erynonfriday

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T14:48:00.001-08:00

A special Valentine’s Day edition because, ohhhh, I loveValentine’s Day! I curled my hair, put on a skirt, pulled out the pink heartnecklace my mom made for me…I didn’t do Valentine cards this year… thedisappointment. I didn’t see any at the store that I liked…that’s not true-there was a great Bieber pack- but I didn’t get them. And then I was going tobake some kind of special treat to bring in to the office…but was distracted byThe Voice last night on TV. So no valentines and no treats…boo. I did find adarling card with a frog on it that opened up to tell Brian what a special guyhe is…I’m pretty sure it was meant for an 8-yr old to get from hisgrandparents…but I got him some new glow in the dark darts for his nerf gun…soI’m pretty sure it was appropriate.

Last night The Head and the Heart was on How I Met Your Mother!Not the actual band, but their song…so cool! Brian recognized it after abouttwo strums. It wasn’t my favorite HIMYM- though usually the specials- thisbeing a valentines episode- aren’t, I mean, even the return of Slutty Pumpkinwasn’t great. But, so cool to hear Rivers and Roads start playing…yay forthem.

And in other wonderful love related news…Governor Gregoire signedthe equal marriage law for Washington! I am so proud of our state for doing theright thing and caring about equal rights. As of now, the law goes into effectJune 7^th, though I think it will likely make its way to the Novemberballot…so there is still a bit of a journey. I know everyone has theirparticular issues that are important to them, and this one is definitely a hugeone for me. I was surprised at the emotion I felt when it was signed…one of myco-workers said ‘To think that my kids will not ever knowanything other than we are all the same’…still a long way to go, but importantthings take time. So great!

Have a fantastic day…lots and lots of love!

basketball and pancakes

2012-02-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Oh my, longest week ever. I have been thinking ‘tomorrow’ isFriday for two days now. But, finally, tomorrow really is Friday. I have abasketball game tonight, but mostly I am looking forward to getting laundrydone this evening. It is so overdue…and my room/bathroom are such disasters.The thing that is nice about having to spend time doing laundry, is there isall this down time in between loads…great for reading and not feeling guiltyabout not doing something else…because I actually AM being productive.

Last weekend Brian and I met up with his parents for a high schoolbasketball game. Brian’s old high school is having a great season and it wastheir last game of the regular season AND they were playing an undefeatedMountlake Terrace. What a fantastic game!! It was so fun to watch. I don’tthink there was ever more than a 4 point differentiation…it was just back andforth and back and forth…and then Shorewood came up with the upset! There wasthe school band playing the same high school basketball band songs, and thestudents in head to toe school colors. Sitting in the parent section remindedme of the years and years Mom and I went to the Federal Way Eagles boys games(my stepdad was the asst coach)…I idolized those guys…it was like they were inthe NBA for me (and some of them actually did end up there). When I got to talkto them at practice, I was in awe. Makes me laugh to think about that they werejust high school kids, but like celebrities to 8 yr old me.

Speaking of basketball and my nostalgia…could it actually bepossible that Seattle will be getting an NBA team again? As early as nextseason?! Ohhhh, boy do I hope so! How I have missed the Sonics these past fewyears. I guess there have been some serious talks about building a new arenathat will host the Sonics and an NHL team.I was listening to some news on the radio about it and how Gary Payton is doinghis best to make it happen, etc, etc…so that his number can be retired here…alwayscomes back to Gary.

In more basketball news…my team played the best team in our leagueearlier this week…and we were AWESOME. I think we ended up losing by a basket…mygirls weren’t intimidated in the least…they were defensive monsters andrebounding fools. I just love watching them play…they are so aggressive.

Last weekend I helped out at the Jr Storm clinic the Boys & GirlsClub held…I was in charge of the Rebounding station. There were SO many kids…theywere expecting 50, and there ended up being over 80…which is great…but it surewas loud! I was definitely losing my voice in the 30 minutes the kids wererotating through my station.

The running plan hasn’t been so good this week…and the weather hasbeen ideal for running…but, as previously mentioned, this week has just beengoing on and on and on and by the end of the day Brian and I just can’t findthe motivation to put on the running shoes and get outside. We did manage to gofor a quick run on Saturday…to Red Mill for burgers. Which cancelled the runout…but hey, a short run before a burger is better than no run before a burger,right?

Ohhh, quick side note…We started the 3^rd season of WestWing and guess who is on for a couple of episodes? Connie Britton…aka TamiTaylor…aka Mrs. Coach…from Friday Night Lights. That was exciting to discover.I love when my favorite characters in one favorite show appear in anotherfavorite show.

Last night was movie night, and in honor of February- the love month-we watched Romeo and Juliet…the ‘97 version with Leo and Claire. I hadn’t seenthat since high school, I think…and the soundtrack totally brought backmemories…I loved that soundtrack and listened to it all the time. I made heartshaped pancakes (see pic), but the inspiration came from this…myversion wasn’t quite as impressive…but still cute and pretty easy. I just useda frosting decorator tool that I got for Christmas from Target. Since there isn’tmuch batter in each pancake they cook super fast, so I kept the stove tempreally low, like a 3…and then they were ready to be flipped in less than 30seconds. Brian made his specialty- home made whipped cream. Cut up somestrawberries, some chocolate syrup….mmmm.

I read an article yesterday about the top five things peopleregret as they are dying (a nurse starting keeping track of the conversationsshe had with dying patients)…interesting and always a good reminder.

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live alife true to myself, not the life others expected of me. Ilove this one, and try so hard to make sure I think about this with everydecision I make. I think so many people get caught up in what they are supposed to be doing…keeping to somekind of ‘timeline’, how their kids are supposed to act, the amount of moneythey should be making, what theirfamily looks like to others, etc…rather than just doing what works for them.

2. Iwish I hadn’t worked so hard.

3. Iwish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wishI had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. Iwish that I had let myself be happier. It is a choice.

Okay, I know…this has gotten very long. Hope your week was alittle faster than mine…have a great weekend.

sweethearts and kisses

2012-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Oh my…January is gone and February has started! Can you believe it? I have a challenge going to really try and take the bus to/from work every day in the month of February (rather than being lazy and driving…and paying a fortune to park)…and I failed today. Day 1- FAIL. Drove. But Day 2- I feel good about Day 2.

I like February. As a kid, it made me feel smart because I knew about the hidden ‘R’ in the spelling. Plus, it’s a short month so it helps the winter move along…and it is the only month that sometimes has an extra day- like it does this year…that is pretty cool! And then, of course, Valentine’s Day. While I think it is a little bit silly in a romantic kind of way, I LOVE it in a friendship kind of way. I still buy valentines at the store and give them to my co-workers…usually with a pink candy kiss taped to the front…or maybe a special bookmark or sticker that comes with the pack. My mom still gives me a Valentine’s gift (well, the Valentine’s Day Elephant does)…which used to be something like a new pink shirt (one year in elementary school I got this outfit…red plaid leggings, a white shirt, and the same red plaid tie…ohhh, I LOVED that outfit…a tie! So cool.), and the gifts now usually include a bottle of wine or a new book, which is perfect, but in the back of my mind, I still always hope for another rad tie outfit…

Oh my gosh…I am only three months out now from my Disney World 30^th birthday trip! When I first decided on the plan, it seemed so far away, and now three months seems like hardly any time at all! I have tentative dates (depending on flight prices) of May 2-11. The Expedition Everest Challenge is May 5^th, which is kind of the center of the trip. In addition to the race, and Disney (duh), I’m suuuuper excited to go to Universal and see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter…can’t believe I haven’t been yet! Also pumped to visit with friends and meet a new little guy (soon to be born). Still have to work out the schedule…and which hotel to stay in! When we go in May, it will have been 2 years since my previous visit…can you imagine! Prior to that, it would have been weird for me to go longer than 8 months without a visit. My excitement can’t be contained.

Speaking of excitement not to be contained…I’m going to San Fran at the end of the month to celebrate another 30^th birthday. And I just got an email that involved plans of group dinners, wine tastings, and promises of lots of girl time! Somehow this trip seems harder to wait for than Disney (which, while getting closer, is still a good ways away).

My 4^th/5^th grade girls basketball team has had our first two games…still just REALLY enjoying coaching and working with the girls. They work so hard out on the court…rebounds and steals left and right…they go after every loose ball, and usually come up with it. The shooting could use some work. I think this season is going to go by really quickly, and then basketball is over for the year…wah wah wah.

This past weekend I went over to Whidbey Island to cabin lead at a high school camp…oh how I miss going to summer camps. And Friends Inc camp! This camp definitely reminded me of Friends Inc camp…too bad my mom doesn’t get to lead that anymore…those were always super fun weekends. I played some basketball with some of the kids and it was SO fun. I have loved coaching the little girls, but I do miss playing. We were playing 2 on 2 (and sometimes 2 on 3 or 2 on 4, depending on who came out to the court) full (smaller sized) court, so there was a lot of running back and forth and jumping and defending…ohhh, my knee was killing me after! I had to ice it the rest of the night. Initially I blamed it on being old…that I am just going to have to deal with these things…but really, I think it’s because I haven’t been playing…my knees aren’t in basketball shape. I need to do something about that. Oh, I also climbed the climbing wall at camp…I used to have a super strong upper body (did the bars in gymnastics…and o-so many pushups), so loooved climbing stuff…but was nervous about the wall because it had been a LONG time since I had tried. I didn’t go all the way to the top…pretty sure I could have, but my hands were freezing and hurt, so I stopped…but it was exciting!

Ohhh, and Brian and I have started running on a sort of regular basis (as in, we run each week…we are building up). We plan to dominate the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, so have started our training now. Brian hasn’t ever been a ‘runner’…like, he plays sports for fun and runs around in games, but not just a runner for the sake of running. Meanwhile I was a pretty serious runner for a little while there, and have tapered off a lot in the past year…so it drives me crazy that he is getting in running shape faster than I am. Stupid boys. Ugh. Only a little bit jealous and upset about that…mostly I’m just so happy we are running…I feel so much better about life when I’m running (not during the actual run…mostly when I’m done with the run).

Hope your February is full of candy hearts and Toy Story bookmarkers.

Back to work...

2012-01-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well, the snow sure did happen. It was all I hoped it would be (minus the quick melt)- enough to make everything pretty and magical, but not so much that it got old (as far as I was concerned anyway...I know some people were getting tired of it, but c'mon- it was only a couple of days- though if you are/were without power, I get that...one day of that is more than enough...)

- Some snow highs and lows. *High- as previously mentioned (many times), the jeep is a champ in the snow. Sometimes she can be tough on a regular basis with her occasional stalling, but I just get so proud of her in the snow. *High- we had a late start at work one day, and when B and got into the office, we were nearly the only ones. We were sure to send emails out so people would know what dedicated employees we are. Then we had Thursday off...that was a major high.
*High- having time in the mornings to make delicious breakfasts. Yum. *High- finally giving the nee Phinney Market restaurant a try (I NEEDED coffee). *High- bringing a football along for a walk to meet a pal and playing catch along the way. A walk with a ball always feels more productive and fun than just a regular walk. *High- not feeling bad about lounging on the couch in sweats for the better part of the day, catching up on old shows, checking out new shows...all while watching delightful little flakes make their way to the ground. *Low- having to go into work at regular time on Friday...the roads were not cleared yet...a late start would have been very appropriate. Boo. *Low- the jeep was broken into late Thursday night. My doors were unlocked, so nothing was broken, and they only took some CD's (which is a bummer, but not devastating)...but they went through everything, so there is paper and whatnot everywhere. Mostly I just feel sad for the jeep...I feel like it was violated...and after being such a sport in the snow.

- Brian and I decided to make the trek downtown Thursday afternoon to see Beauty and the Beast in theaters (we planned to go to Northgate, but couldn't think of a route that didn't involve having to drive down a hill). Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE movie...not just fav Disney movie...favorite movie. I had to see it while it was back in theaters...despite it being in 3-D (ugh). It makes me mad that Disney is bringing back the old movies in 3-D...not just because it gives me a headache, but because I think every kid should have a chance to see these classic movies in the theater, but with the addition of 3-D, they are so expensive. It would cost a family of four $60, not including any popcorn or treats. That's crazy. But...I still went...because I just love that movie.

- Ever since I moved out of my old apartment, I haven't been able to keep up with any of my TV shows (other than HIMYM)...which, honestly, is probably a good thing....but I do miss having cable and especially DVR. Anyway...since Brian received a couple of video games for Christmas, I've decided to catch myself up on Parenthood on my computer. I LOVE this show! I remembered liking it, though I was thinking it was more a nostalgia thing since the show has actors from several of my old favorite shows (Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls, Michael B Jordan from Friday Night Lights, etc)...but as I've been catching up on this season, I think it is actually a great show...I regularly find myself laughing out loud or tearing up a bit...great characters and a realistic family storyline (it isn't overly dramatic). I'm almost all caught up, which is disappointing...I'll have to wait in real time for the new episodes soon.

- I recently joined Pinterest (if you don't know, it's a website that allows you to 'pin' different websites or ideas onto different boards that you create- I have a board for recipes, craft ideas, home decorating, trips, etc- and then you follow other's boards to get ideas to pin on your own), and even more recently have actually started using some of the things I've pinned. I've made a couple of recipes. Last weekend I made breakfast for a few people at Brian's...this Martha Stewart recipe turned out better than I anticipated. I figured it would be tasty, but it was actually pretty delicious, and totally easy. Lots of variations to it also.

- Wednesday I decided to pull out the ol crock pot and another Pinterest recipe (since we had the day off...and it was snowing...crock pot is the obvious choice). Another success. I made a chicken taco chili...again, totally easy. I've never done pulled chicken before, and was a little nervous about it...but after sitting in the crockpot for 8 hours, the chicken just FELL apart...so easy. I did use the modifications the blogger used in the link above. We made some cornbread muffins from a mix from Trader Joe's. Maybe one of these days I'll attempt a craft project from my Pinterest board...maybe.

- Awards season has begun...People's Choice (which is a silly one) and Golden Globes have happened. Looking forward to the next couple of months and having to watch all of the movies/actors nominated. Going off of the Golden Globes nominations for Best Picture, I have seen The Help, Hugo, Ides of March Moneyball, 50/50, The Artist, and Midnight In Paris...still need to see My Week With Marilyn, Bridesmaids, War Horse, and The Descendants (featuring George Clooney in Tommy Bahama gear...keep an eye out for the marlin). Probably my personal favorite of those was Midnight In Paris....but not necessarily for best picture.

And that's all for this week- hope you are warm and with power!

Snowpocolypse!

2012-01-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ohhh, I feel like this week has been incredibly long. Possiblybecause it is the first full week of work I’ve had in a few weeks…don’t know,but I am TIRED and very much looking forward to the weekend. Not only to sleep,but also because of the possibility of…SNOWPOCOLYPSE. We’ll see….

1. Okay,seriously…Seattle is THE most gorgeous city…I won’t say in the world, butcertainly in the US. I am not going to add the disclaimer that ‘I might bebiased’…because whether I am or not, the statement is still true. We have hadthe most amazing sunrises the last few days…I mean, the mountains are crystalclear- and completely surround the city…whichever direction you look, there aresnowy and jagged STUNNING mountains. And then you add the vibrant oranges andpurples from the sun…and it just demands that you pause in your rush to get towork and appreciate it. Pic on the left was taken right outside my house…those trees are theborder of the Zoo. And then the other pic is one that has been floating around.

2. Ohhh,last week we had a Feng Shui master come in to our office (this is somethingthat has been happening since the beginning of TB), and since I am coveringfacilities for the time being, I got to be a part of it. Meaning, I followedhim around to the various offices and took notes about what changes needed tobe made. Then, since I was new to the Feng Shui experience, he did my ‘reading’…usingmy birth date, year, and time…fascinating. Apparently I am VERY lucky…born theyear of the dog and the day of the rabbit (those two get along very well), heassured me that I will be very happy my WHOLE life, into old age. Which, I meanreally- minus the old age part, I already knew. Being happy doesn’t mean badthings don’t happen, it just means you handle those things in a certain way. Hedid say that this next year will be fine…nothing special, but then the fouryears following will be VERY good years, particularly 2016. So, you know, that’salways good to hear. He also told me to avoid oily foods, to which I made anincredibly oily soup for dinner that night and got a terrible stomachache.Great.

3. Tuesdayevening I had basketball practice (still, completely LOVING coaching this group/age)and Brian was planning to cut Doug (the Christmas tree) up and clean up aroundhis house. Pretty low key evening. We were trying to find something to watch…anddecided on…Never Say Never- the Justin Bieber movie. Yep. And it was good. Ilike that kid. He is actually talented and he seems to have a good sense ofhumor…I’m sure he has his teenage boy moments, and his heartthrob star moments…butfor the most part, he seems like a nice kid that works hard. I hope he gets outof the pop scene eventually…I think he is capable of some cool stuff. Purple is his color....

4. Meanwhile,while we were enjoying some Baby, Baby, Baby whoa…we were missing the JanuaryRound. We weren’t planning to go, but it was still there in the back of mymind, as it always is when I don’t go (what if I’m missing some great localmusician that I don’t know about…like a Bryan John Appleby)…Brian’s roommatewent. AND, he came home with one of the paintings! I have always wanted to buyone of the paintings that is created right there and then auctioned off, but I’venever really looked into it…never had any idea how much they go for, etc. Sofirst off, I thought it was cool that he went and bought one…and then I saw whothe artist was…Henry! Who has murals all over Ballard and Wallingford. I LOVEHenry. I want to have a Henry mural painted in a kids room. SOOO bummed to havemissed him. BUT, Jared bought one, which is pretty exciting.

5. Wednesdaynight was the first movie night of 2012…and it was a hit. The theme was Summer Blockbuster,and we had popcorn and classic movie candy (hot tamales, junior mints,whoppers, milk duds, licorice, etc) and watched Super 8! Love that movie. Thereare definitely things about it that I thought could have been done different (Ijust didn’t like the ‘monster’…it needed to be something that was easier tohave compassion for), but it was cast so well…those kids are each so perfectfor their roles. So fun. And as always, love having people over and chattingand laughing.

There you go. Here’s hoping for some epic snow this weekend intonext week…or really, any snow at all, it doesn’t need to be epic. But my jeepwould love something epic.

2012...here we go...

2012-01-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! I started my 2011 blog saying I was going to switchformats to This I Believe’s…and then I just stopped writing because it wasintimidating. When I finally did get back into writing, it was rarely an actualFive, and rarely on Friday. So…for 2012…no rules for the blog. Maybe a Fivepointer, maybe on Friday, maybe about things I believe…who knows.

In the meantime…

1. NewYear’s Eve was great…B and I made the loooong drive down to Olympia, almostShelton, to my Uncle Roy and Aunt Debby’s house. They are the family partyhouse…they host parties all year long, and I always want to go, but having that hour and a half drive each way isrough. I’m glad we decided to go though…all of my mom’s siblings were there(which always makes for a lot of noise, if nothing else…no, no…I REALLY likethem all, so much fun!), most of my cousins, and then the occasional neighboror random. We ate, drank, played cards (shanghai rummy is a tradition, but Ithink we may have overdone it this year…), and then ate more. Last year I wasable to ring the new year in with some of my best friends at a wedding, and thisyear with my family…I have always liked the idea that how you spend your New Year’sis reflective on the rest of your year…I’d say friends and family is a good wayto go.

2. January4^th was my two-year anniversary with Tommy Bahama. That’s prettyexciting…certainly my longest ‘real’ job. Still happy to be here, stillenjoying the people in my department, and this year has definitely providedlots of opportunity to learn with my added facilities role. I continue to thinkabout going back to school for a Masters in Teaching…or maybe Nursing…and thenI think, well…maybe I should get my HR certification, because this HumanResources stuff isn’t so bad…just always keeping the door open for whatevercomes along my way.

      3. 4^th/5^thgrade basketball season started on Tuesday for the Boys and Girls Club. I hadmy first practice, and oh my…the difference between the 2^nd/3^rdand 4^th/5^th is NIGHT and DAY! I was surprised when we hadour coaches meeting and I learned that the 4^th/5^thgraders play with all the normal rules of basketball…they shoot free throws,there are 3 pointers, over and back, traveling, double dribbles, 10 ft hoop,etc. I figured there would obviously be an improvement between the two agegroups…but whoa. These girls on my new team (we get to be the Storm this season…woohoo!)listened, paid attention, did what I asked (which included running waaaay more thanmy other girls ever did, and pushups, and defensive slides, etc). In our veryfirst practice we could play shooting games (I could never play games with theyounger girls because they could barely get the ball to the hoop), we played arebounding game, they tried to beat me when we ran lines, etc. They workedHARD, and they didn’t complain. I’m really excited for this season…I thinkthere will actually be some coaching involved! Plus, I have an assistant coach…anothergal that just wanted to get involved and doesn’t have kids on a team…so thatwill be really fun…have some help and get to bounce ideas off each other. REALLYlooking forward to this season.

   4. Brianand I went to the Cinerama last night to see the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Ididn’t see the Swedish version, but have read the book, so I knew the story andknew what to expect…but ish, that is a tough movie. It’s just so disturbing. Iwaited to see the American version, thinking it would be a little bit milder,but it was still pretty graphic…I’m surprised it could be rated R. Good movie…definitelyan interesting story line, and even though the movie is two and a half hours,you are never checking your watch…the music is great and very much adds to the suspense.But you leave the theater feeling upset and disturbed. Good movie…pretty sure Iwill never watch it again.

5. Whilethe movie was tough, the previews before the movie were aaaawwesoooome! Firstup, the Hunger Games. Looks so good…I can’t wait! And it is only a couple ofmonths away. I was nervous about them doing it well, but the preview got myhopes up! Next, the upcoming Batman movie. I’m not as excited as Brian for this one, just because I’m not as into theaction movies…but the Dark Knight was great (I need to work on using otherwords than great…I always read other words…amazing, fantastic, phenomenal…andthink it sounds like trying to use something other than great…sometimes thingsare just great…better than good or fine…but stellar is over the top)….anyway…previewshows promise (how about that one?). And the final preview was…The Hobbit.Soooo excited for this one, even in 3-D (or especially in 3-D? Since they usednew 3-D technology…). Brian bought the Lord of the Rings trilogy on Blue Ray,and we have been moving through those (not that I haven’t seen them all a fewtimes), and one of our friends does a New Year’s Day viewing of all threemovies right in a row (we only stayed for a couple of hours)…so the story andthose characters and that world is all very fresh. But I haven’t ever read the Hobbit…soI just started last night…exciting!

Have a super amazing, fantastically epic week. Or just a greatone.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

The last post of 2011…should be full of deep reflections and favorite things. Should be. But, well…I just haven’t put that much thought into it. I will say, I have loved this year.

I remember thinking how great 2010 was and being a little nervous about 2011 because it couldn’t possibly live up to 2010. But somehow 2011 was even better.

I decided that since it isn't looking positive for snow any time soon, I'd add some snow to my blog. It does make me happy, even if it isn't even close to the real thing.

Some highlights from the past year:

-Going to Disneyland with Brian. Disney is one of those big tests that could have been a deal breaker...but Brian was quite a sport and kept up. We have a trip to Disney World tentatively planned (it's happening, but reservations haven't been made) for May...I'm sure he has no idea what he is getting in to (pretty sure my mom is going also)...but I'm not worried this time. Really, just something super exciting to look forward to in 2012.

-Getting my own place. I moved into my new place in May...and there are still unpacked boxes in the living room, and I actually don't think I've done any 'living' in the living room...but it's my own space. I was able to close up my storage unit and everything is with me now. I had great visions of decorating cute and buying new things...none of that happened (I did get some more snowflake plates the day after Christmas at Target), so hey...that's something.

-Live music...Brian and I went to so many shows this year...and almost all actually paid for. (After working at the radio station and getting all kinds of free tickets, it took me some time to be okay with purchasing...I still have a few connections, luckily.) Fav shows included: Ryan Adams solo at Benaroya in the 6th row...wowzer. Muse and Arcade Fire at Outsidelands. Beach Boys with Brian's parents, David Gray, a very cool birthday gift to see Jeff Bridges- what a performer. Some pretty fantastic local performances- Ian McFeron Band's latest album release at the Triple Door, multiple Head and the Heart shows, Bryan John Appleby, Campfire OK, Kelli Schaefer at Cathedrals (her mom singing with her- shivers! This doesn't do it justice, but still... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BaHpuCgCKE ), Fleet Foxes twice...both amazing...I know I'm forgetting shows...great music year though.

-Sports galore! You have no idea how often I have feared that I would never find someone that found great importance in both music AND sports, as I do. Brian and I went to a ton of Mariners games (including Sonics night at Safeco...what a thrill that was!), Sounders games (I even found myself part owner of season tickets next year...who would have thought my first set of season tickets would be for soccer!), we went to a Seahawks game, and Sunday afternoon kid soccer games at Greenlake... we watched just about every major sporting event on TV...I mean, sports are pretty much an every day thing. I'm pretty pumped for the upcoming Sounders season...oh I wish we still had the Sonics! There was also the thrill of playing on the Bahama Bombers kickball team...we weren't good, but we almost won a playoff game. Brian, of course, was recruited to another team that went on to win the championship...what a traitor.

