In search of Magic... 12/18

Good morning and happy Friday...hope you have all had a good week...it was probably a touch stressful seeing as Christmas is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Which brings me to my first topic in the Friday Five:

1. I don't feel like I have gotten in the proper holiday spirit yet. I don't know why. I was THRILLED about Fall and Halloween and apple cider and pumpkin stuff...I think Thanksgiving puts a little damper on the season for me...I'm just not a big Thanksgiving fan. It's just a day to eat. You can do that any ol time you want. Even the meal...I mean Turkey, whenever you want...mashed potatoes, easy...let's be honest, stovetop stuffing is the best...etc. Anyway...this isn't a Thanksgiving rant, it's a "why don't I feel the magic of Christmas" rant. I love Christmas. It is the ultimate kid, magical holiday...and here it is a week away and I don't feel anything. I haven't heard the abundance of holiday music that is usually out there, which I am part thankful for...we all know how annoying it can get...but still, it gets you in the Christmas spirit. I think it might be the snow...I might need some snow, and I just don't think it is going to happen this year. Boo. I'm going to try to get merry though...need to dig deep for some magic.


2. Part of the reason I haven't been all holiday-ish may be because I have been sick for FOREVER. Ugh. I lost my voice over the weekend...the whole darn weekend. My mom and a few of her friends came up to the city to do Christmas shopping downtown (see, should have been in the spirit!) and we all stayed in a hotel and went out to eat and drank wine...so so fun...and I could barely talk. Then, just when I thought I was feeling pretty much all better...bam, I wake up with a flippin eye infection. I think "eye infection" sounds better than pink eye...which is actually what I'm pretty sure it is. And I'm annoyed that I need to go to the doctor to get medicine for pink eye...how do they not have some over the counter for that by now? Doesn't every kid get it a million times? Really, they make those parents go in and pay a co-pay every time. C'mon. Plus, eye infection means I have to wear my glasses, which I CAN"T STAND. Glasses are beyond annoying...and I can't work out in my glasses...boy, do I sound crabby. :)


3. On Wednesday, when I was feeling kinda ick, but not wanting to spend another full day lounging on the couch sleeping and watching bad tv, I decided to take advantage of my daytime non working ness and went to an early matinee movie. Went and saw the new Disney princess movie...The Princess and the Frog. I have been soooo excited since I saw that Disney was FINALLY doing a classic princess animated film. With songs. The great 'sing in the car at the top of your lungs' songs...I mean, I don't do that. Yes, I do. Anyway...went and saw the movie. It was good...I really enjoyed it...great sidekick characters, strong leading lady, awesome set- New Orleans during Mardi Gras, so lots of colors...it has all the elements of a great Disney classic...but I didn't love it. It was missing the magic for me. It definitely had it's moments...I loved the little firefly and his Angeline...and I really liked the Princess. Still, something missing. AND, I noticed they used VERY similar scenes from older Disney movies...it was like they used the same drawings and just colored them differently or something...I don't know. Good movie...but no Beauty and the Beast. Lacking in magic...


4. I really need some new music in my life. I was having a conversation with one of my customers...he was dancing to his ipod when he came in, so I asked him what he was listening to and we got into a music discussion and he asked me what I've been listening to lately, and I drew a blank. NOTHING came to mind...I have been listening to all my old go-to's lately...the David Gray's and Ryan Adam's and Damien Rice's, etc...all good...but all familiar and easy for me. I need something new to get excited about and I've not been feeling motivated to find it. I brought my ipod to work with me on Thursday since I took the bus in and put it on shuffle, hoping I'd find some secret gem in my collection...first song, Bob Dylan- ok...second song- New Kids on the Block, third- Boston...c'mon! If you could send me some motivation, or some recommendations, I'd appreciate it. Maybe it's the music magic that is missing in my life.


5. Finally, this is kind of a random...but after having a long discussion/rant with my dad on Wednesday, I felt it relevant. I got home from a long day Thursday...work, meeting, writing, bus, etc...and found that my roommate had DVRd the season premiere of the Kardashians. I know. I do watch that show though...it's entertaining to me, and I actually like the girls. In this episode, the sisters are doing some fighting because they don't like Kourtney's baby daddy, etc...and she gets really upset and talks about moving away...but then she goes in for her ultrasound and the whole family shows up...mom, stepdad, brother, many-a-sisters...and it made me think about, for as ridiculous as that family is...they are so so supportive of each other and love each other so much. They are always there for each other, and are the most important thing in all of their lives. I just think that is so cool. I love my sisters to pieces and absolutely would do anything for any of them...but we hardly ever see each other, barely keep in touch via email or texting...I get new news about any of one of them from someone else all the time...I wish we made more time for each other. Maybe sister magic is what I need.


Alright, I'm going to go...in search of the magic...

12/11/09 Friday Five

Happy Friday. I skipped writing last week because I didn't feel like writing. I think I was busy. Probably doing something incredible exciting, definitely. But, I'm back. Because I am doing not much exciting this week....

1. I am fighting a cold. I REFUSE to get sick. Last Saturday night I was babysitting, and in the course of a couple hours, I felt my throat swelling, my head starting to hurt...I actually noticed the cold coming on. So I slept a lot over the weekend, have been taking massive amounts of vitamins, and most importantly (I think) telling myself I'm not sick. I am totally a head case...I can talk myself into or out of anything...so if I keep telling myself I'm not and I won't get sick...I'm pretty sure I can beat this thing before it gets the better of me. Well, I wrote this a couple days ago...and the cold got the better of me...I am full out sick. Boo..so much for positive thoughts.

2. Well, I finally went and got my new bed (with the help of my super great dad), brought it home, and got it all set up- without instructions (there may have been a few pieces left over...but I'm sure they weren't important). I cleaned my room, did every bit of laundry I had, FINALLY went and got some pictures from Europe developed to hang on my wall. I am feeling very settled, and liking it. Plus, my new bed is smaller than the blow up mattress, so I actually have some room to move, and my dresser drawers open all the way. Now if I could just get my closet doors back on their hinges, so those would slide easily...one day. Baby steps for now.

3. So I got Partner of the Month at my store for this month (it isn't that exciting...pretty much everyone has gotten it at some point). What this means is that there is a picture of me (I decided on my facebook profile pic...the one with me scared of the bear pelt...terrifying) and then some random information about me out on a board in front of the bar, where the customers wait for their drinks. I was looking forward to having this out because I always work in the mornings, during the rush, and I don't have the opportunity to connect with as many customers as I would like- and as many as the other baristas at the store get to...so this was an opportunity for people to get to know me a little bit...which has been great. I see people reading over it every day and then making some personal connection with me "oh, we have the same taste in music", "I love Disney too", "you lived on a tour bus?!", "I love Friday Night Lights too...did it get cancelled?", etc...it's been great.

4. Okay, I have to write about it...have you watched Jersey Shore? Good grief...train wreck. It's a new show on MTV- started last week, that has the same premise as Real World...they brought eight strangers together to live in a house and work a random job...but it's on the Jersey Shore...which means it is even more ridiculous than Real World. Let me just tell you a few of the characters names, so you can an idea- Mike "the situation" (which refers to his abs, apparently), J-Woww, Snooki, DJ Pauly D....etc. One of my customers told me he stayed up until midnight watching the premiere (on a work night), so when I got home, I found my roommate had DVRd it (of course!), so I watched it...and then again the next day with Catie and friends....I can't say that I recommend the show, because it is seriously soooo bad...but it is def worth watching a bit of, because it is soooo bad. Jersey Shore...on MTV Thursday nights at 10pm.

5. I hope today is the worst day of the cold, because I have a lot going on this weekend...a 30th birthday party tonight, and the Dinner Club ladies are staying at a hotel downtown...going to dinner...shopping...brunch on Sunday. I need to get better! So, on that note...I am going to watch the new episode of Jersey Shore, drink tea and veg on the couch...wait to get over this cold!!

I'm Thankful For...

Happy Black Friday...hope you found some super stellar deals out there at 5am this morning. I didn't make it out to shop because I got a weird charge on my card last week and had to cancel my card, and am patiently waiting for a new one to arrive. I am not thankful for people stealing my card number and buying chinese food in Chicago. But, here are a few things I am incredibly thankful for:
(sorry this didn't go up yesterday...I had it written and then the internet cut out and I lost almost the whole thing...grrr)

1. First of all, I am so unbelievably thankful for my faith in God. Life isn't always easy, and things you expect to happen- don't...opportunities you prepare and prepare and count on, fall through...and people can be disappointing. Without my constant faith that God will open the right doors- even if they aren't the ones I expect, bring good people into my life- I don't think I would be able to keep my positive outlook. I feel fortunate that I grew up being taught about God and that my belief has only grown as I have gotten older...I have known this peace my whole life. For that, I am so thankful.

2. At Thanksgiving yesterday, I told my family we should do the whole "what are you thankful for" thing- we have never done that. But after trying it, I actually think it is kind of silly, sitting at a table surrounded by family, because if you don't say how thankful you are for your wonderful family, then you are kind of a jerk. But seriously, I have the most supportive several families (oh, the blessings of being a kid of divorce...so many families) anyone could EVER have. And I would like to include my fabulous friends in my family group...because most of the time, it's your friends that are near you and with you to get you through life's trials- they are the family you get to choose. Without the amazing group of people around me (friend-family and family-family), I would never have the courage or confidence to go on the adventures I do...thank you.

3. I feel so lucky to be around in a time, a city, and with people that make me think anything is possible. It truly is...whether it be a new business idea, a creative project, etc...rather than just think and wonder about it- we live in a time where it is possible to make those ideas a reality. I am surrounded by an abundance of creative people that are constantly challenging the usual, and it is so inspiring. A year ago I decided to write a book, because I have experienced a ton of cool places and people, and because- well, why not? Who knows if my book is any good, if it will ever get published...but I am 110 pages into it- I think prior to this, the longest thing I had ever written was a 15 page paper for school...I never would have taken on the project if I didn't know anything is possible. Life should never be boring...so thankful.

