Happy Friday, kids! Hope this has been a productive/lovely/positive/etc week for you. I have been busy...which is, in general, a good thing. But, I'm a touch tired. While you may be a believer in the philosophy that 'you can sleep when you are dead'...I am a believer that FEELING dead because you haven't slept is not living. So, outside of work, I have been a tad bit lazy this week...I only went to the gym one day, and my room is in desperate need of some cleaning attention. Although, I am a believer in 'you can clean when you are dead'...it isn't as commonly used a saying as the sleeping bit, but I like it. Friday Five...here you go:
1. On Saturday night, by good pal and musician, Ian McFeron released his fifth album and celebrated with a show at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard. Ian and the band, along with a few guest musicians, played two full sets- the first being the entire new album from start to finish, and the second being a sort of 'best of' set. The room was full and the fans had a great time. I sold a bunch of CDs and some of their new tshirts (one of which I am currently wearing right now). You can listen to some tracks on their myspace page, which is www.myspace.com/ianmcferonband, and you can purchase the album from itunes, CD Baby, or Amazon. My favorite tracks are: Life Goes On, Love Me Like You Should, Anna Behind the Veil, and Love and Faith.
2. I went to my first Book Club this week. I have been wanting to be in a book club for a forever long time, but it seems like everyone I know is already in one, or doesn't read, or whatever...I haven't been invited to join any. Sad, sad. My mom's book club was doing 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' this month, so I decided to invite myself along. I was feeling a tad bit intimidated about the whole thing, because most of the people in her book club teach or taught at my junior high. I mean, my honors English teacher was reading Twilight...oh dear. But all was fine. They spent a fair amount of time just catching up on each others lives, and then we talked about the books a little bit. It was interesting how I could tell a lot about each of their personalities based on how they reacted to the story. It is definitely one of those books that everyone has an opinion about. Whether it is love or hate. And speaking of my love for Twilight, I went over to my friend's apartment today to watch the DVD special features. I have been dying to see what they included since they released it, but I'm not letting myself spend any unnecessary money right now, so I have been patiently waiting. It wasn't all that exciting, sadly. And the director is a bit of a nut job. I hope the second movie is better than the first.
3. When I went to Disney last week, my mom bought me a book written/put together by the Disney Imagineers- they are the people that come up with the ideas behind everything at Disney. They are creative geniuses. And this book is about finding creativity in your life/work/etc. It is a cool book. Really motivating. They talk about how a blank sheet of paper is both the most exciting and the scariest thing in the world. The possibilities are endless...which is completely overwhelming. Their advice- get something on the paper. Anything. You can always change it- in fact, as the idea progresses, it should change...but you have to get something down. Which has been really helpful with my writing this week. I havent been able to write much lately because I am a little bit bored in the place where the book is. So I just keep staring. And then getting overwhelmed and feeling like I am ridiculous to think I can write a book. But after reading the imagineering book, it reminded me that the book doesn't have to be perfect right now. This is my first draft. I just need to write, get ideas down, try things out...I don't HAVE to use it. I also stopped typing the story (for more reason than one...my computer is being lame at the moment) and am writing- with paper and pen- in a notebook. And I have written 16 (written) pages in the last couple of days. Back on track...phew.
4. In addition to writing again, the imagineer book is making me look at different areas in my life where I can use creativity...make things more interesting. I have decided to go into each Starbucks day with a different kind of attitude...instead of a 'I'm just going to go in and make people's drinks for a few hours before I can leave and actually live', I am trying to think about each shift as an opportunity...to learn, to connect with people, to see what can happen...surprises, please. So that has made the week more interesting...as has my bright idea that I should rearrange my room. I read awhile ago that creative people rearrange their furniture and change things up often. I have never been a big rearranger...mostly because I have never had much in the way of furniture or room to move the furniture. And really, I still don't. But, I'm being creative. I decided I need an office space in my room, which means I need a desk. And I need to put motivational and inspiring things on the wall around my desk. Well, I rearranged, but as is often the case when cleaning or rearranging, the place looks worse before it looks better...and in typical Eryn fashion...I created the mess, but haven't really been intersted in cleaning it up. My room is a flippin disaster. My excuse is that I don't have the desk yet, so it is silly to try and put things away when it will be changing soon anyway. Yeah. I am hoping to get one this weekend though, so that means room cleaning. Again.