-Trips! We went to Portland twice...once to see the Head and the Heart, and once for an incredible Fleet Foxes show AT Edgefield. We did Disney in April and San Francisco to see Jessica and Luke and a music festival, Ellensburg for the RODEO! Looking forward to another trip to San Fran in February for Rachel's 30th birthday, the D-World trip, and who knows where else we might be off to...I'd love to get back to Chicago, I need to see Jessica and Luke's new place, visit Jen in Austin, I'd love to visit Brian's sisters in Alaska and NYC, and I'd love to leave the country some time soon.

-Volunteering...spent some time at 826 doing the 2nd and 3rd grad Geoduck field trips, and helping high schoolers with their college essays...not as much time spent at 826 as I would have like due to my work schedule. And my little Shooting Fireballs basketball team. Those girls were definitely one of the highlights of my year. I don't think I did much, but I know they had fun, and they were so stinkin funny.

-New friends. I love our weekly tradition of either Potluck or Movie Night. I love hanging out, eating food, playing games, laughing, and boy do I love any event with a theme. It has been tough having several of my very best friends moved away, it has been so great to have met and made so many new friends this year.

Oh dear...Brian just broke his new nerf gun...I gotta go.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

I keep thinking it is Friday. It isn’t…it’s Wednesday…but at work, today is MY Friday (minus the Friday coffee with the department…boo) since I am taking Thursday and Friday off. Ohhh, I’m excited to be done at the end of the day today. For multiple reasons…first, I get to see my super awesome buddy Amy, who is a big, bad music gal in LA now. I miss her and she is in town and we are going to happy hour tonight. THEN, I’m going to see Mission Impossible at the IMAX, which Brian already saw and insisted on seeing again…he said it is really cool…really, just going to the IMAX is an exciting adventure…if the movie is good, that’s a bonus.

THEN, tomorrow morning I get to see my dentist. Weird to be excited about that? I know…but I really, really like my dentist… With all of my moving and traveling, I always managed to get appointments in while I was home visiting. Plus, I'm a little bit crazy about my teeth and taking care of them (I still have my retainer from 8th grade!), so a trip to the dentist to take care of my teeth is both exciting and a relief. Dr. Jacka in Federal Way (I even make the trip down to Fed Way)…everyone at the office is great. THEN, tomorrow is the Dinner Club Christmas party! This is one of my FAVORITE Christmas traditions…because I love this group of people so much, and Christmas is just the best time to hang out with those important people.

THEN, it really is Friday, and boy do I have a ton of stuff to take care of, but luckily I’ll have some good company in Rachel (another CA friend in town visiting), to make the errands and tasks more enjoyable.

Then comes the actual holiday…Brian and I are running around all over the place. Initially, it all seemed easy and doable and no big deal. Now, as the small logistics are being figured out, I’m getting stressed about making it all happen. I really look forward to the day when I can have everyone over to my house and host. Buuuuut, really, if you are going to have a problem, having an abundance of family to hang out with on Christmas is probably about the best problem to have. I’m sure it will all be magical.

My cold has hung on, but just at the level it was on the first day. It hasn’t progressed at all. Still just a little swollen throat and a bit of a headache…the headache is even subsiding though (that may have been a coffee related headache, actually). Brian has definitely caught something similar and I’m hoping he will be able to fight it off. He is also taking tomorrow off, so hopefully a good nights sleep and being able to sleep in will keep the sick away.

And for a final basketball update- My basketball season has come to an end. We had our final game last Saturday (it was a rough one…we were short people, and the other team was really good). And then last night we had our banquet. It’s interesting how when I played sports, I never thought about how the coach has to put together the banquet. And where do the trophies come from? And, how do you go about ordering the pizza so the coach isn’t out $300? The Boys and Girls Club told me coaches just do their own thing for banquets…so I had to figure it out. We ended up going to Zeeks for pizza. The grandpa guy that took stats all season put together some participation certificates (and then proceeded to call out their stats for EVERY SINGLE GAME…oh my). I wrote a little note to each girl in a Christmas card and made little ornaments with their name. It was definitely my rookie season…but I had a lot of fun and I think the girls had a good time…which is the most important thing…I just want them to keep playing! Looking forward to next season with the 4th/5th grade girls.

Okay...this is it for me until after Christmas. Hope you have the best holiday full of everything you love. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

And now I'm stressed....

2011-12-19T11:12:00.001-08:00

Up until today I was feeling so good about Christmas. Loving the season, getting gifts and recipes prepared slowly but surely…and then all of a sudden, today, I am totally stressed out…feel like there is too much to do, not enough time to do it, plans every night…AND…I can feel a cold coming on. Ugh. I am totally going to be sick over Christmas.

Deep breath.

I am taking two days off of work this week to avoid this feeling. To give myself time for all of the last minute things…to wrap the presents and to do the baking of the recipes that I’ve prepared for. But I didn’t prepare for a cold and just wanting to drink tea in bed and watch movies. Crap.

Back to the Five...

2011-12-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Okay...since coming back to the blogging, I have strayed a bit from the usual template…rather than writing five points, I’ve just been sharing what’s been going on. I’m going to attempt to move back to the five point post…mostly to keep my rambling to as much of a minimum as possible.

1. Santa Claus. I have been seeing/reading a lot this year about parents giving up on the Santa thing…to each his own, obviously, but oh, it makes me sad. I was/am a big fan of Santa. I used to wake up in the middle of the night Christmas Eve and sneak downstairs to see what Santa left for me (Santa didn’t wrap presents- he displayed them), and I would peak through my stocking, careful not to disturb the way it looked and give away that I had been there. Santa always left a stuffed animal on my little rocking horse that sits next to the tree, and I would take my new friend back up to bed with me. It never occurred to me that might give my sneaking away. What was more important than the Santa thing (which really, was one day of the whole Christmas season…I always knew the Santas at the stores weren’t the real guy), was that I learned the Christmas story. We saw the Christmas pageants at church, and we talked about what Christmas is actually about. We had the nativity scenes around the house that I would sit and play with. I definitely understood what Christmas was. I can see how people might worry that, for a kid, Santa could overshadow Jesus. But I know that believing in Santa never did that for me. I really think that having conversations about what the Christmas season is about is what matters. I have also heard the argument that we teach our kids to trust us and then we lie to them…. I NEVER once even considered it being a lie. It never made me mad that my family created a magical story for my childhood (okay, not going to lie…Santa still stops at my house). That would be like getting pissed about Disney. Anyway…I know I'm not a parent, and everyone has their own traditions and beliefs...but, for me, Santa never took away from the reason for Christmas- Santa was/is just a fun and silly way to enjoy family and get excited for the big day…and I can’t wait for what crazy antics Santa will have planned for my kids one day!

2. Elf on the Shelf- Speaking of magical stories for kids…do you know about the Elf on the Shelf? They are these little stuffed animal/plastic faced toy elves that Santa sends out to households to keep an eye on the kids. Your family’s elf (who the kid has to name before the magic will start…my friend’s elf is Mr. Doodle Paws…apparently the naming was quite a process) flies back to the North Pole each night and reports to Santa if the kid should be on the good list or the naughty list. And then he flies back to the house and is usually found causing mischief somewhere in the house for the kids to find each morning. My mom has been talking about these elves for a couple of years and what a fun tradition it is…well, I took one look at the creepy elves and decided I wasn’t interested. Until this year…I joined Pinterest, and have seen pictures of all kinds of creative things to have your elf doing for the kids to find…SO FUN. I might want to find a different elf though…Brian suggested perhaps an Elvis on the Shelvis. Nice.

3. Charity Gifts? I’m looking for some thoughts and opinions on this one. As I’ve been making my Christmas gift list (the list of who and what to buy for), I started thinking again about an option I have considered for the past few years. What are your thoughts on spending the money you would on an okay gift (I have a lot of people to buy for…I’m not getting exceptional things for them!), to make a donation toward a cause that would be important to that person? Rather than getting them a mug and gift card to Starbucks (which I’m sure they would love and would use, but would be forgotten after a week), I make a donation that is personal to that person’s interests or cares? Or do you think it is a little bit lame and really, people would rather be able to treat themselves to a peppermint mocha when they normally only allow themselves an Americano? I really go back and forth. What do you think?

4. Snow. I mean, really…are you tired of reading about snow from me? I know, I know…but I refuse to give up. Most of the time that snow is predicted, it doesn’t happen, so who can say that it won’t happen when it isn’t predicted? Two days ago there were snow showers in the forecast for right before Christmas…and a few hours later, they were gone. It has been so cold…right on that cusp of snow and rain. The fluffy white flakes would just really make my holiday time as magical as could be…pleeeeeassssseeee??

5. May Disney trip. I’m still planning on taking the 30th birthday trip in May down to Disney World…if you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit, what better time than then? Registration just opened up for the Expedition Everest Challenge (May 5th), so if you are interested in coming along for my birthday trip, and participating in the race (really, it’s super fun and low key…no need to be any kind of runner), head on over to the page and take a look. It is a partner race, so you have to sign up with someone to race with. Here is the link and info…
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/expedition-everest-challenge

And that’s all for this week…hope your has been fantastic!

Christmastime!

2011-12-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, can’t believe it is already Thursday. This week has been a mix of slow motion (I think due to the fact that I’ve been getting to work at 7am, and so am tiiiired…funny how much changes in just a couple of years…I used to get up at 3:45am for work…oh Starbucks…I don’t miss that EVER), but the week has also somehow just FLOWN by…I guess because it has been busy.

I really feel like we have been enjoying the holidays to the max this year, which makes me really happy. We still need to go to ZooLights in Tacoma, ice skating, take a drive through some neighborhood known for its lights, bake Christmas cookies (that doesn’t come until later anyway though)…and then of course, the snow. It must snow. But I have no control over that one.

So far:
Decorating- Nothing compared to my mom’s house…but it takes time to get a collection like that…We have the Christmas tree (Doug), who is still just as handsome as ever. We haven’t put any ornaments on him…just the big, outdoor lights. Then of course, I got crafty and made the felt tree skirt…I can’t think of anything more holiday-y than crafting a tree skirt. Brian was able to snag a nice live wreath from work, complete with pine cones and a big red bow. She was immediately named A-wreath-a…and she will only be complete once she gets a motion sensor attached to play a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T every time a person walks by. I wanted to use some of Doug’s trimmed branches for décor, but have gotten lazy with that.

Gingerbread House- oh yes, Olga and I spent an evening decorating gingerbread houses. She picked up a couple of kits from Costco, made a yummy light dinner, and we spent some time catching up, while sneaking tastes of frosting and gummy candy. I really need to start carrying my camera so I can add photos of these delights I speak of. Maybe a photo blog soon.

We went to our first Christmas party of the season last weekend…which was just about as charming as a Christmas party could possibly be (without cute kids for singing carols anyway)…there were fun and fancy beverages, yummy appetizers, a little gift exchange (Brian was VERY excited for the gift he brought…the nerf guns were on sale at Fred Meyer…he even bought me one of my own…what a guy), popper favors that included tissue paper crowns and a joke, an AMAAAAZING chocolate cake, warm festive comfortable home, and of course…the great company of friends.

The Round had their annual Holiday show at the Triple Door (if you haven’t read the dozens of times I’ve written about the Triple Door…it’s my very favorite place for a show). This year there were two different sets of musicians, that did 3 ‘rounds’ of music each. I really look forward to the Holiday round each year…I love going to the Round anyway…local musicians playing together, poetry, painting, etc…but having a bunch of local musicians sitting around playing Christmas songs is great, because as somber and sad and pretty as they play those songs, they are still Christmas songs, which makes them joyful. Anyway…I was a little bit disappointed with this show…the musicians just didn’t play very many Christmas songs…they did winter-y songs, many original…but only a few traditional songs. Bummer. Still good, just not what I was hoping for.

Speaking of music…I have created myself a nice Christmas playlist on Spotify that I listen to while I process paperwork at work…I have quite a mix of musicians on the list…from Bing Crosby to Elvis to Mariah Carey, to Biebs to She & Him, etc…but my favorites are definitely the Sufjan Stevens songs….jeez, they are so pretty. Listening to them at this very moment and feeling very Merry.

I am more ahead of my Christmas gifts than I usually am…though I still have a ways to go…I have taken a few different shopping trips, getting a few things each time. I took a couple of days off work right before Christmas, so I won’t have to worry about being super stressed out at the last minute. Yay!

Side note…I wish the Elf on a Shelf elves were cuter. I think they are kind of scary looking actually…but I think it is such a cute idea.

In other news…
-Went and saw Hugo, the new Martin Scorsese movie…it was different than I expected, but I really enjoyed it. It’s a 3-D movie, which I don’t generally like, but it was shot in 3-D (however that technology works), so really immerses you in the movie, not just a few things here and there. And no headache, which I usually get in 3-d movies.

-My basketball season is winding down…this is the second to last week. I really have had so much fun…I don’t know how much of a ‘coach’ I was…with the little kids, and not having any practices once games get going…but they have definitely improved dramatically from our first few practices…so that’s something. I went to a coaches meeting last night for next season- 4th/5th grade girls. Amazing the difference. This sounds like real basketball…10 ft hoop, 3-pointers, foul shots, over and back, etc. And I was talking to the other coaches (all dads and me), and I guess they have lost some girls on their teams because they have gone to year round soccer. WHAT? Year round, single sport exclusivity…in 4th/5th grade?! That is crazy. And sad to me. Sad because not only are the girls missing out on other really fun experiences and opportunities, they are also going to have a crazy amount of pressure on them! I mean, even when I was playing basketball year round, I still played other sports. Also sad to me…the 4th/5th grade boys have had a waiting list to get on a team for over a month- there are so many kids that want to play…but the girls…we don’t even have enough for 5 teams. C’mon gals…though I guess when I played at the Boys & Girls Club, there weren’t girls teams…I just played on the boys team.

All for now…have a great weekend!

Christmas season is here!

2011-11-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a super awesome Thanksgiving, full of delicious food and delightful company. This year Brian and I got to celebrate Thanksgiving four times! First with my mom and Ron (and the brie stuffed, prosciutto wrapped turkey), then a Friendsgiving with my old roomie, then with Brian’s fam and fun Alaska relatives that I hadn’t met before (SO thankful that I REALLY like Brian’s family and always look forward to seeing them), and then finally wrapped up the tour on Thanksgiving day with my dad’s side of the family, which unfortunately for Brian (or maybe fortunately) turned out to be a pretty mild version of a Pate holiday. Love that we have a holiday specifically to remind us to be thankful for all that we have.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, I’m so glad it is over so that I can legitimately be pumped for Christmas. Christmas music can be played openly, the decorations can officially come out, Christmas movies are allowed…now if only it would just snow. Thinking of getting in the Christmas spirit and preparing for the season, if you are looking for some tasty holiday recipes, my pal Shawn Stewart has started a new blog full of goodies- plus, she is an awesome writer, and just an all around stellar lady...check it out: www.shawnalogue.wordpress.com/

Brian grew up with a fake tree for Christmas, so this year he was super excited to find the perfect live one…like the Griswold family trip out to the middle of nowhere to find the tree that heaven shines a light on…but for us, no need for the middle of nowhere part, we found it at Fred Meyer. We may have stolen someone else’s tree…Brian spotted THE tree while someone else was checking it out…the second they stepped away, we stepped in and snatched it up. Next is the tying it to the roof of the car…neither of us had done that before on our own, but we got some twine and figured it out, driving ever so slowly back home. Then we got home and realized we didn’t have a saw to cut off an inch at the bottom…but oh well, the tree (who we have grown quite fond of and named Doug) would probably be fine. Then the tree stand was too small for Doug, so we had to go back to Fred Meyer for another tree stand. Finally we got him up and wrapped four strands of lights around him, plugged him in, and boy was he glorious!

But three days later, the water hadn’t gone down any…Doug was going to die quickly if he didn’t get some water. So we borrowed a saw, took all the lights back off, and in Brian’s living room I hugged the tree steady while Brian sawed an inch or so off, and then trimmed the bottom branches (which was definitely needed). We set Doug back up, re-strung him with lights, and he looks much more like a Christmas tree now. Especially because….

Guess what I did? I got about as crafty as I get, and made a felt tree skirt! We made the trek out to Jo-Ann fabrics to get the material, made a guess at measurements, grabbed the basic Christmas colors (red for the base, sparkly green for some evergreen trees, and white for the snow), and I did some cutting and gluing…and I think it is almost cute. Certainly a nice addition to the full Doug package. I also made a couple of stockings with extra felt…but they turned out like something a 4th grader did during art in school…oh well.

Trader Joes has made me super lazy about cooking. Their frozen options are good, and so easy. Usually I don’t love the meat options there, but Brian and I tried their BBQ pulled chicken the other night, and it was pretty darn good. That will definitely need to be added into the dinner rotation. They have some tasty (with garlic butter and nice seasoning) frozen vegetable medleys also, that even Brian likes…and they make the kitchen smell yummy too.

Oh- I hope you saw the awesome flight deals Alaska Airlines released earlier in the week! One way tickets to destinations you actually want to visit ranging from $40-$150 (some, like Mexico or Alaska were more than that). It seemed like Friday and Sunday travel dates were blocked from the cheap fares, and you have to fly before March…but other than that, pretty easy to book. I’m going to San Fran to celebrate one of my dearest friends 30th birthday in February…after taxes and everything it was $121. So excited to be able to make that trip.

Okay, this is getting too long…wanted to talk about the Apple Cup (Brian and I went and had awesome seats…SO much fun!), but I’ll just leave it at that…great game- way to go Huskies!

Have a great week!

Happy Thanksgiving week

2011-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

I wrote this a few days ago, but only got to posting today...so it's a little dated.

You know how some days you wake up and then everything just goes your way…even the little things, like the crosswalk turns to walk as soon as you step up to the curb? I had one of those days on Sunday. Well, ALMOST one of those days. Which was much needed after the previous week!

I woke up Sunday morning and jumped in the newly covered jeep (yep, she is all ready for winter and looking like a legitimate rugged vehicle with her hard top back in place). Drove down to 826 for a special volunteer only event. Donuts with Dave…Dave Eggers was in town, so 826 arranged an event for about 40 volunteers to sit and chat and enjoy Mighty O donuts. Dave Eggers and Mighty O- could the day start any better? I don’t think so.

It was a super casual chat…he asked questions about what we were up to at 826, things we like, things we’d like to see happen. He talked about some of the other chapters and even offered to give relationship advice to anyone in need. I loved the way he talked about public education…along with other volunteers in the group- many of who are or have been teachers. Someone asked if 826 ever gets involved with politics (the answer is no, it is a non profit and can’t do any lobbying), in an education way, because the Seattle school district is really awful, etc…and another volunteer responded about how easy it is to group everybody together, but that there are some really amazing teachers and things happening in the Seattle school district. It is easy to only focus on the bad, and that there will be plenty of that- it is a LARGE, urban school district, but it is not lacking in teachers that care and work toward making a difference. She got a little choked up while she was saying this stuff…which I thought was really cool…she certainly cares. Also, Dave recently produced a documentary that follows four teachers around throughout the stages of their careers…it’s called American Teacher, and it looks great. Wish I could remember everything we talked about...

Right after 826, I drove down to U Village to meet up with the Dinner Club gals for the annual Christmas shopping trip. I got there a little earlier than them, so stopped to get a peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks. So, I realize that I worked at Starbucks and that my drinks might be a little bit high maintenance (they really aren’t that difficult…I don’t ask for a particular temperature or amount of foam…I just think Starbucks drinks are too sweet, so I ask for fewer pumps of syrup…and nonfat milk…and no whip…etc), well…my drink is often made incorrectly. But this Starbucks made my peppermint hot chocolate JUST right. That right there, was enough to make my day great….BUT THEN, as I was leaving, I ran into my friend Olga, that I haven’t seen in waaaay too long. What a treat…a surprise run in with a few minutes to sit and chat. Big smile.

Then shopping with the gals…not super productive…I think we made it to 3 stores in two hours. I made one small purchase. But it was fun to hang out and browse and talk. I had to leave before everyone was done because I had to make a pie for Friendsgiving that night.

The pie-making ended up being the one not perfect part of the day…my TJ’s crust didn’t thaw in time, so we just had to stop at the store and pick one up. Wah wah wah. I don’t think friends at Friendsgiving cared that much though.

In other news…

- Jeep has her winter top….we are all ready and eagerly awaiting the next snow excitement. Took a little longer than usual, as the top gets morphed and re-shaped a little bit more every year. Haven’t come across any bonus spiders while driving yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.

- Had Thanksgiving with my mom and Ron…my mom made turkey that was stuffed with brie and wrapped in prosciutto. Ummm, yum.

- Bought a full pie from A La Mode- the new pie place down the street- for my mom’s thanksgiving. It’s a little bit expensive, but oh my, so good. I wish I could make crust like that. We ordered another pie from there for Thanksgiving with Brian’s family tonight.

And finally, in very sad news…we finished the full series of Friday Night Lights. I have written about FNL plenty of times on here. I love this show. Brian decided he would watch with me, so I got to start all the way at the beginning again, which meant I didn’t watch the final season when it was on TV. I was trying to keep the final season going as long as possible…only watching one episode at a time. But last night, we finished. I’m not going to give anything away because, again, as mentioned many times in previous posts, you should watch it! But, I’m so sad it is over…and I hope they don’t make a movie.

That’s all for this blustery day (I got to wear my Eeyore rainboots today)..have a fantastic holiday weekend…I am so thankful for YOU!

Zayda Buddy's...?

2011-11-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh…there is snow in the forecast! I mean, maybe it says rain/snow mix, but at the beginning of the possible snow season, those giant slushy drops are almost just as exciting. Brian and I are heading to my parents’ house this weekend for an early Thanksgiving meal (my mom and Ron are going to Disney World for Thanksgiving…and then another week and half following…those jerks), Christmas decorating, and to put the hard top back on the jeep and get her all ready for the winter. She loves going into 4WD and cruising the snowy streets. She wasn’t running very well for a brief period there, but seems to be fine now…I didn’t do anything…just checked her oil and put some good quality gas in her…I think she just wanted a little attention and so was acting up. Silly jeep.

I took last Friday off from work…which was awesome and needed. My book club all had the day off for Veteran’s Day, and I have missed the last few book clubs, so I decided I wanted to be part of the Friday brunch! Oh brunch…yummm. There was quiche, there was that super cheesy and sour creamy potato casserole, there was a sausage egg casserole, there were muffins and fruit…I made a raspberry cream cheese coffee cake. And we sat and chatted for more than three hours…while it poured rain outside. It was just so nice. I recently got a tv (I haven't had one since I moved into my new place in May)…I can't watch tv, but I can watch movies. So I got home after book club, turned the heat up in my room, and had every intention of cleaning my room while I watched a movie. Guess what? No cleaning was done. I got REAL cozy in a blanket and fell asleep to My Blueberry Nights.

Friday night Brian and I went to the newly made into music venue- Neptune Theater for some local music. Hey Marseilles was releasing something…wasn’t entirely sure what, but they did play a ton of new stuff…so it was something new. I was super excited for Hey Marseilles…I love that band…they are so fun and charming and…whimsical isn’t the right word…but every time I listen to them, I remember strolling around Paris on the weekends. Bryan John Appleby opened…I also adore Bryan John Appleby- though he had a weird setlist that I didn’t so much adore. But oh well. AND the theater was pretty cool! Brian said it would be perfect for a high school Under The Sea dance…and that is very true.

AND, the news you have all been waiting for…how did the Shooting Fireballs/Chicago Sky/Team 9 (my little basketball team, duh) play on Saturday morning? Oh my gosh…they were AMAZING! I was shocked…in awe! They didn’t have any travels, they passed the ball to each other, they rebounded like animals…they ran up and down the court like there was no tomorrow. I mean…I was really proud of them. Mostly I was proud of their passing. During scrimmages at practice, nobody wanted to give the ball up, and when they did it was a weak little bounce pass, easily stolen….but they threw really smart passes. They found people open under the basket. Brian showed up with the snacks (which was still a hot topic, even on the bench while the game was going on…WHERE ARE THE SNACKS!)…we had juice boxes, satsumas, and mini Might O donuts. What a day!

