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, April 17, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday Five 4/10- Good Friday
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....
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....
Saturday, April 4, 2009
4/4...a Saturday
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!!
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!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Five on Friday 3/27
Happy Friday, kids! Hope this has been a productive/lovely/positive/etc week for you. I have been busy...which is, in general, a good thing. But, I'm a touch tired. While you may be a believer in the philosophy that 'you can sleep when you are dead'...I am a believer that FEELING dead because you haven't slept is not living. So, outside of work, I have been a tad bit lazy this week...I only went to the gym one day, and my room is in desperate need of some cleaning attention. Although, I am a believer in 'you can clean when you are dead'...it isn't as commonly used a saying as the sleeping bit, but I like it. Friday Five...here you go:
1. On Saturday night, by good pal and musician, Ian McFeron released his fifth album and celebrated with a show at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard. Ian and the band, along with a few guest musicians, played two full sets- the first being the entire new album from start to finish, and the second being a sort of 'best of' set. The room was full and the fans had a great time. I sold a bunch of CDs and some of their new tshirts (one of which I am currently wearing right now). You can listen to some tracks on their myspace page, which is www.myspace.com/ianmcferonband, and you can purchase the album from itunes, CD Baby, or Amazon. My favorite tracks are: Life Goes On, Love Me Like You Should, Anna Behind the Veil, and Love and Faith.
2. I went to my first Book Club this week. I have been wanting to be in a book club for a forever long time, but it seems like everyone I know is already in one, or doesn't read, or whatever...I haven't been invited to join any. Sad, sad. My mom's book club was doing 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' this month, so I decided to invite myself along. I was feeling a tad bit intimidated about the whole thing, because most of the people in her book club teach or taught at my junior high. I mean, my honors English teacher was reading Twilight...oh dear. But all was fine. They spent a fair amount of time just catching up on each others lives, and then we talked about the books a little bit. It was interesting how I could tell a lot about each of their personalities based on how they reacted to the story. It is definitely one of those books that everyone has an opinion about. Whether it is love or hate. And speaking of my love for Twilight, I went over to my friend's apartment today to watch the DVD special features. I have been dying to see what they included since they released it, but I'm not letting myself spend any unnecessary money right now, so I have been patiently waiting. It wasn't all that exciting, sadly. And the director is a bit of a nut job. I hope the second movie is better than the first.
3. When I went to Disney last week, my mom bought me a book written/put together by the Disney Imagineers- they are the people that come up with the ideas behind everything at Disney. They are creative geniuses. And this book is about finding creativity in your life/work/etc. It is a cool book. Really motivating. They talk about how a blank sheet of paper is both the most exciting and the scariest thing in the world. The possibilities are endless...which is completely overwhelming. Their advice- get something on the paper. Anything. You can always change it- in fact, as the idea progresses, it should change...but you have to get something down. Which has been really helpful with my writing this week. I havent been able to write much lately because I am a little bit bored in the place where the book is. So I just keep staring. And then getting overwhelmed and feeling like I am ridiculous to think I can write a book. But after reading the imagineering book, it reminded me that the book doesn't have to be perfect right now. This is my first draft. I just need to write, get ideas down, try things out...I don't HAVE to use it. I also stopped typing the story (for more reason than one...my computer is being lame at the moment) and am writing- with paper and pen- in a notebook. And I have written 16 (written) pages in the last couple of days. Back on track...phew.