4. Kids. Kids know the secret of life...playing. I do a good amount of babysitting and I have the greatest nieces and nephew, so I get the opportunity to be a kid, and just play, fairly often. And let me tell you, it is impossible to stay stressed out, or worry about much of anything while there is some pretend going on. Besides being fun, kids make you feel great...they don't judge you, they don't have unrealistic expectations...they just want you around-YOU are always enough. Highlight of my Thanksgiving...I arrived at my grandma's house, stepped into the kitchen to set my stuffed mushrooms down, glanced out in the living room- and there was my nephew, staring at me with a huuuuge grin on his face, waiting for me to notice him. As soon as I did, he raaaan over and jumped at me. And then dragged me to his play table where it was insisted I sit and play until he had to leave. Who would have a thought just a hug and some puzzle blocks could make someone so happy....kids get life.

5. Finally, I am so thankful for skype. Several of my very best friends are scattered around the country (a few in other countries) and because of skype, I can not only keep in touch with them, but I can SEE them...I can watch their facial expressions as they share stories of their day. They can move their computer around and show me where they are sitting or what they are cooking, or what projects they are working on. It obviously isn't AS good as being there...but it is very close. I try hard to keep in touch with my friends that don't live near me- email is obviously a great way to do that. Phone calls here and there. But I think I would lose the closeness of my friendships if we didn't make dates to skype and see each other. Thank you Jessica and Jessica and Rachel for making time to skype with me and keep our friendships a priority. Jen- I am expecting skype dates with you now! Anyone else?

Obviously, there are so many other things in life I am thankful for...I am so so blessed, but those are the things that are coming to mind at the moment. Hope you have had a great weekend!!

Friday 11/20

Hey! Hope you had a good week. Mine was full of early mornings, lots of writing, and rain- so much rain, with some wind thrown in there. Here are your Five for the week:

1. It is with a heavy heart that I report- I think my blowup mattress bed is dying. Every day when I get home, she is more than a little bit deflated. Where I used to put more air in her MAYBE once a week, I have had to do it every night this week. I'm not sure what happened. Was I irresponsible and let a tack fall under her? I suppose it could be the fact that she is lodged in between my desk and dresser- forcing me to shove my workout clothes drawer into her sides every day. That might be it. Regardless, she is certainly dying, and it will soon be time for a new bed. Luckily, I will be getting an actual bed sometime in the near future...I am just waiting for travel arrangements to be made. A real bed. I sure am growing up.

2. My book club is meeting on Friday...I just finished our recent choice earlier this week. We read "Wordy Shipmates" by Sarah Vowell. The book is Vowell's commentary on much research and actual writings of the Puritans who created America. This is a subject that could be terribly boring....but Sarah Vowell's observations and comments are hilarious! She manages to put together an interesting, educational, and entertaining story about those crazy kids that made America...the "city upon a hill". Some examples from the front: " Was Massachusetts Bay Colony governor John Winthrop a communitarian, a Christ-like Christian, or conformity's tyrannical enforcer? YES!" or "What was the Puritans'pet name for the Pope? A. The Great Whore of Babylon". I enjoyed (enjoyed might not be the right word, since lots of people died, but maybe found it interesting) to know about the Native American tribes that were involved way back when, and are now the owners of the Mohegan Sun casino...where I've been. It is still a slow read- there is a lot of information, and you do have to pay attention...but Vowell makes it doable.

3. With all this rain and wind and general stormy-ness of the week, I have reintroduced pho into my life. I enjoyed some of that cozy noodle soup, and delightful cream puff pre-dinner dessert several times this week. In fact, as I write this, I am killing a little time (I know, I should be working on my story...but hey, I am getting there- I have written over 25 pages this week...give a girl a break) before I go meet my pal for some pho. The last time we got together to eat pho, we came up with possible reasons or excuses for ways to convince the waiter that we would need multiple more cream puffs. I think we might try them out tonight.

4. OMG! Guess what came out today?! As if I need to tell you...if you have been any part of normal civilization for the past few weeks, you have seen the previews involving hunky, pale vampires and husky, tough werewolves...and of course an awkward and klutzy mortal girl. Yes! New Moon is out. I can't actually go see it tonight...but tomorrow- oh yes, I'll be there. And there will be a full report next week, I'm sure (unless somehow next week is VERY eventful and there isn't room to include a dumb little movie review...very likely). I just want you readers to know...while I may put on a "Crazy Twilight Girl" show for you...I am aware of the ridiculousness and am not really THAT crazy...I mean, I enjoy the whole getting really into something and being excited for it...but I'm not going to go stalk the actors or anything. I probably wouldn't even stop for an autograph if I happened to be eating in the same restaurant as them. So don't judge me. I'm just excited. :)

5. Okay, so...I think I have come to the conclusion that I want to stay in Seattle. I mean, I would always move if the right job came along (come on Disney...already!), but ideally, I'd love to work for Disney from here (they do have an office here...I know there aren't a ton of jobs out there right now- I also know there are SOME though. Sooo readers here in Seattle (or elsewhere that might know of something interesting...) if you hear about or know of an opening, I'd love to know! Much of my work experience (other than making coffee!) has been in promotions, marketing, special events, etc...but I don't want to limit my options to that...I pick things up quickly...so if you know of something...pass it along, please! Thanks!

Have a great weekend!

Friday, the 13th

Hello, hello...it is Friday (I'm not going to lie...it's actually Thursday right now...Friday for you though!)...I am currently sitting in my Starbucks...an hour before my shift (which starts at 5:30am...I know, I'm crazy), but I wanted to carpool, and gosh knows I always have something I can be catching up on! I have had a busy/exhausting/fun week...here ya go:

1. First of all, I have been a bit better about the procrastinating on my writing...I actually had 3 days of writing the number of words I am supposed to per day to meet my NaNoWriMo goal. And it feels great to be back writing productively. I cleared my desk off in my room, used the "genius" function on my itunes, and drank massive amounts of tea...and have just been a-writing. The thing I like amount this writing contest is that it is all about quantity...so even if I can't find the exact word I want to use, or the phrasing that sounds right, I write it down anyway...because really, editing will happen later. This way I am less worried about the words being publishable and more concerned with finishing, getting it all down. Which has been very freeing. I did miss writing yesterday, which means I have a lot of catching up to do this weekend. That's the tough part about this contest...if you miss a day, there is a lot of writing to make up for, because there are no days off from writing for the whole month.

2. Went to a trivia night on Monday with a few pals. I have been wanting to do trivia night for a looong time...I found a website that lists a bunch of trivia night options for each day of the week, by neighborhood, in Seattle. The downside of trivia night is that it is during the week, and it is usually late at night (the one we went to was an early one, and it started at 9)...so it is toough to do when one has to wake up at 3:30am. So we found a day that worked with the early morning rising...Kate's Pub in Wallingford. The host was fun and took a liking to Willow...which meant that when he told the group he would give everyone a hint about one question- he gave us the answer. We didn't win...but did alright. If you know of any good trivia night places, let me know...we want to make it a regular thing, and while the group really likes Kate's...I really like trying out different options. Here is the website for finding a trivia night, if you are interested: http://www.quiznight.net/

3. Adventurer's Club made our way to The Round this past Tuesday. It isn't so adventurous for me, since I have been several times- though every month is totally different! but Rachel and Willow had never been, so I think it still counted for a club meeting. I know I have written about the Round before, but I really think it is worth writing about, and checking out, if you've never been...it's such a cool event! The second Tuesday of every month (though not this december, the holiday show is being held at The Triple Door and is on Dec 1st)...they bring in 3-5 musicians from the area who sit in a round and play songs, one by one...the other musicians start joining in on the other's songs...and in between rounds there is slam poetry, and art being painted in the background all the while. What impressed me most this week was one of the poets...he is from Youth Speaks...and wad to have been a high school kid...like 17 years old, and here he is standing in front of a huge room full of people older than him, and he is just belting out all these words and emotions. It's so brave. If you are interested in checking out The Round, here is the website: http://www.theround.org/

4. I went to two movies last weekend- saaw the Time Traveler's Wife...for book club. It wasn't very good. I really liked the book, but figured it would be a tough movie to make...and I dn't think it would have made much sense without having read the book. And while I LOVE Rachel McAdams...and am fine with Eric Bana...the acting was not great. Though the end of the movie was still a tear jerker...and definitely a book/movie worth talking about- which we did, at Denny's over peppermint hot cocoa. I also saw Where the Wild Things Are. Most of the people I know who had already seen it were disappointed. It definitely isn't what you are expecting from the kids book....but I knew what it was about going in, so I was prepared. And I liked it...again, definitely a movie worth talking about after. It's both sweet and so sad. And really makes you think about all the emotions kids have, and that it is important to listen to them and respect the fact that they DO have those feelings.

5. With my newfound writing routine, I have also started my workout routine back up. I go through phases where I'm really good about working out, and then I'll go weeks without doing anything on a regular basis...I have found that if I go straight to the gym from work, then all is good...but if I have to stop home first to grab my stuff...chances are, I won't be going to the gym. I'll get distracted, and occasionally decide that a nap would do me more good than a workout. BUT, since the new writing schedule, I have been going to the gym straight from work...and discovered that when I work out- I don't feel the need to take a nap. I have so much more energy...despite the lack of sleep during the week. I did slip once this week and took a nap, and regretted it the moment I woke up...luckily I was meeting someone for a greenlake walk, so I was still forced to get outside. I really need to find some effective working out that isn't running though...sometimes it is hard to feel motivated about running on a treadmill. I wish I could play a sport...basketball would be ideal.

Alright...I need to pack...headed to E-burg for the weekend. Later...

November...whaaa?

Happy Friday, friends...hope the week was fab. I'm going to share a secret with you right now...I'm writing this on Wednesday....why?



1. Because I'm a procrastinator. Such a terrible procrastinator. Right now I should be writing. I have committed myself to writing for NaNoWriMo (national novel writing month)...I am supposed to write 50,000 words by November 30th. That's about 150 pages. Which means I need to average about five pages a day. As of November 4th, I have half a page written. I blame it on my 4th grade teacher. He gave us a report to write- on anything we wanted. I decided to do mine on Michael Jordan. And I started it the night before it was due. My mom was pissed. And it was a poorly, poorly put together project (certainly not worthy of Michael's greatness), and she figured I would learn my procrastination lesson with my bad grade. I got an A+ on that report...and had Michael spelled wrong throughout the entire thing. Procrastinator for life. Thanks a lot Mr. Atkins. (by the way...it may seem that by writing on Wed, I am actually NOT procrastinating...but I should be writing my novel, so therefore I am.)