I have been biiiig time craving some Zayda Buddy's recently. Zayda Buddy's is a Minnesota pizza bar down in Ballard. Brian and I went a lot last football season to watch games, and then tend to make it there…maybe once a month just for fun. It’s always a VERY special treat when we decide to go…it can turn a bad day around immediately…and is always the first place we think of when we are starving (though that isn’t always a great idea because sometimes it takes awhile for the pizza to come out) our pizza of choice is the Chelsea Chelsea…it’s pepperoni pizza with shelled macaroni and cheese on top (we tried putting mac and cheese on our pizza at home…sooo not the same)…anyway…we have had plans for the last two weeks to go, but for one reason or another haven’t made it…and I talk about it pretty much every day. I want to go! Yesterday I was going to a craft thing that was providing dinner and Brian was all bummed out that he had to figure out his own dinner. And then he told me he was going to go to Zayda Buddy's! Can you believe that. I told him it was the rudest thing he has ever said to me. Of course, he was kidding…but I really want to go tonight. Maybe? Just maybe…

Later

November already

2011-11-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe we are a week into November. We had snow in November last year! Oh, I want it to snow. Every time I step outside in the evening, it smells like snow to me. I think it is probably just everything getting situated with the new temperatures. I’m trying hard to appreciate each sunny Fall day we have been getting (we really have had such a beautiful Fall), but I am so ready for some snow…lots of snow. Though maybe I should get the hard top on the jeep first…

I am finally feeling a little bit of relief from work…I had a huge project two weeks ago, that still has a few loose ends, but is mostly complete, and then a smaller but still significant project that finished up this last Friday. Sigh…glad to be back into a semi-normal routine again. I definitely feel more awake and aware now that those are done.

My basketball team had our last practice on Saturday before our first game next Saturday. Obviously, the game doesn’t matter and they will all go out and play and have fun…but oh dear, I am worried about the game. I think there is maybe one or two girls that have ever played in a game ever…and we have really only been able to scrimmage a couple of times, due to the lack of numbers at each practice. And even those were only half court scrimmages… On Saturday, we sat down and went over the rules…what’s a travel, what’s a double dribble, what is out of bounds, etc. I know they know the answers, but I think when they get into that game setting, it’s all going to go out the window…oh well. It will be a good learning experience for all of us, and, if nothing else, we will have some good snacks after the game!

Sounders season is done. Brian has made a paper chain to count down the days until the 2012 season begins, and I believe is currently watching a video of all the goals the Sounders scored over the year. The playoff game on Wednesday was a rough night for him. It actually was a great game…they played really well, they won 2-0…Kasey Keller’s last game was at home, a shut out, and a win….it just was a bummer that they played SO poorly in the first game of the aggregate. They lost 0-3 in the first game and so had to win by 4 on Wednesday to move on to the next round. But…next year will be here before we know it…and I get to share season tickets! This year I’ve gone to a few games- whenever someone Brian sits with isn’t able to go…but next year, I’m actually sharing a seat with someone.

I went to a super cool show on Saturday night. The Fremont Abbey has started a new event (I think it is monthly? I hope so…) The event is called Cathedrals, and they hold it at St Mark’s on Capitol Hill. They bring in some musicians…the lights are low, the sound is beautiful…everyone sits in silence, just listening. Sigh, it was just really beautiful. This time it was Kelli Schaefer…who I was really excited to see in this setting- I love her voice, Cataldo, and My Brightest Diamond. Kelli Schaefer has a song that is one of my favorite songs- just in general. Gone In Love…it’s so pretty. Anyway…she did that song, with her mom singing harmonies. She said it was the first time they had performed that together. One of the verses- “I will sing my mother hymns of old when she is passing/for every heartache I have caused/oh my mother, I am sorry...I want you to know there is nothing you have done that has been wasted…” singing this in a giant cathedral, with her mom singing behind her…wow. My eyes got a little watery…and then after, some girl came up to her friend behind me and was like “I just bawled through that whole thing”. Very cool…I’m excited to see what other musicians they bring in.

I am giddy for the holidays this year…some years I can be a little bah-humbuggy, and get annoyed with the early holidays in the stores. This year I’m soaking up the pumpkin spice lattes, the Mighty O apple spice donuts, enjoying the Christmas tree displays, pumped about decorating at my mom’s house…and, again…CANT WAIT FOR SNOW.

Have a great week…

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late blog post. It was a busy, busy end of the week last week, and weekend! Plus, Rachel said she was hoping for some Tuesday blogging (Happy Reformation Day), along with an increase by 5% of my Disney stuffed animal collection. I’ll just start with the Tuesday blog.

First of all…I’m a little bit disappointed in the cute kid Halloween pictures posted on facebook- not that the kids weren’t cute (they are…VERY cute), but there just weren’t enough of the pics…c’mon parents, get those pictures posted.

And on the subject of Halloween. Gals…PUT SOME FLIPPIN CLOTHES ON. Jeez louise. I know that Halloween is the one night a year where it is somehow acceptable to wear next to nothing. But that doesn’t mean you have to or should. Good grief.

I never wrote about our rock star Friday a couple weeks ago. We got to see both The Black Keys AND Ryan Adams- in one night- for free. The new Microsoft store in U Village brought The Black Keys in for their grand opening. Brian took a day off work the day before to stand in line and get the tickets they were giving out. We got to the event on Friday evening there were appetizers being passed around on trays, free Jamba Juice, full slices of deep dish pizza, red carpet, etc. The Black Keys played for about an hour…it was a pretty small group of people in the event space. Very cool. Then, we ZIPPED over to Benaroya Hall for Ryan Adams. Catie gave us the VIP wristbands…which gave us 6th row seats. Wowzer. This was such an unbelievable way to experience Ryan Adams. 6th row at Benaroya Hall! He was funny, he played solo so everything was slow and pretty. It was definitely one of those once in a lifetime shows. Sigh just thinking about it. Thank you Catie!!

I’m a little bit sad that today is November 1, and I’m not even going to attempt NaNoWriMo this year. November is national novel writing month, and NaNoWriMo has a site for you to keep track of the number of words you’ve written, with 50,000 being the goal, over the course of the month. I have attempted the last few years. I haven’t ever made it…I think I am just too stinking busy, but it definitely gets me motivated to write. I’ve been receiving the NaNoWriMo prep emails and I just wish I was motivated this year to try.

This week is picture day for my basketball team. We decided on the name Shooting Fireballs, but then were told we had to have WNBA team name. Lame. So officially, we are the Chicago Sky, unofficially- SHOOTING FIREBALLS. We have had two weeks of practices and I have never had more than 5 girls show up to one practice (between soccer games, weekend trips, etc)…which makes it very difficult to do any scrimmaging. I’m a little (a lot) worried that my girls won’t know what to do in a game situation (I think this is everyone’s first year playing)…one more week before games start. Hopefully everyone will show up for pictures…

Brian and I missed Potluck last week. We missed for a few reason…first, I was just dead…work was exhausting me. I think last week was a combination of work stress, work being busy, and just the seasonal change-it definitely became seriously Autumn over the last two weeks…but I was very much lacking in energy and the motivation to DO anything. Plus, it was Game 6 of the World Series, which was an INCREDIBLE game. The whole World Series this year was pretty great. But Game 6 in particular…there was just no possibility of leaving the house while the game was in the state it was. But, we kept thinking we would make it to Potluck, so we made our dessert item in preparation of going. It was a Dia de los Muertos themed party….we made churros! I’ve never made churros before…they turned out pretty delicious. I’ve never really admitted to liking churros. They were one of those Disneyland snack treats that my family never bought, but I always secretly wanted. We would get the ice cream bars and the popcorn, but we never went for the churro.

That’s all I have for this Tuesday…

SIGH....

2011-10-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sigh*…my brain is beyond fried this week. There has been so much going on (mostly work related that is boring and I won’t get into), my brain feels like it has been moving nonstop…I can tell because I’ve been having lots of dreams and waking up throughout the nights. Take a rest, brain! It’s the weekend. Ohhh, it’s a busy, busy weekend…sigh*, maybe another time.

*Quick side note- I realize that much of the busy-ness is my doing and I love it. At moments it feels overwhelming, but I wouldn’t want it any other way- Occasionally I just need to sigh a little bit.

First, let me tell you how last week ended because I think it is worth noting and appreciating. Remember how I was commenting on how I don’t know that I would make caramel apples again because of the mess still a-waiting me in my kitchen- all over my kitchen? Well, right after work on Friday I had to go to a training at 826…it was an hour and a half long. Brian picked me up after and we stopped at Mr. Gyro’s for dinner and then went to the new ice cream place on Greenwood (which I actually didn’t totally love…boo)…then we went to my house. AND…Brian had cleaned the whole kitchen while I was at my training! Whaaat! Oh my gosh…what a SUPER fantastic and awesome surprise! Then…I walked further in the living room and there were my favorite flowers in a vase on the table! Yes! I actually felt a little sorry for the flowers because normally I would be so incredibly excited about them…I LOVE flowers…but I was just so thrilled about the clean kitchen, the flowers didn’t get the attention they deserved. Thanks Brian- you’re swell!

This week…

Another 826 field trip…a third grade class this week. It was crazy to me how different this class was from the second grade class last week. Since this is only the second field trip, it might have just been the particular classes versus the age…not sure. But the third grade class was like PULLING TEETH to get anything creative out of them. Every idea they came up with was just like ordinary life…the main character was a Bunny, he lived on a farm with other animals, liked to bounce and was looking for carrots. The volunteers worked hard to spice it up with the carrots being magical carrots that granted wishes, and the bunny can jump over tall buildings and long distances, etc…the kids seemed much more focused on what the other kids in their class were doing…many of the illustrations they did for their story was exactly the same as their neighbor. Do kids start losing that imagination and start worrying about what people think in between second and third grade? I asked my mom about it and she said she guessed it was just the particular class. I guess we will see next time.

On Tuesday night we went to a Theology Pub…one of our friends was giving a talk on Dante’s Divine Comedy. I thought it was super interesting. In the past few years I have been making an effort to read the ‘classics’, knowing that they are classics for a reason. Dante has been in the back of my mind for a while (ever since I encountered ‘Dante’s biggest fan’ in Florence who spends all his days reciting the Divine Comedy to whoever stops to listen), always seeming a little bit too intimidating. But hey, I read The Brothers K, which was SUPER intimidating, and actually liked it…so I think I can give this a try. Especially after the talk, and kind of having an idea of what to expect. I also really enjoy theological discussion in general, though sometimes think it can get a little bit pretentious… Gabriel handled all of the questions that came at him really, really well and never made it feel that way.

I am still on a bit of an ice cream making kick. Well, gelato…I still can’t bring myself to use full on heavy cream. This week we had another batch of the pumpkin- always a Fall favorite, nutella (chocolate-hazelnut) which tasted an awful lot like a frosty, and ‘harvest peach’…which was a bit of an experiment without a recipe. We wanted to do a fruit flavor and Brian suggested peaches…we got a can of peaches, I added a little bit of the juice from the can to the base mix, and then cut the peaches up into small pieces. Added some of the pumpkin pie spices, and called it Harvest Peach. It ended up being my favorite.

I had my first basketball practice with my 2nd/3rd grade girls team last night. Oh my. First of all, chaos. CHAOS. Everybody practices at the Boys and Girls Club (when I played, we practiced at different elementary schools), which means there are up to four teams practicing in one gym at the same time…so we only get a quarter of the court. And it is so loud. Basketballs flying everywhere. And…two of my girls got in a fight with each other. WHAT?! Oh my gosh, I was shocked. But overall, I think it went pretty well. We huddled up at the end and talked about what their favorite drills were, and they seemed to like just about everything. We all gave lots of high fives. And I gave them a homework assignment- to try and use their left hand at home as much as possible…eat with your left hand, brush your teeth with your left hand, etc…we want our left hand to be just as strong as our right hand. One girl refused. Oh well.

That’s this week’s report…have a super fantastic weekend!

Need a nap....

2011-10-14T14:20:00.001-07:00

An update- had our first field trip at 826 with a second grade class. Was hilarious. Reminded me of Turtle Talk with Crush at Disney. Kids say such funny things. Our story ended up being about a super hero dog- Super Dog, and his friends at school (Julie the cheetah, Stinker the skunk) Stinker was bullying Julie and took her lunch money…she was sad and ran away. Everyone went on a search to find her. Stinker climbed up to the roof and discovered she had run away to the Fremont Troll…which was bad news, because it happened to be the one day of the year that the troll comes to life. And that was the cliffhanger we left the kids with to finish. My favorite ending was the kid that decided the troll was only interested in finding a Subaru to crush, not hurting any of the animal kids. A Subaru in particular.

We made caramel apples for the northwest-themed potluck this week. They turned out tasty enough, but I don’t know that it would be a choice I would make again…my kitchen is currently a disaster from the preparation. Sticky caramel on many a-dish, on the countertops, pans. Then the food processor needs to be cleaned from the candy we crushed to add to the outsides. Dishes containing the various toppings (nuts, skor bar, and m&ms) spilling out on the counter and floor from rolling the apples over them…ahhh, big mess everywhere. But a fun treat and something new.

This week Brian and I did the Whole Foods Tuesday special…buy two of their take and bake pizzas for the price of one…so we get two big pizzas for $12. Which ends up being at least three meals for each of us (usually dinner, lunch, lunch). A few months ago, we were doing it often…great deal, good pizza, convenient, etc….but then we got tired of the pizza. So we hadn’t done it for a couple of months and just decided to go for it again this week. Ugh…just had my final slice for lunch today and it was all I could do to get it down. Probably not going to be doing that again for a while. I’m still feeling upset about my lunch today.

But on a positive note, tonight we will be (hopefully) stopping in at the new ice cream place that opened today in Greenwood. I could really go for some tasty ice cream, especially ice cream of a seasonal flavor. http://bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com

Also on the weekend agenda…training at 826 tonight for working on college essays with high school kids, a fall festival tomorrow complete with a corn maze, u-pick apples, hay ride, and of course apple cider. Sounders game Sat night (still tickets available…go to the game!) and a crockpot party on Sunday (with some new homemade ice cream flavor attempts)…should be good.

Though at the moment, I’d just like a nap. Yawn.

dancing, writing, basketball- oh my!

2011-10-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week…I’ve been fighting a bit of a stomach bug since Monday (missed Brian’s championship kickball game), but am finally feeling about 97%. Here’s the Friday Five…

- So I am a little bit embarrassed to say that I didn’t know about DonorsChoose before this week. Starbucks was giving away coupons from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for $10 to donate to the teacher project of your choice. Very cool on the part of the Gates, Starbucks, and all of those teachers that take the time to compose projects to enrich their student’s education. I’m embarrassed because it’s super cool and I wish I had been donating already, but even more so because my mom has two projects up! Jeez louise Mom! Anyway…if you received a coupon from Starbucks and don’t know who to put the certificate toward, or you just feel like it is important and want to donate your own money, here is my mom’s page: http://www.donorschoose.org/we-teach/1068221 I also noticed, via facebook posts that some friends from high school that are now teachers have pages…I think this will be my monthly donation spot for a while.

- Last weekend Brian and I went to a dance party…it’s an annual event that his friends have…theme, costumes, pictures, music, dancing…you know, dance party. I was feeling a little nervous about it. I had been hearing about past dance parties, and it was something Brian was REALLY looking forward to (and I’m just not a big dancer)…this year’s theme was Hipster…which only made me more nervous…what does that mean? And I am a big fan of themes…so I didn’t want to half ass the costume. Brian decided on his costume almost immediately upon hearing the theme. I was still trying to decide the morning of. Luckily, Brian came up with a great idea, I made a quick run to JoAnn Fabrics and Fred Meyers…and voila, a hipster costume was made. Here we are. Brian is Sufjan Stevens. I am Bon Iver (you know, a ‘Good Winter’). Party ended up being lots of fun…there was other stuff to do besides dance (chat, eat, photo booth, follow the soccer game), but I even found myself doing that some. AND, Brian and I won best costumes. Yes!

- I got a little reprieve from my stomachache on Tuesday evening during the Open Cup championship game. Maybe from adrenaline? I don’t know…because I was jumping up and down, stressed, nervous, excited…all things I would think might upset the stomach. Anyway…AWESOME game on Tuesday. Sounders won 2-0…though it probably should have been like 7-0 (maybe 7-1…Keller had a great bobble save near the end)- we took so many great shots and nothing was going in. So glad we finally got a couple of goals in the second half, because we completely dominated the game and it would have been pretty disappointing otherwise. Final regular season game is on October 15th…looks like they are going to sell out the entire CenturyLink field for the first time (usually the upper bowl is closed)…if you haven’t been to a game or not sure what you think about soccer…go buy a ticket for the last game and check it out!

- Had our ‘dress rehearsal’ at 826 for our upcoming Geoduck field trip that starts next Tuesday! There is a new Programs Coordinator, so he wanted to have some of the veterans of the field trip come in and give the newbies kind of a run through so we know what to expect on Tuesday. It sounds like it will be pretty fast-paced, chaotic, and a bit crazy…lots of different moving pieces…and then throw in 25 2nd graders…yikes! I’m excited for next week to see how it all plays out. I signed up to be trained as the typist…AKA, the one that actually writes the story from all of the kids’ ideas. Will definitely let you know how the real thing goes….eek!

- Finally, I signed up for some more volunteering (I’m anticipating a grey and dreary next several months…might as well spend it doing fun things with other people, right!)…this is something I have been wanting to do for several years, but always seem to remember about a month too late. I’m going to be coaching a basketball team at the Boys and Girls Club! I’ll be coaching a group of 2nd/3rd grade girls. We had a coaches meeting last night- were assigned our teams, and given any tools and resources we might need. Right now my team only has 6 gals on it…will definitely need to do some recruiting! Also, I’d love to have an assistant coach…anyone interested in helping? Our practices and games are Thursday early evenings and Saturday mornings. Something I totally forgot about when I signed up to coach…PICTURE DAY…oh, I can’t wait!

That’s it for this week….

Still alive...

2011-09-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

I know you have been waiting on the edge of your seat to find out if the squirrel was waiting for me when I got home…she was not. Not yet anyway. I’m sure she is plotting away in some nearby tree, watching and keeping track of my schedule. Yikes.

- We had movie night last week and watched one of my favs…Adventures in Babysitting. I couldn’t believe how many of the people at movie night hadn’t ever seen it…I mean, it’s a classic…that was one that I watched over and over again as a kid. It has been my only Thor reference until the movie came out this year. We served babysitting classics…mac and cheese and chocolate milk.

- This past weekend was the Seattle Public Library book sale…which I always put on my calendar as soon as the dates are announced…I get so excited for it. The sale is held at Magnussen Park in one of the giant warehouses…and contains boxes and boxes and tables and tables, and rooms and rooms of books. Thousands…maybe a million (I have no idea…they seem to go on forever)…and hardbacks are all $2, regular books $1. One dollar for books! Most of my literary collection (other than the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew series that my mom saved for me) has come from the library book sale. I was a little pickier this year, and only spent about $40. I did almost complete my collection of A Series of Unfortunate Events. I think I still need one or two more.

- My mom and I bought a 90-minute bartending class on Groupon together and used it this weekend. the class was held at Wine World, just off the 45th St exit. I’ve driven past Wine World many times and don’t know how I haven’t stopped in…it’s huge…an entire WORLD of wine. And to be fair, wine accessories. Anyway…the class was taught by a guy with a heavy French accent that gave most of his attention to my mom. Granted, she was quite the participator…answering his questions and coming up with her own…it was pretty funny to watch. Also funny to watch (I’m sure) was me knocking my glass and shaker over multiple times, making a huge mess all over our work space. Luckily it was just water that we practiced with. We made one real drink…which I think came out pretty well…the key is good produce. Looking forward to doing some more experimenting over the holidays.

- I’ve seen a few movies lately…saw the PJ20 movie at the Cinerama last week. It’s a Pearl Jam documentary, written and directed by Cameron Crowe. It was great…I would definitely recommend seeing it. I think the greatest part was the audience though…we did go to the 10:30pm showing the night it was released, so the theater was full of people that LIVE for Pearl Jam. There was a lot of clapping, yelling, etc…very fun. I have seen Pearl Jam live twice, I think, and definitely didn’t know a whole lot about them, so the movie was pretty interesting. Also saw a documentary about a Formula One racecar driver- Senna. Considering I have next to no interest in race car driving, and all of the footage was from the 80’s and 90’s, I was surprised that I stayed interested throughout the whole thing. It was playing at The Crest…for $3…so you really can’t beat that. Also saw Moneyball…the new Brad Pitt movie. Brian was pretty pumped for it-it is one of his favorite books…we had a nice little double date with his parents. It’s a true story about the Oakland A’s using baseball statistics to manage the team…good stuff.

Last M's game of the season (for us) tonight...

I think that’s all for now…have a great week!

Squirrel Attack!

2011-09-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

I was very nearly attacked by a squirrel this morning, and I don’t feel safe returning home tonight. More on that later….

- I went to the downtown Sumner Wine Walk on Saturday with my mom and one of her wine bar friends. It is $20…you get a little souvenir wine glass and six tasting tickets (we bought extras, because there were about 12 tastings). A bunch of the cute little shops along Main St have tastings, ‘appetizers’, along with City of Sumner trivia questions (rhubarb pie capital of the world…who knew). I know there are lots of sweet little ‘main streets’ around, but if you do happen to be in Sumner for some reason, it really is a cute area with lots of darling little shops (if you are in the market for holiday decorations…woo-eee…shop to your hearts content).

- Monday night I planned to drop Brian off at his kickball game and then go for a much needed run (I am SO out of running shape…ish)…but the team was short on people at the start of the game, so I was recruited to fill in until other members showed up. I like playing kickball, but this team makes me a little nervous- for two reasons. First, they are good. They win games by high scores. They throw the ball really hard at the basemen (basepeople). Second, the last time I filled in for them, I had about the worst game ever and I am pretty sure they never wanted me to play again. Anyway…all was fine…I played a few innings- no big mistakes, but boy was I sore the next two days from sprinting to first base. Yikes, yet another reason I need to get back to running.

- Went to the Mariners game on Tuesday against the Yankees. It was a nice night for a game, not because it was warm and sunny, but because it was cooler, and the sky was dark, and it just felt crisp and Fall-y….but still without rain. Also cool thing about the game- Mariano Rivera got his 600th career save (aka, the M’s lost), putting him one save away from the record set by Trevor Hoffman. It was disappointing that there wasn’t any acknowledgment of the accomplishment at the game, but his teammates all went out to the mound and congratulated him, which was cool.

- Last night was Potluck…which really is something I look forward to every other week (not that I only look forward to it biweekly- it only happens biweekly). A few things I look forward to- I like having an excuse to make something…it usually ends up being a dessert, and it is fun to search for something new to try, that will actually get eaten and not leave me to eat an entire pie by myself.
There is usually some kind of game involved (last night we played A-Z which was SO fun, and I have already done a search for it to buy it myself). And, I really, truly enjoy the people involved. Anyway…the point of this point, was to display our Potluck contribution from last night. The theme was cheeseburgers. We brought dessert. How cute are these?! Nilla wafers, grasshopper cookies, green food coloring on coconut, frosting, etc…

And finally…back to the squirrel.

As I was walking down the pathway from my house to the street, I noticed a squirrel a little ways ahead in the middle of the path. I slowed down a bit, to give it time to scamper away. It didn’t scamper. Then a little baby squirrel came hopping over to where I was standing. I backed up a little, and it moved forward…right onto my feet. I backed up, it hopped back on…apparently really wanting to sit on my feet. Sooo, I ran. To the backyard, and the baby ran behind the fence. I peeked around the corner of the house, waiting for the big squirrel (clearly mom), still standing in the middle of the path- in an attack pounce position at this point (she may have snarled with fierce teeth displayed)- to go away (all the while I am getting later and later for work). Finally, after a few moments, she ran in the same direction as her baby, behind the fence. I decided to make a run for it…as I passed the end of the fence, I looked back…and there was the mom squirrel- WAITING FOR ME AT THE EDGE OF THE FENCE. I was paralyzed with fear for a brief moment, and then continued the sprint to the safety of the street…it was terrifying. I’m a little bit nervous about what traps that mom squirrel might be plotting for my return home after work. I am pretty sure the baby squirrel had me mistaken for a Disney Princess, and was hoping I would sing it a song if it sat on my feet.

That's all.

2011-09-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

It looks like summer is planning to stick around a bit longer. It definitely took some time to get here, but I think we have actually had a pretty decent summer…which I hope means we will have a decent winter. I’d really like to get some snow this year. But that’s getting a little ahead of things…

Had such a fun time at rodeo this year. It had been several years since I attended, and as always, it reminded me of what amazing friends my mom has. This group of people (who we have been hanging out with since I was 5 or 6), despite all the random life happenings and changes, still manage to make each other a priority and keep traditions going. I know everyone wishes they saw each other more often, but every time we are able to get together, it’s as if no time has passed and friendships are still strong. Those are special kinds of friendships. One of my favorite Dinner Club memories…I was 12, I think…we were going into our first Christmas after my mom’s divorce…and the group surprised us with fun little gifts on our front porch for the 12 Days of Christmas. Each morning when we woke up there was a new little package outside…I don’t remember what the presents were (I do remember the 8th day…the ‘maids a-milking’ day, there were eight different flavors of school lunch sized milks…yum!), but I do remember being overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of the group. I always hoped and prayed that when I grew up I would have friends like them. The cool thing is that as I’ve grown up (though I still insist on staying in the kids gift exchange!), they have become my friends too.

