Rick, where are you?

Once upon a time, someone came up with the idea of putting value into paper. We call that paper "money". Several hundred years later, I knew a man named Rick who had a family and a good job and a life, and he ran away from home, seemingly abandoning his family due to a mental breakdown because of this thing we call money.
Today is August 31? And I've finally broken that wretched phase of not meeting people and completely failing at this 365 person goal of mine. I was sitting here and I spotted a man with a beard sitting at a table, sipping what looked like some sort of a plain latte. But I don't actually know. Anyway, after forcing myself to stand up and start walking over to him, my heart was beating faster than it has in weeks. This man, I learned, is named Rick, has a quiet voice, and is rather private about whatever is on the screen of his laptop. That last part I don't blame him for; I am quite the same way.
He's not the same Rick who I know who had a breakdown upon learning he and his family were being evicted, ran away, returned (welcomed by all), and is now "beginning the healing process" as my dad puts it.
But after learning Rick, person #12 of the Persons Project's name, the other Rick is all I can think about.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera cord at home, so I will have to wait until probably tomorrow to show you all a picture of Rick.
What a peculiar mood my encounter with Rick has put on this day.

What are you drawing?

I've always thought it would be cool to be sitting near someone who's drawing something, and walk over and sit down next to them and start a conversation with, "What are you drawing?"
I'm in the Coffee House Cafe, and I'm sitting next to a man who is drawing something that appears to be a tree from this angle. I want to talk to him, but I don't know if it would be rude to interrupt him.
Or maybe that's just my excuse because I haven't met someone in several days, and remember my innate phobia of speaking with strangers? Well, it has come back.
I keep thinking to myself, Get a grip. If you don't work on meeting more people right NOW you'll be stuck in this rut forever.
Or am I already stuck in a rut, with no possible hope of escaping??
That would not be good.
So anyway, I hope you're all sending me good, encouraging thoughts and feelings, because my goal was to meet like four people today. I need YOU to help me with your telepathy.

Hourglass

Today, on the way downtown, my mother asked me an interesting question regarding my project. She asked me, "Does your heart pound really fast when you do these things and talk to these people?" I suppose the answer varies. It's like when I'm singing a solo at school or something. The second before I start, my heart is pounding like you wouldn't believe. I can't sing the phrase prior to the one I'm singing solo, because I'm too busy steadying my breathing and concentrating on not suffocating before my part comes. Then I start singing, and my heart is calming down slightly, realizing that I have it under control more than I thought.
What really makes my heart pound is that several days ago, I didn't meet anyone, and, today, I have failed to meet someone again. I'm sitting in a coffee shop, which is always a great place to meet people, so hope isn't quite lost for today, but the thought that, come tomorrow night, I could potentially be behind three people, is the one that really, truly terrifies me.
Maybe I'll meet someone tonight, maybe not.
I'll get it all under control eventually.
At least, I believe that for the sake of my fast-beating heart.
Wish. Me. Luck.

Do you like my ponytail?

Today I was on a hunt: find an appropriate dress for my cousin's bat mitzvah party next month. My wonderfully generous grandmother gifted me with $100 to buy this dress, because...well, because it's her chance to show off all the grandchildren and she wants us all looking fabulous. Luckily, j'ai de la chance as far as dress finding goes and I found my fabulous party dress in the first store we went into. I also met person #11, Emmy, who was with child, in the store. She was the only person I met all day, so I am still a day behind, but it's progress! Tomorrow I'll be back in my natural habitat, where the meeting people comes...naturally?
Bon soir, mes amis.