5. I was hanging out at Target one day this week...I was there to pick something up...but why just go in for what you need? It's Target...there are sure to be other important purchases to make! So I was browsing; aisle by aisle...when I decided I should call my grandma and see what she was up to. Turns out, she was just about on her way to Target as well. So I told her I would wait for her and help with her shopping needs (and prob things she doesn't need)...while I was killing time I picked up the book 'Skinny Bitch'- have you seen this book? It is pretty funny. And harsh. It pretty much says that you know that cookie/coffee/bread is making you fat...stop complaining about being fat and just stop eating the crap. Which makes sense. But then it goes into everything that is bad for you...which is just about everything. It is pretty much a pro-vegan diet book. And well, I would rather carry an extra few pounds that knock every enjoyable food out of my diet. And be a pain in the ass to eat anywhere with or cook for. Oh well, I'm getting used to the fact that I'll never be a skinny bitch...that's cool. So my grandma arrived, we shopped, we had lunch, she told me that I probably won't ever be happy if I don't get married (which led to me giving her one of my classic 'eryn' looks...to which she replied "get that stupid look off your face, you look like your mother" hehe), and that I should probably get a job that uses my college degree...or I also will not be happy. Ohhh, Grandma.
So that's it for this week...I'm heading out to babysit in a little bit, and have a big 50th birthday party of my dad's to go to on Saturday...I feel certain there will be stories to share about that in next week's installment.
Later skater...E
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday Five- Disney World Edition
As you know, I adore Disney. In my world, Disney World truly is the happiest place on earth. Every aspect of it has been created to make people believe in dreams and happily-ever-afters.
I have been to Disney a few times. I don’t know how many times anymore. I don’t even know how to count the times, since I lived there for a little while and have worked there, seasonally, for the past 8 yrs. And it is very likely that my mom has been there even more than I have. So, for the most part, we are pretty much experts. It is always exciting when there is a new ride or a new parade- something we haven’t experienced yet…so my Friday Five- Disney Edition, is going to be about our new discoveries this time around.
1. Kim Possible Secret Agent Missions. I know, I know…you are thinking “Kim Possible? Really? Who cares about Kim Possible”…that is what I was thinking when I saw the secret agent recruitment stations set up around EPCOT. But, we figured we should check it out anyway. And it was really cool! You sign up at a recruitment station and they give you a top secret assignment. They give you a communication device (which has been cleverly disguised as a cell phone, to keep the spies from catching on), and Wade, at home base, gives you directions about where to go to find clues. You are assigned a country somewhere in the world showcase and that is where your entire mission takes place. The clues take you around the country, in search of specific landmarks, art, etc. When you find the clue, you point your communication device at it, and that gives you your next clue. So this whole project has actually become a part of the backdrop of each country- like they really put some time into developing this activity. I was totally impressed…it kept our interest, as adults, but was also easy enough for kids to do on their own. And it was fun to see family groups working together to solve their own mystery throughout the day.
2. Campfire Movie Nights. I know this has been going on for a little while- my mom informed me- but I hadn’t heard about it before. In three locations around property- Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian beach, and Yacht and Beach Club beach, they hold a singalong, build campfires and sell s’more ingredients, and show a movie on a big screen. So great! We went to the Fort Wilderness campfire- that included appearances by Chip and Dale, and the night we went, they were showing The Parent Trap (the new version…too bad). It was such a fun evening! We happened across the Yacht and Beach Club beach location on our last night, and figured we would wait and see what the movie was- lounged out on the beach chairs, while kids played in the sand all around, building castles and digging moats…only to find out they were showing Beverly Hills Chihuahua…yikes. We didn’t stay…but such a cute idea just the same.
3. There was a new ride at MGM, excuse me- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as it is now called- a Toy Story ride, in their new Pixar area of the park. The pixar area was ADORABLE…it was themed soo well- although I do think they could have done more with other Pixar movies- it was mostly Toy Story. My mom had already been on the new ride, and described it as similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride in Magic Kingdom, where you have a lasor gun and shoot at targets to rack up points. I’m not a huge fan of the Buzz Lightyear ride…mostly because I’m not very good at it and my finger gets tired of pulling the trigger. So I wasn’t feeling overly excited about the new Toy Story ride- why did they create a similar ride for the SAME movie? Oh, but it was a blast!! They give you 3-D glasses and you sit in a car that moves you along from screen to screen, stopping to shoot at targets…not with a lasor gun though- it is more of a cannonball kind of contraptions where you have to aim and pull a string. Surprisingly, I was awesome at the game (beat my mom- who is undefeated at Buzz Lightyear)…and therefore, thought it was a ton-o-fun. I can’t be the only one though- the ride opened last May, and the wait time remains above 80 minutes for the entire day and the Fastpasses are all gone by 11am. Unbelievable.