In other news…
- I have started volunteering! It shouldn’t be as big of a deal as it is…I should have already been volunteering. But I wasn’t, and now I am, and I am so excited about it. I am volunteering with 826 Seattle, which is a non-profit writing center for students 6-18, that helps develop their creative writing skills. It is also a tutoring center- all subjects, not just writing. They do tutoring, in-school projects, field trips, weekend workshops, etc. And just really FUN activities to get kids excited about writing. Starting in October, I will be volunteering with a field trip…I’ll be doing the Geoduck field trip, which is for grades 1-3…they are tasked, by a ‘grouchy publisher’, to write an original, interesting story as a group…or there will be trouble! The group develops characters and the story line together, and then each kid is able to independently write their own ending. Each kid gets to take home a bound and ‘published’ copy of their very own story. So cool. Also so cool, is the storefront of 826…it is a Space Travel Supply Company with lots of fun merchandise. Check it out: http://www.826seattle.org/

- I finally started using Spotify…a little bit. Have heard lots of great things, decided I needed some tunes at work while I was alphabetizing…but then once I had it up, I had the hardest time thinking of anything I wanted to listen to! I also haven’t had any time to play around with it and create playlists or anything, since I have only used it at work, and am, of course, working hard! So this is still a discovery in process.

-Saw the movie Crazy Stupid Love this week. I almost completely really liked it. Cast is Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone. The movie felt very genuine. There were some pretty sad parts, that were lightened up a bit with comedy…but not in a silly or stupid way, or a way that took away from the seriousness of the material…which I think is pretty realistic. There was one story line in the movie that I didn’t like at all…it was completely unnecessary to the story and took away from the rest of it. But other than that, I really enjoyed this movie!

-Also recently finished the book One Day (there is a movie out right now with Anne Hathaway)…I haven’t seen the movie, but I HATED the book. That’s a strong word. There really wasn’t anything I enjoyed about the book. The characters weren't likeable (Emma- the Anne Hatheway character- is likeable for parts of the story). The ending was awful. I wish I could give it away so I could talk about how awful the ending was. I should have stopped reading it early on, but I just kept thinking that something redeeming HAD to happen. But no.

That’s all for now…have a super weekend!

mid week catch up

2011-08-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Could it really be the weather that has me feeling a little bummed out? I can’t imagine that it is, but after the gorgeous week we had last week, my contemplative mood seems to have accompanied the grey skies that rolled in early this week. Though I do have to say, every time I step outside and breathe in the cool air, I get images of apple cider, carving pumpkins, cozy sweaters, and feel a little bit excited for all that!
Lots going on since my last post…

- I stubbed my toe on a raised sidewalk last Sunday. I was wearing flip flops and just stubbed it. It was really gross- bloody and bruised and oozy. Yuck. It hurt, but mostly it was just gross…and I was mad at myself for being so clumsy and ruining our perfectly planned day. Brian was patient with my over reacting and made me clean it even though I refused. I had it bandaged up all week- made it look much more dramatic than it actually was- but it seems to be healing up now.

- I started reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I’m not sure how I missed reading those when I was younger! Currently I’m reading Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I’m so excited to have a great series to spend some time with…I love series…getting attached to characters…my fav. Also really excited that Brian is reading the Hunger Games series…he finished the first book and has started the second. Fun to relive those as he goes.

- Last Wednesday we spent movie night out at Marymoor park for ET. I hadn’t seen that movie is SUCH a long time…definitely caught stuff that I hadn’t noticed before. Marymoor has had a pretty great ‘movies in the park’ lineup this summer…tonight they are showing Up!. Costs $5 to get in, parking is $1 (don’t be fooled by the website that says parking is an additional fee, and think maybe you should find somewhere else to park…it is only $1!) Kettle corn was popping (and smelling delicious), there was a random pirate walking around talking with people and taking pics. It was a nice movie night field trip!

- I went to the Sounders game on Saturday! I have never been super into soccer, but following the Sounders is so much fun! Brian has season tickets and a couple of people he sits with couldn’t go, so his mom and I were the lucky recipients of the tickets. The weather was awesome (almost a bit too warm, since we were sitting- excuse me- standing (!) right in the sun the whole time), Sounders won 6-2…Lamar, from Fed Way, got a hat trick. (Even though I don’t know Lamar at all, my little sis is good pals with him, so I feel connected and proud of him and so happy when he plays well.)

- Speaking of my sister, we went down to her house last weekend for dinner and to hang out with Landin and meet little Bella. We were meant to go swimming at the pool near their place- Landin was PUMPED, and could barely wait for us to get our swimsuits on…and then the pool was closed for maintenance. Ohhh, the poor kid was so disappointed. His head hung, and his little shoulders drooped. It was very cute. But, we made it up to him with hours of hide and seek and sardines play. I think there were some puzzles in there as well.

- Sunday night we finally celebrated my birthday (my birthday present anyway), and went to see Jeff Bridges at Chateau Ste Michelle. Oh my, we were not prepared for a show out there! Show was scheduled to start at 7…we figured doors would be at 6, got there about 6:15. The place was PACKED…full of people with their little lawn chairs, and actual tables- complete with tablecloths, silverware, and gourmet picnic spreads. It was impressive. They brought their own little wine glass holders- to keep them from spilling on the ground…we showed up with a blanket, and some Taco Time. I made Brian hold the Taco Time bag. Show was great- Jeff Bridges is an entertainer, for sure! Certainly not an old pro musician (his lead guitar player had to remind him to re-tune after he took the capo off), but quite the entertainer.

Okay…I suppose that is it for now. Super excited for this weekend…headed back to Ellensburg for the ol rodeo!

A random Saturday

2011-08-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Sitting in a coffee shop, munching on a spinach feta croissant and sipping a latte. The windows are wide open because it's beautiful outside. I'm really excited to waste my morning away sitting here and doing nothing in particular.

I've been doing an abundance of blog reading lately...work has been a little bit slow this week and I have just had this pull to read about other people's lives. I don't know. You can keep up with friends lives without actually seeing or talking to them through facebook, with their random status updates and pictures, but blogs- it's almost like you are actually talking to people because they are writing about thoughts and upcoming plans and decisions...not just those short bits of info in a status update. I used to hate blogs....but now I love them. Maybe because it is a piece of technology that doesn't require brevity. I wish more of my friends wrote blogs. I wish my mom wrote a blog. Maybe I just wish more of my friends and my mom lived closer...then I wouldn't wish for a blog, but wish that they were sitting with me at this coffee shop.

A few things weighing on my mind recently...

Yesterday the West Memphis Three were freed. I knew a little bit about the case previously just because Eddie Vedder was a supporter of the three guys and had helped with fundraising for their defense, etc. I never read anything about it...in general, I feel like Eddie Vedder is a pretty socially conscious person and if he supports something, he has looked into the information, and it is probably something important. Then I saw the headline yesterday and read the first article that popped up on my yahoo email page....it was a horribly written article that took bits of facts and wrote about them out of context (as happens in the news, I know)...it left me really confused. I read a few other articles and then felt better about the freeing of the guys. If you aren't familiar, in 1993 three 8-yr old boys were killed, in an awful way (don't read those details...I did and it hasn't left my mind since) and three 17 yr old boys were convicted- one put on death row, the others with life sentences. Many people believed the boys were wrongly convicted and that there wasn't any evidence to support it...they spent almost 20 years in prison fighting it. There was a documentary made about it called Paradise Lost:The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills. I don't think I will watch it, but it is supposed to be really good.

So while I think it is probably a good thing that these three men were let go, I just can't stop thinking about the three little boys (who would now be almost my age) that were killed. The details...that someone could do that to kids. It makes me think of my nieces and nephew, the kids I babysat...and I really just can't get past it. How can people abuse kids? They are so innocent and trusting and dependent on those older than them. It makes you never want to let kids out of your sight....I don't know how parents do it...how they aren't just constantly consumed with worry. I am a worrier in general, I always have been, and it is something I am constantly working on. I think I am pretty good about recognizing a silly worry, praying about it, and letting it go. With my own stuff, I can give it over to God knowing that I have no control and will be able to find the strength to deal with whatever does come along....but I just can't imagine being able to do that with kids...because bad things happen to kids. Bad things happen to grown ups, but grown ups can understand that bad things shouldn't happen, but do. Kids are just so trusting. Sigh...I really need to let this one go...

On a MUCH lighter note, but still....my apartment is still such a mess. I have unpacked the boxes, but the place has never been fully put together. It is possible to walk through (unlike the obstacle course it used to be), but it isn't possible to walk through without stepping on stuff. I hate it. I hate being at home. I know I just need to suck it up and clean it. Just spend a good, solid day getting it together...but my schedule is so busy...those rare moments where I'm not scheduled for something- I want to spend it sitting in a coffee shop, playing catch, or reading a book....not cleaning. Not to mention that summer has finally arrived and I sure don't want to spend a sunny day inside.

And finally, on my mind....I have been thinking and looking more and more into going back to school. Getting my masters and becoming a teacher. Or a school counselor. A few things holding me back...obviously the money for school...though I have always told myself I would never not do something because of money. I can ALWAYS figure out a way to make that work. But still...money. But more importantly, I think it would be such a frustrating occupation. My mom is a teacher and my mom is PASSIONATE about public education. She is SO involved in efforts to make necessary positive changes. She is on countless committees and travels all over the US for conferences...she is an incredible speaker and has such a gift for motivating people. And I have watched her do this for years and years and years...and I don't know how she continues to stay positive. With every small step forward, there are 3 huge steps back. She keeps saying it HAS to get better. I am afraid to get into a career that I go home frustrated with every day. I want to be a teacher so I can get kids excited about learning...let them see all of the unbelievably cool things they are capable of...not tell them that they failed a stupid test that in no way measured their intelligence. Sometimes I think maybe I should just stick with babysitting...parents appreciate creative projects. Though I suppose the kids that I babysit for aren't the ones that are in need...they have parents that encourage and provide opportunities. And I guess rather than seeing the frustrations my mom faces, I should notice the fact that she HAS managed to stay positive and does continue to care, and has been a teacher for twenty some years...it must be worth it.

That is all for now...I hope you are having a super great weekend...also, if you have a blog, send it along to me, I want to read it!

San Fran!

2011-08-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Returned late last night from six full days in San Fran (you have to drop the ‘cisco part, or you have tourist written all over you…duh). What a fantastic, full week…here is a recap via highs and lows…

HIGH: Seeing Jessica and Luke…I have missed them o-so much…so much fun to visit and have adventures with friends in a new city…thanks for the invite and organizing!!

High: A gorgeous day for a baseball game at one of the nicest parks in baseball…immediately upon arrival to the city (I guess not immediately- we did drop our stuff off), we went to a Giants game- it was a 12:30 afternoon game, hence our 6am flight out of Seattle…the things we do for a baseball game, right. The stadium overlooks the water, and the view actually makes it tough to watch the game. It was windy, and certainly not warm, but the sun was out and the water was sparkling.

Low: That feeling you get once the travel adrenaline has run out and your body remembers it woke up at 3:45am. Oh, and the walk back from the game to the apartment under an overpass…a long walk without any pretty sights. A nap was very much needed.

High: Finding a Banksy in Chinatown. There is street art ALL over the city, and we figured there must be a Banksy somewhere…looked it up and discovered there was record of a few sprinkled around…on our first day of city adventuring (we walked from our place through downtown, Chinatown, North Beach, to Fisherman’s Wharf in the first part of the day), we found one in Chinatown. Of all the locations we went to, this was the only one that still existed (as far as we could tell anyway…maybe others were hidden from our sight). The discovery was exciting, as both Brian and I separately discovered the street art thing (my first intro to it was in Paris on an Urban Art tour through a meetup group I was in…was so interesting to me). As a side note- check out Exit Through the Gift Shop to get an idea of street art and Banksy in particular.

Low: Finding that the others on our list had been painted over…bummer.

High: Tartine in the Mission. A super yummy bakery recommended by a pal. I enjoyed some kind of blueberry almond tart thing and Brian had a piece of lemon meringue pie…both were amazing…I really would have liked to try everything in the case, as well as sat and had a sandwich with a coffee and people watch…had every intention of returning for more, but never was able. Boo…probably need to make a special trip out to West Seattle for a Bakery Nouveau delight very soon.

Low/High: Sea Lions at Fisherman’s Wharf…both hilarious and disgusting. The smell was not delightful, but the playing and barking were.

Moving on to the festival:
Lows:
- Waaaay overcrowded…it definitely felt like they oversold the festival. There were 3 main stages and it always felt like every stage was beyond its max.
- Weather on the first day was fuuuh-reezing. I knew it wasn’t going to be warm, and was prepared with a few layers, but that first day was borderline miserable with the cold dampness.
- The stages were set up too low. I don’t know what height a normal stage is set up at- how high above the crowd it is, how much the landscape makes a difference, or how much variance there is in a festival setting versus a regular show, etc…but this isn’t the first year of the festival- they aren’t rookies figuring stuff out. Only one of the three main stages was set at a height where the crowd could see anything, viewing from beyond the first small section. The actual main stage, where the headliners played, was not the one good stage. It was tough to see anything.
- The food…this was also a food festival, and the food booths were comprised of local restaurants and cafes…I had read some descriptions ahead of time and was suuuper excited for some good eats…and it was just eh. On the second day we actually stopped at Safeway on our way to the festival to grab sandwiches there. There were a couple of exceptions (to be found in the ‘highs’ area).
- Muni (the bus) rides home after the shows with a bajillion other people…hot and cramped.
- Thinking I was going to die from being squished near the front, for Arcade Fire- people just seem to forget there are other people.

Highs:
- Well, obviously being AT a music festival…definite high (speaking of festival highs, insert joke about the illegal substances being smoked everywhere…I would say especially the day that Phish played, but really, it was all three days).
- The weather on day 2 and 3 was amazing…chilly in the morning and colder at night, but the daytime was warm without ever getting uncomfortably hot.
- The park was SUCH a beautiful setting for the shows. It was at Golden Gate Park, which is GIGANTIC, and each stage area was surrounded by trees…it was really pretty.
- Catching Rhett Miller performing solo in a little tent that I didn’t even know existed…he is so dreamy.
- Music highlights included: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (way to represent Seattle- such a fun show and pretty full considering it was the first show of the day), OK GO (lots of fun), Black Keys, Mavis Staples (couldn’t make it to church on Sunday, but who needs it when Mavis is singing…and a guest appearance by Win from Arcade Fire on a song), Josh Ritter, John Fogerty (just no end to the hits!), Decemberists (oh the dramatics…and little Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek!), Muse (pretty epic as the headliner the second night…), and Arcade Fire (minus the near death part at the beginning, they put on quite a show…it’s so great to see a band that genuinely seems like they are having fun up there and bring so much energy to this job they do night after night)….
- The Barbary tent…I think this space was missed by most…included random variety act-type entertainment…we made it for several different comedians.
- Sports tent…you don’t find that at most arts festivals…there were tvs with all the different games on, then air hockey, pop a shot, and other games. They also brought in the World Series trophy for pictures a few different times. We definitely found ourselves there a few times, to catch up on scores, warm up, and play some games in the downtime.
- On the third day, we realized the Food Truck Forest was probably the best place to get GOOD food…since the food truck is their THING (whereas the restaurants were cooking out of a booth…not their usual thing)…had a fried chicken sandwich with jalepeno slaw that was bomb. Also the Epic Cookies were pretty delicious. And the mini cupcakes- probably the best deal…$1 per cupcake…probably 9 different flavors. My fav was the blueberries and cream.

And our last day in Ess Eff- our flight took off at 8pm last night, so we had most of the day.

High: Renting bikes to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge- sooo exciting!

Low: Riding bikes in HILLY S.F…ohhh, there was definitely some walking the bike up the hills, and some soreness to follow.

High: Coming home. I loved the trip- really, the highs soooo, soooo outweighed any kind of low…but I love that I was excited to get home. That I have adventures and people here to look forward to pretty much every day (some might say overscheduled…), and a job that I don’t dread returning from vacation to…I’m a pretty lucky gal!

Happy Friday- 8/5

2011-08-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Another busy week- I actually can’t believe it is already Friday. Just a quick follow up- Sonics night at the Mariner game was awesome. The actual game was not so awesome…but Sonics night WAS.

1. Seafair is upon us…which is a busy time around Seattle…lots of different events- parades, fun runs, the hydroplane races, pirates, etc….but nothing says Seafair to me more than the Blue Angels. As a kid, I remember hearing those thundering engines in the sky and SPRINTING out to the deck at my dad’s house, completely overjoyed to watch the Blue Angels practice. Every year it was a shock to me when it was happening-being that I was a kid and didn’t realize this happened the same time every year, or really what time of year it was. I also didn’t realize that the Blue Angels weren’t just our own special Seattle gift. Literally, it was college when I found out they fly in cities all over. Anyway…I bring this up because the Blue Angels came into our office this week! True, it was mostly the maintenance crew, which doesn’t sound quite as exciting…BUT, there were a couple pilots, AND even if it was only the maintenance crew, it was still thrilling! They were like celebrities…we were all gathered around them in awe in the lobby. They were o-so nice and humored us with answers to all of our silly questions.

2. Well, the Bahama Bombers kickball season came to an end Tuesday night. We had a playoff game against a team we had already beat in the regular season- we were feeling good, confident…we had magic marker and glitter signs made and hung on our dugout, we had a cheering section (my mom came out to the game!), a full team of players…all was looking promising. We scored 5 runs in our first inning…how could we lose? But we did. Final score was 12-10…and I’m not one to place blame on the ump usually…but as Brian said in a ‘pep talk’ in the 5th inning…’clearly we are playing the Seahawks Super Bowl game here’…there were some bad calls made that changed not just the momentum of the game, but were game changers. It took away some of the fun of playing. We made some mistakes, for sure…but we were a better team and should have won the game. Boo. Oh well, it’s just kickball, right.

3. Yesterday half of my work day was spent in a First Aid/CPR class…which I was PUMPED to be able to take. I’m a bit of a worrier, in general…I’m not a pessimist by any means, but I do expect that accidents will happen at some point- I definitely prefer to feel like I am prepared for unexpected situations. The last time I took CPR was 8th grade health, and it seems that there have been some changes since then…such as using an AED (automated external defibrillator), which we got to practice with on dummies! It is also just reassuring to get re-trained in the proper ways to handle certain situations…like choking. That was always one of those babysitting anxiety things for me…with as much babysitting as I did, I was sure that at some point I would have to do the Heimlich (haven’t yet…) Also learning the differences between adult, child, and infant CPR and choking procedures. I babysat a little girl for a while that had an extreme dairy allergy…I knew where the epi pens were, and I had read the directions several times…but it still always made me nervous that I would have to use one and not know if I was doing it right. Our trainer had actual training epi pens…the real thing without a needle…so we could see what it feels like and do the actual steps. Cool.

4. Another treat from yesterday (CPR being the first treat), was heading down to the Snoqualmie Casino for an outdoor show with the Beach Boys! Awesome! It was for Brian’s dad’s birthday…so the four of us spent the evening out in the sunshine, listening, singing and dancing to those loveable Beach Boys. Brian’s dad has seen them play several different times, so he gave us the 411 about the current band before we got there. Apparently there is only one original member of the Boys still in the band- Mike Love (plus the ‘6th Beach Boy’- Bruce Johnston). Mike Love is the one that I think of when I think of the Beach Boys because of his/their appearances on Full House. We were really hoping Jesse and the Rippers would be opening the show…no such luck, though there was a John Stamos reference- which was good enough for me. The combination of great people watching, familiar songs, beautiful evening, and of course, lovely company made for such a fun night!

5. Forgot to mention earlier in the post about last weekend’s show…we went to the CD release party for Bryan John Appleby out at the Columbia City Theatre. Really like the new album…definitely recommend checking it out, and recommend going to a show…he is great. He is playing at the Tractor on August 19th- if you can, go see him. Also, tonight after work is a free show at the Mural in the Seattle Center with the Maldives, Hey Marseilles (haven’t seen them play in so, so long- very excited!) and the Black Whales. Should be a fun evening- hoping the sun manages to break through the morning clouds!

All for now…have a great weekend!

what a week...

2011-07-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

Oh my, it has been a busy, busy week….and yet, somehow has just dragged onnnnnn…but, Friday has arrived….

1. Sunday afternoon Brian and I drove down to Troutdale, Oregon, to the Edgefield- one of the many wonderful McMenamins properties. I had noticed they had an outdoor amphitheater on previous visits, but hadn’t ever been to a show there (Ian played in the winery when I went down there last year). After checking out their lineup, I realized I should probably just move down there for the summer, because I’d be thrilled to see just about every show they had booked! We were already planning to see Fleet Foxes at their next Seattle show, but decided to hit this one instead. If you haven’t ever been to Edgefield, I’d totally recommend it- show or no show. They have a winery, a brewery, and a distillery…something like 5 different bars on site, that are all super cute (the bar in my parents backyard is themed after one of them). They also have a movie theater onsite, a spa with a salt water soaking pool…and the hotel itself is charming and quirky. I really love it. Anyway…saw the Fleet Foxes…which was so, so good. They always just SOUND so good. The weather was amazing, we made friends with some people on the grass that shared their blanket with us, ate pizza, drank McMenamins beer, the opener (Alela Diane) was great....It really couldn’t have been any better at all.

2. Early Monday morning, I woke up to the LOUDEST, so completely frightening noise there at Edgefield. The idea of a bomb actually crossed my mind, though I thought it more likely a plane crash, since there is an airport right there. I mean, it was so loud, and went on for a good little while. I went out to the window, and caught an actual bolt of lightning…not just the sky lighting up like the lightning we usually get in the PNW, but an actual bolt. So apparently the loud noise was just thunder. There were a few more rounds of it- but nothing like that first one. Then it downpoured for a few minutes…it was a legitimate mid-summer thunderstorm. Which was super cool, because we just don’t get those very often. And then it stopped- the sun came out, and you’d never know it had happened.

3. Wednesday was movie night…movie of the week was Free Willy. I saw this at the theater when I was…what- 8 years old?…I adopted a whale after seeing it, because they had that number at the end of the credits to call and adopt. I mean, how could you resist after sitting through that Michael Jackson song, watching the whales frolic in the ocean?? (I recently found the adoption certificate for my whale- part of the J-pod- when I was cleaning out my storage unit). We like to provide some kind of themed snack to go with the movie…but are also working on sticking to a budget, so we opted out of going all out for this particular night…we had some Swedish fish on the table for snacking, and then took a break halfway through for some Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream. Mmmmm.

4. Thursday night was the Bahama Bombers last regular season kickball game. We weren’t feeling especially confident going into the game, as we were playing the undefeated first place team in our league, and we were missing some players, and were coming off a 20-1 loss the week before (ouch, that one hurt)…but we were going to give it our all and play our best. Actually ended up being a super fun game! We had probably our best defensive games of the year (held the undefeated team to 5 runs!)…unfortunately our kicking skills didn’t match our defense, and they shut us out. But…I think we left feeling a lot more confident going in to playoffs- seeing how well we could play out in the field. Playoffs start next week…not sure the schedule yet…should be fun!

5. So…lots of fun stuff this week…but TONIGHT…tonight is the highlight of the week…it is Sonics appreciation night at the Mariner’s game. Yes! Check out the lineup of players that are going to be there: Downtown Freddie Brown, Michael Cage, Tom Chambers, Dale Ellis, Hersey Hawkins, George Karl, Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf (who I ran the St Paddy’s Day dash with…no big deal), Jack Sikma, Slick Watts, Lenny Wilkens, and more! Luckily, I recently pulled out all my old Sonics gear while I was clearing out the storage unit…so I have jerseys, t-shirts, fleeces, and sweatbands galore! I considered bringing along the BBQ set or lunch box that we had as a giveaway at some point…but thought that might be a hindrance to my wild yelling and cheering. Needless to say, I’m pumped, and I miss the Sonics.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Wait, it isn't Friday....

2011-07-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

I’m back…it’s time for a blog entry. Every morning I ease my way into the workday by glancing through various blogs for a few minutes (just a few!). And then remind myself that I need to get my own blog written. This happens every single day. And yet, I just can’t seem to get one posted. Here you go, finally.

1. I have given up on Summer for the year. It’s okay, I’m not upset about it. I generally take the optimistic approach to most things, but I’ve concluded that when it comes to sunshine (or snow, for that matter) in Seattle, it is better not to expect or hope for it, and be pleasantly surprised when it makes an appearance. Like today, for example. I am (still) without internet at home…and currently without the aid of a smart phone…so I looked out the window this morning to decide what to wear…the sky was grey, there was some fog, the ground was still wet from the rain yesterday…so I layered up with a long sleeve shirt. And what do you know…bright blue skies, 75 degrees. What a lovely surprise! I don’t expect the same tomorrow…but I will check the weather before I go home today, so I can dress appropriately.

2. The Bahama Bombers kickball season is in full swing. We are over halfway through the season, and playoffs are looming. We are currently holding our best record in Bombers history at 2-2. It’s exciting…but oh, the pressure. No. Not really at all…it has been a super fun season. We have a bunch of new players on the team this year, which has caused a lot less stress come game day when people start canceling- we always have a full roster. And we also have the opportunity to move people around in different positions and try different kicking strategies.