Anxiety takes hold

So, today is the 27th-the 11th day of the Persons Project. And you know what? I have only met 10 people, and my going out-ness is pretty much done for the day. Which puts me one person behind schedule, as of this evening, assuming I
don't meet someone.
But, it has been a good day regardless. I finally bought the book that I've been wanting for just about forever-Boring Boring Boring Boring Boring Boring Boring by Zach Plague. I met Zach Plague at a writing camp this summer, and he read to the group from his book, and I have to say, I found it to be quite incredible.
So, I convinced my loving father to buy it for me today from the magical land of Powell's Books.
Tomorrow, I will be in Portland, the Meeting People City (unless I made that part up?), and I plan to be back on schedule with the project!
Also, I plan to get cupcakes from Cupcake Jones.
Happy wishes to all on this fine day.

Blisters

I would just like to say that if you ever buy Doc Marten 14-eye lace-up boots, do NOT walk long distances in them before they're broken in. They WILL kill your feet.
So, after a less than wonderful morning and noon-time experience yesterday, I decided to watch some t.v. on Hulu, since I had nothing to do until 5:00. And I have discovered my new t.v. obsession! I don't actually have cable or anything, so I don't watch t.v. (except for FRIENDS, my all time favorite show of which my sister owns several seasons), but I have fallen madly in love with the show Pushing Daisies. I found it to be weird, romantic, and incredibly charming. I told my wonderful friend (and avid t.v. viewer) Lauren about my new love, and she said [about Pushing Daisies], "I liked it at first, and the idea was good. We just didn't really click once we got past the honey moon stage."
I love that girl. I also miss her immensely, since she is a lifeguard and works ALL THE TIME during summer.
I haven't met anyone new today, but it's only 1:20 pm, so there's still a possibility. Right now my hellish blisters seem to be enough to keep me from wanting to exert myself in any way for the rest of my life. So, here's a picture of me and Lauren when I had hair, and the wind at the beach was making it look stupid.
Bye, all.

Chamomile Citrus

It is a fifty minute walk from my house to the Blue Pepper, one of the coffee shops I visit frequently with wi-fi sucking intentions. Today, I decided to wear my almost knee high red lace up Doc Marten boots, because I figured a long walk would be a good opportunity to wear them in. I did not consider the fact that it would also be a good opportunity for my boots to abuse my heels and ankles by giving them painful blisters, knowing, of course, that I still had several miles to walk over the course of the rest of today. This is their revenge for me not wearing them enough. However, I did get one good thing out of my perilous trek: Gill, spelled with a "G", the tenth person of the Persons Project. Gill (pronounced "Jill") was outside gardening and seemed friendly enough, so I introduced myself and told her about the project. Unfortunately, Gill with a "G" is not comfortable with her photo being taken, so you all don't get to see her, but rest assured that she was a sweet, pretty gardener lady who was happy to be person #10 of the project.
I hope your days all go well without blisters or spilled hot tea.
P.S. Since I have no picture of Gill for you, I decided to give you a picture from my Grand Theatre adventure Friday night. Enjoy.

I've only just realized...

that I've miscounted. Barb, no. 5 of the Persons Project, I apologize for forgetting about you and throwing off the count of the entire project. Mathias was really #6. Jake was really#7. And David was really #8. My bad, everyone.
So anyway, I apologize for my lack of blogging yesterday and Saturday. I have been without wi-fi or transportation.
Anyway, on Saturday I met #9! Dingo was sitting against a wall holding a sign that said something to the effect of "Trying to get home, need money". I introduced myself and asked where home is, and she said L.A.
I really hope she makes it there.
Now, I am sitting in the Coffee House Cafe with my ever-loved ginger ale wondering if I'll be meeting someone new today. I started this project on August...16? that would mean I've been doing this for eight days. Which means I'm two people ahead of schedule!
I hope everyone's day is going well.