2. I just got my new health insurance card and made all my doctor appointments...I went to get my moles checked...certain that the inevitable skin cancer would be found somewhere in one of my moles. Instead of getting a thorough check, the doctor made me feel kind of dumb about going. Her: "well is there one in particular you are concerned about?" Me: "Not really. But the people I know that HAVE had skin cancer had it from moles that they WEREN'T concerned about, so I'd just like to get them checked." Her: "Do you have skin cancer in your family?" Me: "No" Her: "Oookkaaayy (followed by a you're wasting my time look)". Then at the end of the check- of which she found nothing out of the ordinary, she said "I wouldn't wait a decade to come back, but you really don't need to do this regularly." Thanks doctor. I'm trying to be responsible and proactive about staying healthy, and she is telling me it's unnecessary. Won't be returning to her...though, on a brighter note...apparently I don't have skin cancer.



3. Okay the end of daylight savings has thrown me way off. I can't handle it getting dark sooo early. I got home at 4:15 the other day...made some soup, ate...looked outside and got the feeling it was time to start getting ready for bed. Then looked at the clock. 6pm. It felt like 9. BUT, I have been getting a good amount of sleep lately...I figure if my body is feeling ready for bed, I might as well go to bed...so I have been getting 7-8 hrs asleep, despite my early 3:30am alarm. THAT is exciting. Not very productive though, I tell you. Of course, you know what else isn't productive? Procrastinating. Not productive at all.



4. I was babysitting the other night, and after the kids went to bed, found myself browsing through their cookbooks (something I do from time to time while babysitting the sleeping children) and found a book called "artisan bread in 5 minutes"...whaaaat? 5min? So I began reading. The book gives a basic dough recipe, and then a bunch of variations you can do. And it tells you to make this dough- which literally took less than 5 minutes to mix together...no kneading- and then store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, because it is enough for several loaves. There is a two hour period where the dough needs to rise, but then once that is done, you have dough for bread, for two weeks. I made the dough, let it rise and stuck it in the fridge last night. I haven't actually baked it yet, so can't tell you how it turned out (I was too tired to wait a half hour for it to bake last night at 8pm...that's right, I was in bed at 8pm.) I'll let you know next week...but finally, FINALLY I am making the bread I have been wanting to make for weeks.

5. Once again, I got nothing...sorry. This is Friday afternoon now (I wrote the first three on Wed), and I need to nap before I work out and before book club...so I don't have the patience to think of another something going on this week. Sorry. I'm disappointing, I know.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Five- Halloween Edition

Ohhh, I am EXHAUSTED. Thank goodness for the adrenaline and excitement of Halloween and dressing up or I never would have made it through work this morning. Here is the five for the week…

1. Last weekend, the Adventurer’s Club came over to carve pumpkins and then brave it out at a Haunted House. My mom used to take a few of my friends and I out to pizza and a haunted house every year back in junior high and high school…but I haven’t been in a while…and Rachel and Willow have never been. It. Was. Terrifying. We went to the KUBE haunted house down at the SoDo morgue. Yeah, at the morgue. Though they didn’t do much with that…it was more just the idea, I guess. It was your typical “creepy people in makeup with blood everywhere jumping out at you, and even though you are expecting it, it still makes you pee your pants” kind of event. And then there is a lot of laughing afterward because your voice is hoarse from fifteen minutes of nonstop screaming.

2. There are some good shows on TV right now. The usual shows have been a bit disappointing this season…the Grey’s Anatomy’s and such. But there are some GREAT new sitcoms. I think I already talked about Big Bang Theory in a past post. Still great. I think my new favorite show is Modern Family. So funny. Follows three VERY different families…the gay couple with the adopted kid, the traditional family with the super dorky dad, and the husband with a MUCH younger, gorgeous wife…and they are all related and hang out…and it’s funny stuff. Also enjoying Community, the new show with Joel McHale from The Soup…and Chevy Chase and a whole group of super random characters are all in a study group at a community college. Parks and Recreation can make me laugh out loud from time to time.

3. I was babysitting last night, the baby asleep, older kids working on homework…the doorbell rings. Hmmm, who would be ringing the bell at this hour? I went to the door, no one there, peek through the window (I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that the babysitter shouldn’t just throw the front door open)…there, sitting on the front step was a little purple Halloween bucket, filled with fun Halloween toys and treats. The kids came over and were like “ohhh man, did we get boo’d again? This is the third time. We put the ghost on the front door…” Apparently this “boo-ing” thing is a thing people do…have you ever been boo’d or done the boo’ing. It’s like May Day…drop off a present, ring the bell, and run. Then, when it happens to you, you have to boo someone else…and once you have already been boo’d, you tape a ghost to your door, so people know not to boo you again. Is this new? I’d never heard of this.

4. I was having a heck of a time coming up with a Halloween costume. We were allowed to wear costumes at work, so it needed to be easy to move around in. All my costume possibilities are packed away in storage down in Bonney Lake, and I really didn’t want to spend a bunch of money on a real costume (plus, most of the fun is putting the outfit together yourself)…I don’t like being generic characters “a nurse, a fairy, a princess…” I like to be a specific character..someone that has been somehow meaningful that year…I thought about being a Mad Men secretary, etc. Went to Goodwill hoping for some inspiration….nothing. I was about to give up. Then I read the latest Sarah Dessen blog, and she mentioned the new season of Friday Night Lights started (if you have directv…don’t even get me started on that…)…DUH! Friday Night Lights! My favorite new show of the past year. Sooo, I went to a tshirt place, had a Riggins “Clear Eyes. Full Heart. Can’t Lose.” shirt made, and put together a whole Rally Girl costume. Fun Fun. Apparently not too many people watch the show, because I had to explain to several customers…but the people that did recognize it, TOTALLY appreciated the costume. So, while I should be napping right now (seriously, sooo tired), but I really wanted to watch some FNL. And seriously, it’s soooo good. Go rent the first couple seasons. And get past the first few episodes- they didn’t hook me.

Okay, I know that is only four…I’m so tired though…and I am really distracted by the show…so I’m going to leave you with those. Maybe there will be an extra one next week? Have a safe Halloween! Eat lots of candy. :)

Friday Five 10/23/09

Happy Friday all...while this was a short work week for me (didn't return from Chicago until Tuesday), the week felt very long. Very, very long. But alas, Friday has arrived. Here's what went on in my life for the past week....

1. Okay, so I know I lived in Chicago and decided it definitely wasn't for me and moved home...and I know I have a tendency to only remember the good things in a memory...but man, why did I leave Chicago? It is such a great city! So much to do, so much character... and speaking of characters...one of my old Starbucks pals (part of my Thursday night closing Dream Team) took me out for some ice cream in Bucktown. Margies...whoa. This place had a multiple page menu that was filled with nothing but sundaes...it was an ice cream novel. I don't know how I never came across this ice cream heaven. Angel did warn me to stay away from the sundaes with candy included...because it was generally stale. I had a Coco Loco...which was coconut ice cream, choc syrup, whipped cream, etc. Yummmm

2. After enjoying my tasty ice cream treat, I was to hop on a bus and head over to Wrigleyville to meet up with Jessica and Brad for a little board game time at Guthries. Well...in true Eryn form, I jumped on the bus going the wrong direction and by the time I realized I was most definitely not in the right place, I was in a not so great part of town. Luckily Angel was still with me, so waiting at the bus stop back the other direction wasn't nearly as scary as it could have been. After more than an hour and a half of public transportation, I finally made it to Guthries...got myself a beer and jumped into a game of Taboo. Somehow Jessica and I never discovered Guthries when I lived there...it's a bar, with every imaginable board game right there for anyone to use...AND you can order take out from anywhere...they will deliver it to Guthries! So fun.

3. Another of my very favorite things about Chicago is the abundance of Skillet Cookies. Heaven. We most definitely DID take advantage of that when I was living in Chicago, and that was actually my only request to Jessica about what I wanted to do on my trip. MUST HAVE A SKILLET COOKIE. It's a giant chocolate chip cookie, cooked in a cast iron skillet...served still fairly gooey, with ice cream and whipped cream. Seriously, it's A-MAZING. There is one place that I know of in Seattle that makes a skillet cookie....Madam K's...I haven't actually gone to try it out since being in Chicago, because I am afraid of the severe disappointment I might find...right now it is just nice to think that such a place does, in fact, exist.

4. So, I haven't been flying a ton lately, but I have gone on a couple of trips recently...and I don't know if it is just the particular flights I've been on, if for some reason I am just feeling old and more concerned, or what...but it seems like the amount of turbulence on my flights has increased dramatically. Both duration and degree of turbulance. And it is scary as all get out. I try to think about my mom and how she thinks it's fun...like being on a ride...and no big deal...I mean, most plane crashes happen during take off or landing...not while coasting thousands and thousands of feet up in the air. Nevertheless, my life flashes before my eyes, time after time...which may explain my high productivity level on place rides...I have the near death experience and then feel the need to act on all my "I still have so much to do in life" dreams.

5. And now back to Seattle. I went to Marty and Jodi's big severance blowout party last night...their contracts weren't renewed at the radio station a few weeks back and they are gone from KMTT...which is very sad. Marty has been around for forever and is such a face of the station. But they decided to have a big ol party and invited their devoted listeners...it was just like being at a Mountain event from the good ol days (seriously, how old am I?)...pretty much everyone that ahs ever worked at the station and left, or been let go, plus all the die hard listeners showed up. Jen was there in work mode (not really, but she did hang some stellar banners...above eye level...Promo Rule #126)...I'm sure it made Marty and Jodi feel all warm and fuzzy inside to see how supported they are. AND, they announced that they are going to be putting on a comedy festival in January. I'll keep you updated on details as they come out.

And that's it for now...hope you have fun, festive Fall plans for the weekend!