3. Try to contain your excitement with my next bit of news…there is now a Potbelly’s IN Seattle! Whaaaa? I know, it’s a dream come true. Potbelly’s (just in case you aren’t familiar) is a sandwich place from Chicago. They are ALL over Chicago, and was the first place I had lunch when I moved there (right before heading to Wrigley for my first Cubs game). It is tough to describe the delight of Potbelly’s…they are a much better Quiznos- toasted sammys. While the sandwiches are great, the true gems are the cookies. They are certainly at homemade cookie level, and possibly on the upper end of all homemade cookies. The next time you are downtown, give it a try. Looks like they are also planning to open one in Bellevue soon. http://www.potbelly.com/home/

4. I have been to a couple of movies lately…seriously, I love going to movies…it never gets old. Doesn’t even really matter what movie (I get disappointed with bad movies because of the price of the ticket…but still enjoy being there)- it really is the experience….the smell of popcorn, snacks-sneaking ice cream in is the best, finding the center seat, your shoes getting stuck to the sticky floor (I don’t actually love that part),etc…love going to a movie. There are certainly better theaters, which I have only started realizing and appreciating due to Brian’s theater needs. We went and saw Super 8 at the Science Center Imax…which was absolutely the best place to see it. Such a nostalgic, fun film…fantastic casting! Saw the final Harry Potter this weekend at the Cinerama…which is for sure the go-to theater for big releases…PLUS, the snacks are super cheap! Was very happy with the final HP…sad that it is over, though I definitely didn’t feel the same mourning as when I finished the last book. That really was the ‘ending’ for me….the movies were fun to watch, but were never UNBELIEVABLE. But I definitely left the theater satisfied. Also recently saw Midnight in Paris. Which was not at all what I expected. I hadn’t seen any previews and didn’t know what it was supposed to be about…I just knew it was a Woody Allen film, so would probably have some weird sexual elements to the story, that it had an interesting mix of actors, and that it was in Paris…and really, I don’t care how cheesy it could have been, I would have seen it just for scenes of Paris. But it turned out to be a great movie! Really fun concept…a few things could have been done better (I think), but overall, REALLY liked and recommend it.

5. I’m sure after my last few posts you have imagined me kicking back in my new apartment, all put together and organized by this point (I mean, I have lived there for 2.5 months now)….BUT, no. Still boxes. Don’t get me wrong…there has been a significant amount of time and work put into it…there is just SO MUCH STUFF. But, this is the week…it will be 92.7% complete after this week. I have gotten to the point where I am tired of going through boxes, so it is much easier to just get rid of stuff. There will be several trips to the Goodwill in the next couple of days. I can’t wait to be done. Can’t wait for the area between the kitchen and my bedroom (also known as the living room) to not be an obstacle course- this is the week.

There you have it. Enjoy the sunshine.

Friday, the 13th!

2011-05-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

I mean, seriously people…3 weeks in a row…I am on a roll. What is it- 28 days for something to become a habit?…either that means one more week of blogging and I’m back in it, or another half a year (since the blog is only one day a week)…here’s the five:

1. Will moving never end? Jeez Louise. I know that in the past I have kept my belongings to a minimum so I could pretty much pack up and leave in about 2 hours, and I have worked at making Seattle my home, thus adding more stuff…but I don’t remember moving being so unbelievably long and miserable. I have bruises all over my arms and legs from carrying boxes…I’m sure my muscle mass has tripled (I know, that sounds super intimidating), and I still have a ton left to do. I haven’t even STARTED unpacking at the new place…I actually think I will enjoy that. I am pretty well covered as far as the necessities at this point…I got a nice set of pots and pans for my birthday as well as some gift cards to help with the other purchases. There have been several trips to Target, a couple to Ikea, and then the random items given to me by friends and family. BUT, everything has to be out of the old place by Saturday…so while I’m not looking forward to finishing, it is nice to have an end in sight.

2. This past weekend, on top of clearing out the storage unit (thanks so much for your help mom!!), was Mother’s Day and my birthday. The last time these two VERY special days landed on the same date, the fam thought it would be hilarious to go to brunch at the BLT (oh, you aren’t familiar with the BLT? It’s the ever-classy Bonney Lake Tavern…as my mom says “but Eryn, they have a champagne fountain”). For whatever reason, I didn’t find it as amusing as everyone else, and it has been a joke ever since. There were many threats of that happening again this year. To ensure this didn’t happen, I suggested to Ron we create a surprise brunch at home. He came back and suggested it be a Disney World themed brunch…and we went from there. Ron put together a beautiful omelette bar…with every possible ingredient you could think of…from any of the many character breakfasts around the park. I made some Tonga Toast- the fried, banana-stuffed, cinnamon and sugar rolled french toast goodness from the Polynesian resort…there was a Toy Story table cloth and my Mickey Mouse plate set. She was surprised and it was yummy…I did feel bad though that she thought we just hadn’t made any plans, and she was frantically trying to make reservations up until that morning.

3. This Tuesday was the second Tuesday of the month, which meant it was time for The Round. I hadn’t been in a couple of months, and was excited…this was a particularly good one…Moondoggies, Campfire OK, and a new discovery- Kaylee Cole. I don’t usually love girl voices, but she was incredible. Definitely a highlight. The slam poets always blow me away…there are certainly those that are better than others…but even the ones that I don’t necessarily enjoy, amaze me. Their word choices and imagery is always so powerful. A lot of times I don’t like the rhythm or movements they perform with, because it often seems…um, generic? Not quite the word I want, but so many of them talk with the exact same rhythm, which takes away from the power of what they are saying. Every once in awhile though, you get those ones where they pause in just the right moments, making you lean forward in anticipation. Regardless of the actual performance, the fact that they (especially the high school kids!) can get up in front of a room of friends and strangers and share their thoughts is really amazing to me.

4. Wednesday night Death Cab for Cutie put on a last minute show at the Showbox Sodo…they announced the show on Tuesday morning, and the show went on sale THAT morning and sold out pretty quickly. Brian happened to catch the news early on and somehow managed to get tickets, so we went. It was their first show in almost 2 years, and it seemed like they were having fun playing together, making little mistakes and laughing. I don’t love the Showbox Sodo, but still- was a cool, small venue to see the band (since their next local show is headlining Sasquatch at the Gorge!). I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan (I don’t dislike…just wouldn’t ever pick them to listen to)…I’ve tried really hard to like them- I feel like I should. But I don’t. I felt a little bit guilty about being at the show, since so many big time fans weren’t able to get tickets…sorry guys. It was great.

5. Finally, a sunny day today. I really, REALLY wish it would stick around. I know it will cloud up this weekend, and the ten-day forecast is currently full of gray clouds and raindrops…but today, there is sunshine. It’s amazing what a difference that makes to everyone’s mood. Please stick around, Sun…please? Have a super weekend!

Friday- woot, woot!

2011-05-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hey! Finally…a week that flew by (it’s been awhile since I’ve had a quick week, I guess)…here are the five:

1. Last weekend my mom and I drove over to Kittitas to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins…I make the trip over every couple of months, but this visit was a special one…it was prom for the two older boys…and more specifically, SENIOR prom for Zach. Oh my gosh…I can’t believe Zach is graduating from high school. I have so many memories of that kid growing up… I fully remember my first actual conversation with him- when he was first putting together sentences…he is still the only kid, with all the babysitting I’ve done, that I have ever had to call poison control for… I remember when he learned how to use scissors at school and cut holes in his shirt and told his mom he ran into a tree branch…I mean, how is he possibly a graduating? Anyway…this wasn’t supposed to be an “I’m so old” point…just that the boys were very handsome in their tuxes and their dates were lovely…and it was fun to be there and take so many pictures! when I go home this weekend, I'll try to remember to post some pics!

2. Well, I started the moving process on Sunday, from my old apartment to the new…I have not been super productive. Sunday my dad and brother came up with a couch and chair, and helped me move my bedroom furniture…and that is about as far as I’ve gotten all week. I finally brought the shower curtain over last night…I’m pretty much still living out of an overnight bag. There will be some serious progress made this weekend though. My mom and I are going to spend some time sorting through my storage unit, and I will get all the STUFF to the new place. Organizing the stuff is going to take some time though. I have been staying at the new place all week, but it definitely doesn’t feel homey yet…it was super cool this morning, when I was walking out front, getting ready to head to work, there were lots of animal sounds coming from the zoo! Exciting…they were all getting up and saying good morning!

3. I went to a super great show on Tuesday- finally saw the Fleet Foxes…I feel like I bought the tickets to the show YEARS ago. I haven’t ever seen them, but do really like them…and it was really just so good! They are such a tight sounding band…it never sounds like individuals, but like they just pushed play somewhere and one sound comes out. There was a ton of time spent on tuning guitars, which was only slightly annoying (I mean, they literally could have played at least 3-4 more songs in the time that was spent tuning), but I suppose that is why the songs sound so amazing, right? Can’t complain too much. It was also very cool to see them at the Moore…pretty small venue.

4. Yesterday was the first Thursday of the month, which means free museum days, so Brian and I decided to be super classy and cultured and went to the Seattle Art Museum. They just opened a new exhibit of Nick Cave (not the musician)…Meet me at the Center of the Earth. He created these ‘sound suits’, which are these costumes put together with re-used…stuff. There were suits made from doilies, buttons, sweaters, etc…they were all super colorful and whimsical. They also had a big parade out front of the museum, where people came dressed up in their own ‘sound suits’, and walked together, lead by a marching band, along 1st avenue. It was quite a sight!!

5. Well, I am currently waiting for my lunch to get delivered and I am starving…all I can think about at the moment is my Red Mill chicken verde burger…ohhh, is it going to be delicious. AND, as if Red Mill on a work day isn’t exciting enough, we get to have treats today for my birthday! Yes! Okay, it should be here at any second…good bye for now!

April 29th!

2011-04-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hey! I’m back and, being that I have attempted to write this particular blog entry (the return entry from the long hiatus) tens of times, I’m just going to get right to it.

1. I’m moving! No, no…I’m not moving away again…I’m actually quite content here in Seattle. But I’m moving to a new apartment. I have been in my same apartment in Fremont for, ummm, maybe 3+ years, with my same lovely roommate…and it has been great. But, recently I’ve just been feeling like it’s about that time to get my own space…make myself invest in some furniture and house stuff. I’m feeling a little anxious about the decision- I think mostly just because it all happened SO fast. I was just casually looking around at different sites, trying to get an idea of what kind of place I could afford. I had a couple of priorities-location and washer/dryer in unit…and then ideally a HOUSE versus apt. One day I came across a place that had all of those requirements, so I decided to take a look. I decided what the heck, filled out an application…and then the next day got the call that it was mine if I wanted it, but he had other people waiting so needed to know that day if I was interested…pressure! So, that’s the story…I get the keys on May 1st and will begin the moving process. As I mentioned previously, I don’t have much of anything to fill the place…currently I have a bed, bookshelf, couch, chair, dishes, toaster, blender, food processor….and that is just about it. So if anyone is planning to get rid of anything…please feel free to pass it along to me!

2. More excitement…I just returned (okay, a couple weeks ago) from a long weekend trip to Disneyland. It had been a couple of years since I was last there, and a few more years before that since my last proper Disney trip. It was so great! Disney highlights included-making faces for the picture in Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, having a sore arm from intense games of Toy Story Mania, fighting through crowds to get a blue section fastpass for the new night time show at California Adventure, World of Color (which was a cool show, but not as great Fantasmic), a delightful question and answer session with Crush (from Finding Nemo) in Turtle Talk that included some priceless comments from multiple kiddos, and a 16+ hour day that started with a magic morning entry (1 hr before the park opens) at Disneyland, over to California Adventure for the entire day (and a visit from Amy who recently made the move to LA…so fun to see her!), with a return to Disneyland to close that park down…it was pretty impressive really. In addition to the Disney fun, we also went to a taping of Conan, which was super cool (and Rory Gilmore was one of the guests!), went to a Dodgers game (loved that the stadium was up on a hill and completely let you forget you were in Los Angeles), and visited Laguna Beach and Newport Beach Tommy Bahama restaurants…so yummy! Such a stellar trip!

3. With Amazon making the move to our South Lake Union area, there has been several new restaurants popping in…which has been great (always nice to have new lunch and happy hour options close by)…Tom Douglas has taken over…in the past few months he has opened 5 new spots- he opened a second Serious Pie (fancy pizza), with a Dahlia Bakery below it (the biscuit and jam in the morning is unbelievable!), with a wine shop next door (I haven’t taken advantage of the occasional complimentary tastings NEARLY enough). More recently he opened Cuoco (hand made pasta), which we had an HR lunch at and it was AMAZING…sigh when I think of the gnocchi I ate. Finally made it to the Bravehorse Tavern last night, which was SO COOL. It’s pretty good size and was completely packed by 5:05pm. There is shuffleboard, lots of types of beer, and big pretzels with dipping sauces that included peanut butter/bacon, sour cream/onion, and pimento cheese. Bomb. I haven’t had the opportunity to try his new Dumpling place yet- TingMomo.

4. One of the reasons I was hoping to find a house rather than apartment building to move into, is because I really like the idea of growing vegetables and herbs in the yard. I’m not sure why I like the idea…I tried growing corn when I was younger and it did not turn out well, I think my mom might have tried tomatoes once, and I don’t remember that being successful, I’ve never done any flower planting…I think we grew radishes at my dad’s house when we were little…but who wants to eat a bunch of radishes? But anyway…I still really like the idea of it…so I’m going to give it a try. I have a bit of room in my backyard to work with….and I’d like to find a few things that won’t discourage me…because realistically, I don’t think I’m going to end up spending a ton of time on this stuff. Any suggestions of easy veggies or herbs? I’ll probs do some tomato plants…I think beans would be fun, but I’m not sure how difficult those might be. I like the idea of carrots…pulling things out of the ground- that sounds fun. The only herbs that I regularly use in cooking is rosemary- which I can probably grow, basil- I have tried a basil plant before but I have found I don’t use enough of it and the plant goes to waste…that’s about it. I like dill…I wonder if that would be doable…hmm. Anyway…suggestions?

5. And finally, how could I possibly make a post today- Friday April 29th, without mentioning the royal wedding? I mean, that is all that’s being talked about…just about every computer screen I walk by at work has random pictures from the big event. But, I think that’s about all I have to say….I just don’t care. It’s a ridiculously expensive wedding.

And there you go…five for this Friday. A quick Happy 30th Birthday to my big sis, Danielle!

Hope you all have a super weekend, with perhaps some sunshine? Fingers crossed, right?! Sorry about the rambling and maybe not as interesting writing…I haven’t been doing much of it lately and it might take some time to get my writing voice back…

Time for a change!

2010-11-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Did that blog title make you think I am moving away, finally tired of the same thing here in Seattle and ready for something new? Well, since my 2009 goal was to finish what I start, and my 2010 goal is to do my best to feel happy and settled in Seattle- there is no way I'm moving away with only one month left in the year...must finish what I start! And actually, I really am happy to still be in Seattle. And the thought of moving away has only crept into my mind a small handful of times over the year, and only for a very brief, panicky couple of moments. So no..."time for a change" is only in reference to my blog. Which I haven't been writing on at all this year. Just wasn't feeling motivated...probably due to all that enjoying being in Seattle stuff...rather than sitting and writing about it, I was out doing it...I know, that's only excuse. I apologize for my lack of writing. BUT, I have decided on a new blog topic.

For a long time I have been wanting to write a "This I Believe", which is a feature on NPR- they have put out a few books that I have spent several hours sitting in book stores, in the oversized comfy chairs, reading (a little like stealing, since I never buy the book...but I always put it back, right where it belongs!). People write essays on a topic...something they believe in-strongly enough to write an essay about. They are really fun to read...most of them are serious, some are funny...but they all make you think about and question what you believe. I've wanted to write a "This I Believe" for a long time, but it always seems so overwhelming. I mean, how do you pick a topic...there are few things in life (or so many things...I can't even decide on that!), that at my young age (I know, I know...I'm getting old) that I can write about, without a doubt, above all else in my head, that I believe. There are definitely a couple of things that I feel that strongly about not changing- my faith in God...though I think I would have a tough time writing an essay on that, especially without sounding annoying and preachy, and probably pretty unoriginal. I also believe that strongly in my mom...I could probably write that one.

Anyway...in an attempt to come up with the right topic to write about, I realized that something else I very much believe in is being able to think about, question, and change your beliefs. Once I realized that, I decided it isn't so intimidating to write a "This I Believe" essay...because it's okay if one day I change my mind about what I wrote. That's allowed. So, my new blog topic is going to be a This I Believe. Each week I'll write about a different topic...no pressure for it to be some big, heavy something...I'm sure it will be on occasion, but with the freedom of writing on something new each week, I can write about small, silly things (not that silly things are ANY less important in life than heavy, serious things...I def believe that!).

Normally I would wait to start the new blog until January...start of the new year...but what better time to start writing about believing than the holidays? Last year, around holiday time, I wrote about how I just wasn't feeling any magic...I had seen the new Disney princess movie and felt that it was missing the magic I was hoping for; I never really got into the holidays, etc...there is no way I would have been able to write about this topic at that point. I'm not sure what the difference is this year...actually, I could name so many things that are different about this year...but whatever it is that has made the difference, I am seeing and feeling lots of magic and cheer and just general happiness...so- This I Believe begins next week!

Until then...have a stellar week!

Friday, April 9th!

2010-04-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Doesn’t it seem like it was JUST Friday? I feel like the weeks are flying by again, which is great…I mean, c’mon, we are almost halfway through April! Though with the weather we have had this week, you wouldn’t know what month we are in, at any given moment. We have had sunshine, rain, a little snow (!), and as I look out the window right now, hail. Here are your five for the week:

1. Okay, this might gross you out a little bit. Spiders…are taking over my jeep. I know, it’s a little bit gross, and a little bit terrifying. Every year when I put the hard top back on, I find the occasional spider here and there, because the top sat outside all summer long. This year, there weren’t any…I just figured I must have done a superb job wiping it all down. Then, about two weeks ago, I noticed a little clump of tiny little movers in the back corner…I went in for a closer look, and realized they were baby spiders. Wonderful. So I grabbed a stick, did my best to hook them and their web onto the stick and put them outside. Then I noticed a little white sack up in the corner of the jeep, so I grabbed another stick and scraped it off…when I did that, it broke open and a bunch of little baby spiders fell out (still attached by their webs)…I tried to gather as many up as I could and put them outside…knowing there would probably still be a couple stragglers. Well, on Wednesday, I noticed another little group of them up in the back corner. So, once again, I climbed back there and tried to nicely get them outside…and then noticed there were many more than I anticipated. They were pretty much all over the back of the jeep…kicking it on my emergency kit, around my toolbox, on the back seat. Sigh…so I think I’m going to have to put my good karma at risk and bug bomb the car…yuck.

2. I listened to a great “Stuff You Should Know” podcast…possibly my favorite one yet (though I did very much enjoy “what is a hangover” as well) titled, “How To Survive a Plane Crash”. While I fly fairly frequently, and wouldn’t necessarily say I’m afraid of flying, I definitely am not comfortable with it. So yes, please, tell me how to survive a plane crash. Well, turns out, of all the plane crashes that have happened- 90% of the people survive. What?! It’s because the news really only covers the big, terrible crashes. And most crashes happen during take off and landing, so they aren’t so dramatic. But there’s more…of the crashes that have happened from way up at 30,000 feet, 50% of people survived. That’s fairly reassuring. People always say you are way more likely to get in a car accident than a plane accident, but that never made me feel better, because on the chance you WERE in a plane accident, you were probably a goner…but turns out, not so. A few helpful hints to survival: when you get on the plane, count the number of seats between you and the exit. There is a good chance you will be in the dark or even underwater and you won’t be able to see the exit sign, but you can feel the number of seats. Also, people sitting in the back have a better chance of survival (bummer, I way prefer the front). Wear clothing that covers your body- long sleeves, long pants, tennis shoes, in case of fire. Ummm, what else…that’s all I currently remember- oh, don’t drink alcohol…so there you go…no more fear of flying.

3. I’ve never been an avid American Idol viewer, but somehow I seem to have kept up on this particular season. And there are actually a few of the contestants that I really like. While I don’t think he’ll win the show, or even be around to the very end, I like Andrew Garcia…there is a great video of him on YouTube doing Straight Up…he reminds me of a Jason Mraz when he covers songs…makes them fun with his guitar (which, by the way, my three favs all play guitar…I really like the addition of instruments for the performers). I really like Crystal Bowersox…she performs and you aren’t nervous about her messing up or if she will pick the wrong song…she is great. She did a Janis Joplin song- so great. She has amazing confidence as a performer. But my very fav, and who I’d love to see win, is Lee Dewyze. He has this kind of shy, unsure of himself, nervous feeling each week…and then he goes out and plays his guitar and belts it out…very Ray Lamontagne-ish. Really, really like him.

4. Check out www.dishkarma.com and fill in your ultimate meal…your very favorite restaurant selections for each of the course categories…and check out what other people have picked for their ultimate meals…fun concept…but I warn you, as soon as you log on to enter in your ultimate meal (go do it right now!), your mind will go blank…all those amazing dishes you wish you could enjoy everyday- completely out the window. So think about it ahead of time….and now, go enter them in!

5. I gave up reading the Devil in the White City- for the moment (it was over due at the library), and I just felt like it was such an effort to read. But I got a little bit ambitious with my library holds- and all three became available at the same time…no idea how I will get through them in my three week check out time…but I’ll be doing a lot of reading this weekend. Yesterday I started, and am about halfway through The Sun Also Rises, by Hemingway…I have been wanting to read something of his for a long while, and I am really enjoying it- totally accessible and easy to read. Next, I am going to tackle a long-time-to-read-but-totally-intimidated book- the Brothers Karamozov…I’m afraid I won’t get through it, but I’m going to try my hardest. And then, I have had a couple of people recommend the Count of Monte Cristo..it is unbelievably long, but everyone I’ve talked to that read it, loved it…so I don’t think it will be tough, just long.

Alright…have a great weekend!

Happy Easter weekend

2010-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Look at me go…two weeks in a row. Here are the five for this week:

1. Did you hear that the Seattle fireworks show was cancelled for this year because, as hard as One Reel worked, they couldn’t find a sponsor? Did you hear how the community has come together to save it? Yesterday, Dave Ross challenged local businesses- with the help of Tom Douglas’ initial $5000 donation, to raise money to save the show. Now, that’s a hefty challenge…we need to raise $500,000 to put on the show (whoa!)…But Starbucks and Microsoft each offered up $125,000 if the rest of the community could raise the other $250,000. And the donations have been rolling in…last I checked, we were $14,500 short…which I think is unbelievable! Here is a link to the businesses that have donated: http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=75&sid=304928 . Very cool to see the community coming together to save a tradition!

2. The Marty Riemer Show is back! Well, for a half hour each day, on your computer anyway. No, they aren’t back at the radio station. But, Marty and Jodi have created a half hour long webcast/podcast (if you are on live, you can actually watch, otherwise you can download the segment, just like any other podcast), Monday-Friday, 9:30-10am. Yesterday was the debut…and it was sooo great to hear them back at it again. It is very similar to a radio show- they are just chatting it up, joking around, talking about news, interviewing guests, etc…but for a very brief 30 minutes. Yesterday they had Chris Mays, the creator and previous Program Director for The Mountain on the show. She did a little music segment- introducing some new music she is digging (I never doubt her music recommendations- she is amazing!). I’m excited to have that 30 minutes at my desk each morning to listen to the show, laughing out loud (resulting in funny looks from my co-workers). You can check it out at: www.martyriemer.com

3. I have been a super lame live music girl this week. I had three shows on my calendar and didn’t go to any of them. I was planning to go to the special added Round on Tuesday, at Neumos. But I am housesitting in West Seattle and after having gone back and forth two full times that day already, I just didn’t have the energy for another trip back into the city. I love West Seattle, but I don’t think I could live out there. Then Wednesday John Mayer was in town. I had a REAL tough time not going to that show…I just couldn’t justify paying a huge chunk of money (those fees KILL me) for an arena show…sigh. But I love John Mayer so…(I know, I know…I promise, I have tried to hate him…I just can’t do it). Luckily I had a couple of long distance pals to chat with that evening to keep my mind off the great show I was missing…though I couldn’t escape it the next day on facebook. And then last night, Patty Griffin was in town. And I opted out of her show (those darn ticket fees), but I am sure she will be back for one of the fun outdoor summer shows later this year (fingers crossed). Hopefully my concert going lameness will not carry over to next week- as I have a Brandi Carlile show on Tuesday.

4. Do you get today off from work? Good Friday? It has never occurred to me that people get this day off…I don’t think I have ever worked anywhere that has taken the day off. Though really, we SHOULD get a day off for Easter. Easter is always on a Sunday, so we don’t…but even when Christmas falls on a weekend, we get an extra work day off. I feel like Christmas and Easter are the same level of holiday, right? Christian holiday made commercial? I hadn’t thought about it until people were complaining on facebook this morning (what would I do without facebook to keep me updated?) about having to be at work. And then a notice went out at my work that we could leave at 3 today. So, is it a holiday? Should parking be free today? Meanwhile, my teacher mom has been on Spring Break this week, and has been texting me from her local wine bar, as she kicks back with some wine and cheese and a book. Sounds lovely!

