Frank Turns One!

Today is Frank's birthday! 

We told him to live it up today- we promised not to spray him with water when he is naughty. He has decided he wants to play with his best friend Millie, nap, eat some food, and nap some more. I think that sounds like a winner of a day.

We have had him for nine months now, and he is such a different cat than the kitten we brought home! Remember how he hid in the wall immediately upon getting home? Or stayed behind the couch in the extra room for days? This cat loooooves us. He follows me around the house everywhere I go, even if I just run upstairs to grab something- he goes up and down the stairs with me. He sits in the bathroom sink while I get ready in the morning. When I sit on the couch watching tv, he flops down next to me. At night he sleeps on my feet. He isn't overly affectionate- doesn't generally sit ON me, but right next to me.

He talks a TON. Sometimes I imagine he is a human that was turned into a cat by a witch...he always seems to answer when we talk to him- particularly when I ask him about being a human turned into a cat. He greets us at the door when we get home. He doesn't really have 'off-limits' petting spots (like cats are known
for)...he lets us play with his paws (no problem with his nails being clipped), rub his belly, check his teeth. He spends much of his awake time grooming himself, or grooming Millie, or sprawled in front of the heater. I was really nervous about how he would do when we were gone in Italy, because he had such anxiety issues. Christie and Aaron stayed at our house and Frank hadn't had much experience with kids...but he ended up befriending baby Scarlett and played with her. He likes to help with chores around the house. And he is a big Seattle sports fan (his middle name is Marshawn).

He isn't a perfect cat by any means...he is a bit of a bully with Millie. He doesn't like when she gets attention,

and he plays too rough with her (he weighs more than twice as much as her). He scratches on our bedroom door at about 7am every morning- the door isn't closed, and he can come and go as he pleases- he just wants one of us to go downstairs with him. He has discovered that he gets a lot of attention when he scratches the tall speaker next to the tv...he will look right at us, and slowly reeeeach his paw up. He also likes to jump up on the tv stand, and sit right in front of the tv while we watch something. He sheds. He had plenty of medical issues early on (we haven't been to the vet in several months, knock on wood).

I bought him a cat leash so we could take him outside...he hated it. As soon as we got outside, he freaked out, managed to squeeze out of the harness, and tried to jump through the window back inside.Since then, we have let him explore the front porch...he really doesn't try to go further out, but he loves being outside.

 We love him and are so glad he is part of our little family!

2014! Goals!

Yawn...we got back from our two week magical Italy vacation/honeymoon yesterday afternoon. I like to pretend that I'm immune to jet lag, but at the moment, I just don't think that's true. I went to bed last night at 7pm, and woke up feeling great at 6:30am...I figured I had beat the jet lag! But...I'm currently contemplating if the effort to make dinner is worth it, or if a bowl of cereal will be just fine. And wondering if I can possibly make it until 8:30 this evening before climbing into bed.

I have lots of trip blogging to do...and I will! But first thing- the GOALS for 2014. I don't like resolutions, but I LOVE goals! Brian and I had a good 9 hour flight yesterday to think about and talk about some goals for the coming year (we didn't spend 9 hours doing that...maybe 20 minutes)...here goes...

Health goals:
- vegetables, vegetables, vegetables...a large portion on every plate! This hasn't been a big enough priority in our meal plans! I want to make a weekly meal plan and grocery shop in an organized way.
- eat dinner at home 5x/week. We eat at restaurants and fast food way too often.
- get up early enough to have breakfast at home every day. I require breakfast, so if I don't make something at home, I end up getting a croissant or muffin or something else incredibly unhealthy at a coffee shop.
- get a gym membership and exercise at least 4x/week. In an effort to save money, I gave up my gym membership a long while back. This is fine during the spring and summer, but I am not motivated enough to exercise in the cold rain. I need to get back into a regular routine. Brian and I joined a soccer team (which I am truly terrified about- I have never played soccer), which will be fantastic exercise one day a week...but we need to keep it up throughout the week.

School goals:
- study for and take the GRE test. I have never studied for any of the big basic tests we take in our life (I'm sure my SAT score would have been much higher if I had)...I want to be prepared for this test before taking it!
- apply to nursing schools. I need to take my GRE, and finish one (maybe two, depending on the school) pre-reqs and then I can start applying. Nervous and excited!

