Lucky SOB

  It’s an early January morning; the sun is just about to rise. I check my wrist watch…6:23am…only one more minute till shooting time. My buddy looks over at me; we don’t even need to speak…we both know in one minute, we are given full range to shoot us some ducks. We then look out past the brush that’s keeping us camouflaged from the winged creatures above us. The greenish-brown water in front of us is so placid besides the small ripples that we create using our decoy jerk rig. Finally, after the never-ending minute flicks to 6:24am, we know it’s time to scour the skies.

  A whistling sound from the East begins to echo above us. I look at my buddy and whisper, “Get out the calls…we need to work them in.” He begins to give a mallard hail call because as all duck hunters know…you have to make the birds think that where you and your decoys are, is the perfect place to land and rest. And the best way to do is by making them think a variety of birds are already enjoying that spot.

 “Waaint! Waaint! Waaint! Waaint! Waaint!”…the call blows. “Here they come…keep calling them in. Try another call…Nant.Nant.Nant.Nant.Nant.” The birds begin descending in perfect range, wings cupped, ready for a steady landing. “Okay, Take ‘em!” Me and my buddy jolt up out of the duck blind, 12-gauge shotguns loaded and ready to fire as we lock in on the flock of Green-winged Teal birds. I fire first. “Bang! Bang!” Two down…only one shot left in my semi-automatic shotgun…”Bang! Hah! Got another one!” I exclaim in excitement. It’s my buddy’s turn to finish off what’s left. “Boom!..Boom!” Sweet…the last straggling duck plummets into the water. “Tug, go get ‘em!”

  Tug, my eight-month-old puppy looks up at me as if to say, “Are you kidding me?” So with adrenaline still pumping, I scurry out of the well-built blind and carefully wade through the muddy water to collect the ducks that my overly expensive “hunting” dog was supposed to already retrieved for me. Just as I approach the first bird, floating belly up, I hear Tug’s canon ball splash behind me as he jumps into the water to follow. He continues to swim in circles about me as I try to get him to take at least one duck back to the blind. Nope. Not a chance.  My buddy stands on guard as I finish collecting the rest, and I can’t help but laugh that my puppy is still doggy paddling around while still refusing to carry a bird in. “Stubborn shit,” I say under my breath.

   Back in the blind. Time seems to be flying by as the sun continues to rise over us. We haven’t seen any birds in quite some time, but at least the will chill has risen from below freezing to a comfortable forty degrees. Sitting in our portable camo chairs, we continue to look to sky for any migrating birds. This time there’s only two birds heading in our direction. Man, I hope they are Green-heads…or a banded Green-head…that would be even better. I hold my breath as I see that they are flying directly towards our decoy layout. “Pull on the jerk rig. Let’s see if we can get them land in our decoys.” My buddy begins to snap and release on the line. Soon the Mallards get within 40 yards…30 yards…20 yards…then…”Bang!” I knock one sideways. My buddy releases his fire…”Boom! Boom!” His birds tucks and splashes into the water. I try to shoot again while my bird is still in close proximity. “Bang! Bang!” Finally, the bird surrenders to the inevitable and falls from the air. “Wooh!” I yell. Now it’s time to see if I caught myself a banded bird. Of course, Tug refuses to follow my directions and I wind up out in the water once again. As I’m getting closer to where my bird landed, I can’t help but breath heavily, praying that this bird has a shiny silver band around its foot. I start to close in on its location…only an arm distance away by now…I grab the head to lift it out of the water…and what do you know? There is the shiny band I have been dreaming about seeing for years now. “Dude!” I call back to my buddy. “It’s freakin banded! Oh my God! Wooh!!!” My buddy flies out of the blind. “No kidding? You lucky SOB!”  I just stand in the water, scoping out the infamous band, trying to grasp that it only took two years and the last day of duck season to finally get one, and I can’t seem to do anything but contract my facial muscles and smile. “I am a lucky SOB,” I say to myself.

Prompt #5 variation 2: Welcome to the World, Landon

  I can’t believe the day has finally come! Sara (my sister-in-law) has started contractions again for the second time in two days, but we are most definitely sure these aren’t Braxton Hicks contractions…she is being way to vocal for them to be fake. It is the 20^th of October in 2009, as we make our way to the Kaiser hospital in Santa Rosa, California. Bryce (my brother) is driving as safely and as quickly as he can while I sit in the back seat reminding Sara of her breathing techniques and praying she doesn’t hyperventilate.  Even though we were just at the hospital yesterday, and the nurse had told us to come back when Sara’s water broke, we decided with her family history of having to induce labor, it would be smarter for us to come in a second time.  Luckily, we followed our instincts because Sara was admitted at 4 pm that evening, and it must have been seriously not even fifteen minutes before other family members began arriving to show their support and excitement.  Fortunately for Sara, she was placed in a private room to prepare her for the labor so all the family had time to come in and visit while she continued to reach the proper dilation.