Summer in the City

Remember that one time when I thought I wouldn't meet anyone yesterday?
You really never know what the future holds for you.
So, last night, I'm at Charlotte's house, and we're sitting around doing nothing. My friend Zach calls me and asks if I'm coming to the show tonight (he had invited me to a concert for several local bands), and I say no. He says the reason he asked is because he needs to borrow my laptop to project stuff onstage for the show.
Charlotte convinces me to go.
The first band that plays is Magik, and I'm not very into their music, but that's probably because I'm not into hardcore-ish no singing rock.
But still, I'm feeling very bored and Charlotte and I are thinking how this is just not our scene.
Fast forward.
The band Phantom! plays next, and I'm not really into their music either, but the thing is, when Phantom! plays, the entire audience just gets on stage and moshes with and around the band. You haven't experienced Phantom! until you've jumped around like an idiot banging your head with Phantom!
It is at this point that Charlotte and I meet: Liam, Peter, Greg, and Corey. They were introduced to us, so they don't count for the project, but still, they were an interesting crowd.
So, Charlotte and I then decide to go upstairs and check out this creepy old attic, but wouldn't you know it? Someone else is already in there, a young man who I would come to know as Mathias, or person #5 of the Persons Project!
So anyway, Charlotte and I decided to skip the next band and walk over to La Perla to grab some 99 cent tacos, and on the way over, we meet Jake, bassist of Magik, charming conversationist extraordinaire, and person #6 of the Persons Project. Let me just take a minute to describe Jake. Jake is a handsome young man with dreadlocks and a low, calm voice. Maybe he's faking it, but he seems to really care about what you have to say. He makes you feel happy to be in his company.
Am I creepy enough yet?
At La Perla, we come across Liam and co. again, and there is an embarrassing incident that I will not mention.
Charlotte and I decide to head over to the Coffee House Cafe, where we meet David, person #7 of the project, who talks to us about his three psychics, his son, who carried the weight of his world on his shoulders in his past life, time travel, and his phone being tapped by the Oregon Judicial Department, which, apparently, is very corrupted.
It all started because I said I liked his hat.
And I think he may very well be one of the most fascinating people I've met in my life.
When we're back at the Grand Theater, Charlotte and I explore the basement, and it includes much crawling and dust and falling and dead body finding. I mean, what?
We leave while Symmetry Symmetry is playing, which is a shame, because it's the only band whose music I really, really enjoy.
We get home, and fall asleep halfway through Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Isn't it a lovely night?

It's August 21, 2009. Day six. I'm sitting in the Blue Pepper, admiring the less than sunny weather outside. Others may call it dreary, but I like it. Anyway, today I should be right on my way to meeting person #6 of the project, but I'm not really sure if I feel like it today. With my current attitude, I run the risk of falling a day behind. This wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. It may not even be a bad thing. It would just mean that I need to meet an extra person tomorrow, or two extra people the next day. The more you slack, the more there is to catch up on.
But, tomorrow is the big Rose and Charlotte take on downtown day, so I'm not too concerned. Two friends on an adventure together. Rose and Charlotte. Curiosity and Courage.
Have a good day, everyone.

And...

Person number five is a success!!! I'm trying to make this post very brief, since my laptop is about to die and it is for some reason refusing to charge, but today, after running into yet another friend of mine downtown, I met the lovely Barb. Tomorrow and Saturday, my wonderful friend Charlotte and I have made plans to go downtown and meet guys, so perhaps I'll be getting far ahead of schedule over these next two days. Knock on wood.
Thanks for reading, my friends.

In a Stately Manner

Today is August 20, 2009. You know what that means? Happy birthday to my dear friend Zach!!
It also means that, since I did not meet anyone new yesterday, I'm right on schedule with the Persons Project, but I do need to meet someone new today, or I'll be falling behind. Speaking of falling behind, what about catching up? I just ran into the second person of the Persons Project-Hamsa. Do we all remember her?
Anyway, I am now in the Coffee House Cafe eating a grape and cheese platter and drinking the ritual Reed's All Natural Jamaican Style Ginger Ale. If you like ginger ale, you should give it a try. You will not be sorry.
Anyway, despite an unnerving dream about certain step-siblings stealing my thunder (and my favorite dress, which I happen to be wearing right now), I am in a rather jolly mood today. I'm ready to go out and meet person number five! Maybe even six and seven as well.
I'll try my best to be back and blogging later today, after mystery subject, Person #5, has been found.
Super perfundo on the early eve of your day!