Financial goals:
- savings, savings, savings! I have added some extra hours in my work week- picked up a couple of hours a day with a new family...I want ALL of this extra money to go to savings.

Volunteer goals:
I gave up my Boys & Girls Club coaching this year- since we moved to West Seattle, that Ballard location is too far...I am sad about that loss. I was hoping to find some other opportunity...
So I'm volunteering once a month in the nursery at our church, AND
Brian and I are leading (with a few other people!) a middle school Young Life group here in West Seattle. I'm SO excited for this! I loved Young Life in high school, and my leaders were a huge part of that, and were a huge part in my relationship with Christ (it was really the start of my understanding the personal relationship aspect in my faith)...I'm nervous and excited to be a part of that for these kids! Plus, Young Life is just super fun...summer camp!

Okay...those are the big ones. I make goals on a pretty regular basis...monthly, weekly, sometimes daily if I need it...so there will be more...but I'm hoping these will last the whole year.

Wishing you an awesome 2014!! According to the Feng Shui guy that gave me some predictions a few years ago (when I was at Tommy Bahama), this year is going to be a great one...I think he said a 95 out of 100. So, looking forward to that. 

Paris and Italy fun to come...

Update!

Oh my goodness, I haven't blogged in such a long time.

So here is a big ol catch up of life the last several weeks.

I've been sick. Ugh. I don't get sick very often, so I'm kind of a wimp about it. I was feeling pretty proud of myself because everyone around me was sick- Brian, the kids I watch, the parents of the kids I watch, etc...and I was holding strong and healthy. Then I got it (just a cold, but oh, the runny nose is annoying), and I drank my tea and loads of water, and got healthy in a short four days...everyone else had it for two weeks. And then I got my flu shot, and it came back...and I've had it for another four days and it doesn't feel like it is getting better. boo.

Holidays- I have felt a little lame regarding the holidays this year. It's been a combination of being busy, being lazy, and having kittens that get into everything...but we haven't done any decorating or much in the way of celebrating. I had pretty much the lamest Halloween costume...the 3 yr old I watch had been asking me for WEEKS what I was going to be for Halloween (although more important to her was what Frank and Millie were going to be...she asked multiple times a day), so I felt a little pressure to wear SOMETHING on

Halloween day. I cut out some orange construction paper triangles, glued them onto a headband...drew some whiskers on my face and told Olive I was Millie for Halloween (Millie isn't orange)....she loved it. I did spend about thirty minutes cutting up brown paper bags and taping some construction paper on them to make a monster door, hoping to encourage trick-or-treaters to come to our door. We had two. I'm excited for Thanksgiving...I have been craving mashed potatoes in a big way (I almost broke down and went to the KFC by our house the other day...and KFC is like the lowest on my list of fast food-maybe tied with Taco Bell). But I haven't done any of the seasonal food partaking...I mean, I was into pumpkin in a big way in October...but I really puttered out after that. I think I need to make a pie or something. And Christmas...I'm so sad we aren't getting a Christmas tree this year. We won't be here ON Christmas, and with the kittens...it just doesn't seem like the best idea this year. Brian did suggest getting a large wreath to decorate, so maybe we'll go for that. We might put some lights up around the house (but the cats LOVE chewing on cords...I just imagine that scene in Christmas Vacation when the cat goes under the chair with the cord...)...

Movies- We saw Ender's Game a couple weeks ago, and I was SO disappointed. I loved the book- I didn't read it when I was a kid, and so it was all new and fresh for me prior to the movie. And I just felt like they did a crappy job with it...maybe I was biased because I had read the book so recently, but Brian didn't really like it either. They just missed so much of the point of the book...Ender is the smallest kid and gets picked on and very slowly gains the respect of the other kids...the movie goes through none of the process of him gaining respect- it was almost just easy for him. AND, he was bigger than the mean kid that he gets in a fight with. And the character Bean is so great, and he is barely a character in the movie. Oh well, the book is great.
We also managed to catch a viewing of The Last Unicorn at the Cinerama.I remembered loving it when I was a kid, but also that it made me really sad...but I really didn't remember the storyline at all. Just bits and pieces in my brain. The Cinerama had the author of the book (sadly, I didn't know it was a book) there signing autographs, and giving away raffle items, and answering questions...and I didn't realize that The Last Unicorn was one of those nerdy obsessions (I say nerdy obsession in a positive way...I love when people are really into something). Anyway...I don't know that I would have loved it having seen it as an adult for the first time, but I did love watching it. And I remembered the parts that made my little kid heart sad...there is one scene where she (the unicorn) is captured and kept in a cage for a circus-type show, and as a kid I felt like this was the worst thing that could ever happen...it seemed like a huge part of the movie to me, and watching it now...it is like a five minute scene.
Last night we went and saw the newest Hunger Games movie- Catching Fire. It was SO good!! Ahhh, it is very rare (if ever!) to feel like a movie is as good as the book...and I was so entertained and satisfied with this movie.