4. In addition to writing again, the imagineer book is making me look at different areas in my life where I can use creativity...make things more interesting. I have decided to go into each Starbucks day with a different kind of attitude...instead of a 'I'm just going to go in and make people's drinks for a few hours before I can leave and actually live', I am trying to think about each shift as an opportunity...to learn, to connect with people, to see what can happen...surprises, please. So that has made the week more interesting...as has my bright idea that I should rearrange my room. I read awhile ago that creative people rearrange their furniture and change things up often. I have never been a big rearranger...mostly because I have never had much in the way of furniture or room to move the furniture. And really, I still don't. But, I'm being creative. I decided I need an office space in my room, which means I need a desk. And I need to put motivational and inspiring things on the wall around my desk. Well, I rearranged, but as is often the case when cleaning or rearranging, the place looks worse before it looks better...and in typical Eryn fashion...I created the mess, but haven't really been intersted in cleaning it up. My room is a flippin disaster. My excuse is that I don't have the desk yet, so it is silly to try and put things away when it will be changing soon anyway. Yeah. I am hoping to get one this weekend though, so that means room cleaning. Again.
5. I was hanging out at Target one day this week...I was there to pick something up...but why just go in for what you need? It's Target...there are sure to be other important purchases to make! So I was browsing; aisle by aisle...when I decided I should call my grandma and see what she was up to. Turns out, she was just about on her way to Target as well. So I told her I would wait for her and help with her shopping needs (and prob things she doesn't need)...while I was killing time I picked up the book 'Skinny Bitch'- have you seen this book? It is pretty funny. And harsh. It pretty much says that you know that cookie/coffee/bread is making you fat...stop complaining about being fat and just stop eating the crap. Which makes sense. But then it goes into everything that is bad for you...which is just about everything. It is pretty much a pro-vegan diet book. And well, I would rather carry an extra few pounds that knock every enjoyable food out of my diet. And be a pain in the ass to eat anywhere with or cook for. Oh well, I'm getting used to the fact that I'll never be a skinny bitch...that's cool. So my grandma arrived, we shopped, we had lunch, she told me that I probably won't ever be happy if I don't get married (which led to me giving her one of my classic 'eryn' looks...to which she replied "get that stupid look off your face, you look like your mother" hehe), and that I should probably get a job that uses my college degree...or I also will not be happy. Ohhh, Grandma.
So that's it for this week...I'm heading out to babysit in a little bit, and have a big 50th birthday party of my dad's to go to on Saturday...I feel certain there will be stories to share about that in next week's installment.
Later skater...E
1. On Saturday night, by good pal and musician, Ian McFeron released his fifth album and celebrated with a show at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard. Ian and the band, along with a few guest musicians, played two full sets- the first being the entire new album from start to finish, and the second being a sort of 'best of' set. The room was full and the fans had a great time. I sold a bunch of CDs and some of their new tshirts (one of which I am currently wearing right now). You can listen to some tracks on their myspace page, which is www.myspace.com/ianmcferonband, and you can purchase the album from itunes, CD Baby, or Amazon. My favorite tracks are: Life Goes On, Love Me Like You Should, Anna Behind the Veil, and Love and Faith.
2. I went to my first Book Club this week. I have been wanting to be in a book club for a forever long time, but it seems like everyone I know is already in one, or doesn't read, or whatever...I haven't been invited to join any. Sad, sad. My mom's book club was doing 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' this month, so I decided to invite myself along. I was feeling a tad bit intimidated about the whole thing, because most of the people in her book club teach or taught at my junior high. I mean, my honors English teacher was reading Twilight...oh dear. But all was fine. They spent a fair amount of time just catching up on each others lives, and then we talked about the books a little bit. It was interesting how I could tell a lot about each of their personalities based on how they reacted to the story. It is definitely one of those books that everyone has an opinion about. Whether it is love or hate. And speaking of my love for Twilight, I went over to my friend's apartment today to watch the DVD special features. I have been dying to see what they included since they released it, but I'm not letting myself spend any unnecessary money right now, so I have been patiently waiting. It wasn't all that exciting, sadly. And the director is a bit of a nut job. I hope the second movie is better than the first.