From the Windy City

Hello from Chicago! I know, I know...you are thinking..."Eryn, it is Friday night and you are in CHICAGO....why are you sitting at a computer writing a blog entry?" Well, let me tell you...because I am dedicated to you readers. I tell you I will write a blog on Fridays, gosh darn it, I will. It isn't called 'The Friday Five Except When In Chicago". Here it is:

1. I flew in LATE last night, was picked up at O'Hare (miraculously, my flight not only got in on time, but a bit early) by Jessica (my old Chicago roommate) and her BF...which was very, very nice of them, since I got in after 11pm. Anyway...got in, ate some delightful homemade apple crisp, and went to bed. And this morning, I went and saw my favorite little Chicago guy, Henry. I babysat him when he was not even 2 yet...and now he is five. And still the cutest and funniest thing ever. He has always been quite the musical kid- carried his guitar around with him, and played lots of those playschool instruments. Well, he still has his guitar, and he is taking piano lessons. AND, he is asking Santa Claus for a bagpipe for Christmas. A bagpipe! Kills me. We all went out to lunch (he has a little brother now, who is a mini version of him) and there was a musician playing inside Potbelly's...and Henry was singing along to Johnny Cash. So great. After that, I strolled around the old neighborhood, before hopping on the El and returning to Jessica (and even more apple crisp). It is soooo fun being back in the city...and I love that I can return and feel like I never left...I know where the train stations are, the street names, etc. Love it.

2. Part of the Adventure Club made the adventurous trip down to the Des Moines/Kent area this week. In the POURING rain...a little bit scary in the jeeper, but she handled herself nicely. We made the trip to visit one of our co-workers who is out because she just had a baby...very sweet. And heard more than a little bit about the whole labor/birth experience...wowza. And then we drove over to my old home golf course to hit a bucket of balls at the range. Willow has never golfed before and her form was unintentionally Happy Gilmore-like. It was hilarious. She couldn't keep her feet in one place. The Adventure Club has been discussing our winter options- since much adventuring takes place outside. There are several ideas on the calendar....more to come in the coming months...

3. After watching My Sister's Keeper (that movie about the kid with cancer that I cried my eyes out in a few weeks ago), I have been thinking that I would like to get tested to be a bone marrow donor. It has always sounded scary- I know it is a really painful procedure. But I feel like a little bit of pain is worth saving someone's life. But I didn't know how to go about getting tested for that. And then I walked in to work on Wednesday and there was a note posted saying they were doing bone barrow testing at the central library right up the street. So easy, and right in front of my face. So Willow and I walked on up to the library, filled out a ton of forms, and then did some cheek tissue swabs for tissue testing. I guess they contact us if our tissue matches someone in need. And they keep you in the database until you are 61 years old! I guess we'll see. 

4. I started a new bookclub, but we decided on the Time Traveler's Wife for the first book, which I already read...so I went to the library and checked out a couple of random YA books. I picked up Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist...which I have been wanting to read for awhile. I never saw the movie, and I have heard it wasn't that great. But I thought the book was really cute. Pretty short book, very quick read...and just a sweet, young adult romance. I'd like to catch the movie sometime soon.

5. I didn't do much for cooking this week...didn't find any time to bake bread...boo. I did have some delicious Thai food, twice, AND the Pumpkin donuts have made their appearance at Mighty-O. So now, how do you choose between a pumpkin or an apple spice? You get one of each and eat half at a time, save the rest for later. Brilliant. There will definitely be some tasty seasonal baking being done once I return home. I saw pumpkin pancake mix at Trader Joe's today...mmm, will definitely be picking some of that up! 

Okay...now I need to go booze it up like a real Chicagoan...later

Sunday, not Friday 10/11

I know, I'm a couple days late...and this is going to be a short entry because it is Sunday afternoon, and I don't really want to spend my whole afternoon on my computer. Here ya go...

1. The reason I didn't get around to posting on Friday was that I was heading over to Ellensburg to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins, and this particular weekend so I could see my lil sis's soccer game. BUT, I wanted to make sure the jeep was a-ok to make the drive over. So I stopped at the oil place to get the oil changed, get some air put in the tires, etc. They ended up doing a whole cleansing of the uhhh, engine? I don't know...but apparently it was important and overdue and would be good for my jeep. And it was done at a place I trust, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't unecessary. Jeep made it over and back, no problem. Way to go jeep.

2. While we did make it over successfully, in one piece...since I STILL hadn't put the windows in the back, as I went over the pass, it was sooo cold! It got down into the 20's on the other side of the mountains. I was all bundled up in my coat and scark and hat...my breath visible in the front seat...but, luckily my cousins helped me put the windows in this morning for my drive back home. It was much toastier.

3. I finished my book club book yesterday- Time Traveler's Wife. I liked it a lot! Took a little while to get into it...not that it was hard to read or anything...I just didn't feel especially attached for a little while...I think because you have to get used to the format and understand what is happening with the time traveling. But once you get past that, it is such a sweet story. And sad. I didn't love the actual end of the book...but for the most part, I was quite satisfied. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie now...looove Rachel McAdams.

4. Also read the latest Sarah Dessen book...I have had it on hold at the library since it came out in, like June or something, and it was finally available. It was alright. Not my fav of her books. Pretty standard young adult girl book...predictable. And I actually didn't fall for the main characters like I usually do. Was a little disappointed. Oh well.

5. I have had a serious craving to make bread. I have a bread maker, but it's in storage, so I haven't made any yet, since I have to do it the slow, old fashioned way, that takes years to make. BUT, it will happen sometime this week, I think...because I think about it ALL the time...kind of like the apple spice donuts from Might O...must make bread. In fact, I think I'm going to make sure I ahve all the right ingredients right now, so when the time is right, I can go for it. Mmmm, doesn't that sound delicious?!

Later....

How do you Via?

Ohhh, it's Friday again...I still have almost two hours to get this up and count for being on time for the Friday Five. But why push it...I'm tired. Five for the week:

1. Did you visit a Starbucks today? If so, you were probably encouraged to accept the Via Taste Challenge...duh duh duh(that is supposed to sound really dramatic)...Starbucks has launched their Via Ready Brew (aka instant coffee) nation wide...which means huge store sales goals. Today we got to dress up as "How do you Via"...as in, when do you use via....I put on my golfing gear...because who has time to stop for coffee when you have a tee time to make? One girl dressed up as Darth Vader...for those Star Wars conventions that are apparently coffee-less. It was silly and fun. Really though, Via is a grgeat option if you are going to be somewhere where regular coffee isn't convenient...camping, meetings, school, etc. It dissolves in hot or cold water OR even milk...you can make your own little latte at home. Give it a chance...it really is 10x better than any other instant coffee out there. If you want to get some, feel free to contact me and we can put the order in at my store (so we can get a little closer to our outrageous sales goal!)

2. I went to my littlest sister's soccer game last weekend (she is in college...she isn't that little...but c'mon, how crazy is it that my youngest sister is in college?!) I'm not much of a soccer fan...to be honest, I find it pretty boring (don't hate me, I'm sorry)I mean really, a game that can go on for that long and end in a tie...or with a score of 1-0...lame. BUT, it was really fun sitting out in the chilly evening with my dad and grandma, cheering on my stud of a little sister. Watching those gals run all over the field got me feeling pretty motivated to get back into my track workouts...so I started that back up again this week. I'm just hoping I can stay motivated through the rain...I miss my Chicago gym with the indoor track.

3. The Seattle Public Library had a giant book sale last weekend...luckily one of my friends reminded me, so we hopped in the car and jetted over there...we spent a couple hours looking through boxes and boxes of books...it was a little overwhelming...they were $.50/book...I came away with 13 new ones...very exciting. Though one of the books I have had reserved at the library finally came in, so I haven't actually started reading any of my newly purchased books. I should be set for a little while though.

4. Big happenings tomorrow night at The Triple Door. The Ian McFeron Band is playing one of their few yearly Seattle shows. They are bringing in a couple of guest musicians, recording and videotaping the show...and, of course...the delightful menu with food prepared at the Wild Ginger restaurant upstairs (seriously, the green beans...yuuuum). If you don't have your tickets yet, you should call the Triple Door and make some...the early show atarts at 7pm, and the late show at 9:30 (late show is 21+). I'll be selling stuff at the merch booth, as usual...see you there.

5. About time for me to get going to bed...I am doing an overnight babysitting gig tonight, and need to be up bright and early to cook something fun for breakfast. We just had such a fun night. After dinner the girls talked me into letting them have some dessert (they don't eat many sweets, but know they can always talk me into it)...well, we discovered their ice cream collection was down to about two bites...but they were already cozy in their pajamas. I took them out for their first ice cream grocery store run in pajamas. They thought it was HILARIOUS. Then...we played M.A.S.H...do you remember that game? Where you pick boys names, kinds of cars, careers, pets, etc...and then you pcik a number and go through the list crossing items off until you have your whole future planned out? Haven't played in years...and let me tell you...my future is NOT looking too bright...though it did let me know that I will be living in a mansion in Paris...that sounds pretty awesome.

Have a great weekend. Try some Via (but buy it from me!)

running on no sleep...

Yaaaawwwnn. I am sitting here in my living room, writing up my blog, when I really should be taking a nap. Because I have had about five hours of sleep over the last 48 hours. Didn’t even sleep last night. But, I didn’t want to let you all down and not post a blog (like last week, I know…my Friday got busier than anticipated). I have had a crazy week…

1. The reason I didn’t get around to posting last week is Adventurers Club took a camping trip to the Hoh rainforest over on the Olympic Peninsula. There was significantly more last minute running around than I anticipated that morning. There were three of us…and while we all have been camping a number of times, and really like the IDEA of camping…in reality- none of us are “campers”…we are always the tagalongs to other “campers” trips. We hopped on a later ferry than we hoped, spent waaaay too long at the grocery store, and were stopped by a malfunctioning bridge all on our way there. So, by the time we got the campsite- it was dark. I don’t know if you have driven through the rainforest in the dark…while it is amazingly cool…it is also SUPER creepy. And as we were entering the campground…ohh, look- some deer on the side of the road….wait, those aren’t deer. OMG…those are COUGARS! Yeah, two cougars on the side of the road…just kicking it…maybe twenty feet from us. We were nearly dinner. The thought of turning around and making the 4 hour drive back crossed our mind…what did we get ourselves into?! Needless to say, we didn’t sleep well that night. We also had a visitor to our campsite the following day…a HUGE elk strolled on over. Crazy. We went on a nice walk/hike, drove to the beaches, stopped in at Twilight town, I mean Forks. Which was RIDICULOUS/hilarious. Every single business had some Twilight reference displayed on it…signs “This is where Bella drinks coffee”, “this is where Edward DOESN”T sleep”…funny, funny. Overall, great trip…I think we were a little in over our heads…but we survived…we built a fire, used a camper stove, slept on the rocky ground.