Books- Besides joyfully reading about bacteria genetics in my microbiology book, I just finished the Divergent series. I read all three of them in a couple of weeks.I was a bit shocked by the ending, but other than that, I loved the series. Usually when there is a love story involved, the great, strong girl character does some annoying and stupid stuff, but I felt like that was pretty minimal. The first movie comes out in March- there was a preview before Catching Fire...I don't think it will be awesome, but hopefully entertaining. I do like that Kate Winslet is in it...I feel like she gives any movie more cred.

Sports- well, the Sounders season ended earlier than hoped...but really, with the way they had been playing toward the end of the season, it wasn't totally unexpected. It's just a little bit harder when the Timbers are the ones to knock us out though. The President of the Mariners has announced his retirement, which Brian is beyond thrilled about. As previously mentioned, Brian has such a love/hate relationship with the team...he is hoping this change higher up will make a difference on the field. We'll see. And the Seahawks. Woot! Brian just put a picture of Russell Wilson on my phone and the 3 yr old I watch was looking through my pictures and saw that one and asked me 'is that Brian?'...he feels pretty good about that. Typically, football isn't my favorite sport to watch...though we do a lot of it...Brian and I started dating around Thanksgiving, so the beginning of our relationship basically consisted of watching football. But the Seahawks...they are SO fun to watch...good grief, they are really good. Like sometimes Angels in the Outfield really good. How does Russell get some of those throws off, and how does Golden Tate make those catches? My dad has always been the biggest Seahawks fan I know...through all of those bad years...it's an exciting year.

Another blog soon...
Happy Thanksgiving!!

October 11

Well, I have the day off today- my one Friday a month. And today Millie is getting spayed. I dropped her off at the vet early this morning and am picking her up this afternoon. I know that spaying is a very routine surgery, but it is still surgery...she is still going under, and there can be all kinds of side effects. Plus, she is still so little. The vet waited as long as possible (she could be going into heat any time now) because she is so small. Frank was already fixed when we got him, so we never had to worry about that- though the neuter is much simpler than the spay anyway. I'm a little nervous.

Last Friday we saw Gravity- the space movie with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney that just came out. It has had such amazing reviews- I hate going into a movie with super high expectations. Earlier that day I listened to a review on the radio that just went on and on and on about how great the movie is. I think the thing that saved me from the high expectations is that I really didn't know what to expect- I didn't understand what the story was...the preview doesn't show much. Here is the thing- the movie is amazing, but I didn't like it. I wasn't expecting that. It was SO stressful to watch! When I was a kid I always wanted to go to space camp...I didn't necessarily want to be an astronaut, but I REALLY wanted to go to space camp...space is SO fascinating...this movie made me uncomfortable and claustrophobic....I felt pretty much completely immersed in it, and I have NO interest in being an astronaut..ish, such small spaces. I definitely recommend seeing it- but see it in a great theater. We saw it at the Cinerama, which was perfect. Also- it is in 3D, and I don't like 3D, but there wasn't ever a moment that I thought about it being in 3D.

I had my first week of lab...it was better than I anticipated. I like my lab partner. The class is 4.5 hours long, and it actually went by pretty quickly.We also got assigned a group project- four people in a group- we have to give a presentation NEXT week (so soon!) on botulism. We also have our first test on Monday...which means it is an online test, because there isn't actually class on Monday. I'm a little worried about the online test because that means it is open book, which means it will be HARD. We'll see.