  I’ve heard that contractions are the worst part of labor, and seeing Sara bent over trying to bare the pain makes me think that whoever I heard that from, is right. It’s even hard for me to watch, as she struggles through the “miracles of life.” And I can tell my brother is in emotional pain as I watch him try to calm Sara while rubbing her back. I can’t even imagine what he is thinking as he watches his wife bear this burden for which he can’t relieve any of it.  Soon, the clock strikes 8pm and the nurse comes in to give Sara her epidural.  Sara’s face seems more relaxed when the nurse announces what she’s about to do, however, Bryce’s face turns more timid as he turns to see the needle that is about to be plunged into Sara’s back. (He’s always been afraid of needles) Eventually the procedure is over, and Bryce’s attention is once again fully focused on Sara.

  Hours begin to pass…more family members arrive as others leave to prepare for their sleep. Sara is in full spirits, having total enjoyment over not feeling any more pain, and Bryce looks as if he hasn’t slept in days. The clock eventually rotates from 12am to 1am and then the pushing begins…Sara’s mom and my mom each take one of Sara’s sides and do the best they can to help the labor process, giving Bryce full access to Sara in order to calm and talk her through the final stages of labor.  It cracks me up hearing Bryce say, “You’re doing great honey…you’re doing so great…” and then hearing Sara reply, “That’s nice…but stop saying that!” At least there isn’t any profanity being thrown at each other or even punches for that matter. Then…at 2:07am on October 21st, little Landon Carl Fraser is welcomed into the world. 

   Everything happened so quickly...one moment the umbilical cord is being severed and then bam! Landon is being taken to the emergency area because he isn't able to get a full breath and his skin color is not a pinkish color but more of a yellow tint. I hear Sara as she yells to Bryce to make sure he stays with Landon as the nurses take him away, and I watch as Bryce quickly trails behind the OB nurse down the hall. I hope Landon will be alright...maybe he just has a little jaundice and hopefully if there's fluid in his lungs, the hospital staff will correct that. And shortly after, (which probably seems like an eternity to Sara), both Bryce and Landon returned the room, where he was placed in Sara's arms for the first time. I wish I had thought to bring my camera because seeing those three together, as a family, would have been the perfect shot. 

Out with old, In with the new

Before the recessed lighting, before the nature toned paint, before the new double conventional ovens and new dining furniture, there was my mom’s kitchen.  Long ago, before the new upgrades, my mom’s kitchen looked “old school” with her pear and nectarine wallpaper that covered the upper half of the room and the dark blue and white flowered wallpaper on the bottom, which was separated by a thin white wood molding. The floor, which is still the same today as it was back then, is covered with grayish-white 12”x12” square tiles that stretches all the way from the front entrance to the step before the family room. The sink and stovetop are surrounded by small light blue and white tiles for which there are lightly finished cabinets hanging overhead. And with the sliding glass door placed to the right of the “L” shaped counter-top, it left plenty of room for my siblings and me to run in and out of the backyard.

           

I can’t seem to recall very many memories that didn’t involve some movement of the sliding glass doors. There were the times during the summer in which the glass sliding door would be left open but the screen would be shut in order to let in some air without letting all the bugs in. Or there were the times when our cooking ran amuck and the smoke that billowed out had to be released through the sliding glass doors. Or, better yet, I remember the times when the sliding glass doors were opened and shut so frequently due to family campouts in the backyard or during some family event in which all the guests had to use the kitchen doors to get to the backyard BBQ.

Now, further into the kitchen, there is a round wooden table with a country-green stain on the legs that also has matching the chairs; however, growing up, there used to be an adjustable rectangular table that had cracking white tiles on the top of it. During dinner times, each of my family members had their designated chairs to sit out around the table, and unfortunately the person who was asked to sit at the end of the table that backed up to the edge of the kitchen right before the step down into the family room, was usually given a 50/50 chance of falling backwards into the family room. I’m not quite sure why we didn’t figure out a solution to our ordeal sooner, but my brother was always the unfortunate one to take the plunge. I would feel so bad for him every time his chair would slip backwards and off the edge (well at least after the initial laughter stopped), but no matter what he would always take that seat.

I guess it’s a good thing my mom did so much remodeling to the kitchen. Now, instead of worrying about falling off the ledge while enjoying dinner or having to look at fruit on the walls, we get to enjoy a peaceful meal and relaxing atmosphere.