5. Last little bit of news…ummm, the health care reform passed! I have always been on board with having health care for everyone, just on principle and feeling like it is important to take care of people, etc. But not really ever getting really into what that means and how it will affect me or people around me. Now that I’m working in HR, and have been helping out our Benefits department quite a bit, I have been learning more about it. They had me sit in on a conference call about how the new health care plan will affect our insurance, and basically just broke down what it means and when certain aspects will kick in. REALLY interesting, and I feel like I know 100x more than I did before. Even after learning more about it, and seeing how it will affect MY own wallet, I still feel like it is important. I am certainly willing to pitch in more to give families the opportunity to see a doctor for more than an emergency. I do think you should develop a good relationship with your doctor now though, because there is going to be a huge increase in patients and reduction in time doctors have with patients.

Alright…I will leave you with that. Have a great weekend- Happy Easter and Passover! Oh, and during the time I wrote this blog, the local businesses of Seattle have reached their goal, and the fireworks show is officially back on!

More than Five on Friday

2010-03-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh…I am the worst blog writer of 2010. Clearly, the Sunday blog switch has not worked out (Sundays, I have realized, aren’t for scheduled activity…they are for going where the day takes you)…so perhaps I won’t make any more blog writing promises. I’ll just try to write. Since it has been awhile, there is much to catch up on…here are your More than Five on Friday:

1. First of all, I just want to say- I am really happy. I planned for 2010 to be a great year, and thus far, it hasn’t disappointed. I know a lot of it has to do with my new job…and not necessarily the JOB itself, but that it has put me in a comfortable place…I feel settled. I don’t have that urge to pick up and move away. And I know (as much as I hate to admit) it also has something to do with not having to dig coins out of drawers and pockets to buy myself a coffee as payday approaches…I am, by no means, making lots of money- AT ALL- but I’m also not living paycheck to paycheck…which always feels a little more comfortable. I’ve never thought the rain and grey and gloom of Seattle affected me, but I do think the amazing weather we have had this year has helped with the sunny disposition. The flowers bloomed early, the cherry blossoms are just SO Spring-y and hopeful…I just walk outside and it is near impossible not to appreciate being here. And as a side note- NO, my silly happiness has nothing to do with a boy…I’m not dating anyone (people keep asking me that)- I’m just happy. :)

2. Back in January (2 months ago…whoa!), my mom and I went to the Guiding Lights conference again. This is a super inspiring weekend focused on creativity and mentoring. This year they did something a little different and had a focus for the weekend, which was the Opportunity Gap. While I think I liked the old format a little better, where there were more topics, I do think the opportunity gap is a huge issue that needs to be addressed. I know I have said this before, but it is just SO inspiring to be in a room with a hundreds of people focused on improving the lives and opportunities of the youth in their communities. And there is always a group of youth ambassadors- middle school and high school kids who are committed to making a difference- that are just so amazing. I mean, when I was in high school, I was worried about which socks to wear for my basketball game that night…these kids are already focusing their sights on improving the world…think of what they will accomplish with the help of committed mentors…amazing

3. I just finished our latest book club book- Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. And I read it on my mom’s new kindle. While I enjoyed reading the book- it is a mystery with a few different side stories- keeps you interested, some fascinating characters, enjoyed the writing style…I don’t think I would recommend it because I HATED the end. I mean, I tend to have a tough time with book endings in general, because if it ends happy then it isn’t realistic, if it ends sad then you don’t feel the closure you need…but this ending was TERRIBLE. Things didn’t get wrapped up, no resolution with the characters…like, I actually thought perhaps the kindle hadn’t finished downloading the book and there was more. Nope. BUT, I did get my first use of the Kindle, which I have been curious about. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, soooo convenient…great for reading on the bus, taking to work and reading at lunch…it’s just so easy. However- what I didn’t like about it, and would, very likely, keep me from using it- is not being able to flip back to past pages. I mean, you CAN go to previous pages…but you can’t easily flip back to chapter 3 where that one character was first introduced and you can’t remember how they were related to that other character, and it is kind of important in following the story. Or when you have a giant family, to where the author actually includes a diagram and you’d like to be able to reference that diagram as you read. I didn’t realize how much I do that when I read, until using the Kindle.

4. With my new little extra cash flow, I have been going to see more live music…I have always had a hard time BUYING tickets to shows since I went so long getting free tickets…but, the time has come where I actually need to make the purchase. Recently, I saw We Were Promised Jet Packs…from Scotland, they were fun- would totally recommend seeing them, although the sound at Neumos was not stellar…opening at that show was the Lonely Forest, a local band which I have been hearing about for awhile, but hadn’t actually seen yet. Really liked them as well. I went with my pal to the End’s little private performance with Temper Trap at the new Hard Rock…ran into lots of friends, which is always a fun surprise. Saw a local SXSW send off party with…a hip hop group that I can’t remember, Hey Marseilles and Visqueen. Again, I had been hearing about Visqueen for a looong time, but hadn’t ever managed to see them, so was looking forward to that. They were different than I expected…The lead singer is hilarious and great, and has a really beautiful voice- which was unexpected for me (I didn’t imagine her as having a terrible voice, but more rock, I guess). And I have seen Hey Marseilles a couple of times in the last few months and REALLY enjoy them. Lots of energy, fun instruments, great lyrics, and adorable boys…def my latest fav! Ian and the band had a bit of send off show at the Triple Door, as he and Alisa prepare to head out for their three-month cross-country duo tour…if you are in another city, look them up and go to the show…they’d very much appreciate it. I feel like there has been other shows…hmmm

5. Well Lent has arrived…and is nearly over…Easter is just around the corner. This year I gave up sweets, per the usual, and gave up TV (well, not entirely…I was allowed to watch 1 hour a day)…which I’m hoping to continue post-Lent. It is so easy to come home from work and just collapse on the couch and turn the brain off. Since Lent started, I’ve been doing a ton more reading, have been spending more time outside (thanks to the sunshine), and enjoying hanging out and catching up with pals. I do have to admit, I didn’t count the NCAA tournament as TV time…I spent a little bit of my time in Chicago and pretty much all the time in Europe without TV, and it is so nice to have to use your brain and find activities…you really don’t miss the TV at all. There are definitely certain shows that I wouldn’t want to miss (Modern Family…c’mon!) which is why the hour a day was nice…I could make the decision of which shows to watch each week. I am sort of cheating today on my no sweets rule…Mom and I are going to Teatro Zinzanni tonight, and I am NOT skipping a Tom Douglas dessert…just isn’t happening. So I am giving up my free Sunday (I’m Catholic…Sundays don’t count during Lent!) for sweets today. It’s sort of fair.

6. Have had a fun couple of race events lately…ran the St Paddy’s Day Dash for the first time in a few years…and it was SO fun! I was thinking it was a 5k, which is no big deal, but it ended up being a 4 miler, which is fine, but a little above my normal 2.8 miles around Greenlake run I’ve been doing…and I woke up with a cold the day before…boo…but I ended up with a pretty decent time (I forgot that I get a little competitive with myself for these times events) and enjoyed hanging out with some new friends…I really want to sign up for some more fun runs! Also did the Big Climb for Leukemia, up the Columbia tower…69 flights to the top…a little bit of hell. I’ve done this event quite a few times, and know that it is really hard, but you always forget just how miserable it is until you are actually doing it…about floor 10- legs are already exhausted, throat is burning, side is throbbing…and you still have 59 more flights to go…gulp. But it is over quick…I finished around 16 minutes, and the recovery happens pretty fast, and all of a sudden you think, “that wasn’t so bad…I could probably do it again.”

7. I started downloading and listening to a couple of podcasts lately. I always liked the idea of the podcast, but never felt like I had time to listen- or the RIGHT time to listen, I guess…but, with the new job…I do a fair amount of data entry and filing…perfect for podcast listening. Obviously, This American Life…so great…always look forward to the weekly update…but my current obsession is Stuff You Should Know. I downloaded a bunch of their old ones, and then get their new addition each week. It’s two normal (funny) guys chatting with each other about random people, ideas, scientific studies, diseases, etc…I mean, these podcasts are about EVERYTHING. And it is mostly stuff you feel like you SHOULD know..you’ve heard it, but don’t really know the details and are afraid to admit your ignorance. Recently, I have listened to “What are hangovers, really?”, “Who were the Vikings?”, “How bounty hunters work”, “Why are the honeybees disappearing?”, “How the sun works”. I enjoy sharing tidbits of information to my coworkers throughout the day…and I’m sure all my newfound knowledge will be helpful at the next trivia night.

8. Finally, the NCAA tournament. Oh man…I have been more into this year than usual (I always keep up on the bracket and watch a few games here and there)…the upsets have made it so exciting! I keep ESPN up on my computer at work, so I can follow the scores in real time, and then race myself home to turn them on TV (since they don’t count for Lent), or if it’s really nice out and I feel guilty about sitting on the couch watching basketball, I waltz my way down the hill in Fremont to a bar and enjoy the games somewhere else. Love it! Watching U.W. has been awesome…of course, until the sloppy, ugly game they played last night…but it’s always more exciting when you have your home team to root for, especially when they are an underdog and are playing well. So fun.

Okay…that about catches you up (if you even got through the whole thing…sorry)…I’m not sure when the next entry will appear…but hopefully a tad more regularly. Have a fantastic weekend!

Friday Five, First Sunday Edition

2010-01-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well here is the first attempt at Sunday blogging. I guess I didn't make it in time for you to read while sipping coffee in a cozy cafe...but perhaps the Monday morning work blues will be a good time. I still need a new name for the blog...

1. The new job. Yep, yep...I am three weeks into the new job at Tommy Bahama. Without going into much detail (I definitely had to sign something about not discussing work stuff on the internet), I'll just say, I'm very happy to be here. The company is great, the people I work with are really nice, the schedule is pretty awesome (I mean really, anything beats waking up at 3:30 in the morning, as far as schedules go). Aside from the occasional paper cut, life is pretty darn good on the work front. And boy is my family excited for the 30 day window to be over and for me to be able to use my discount to buy TB stuff!

2. Went to a great concert on Tuesday night...Alberta Cross. My friend Jessica had me listen to their EP when I was in Princeton last year, and I really liked it, and have turned it on from time to time since then...one of their songs made it onto my "Reminds Me of 2009" mix...but they weren't touring much, and they kinda left my radar. Luckily, my roommate emailed me at work and mentioned something about liking Alberta Cross, blah, blah...turned out they were playing THAT NIGHT, and I almost missed the show. Gasp. But didn't. Went...they definitely still look like they haven't been around for long...they need more experience, and I kind of felt like they were putting on a show- not in a musical sense, but in a kind of immature sort of way. Like, the clothes they were wearing and the way they danced while they played were more of a focus than the actual music. Which is too bad, because the music is super awesome. They'll grow up...and I think they'll be big...check em out. Albertacross.net

3. Well, Jersey Shore has sadly, come to an end. At least this season has...because luckily, they will be back next year for another summer of GTL (gym, tan, laundry...duh).How am I ever going to fill my time now that the show is over...oh, not to worry, the DVR is nearly full of other random, crap tv. Phew. And Grey's Anatomy is back on...Lost is starting soon...and OH, the next season of Friday Night Lights...so, so soon...I can't wait! I got the first season of FNL for Christmas, and I have been watching an episode or two (or four) here and there...I know I've said it before...but really, it's so good. And I'd really like to watch the first three seasons again with someone who hasn't watched it before...anyone? Anyone? C'mon.

4. Started and finished a kids book series. The Underland Chronicles. I was housesitting for a family I babysit for, and was looking through the kids' books, found the first three. I remembered the mom saying she liked this particular series, so I started reading them, and went through the first three books in about a week. They didn't own the last two, so I checked them out at the library. Really, really liked the series. Gregor is a 10-year old boy who follows his two yr old sister down a chute in their laundry room that leads to the Underland. A whole world of people and creatures that live miles underground. There is much turmoil and war in the Underland, and the people have been waiting for a warrior- because of a prophecy left to them by the founder of the Underland- and they decide Gregor is the one. So he goes through all kinds of adventure, creates realtionships, learns valuable lessons about life, etc...with the people, rats (gnawers), bats (flyers), mice (nibblers), cockroaches (crawlers), spiders (spinners), and others...great creation of another world by the author, and really great characters. I hope she is planning to write more!

5. I know you have been wondering, what about the Adventurer's Club...what have you crazy kids been up to lately? Not to worry, we are still around and hanging out. We haven't been very adventurous lately...at least not out in the world...BUT, we have been quite adventurous in the board game arena. Oh yeah...we have had several board game night get togethers. There is usually a round of taboo involved, but we have learned several new games...Willow likes to explore the game section at goodwill. Recently she found a game- Jungle Speed- but since she got the game at Goodwill, the directions were in French. They looked up instructions on wikipedia...so we had it mostly figured out, though questions did come up as we went, and Willow would attempt to read what she thought to be the answer, in French. I've been trying to make an effort to go out more- be more social, meet new people, discover new places, etc...but game night is always my favorite...so much laughing.

Alright...that's all for now...have a super productive week...see you again on Sunday.
Currently Listening to: Will Hoge, Blackbird on a Lonely Wire

It's been awhile, I've missed you

2010-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay…I know…I haven’t blogged in awhile and you hate me, you’ve lost all hope in another Friday Five…I have let you down. I apologize. There was a lot going on there at the end of the year…I mean, both Christmas AND New Years fell on a Friday…there is no time for blog writing (or reading, for that matter) when Santa has visited.

And then, I decided I wanted to come up with a new blog idea for 2010. For one thing, I don’t know that I like writing on Fridays. There always seems to be something going on that makes it seem like a bit of a chore…so I am thinking about switching to Sundays. That way you have something to read on your lazy morning while you sip coffee in a café and waste away your day…OR, if you need a little break from your work day on Monday. Yes? Will that work for you? Good, good.

I was also thinking I needed a new theme…but that hasn’t come to me yet. Five on Sunday doesn’t really have a ring to it. Being that I’m super pumped for 2010, I thought about doing some kind of goal writing…but that just seems like a setup for failure (not that I’m incapable of reaching goals…I love having goals, big or small, but new ones every week could get exhausting and be an excuse not to blog each week). Have you ever heard of or read the book Around the World in 80 Dates? This woman decided to reach out to everyone she knew (and she was a journalist, so she knew lots of random people all over) and asked them to set her up on a date…so she spent the year traveling the world going on dates. Thought about doing something of that nature…probably not so much with the traveling around the world (though that sounds like the best part of that story!)…but then thought about how I don’t really like blind dates all that much, and doing it frequently enough to be able to blog every week would get a bit ridiculous. Plus, I don’t really like writing about people, other than “so and so was with me when we went here…” especially if they could read it, and if the blog was why I was getting set up, surely they would know about it and would read it. So that’s no good.

I’m still pondering that..so until I decide on something, I’m still going to do five points. First edition will be this Sunday…keep an eye out…I have much to discuss.

Have an awesome weekend!

In search of Magic... 12/18

2009-12-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-11-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T12:25:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-10-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-09-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-08-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

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....

6/26/09

2009-06-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ohhh, what a week, what a week...

1. I'm going to go ahead and begin with Michael Jackson. On Thursday, when the news came out that he died and people were posting all over Facebook and Twitter, and I was walking down the street in my neighborhood hearing MJ music blasting out of apartment buildings, I was a little bit annoyed. Yes, it is totally sad that someone died. But, every single one of these people would have been posting something negative about him if he was in the news for a different reason (as he has been)...so I decided I didn't want to write about it here. BUT, then today...I feel different. It's weird. It makes me feel old. I think about how my nieces and nephew will have no memory of a living Michael Jackson, and that is really strange. I feel like my dad when he talks about Elvis Presley. We have lost such a pop icon...it's sad. And it's also sad that poor Farrah Fawcett's death was completely overshadowed. Tough/weird day yesterday.

2. Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird lately? Like, since 9th grade when you had to? You should definitely go read it again. It is an amazingly good book. The voice of Scout is so perfect...such a child- figuring things out, assuming one thing and learning another...the cover says it's a "coming of age" story which always sounds so hokey...but Harper Lee writes Scout so beautifully- it doesn't have an ounce of "coming of age" corny. And then, of course, it hits on racism and the segregation in the south...in such a sad way. I found myself unable to blink on my bus ride home the other day because I knew the tears were pooling up and if I blinked, they would be running down my face. And the relationship between brother and sister, father and children, friends...sigh, it really is such a fantastic book. I remember liking it in 9th grade...it definitely wasn't one of those school books you have to force yourself to get through the assigned chapters each night...but I don't remember it being SO good. Which is why I am re-reading all those school books. Really though- go buy a copy (don't even check it out from the library...go buy it), and re-read it. Next up...hmmm, perhaps Great Gatsby?

3. Enjoyed a delightful Happy Hour at Chapel on Tuesday with some of the old radio folks. It was fun to get together and chat with people I don't see on a regular basis and catch up...and I was so excited to go to Chapel. Back in my National Promo Dir days, a group of us used to go up there almost once a week for their happy hour...they have a huuuge list of fun flavored martinis that are $5 (used to be $4 though!) and then some food items. I doubt I'll make it back there for quite awhile...because well, I just don't go out very much...but if you are in search of a new locale...you should give it a try. It's on Capitol Hill and it's a cool building...and the drinks are pretty strong (I had ONE martini...and chatted for about three hours and could still feel it a bit...granted, I'm a total lightwight...but still, only one.)

4. Oh man, I bought the last season of Gilmore Girls on DVD last...ummm, like, day after Thanksgiving or something...and JUST found it, so I have been watching an episode every night in bed before I fall asleep. I heart the Gilmore Girls. You know this...I am Rory, and my mom is Lorelai. I watched the CUTEST episode last night. Christopher (Rory's dad) and Lorelai have started dating again and he tells her he is going to take her out but won't say where (a surprise...I love it)...and he picked her up in some old convertible car (to which she replied "enjoy my hair now, because it won't look like this for long" I can vouch for that after driving with the jeep top down)...he drives her out to the middle of nowhere (she is trying to guess all along the way and has turned NYC dates into "are you going to murder me" dates...and he pulls up in front of this old abandoned barn and has set up a movie to play on the wall...like a drive in movie...and has packed all her favorite movie treats and they watched some old black and white movie. Sigh...sooo cute. THEN, same episode!, Logan (who I flipping adore) is working in London so he and Rory are working on doing this long distance relationship thing...and he calls her and tells her to go up to the roof because there is a meteor shower that he wants to "watch with her" (which, by the way, is cute enough on its own)...but instead- he is THERE, with a table all set up for dinner...surprise! Oh, I love it. And this is why I don't have a boyfriend. :-)

5. Good luck to all the Rock and Roll marathoners this weekend! I soooo wish I was running the half..next year, next year. Carb load up tonight, make sure you bring lots of packets of goo to slurp down on the course, drink your water...and have fun, enjoy the music! Those of you not running (probs most of you!)...I wouldn't plan to go anywhere tomorrow....check out the race course to find out which roads will be closed and how to get around town...pretty sure it will be a nightmare.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Five 6/19

2009-06-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness this week went by faster than last's...I actually think last week might STILL be happening somewhere. BUT, here is your Friday Five for THIS week...woo.

1. Thank you rain gods. It's about time. We were one day away from setting a record for days without any rain. I know I have been praying and hoping for continued sunshine due to the condition of my jeep (and it's lack of a functioning top), but the humidity that was happening here was ridiculous. This is the Northwest- we don't do humidity...we leave that miserable, sticky, gross feeling to you east coasters, and southerners, and mid-westerners. Not over here in the west. And certainly not here in Seattle, where air conditioning doesn't really exist. But rain it did- I was slightly surprised at the lifting of my heart, as I was frothing milk and pulling espresso shots, to see the rain start falling outside our store. Yes, my heart...it lifted. It is still a bit humid- but it is a tad better. The sky is overcast and I am happy.

2. Ohhh, the jeep. The jeep, the jeep. So I spent a good deal of time searching for the parts I need to keep the soft top from flying off as I drive (as it currently does)...Finally, I found them. I went to a jeep dealership, they helped me find the right parts and they have been ordered. The parts haven't arrived yet, so I can't drive in the rain...I put the top up temporarily (didn't put the windows in though...I haven't checked out the status of the inside since it started raining. I'm sure it's fine.) But, the parts are ordered. Sigh of relief. Let me tell you a little bit about the pride I felt when I drove into the jeep dealership. I pulled in, someone came out to meet me and asked how they can help me. And then asked what year my jeep was...and was blown away by the good condition it's in for how old it is. Then we walked in, and a whole group of the guys that worked there grouped around me and started talking about how the Sahara edition (what I have) was THE jeep to get back in the day, and how cool it was to see, and they all wanted to go check her out. Yeah...all you jeep naysayers...she is rad. The jeep people know.

3. I started and finished The Golden Compass this week. And I really liked it! The dads and I watched the movie last year in Barcelona...I didn't really know much about it, didn't even know it was a book (a trilogy, actually)...and someone left the book at my store, so I took it home and read it. Pretty fast. It has that sort of Lord of the Rings feel to it (not as good)...the whole innocence vs evil, magic, monsters- good and bad, twists and turns, etc. I have heard the first book is the best of the three, which is always a little disappointing to hear, but I am still planning on checking out the other two. If you haven't yet, I recommend the read. Now I have started my first re-read of To Kill A Mockingbird. Very excited.

4. Starbucks Shared Planet...I took a Barista 200 class this week for Starbucks and learned a lot more about what Starbucks' Shared Planet initiative is about. Before the class, I had heard the term tossed around a bit in the store, but never knew WHAT it was or what we, as partners or as customers, could do to be a part of it (or even if we wanted to be a part of it...really no clue what it was about). But, I learned. And it is really pretty cool. Starbucks has some hefty goals they are planning to reach by the year 2015- which are totally doable...IF we know about the tools they have provided and USE them. Right now I feel like there isn't much being done, at a store level, to implement changes and work toward our goals. So, I decided I am going to be the Shared Planet Embassador at my store...hehe. I'll post more information about it as I get things rolling. In the meantime, if you are interested in more information- go to www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet

5. I am looking into putting together an Adventurer's Club camping trip. Those involved in Adventurer's Club thus far (it isn't exclusive...you can be part if you want...just let me know and I'll give you the login to our event calendar!) are fairly indecisive and easygoing...which is nice, but means I have to make decisions, which I'm not so good at. They don't care where we camp- ocean, mountains, islands, eastern wa, etc...if you have any suggestions of cool campsites you recommend (that aren't too pricey- remember the objectives of A.C....cheap being one- and that will still have openings this late in the year), PLEASE pass them along so I can get this trip a-going. Yay.

That's it for this week...hope yours was stellar...see ya next week.
E

Friday Five- Ways to Save a Buck

2009-06-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

As I was thinking about what I would include in my Friday Five this week, I realized I have had a REALLY boring week. And that is because, in the past two weeks, I have spent a total of $20- $15 for gas and $5 for parking. I know, you are impressed/sad for me. My friend gave me the brilliant idea of Five Way to Save a Buck...so, here they are:

1. Search through the free weekly newspaper (Seattle Weekly, The Stranger) for free festivals or free classes. The Adventurers Club found a free class last weekend at a local mind/body/soul-type place. It was the first class in a series of regular, so the first one was free ($15 normally...what a steal!) We participated in some Nia. I told Rachel, prior to the start of class, that what happened in that room was not to leave that room- for two reasons- 1. I watched an online video about what Nia is, and I was already feeling uncomfortable before even arriving, and 2. I am the most uncoordinated dancer ever. It's embarrassing. Really. BUT, after going, and fully participating (it took me a few minutes to full on go for it)...I decided it was fun and definitely worth talking about. It was a lot of pretending, which I can TOTALLY do..."pretend you are wearing a cape and you have to hide inside of it, you are peaking around a corner..." Yeah, really. It wasn't the most difficult work out- though I think they were taking it easy because it was a free class, but it was definitely fun...and more importantly, cost NOTHING.

2. Make coffee beverages at home. It isn't as fun, I know. But, it helps if you find a mug that you really like...I have been collecting starbucks city mugs from all the places I've lived, and I like to drink my coffee drinks out of them, sit on my couch, and pretend the Eiffel Tower is right outside my window (I told you I am a really good pretender). Plus, I used a couple of my partner beverages (the free drinks I get when I work) to take home a few pumps of the mocha syrup or the chai syrup...so I can make a real starbucks beverage at home. You non-partners can't really do that...but maybe invest in some syrups, or chocolate syrup...or honey on top is pretty delicious (speaking of honey...I just saw some Honey Moon at QFC...as in Blue Moon...my favorite beer...I haven't had it yet, and sadly, I am babysitting tonight so will not be tasting it...but perhaps tomorrow? I'll let you know...) I digress...coffee at home, yes, saves you lots of money. Though if you had any intentions of visiting me at my store, by all means, pull out the cash and come say hello...it will make my day.