3. When I went to Disney last week, my mom bought me a book written/put together by the Disney Imagineers- they are the people that come up with the ideas behind everything at Disney. They are creative geniuses. And this book is about finding creativity in your life/work/etc. It is a cool book. Really motivating. They talk about how a blank sheet of paper is both the most exciting and the scariest thing in the world. The possibilities are endless...which is completely overwhelming. Their advice- get something on the paper. Anything. You can always change it- in fact, as the idea progresses, it should change...but you have to get something down. Which has been really helpful with my writing this week. I havent been able to write much lately because I am a little bit bored in the place where the book is. So I just keep staring. And then getting overwhelmed and feeling like I am ridiculous to think I can write a book. But after reading the imagineering book, it reminded me that the book doesn't have to be perfect right now. This is my first draft. I just need to write, get ideas down, try things out...I don't HAVE to use it. I also stopped typing the story (for more reason than one...my computer is being lame at the moment) and am writing- with paper and pen- in a notebook. And I have written 16 (written) pages in the last couple of days. Back on track...phew.
4. In addition to writing again, the imagineer book is making me look at different areas in my life where I can use creativity...make things more interesting. I have decided to go into each Starbucks day with a different kind of attitude...instead of a 'I'm just going to go in and make people's drinks for a few hours before I can leave and actually live', I am trying to think about each shift as an opportunity...to learn, to connect with people, to see what can happen...surprises, please. So that has made the week more interesting...as has my bright idea that I should rearrange my room. I read awhile ago that creative people rearrange their furniture and change things up often. I have never been a big rearranger...mostly because I have never had much in the way of furniture or room to move the furniture. And really, I still don't. But, I'm being creative. I decided I need an office space in my room, which means I need a desk. And I need to put motivational and inspiring things on the wall around my desk. Well, I rearranged, but as is often the case when cleaning or rearranging, the place looks worse before it looks better...and in typical Eryn fashion...I created the mess, but haven't really been intersted in cleaning it up. My room is a flippin disaster. My excuse is that I don't have the desk yet, so it is silly to try and put things away when it will be changing soon anyway. Yeah. I am hoping to get one this weekend though, so that means room cleaning. Again.
5. I was hanging out at Target one day this week...I was there to pick something up...but why just go in for what you need? It's Target...there are sure to be other important purchases to make! So I was browsing; aisle by aisle...when I decided I should call my grandma and see what she was up to. Turns out, she was just about on her way to Target as well. So I told her I would wait for her and help with her shopping needs (and prob things she doesn't need)...while I was killing time I picked up the book 'Skinny Bitch'- have you seen this book? It is pretty funny. And harsh. It pretty much says that you know that cookie/coffee/bread is making you fat...stop complaining about being fat and just stop eating the crap. Which makes sense. But then it goes into everything that is bad for you...which is just about everything. It is pretty much a pro-vegan diet book. And well, I would rather carry an extra few pounds that knock every enjoyable food out of my diet. And be a pain in the ass to eat anywhere with or cook for. Oh well, I'm getting used to the fact that I'll never be a skinny bitch...that's cool. So my grandma arrived, we shopped, we had lunch, she told me that I probably won't ever be happy if I don't get married (which led to me giving her one of my classic 'eryn' looks...to which she replied "get that stupid look off your face, you look like your mother" hehe), and that I should probably get a job that uses my college degree...or I also will not be happy. Ohhh, Grandma.
So that's it for this week...I'm heading out to babysit in a little bit, and have a big 50th birthday party of my dad's to go to on Saturday...I feel certain there will be stories to share about that in next week's installment.
Later skater...E
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday Five- Disney World Edition
As you know, I adore Disney. In my world, Disney World truly is the happiest place on earth. Every aspect of it has been created to make people believe in dreams and happily-ever-afters.
I have been to Disney a few times. I don’t know how many times anymore. I don’t even know how to count the times, since I lived there for a little while and have worked there, seasonally, for the past 8 yrs. And it is very likely that my mom has been there even more than I have. So, for the most part, we are pretty much experts. It is always exciting when there is a new ride or a new parade- something we haven’t experienced yet…so my Friday Five- Disney Edition, is going to be about our new discoveries this time around.