2. I was lucky enough to get an invite to the Pearl Jam show on Monday night, with Ben Harper opening. I’ve never been super into Pearl Jam (gasp!)…I know the radio songs and like those, but never felt the need to buy an album or pay for concert tickets. I was coming off of the camping weekend and not feeling especially rested…but you don’t say no to Pearl Jam and Ben Harper. Figured I’d stay for a bit, say I went, and go home to bed. No way! It was SUCH an awesome show! I always appreciate bands that you can watch and enjoy without knowing the words to the songs…and they did play a few of the radio songs, but not a ton…and I loved the whole show. Even the part where Eddie Vedder stopped singing and let the entire arena take over….which normally drives me CRAZY (I came to the show to hear the band…not random strangers)…but even that was very cool. If you aren’t in Seattle, and Pearl Jam is going to your city…you should go. For sure.

3. Wednesday night I got some last minute tickets to the Howie Day/Colbie Callait (no idea if that’s spelled right…not interested in looking it up…you know who I mean…the Bubbly girl). I was hoping to be able to do, because the idea of Howie being in Seattle and not seeing him made me sad…but after giving his new album six FULL listens and still being really disappointed…I just wasn’t feeling the need to pay money to see those songs. But, I got the tickets (relief!)…and the show was disappointing too. I just saw him play in August at Mountain Music Fest and he was great…this show…really boring. Like he just wanted to get through the set. Boo. We didn’t stay for Colbie…because I just don’t care for her so much.

4. My roommate and her pals watch America’s Next Top Model every season…generally they watch at our apartment because we have the big comfy couch. And they play “Fantasy Top Model”…like Fantasy Football. You pick your favorite top model, and your second choice, throw in $10…and suddenly the show is a little more interesting. Since I usually end up watching with them, I decided to join in the game this season. This is the petite model- 5’7” and under season…and they are beyond ANNOYING! And Tyra kills me. But now that I am rooting for Sundae and Brittany…it’s all a little more interesting.

5. I have been OBSESSED with apple spice donuts at Mighty O. Mighty O is a vegan donut place in Green Lake…if you live in Seattle and haven’t been there yet, you should definitely go- there are tons of flavors. But I am especially fond of the Fall seasonal flavors. I am sure they will be having some pumpkin ones soon, but so far, just the apple spice. And they are so so good. I am not a donut person…I could take them or leave them…I certainly never crave them. But I find myself being pulled that way, when I’m out being productive, running errands…it’s like a magnet that I just can’t fight. Yuuummm. I want one right now.

And on that note…I’m out. Have a great weekend!

Friday Five 9/11

It is September 11th, 2009. So far today, the only reminder of what today is (was) is from The View- because they had Rudy Guiliani on. Everything else in my day has been completely normal- nobody said anything about it at work...I know this is because I haven't looked at a newspaper or turned on the news, or whatever...but still, it seems weird how normal today can be, you know?

1. I am going to have a five pointer for my first point...c'mon, Bumbershoot this past weekend...I cant cover it all in one quick point. Top five of Bumbershoot 1. Raphael Saadiq. He played in the KEXP music lounge I worked...and he was so much fun. It was a whole SHOW, like a production. Go see him. 2. Cute photographers. I'll just leave it at that. 3. I got threatened by a guy that wanted in to the music lounge and had to call security to have him escorted off the grounds. Ridiculous. 4. Brett Dennen's barefoot, hippie dancing. Nobody does it better than that awkward redhead. 5. Being a part of the unbelievable crew of people that create, plan, execute, breakdown, and everything in between that make this music and arts festival all that it is. the amount of time, energy, tears, sweat, etc that goes into this weekend is amazing...props to One Reel!

2. Oh my gosh, have you been to the Goodwill lately? Apparently I have not. I decided on Tuesday (after having about 3 hours of sleep) that I needed to rearrange my bedroom...purge it of the summer-ness and welcome Fall. Which means sweaters and layering- which means my current dresser isn't nearly big enough to hold my clothes. So I went to goodwill in search of a new dresser. While I did not find one, I did find myself wandering through the rows of clothes. And came away with a perfect pair of seven jeans for $7, some cute Levis, a pair of Nine West brown boots for $6...it was crazy. Why do people even go shopping at normal stores. I don't think I will ever again.

3. Adventurer's Club finally had another get together. It has been awhile...schedules have been busy, I suppose. We made our way down to South Seattle, to this warehouse where they sell stuff the city doesn't want. So much random stuff. The reason we decided to go is they sell the old street signs. Different areas of the city's street signs get replaced on a regular basis...so they have all these old, dirty (some not so dirty) street signs from all over. They sell them for between $5-$10, depending on their condition. Pretty cool. I didn't find any that were meaningful to me, so I didn't buy any...but a cool gift idea or new room decor thought.

4. I'm very, very sad to say that I may be losing my Disney seasonal status. I know, devastating. The last time I worked, they didn't get my hours into the system in time for my one year necessary work time...I DID work within the year, but they made some mistake somewhere- which they acknowledged, but apparently I needed to have caught that within a week to have it fixed. My manager didn't seem to think there was anything that could be done. I got in touch with a few other people...a little higher up, who had it fixed...so I am currently okay. BUT, my manager said I can no longer just perm greet...I must work at the attraction, which means I have to do a week of training to get recertified, and then work a week- to make it worth their time to re train me...which means two weeks of being in Orlando. Which I can't really do with my job...plus, then I have to get a shift in every six months, instead of every year. That will get pretty darn pricey. So, I may have to give it up. So, so sad. Especially since my wallet was stolen with my Disney ID in it, so I can't even keep that as a souvenir.

5. Went over to my pal's house last night for a little Twilight get together. It has been o-so long since I have watched the movie, or really even checked into what is happening in the Twilight world. So we got together and watched the movie with commentary...which was pretty funny. And also kind of annoying. I'm glad they got a new director for New Moon...that first lady is a wee bit c-r-a-z-y! But more than watching the movie, the highlight of the evening was the delicious dinner Olga prepared for us! She is the cutest little hostess ever! She made us some italiano (to fit the Twilight theme...Bella IS italian, right?) and the most delicious little lemon cakes with amazing glaze frosting. Seriously...good work, Olga...you're the best.

And that's it for this edition. Have a great weekend...catch ya next Friday.

Friday Five 9/4

Hey ya'll...hope you have fun things planned for this Labor Day weekend...Take Back the Summer! I think Summer might be over here...we usually have a nice September, but I have a hunch this rainy Labor Day weekend may be the beginning of the ol Seattle weather. Oh well. Here are your Five:

1. My mom was in Seattle for a conference this past weekend, so before she left town on Sunday, she came over to West Seattle, where I was housesitting, to meet me for lunch. We had lunch at Cafe Nouveau...which is a french bakery...that is AMAZING. Sooo good. Like, really french. Besides the people speaking in English and having some customer service, I thought I might be in the cafe down the street from my apartment in Paris. Okay, not really. But the almond croissant is delicious...as are the sandwiches, the yummy dessert pastries...seriously, if you haven't been there, you should go.

2. I saw the SADDEST movie on Tuesday. I finished helping my mom with her classroom (School has started!) and had some time to kill before meeting my little sister...so I decided to hit up the $1 movie theater. I saw My Sister's Keeper. It was between that and Night At the Museum 2...and when I go to a movie by myself, I feel silly going to a silly movie. Well, I pretty much cried through the entire movie. Kid gets leukemia, parents and brother aren't matching donors, so parents have a genetically perfect kid to give spare parts to the dying sister. As kid grows up, she sues parents for rights to her own body...she doesn't want to be forced to keep giving away her body parts, even if it means her sister will die. Ohhh, it is so sad. The whole kid with cancer thing is just so hard...I cry when the St Jude commercials come on.

3. Finally finished Julie and Julia the other day. It was okay. I would say...don't start it. I was thinking that perhaps this would be one rare occasion where the movie is better than the book (and I love Amy Adams)...but I've heard from a reliable source that the movie wasn't good either. Sad. But, like I said before, even if I didn't car for the book so much, it has definitely inspired me to do some experimental cooking...trying out new recipes. So that may become a new addition to the Friday Five...some new recipe.

4. Unfortunately, this week, I haven't done much for fun, new recipes...because- I've been detoxing. One of my fav young adult authors (the Jessica Darling series) is a facebook "friend"- her updates are hilarious- and she is writing an article for a health magazine and had to do a detox. And at first she was all bummed out to have to give up coffee and diet coke...but then she kept talking about how much more energy she had and how great she feels....so I thought, hmmm, I'm tired a lot...maybe I'll give it a try. So no caffeine, dairy, sugar, gluten, etc....I had a horrible coffee headache the first day, but have been fine after that. I've been eating lots of fruit and vegetable...sit fry central here in mi casa. I bought some quinoa and learned how to cook that (a biot experimental, I suppose). But...I really haven't felt any different. Probably because I have stir fry most days anyway...it really isn't THAT far off my usual food intake. I do enjoy sweet treats (seriously Cafe Nouveau!)...but I think my being tired is more due to the fact that I wake up at 3:30am most days of the week. More sleep may be the answer...not detox. And I made cupcakes for my manager's birthday today...I had to try one! (or 3)

5. Bumbershoot this weekend! Yeah! I'll be working most of the days...I got some contract work through One Reel (the organization that puts on Bumbershoot, and many other fabulous Seattle events), so I'll be kicking it in the KEXP music lounge most of the weekend (indoors...phew, since it might rain!) and I'll be done by 6:30 every day, so I can still go out and enjoy some shows. AAANNNDDD, I get free lunch from the vendors, and free catered dinner- how great is that?! I'll let you know how it all goes next week.

And until then...later dude.

Friday Five 8/28

Busy, busy week...wowza. Summer is a-winding down, and even though my schedule won't change much when the school year starts, I feel like I need to squeeze as much in my free time as possible. Friday Five for the week...