4. We saw a Space Shuttle launch. We were sitting amoung the thousands of other guests, waiting for Fantasmic to start (my very favorite night time show), when all of a sudden, people started standing, clapping, talking excitedly…we thought perhaps someone was doing a show to entertain us while we waited (for an hour) for the show, but then we looked up, over the mountain backdrop of Fantasmic, and there was the Space Shuttle flying through the air. So cool. We saw a piece of it detach and fall away. And it was really amazing to see how people reacted- we really felt like we were part of something…corny as it sounds, it got us a little choked up. We didn’t even know there was going to be a launch while we were there, so we just happened to be in a good place at the right time. I looked up where it is going and what for: It is the shuttle Discovery and was meant to launch a few days prior, but due to a leak, was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday. It was heading to the ISS to deliver and install a few solar panels.
5. Finally, nothing new to the average American, but new to Disney World...they have created the "American Idol Experience". Oh man. Actual guests audition to perform on an incredibly realistic American Idol stage in front of a room full of other guests. There are actual judges (who definitely fill the roles of Simon, Paula and Randy...really funny!)and after the people sing their little hearts out, we (the audience) votes on who will continue on to the final round. Each day there are something like 6 or 7 shows, and the winners from each show all go up against each other in the final show of the day. And the winner receives a ticket to go to the front of the line at any ACTUAL American Idol audition around the country. I heard they had this new show and I didn't know what to expect! I mean, random guests singing in front of a crowd...karaoke?! But no, since they do an audition first, the people that are chosen actually CAN sing....although are certainly not professional performers! The theming was awesome...really felt like it was the show- at least what I would imagine as I watch from the couch in my living room.
It was a stellar trip...I had so much fun hanging out with Mom, and relaxing a bit. Oh, I forgot to mention...we were there on St Patricks Day, and the UK (in EPCOT) was serving green beer. Disney World is great.
I have been to Disney a few times. I don’t know how many times anymore. I don’t even know how to count the times, since I lived there for a little while and have worked there, seasonally, for the past 8 yrs. And it is very likely that my mom has been there even more than I have. So, for the most part, we are pretty much experts. It is always exciting when there is a new ride or a new parade- something we haven’t experienced yet…so my Friday Five- Disney Edition, is going to be about our new discoveries this time around.
1. Kim Possible Secret Agent Missions. I know, I know…you are thinking “Kim Possible? Really? Who cares about Kim Possible”…that is what I was thinking when I saw the secret agent recruitment stations set up around EPCOT. But, we figured we should check it out anyway. And it was really cool! You sign up at a recruitment station and they give you a top secret assignment. They give you a communication device (which has been cleverly disguised as a cell phone, to keep the spies from catching on), and Wade, at home base, gives you directions about where to go to find clues. You are assigned a country somewhere in the world showcase and that is where your entire mission takes place. The clues take you around the country, in search of specific landmarks, art, etc. When you find the clue, you point your communication device at it, and that gives you your next clue. So this whole project has actually become a part of the backdrop of each country- like they really put some time into developing this activity. I was totally impressed…it kept our interest, as adults, but was also easy enough for kids to do on their own. And it was fun to see family groups working together to solve their own mystery throughout the day.
2. Campfire Movie Nights. I know this has been going on for a little while- my mom informed me- but I hadn’t heard about it before. In three locations around property- Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian beach, and Yacht and Beach Club beach, they hold a singalong, build campfires and sell s’more ingredients, and show a movie on a big screen. So great! We went to the Fort Wilderness campfire- that included appearances by Chip and Dale, and the night we went, they were showing The Parent Trap (the new version…too bad). It was such a fun evening! We happened across the Yacht and Beach Club beach location on our last night, and figured we would wait and see what the movie was- lounged out on the beach chairs, while kids played in the sand all around, building castles and digging moats…only to find out they were showing Beverly Hills Chihuahua…yikes. We didn’t stay…but such a cute idea just the same.