Our Italy trip is quickly approaching...we have basically decided on the itinerary. We fly in to Milan, and will fly immediately to Paris for four days. We already got our flight to Paris, and found the place we will stay in Paris. I managed to find a pretty reasonably priced place in the Latin Quarter...I'm not expecting anything fancy, but it is a great location, which is what I wanted for Paris. Then we fly back to Milan, hopefully to catch a soccer game (there is a huge match that day, we are just trying to figure out the details in getting the tickets...they don't sell them far in advance like they do here). Then we will train to Rome for a few days. Up to Florence, with a day trip to Sienna, and then on to Venice. I found a place for us to stay in Florence and Rome, but am still looking in Venice. We were really hoping to be able to get some stuff paid for ahead of time, so we wouldn't need to pay a huge chunk over that time, but most of the places we stay only take a deposit for the room and require payment upon arrival. I suppose that is nice if we decide to change our plan for some reason, but doesn't help with the pre-pay plan. Next, we need to research some food places!

Ohhh, I just got the call from the vet- Millie is out of surgery and starting to wake up. Phew.

Here is Frank's latest...Brian was changing the light in the kitchen...Frank offered to hold the ladder for him...such a helpful kitten.

Healthcare, Microbiology, and Yahtzee

I know, I know...everyone is tired of hearing about the government shutdown and the Affordable Care Act. But can I just say that Brian and I should do a commercial for the Affordable Care Act... Brian works for a small company that doesn't offer health insurance. I work less than full time because I am in school part time, and so am not offered health insurance. Brian is allowed to be on his parents health insurance for a couple more years because of the Affordable Care Act. I have been without health insurance since January, when I left my job to start the long process of nursing school. I'm pretty healthy, so I haven't been that worried about getting sick (though I am constantly in search of skin cancer on this pale, pale palette), but every time I get in a car, I think about a car accident...when I play kickball, I worry about making a weird turn on a base and breaking a bone. I am ecstatic about the Affordable Care Act. That's my piece. (Also, if you have any questions about it, I have done quite a bit of research and would be happy to try to answer)...

That said, I DID finally sign up for Washington state health insurance- that will last me until the Affordable Care Act goes into affect in January...so I do have a very basic health plan now. Which is a huge relief.

Fall quarter started last week, though I haven't actually had class yet- this Saturday is my first lab. I'm taking Microbiology, and I'm not really looking forward to it much. Remember how I complained about all the microscope lab work in Anatomy- not enough dissections? So this will be ALL microscope work. Gives me a headache. I have heard good things about the class though- that it is interesting. Hope so.

A couple of months ago, Brian and I were hanging out at Costco...wandering the aisles, eating samples...you know- really living life. There was a group there with samples hoping to get into Costco- they were called Fishpeople. And I loved every sample I tried (they had a few different varieties), and ended up buying a sample pack from them. I haven't seen them in Costco yet, but you can find them in Whole Foods, PCC, and QFC. It is a 7oz pouch of a seafood entree- they have Coconut Yellow Curry Tuna, Thai Coconut Lemongrass Tuna, Salmon in Chardonnay Dill Cream Sauce, and Smoked Salmon and Oyster Chowder. They are super yummy- and you literally just put the pouch in boiling water for 3 minutes and pour it over some rice. AND- you can go to their website, type in the batch number on your bag, and it tells you where every ingredient in it comes from...like, which fisherman on which boat caught the fish, which farm the onions and garlic comes from, etc...I hope they get into Costco, because they are a little pricey (not super pricey for what you get, but still...) Anyway- I recommend giving it a try. www.fishpeopleseafood.com

Brian has been playing his guitar more recently...the cats were a little scared at first, but now they love it and hang out with him. Frank requested lessons, so here they are. And then Frank was kind of jealous
that we were playing Yahtzee and leaving him out, so we taught him how to play that too. He really likes hanging out with us. Millie watches everything from atop the toasty warm cable box- her favorite spot.

You are the light of the world...

'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.'
Matthew 5:14-16

In church last week, we heard about being the light of Christ in this world. I feel like I need to read this passage every morning when I wake up. I should probably have a cheat sheet written on my arm, to remind me throughout the day. Every choice I make, every word I say, every reaction I have- is a reflection of Christ. I feel like there has been so much darkness recently. Not especially in MY little world, but people around me that I love- have been going through some tough stuff. Cancer. Ugh, I can't stand it. Kids with cancer. No. Suicide. No. Our country is so divided- just stop. War- innocent people dying, scared. And on and on. Really, the thing that has helped me deal with all the hurt people are dealing with, is knowing that it is my responsibility to be a light- the light- in this dark world. I'm trying.