Responses to Week 1

Jesus: After reading all your blogs, I couldn't help but think how great your vocabulary is...I only wish I had the ability to think of words like "peruse" and "vehemently"or "Socratic." But I especially like the fact that your whole blog wasn't filled with intense vocab...you added just enough to prove your intelligence but not bore the reader with words that might not be understood. When reading the 3rd prompt, your attention to detail made me feel like I was actually shaking the author's "trembling" hand with rings digging into my palm...you really know how to draw in a reader. In your blog about Nicole, it was great how you introduced her first and then moved on to a moment between the two of you. The last portion of the blog reminded me of Elizabeth Gilbert's technique of describing her sister without actually putting her on display. The only critique I would give you would be to watch where the quotations are placed like when you talked about Nicole singing to the radio and then jumped into a conversation and then continued with when you guys are available to hang out. But your first piece that you wrote about yourself was very easy to relate to, and it gave a good sense of who you are as a person especially with the ending of the list of songs that you had to listen to in order to finish the blogs...I definitely can relate to that.

Miranda: Your blogs are definitely creative and I can really relate to needing caffeine every day...caffeine is my favorite thing :). In your blog "From the Beginning" I felt like there were a lot of details but not a fluid transition throughout the whole blog.  One paragraph from that blog, that I'm just curious if you wouldn't mind expanding upon, is the second to last paragraph in which you described how people's quarks are fascinating to you...but then you talk about watching someone harming someone else or harming themselves...what did you mean by that? Do the quarks have something to do with that? I'm just interested in hearing more because it really grabbed my attention while reading. Your friend that you describe in "Kellee Renee" seems like an awesome person, and I totally understand the contradiction of your best friend also being your worst enemy...I didn't think about a best friend relationship being like that until I read your blog. In "The Appetizer" your attention to details made me feel like I was actually sitting a table away watching them myself.

Alyssa Beth: First off, your name is so awesome! Alyssa Beth is like a homophone for Elizabeth...it's just so cool. In your first blog, at first glance, I thought your blog was going to be in poem format because your first couple paragraphs looked like a poem. It was an interesting introduction but also a little confusing.  It could have used a little more explanation. As for the MaryLane Porter blog...there was a nice balance of details and explanations. With all the descriptions of MaryLane, it was really easy getting know her on paper. "The Studio" also had great descriptions especially when you made the comment about the confident little girl in the front row of the studio...I felt as if I was watching her myself.

Cold gray-stoned benches

There is a fairly common place that can be found on the Downtown Phoenix campus at ASU, where some students, some smokers, and some passer-byers might go to meet with a friend or rest for a moment. It’s a place in open territory, for which everyone is allowed to use and no one can claim ownership. (Well except maybe ASU) Where is this so freely displayed space you might ask? It is the bench area in between the Ucent and Cronkite buildings.

            Now these benches have probably seen more action then a toilet seat since they are in the direct view of every person walking through the parallel buildings. And if a person were to take a moment to sit on one of these cold, gray-stoned benches, he or she might come to notice the ridiculous amount activity that goes on around them all at once.  At first glance, that person might just consider admiring the obvious…there might be other students or workers or just plain old citizens sitting on the bench next to them as well.  There may also be people sitting around the shiny, round, metal tables across the way or groups of men dressed in athletic attire, on their way to the YMCA for a good cardio workout. And if that person were to be sitting on a specific bench, directly in front of the doors to the Ucent building, facing the Cronkite building, and then look in direction to their left, that person might take notice to the light-rail zooming by while some commuter cars could be stopped at the red light.

            Then, when taking the time to focus on more detail, the person who took the time to rest and observe for a second may begin to admire all of the noises collaborating at once. Now, that person doesn’t just notice the zooming light-rail, but also takes the moment to hear the warning of the light rail horn as it approaches an intersection. The commuter cars no longer just look like any plain vehicles, but like silver Nissan Ultimas and black Honda Civics that have exhaust leaking from the rear pipes as they idle at the stoplight. The people next to them as well, can be identified as students with their ASU identification cards hanging from a lanyard around their necks, as they try to blow their nicotine filled smoke in the opposite direction of where that person is sitting. (But inevitably it follows the wind current that leads in the person’s direction) Eventually the noise of clicking heels on the concrete pavement, followed shortly by the sounds of a roller backpack draw the person’s attention, and leads them to admire the nicely dressed young female as she struts by. While turning away from her direction, the person then stops to glance at the group of ‘over-achievers,’ seated at those glistening metal tables across the way, going over their syllabus for the semester and chattering about how nutty their new professor is.

            Before the person realizes it, he or she gets hooked on the conversations being spoken around him or her. One couple is cheeringly excited about their plans for the weekend…going on a dinner and movie date…something about “Country Strong”…and then another group of guys rave on about a kegger party being held near Tempe campus. A few girls pass and the person can’t help but be curious about why the girls have an obsession with that Twilight, Edward Cullen guy…apparently it’s his face the girls seem to fancy the most. Next, as the person may shift in his/her seat (because stone benches aren’t exactly the most comfortable as many people can attest to), the person may notice the older woman briskly marching by as she professes her concerns on the new iPhone 4 (you can tell it’s the iPhone 4 because it has a more box like shape) about the recent shooting in Tuscan.  And before the person knows it, eventually the conversations fade, and the students sitting next to or across from him/her get up to leave…possibly for class or possibly for home…and a new set of observations begin again.