3. There was a new ride at MGM, excuse me- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as it is now called- a Toy Story ride, in their new Pixar area of the park. The pixar area was ADORABLE…it was themed soo well- although I do think they could have done more with other Pixar movies- it was mostly Toy Story. My mom had already been on the new ride, and described it as similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride in Magic Kingdom, where you have a lasor gun and shoot at targets to rack up points. I’m not a huge fan of the Buzz Lightyear ride…mostly because I’m not very good at it and my finger gets tired of pulling the trigger. So I wasn’t feeling overly excited about the new Toy Story ride- why did they create a similar ride for the SAME movie? Oh, but it was a blast!! They give you 3-D glasses and you sit in a car that moves you along from screen to screen, stopping to shoot at targets…not with a lasor gun though- it is more of a cannonball kind of contraptions where you have to aim and pull a string. Surprisingly, I was awesome at the game (beat my mom- who is undefeated at Buzz Lightyear)…and therefore, thought it was a ton-o-fun. I can’t be the only one though- the ride opened last May, and the wait time remains above 80 minutes for the entire day and the Fastpasses are all gone by 11am. Unbelievable.
4. We saw a Space Shuttle launch. We were sitting amoung the thousands of other guests, waiting for Fantasmic to start (my very favorite night time show), when all of a sudden, people started standing, clapping, talking excitedly…we thought perhaps someone was doing a show to entertain us while we waited (for an hour) for the show, but then we looked up, over the mountain backdrop of Fantasmic, and there was the Space Shuttle flying through the air. So cool. We saw a piece of it detach and fall away. And it was really amazing to see how people reacted- we really felt like we were part of something…corny as it sounds, it got us a little choked up. We didn’t even know there was going to be a launch while we were there, so we just happened to be in a good place at the right time. I looked up where it is going and what for: It is the shuttle Discovery and was meant to launch a few days prior, but due to a leak, was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday. It was heading to the ISS to deliver and install a few solar panels.
5. Finally, nothing new to the average American, but new to Disney World...they have created the "American Idol Experience". Oh man. Actual guests audition to perform on an incredibly realistic American Idol stage in front of a room full of other guests. There are actual judges (who definitely fill the roles of Simon, Paula and Randy...really funny!)and after the people sing their little hearts out, we (the audience) votes on who will continue on to the final round. Each day there are something like 6 or 7 shows, and the winners from each show all go up against each other in the final show of the day. And the winner receives a ticket to go to the front of the line at any ACTUAL American Idol audition around the country. I heard they had this new show and I didn't know what to expect! I mean, random guests singing in front of a crowd...karaoke?! But no, since they do an audition first, the people that are chosen actually CAN sing....although are certainly not professional performers! The theming was awesome...really felt like it was the show- at least what I would imagine as I watch from the couch in my living room.
It was a stellar trip...I had so much fun hanging out with Mom, and relaxing a bit. Oh, I forgot to mention...we were there on St Patricks Day, and the UK (in EPCOT) was serving green beer. Disney World is great.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday the 13th, again
Isn't it fun to have two months of Friday the 13th in a row?! While I'm not superstitious at all (a full moon tonight, on top of Friday the 13th!), I still think special days are fun...something to make the normal somehow abnormal. Even if it isn't really. Here are your five for the week.
1. Oh man, I experienced the greatest music night of my life on Wednesday evening. That may be a slight exaggeration, but not much. I got an email from my friend about a show happening at Chop Suey that I might be interested in checking out. It did, in fact, sound interesting. I figured I wasn't going to find any of my friends that would care to join me, so I ventured out on my own. I didn't know what to expect...was it actually what is said it would be? What kind of people would be attending this type of show (other than me)? I was cautious- didn't want to get my hopes up. But let me tell you, Disney Cover Song Night did NOT disappoint. Oh, where to begin. Disney Cover Song Night was several local bands performing a few Disney songs each. The first band was terrible...the singer (I have a hard time calling him a singer though, because he yelled) didn't know any of the words to the songs. I do have to give him a little credit though because one of the songs he picked was the theme song to Gummi Bears...and man, I haven't heard that in a while. Then there were two girls, one on accordian and one singing, that did Poor Unfortunate Souls from Little Mermaid, that was awesome. And then, the adorable boys in hats started taking the stage. And it wasn't just one band, it was like three performances in a row...of adorable musician boys. And if you know me at all, you know I have a tad bit of a weakness for the cute musician boy...put a guitar in a a guy's hand, and he is 10x hotter. Can you imagine if said boy is singing a Disney song? Swoooon. For the most part, the bands tried to do somewhat obscure songs...all of which I proudly knew, of course. Highlights included adorable boy doing "Can you feel the love tonight" (seriously, suh-woon), another adorable boy sitting with his guitar doing a Robin Hood tune....but my favorite was probably the Pete's Dragon song...in the movie, Elliot, the dragon, talks back to Pete- but not with words, and the band's bass player did Elliot's part on the bass...it was so perfect. I won't go into any more detail, both because point one has turned into a mini-novel in itself, and also because you are starting to re-think being my friend anymore....but it was a really fun/hilarious/adorable night. And the place was packed. I think it is a yearly thing...I can't wait for next time.