1. Kim Possible Secret Agent Missions. I know, I know…you are thinking “Kim Possible? Really? Who cares about Kim Possible”…that is what I was thinking when I saw the secret agent recruitment stations set up around EPCOT. But, we figured we should check it out anyway. And it was really cool! You sign up at a recruitment station and they give you a top secret assignment. They give you a communication device (which has been cleverly disguised as a cell phone, to keep the spies from catching on), and Wade, at home base, gives you directions about where to go to find clues. You are assigned a country somewhere in the world showcase and that is where your entire mission takes place. The clues take you around the country, in search of specific landmarks, art, etc. When you find the clue, you point your communication device at it, and that gives you your next clue. So this whole project has actually become a part of the backdrop of each country- like they really put some time into developing this activity. I was totally impressed…it kept our interest, as adults, but was also easy enough for kids to do on their own. And it was fun to see family groups working together to solve their own mystery throughout the day.
2. Campfire Movie Nights. I know this has been going on for a little while- my mom informed me- but I hadn’t heard about it before. In three locations around property- Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian beach, and Yacht and Beach Club beach, they hold a singalong, build campfires and sell s’more ingredients, and show a movie on a big screen. So great! We went to the Fort Wilderness campfire- that included appearances by Chip and Dale, and the night we went, they were showing The Parent Trap (the new version…too bad). It was such a fun evening! We happened across the Yacht and Beach Club beach location on our last night, and figured we would wait and see what the movie was- lounged out on the beach chairs, while kids played in the sand all around, building castles and digging moats…only to find out they were showing Beverly Hills Chihuahua…yikes. We didn’t stay…but such a cute idea just the same.
3. There was a new ride at MGM, excuse me- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as it is now called- a Toy Story ride, in their new Pixar area of the park. The pixar area was ADORABLE…it was themed soo well- although I do think they could have done more with other Pixar movies- it was mostly Toy Story. My mom had already been on the new ride, and described it as similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride in Magic Kingdom, where you have a lasor gun and shoot at targets to rack up points. I’m not a huge fan of the Buzz Lightyear ride…mostly because I’m not very good at it and my finger gets tired of pulling the trigger. So I wasn’t feeling overly excited about the new Toy Story ride- why did they create a similar ride for the SAME movie? Oh, but it was a blast!! They give you 3-D glasses and you sit in a car that moves you along from screen to screen, stopping to shoot at targets…not with a lasor gun though- it is more of a cannonball kind of contraptions where you have to aim and pull a string. Surprisingly, I was awesome at the game (beat my mom- who is undefeated at Buzz Lightyear)…and therefore, thought it was a ton-o-fun. I can’t be the only one though- the ride opened last May, and the wait time remains above 80 minutes for the entire day and the Fastpasses are all gone by 11am. Unbelievable.
4. We saw a Space Shuttle launch. We were sitting amoung the thousands of other guests, waiting for Fantasmic to start (my very favorite night time show), when all of a sudden, people started standing, clapping, talking excitedly…we thought perhaps someone was doing a show to entertain us while we waited (for an hour) for the show, but then we looked up, over the mountain backdrop of Fantasmic, and there was the Space Shuttle flying through the air. So cool. We saw a piece of it detach and fall away. And it was really amazing to see how people reacted- we really felt like we were part of something…corny as it sounds, it got us a little choked up. We didn’t even know there was going to be a launch while we were there, so we just happened to be in a good place at the right time. I looked up where it is going and what for: It is the shuttle Discovery and was meant to launch a few days prior, but due to a leak, was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday. It was heading to the ISS to deliver and install a few solar panels.