            So if there is a person looking to sit and relax or just take a moment to admire the surroundings, there is a perfect place to do so…in between the parallel buildings on the cold, gray-stoned benches on the Downtown Phoenix campus.

The Unexpected

   I never expected to fall for my brother's best friend, but I guess fate knew what was coming all along. I met Justin on a family bowling night (or at least that's what I'm told...I don't actually remember meeting him), and because he is my brother's best friend, I kept meeting him over and over again every time he stopped by the house or crashed on my mom's couch. It wasn't actually until my brother's birthday celebration that we ended up being placed next to each other at the dinner table and began talking. Immediately his sarcastic and arrogant personality showed its ugly head. I even remember telling him that I had never met anyone so conceited as my sister before. (which you need to meet my sister to understand) And apparently he did not consider that as harmless flirting, but more of an offense to his character. I soon learned after that night to be more sensitive when making accusations about his disposition even if it was just innocent joking.

            Eventually, though, I was able to get to know Justin on a deeper level, and find that there is more to him then the superficial ass…there’s a family man, a loyal companion, a trusting adult, and an ambitious soul. The one thing I love about him the most is that he is always saying, “Family comes first.” It would not matter if he were given the opportunity to take a vacation to Hawaii (which he does) or be a guest at his soon-to-be nephew or niece’s baptism, he would always choose the latter. And next to his love for his family, he is probably the most loyal person I have ever met. If he’s your friend, you will never have to worry about breaking down in the middle of nowhere…Justin would come find you. You would never have to worry if one of your cars was out of commission and you needed a ride to work every day…he’d take you. And you would never have to worry about leaving your property unattended…he would tend to it – even if that meant milking a cow at 6am – he would be there for you. He’s just that kind of a guy…always giving a helping hand and never demanding anything in return.

             Besides Justin having unconditional kindness and loyalty, he also has unexplained passion for the outdoors. This may be too personal to share, but for our first Valentine’s anniversary, Justin thought a great idea would be to take me pig hunting in the Sonoma hills...yes…P I G  H U N T I N G...for VALENTINE’s DAY. I guess nothing says, “I love you,” like a killed pig in 15 degree freezing cold weather, but Justin didn’t see the exploration as an inappropriate exclamation of love…he saw it as an opportunity to include me in a his passion for the outdoors and his favorite hobby. I’m just extremely ecstatic, though, that he’s a quick learner and figured out Valentine’s Day is not the day to introduce your loved one to a hunting extravaganza.

            So even though I wasn’t planning on dating Justin when we first met, I’m glad fate wanted me to be with a guy so thick skinned on the outside but so soft hearted on the inside.

My Life in a Nutshell

  My name is Lindsey Fraser, but my family calls me Nynn. I'm not quite sure how I got that nickname but there it is anyways. I grew up in Northern California in a pretty small town called Petaluma where we're known for rolling hills, vineyards, and Winona Ryder. I am one of technically five siblings. I have two full-blooded siblings and two step siblings. From oldest to youngest siblings there is: Bryce, Chelsie, Kevin, and Kristen. I am in between Kevin and Kristen age wise.

 My family is definitely my life. Even though my parents divorced when I was really young, it hasn't stopped our family from still being civil. I talk to both of my parents equally and up until I moved to Arizona last year, I had a set schedule to see each one of them every week. The same goes for my siblings. My sister, Chelsie and I are best friends...constantly using up the cell phone minutes to talk to each other. My brother Bryce got married a couple years ago and has already had his first son. Landon is now a little over one years old and is the cutest little guy I have ever seen. Thinking about family is sometimes hard since I no longer live close to them, but I know once I graduate from ASU's nursing program, I will be close to them again. The picture included in this paragraph is a picture of my family including cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. For my grandparents' 50th anniversary that was in 2007, they took all of us on a cruise to the Caribbean. We are an extremely close knit family, so close that we have a joke about how fast word of mouth spreads through our family since we are always talking to one another...we call it, "Family memo."

Tug

Gem

  So besides having an awesome family, I also have awesome boyfriend and MOST of the time awesome dogs. My boyfriend, Justin, and I have been dating for almost four years now. I know he's a real trooper because when I told him we needed to move so I could go to school, he was extremely supportive. After applying to get into ASU, two months later, we were packed up and moved into our new house in Arizona with our beagle, Gem, who is now 3 years old. We also recently got another puppy last June, who we named Tug. Both our puppies are so adorable and lovey, but they can definitely be a handful. I guess it's a great experiment before having kids.

So I think I have given the majority of the necessary details of my life. It's just a taste of my life in a nutshell.