2. I have gotten back to my reading a ton...stayed away from the TV, for the most part. I got through two more Sarah Dessen books...both of which I liked. I finally got her most recent one at the library...it has been checked out for awhile. And I really liked it. She has a pretty standard formula to all of her books- main character girl has some problem...generally some family issue that causes self-esteem problems...two supporting character friends, one that is a quirky but nice and one that is a bit standoff-ish but comes around, one quirky/guiding adult character...generally a boss of some sort. And then the boy that isn't your usual dreamboat guy, but is cute "in his own way" and interesting, who ends up saving the girl in the end and helping her realize her worth. Despite the predictability, I do enjoy her books- she creates good characters. I am always sad when I finish, and feel like I am losing my new friends. Which sounds corny...but is true. But her latest book was a little different...still had the usual characters, but girl saves boy in this book. Which I love. I feel like all these young adult books are boy saves girl- where are the strong female characters? Anyway, her new book- "Lock and Key" is up for a Children's Choice Book Award. In other book reading news, I went to the library and checked out a couple of the Polk Street School books. I am so excited to re-read them...I used to read the books to my mom in the car during our commutes to and from school when I was in first and second grade...and we both loved them. I'm hoping it will help me with my kid book writing.
3. I'm making it a goal to be more social. Not just see and talk to people social, because I do a lot of that...I see my pals on a regular basis, and goodness knows I talk to enough people every day at Starbucks...but I am going to make an effort to say yes when I am invited out to things, or to possibly check out stuff on my own...maybe being more social isn't quite right, but explore more. I want to pretend I'm new to Seattle...I feel like I get restless and want to move because it is so familiar to me. I go to the same places (which I love and always miss when I am gone) and see the same people (again, all of who I love)...but in an effort to stay in one place for a semi-extended period of time, I need to make my Seattle life more exciting. I went to Pies and Pints this week with my roommate and some of her pals. I have driven by there a bazillion times, but have never gone in. Will keep you posted on upcoming Seattle exploring.
4. I didn't mention this at the beginning fo the post, but I am currently sitting in the Alaska Airlines MVP lounge, drinking mimosas. Mom and I were supposed to fly out early this morning to Orlando (well, to Dallas and then on to Orlando). After everyone was boarded and ready to go (and we had been upgraded to first class), they announced that there was some mechanical problem and we would have to de-plane and get on a new aircraft. Well, that meant we were going to miss our connecting flight. We got ourselves re-scheduled on a non-stop for later in the day. Which means we have several hours to kick it at the airport before we fly out. So we made our way to the MVP lounge...and are feeling o-so important...typing away on our computers, drinking booze (so what if it is 10am...in Orlando it is 1pm) and pretending to be fancy and important. I'm excited for Disney World. It has been forever...almost an entire year...the last time I worked was April 1st...which somehow doesn't seem like that long ago. Weird. I am excited to wander around the world showcase at Epcot and check out the places I have ACTUALLY been now. Mom and I always joked that we didn't need to travel the world, we could just go to Epcot.
5. My mom is telling me I have been working on this blog for too long and I need to finish up...and then, while making her own mimosa (she went up and asked for a couple glasses of oj and a couple glasses of champagne)...she has spilled EVERYWHERE...turns out, champagne bubbles up- quickly- and it doesn't matter if you pour the oj into the champagne or the champagne in the oj...mess both ways. So, I need to get my stuff out of the way and think about doing something with this sticky mess. TTFN...
Have a great week...I'm sure I'll have some good Disney stories next week.