5. Finally, nothing new to the average American, but new to Disney World...they have created the "American Idol Experience". Oh man. Actual guests audition to perform on an incredibly realistic American Idol stage in front of a room full of other guests. There are actual judges (who definitely fill the roles of Simon, Paula and Randy...really funny!)and after the people sing their little hearts out, we (the audience) votes on who will continue on to the final round. Each day there are something like 6 or 7 shows, and the winners from each show all go up against each other in the final show of the day. And the winner receives a ticket to go to the front of the line at any ACTUAL American Idol audition around the country. I heard they had this new show and I didn't know what to expect! I mean, random guests singing in front of a crowd...karaoke?! But no, since they do an audition first, the people that are chosen actually CAN sing....although are certainly not professional performers! The theming was awesome...really felt like it was the show- at least what I would imagine as I watch from the couch in my living room.
It was a stellar trip...I had so much fun hanging out with Mom, and relaxing a bit. Oh, I forgot to mention...we were there on St Patricks Day, and the UK (in EPCOT) was serving green beer. Disney World is great.
I have been to Disney a few times. I don’t know how many times anymore. I don’t even know how to count the times, since I lived there for a little while and have worked there, seasonally, for the past 8 yrs. And it is very likely that my mom has been there even more than I have. So, for the most part, we are pretty much experts. It is always exciting when there is a new ride or a new parade- something we haven’t experienced yet…so my Friday Five- Disney Edition, is going to be about our new discoveries this time around.
1. Kim Possible Secret Agent Missions. I know, I know…you are thinking “Kim Possible? Really? Who cares about Kim Possible”…that is what I was thinking when I saw the secret agent recruitment stations set up around EPCOT. But, we figured we should check it out anyway. And it was really cool! You sign up at a recruitment station and they give you a top secret assignment. They give you a communication device (which has been cleverly disguised as a cell phone, to keep the spies from catching on), and Wade, at home base, gives you directions about where to go to find clues. You are assigned a country somewhere in the world showcase and that is where your entire mission takes place. The clues take you around the country, in search of specific landmarks, art, etc. When you find the clue, you point your communication device at it, and that gives you your next clue. So this whole project has actually become a part of the backdrop of each country- like they really put some time into developing this activity. I was totally impressed…it kept our interest, as adults, but was also easy enough for kids to do on their own. And it was fun to see family groups working together to solve their own mystery throughout the day.
2. Campfire Movie Nights. I know this has been going on for a little while- my mom informed me- but I hadn’t heard about it before. In three locations around property- Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian beach, and Yacht and Beach Club beach, they hold a singalong, build campfires and sell s’more ingredients, and show a movie on a big screen. So great! We went to the Fort Wilderness campfire- that included appearances by Chip and Dale, and the night we went, they were showing The Parent Trap (the new version…too bad). It was such a fun evening! We happened across the Yacht and Beach Club beach location on our last night, and figured we would wait and see what the movie was- lounged out on the beach chairs, while kids played in the sand all around, building castles and digging moats…only to find out they were showing Beverly Hills Chihuahua…yikes. We didn’t stay…but such a cute idea just the same.
3. There was a new ride at MGM, excuse me- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as it is now called- a Toy Story ride, in their new Pixar area of the park. The pixar area was ADORABLE…it was themed soo well- although I do think they could have done more with other Pixar movies- it was mostly Toy Story. My mom had already been on the new ride, and described it as similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride in Magic Kingdom, where you have a lasor gun and shoot at targets to rack up points. I’m not a huge fan of the Buzz Lightyear ride…mostly because I’m not very good at it and my finger gets tired of pulling the trigger. So I wasn’t feeling overly excited about the new Toy Story ride- why did they create a similar ride for the SAME movie? Oh, but it was a blast!! They give you 3-D glasses and you sit in a car that moves you along from screen to screen, stopping to shoot at targets…not with a lasor gun though- it is more of a cannonball kind of contraptions where you have to aim and pull a string. Surprisingly, I was awesome at the game (beat my mom- who is undefeated at Buzz Lightyear)…and therefore, thought it was a ton-o-fun. I can’t be the only one though- the ride opened last May, and the wait time remains above 80 minutes for the entire day and the Fastpasses are all gone by 11am. Unbelievable.