Ahead of the Curve

What does that phrase even mean? I have no idea. Today is August 18, 2009, and I have just met persons #3 and 4 of the Persons Project. That's right, everyone! I am one person ahead of schedule. Hoorah. The first was Ellen. She was quite obviously homeless, wearing bright green eyeshadow and a grimace on her face. As I walked past, she asked if I had a dollar for the bus. I gave it to her, even though I'm pretty sure she used it for cigarettes, not transportation, and I told her my name is Rose, and she said her name is Ellen. When I asked if I could take her picture for my blog, she said, "Sure, if you want to. I don't smile very good."
I went into the Governor's Cup (another coffee shop that I frequent) but they're wi-fi was being silly and not letting me use it, so on my way to the Blue Pepper (whose wi-fi is always reliable) I saw a man sitting on a bench and coloring. I see this man all the time downtown, but I've never spoken to him. Today I decided to ask what he was drawing. "Postcards," he said. "Would you like to buy one? I'm selling them for a dollar." I didn't buy one, but I introduced myself, and he told me his name was Jay. Do you ever meet someone who just makes you smile? They say sweet things, and their voice is soft to go with it, and these are the people that you see and they just make your day? That is Jay. As I was walking away he said, "I hope we meet again. On better circumstances, when we both have money and we can go get a cup of coffee."
"I hope so," I said.
Thanks for reading.

Hooray! (For Hamsa)

I have succeeded in meeting Person #2 of the Persons Project. Hamsa was sitting outside of the Coffee House Cafe reading a book, and when I introduced my self, she shook my hand and smiled and told me her name was Hamsa. How cool is that name??!!?!??
It is incredible how liberating I find it to meet new people.
I think this project is going to end up being a good thing indeed.
Thanks, Hamsa.

If you were a man, you'd be a tool.

So, I was just sitting here in the lovely Coffee House Cafe (which I have been frequenting recently) and to my left, sitting at a table, was a man who I thought could be Person #2 of the Persons Project. I guess, however, that I still haven't shaken that innate fear of talking to strangers, because I sat next to him for 15 minutes and then watched him walk out of the cafe without saying a word.
Ah, Rose.
Grow a pair.

Day One. (For real)

So, yesterday was August 16, 2009. The beginning of my journey of meeting 365 people in 365 days!! Yesterday was Sunday, and Sunday means church. I'm not a particularly religious person, but I go to mass to sing in the choir and see my friends at church. Yesterday I was there two hours early (to practice with the choir) and I saw, sitting in a pew, waiting for mass to start, a large, old woman with white hair who I'd never seen before. I went over and sat down next to her. "I'm Rose," I said, offering my hand, and she shook it. "Karen Miller," she replied. I told her about the Persons Project (she seemed to think it to be quite the challenge) and I thanked her for being the first person of the Persons Project. It's just a start, but it's something. Today is day two, and soon I'll be meeting person number two of the Persons Project!!
Wish me luck!!
Thanks for reading, all.

Absolute

Failure! I just got home from seeing The Time Traveler's Wife. Wouldn't you say the movies are a pretty easy place to meet people. Apparently not easy enough for me. How hard is it to say, "Hi, I'm Rose. What movie are you seeing?" Anyway, I've got to get my game on if I'm going to meet 365 people in 365 days.
So.
Starting tomorrow, August 16, 2009, it's on. By August 16, 2010, I will have met 365 new people.
I promise.
Wish me luck!!

Day One.

It is August 15, 2009, according to my cell phone. Today was supposed to be the first day of a year-long project of meeting new people every day. However, it appears that I am currently confined to my house.
We'll see how that goes.