1. Oh man, I experienced the greatest music night of my life on Wednesday evening. That may be a slight exaggeration, but not much. I got an email from my friend about a show happening at Chop Suey that I might be interested in checking out. It did, in fact, sound interesting. I figured I wasn't going to find any of my friends that would care to join me, so I ventured out on my own. I didn't know what to expect...was it actually what is said it would be? What kind of people would be attending this type of show (other than me)? I was cautious- didn't want to get my hopes up. But let me tell you, Disney Cover Song Night did NOT disappoint. Oh, where to begin. Disney Cover Song Night was several local bands performing a few Disney songs each. The first band was terrible...the singer (I have a hard time calling him a singer though, because he yelled) didn't know any of the words to the songs. I do have to give him a little credit though because one of the songs he picked was the theme song to Gummi Bears...and man, I haven't heard that in a while. Then there were two girls, one on accordian and one singing, that did Poor Unfortunate Souls from Little Mermaid, that was awesome. And then, the adorable boys in hats started taking the stage. And it wasn't just one band, it was like three performances in a row...of adorable musician boys. And if you know me at all, you know I have a tad bit of a weakness for the cute musician boy...put a guitar in a a guy's hand, and he is 10x hotter. Can you imagine if said boy is singing a Disney song? Swoooon. For the most part, the bands tried to do somewhat obscure songs...all of which I proudly knew, of course. Highlights included adorable boy doing "Can you feel the love tonight" (seriously, suh-woon), another adorable boy sitting with his guitar doing a Robin Hood tune....but my favorite was probably the Pete's Dragon song...in the movie, Elliot, the dragon, talks back to Pete- but not with words, and the band's bass player did Elliot's part on the bass...it was so perfect. I won't go into any more detail, both because point one has turned into a mini-novel in itself, and also because you are starting to re-think being my friend anymore....but it was a really fun/hilarious/adorable night. And the place was packed. I think it is a yearly thing...I can't wait for next time.
2. I have gotten back to my reading a ton...stayed away from the TV, for the most part. I got through two more Sarah Dessen books...both of which I liked. I finally got her most recent one at the library...it has been checked out for awhile. And I really liked it. She has a pretty standard formula to all of her books- main character girl has some problem...generally some family issue that causes self-esteem problems...two supporting character friends, one that is a quirky but nice and one that is a bit standoff-ish but comes around, one quirky/guiding adult character...generally a boss of some sort. And then the boy that isn't your usual dreamboat guy, but is cute "in his own way" and interesting, who ends up saving the girl in the end and helping her realize her worth. Despite the predictability, I do enjoy her books- she creates good characters. I am always sad when I finish, and feel like I am losing my new friends. Which sounds corny...but is true. But her latest book was a little different...still had the usual characters, but girl saves boy in this book. Which I love. I feel like all these young adult books are boy saves girl- where are the strong female characters? Anyway, her new book- "Lock and Key" is up for a Children's Choice Book Award. In other book reading news, I went to the library and checked out a couple of the Polk Street School books. I am so excited to re-read them...I used to read the books to my mom in the car during our commutes to and from school when I was in first and second grade...and we both loved them. I'm hoping it will help me with my kid book writing.
3. I'm making it a goal to be more social. Not just see and talk to people social, because I do a lot of that...I see my pals on a regular basis, and goodness knows I talk to enough people every day at Starbucks...but I am going to make an effort to say yes when I am invited out to things, or to possibly check out stuff on my own...maybe being more social isn't quite right, but explore more. I want to pretend I'm new to Seattle...I feel like I get restless and want to move because it is so familiar to me. I go to the same places (which I love and always miss when I am gone) and see the same people (again, all of who I love)...but in an effort to stay in one place for a semi-extended period of time, I need to make my Seattle life more exciting. I went to Pies and Pints this week with my roommate and some of her pals. I have driven by there a bazillion times, but have never gone in. Will keep you posted on upcoming Seattle exploring.
4. I didn't mention this at the beginning fo the post, but I am currently sitting in the Alaska Airlines MVP lounge, drinking mimosas. Mom and I were supposed to fly out early this morning to Orlando (well, to Dallas and then on to Orlando). After everyone was boarded and ready to go (and we had been upgraded to first class), they announced that there was some mechanical problem and we would have to de-plane and get on a new aircraft. Well, that meant we were going to miss our connecting flight. We got ourselves re-scheduled on a non-stop for later in the day. Which means we have several hours to kick it at the airport before we fly out. So we made our way to the MVP lounge...and are feeling o-so important...typing away on our computers, drinking booze (so what if it is 10am...in Orlando it is 1pm) and pretending to be fancy and important. I'm excited for Disney World. It has been forever...almost an entire year...the last time I worked was April 1st...which somehow doesn't seem like that long ago. Weird. I am excited to wander around the world showcase at Epcot and check out the places I have ACTUALLY been now. Mom and I always joked that we didn't need to travel the world, we could just go to Epcot.