4. We saw a Space Shuttle launch. We were sitting amoung the thousands of other guests, waiting for Fantasmic to start (my very favorite night time show), when all of a sudden, people started standing, clapping, talking excitedly…we thought perhaps someone was doing a show to entertain us while we waited (for an hour) for the show, but then we looked up, over the mountain backdrop of Fantasmic, and there was the Space Shuttle flying through the air. So cool. We saw a piece of it detach and fall away. And it was really amazing to see how people reacted- we really felt like we were part of something…corny as it sounds, it got us a little choked up. We didn’t even know there was going to be a launch while we were there, so we just happened to be in a good place at the right time. I looked up where it is going and what for: It is the shuttle Discovery and was meant to launch a few days prior, but due to a leak, was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday. It was heading to the ISS to deliver and install a few solar panels.
5. Finally, nothing new to the average American, but new to Disney World...they have created the "American Idol Experience". Oh man. Actual guests audition to perform on an incredibly realistic American Idol stage in front of a room full of other guests. There are actual judges (who definitely fill the roles of Simon, Paula and Randy...really funny!)and after the people sing their little hearts out, we (the audience) votes on who will continue on to the final round. Each day there are something like 6 or 7 shows, and the winners from each show all go up against each other in the final show of the day. And the winner receives a ticket to go to the front of the line at any ACTUAL American Idol audition around the country. I heard they had this new show and I didn't know what to expect! I mean, random guests singing in front of a crowd...karaoke?! But no, since they do an audition first, the people that are chosen actually CAN sing....although are certainly not professional performers! The theming was awesome...really felt like it was the show- at least what I would imagine as I watch from the couch in my living room.
It was a stellar trip...I had so much fun hanging out with Mom, and relaxing a bit. Oh, I forgot to mention...we were there on St Patricks Day, and the UK (in EPCOT) was serving green beer. Disney World is great.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday the 13th, again
Isn't it fun to have two months of Friday the 13th in a row?! While I'm not superstitious at all (a full moon tonight, on top of Friday the 13th!), I still think special days are fun...something to make the normal somehow abnormal. Even if it isn't really. Here are your five for the week.
1. Oh man, I experienced the greatest music night of my life on Wednesday evening. That may be a slight exaggeration, but not much. I got an email from my friend about a show happening at Chop Suey that I might be interested in checking out. It did, in fact, sound interesting. I figured I wasn't going to find any of my friends that would care to join me, so I ventured out on my own. I didn't know what to expect...was it actually what is said it would be? What kind of people would be attending this type of show (other than me)? I was cautious- didn't want to get my hopes up. But let me tell you, Disney Cover Song Night did NOT disappoint. Oh, where to begin. Disney Cover Song Night was several local bands performing a few Disney songs each. The first band was terrible...the singer (I have a hard time calling him a singer though, because he yelled) didn't know any of the words to the songs. I do have to give him a little credit though because one of the songs he picked was the theme song to Gummi Bears...and man, I haven't heard that in a while. Then there were two girls, one on accordian and one singing, that did Poor Unfortunate Souls from Little Mermaid, that was awesome. And then, the adorable boys in hats started taking the stage. And it wasn't just one band, it was like three performances in a row...of adorable musician boys. And if you know me at all, you know I have a tad bit of a weakness for the cute musician boy...put a guitar in a a guy's hand, and he is 10x hotter. Can you imagine if said boy is singing a Disney song? Swoooon. For the most part, the bands tried to do somewhat obscure songs...all of which I proudly knew, of course. Highlights included adorable boy doing "Can you feel the love tonight" (seriously, suh-woon), another adorable boy sitting with his guitar doing a Robin Hood tune....but my favorite was probably the Pete's Dragon song...in the movie, Elliot, the dragon, talks back to Pete- but not with words, and the band's bass player did Elliot's part on the bass...it was so perfect. I won't go into any more detail, both because point one has turned into a mini-novel in itself, and also because you are starting to re-think being my friend anymore....but it was a really fun/hilarious/adorable night. And the place was packed. I think it is a yearly thing...I can't wait for next time.