Brian and I love having people over...love entertaining and especially making food and feeding friends. But we have been pretty lame in that department since getting married. First it was the moving thing...boxes everywhere, organizing- the house was in no order to have guests. And then we got the kittens, and that certainly caused some chaos in our little home. And school made it tough. Finally, we have had the chance to have a few people over...in the last week and a half we watched a movie with friends at the house, had friends over for football, invited NEW friends over (exciting- new friends!), and had a friend over for some Fall tv. We really need to get a regular movie night going again. I hope we can keep it up.It makes me happy!

These two are little lights too. Snuggling on a Sonics blanket together.

Three days of Dave

Ohhh, I love all the first-day-of-school pictures up on Facebook! I actually think those pictures- the excitement and anticipation of a brand new year- put me in the mood for Fall. The thunder and rain helps too (while I'm not looking forward to a constant grey drizzle- I do LOVE a good rainstorm). Starting September 2nd, I have switched to the tastes of the upcoming season. I enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte, an apple spice donut (!), I have had Starbucks' new chocolate chai latte (it wasn't too sweet- I was surprised)...I am okay with the season change, I think.

Another thing that helped me make the transition was a throwback Labor Day weekend. We spent three days at the Gorge enjoying DMB...with a little VIP treatment. One of my friends does some work on the tour and was able to get us awesome tickets to the shows- and passes into a lounge with free snacks and

beverages. Brian hadn't ever been to the Gorge- what a treat to show him!, and had never seen Dave before. We left later than we had hoped on Friday afternoon, so got to there just as the band was going on. As we walked through the parking lot into the venue, there were multiple couples fighting, crying, break ups happening...I told Brian- this is the drama of Dave weekend- breakups, makeups, hookups...all over the course of one evening. And sure enough, once we were inside, and the music was playing- people making out all over the place. I'm sure the glass of wine I had without any food had something to do with it, but once we got there, were hanging out with Jessica and Luke, listening/watching the show, being able to share all that with Brian- I was so overwhelmed with happiness. (and we also met Colin Farrell...so pretty!)

I really needed a good throwback weekend, because a big piece of myself officially ended on Friday. KMTT The Mountain changed formats...it is now HOT 103.7. The Mountain had been going downhill for a long time- it wasn't even on my dial anymore...but I still had a little bit of hope that somehow it would turn around...someone would come in and bring back the magic. And now it is over. The news was a little bit devastating to me. I started at the station my junior year of college- because they played Howie Day and I was embarrassingly obsessed with Howie Day. I had no idea I would meet my best friends there, I would find such a mentor, the COOL stuff I would get to be a part of (Mexico with listeners and Carbon Leaf, driving various amazing musicians around, running meet & greets and music lounges- Patty Griffin,
Damien Rice, Matt Nathanson, Flight of the Conchords, Jack Johnson, G.Love, John Butler Trio, Brett Dennen, RYAN ADAMS, David Gray, Amos Lee, Ben Lee, and of course, Howie Day, etc etc etc...I could go on and on). I went to concerts twice a week, I made more lanyards than you might think possible....sigh, I could go on and on. I loved that station. It was my home for a good six years. In that, it also taught me about the importance of work boundaries. All over. But, I was able to celebrate with three days of Dave! :)

In kitten news...Frank seems to be doing better! The prescription food seems to be what he needed to calm his tummy. We have started transitioning back to regular food...and I was talked into doing some wet food. Gross...that was my one thing when we got the kittens 'I will NOT do wet food'...it's so gross. But, as I was researching food to give them, I just kept reading how important it is for them to have the wet food...apparently domestic cats come from desert cats- so they lack a thirst mechanism- they depend on getting water from their food sources...without wet food, cats are generally always dehydrated. Besides being gross, canned food is also expensive- so we are doing a mixture of both. The first time I gave them the canned food, it was like they didn't know life could be SO GOOD. I have never seen Millie sit in front of her food for so long. They love it. Millie went through a growth spurt last week- she is still svelte, but she got way longer...and when we got home from the weekend- her little meow deepened! It seems she has hit puberty. Ha.

Okay...I have a list of things to get done today (the family I nanny for is on vacation- I have picked up some hours with another family, but have some extra time off...it has been nice!)...must get on with my day!