1. Last weekend was a Zac Efron weekend. Don't be jealous...feel free to have one of your own. It wasn't intentional, but it wasn't a bad thing. I kidsat my cousins from Friday to Saturday and they rented 17 Again for us to watch. Zac acting as Matthew Perry. Cute movie...I liked it- though the DVD cut out on us at the end and we didn't get to finish the movie...pretty sure I can guess how it ends. THEN, on Saturday night, I had a really crazy evening. Stayed in with the dog I am housesitting for, and we watched High School Musical 1 AND 2. I actually hadn't seen any of the HSM movies before (even with all my babysitting...I have seen my share of Jonas Brothers concerts in 3-D though), and I thought they were great! I mean, corny lines and such, but so well done. And I was never a Zac Efron fan..he has always seemed a little too cool for school, but he is a pretty decent actor (he does Matthew Perry amazing...mannerisms and everything), and the notes they gave during HSM about the cast working together and rehearsing...he seems like a fun guy. Won me over. Not in a actor boyfriend kind of way...but I like him.

2. Had book club on Monday- and we actually talked about the book a little bit. We read Molokai'i- which I talked about in one of my past blogs. It really is a great book club book- so many different topics to discuss...religion, family, coming of age, history, the leprosy disease itself...so much. I have started reading Julie and Julia...hoping to finish it soon so I can watch it in the theater. I'm not SUPER into the book...but I do like to cook, and I did love the French food, so it is fun to read all the crazy stuff Julie goes through to make all of Julia Child's recipes.

3. I mentioned earlier that I am housesitting. Well, earlier this week, I was washing some potatoes (I was doing my own cooking experiment...with Rachael Ray 30 minute meals...much easier than Julia Child!) and all of a sudden the sink spout just, EXPLODED. Yeah. The water stopped coming out of the spout and was spraying through the tube. I checked it out, the rubber hose inside the metal hose got a tear. Ian came over and took a look, took it apart, we made a trip to Home Depot, bought a new hose, started putting it back together and then realized it wasn't the right hose because the spout is an older version...blah, blah, blah...long story short, I am still rinsing dishes in the bathroom sink. Might not be invited back to housesit here again.

4. My mom is going back to the classroom this year, after several years as the President of her Association. She just got a new classroom, so we went to the school and began cleaning and decorating. She is teaching English and is doing an Imagineering theme...which is going to be really fun and creative...I spent about two hours cutting out different size black circles to staple on the wall in Mickey shapes where she will put up quotes and questions to get the kids thinking. I'm excited for her.

5. Today I saw the Avett Brothers play a short set for KMTT at the Starbucks headquarters. I have heard a little bit of them, and have heard great things from other people,l but hadn't seen them before. They were so much fun! Lots of energy. One of those bands that you don't have to know the songs to enjoy them. Check em out...I am going to keep my eye out for them some more.

One more week of summer (basically...next weekend is Labor Day!) which means Bumbershoot next weekend...exciting! Have a great week.

Friday Five 8/21

Yet again, Friday has arrived. Hope your week flew by as mine did...because it was full of fun and excitement. Was it? Well let me tell you about my week, in five short points.

1. Last weekend was Mountain Music Fest. Great lineup this year. I was spending the whole weekend with my mom, so she came along with me. We first stopped at the Marty Riemer Slumber Party...where they were broadcasting live, and had a few remote music lounge performances. We were just planning on stopping in to pick up out tickets for the show, before heading to a coffee shop to do some business brainstorming. And that's when he walked by...Mr. Howie Day. That's right folks...my original musician boyfriend. I haven't seen him play in a few years, and I was PUMPED. We hung out at the party to see his performance, and then watch as he and Ingrid Michaelson played Rock Band together...amusing.

2. Mountain Music Fest had a giant lineup this year, but we only made it for the second half of the show (we are busy ladies...places to be, people to see). We got there just a bit before Howie took the stage. I got some tickets from the radio station, and just expected them to be general admission tickets...oh no, we found ourselves seated in the third row. So good. Howie played solo...which I really haven't seen in a long time. He only played a couple new songs (not sure how I feel about them...I'm going to let myself listen to the new album all the way through a few times before I decide, once it comes out)...he did his looping stuff, and bird tweeting, and random conversation...it was a fantastic performance. All I was hoping for. Then I got up to the bathroom after his set...and heard some girl behind me say she was disappointed in Howie Day...so my ears perked up "really...I thought he was great, how was she possibly disappointed?"...her next line was, "he wasn't even playing live...it was a recording. I mean, when he was done, he just walked off the stage while it was still playing, he didn't even try to pretend it was live"...to which I felt the need to explain to this girl about his looping. How he recordds different sounds right there on the stage, and then layers himself. She apparently didn't get it, and told me "whatever, I'm a fan of LIVE music"...I had to turn around or I would have thrown my flip flop at her. Dumb girl. Ingrid Michaelson was alright...she is pretty funny- I think maybe she should be a comedian, rather than musician. And David Gray was amazing...of course. Is he ever not?

3. Later in the weekend, mom and I went to a movie. I don't go to movies very often...they are really flipping expensive, so I try to make it to a matinee every so often, but it has to be a movie I've really been wanting to see (you know, like Twilight)...but there wasn't anything especially exciting at the theater near the house, so we decided to go see the Ugly Truth. Oh man. Not good. Not good at all. Mom and I started counting our eyeball rolling. We did, however, stop at Cold Stone before hand and snuck some ice cream into the movie (in mom's movie bag, complete with tupperware to hold the ice cream...she is serious)...I was voting for a girl scout cookie blizzard from Dairy Queen...but Cold Stone it was. Don't go see the movie...there are plenty of others out right now.

4. On Wednesday I had the opportunity to stop in KMTT for a Mountain Music Lounge (I know, it was quite a rock star week) with Pete Yorn. I have a couple Pete Yorn albums, but have never really listened to them. I feel like I know his music, but I don't actually know anything other than his radio songs. So I decided I needed to go check this fellow out. And I have to say, I was impressed. He was great...and friendly in the interview. And then stayed and signed posters and took pictures and such after. He won me over when he signed my poster, asked my name, made sure to spell it right....then fifteen minutes later, after I left the area to go say hello to my roomie and print some stuff out, I returned...and he said goodbye to me...with my name. I'm always impressed when musicians remember names...they are meeting and seeing so many new people every single day, I feel like faces would just begin to blur. But he remembered my name. So, I'm a fan. Good work Pete. Now I need to go listen to his albums on my ipod. Ohhh, and he has a new album coming out next month, of duets...with Scarlett Johansen...how random is that?!

5. I started watching a new show this week On Demand...after I finished watching all the Mad Men episodes, I found a new series. Royal Pains. It has the kid that was Joey's nephew, on the Friends spinoff, Joey. I liked him on that show...he is dorky cute, and funny. And he is the same way in this show. I don't necessarily like the rest of the side characters...but the main guy (I can't think of what else he was in...though he has been in a few different shows) and the Joey kid are great...they have some pretty funny lines.

That's all for this week...next week is looking pretty busy, so i'm guessing I'll blink and will be writing up another Friday Five. Later skater....E

Back to the Friday Five

Alright, I'm back with an actual Friday Five, on Friday. You've missed it, I know...your work week just doesn't have the closure you like it to have. You can breathe a sigh of relief.

1. On Fridays, at Starbucks, I go in an hour earlier than my normal shift and put away our weekly order...all the coffee that comes in, syrups, lemonade, juices, etc. It isn't my favorite way to spend an hour...I bump into things, the cardboard gives my arms rashes...but whatever, someone has to do it. Today...Pumpkin Spice arrived. We aren't serving it yet...it'll be holding it's place on the shelf in the back room for a little while...but it has arrived. Just like the "back to school" signs at Target, Pumpkin Spice at Starbucks means Fall is quickly approaching. How crazy is that?! This has been an awesome summer...the weather has been beautiful, I've been to a few outdoor concerts, traveled a little, adventured plenty...but it has zipped by (it's all those time travel Thursdays, I tell ya). I'm excited for Fall. I'm excited for cozy things...apple cider, pretty crunchy leaves, rain pounding outside while my polka dot raincoat a-waits its use, sweaters and layering, and Pumpkin Spice lattes at Starbucks...for pumpkin lovers (a not so clever promo campaign Starbucks did a few years ago).

2. Have you watched Mad Men? I didn't watch the first couple seasons...I heard things about it, people talking, and just assumed if it was getting so much buzz it must be an HBO show. I only recently discovered it is a basic cable show...so have caught myself up On Demand. I don't know how I feel about it. It's fairly depressing, and for a while I thought it was kind of boring...and yet, I just kept watching episode after episode...until I got through every one available On Demand. And I will certainly be DVR'ing it when the next season starts up this weekend. Check it out. While it is depressing, it is kind of nice to know that sometimes the people who seem like they have it all aren't happy...is that a terrible thing to say? To be glad for someone else's unhappiness? Probably. Honest though.

3. Finished my next book club book this week...Moloka'i. It was a pretty easy read, I'd recommend it (we read the one by Brennert, not Bushnell). It is about the small Hawaiian Island, Moloka'i, which used to be the location of the quarantined leprosy settlement in the late 1800's-mid 1900's. They didn't know very much about the disease at the time, there wasn't a cure, and people were terrified of it. So when it was discovered that someone in the community had the disease, they were taken away from their family and sent away to this island, basically to die. The book is fictional, but based on real people and real events, and tells of the different kinds of Ohana (c'mon people...Stitch told you, "Ohana means family") these people, and everyone really, have throughout their lives.

4. My wallet and backpack were stolen on Wednesday. Ugh...sooo annoying! There was nothing in the back pack...other than pens and stuff, but it was my favorite- had my initials, just the right size for packing things. So mad. And my wallet had about $2...and my random cards, which I cancelled before anything happened on them. Whoever took it got NOTHING...but it's such a pain to have to get a new license, get new insurance cards...my Disney ID was in there...so sad about that. Just annoying. And I realize, it was my fault and was bound to happen sometime....I left it under the seat in my unlocked car while I was running around Greenlake. But I have been doing that for FOREVER...grrr.

5. I'm spending the weekend with my mom...super excited. We have a few things planned...and we are going to work on a couple of our business plans (yay for creative brainstorming!)...can't wait. Of course, good weekends always go by way too fast...so Monday will be here before you know it. Sorry. That's a terrible way to end the Friday Five! :)

Have a fantastic weekend! And next week too! Later...

I know, I'm a blog slacker...

