jumping into a lake multiple times. Everybody in NY, go see them! Give them all your money! Hey, they have a forum now, too.

To follow-up on the eXtremeness, this Saturday was the Ewing and Clark summer picnic, of which I am both obligated and glad to attend. Traditionally the web team does something fun beforehand, and this year was no different - we went out to this hidden, secret lake you'll never find (unless you look here). Note that we chose the side of the lake you have to hike 20 minutes to get to - not the side with roads. I hear that side's for lame-os.

Anyway - there was plenty of rope-swing diving and death tree climbing. To explain the death tree - this tree goes up about 60' or so above the lake, with flimsy little wooden steps nailed into it every 3' or so. Jason met his destiny and climbed a good 30' or so (maybe a little more? 40?), as did the fearless Joey, both jumping into the lake. I also made the climb, but since I value my own life quite a bit I didn't climb that far. However, I did go off the miniature rope swing (which involved me climbing about 6' above my comfort zone (as if there was a comfort zone) to grab the rope, and then climb 6' back down). I swung out and flew into the lake - wow, that was something. You had to be there. Terrifying, yet exhilarating. Fear Factor really would be harder than it looks.

My favorite new word? MEGAFAUNA!

What else is up - I've decided that I am indeed going to Hawaii for Christmas! I will be poor and starving to afford the ticket, but I'm looking forward to an amazing trip there with Alice.

This morning I was blessed with EBNY's Kung Fu movie! Although I'm sure it's much more entertaining if you're enrolled in the South East Asian Studies Summer Institute, it's still fun, and I even learned a little about the Vietnamese language. Did you know it's quite different, depending if you're from the North, South, or Central region of the country? I do now, thanks to Cung Phu.

Bumbershoot is this weekend! I'm excited! I'm definitely going Saturday, and may go another day (Sunday? MAPH is that day, hmm... and Common would be cool). And, Panda has now taken up permanent residence in this city - congratulations. Tomorrow I shall take him to Fry's, a store that is guaranteed to make him wet himself.

Today was a bummer day - I found myself extra emotional. And who's along for the ride? Ben Gibbard, that's who. Thanks Ben. Thanks for making this depressing song, which absolutely refuses to leave my head. Way to go. If I turn into an emo kid right before Bumbershoot I'm going to be... all emo about it.

Have I found a long-lost German cousin?