5. My mom is telling me I have been working on this blog for too long and I need to finish up...and then, while making her own mimosa (she went up and asked for a couple glasses of oj and a couple glasses of champagne)...she has spilled EVERYWHERE...turns out, champagne bubbles up- quickly- and it doesn't matter if you pour the oj into the champagne or the champagne in the oj...mess both ways. So, I need to get my stuff out of the way and think about doing something with this sticky mess. TTFN...
Have a great week...I'm sure I'll have some good Disney stories next week.
Friday, March 6, 2009
TGIF- 3/6
Thank goodness Friday is here. I am EXHAUSTED! Had a pretty stellar week....
1. I went to a concert on Wednesday (def a reason for my current exhaustion!) I went to Neumo's with Amy to see Donovan Frankenreiter (I didn't even look up how to spell that)...he is kind of a Jack Johnson-mellow-feel good- kind of sound. I did a meet and greet with him a few years ago at the gorge when I was working at the station (along with Jack Johnson and Mr. G.Love), but haven't really seen or heard much of him since. I had a good time...I ended up staying for the whole show, even though I had to open at Starbucks the next morning (which left me with 3 hrs of sleep...hence, the exhaustion). Everyone in the band wore hats and about halfway through the show, Donovan traded hats with someone in the audience...which I felt the need to pull a pen out of my bag and write down on my hand to include in my tour book. The opener was Gary Jules...and he was hilarious. When I lived in Chicago, these two guys that I worked with at Starbucks used to annoy me on purpose by playing Gary Jules' version of Mad World over and over and over. At first they just liked the song, but then they discovered that it pushed my buttons...so it made me laugh, and think about those boys o-so endearingly when Gary played that song.
2. Didn't do a whole lot of reading this week. I finished 'Water For Elephants', which was great- I recommend it...def an interesting and easy read. I wasn't totally into the ending...but I have been having trouble with endings lately anyway. I also zipped through a Sarah Dessen book that my sis let me borrow. I need to make a trip to the library...I have been doing a tad bit of TV watching this week in replacement of the reading. As long as it doesn't become a habit, I suppose that is okay. But man, there is some seriously bad TV on- wowza. Friday Night Lights tonight- wooo-yeah. (NOT an example of bad tv).
3. So this past weekend I babysat both Friday night and Saturday night...it wasn't the most exciting of weekends. I decided to do something I wouldn't normally do- and while it wasn't necessarily "out of my comfort zone", as I have challenged myself to have each week (and the subject of point 3 in the Friday Five), it still was something I don't generally decide to do. I went out. I know, I built that up...you thought I did something crazy. The radio crew celebrated Brian's birthday with a pub crawl, that began at 4pm, hitting a different Ballard bar each hour...and I caught up with them at midnight. As you can imagine...they were all pretty trashed. Which is why it was a little out of the comfort zone...I mean, joining a group, totally sober, while everyone else has been gone for HOURS doesn't sound like much fun...but, it was pretty hilarious. Plus, I recieved many a-hug...which for this non-hugger, had the potential to be uncomfortable. See, this activity totally fits for Point number 3, I take it back.
4. I am heading down to Orlando at the end of this week, and I can't WAIT! I just checked out weather.com and it is like 80 degrees. Usually Disney trips aren't especially relaxing...especially with my mom (I'm totally not complaining AT ALL...she and I rock Disney and have the best time every single trip)...but she has a conference this time and is going to be away for a couple days...and my plan, is to kick it at several of the resort pools. Fully sunscreened, mind you. I will not come home with a tan. But I am going to RELAX. And read. And work on my book. And I am going to get my day of work in...and mom and I do have some meal reservations and she needs to do some 'research' for her guide book she is writing. I'm really excited to stroll around the world showcase, now that I have actually been to some of those countries. Yay, can't wait. Hopefully next week will fly by.
5. I have had a big friend week. And I love it. That is why I started the blog with what a stellar week I've had. I hung out with a few of my awesome close friends that I see all the time, and I did yoga and lunch last weekend with one of my favorite friends that I don't see nearly enough, and I had coffee with my old office mate, I went out Sat night with a bunch of the radio kids, I spent an afternoon with my sister, I have re-connected with a few old friends on Facebook...this has just been a super friendly week. And I just need to say how unbelievably grateful and lucky I am to have SUCH amazing people in my life. I have those insecure moments every once in a while (not often, but every so often) about not having a "normal" career or not being married with kids, or whatever other societal norms I don't fit into...but then I take a look at the support I have around me and realize how great it is that I feel comfortable enough to make those choices. And when I have weeks like this one, it just reinforces those choices and priorities in my life. So thank you, pals (and that includes my fam). You are the best...I am so so fortunate.