3. textsfromlastnight.com Ummm, have you been to this website yet? Yes? Well, then you know what I am talking about....tens of minutes of entertainment that is...oh yeah, free. No, you haven't? Ummm, go there right now. And be prepared to both laugh and be disgusted. In a funny way mostly though. People post their ridiculous texts from last night on the site...love it. Check it out. Totally free.

4. I know you have been wondering, since the beginning of my post, "Eryn- if you have spent $20 in the last two weeks and only on your beloved jeep...what are you eating?" Well, let me tell you about a little bit of deliciousness called gourmet box mac and cheese. Step 1. Take your preferred brand of box mac and cheese (kraft, annie's, trader joe's, safeway select, etc), prepare as directed on the box. 2. Go through your veggie drawer and pull out those vegetables that haven't quite gone bad yet (but are prob getting close?), throw them in the boiling water for the last 2 minutes of noodle boiling, 3. Search through your pantry for the emergency stash of tuna fish you have in the back, and throw that in the fully mixed dish. Voila...gourmet mac and cheese with all your basic food groups. This is also a fantastic meal option while touring around the country in a bus with a band...It's delicious. (I haven't really been living on that for two weeks...I've actually only had it once...though other similar creations have been discovered with random ingredients in said fridge and pantry). Your welcome.

5. So it's a beautiful, sunshiney day...and you really want to go out and enjoy it...but you know that if you go outside, you will be tempted to get some ice cream, perhaps at Molly Moon's? Then your super friend texts and asks if you want to stroll around Greenlake. Brilliant. Amy and I made ourselves some delicious coffee beverages at my apartment (if you are confused, refer to point number 2 in this issue of the Friday Five), and then walked over to Greenlake and around the lake and then back to the apartment. Awesome friend catching up time, vitamin D intake, and a false feeling of partaking in a work out. So good. Then Amy decided she REALLY wanted a Mighty O donut. So we hopped in the jeeper (still topless folks, the sun has not left me yet!) and turned the summer mix CD up, and did some dancing, singing, and mostly feeling rad and drove up to Mighty O. Ohhhh, closed. Luckily, Zoka is right across the street. Amy and I shared the largest slice of Key Lime pie in the world. Save money tip...share with a friend (unfortunately for Amy, she didn't actually save any money because she bought the full piece...I just ate half of it).

And that's how it works, kids. Today was payday...I just treated myself to a store-bought coffee...mostly because I have three hours to kill on Mercer Island between babysitting jobs...I figured I should purchase a drink instead of loitering.

Have a great weekend!

June 5th!

2009-06-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Summer! This week has been H-O-T-T! Hope you all have been getting outside, with a thick layer of sunscreen on. Here's the Friday Five...

1. Adventurer's Club went on their second excursion on Saturday. We drove up to Granite Falls to hike to Lake 22. It was about a three mile hike each way...and it was challenging enough that we were sweating, but not too much that we couldn't chit chat along the way. It was really a beautiful hike, though, you get so used to staring at the ground to avoid stumbling over rocks, sometimes you forget to look around. The last half mile or 3/4 mile was snowy, which we weren't expecting. And it was that melty snow that I think will probably be dangerous to hike on in the next couple of days. We made it though. And the view at the top...of the mountains and the still mostly frozen lake and the trees...sooo pretty. We realized we had a problem when we reached the top though, looked around...no where to pee. And enough people around to make it difficult to hide behind a tree. Willow and I risked our lives, in the treacherous snow to find a semi-hidden spot. All was well. This weekend, Adventurer's Club will try a Nia class at Green Lake...combo yoga, dance and martial arts...I'm sure I'll look foolish.

2. Some of you know about the Disneyland that my step dad has built in the backyard of my parent's house. I hopped in the ol jeeper and headed down to Bonney Lake Saturday night to hang with my cousins and enjoy the crazy backyard party house that has been built since I moved out. It's amazing. So, Ron built a series of sheds along the back fence that look like an old mining town...one of them is storage, and one is a full on bar. Fully stocked. Heater and airconditioner, flat screen tv...and any booze you can think of. There are still plans in the works to add on a wine bar, and possibly a pub of sorts. outside of the "town" is a pond, with waterfalls draining into it on both ends. (I helped build the dock!) He has also put in a giant fire pit....that draws the neighbors over every weekend. And most recently, they bought a new hot tub and put in a whole outdoor kitchen area, with a big ol BBQ, sink, fridge, etc. It's amazing. Such a cool place to hang out and have people over.

3. While I was home, I enlisted my aunt and cousins, who were in town visiting, to help me take the hard top off my jeep and throw the soft top back on, so I can fully enjoy the weather. We got the hard top off, and then I realized I was missing a couple pieces that attach the soft top to the jeep. Crap. No idea where they are. Hoping to find these pieces at a junk yard or something? I don't really know how that works...I need to look into it. Yikes. But can I just tell you how I have totally fallen back in love with my jeep over the last week. Swoon. I love having the top down. It does nothing for my hair...I will be sporting a ponytail from here on out...BUT, it is so fun! There is a lot of pressure to listen to good music though...everyone can hear and judge. So far I have had Ben Lee and Will Hoge in rotation...I made a summertime mix that I need to burn onto a CD. While I am completely loving it...the worrier in my started thinking about what might happen if I got in a car accident and my jeep flipped over. I mean, really? Doesn't that sound horrible...would the whole car just land right on top of me. I've been told that's what the "roll bar" is for...right, like that's going to keep me safe. Ish. Or what if a truck in front of me kicks something up from the road and flies in and hits me in the eye...and I am blinded and driving out of control...and then the jeep flips over. Oh the scenes that go through my head. :(

4. I had lunch with my Grandma on Thursday afternoon...for my birthday (she lives in Arizona for half the year, so she wasn't around on my actual birthday). We went to Greenlake and ate outside, grabbed some ice cream and strolled around the lake. Turns out, I don't know why I never put it together, but she grew up right up the street from Greenlake. She and her sisters used to walk down there everyday in the summer and hang out...it's where she learned how to swim, and later had her first job as a lifeguard there. She drove me by the house where she gre up, and showed me where the meat market was, the bakery, etc. It was cool listening to her stories and watching her as she thought back on those days, as we strolled. Very fun...thanks Grandma!

5. I got a Sonicare this weekend, from my mom, for my birthday (this birthday has really stretched out...just as I like it!). When I went to the dentist for my cleaning a few weeks back, they told me that I should get a Sonicare...while I DO floss everyday, people just can't do the same as the sonicare can. SOOO, I tried it out...and holy hell, I've never drooled so much in my life. I quickly realized the problem...my mom's makes a beeping sound every 30 seconds, indicating she should move on to the next section; mine doesn't. It just goes for the full two minutes. So I brushed each section of my mouth for two minutes...which may have been a bit much! I have figured it out since then...not nearly as much spittage gushing into the sink. I know, it's a lovely picture in your head, isn't it?

Well, I hope you have a fantastic weekend...be safe...wear sunscreen!

Last week of May

2009-05-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

1. Last Friday I went to one of the Seattle International Film Festival movies...I've never gone to any before, and I got some free tickets from the Mountain....figured I'd check it out. I saw Nurse.Fighter.Boy. The movie was great. It was about a single mom with sickle cell. The relationship between the mother and the little boy is so well done- sometimes I feel like the relationship development is lacking in movies- in comparison to books anyway. The casting was spot on...the little boy was so perfect...kind of like that little kid in Australia. And there was a really amazing soundtrack that just fit the scenes perfectly. While I enjoyed the movie, the part of the film festival experience that was so cool, was the director was there. He just flew in, introduced the film, and then did a Q and A after. I LOVE hearing people talk about their passions...hearing him explain why he included this part or that scene, or why he left certain parts out, or where he found a particular song, and how he spent the entire month of last May in the studio editing from 8:30am-3:30am. He has that much love for what he does. That is so inspiring to me. Cool experience...I'd like to think that I'll make it out to a few more.

2. On Saturday, the Adventurers Club had their first outing. We made plans to check out the Folklife Festival. For a few reasons having to do with our mission/goal (we haven't actually discussed a mission or goal, but these are what I imagine they would be if we had), 1. It's free. The Adventurers Club strongly believes in free and cheap...finding such events is really all part of the adventure. 2. Ohhh, the people watching. Seriously, have you ever been to Folklife? It should be called a hippie holiday, or, I don't know, some other alliteration involving hippies. 3. Food samples. When thinking of Adventurers Club, I didn't initially think about food samples...but really, what activity isn't enhanced by free morsels of yummy? We could do a club meeting at Costco on the weekend and call it a successful adventure.

I always think these big festivals down at the Seattle Center sound like a good idea...and then I get there, and remember how much I HATE the ridiculous crowds. Where it takes an hour (not an exaggeration) to get from point A to point B...which usually takes 5 minutes. Willow was certain she was going to catch swine flu, due to the close quarters and gross coughers...instead she was pooped on by a bird while we sat and ate our lunch. We saw so many accordian/washboard/banjo combinations of bands huddled together on the sides of the paths. And we caught some great bagpipe music, along with some Morris dancing (for those of you who don't know, as I didn't), this is the old Shakespeare kind of dancing with bells tied around your shins or shoes. Ohhh, the Morris dancers looked like they were having a ball. It was a good time, but definitely not a place I wanted to step foot at for the rest of the weekend. And I didn't.

3. On Sunday afternoon, I picked up a couple of musician girls at the Amtrak station. They are friends of friends of friends and would be playing a show in Seattle that night, and I offered them a place to stay while they were in town. It was a fun couple of days. You know how I loooove playing tour guide and showing people how great my city is, and it certainly helped that the weather was amazing. Truly, there is nothing more beautiful than Seattle in the sunshine...I think that's why it has to rain all the time...otherwise, why would anyone live anywhere else? :) Okay, okay...enough. So the girls (Lauren Zettler and Allison Weiss...check out their music) playing at the Skylark Cafe in West Seattle. They played before this other band- Lady Danville- who were actually pretty rad. I would def recommend checking them out...they are based out of LA, and had a lot of energy, interesting instrument usage and pretty cool harmonies. And totally great people...we hung out with them for awhile after the show...headed over to Alki and did the whole bonfire on the beach, with a ukulele (of course, why not?)...one of the guys told the most ridiculous ghost story, and we went around the circle telling our high and low of the day (though we actually did it Obama-style and did our thorn and rose of the day.) On Monday, we got up, and went to breakfast out at Easy Street. The girls have been doing a daily video blog while on tour, over breakfast...so they were in need of a good breakfast locale...and Easy Street it was...and they bought hoodies and tshirts, and then saw the Cupcake Royale sign from across the street...so we wandered over there and they bought two cupcakes each...documenting the whole thing on camera...as well as purchasing the "legalize frostitution" sticker. They spent the day at the EMP and then we went to Bimbo's for dinner. Yum. After Seattle, the girls were off to Vancouver, Canada for their last show of their mini tour.

4. I got bullied out of the pool at the gym today. I'm not a stellar swimmer...don't have any form, I don't like to put my face in the water (I can't stand not being able to breathe...especially when working out!), and I am about as slow as they come...BUT, I pay for my gym membership, I follow pool rules, and I should be able to throw a little variety in my workout and swim. Well, when I got to the gym (at 10am, mind you...I figured it would be an empty pool time), there was one free lane available, so I started my workout. Then someone else came and joined the lane...so there were three of us, and they wanted to do laps in a circle...which means I get lapped...over and over because, like I said before, I am the SLOWEST swimmer on the planet. I was feeling a little pressure to not get in these serious, goggle and swim cap wearing swimmers way...finally, someone left in the lane next to me, so I hopped over there...and then another no-nonsense, speedo-wearing swimmer jumped in my lane, and proceeded to turn the lap pool into a wave pool with his crazy thrashing and splashing. I nearly drowned...in the 4 feet of water. So I got out...ten minutes short of finishing my workout. So I went home and jumped on OnDemand to do a workout video. I opted for Carmen Elektra's Striptease. Wow, even in my completely empty apartment, I was embarrassed. Fun though.

5. Seriously California...WTF? I generally don't get into political arguments because I know that there is no use trying to change someone's mind about their belief system, and it just ends up being frustrating for both parties....but I'm really sad/angry/confused that California voted down gay marriage. I honestly don't understand how that happened, or really how it is even an issue. It is such blatant discrimination...I am just so baffled by the fact that it is even an issue. How many people get divorced every year? And they want to talk about the sanctity of marriage? How about we just let people that love each other do so...good grief. Really, just thinking about it gets me so angry...read this: Rob Thomas, of Matchbox Twenty wrote about the issue and pretty much says exactly what I think about it...check out the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-thomas/the-big-gay-chip-on-my-sh_b_208183.html

And on that uplifting note...hope you enjoy the sunshine and have a great weekend!

Memorial Day weekend? Already?!

2009-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hey....can you believe it is summer time? How crazy that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend? This year has been zipping by...probably because I am old now. People always say as you get older the time goes by faster...and it is just flying...I guess since I am in my late twenties now(wait, no, no...I forgot, I'm only 22, nevermind)...I can tell I'm getting older because of that AND because my knee has been hurting- I'm guessing from the rain (isn't that why old people get aches and pains- the rain?). Here is your Friday Five for the week:

1. I went with Ian and the band over to Banks Lake last weekend for a Blues festival. There were definitely some funny moments on the trip (playing a drinking game in the van without drinking because we didn't have a radio, being told by the merch guy next to me that the lube they sell is the best effing stuff there is- yeah, they sold lube-, hula hooping contests, etc) But what really stuck with me from the weekend was how unbelievably beautiful our state is. I always think of Seattle-the city- as being so great...with the mountains to look at over the puget sound, but driving over to Banks Lake...seeing geology in action (that might be an oxymoron)...it was all fairly breathtaking...I'm glad I wasn't driving or we may have ended up over a cliff. On our way home, we stopped at the Grand Coulee Dam, which is just so massive and impressive (until you read about all the damage it has done to the fishing industry here, and how the native americans haven't had a first salmon ceremony since 1940.) Sad. BUT, it is the largest electric power producing facility in the US (fifth in the world).

2. I got a new bed this weekend. Well, I got the mattress and boxspring- and I guess it isn't really new- it was my little brother's. New to me. And a real bed. Not the blow up mattress that I've been using for the past couple of years. What is going on with me? I painted my room, made a work desk space and now HAVE A BED? Wowza. I'm undecided on my thoughts of the new bed though. I kind of miss the inflatable. I'm going to give it a little bit longer, but I might switch back. It isn't UNcomfortable, it just isn't that great...though I can hide my closet doors underneath, instead of keeping them propped against the living room wall. So that's useful. We'll see.

3. I went to the Mariners game on Monday. Can I just tell you, I LOVE baseball games. Like, there was definitely some skipping going on as we got closer and closer to Safeco. I haven't been to a game yet this season (don't ask me why!), and I got a last minute invite from Jen and her work peeps. Grabbed some peanuts from a crazy karate chopping, yelling man (how could I buy from anyone else?!), Amy and Jen did the hot dog thing...I just couldn't bring myself to pay $9 for a hot dog...maybe if I liked hot dogs even a little bit, I would do it for the sake of the game, but I don't like them, I don't like ketchup or mustard, and I have had my fill of unknown meat for a little while (scrapple in philly...yikes). Despite my love of the Mariners and the whole baseball experience in general, I was SEVERELY disappointed by our fans. The stadium was pretty empty. People weren't that into it. While I was already aware of our city's lame-o sports fans, especially after having lived in and experienced the awesomeness of Chicago fans, it still made me sad. My friend Amy reminded me that Seattle people are lame in other arenas as well-such as concerts...we have a reputation of being too cool to have fun at the show...people standing around with their arms crossed, looking bored, at shows that they actually are really enjoying- they just don't want to show it. Lame. C'mon Seattle...have some fun, support your teams (I miss you Sonics!), dance a little!

4. I read a really interesting article in the June edition of the Atlantic. It was talking about a long term study that has been going on, figuring out what makes a good life- what makes people happy over the long run. Dr Vaillant took a group of Harvard college students- 72 years ago, and has followed them through their life, checking in on their physical and mental health, work successes and failures, marriages and divorces, children and grandchildren...long term studies like this don't happen often- mostly because of funding. The study has found some interesting information...such as: regular excercise in your college age years predicted late life mental health more than physical health; Your cholesterol at 50 actually has nothing to do with health in old age; pessimists suffer more physically than optimists; alcohol is actually the horse, not the carriage- in general it was not the hard time that lead to the alcoholism, it was that that caused the problem in the first place- Vaillant talks a lot about the negative effects of alcohol use; and finally, when he was asked "what have you learned from this study?" he said "the only thing that really matters in life is your relationships to other people." He talks about how relationships with people matters more than intelligence or social class in succesful aging- and in particular, he found, was relationships with siblings. Interesting. Go call your brother or sister right now. The article has a ton more information (it's long), and I totally recommend reading it: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200906/happiness

5. I got a library notice yesterday that my held copy of "Perfect Fifths"- the final book in the Jessica Darling series (remember, the books I was reading while walking down the street and nearly running into people?) was waiting for me to pick up. Woohoo...I skipped (okay, I didn't skip...that's hard to do uphill) on up to the library after work today and picked it up. Yay for taking the bus to work and being able to read on the way home. I have much planned for this Memorial Day weekend, but I am sure I will find moments here and there to slip in some time with my favorite fictional snarky pal, Jessica. Can't wait...how's it all going to end?!

Hope you all have a great weekend- be safe! Until next Friday....

Friday Five back in Seattle

2009-05-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I know I said I was going to post another blog in between Fridays to keep my trip updated, but well, I didn't. I hope you were okay with that. Here's my Friday Five:

1. I am supposed to be in Chicago right now. I have never cancelled a trip like this before. It's sort of strange. Sort of like I am in two places at once right now- Harry Potter time-travel like. It's like when you are a kid and you stay home from school, and then realize that school is still going on even if you aren't there...I feel like my Chicago trip is still going on, even though I am sitting at my Starbucks right now, getting ready to work. Man, I wish I could be in two places at once...that would be sweet. I would get so much more done...and be able to visit so many more people. Anyway...I'll be making a trip out to Chicago later this summer sometime...I wasn't giving the trip the proper attention it needed for my return to Chicago. I need to do the normal Eryn planning...Cubs game, perhaps a concert, def a few skillet cookies, etc...oh how I miss that city. In a I'm so happy to not live there anymore kind of way.

2. With my unexpected time in Seattle, due to my cancelled trip, I was hoping to be productive and get ish done. I hadn't made any plans- no babysitting, nothing. BUT, in typical me fashion, I have already filled up pretty much the entire weekend. Ugh. I mean, good, yay! I picked up a shift at my Starbucks today and then I am booking it immediately from work to my apartment where Ian and the band are picking me up for a trip out to Eastern Washington- Electric City to be exact...did you know such a city existed? for a show. We are staying overnight in said Electric City...I'm looking forward to it...though am slightly stressed about leaving so quick after work...I'm sure I will forget to do something important. I thought it was going to be this blog that I wouldn't be able to get to, but since I had to drive to work, I had to get here an hour before my shift (to be able to find a parking spot...curse you downtown parking), so here I am a-writing away.

3. I went and saw Little Ashes last night...the Harvard Exit theater was doing a free screening, so Olga and I headed over to Capitol Hill for the movie. I don't know what I was expecting...all I knew about it was it is about Salvadore Dali, that it was made fairly low budget without the intention of going to major theaters- but due to the current Robert Pattinson craze, it found its way there (the movie was made before he made Twilight, but is just coming out now). After having seen it, I can't really say that I LIKED it, but I think that is just because it was a heavier movie than I was expecting. I'm not sure why Robert was cast in the film- he has to fake the spanish accent when everyone else in the cast is much more natural, and he is very awkward- which DOES work for the Dali character, except that after being super awkward in Twilight, I feel like it is just him, and not his acting skills. The movie was a little bit slow. It dealt with the Spain during Franco's time and how people that were part of the resistence were just taken out to fields and killed in mass numbers...which is just really hard to think about. I know it isn't a new concept in our world, it has happened numerous times in history (and still is), but more than the actual killing, it just really upsets me how these people are killed so anonymously, just one person in such a huge number. How easy it is to forget that each and every one of those people had friends and families that loved them...they weren't just a number, they were real. This movie really showed that. I do think I recommend it...I also recommend reading Ghosts of Spain- it's a book I read while I was living in Barcelona that talked about all the stuff that went on during the Franco time. Crazy.

4. On a lighter note, a friend at Starbucks and I have been talking about going out and hiking and doing outdoor Pacific Northwest type stuff, and then how there are so many Seattle things that, as residents, we just don't do. So we decided we should make regular excursions...and then took a step farther and decided we needed to create a club. Yup, nerd alert. So we are going to try to get in the first meeting of our adventurers club this weekend. I'm pretty sure we will have a secret handshake, secret code words and a song by next week. Maybe even matching sashes. I don't know. I am excited about having an excuse to plan adventures...keep things interesting...be prepared for Seattle visitors...that kind of thing. Another thing I really want to find, and I don't know if it is going to be with this group or not, but I am just going to throw it out there in case any of you readers are interested- I really want to start playing a sport again...I'm getting so bored with running. I miss playing team sports...but I'm just not that into drunk kickball-which is the only team sport I know people who participate in. So, if you have a team and are in need of a player, or if you have been hoping to get involved in something...lemme know! I really want to!

5. And finally, a recap of the east coast trip. On Saturday Luke and I ran some errands while Jessica was at work, and then made the ever-important stop at TWIST, again. Oh man, do I miss twist! Jessica and I talked yesterday and she said they got a new wild blueberry flavor yogurt...mmmm. Sunday Jessica and I went to yoga at her store (she works at Lululemon) and got coffee and hung out. Then we grabbed Luke and all headed out to an lovely outdoor sculpture park. The sun decided to finally make an appearance for my visit (thanks sun). It was really nice to just wander through the trees and chat and enjoy art. It was a really pretty place...very picturesque (we did, in fact, get some pics...but I can't find my camera cord to take them off my camera...argh). Then I headed back into Philly for a last visit with my Philly pal, since I was flying out of Philadelphia Monday afternoon. I experienced the friendliest Starbucks EVER there, in Dave's little neighborhood. And he took me to his favorite little diner, Bob's...which was adorable...and then forced me to eat scrapple, without telling me what it was. I knew it was something gross, but I couldn't remember exactly what...so I tasted it and then was informed that it is basically all the scraps of the unwanted parts of animals mushed together in a loaf, held together with some cornmeal, and then cut into slices and fried. Yeah. And the Philadelphians can't get enough of it.

Alright...I have about 15 min til work, so I am going to sign off here...have a great weekend.

Friday 5...15...50? East Coast

2009-05-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello from Princeton, NJ. Please be prepared to look up big, important words in a dictionary, perhaps not completely follow my extensive line of thinking, and perhaps feel less than adequate...I mean, I have just spent a week at Princeton. My IQ has obviously increased dramatically.

I have had such an amazing time on this trip...I have somehow managed to not overschedule myself, but still get much in...and have been able to see so many friends. Awesome. So here are a few highlights of my trip (so far, I still have two more days):

1. Twist. This is on the top of my mind because we just returned from this heavenly do-it-yourself yogurt shop. Yeah, you read right. Do it yourself. First thing you do is ask for a sample cup, so you can test the eight different flavors of frozen yogurt. According to Tyra Banks, this sampling is a perfect way to portion control...that's right, Tyra walks in for a sample and leaves without buying anything. Luke, Jessica and I made up for her. We filled our bowls with a combination of the flavors, and then moved on to the toppings...fruit, cereal, candy, nuts, coconut...everything. Delicious. Love it. Please open one in Seattle!

2. On my first night in town, we met up with a group of their friends and had dinner and went to see the new XMen movie. I don't know if you are aware, but Tim Riggins is in the movie...so while I don't typically care much about the comic movies...I was looking forward to seeing my boyfriend in a setting outside of the Dillon, TX football field (Friday Night Lights, if you aren't following). Movie was not so great. The end kinda sucked. And Riggins' character wasn't so great...they definitely could have done more with it.

3. I worked one day at the Starbucks here in Princeton. It was an unusually slow day at the store...it was raining, and apparently people don't leave their house in the rain- though I did see an abundance of adorable rain boots on the people that did brave the rain...I think everyone had a pair. My shift went by quickly and the people I worked with were great. Everyone was in awe of my Seattle heritage...they kept telling the customers that the barista making their drink today is all the way from the home of Starbucks...people were expecting great things from their coffee beverages. I'm sure I exceeded all their expectations. Right. I did convince several of them to visit Seattle...that it is beautiful and friendly.

4. Luke and Jessica took me to a pizza and wine tasting restaurant- Teresa's Cafe...sooo much fun! On Monday nights they do this tasting- first, they bring out an antipasta plate for the table to share. Then two different kinds of pizza (with one piece of each kind for each person at the table), then another two pizzas, then another set, finally followed by dessert. and each course had a wine to pair with it. Luke kept saying he was disappointed with the pizza variety...but I thought it was awesome...I wish I could remember all the kinds...there was definitely fig involved in one, walnuts and goat cheese on another, some pesto, red, and white sauces.