Yes, I know...I haven't written for three Fridays in a row. You are wondering if I am still alive. Or if I am out being productive, without time for silly online journals. Or if my life is so dull I couldn't come up with five things to talk about. Or if, perhaps, I have joined a traveling circus and they made me sign a confidentiality agreement. Maybe I've moved to a small town in France that hasn't found internet yet and forgot to mention it in my last post because it was such a last minute decision. I'm sure all of these thoughts have run through your head as you frantically check and re-check my blog site, hoping for an update. I'm sorry to have worried you. I am fine. I am neither more busy or more boring than the past seven months, when I have dutifully updated each Friday. I am still in Seattle (though did leave for California for a short period of time), and I have been making a serious effort to join the people at Disney, who will make me sign a confidentiality agreement, but isn't exactly a traveling circus. I just decided not to write. That's allowed.

And I'm in a rebellious mood, and will not be following the normal format today (Saturday...gasp!) of bullet points. I'm just going to write.

So I have enjoyed writing a blog- it was a fun way to keep everyone updated on my European adventure, and the Friday Five is a way to make myself write (since I have been majorly slacking in the book writing), while keeping my friends that I don't see on a regular basis a little updated on my life. But here's the thing about my blog. It isn't totally honest. I know that anyone can read it. Including people that might be annoying me, that I don't agree with, that I'm concerned about, etc...the things that I would actually write about in a journal. I don't want to offend anyone. Hurt someone's feelings. Or get in trouble at work. :) I re-read my europe blog and it sounds like the greatest time in the world...I even managed to make my bag getting stolen seem like no big deal, just a little inconvenient. Which, I suppose is a nice way to look back on the trip and remember it...because it was an incredible experience, but if I was honest, it was probably the hardest experience I've ever had. Worth it, definitely...absolutely would have done it even if I had known how hard it would be...but not necessarily the rosy trip I wrote about. And it's kind of the same with the Friday Five.

And that's all I have to say about that...I will continue my happy writing. Don't worry.

I went down to California last week/this week. I left last Friday. Spent a couple of days in LA (well, mostly Anaheim actually)..stayed about a mile and a half from Disneyland. I stopped in at the casting office and left them my spectacular Disney resume and chatted a bit. I love the people that work for Disney...they are happy to just chat away and share their info...always so friendly. I spent some time wandering around Downtown Disney...which isn't as good as Disney World's...much smaller, and just not as interesting...but is still Disney and free to wander through. Saturday I had lunch with my good pal Brian, who has been living in LA for three years and I never get to see. Very fun to see him...it was like we were never apart...him smelling my hair, making inappropriate jokes every five seconds. I've missed him! He had to leave to go make an offer on a condo (ohhh, what a grown up) so I went into California Adventure (this is where, if I was totally honest, I would talk about how a couple of my friends ditched spending the day with me...but I won't) and spent a few hours there...went on a couple rides, saw the Pixar parade...but mostly just happy to walk around and soak it in. They had an exhibit showing all the new plans they have for California Adventure between now and 2013...looks super cool. And it is nice to see that even with the economy the way it is, they are still doing alright and pushing forward on projects, continuing to add new magic for guests to enjoy (seriously people, shouldn't I be working there?!).

Sunday Briana flew in and I picked her up from the airport and we began our drive down to San Diego. We felt the need to make a stop in Laguna...hoping to find the surf shop where Stephen worked and perhaps have some kind of Laguna celebrity sighting. I know...dont judge. Sadly, we saw nobody, but did have some delicious ice cream. We continued the drive south. We stopped in...ummm, can't remember the name, to have lunch/dinner with a couple of Briana's friends. We ate at this cool little cafe in Del Mar (I think?) that overlooked the beach, was pretty cheap and totally delicious. And then we finished the drive, found our hotel, showered and changed, and headed out to explore the Gaslamp district.

Our hotel was pretty close to the Gaslamp district...just a few blocks...but those few blocks in between were scary as heck! B and I made jokes each night as we walked home, mostly to keep ourselves from being totally freaked out...we learned which side of the streets to walk on to avoid the o-so popular cricket store hangout of scaries...unfortunately crossing the street put us in this big parking lot that seemed to be the hangout of random hookers. They seemed less intimidating.

Monday we spent the afternoon in Coronado...really cute (and ridiculously expensive!) beach town. The ocean was FREEZING. Like Washington beaches freezing. There was no way we were going in past our ankles! Monday night we had dinner with my oldest pal from kindergarten...so fun to see Krissy! Her poor boyfriend and Briana had to sit there and listen to us laugh about old stories and talk about people they didn't know.

Tuesday I left super early and drove up to Glendale to meet with a Disney Imagineer to talk about what I need to do to get a job with Disney. It was a great meeting. Really inspiring...made me even more eager to continue pursuing that path. Though they are on a bit of a hiring freeze...whatev. The office was so cool...half of the place was a giant warehouse, where they were actually building stuff for the parks...

When I got back, we went out to La Jolla (pronounced la hoya...don't make the mistake of saying it out loud like it's spelled...luckily I kept it to myself, even though I didn't realize this "La Jolla" place on the map was the "la hoya" people kept talking about). This is a gorgeous beach and beach town...with cliffs, and seals and lots of snorkeling (word on the street was this water was warmer...I don't know, we didn't go in). We did some shopping. I was on a mission to find a delicious do it yourself frozen yogurt place...but after asking a sales lady was told there wasn't one in town...so I decided to just go with a bowl of gelato. Yeah, the second we stepped out of the gelato place, there- in front of our face, was a do it yourself frozen yogurt...I was pissed! Luckily my gelato was super yummy, so it wasn't a total bummer. Tuesday night we met back up with Krissy and Justin for the Padres game. Krissy takes pictures on occasion at the games, so she knows some people around, and we got to sit in a bar area that we weren't supposed to be able to with the cheap tickets we had. The game was lots of fun...how I love baseball games. We went out after the game, to some random happy hour with a waiter that was a little too eager and a total "hey babe" kind of guy....which was amusing.

Oh and Wednesday. we were both flying out of LAX, so we left with plenty of time to get to the airport, even with traffic. I had been super organized the whole trip- printed out directions to everything I needed to be at...except returning to the airport. I figured we were going to be on the major freeway, there would be signs to the airport. Not so. Made it all the way up to Glendale before we thought we must have missed it...turned around, called Brian for directions, and then we were stuck in that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad traffic. Luckily Briana's flight was much later, so she could return the car...I truly thought I was going to miss my flight...I got through check in and security in record time (there was next to no line and I didn't have to check any luggage) and I made it to my gate as they were already boarding. Sigh.

I made it back...picked my car up, drove straight to work, straight from work to housesitting...and straight to bed to work early the next morning.

And here I am. Back in dreary, grey Seattle...it is so nice to have the sun gone. I know...but really, it is exhausting when the sun is out all the time. You feel like you have to be outside, going, being social...I just want to sit in my sweats, in a coffee house and write...which is what I'm doing now. Yay.

Hope things are well with you...and I'll return to the Friday Five next week...probably.

heartbroken in the best way...7/17

Hey, hey! Welcome to Friday, once again...

1. Last weekend I made the loooong drive out to Ocean Shores to hang out with some of the fam. My uncle and aunt have a house out there that they bought for the purpose of getting away and hanging out with friends and family. It is a beautiful house, and BIG...lots of room for lots of people. I had two sets of aunts and uncles, some cousins, grandparents, and a few others...and let me tell you, we had a FEAST on Saturday night! We had amazing salmon, and crabcakes (from crab my uncles and cousins caught), oysters, good wine...it was really, really fun. We walked across the street and made our way to the ocean, went into town and visited the learning center- which they have actually done a pretty good job with- there is some interesting stuff there (and the super eager lady that worked there informed us that she has had 22 people come in that have either seen, heard, or smelled bigfoot. True story.) The evening progressed into my aunts, grandma and I watching Singing Bee (seriously, have you ever heard me sing? Prob not because I avoid doing so around pretty much everyone...it's a horrible sound....and I most definitely got it from my mom's side of the family) we were all a-singing out loud to country tunes...not pretty, not pretty. My grandma did show us some of her old dance moves she used to do in high school...one that her mom dragged her off the dance floor for because it was too sexy. Whoa Grandma. I also got to spend some quality time with my newest cousin, Tyler...who has developed a little personality and is sooo adorable and smiley and giggly. Love him!

2. Moving on. Tuesday I had a dentist appointment. I had to get a cavity filled. Trauma! I try to take really good care of my teeth (I still wear my retainer from 8th grade!), so the cavity thing doesn't make me happy. Plus, I am a bit of a nervous wreck about that kind of stuff anyway. I nearly talked myself out of getting my wisdom teeth extracted my freshman year...I went to the bathroom and got myself so worked up about it, I was truly seconds away from sneaking out and waiting for my mom in the car...before I reminded myself I would just have to go back another time. Anyway...the cavity...the gal gave me two shots of the numbing stuff...but I wasn't fully numbed up, so I got another one...and oh my gosh...the left side of my face was out of commission for about five hours. I felt ridiculous...certain I was drooling out the side of my face. I decided to go sit in a movie for a bit, so as not to interact with anyone, but of course, my dentist is in Federal Way...so I ran into people I know. Jeez. Finally, about 7pm, my face started tingling and the feeling returned...though my jaw has been a bit sore since then. Despite the need for a filling, I still love my dentist mucho.

3. During my hours of numbness I went to see UP...because it's Disney, I'd heard pretty good reviews, and it was at a time that worked for me. Very cute movie. It wasn't quite as good as I was expecting (those darn expectations!)...several people told me how good it was and that they cried throughout. And yes, I did cry...a few different times in the movie (I know, who is this girl with feelings)...there was some really sweet moments that I loved...but I felt like there was also a fair amount of filler. That was just okay. Definitely go see it with your significant other...like I said, it's very sweet.

4. My facial blushing is OUT OF CONTROL. I have always had a bit of a condition...when cute boys are around, or I am giving a speech, or interviewing- no matter how comfortable I am, when the attention is on me...my face gets BRIGHT RED. (I "randomly" got assigned facial blushing in my anatomy class to give a presentation on...needless to say, I gave a perfect demonstration)If you read my blog, I'm guessing you know me, and have seen this occurance for yourself. It's embarrassing, but I'd like to hope, a little endearing. As I have gotten a little older, I have gotten better at controlling it so in the past few years it hasn't been too bad. But lately, it has returned. Mostly at work. Most of the people I work with are married or in long term relationships, so we like to pick a "boyfriend of the week" for me each week amoungst our regular customers. Even though I would be perfectly fine talking to these people the week before; as soon as the choice has been decided for the week, I can't talk to or interact with this person without turning a lovely shade of lobster. Because I know everyone I am working with is watching...Today, one such fellow mentioned that it looked like I had gotten some sun...I thought, "yes, go with it, it's just a sunburn...not blushing, sunburn" and then proceeded to ramble on to him about how my legs were all sunburned from sitting outside in short shorts...and then hearing myself and realizing I was talking about my legs...my face turned even darker...I could feel the heat radiating off. Oh, those are my favorite moments. Yes, the facial blushing has returned.