And on that sappy note, I am peace-ing out...going to make up a big ol thing of lasagna to last me the week. Woo.
1. I went to a concert on Wednesday (def a reason for my current exhaustion!) I went to Neumo's with Amy to see Donovan Frankenreiter (I didn't even look up how to spell that)...he is kind of a Jack Johnson-mellow-feel good- kind of sound. I did a meet and greet with him a few years ago at the gorge when I was working at the station (along with Jack Johnson and Mr. G.Love), but haven't really seen or heard much of him since. I had a good time...I ended up staying for the whole show, even though I had to open at Starbucks the next morning (which left me with 3 hrs of sleep...hence, the exhaustion). Everyone in the band wore hats and about halfway through the show, Donovan traded hats with someone in the audience...which I felt the need to pull a pen out of my bag and write down on my hand to include in my tour book. The opener was Gary Jules...and he was hilarious. When I lived in Chicago, these two guys that I worked with at Starbucks used to annoy me on purpose by playing Gary Jules' version of Mad World over and over and over. At first they just liked the song, but then they discovered that it pushed my buttons...so it made me laugh, and think about those boys o-so endearingly when Gary played that song.
2. Didn't do a whole lot of reading this week. I finished 'Water For Elephants', which was great- I recommend it...def an interesting and easy read. I wasn't totally into the ending...but I have been having trouble with endings lately anyway. I also zipped through a Sarah Dessen book that my sis let me borrow. I need to make a trip to the library...I have been doing a tad bit of TV watching this week in replacement of the reading. As long as it doesn't become a habit, I suppose that is okay. But man, there is some seriously bad TV on- wowza. Friday Night Lights tonight- wooo-yeah. (NOT an example of bad tv).
3. So this past weekend I babysat both Friday night and Saturday night...it wasn't the most exciting of weekends. I decided to do something I wouldn't normally do- and while it wasn't necessarily "out of my comfort zone", as I have challenged myself to have each week (and the subject of point 3 in the Friday Five), it still was something I don't generally decide to do. I went out. I know, I built that up...you thought I did something crazy. The radio crew celebrated Brian's birthday with a pub crawl, that began at 4pm, hitting a different Ballard bar each hour...and I caught up with them at midnight. As you can imagine...they were all pretty trashed. Which is why it was a little out of the comfort zone...I mean, joining a group, totally sober, while everyone else has been gone for HOURS doesn't sound like much fun...but, it was pretty hilarious. Plus, I recieved many a-hug...which for this non-hugger, had the potential to be uncomfortable. See, this activity totally fits for Point number 3, I take it back.
4. I am heading down to Orlando at the end of this week, and I can't WAIT! I just checked out weather.com and it is like 80 degrees. Usually Disney trips aren't especially relaxing...especially with my mom (I'm totally not complaining AT ALL...she and I rock Disney and have the best time every single trip)...but she has a conference this time and is going to be away for a couple days...and my plan, is to kick it at several of the resort pools. Fully sunscreened, mind you. I will not come home with a tan. But I am going to RELAX. And read. And work on my book. And I am going to get my day of work in...and mom and I do have some meal reservations and she needs to do some 'research' for her guide book she is writing. I'm really excited to stroll around the world showcase, now that I have actually been to some of those countries. Yay, can't wait. Hopefully next week will fly by.
5. I have had a big friend week. And I love it. That is why I started the blog with what a stellar week I've had. I hung out with a few of my awesome close friends that I see all the time, and I did yoga and lunch last weekend with one of my favorite friends that I don't see nearly enough, and I had coffee with my old office mate, I went out Sat night with a bunch of the radio kids, I spent an afternoon with my sister, I have re-connected with a few old friends on Facebook...this has just been a super friendly week. And I just need to say how unbelievably grateful and lucky I am to have SUCH amazing people in my life. I have those insecure moments every once in a while (not often, but every so often) about not having a "normal" career or not being married with kids, or whatever other societal norms I don't fit into...but then I take a look at the support I have around me and realize how great it is that I feel comfortable enough to make those choices. And when I have weeks like this one, it just reinforces those choices and priorities in my life. So thank you, pals (and that includes my fam). You are the best...I am so so fortunate.
And on that sappy note, I am peace-ing out...going to make up a big ol thing of lasagna to last me the week. Woo.
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