5. Princeton campus...is gorgeous! The dorms are like castles. The buildings are all old, with ivy and flowers draped down the walls. Jen came into town for a couple of days and we went on a tour of the campus. We took fun pictures- I climbed a tree (and fell out of it- it was slippery!), we found an empty lecture hall (where Einstein apparently lectured) and took pictures writing equations on the blackboard and pretending to teach behind the podium. Yeah, pretty cool.

6. Jessica took Jen and I to Washington's Crossing state park...we saw a video about where the Americans defeated the British in some fight that took place in Princeton. My Philly friend, Dave met up with us there and then we went to this cute little town- New Hope- nearby for lunch. It was all very historical and old and cool.

7. Dave kidnapped me from them and took me in to Philadelphia for a walking tour through the rainy streets of the city. We were a little late getting into the city, so most of the touristy sites were closed, but we walked through them...I saw the liberty bell through the window...which I think was probably just as good a view anyway. We went to "Love Park"...for the City of Brotherly Love. Then we met up with our friends Veronica and Tom...both from areas just out of Philly. All past Disney college program folks. I haven't seen them in such a long time, but it was like it hadn't been any time at all...we had dinner, ice cream and drinks, and just really fun conversation. It made me sad to think about how long it would be before I see them again...stupid distance. Grrr...I hate it.

8. NYC! Thursday, Dave brought me back to Princeton, and Jessica, Jen, Luke and I hopped on the train and headed into NYC. We went right to lunch at Max Brenner's- which is a craaaazy chocolate place...like a combo between classy and Willy Wonka. We had onion rings with a chocolate ranch dipping sauce...we had rich, intense hot chocolates, and a hazelnut banana crepe for dessert. Sooo good. I wish I hadn't gotten full...I could have sat there all day. We left there and visited St. Pat's cathedral, which was beautiful and reminded me of my european adventure.

9. A Whitney spotting...on our way to check out the plaza hotel, I noticed a small camera crew on the street and was wondering what they were filming. I looked at the crowd up ahead, trying to pick out who they could be focusing on. Wait, it must be that tall blonde girl in the ridiculous short polka dot skirt...walk a little closer...omg, it's Whitney! From the Hills, and the City! I was sooo dorky and excited....possibly walked a little faster toward her...may have made it into a shot.

10. Birthday dinner- we met up with a few other friends in West Village...I was still feeling a bit exhausted from the day before, so we didn't make it a late night. But we had some yummy mexican food and they did the whole singing Happy Birthday thing for me. I saaw my friend Adam, who lives in NYC and recently got engaged...with a bench in central park that is theirs forever and says the "will you marry me" thing...so cute!

11. A visit with Cory and Addy- On Friday, I hopped on the train to South Orange, NJ to visit the family I stayed with in Europe. I was so excited to see the kids! As I walked off the bus and toward their mini-van (which they cringe at every time the word comes up), I could see Cory in the back seat, with his GIANT smile and he was laughing so hard. It was adorable! They took me home and showed me around. The kids took a rest, and then we took them to the park to play for a little while. The dads made a delicious birthday dinner for me...salmon, rice, asparagus, salad, champagne...and Rob made a rhubarb pie- completely from scratch- with rhubarb from his AMAZING garden. It was so good. And Grandma Yaya came over with cupcakes she made...we did the candles and singing. Adorable. Then the kids watched a little Monsters Inc- their current fav (last I heard, they were way into Mama Mia) and they went to bed. And I jumped back on the train to Princeton.

I have another day and a half before I head home...not entirely sure what they will hold...I will probably write a follow up before next Friday...maybe add some pics after I upload them.

It has been such a great trip!!

Hurray Hurray for May!

2009-05-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

I know I am late in posting…I spent Friday afternoon, after packing and running around like a crazy lady getting ready for my trip, sitting in the sun in the backyard at my Grandma’s…it was lovely. Currently though, it is 6am Atlanta time (where I have a 2 hour layover) I slept a little on the plane, but am exhausted. I did, however, find it amusing that the terminals T and A are grouped together at this airport. Here is your Friday Five for the first day of May (whaaaa?!)

1. Oh my goodness. I am so tired of hearing about the swine flu. I know the media is tired of talking about the economy so they are jumping on this…but c’mon! Closing down schools? Really? It’s the FLU! Yes, people have died from it…but guess what, thousands of people die from the flu every year…doesn’t mean we shut down schools and wear masks around the streets. I’m not saying I’d be jumping at the chance to head down to Mexico right now (although I bet there are some good deals ), but I really don’t understand why people are getting so worked up. I do have to say, I think it might just be a media thing…after hanging at the Seatac airport last night and now in the Atlanta airport, I have yet to see anyone in a mask.

2.I spent last weekend running (driving actually) from Seattle to Olympia and back…several times. It was my Grandpa Don’s surprise birthday party and we celebrated at the Great Wolf Lodge. Which was pretty cool. The whole family stayed overnight- I didn’t because I was housesitting up in Seattle- and then we played at the indoor water park all day. It certainly wasn’t at a Disney level, but I think they did a good job with the park…totally family friendly. They could use some better food there though…pizza hut? Not yummy.

3. I rediscovered Room For Squares- John Mayer’s first full length album while driving back and forth between Seattle and Olympia. I stopped at my parent’s house and grabbed a couple of my CDs that I keep there, and I just ended up listening to John the whole time. Seriously, that album is so amazing. I mean, I am a pretty big fan in general, and have enjoyed his later albums…but that first one, man, soundtrack of my life. LOVE IT. Go re-listen to it. Your welcome.

4.Thursday night was Dining Out For Life…particular restaurants throughtout the city donated a percentage of their sales to fight AIDS. Amy and I decided we should probably be supportive of the evening…I looked at the list of restaurants participating and it looked like pretty much every place in the entire city. So, we decided to hit up Serious Pie- Tom Douglas’s pizza place. We have been talking about going there since we became friends a couple years ago and hadn’t made it there yet. It was delicious. They were out of the soup we wanted…boo. So I got some asparagus with dried anchovies on top (I know), and then we split a truffle and chartelle mushroom pizza….which was flippin delicious. And then we split dessert…no, we didn’t split A dessert…c’mon, it’s a Tom Douglas restaurant- you don’t skimp on dessert. We ordered two and they were A-MAZING. It was a way too expensive dinner- but I’m pretty sure we are fairly close to curing AIDS after that. So I suppose it is okay.

5.Well, it should be interesting to see what this next week is like…I have NO idea what my schedule holds. I was planning on picking up some shifts at the Starbucks near Jessica’s place…talked to the manager a couple weeks ago about him scheduling me, he said no prob, he would call me after he made the schedule. Finally, on Wednesday (just a couple days before the schedule would be good), he finished it…and when I called him (since I hadn’t heard from him) oh, ooops, forgot to put me on the schedule. Grrrr, so annoying! I was counting on working those days. Not to mention that I had been waiting to figure out my schedule for visiting friends and such until I knew my Starbucks schedule. So I am not only not working, but have made no plans with anyone. I told my manager that I appreciate her.

There you go. Have a great week! Make sure you put some time into thinking about my birthday gift…I mean, uh, no, just kidding. But seriously…I’ll be 22 in less than a week. That’s exciting. Later….E

It's April 24th...a Friday!

2009-04-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you. I think I jinxed the Thursday time machine epiphany from last week by writing it on here, and letting my co-workers know about it. It didn't happen so much this week. It wasn't a slow week...but just about the length a week should feel like, I guess. I'm sorry Thursday time machine...I won't call you out again.

I have a busy, busy weekend ahead of me...so not a lot of time to write this up...sorry.

1. I got to see one of the kids (Addy) and dads (Rob) I lived with in Europe on Monday..and Grandma Ya-ya...if you were a follower of my Europe blog, you are familiar with all of these characters. They were in town for a relative's birthday and made some time to see me. We met up in Pike Place market- at the original Starbucks- Rob needed to get the starbucks card that is only found there so he can impress his Starbucks baristas back home. We wandered around the market, watched the fish guys, sat and enjoyed some yummy donuts from my favorite little donut stand, and then went out to the park at the end of the market, that has amazing views of the puget sound, the cascades, Mt Ranier, and about a dozen homeless guys sleeping in the grass. Addy saw them and thought it looked like a good idea...she walked up on the grass and layed herself down...it was adorable and hilarious.

2. I took a marathon walk yesterday to the library...the only one I could find that carried the next Jessica Darling book in the series...I'm on the 4th book now...of 5. The fifth JUST came out last week (when I first posted about this series I said there were seven...not so, I was misinformed, only five. Sad.)Anyway, I walked myself to the library, found the book, and have since been the girl that is reading everywhere she goes...on the bus, on my breaks, on the elyptical machine at the gym, walking down the road- I do finish a paragraph and look up while I cross streets. Safety first. I did, however, come extremely close to plowing right into another walker today on my way home from the gym. I think that was his fault though- HE wasn't reading...he could have moved to the other side of the sidewalk. I got the book yesterday and I am just about halfway through...because I am reading it everywhere I go...but soon the series will be over...darn me and my obsessive self. I am especially enjoying this one because Jessica spends some time at Princeton...which is where I will be headed a week from today!

3. As excited as I have been about the sinshine poking her head out lately, it was a nice relief to have some rain yesterday. Both because I am a Seattleite, and am really only comfortable in my raincoat with a slight drizzle around me, and also because I have had major guilt about sitting inside and getting stuff done while it is nice. So I haven't been getting much done...Catholics and our guilt. I have been out walking and visiting- which is most definitely a great thing...but my room is a bit of a mess (shocking) and my writing isn't going anywhere. I love you sun...but I need some rain sometimes too.

4. On one of these sunny days, I made my way out to West Seattle to visit my very pregnant (in the most adorable way!) friend Chrissy. We went down to Alki beach, walked along, stopped for coffee, and sat on some stairs on the beach. Now, it was sunny...but it is still April in Washington. It was not warm. I was wearing a sweatshirt, Chrissy had a sweater on. And there are girls (even a few guys) laying out in their swimsuits on the beach. Walking along the pathway in their bikinis. It is cold! That is ridiculous. Alki elementary school is really close to where we were and there was a class out on the beach, picking up garbage, it looked like. This little boy came up to Chrissy and I and asked if we had been smoking because there were cigarettes on the ground all over the place. We assured him that we weren't to blame, and then cracked up. First of all...Chrissy is clearly pregnant and therefore not smoking, though I suppose an elementary kid might not realize that, and second...if we were, was he planning on lecturing us about picking up garbage or the health of our lungs? I almost wish we had said yes.

5. I have to get going...I'm sure I had a really interesting point to let you know about...but it isn't coming to me at the moment. Friday Four works too.

Have a great weekend...next week's edition will be as I am packing for my trip to the East coast...woo.

Friday Five- 4/17

2009-04-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Guess what? It's Friday...again! On Wednesday I was thinking, 'OH! This week isn't going by as fast as usual...I can write that in my blog'...but alas, now that Friday is here, I am pretty sure the week flew by. Maybe it was Thursday that flew by. Maybe Thursday has been the time machine all along. Here are your five for this week:

1. My old pals, Carbon Leaf, made a pit stop into the music lounge on Monday...no show, just a promotional thing. Because of my time working at KMTT, I have seen the Carbon Leaf guys too much to count. BUT, sadly, they have made a few changes in their lineup recently...and it just isn't the same. I haven't been to a show for a couple of years...both because I have been traveling and they have been recording/not touring as much. So I wasn't sure what to expect for the music lounge. And I have to admit, it was sad. Like, they sounded like them, but it wasn't the band that I knew and loved...but because it SOUNDED like them, it reminded me that it WASN'T them...I just wanted Scott to give me a big hug after they were done playing. But he wasn't there. It was nice chatting with Barry, Terry and Carter, and I was reminded of what nice guys they are. Carter is going to have a baby soon and he is really excited about it. It left me with the 'oh, I miss the good ol days' feeling.

2. I have been trying to think of areas I can cut back my spending- and let me tell you, there are not many...I haven't shopped in who knows how long! So I have decided to do a trial run of not having a car...see if I can live without a vehicle. I did it in college. I should be able to do it now. I have been pretending that I just don't have the option of driving places. I have been taking the bus- and even better, I have been walking a ton. Taking a car takes so much less time, but I forget how much I enjoy walking! How much better you get to know the neighborhood...the smells and sounds that you don't get inside the car. Not to mention the extra exercise it gives me. I still have to drive when I open at Starbucks- there isn't a bus that runs early enough for that. It would be so great if I could cut out my car insurance, gas, AND all the stupid parking tickets I get when I work downtown...ugh! It is still a work in progress, but so far so good....especially when the sunshine is out!

3. I watched American Idol this week. I know nothing of this season...this is the first time I have watched. They are down to their final 7...and I have to say, sounded like a pretty good group. It was 'songs from the movies' week...which seems like a fun theme. Except just about everyone picked super lame songs. The most generic movie songs ever. ONE guy did the song from Once by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova...which I absolutely love. I was soooo glad he sang that song...just a little bit obscure. I also really appreciate that a couple of them actually play instruments...I think that is important and those guys get extra points right off the bat. I don't like that, since there are four judges, they don't all comment on each performance...they did a two and two thing. Let's be honest, we all just want to hear what Simon has to say. BUT THEN, the second night, the voting off show....ugh, I was so annoyed. Apparently this season the judges get one "save"...they can save a contestant that the viewers voted off. And they decided to use it on the piano playing guy...who I liked (the piano thing always gets me)...but they put on this big show...Simon being against it, the other judges rooting him on...it just looked soooo scripted and fake. At least make it appear that it isn't fixed. It was really bad. I was home by myself and I was rolling my eyes, and possibly shouted at the screen. It was horrible...and I have no intention of watching anymore...just because of that. And because next week is disco.

4. I am reading a new book right now. My mom gave it to me...it is called "A Whole New Mind" and it is about how right brain people are going to rule the future. Basically it is saying that through outsourcing, automation, and the abundance of STUFF we are capable of having, just being a "left brain" thinker/worker isn't enough anymore. We can't just rely on being book smart. The only way to rise above those, is to be creative...make the normal, abnormal. Make things beautiful and interesting. Design. Create. Play. Find meaning. I feel like I have been doing more creating and actively TRYING to be creative lately...TRYING to find an alternate solution, or another idea. And by actively TRYING, it has become easier. I don't have to try so much...the ideas come. I feel myself BEING more creative. And in that, I feel smarter. I have more confidence and feel like I can figure out anything. I recommend the book. And on another, sort of related note...I have mentioned how much I enjoy a good character in a book. I don't care what the book is actually about, as long as I like the characters. I went back and re-read one of my favorite characters- Stargirl. Have you read it? Go get it now and read it. And there is a new-ish sequel to the story...which I felt a little unsure about, and didn't like at ALL in the beginning. But in good ol Stargirl/Jerry Spinelli fashion- the story has some great characters. There is a boy- Perry. And he doesn't seem like a character you would like. He skips school, he steals things, he was sent away to bad kids boot camp, he has a "harem" of girls that call themselves the Honeybees who follow him around...and yet, the way Spinelli writes him, you really like him. He and Stargirl get along because they are those right brain kind of people....they are always looking for a different way to do something, they don't care about what they are SUPPOSED to do. There is a joke in that imagineer book I read, "Q. How many imagineers does it take to change a lightbulb? A. Does it have to be a lightbulb?" I like it. This is a totally scattered and incomplete #4 point...but take what you can. And read Stargirl.

5. On Wednesday I closed at Starbucks. We had a box of the mini Top Pot donuts that we had to mark out, so we decided to open em up and sample a few. Or many. I left work feeling like I needed to do some major running. I haven't been very good about running lately- like 3 miles tops. But I decided I was going to do the Green Lake circle twice- 5.6 miles. The weather was GORGEOUS. I got there about 7:40pm, and it seriously took everything in me not to do the Phoebe run. I just wanted to hold my arms out and pretend I was flying. Maybe it was all that right brain reading I had done on the bus right before that...I don't know. But man, it was such an amazing night for a run...I made it around twice, no prob at all.

Have a fab weekend...see you again before you know it.

Friday Five 4/10- Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another edition of the Friday Five...on Friday. Okay, seriously...I feel like the weeks have fewer days, or hours, or something...I feel like I was JUST writing up my last blog...this week flew. Here ya go:

1. We are halfway into APRIL! That is ridiculous. And because we are halfway into April, I feel that it is time to start putting out reminders of my upcoming birthday. Hurray, Hurray for the 8th of May...it's Eryn's Birthday. I've decided I'll be turning 22 this birthday. I'll be spending the actual day in New Jersey...or NY or Philly...whichever city I happen to be in...I won't be in Seattle. Which means I'll have to celebrate with my Seattle pals another day...which, as an optimistic, "look at the brightside" kid from divorced parents who gets to celebrate every holiday many-a-time; turning the birthDAY into a birthWEEK or birthMONTH, isn't a bad thing.

2. Ohhhh, my mom had a Twilight DVD party last weekend! It was so dorky and fun. We created a different alcoholic beverage for each of the Vampires- the Cullen's anyway. And we made little recipe cards with descriptions about why that particular drink was that character's fav. For example: Jasper's drink was the "Bloody Jasper" (aka Bloody Mary)..."Tortured by his uncontrollable blood thirst, as well as his uncanny ability to feel and control every emotion in the room, Jasper Hale likes to sit back at the end of the day with this bloddy beverage- almost as tasty as Bella herself. Plus, Jasper knows how you feel the morning after a raging party- he'd like to prepare one of these drinks to help you feel better." Fun, fun.

3. Made a trip to the dentist yesterday. For most people, this isn't a joyous occasion...in general, visiting the dentist is, at best, tolerable. But I haven't had dental insurance for a little while, so I was a little overdue my 6 month appointment; plus, I have the greatest dentist ever...so I was totally looking forward to it. The good news- everyone at the office was as friendly and wonderful as ever (seriously, Dr. Jacka in Federal Way...awesome!), bad news...I have to get a few sealants redone...which, at my age (soon to be 22, you remember), those aren't covered by insurance. Boo. But, teeth are o-so important...so I suppose it must be done. Definitely one of those moments I realized how much it sucks being older and having to spend big chunks of money on things that aren't fun. And then I was thinking, how about being a parent and having to spend those big chunks of money on thing that aren't fun- FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

4. I had a fun day of video chatting yesterday. Yay for my computer that has a video camera now. I talked to my pal, Jessica, in Chicago. We discussed a new project we are working on (oh, how I LOOOOVE new projects...so fun!)....we had a good 2.5 hr brainstorming session that was very productive and now involves notecards on the corkboard above my desk (see how productive I am with my new desk!). Then I talked to Rachel, who is living in England, but was in NY teaching some class. Strange how having her in NY- which is still o-so far away- felt like she was just next store, since she has been in another country, on another continent for awhile. She is a funny lady. THEN, just as I was about to sign off, I noticed the family I nanny'd for in Europe was online. So I got to video chat with the kids...which involved some Sound of Music singing (mostly by the dads, hehe), the kids asking if my room is messy (yeah, they saw it on a daily basis in Europe), and some little kiddo feet blocking the camera- to be funny. I tell ya, technology kills me sometimes...there are moments where I feel so disconnected from people because of it, but then there are days, like yesterday, where I was able to connect on a much more personal level with important people in my life, that are far away...because of technology. Love/hate, hate/love.

5. I need to hear some of your bad/funny date stories. Email me, have your friends email me- pass it along. I need to stories for a new project. I know you have them. Send em my way- eryn_pate@yahoo.com

And that is all for this week. Have a stellar weekend...Happy Easter...good luck finding the Easter eggs that the bunny hides! P.S. I was told by a 7 yr old I was babysitting last weekend that the tooth fairy doesn't exist. WHAT?!

Later....

4/4...a Saturday

2009-04-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...I missed my Friday deadline for the Friday Five. I am very sorry. I have a sort of excuse. It was a super busy week, and by the time I had the opportunity to sit and write and then post, I was housesitting in a house without an internet connection. (had nothing to do with the fact that I thought about writing it on Thursday and then completely slipped my mind the entire day on Friday...nothing like that at all.) But yes, it was a busy week. Here are your six on Saturday (hmmm, that has a ring to it?)

1. Last Friday, I went out with my pal Jen to the Can Can to see the first of what will probably be a series of local songwriters night. One of Jen's friends created an evening of several local musicians, playing a few of their songs, followed up by an interview. It was a serious pain in the arse to find a parking spot...and actually, now that I am thinking of it- that was last thursday...didn't even happen this week. I just remembered that because we very nearly gave up on the parking search (after waiting for a spot where we realized people were making out in their car- clearly not leaving anytime soon, and another car was enjoying a meal in their spot...grrr, annoying) to go home and catch that evening's episode of Grey's Anatomy...I mean, McDreamy was going to be operating on Izzy in a nearly impossible surgery with the goal of regaining his confidence in his ability to save people...heavy stuff people. BUT, literally, as we said "let's just go home" a car pulled out RIGHT in front of us (when you stop searching, it finds you, right?). We didn't stay at the show for very long...I mean, it was a Thursday night, after all...but it was a cool event and I looke forward to future shows.

2. I found myself a new Young Adult book series that I am totally loving. I got the recommendation from Sarah Dessen's blog (where I got the idea for a Friday Five...she is great). Apparently the final book (number 7..yes! I still have plenty to read) is coming out soon. So I went to the library and checked out the first three in the Jessica Darling series. It is a typical YA book- girl in high school dealing with the normal high school stuff. BUT, it isn't overly dramatic, like a lot of the YA books are...there aren't any alcoholic parents, rapes, etc...it feels like MY real high school experience. But what I LOVE is the main character...Jessica Darling. She kills me. She is so funny. She sort of reminds me of me (although, I think that is giving me a lot more credit than I deserve) in that she is friends with all the different groups, and her main "group" is the popular kids...but she can't handle the ridiculous silly drama in their lives. Like, she goes along with it, all the while, her internal dialogue is great. She is so sarcastic. I finished the second book last night (also having nothing to do with why this didn't get written until today) and I am thinking about checking out the third one on CD to listen to in the car. That might be fun.

3. My dad's birthday shindig was a good time. We all met up at one of his spots in Renton...the one that he takes us all out to when we turn 21. It's a chinese restaurant...kind of random. Anyway...it was fun having everyone together...Danielle, Ryan, Amy and I sat together on one side of the table and laughed at the adults to ourselves. There was a lot of kicking each other under the table about stuff the adults were saying. And Dad loved the present we got him...my siblings and I all got together a couple weekends ago and had family pictures taken, by one of my friends. They turned out really well! We did some posed shots and some fun, hanging out shots. I love capturing people laughing...those pictures are so genuine, and Jen is great at getting those- she always takes a bazillion pictures when our girls camping group gets together. Anyway...so I printed out a few of those shots and put them in a cool frame...I think it came out really nice. And my dad LOVES that kind of stuff. He is such a cornball about how he is the richest man in the world because of his family.

4. This week was spring break for the Seattle elementary kids, so on top of my usual Starbucks schedule and my normal weekly babysitting schedule, I watched a couple of the kids I used to watch in college, during the day. I was working looong days! It was fun to see them...they are so grown up now. I mean, the oldest of the kids I used to watch in college, are going to MIDDLE SCHOOL next year. WHAT?! Nick had to practice his piano (which he has been playing since he was, like, 4...and is amazing at) and his newly aquired clarinet...which brought back those terrible memories of having to practice my own clarinet, back in elementary school. Yikes! We also spent one afternoon at the Museum of Flight. Which was REALLY cool! I had no idea. I have been there before- for events...like a music lounge with the radio station, but never through the exhibits. The boys are old pros at the museum and knew where all their favorite exhibits were, and they showed me around. I was surprised at my level of interest...their favorite exhibit is the WWI and WWII areas, so we spent a lot of time there. And honestly, it was probably just as, if not more, informative and interesting as the WWII memorial museum in Normandy.

5. We also spent an afternoon at the movie theater, watching Monsters v Aliens in 3-D. I don't usually go to cartoon movies that aren't Disney. I have found they are usually dumb and disappointing. BUT, I enjoyed the movie. The boys were cracking up through the whole thing, and I actually found myself laughing out loud in a few parts. It isn't a Disney movie...but, it was good. AND, I also found out that Disney plans to re-release (I think I heard 13) of their old movies back into theaters in 3-D. Starting with Toy Story, and the Beauty and the Beast! I don't really care that much about 3-D...I think having to wear glasses is kind of annoying actually...but getting to see Beauty and the Beast in theaters again is so sooo exciting! I can't wait to hear what other movies...Aladdin?!

6 (since it is Saturday, after all). I got a new desk...well, it isn't new- at all. But, new to me. And I kind of like that it is old...I am planning on doing some work on it...painting, gluing, etc. I rearranged my room. Cleaned it. Started making plans for making it creative and interesting. I am actually okay with people coming over and seeing my room (I still need to hide the fact that my bed is a blowup mattress...hehe). But I have been using it to write, and have a pile of "things to get done"...it's all very organized for me. I like it. I feel I am going to be very productive with my life from now on. Wish me luck on that.

Okay, Jen is here to work on literacy board stuff, so I must go. Have a great week!!