5. And I've saved my last point for my re-falling in love and having my heart broken in the best way with music. Lately I have been pretty uninspired by music...it just hasn't been exciting to me. I have been going about much of my day without music on because there isn't anything I care about listening to. It was always such a big part of my life, it was getting depressing. But last night I went and saw Counting Crows and Augustana at Marymoor and it was exactly what I needed. First of all, it was a great show...the two bands played together pretty much the entire night...it wasn't an opener and headliner kind of thing. Adam and Dan (the two lead singers) took turns singing versus to each others songs and there were a plethora of great covers. Very cool format. And their voices went together so well. I have to admit, while I absolutely loooove Counting Crows (August and Everything After....c'mon!), I was really excited to see Augustana because I haven't before, and their song "Boston" has been a sort of theme song of mine for awhile. I listened to that thing over and over and over as I was packing to move home from Chicago, and when I was getting ready to move to Europe. My passport photo is terrible because the song randomly came on the radio on my way to getting the picture taken and I pretty much started sobbing. I know, I know. It's just one of those songs that hits me. Breaks my heart a little bit every time. The singer's voice just kills me. And the two bands together hit that music thing that does it for me...I don't know...I was (and most definitely still am) thrilled to have found that love again. Yay! Though I did turn on Augustana when I got home last night before I went to bed, and I had to turn it off because it just breaks my heart...I'm probably going to need to put Boston on a few times in a row and just cry it out here soon.

So there you go folks. Big happenings this weekend...going to see Andrew Bird and the Decemberists tonight, and big Adventurers Club game day on Sunday. Hope you have fun plans for this beautiful weekend. Talk to you soon! E

Feeling Lazy

I'm not feeling especially blog chatty today...I think it'll be a short Friday Five.

1. 4th of July was great. Had a few different options, and really didn't know where I was going to end up when I left the house. I made some delicious brownies (from the barefoot contessa) and figured I could bring them wherever I showed up. I decided I would meet up with Darby and Friends out on their boat, for a little while and then go meet some other people. Well, I got to the park where D&F (Darby and Friends) were...and had to kayak out to the boat (good thing I forgot, and left the brownies sitting in the car). Well, it was so nice out on the water and the company was delightful (and there was promise of good food to come), I never made it off the boat...we went over NEAR Lake Union (close enough to have a great view of the fireworks, far enough to not get stuck in boat traffic after the show)...the fireworks were awesome...some really cool ones that I've never seen before. And yeah...some delicious BBQ with all the sides. Mmmm.

2. I've been doing a lot of deck sitting and reading since I have been housesitting and it has been super nice out. I've been doing a bit of gardening (well, more like watering, and picking raspberries and tomatoes...don't know if that constitiutes gardening), watering plants, feeding a cat...it's kind of fun having a house to stay at. Though I find myself being really lazy (like how I REALLY don't feel like writing up the blog right now, even though I don't have anywhere to be for another hour) and overall not being productive. Reading counts as productive, right? I haven't turned on the tv since I have been here.

3. Speaking of reading, so I have book club on Monday and hadn't started the book yet. I put it on hold at the library, but there are like 50 holds before me, so I'll never get it in time for book club. Soooo, I have visited Barnes and Noble a couple of times in the past week, grabbed the book ($25, c'mon!) and read for an hour here and there in the cafe, before returning it to its shelf. My friend that worked at Barnes and Noble said that if I return it to it's shelf, they don't really care that much. It is a little bit like stealing though. We are reading 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'. I'm only about 100 pages in, so I'll give the review next week. It is about the Japanese Internment camp stuff that happened here in Seattle.

4. So I lied a little bit earlier (stealing and lying all in one blog, man)I said I haven't watched the tv since I have been here...which is technically true. I have been watching a few shows on my computer though. I checked out Cupid...which has been cancelled, but I enjoyed. And Samantha Who? I've never watched it before...but it's like all the side characters from other shows I have loved...Suki from Gilmore Girls, one of the sisters from Related, and Barry Watson from the show What About Brian (you could also say 7th Heaven, though I never was into that show)...so I am enjoying Samantha Who?

5. What's my last point? I don't know...and I'm too lazy to think of something. Have a great weekend/week. Later....E

Happy 3rd of July

I am currently sitting outside, lounging in the sun with a beer, overlooking the lovely Puget Sound, and figured I should probably get the ol Friday Five up....I'm housesitting. Love it.

1. Last Sunday I visited my good pal that lives out in Snoqualmie Ridge...we were planning on going for a nice little hike in the sunshine. Every time I drive over there (okay, it had only been twice before Sunday), I feel like I am on I-90 for forever. I always think 'man, how does she do this commute into the city everyday?!' And everytime, I take the exit and am blown away by the view she lives with. The mountains and trees...amazing. Not to mention the adorable neighborhood feel, and the fact that they have a house with a yard...and she has a garden going on with all kinds of fun things to look at and pick to eat. Plus, we left her back door, walked to a trail and wandered along, finding a gorgeous view of Snoqualmie Falls and the Lodge (and scary bear warning signs!). Maybe life outside the city isn't so bad. And a bit of a commute for that view...probably worth it. I'm a fan...in fact, I am heading back out there this afternoon.

2. Ohhh, Treat Receipts. Have you visited a Starbucks this week? If you have, then likely you are familiar with the "Treat Receipt". If not...let me tell you. If you buy anything (drink, food, merchandise, etc) before 2pm, you get a sunshiney bright yellow receipt. You then return to any Starbucks location AFTER 2pm, and can pick ANY iced grande beverage- for $2! What a steal. You can get extra shots, flavors, soy milk, smoothies, frappacinos...for just $2. As you can imagine, as the clock strikes 2pm, there is a mad rush to the store...and everyone wants that drink they never allow themselves to buy. Fraps for days. And people are totally into the new Strawberry Banana Smoothies (I still prefer the Orange-Mango)...but then people want to add matcha powder to their smoothies or they want only half a banana, or they want soy milk and no protein powder. Sigh...though, I have to say- educating people on the first day, in the morning, ABOUT the treat receipts was MUCH worse than the actual chaos of making the drinks. It's almost fun to see how we work as a team to get everything out in a timely fashion. I work with a great team...for sure.

3. Went to the Seattle Art Museum on Thursday (first Thursday of the month is free...woo)...I haven't been to SAM in...I can't even remember the last time. And after being so immersed in art in Paris, I was really looking forward to going. And I gotta say...not overly impressed. I think it was more one of the current exhibits that annoyed me. Target Practice: Painting Under Attack: "an international, historical survey of the attacks that painting endured in the years following World War II. For the artists in the show, painting had become a trap, and they devised numerous ways to escape the conventions and break the traditions that had been passed down to them over hundreds of years. This phenomenon occurred in all parts of the world, and the exhibition documents why artists felt compelled to shoot, rip, tear, burn, erase, nail, unzip and deconstruct painting in order to usher in a new way of thinking." I get that they were feeling the need to break out of the conformity that had been passed down, that's fine. I just didn't enjoy destruction as a form of art. It just seems so angry...which is certainly an emotion that needs to be expressed...I just don't like it. Andy Warhol had a piece where people in his studio urinated on metal. And that was the art. No, peeing is not art. To me. Totally my opinion. Didn't enjoy it. And I am not super into the modern art, random stuff...I went to the modern art museum in Paris and while it was random..and perhaps interesting...I just don't find much of it to be ART. I was so annoyed at the big, purple ballon art dog that was up at Versailles...it totally took away from the place.

4. Same day, I met up with a couple friends for the free evening at the EMP (Experience the Music Project, for you non-Seattleites). They only do the first Thursday free thing from 5-8pm. We got there about 5:30 and wandered a little. There was a band playing, and people were gathered around the Michael Jackson jacket and glove (ohhh, the sequins!) After wandering for a little while, we decided to check out the temporary Jim Henson exhibit. Found ourselves in a huge line...should have gone there immediately. Not to worry, while we waited they had the Motown anniversary show where the Jackson 5 reunited...and Michael moonwalked across the giant screen. It was sweet. And really kind of sad. What in the world happened to him?! Anyway, we finally made it into the Sci Fi Museum part (the EMP and SCi Fi museum are combined now, and Jim Henson is in the Sci Fi half)...that was an interesting area. Hmmm. And then, another twenty minutes later we made it into the exhibit, which was really cool. Everything was done in really bright colors, there were furry walls, and they had the actual original muppets- kermit, bert, ernie, etc. Funny how I never thought of them as being such simple puppets when I watched them on tv. If you have some time before the exhibit leaves, I would recommend checking it out...really fun and nostalgic. Side note...the Liguid Lounge- the bar that is upstairs at the EMP- the only place I ever used a fake ID, so I could get in to see John Mayer for the first time- GONE. Closed. And the restaurant- gone...claims to be a cafe, but is really just a coffee stand and some seating. Very sad.

5. After the EMP, my pals and I made a dinner stop at Serious Pie...Tom Douglas' pizza restaurant. I know I have blogged about Serious Pie before. I just feel the need to discuss again. I decided to try a totally random pizza...with ingredients I would never think to not only put on a pizza, but really to use in a recipe at all. My pizza had porcini muchrooms (I'm not fancy enough to distinguish one mushroom from another in my cooking), soft egg (like a soft boiled egg) and wood violet (yeah, greens with flowers...huh)...and it was super delicious. But really, the highlight was the apricot and walnut cannoli...oh man. I'm not really a big cannoli person. There is a place in Boston (Mike's) and a place in West Seattle (that has them shipped from Mike's in Boston) with cannoli I like, other than that...not so into it. But I have a new favorite. It was sooo yummy. Go have some.

And that's it from me. Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend...PLEASE be safe with the fireworks- they STRESS ME OUT! Yay for America. Until next week....