2. I have gotten back to my reading a ton...stayed away from the TV, for the most part. I got through two more Sarah Dessen books...both of which I liked. I finally got her most recent one at the library...it has been checked out for awhile. And I really liked it. She has a pretty standard formula to all of her books- main character girl has some problem...generally some family issue that causes self-esteem problems...two supporting character friends, one that is a quirky but nice and one that is a bit standoff-ish but comes around, one quirky/guiding adult character...generally a boss of some sort. And then the boy that isn't your usual dreamboat guy, but is cute "in his own way" and interesting, who ends up saving the girl in the end and helping her realize her worth. Despite the predictability, I do enjoy her books- she creates good characters. I am always sad when I finish, and feel like I am losing my new friends. Which sounds corny...but is true. But her latest book was a little different...still had the usual characters, but girl saves boy in this book. Which I love. I feel like all these young adult books are boy saves girl- where are the strong female characters? Anyway, her new book- "Lock and Key" is up for a Children's Choice Book Award. In other book reading news, I went to the library and checked out a couple of the Polk Street School books. I am so excited to re-read them...I used to read the books to my mom in the car during our commutes to and from school when I was in first and second grade...and we both loved them. I'm hoping it will help me with my kid book writing.
3. I'm making it a goal to be more social. Not just see and talk to people social, because I do a lot of that...I see my pals on a regular basis, and goodness knows I talk to enough people every day at Starbucks...but I am going to make an effort to say yes when I am invited out to things, or to possibly check out stuff on my own...maybe being more social isn't quite right, but explore more. I want to pretend I'm new to Seattle...I feel like I get restless and want to move because it is so familiar to me. I go to the same places (which I love and always miss when I am gone) and see the same people (again, all of who I love)...but in an effort to stay in one place for a semi-extended period of time, I need to make my Seattle life more exciting. I went to Pies and Pints this week with my roommate and some of her pals. I have driven by there a bazillion times, but have never gone in. Will keep you posted on upcoming Seattle exploring.
4. I didn't mention this at the beginning fo the post, but I am currently sitting in the Alaska Airlines MVP lounge, drinking mimosas. Mom and I were supposed to fly out early this morning to Orlando (well, to Dallas and then on to Orlando). After everyone was boarded and ready to go (and we had been upgraded to first class), they announced that there was some mechanical problem and we would have to de-plane and get on a new aircraft. Well, that meant we were going to miss our connecting flight. We got ourselves re-scheduled on a non-stop for later in the day. Which means we have several hours to kick it at the airport before we fly out. So we made our way to the MVP lounge...and are feeling o-so important...typing away on our computers, drinking booze (so what if it is 10am...in Orlando it is 1pm) and pretending to be fancy and important. I'm excited for Disney World. It has been forever...almost an entire year...the last time I worked was April 1st...which somehow doesn't seem like that long ago. Weird. I am excited to wander around the world showcase at Epcot and check out the places I have ACTUALLY been now. Mom and I always joked that we didn't need to travel the world, we could just go to Epcot.
5. My mom is telling me I have been working on this blog for too long and I need to finish up...and then, while making her own mimosa (she went up and asked for a couple glasses of oj and a couple glasses of champagne)...she has spilled EVERYWHERE...turns out, champagne bubbles up- quickly- and it doesn't matter if you pour the oj into the champagne or the champagne in the oj...mess both ways. So, I need to get my stuff out of the way and think about doing something with this sticky mess. TTFN...
Have a great week...I'm sure I'll have some good Disney stories next week.
1. Oh man, I experienced the greatest music night of my life on Wednesday evening. That may be a slight exaggeration, but not much. I got an email from my friend about a show happening at Chop Suey that I might be interested in checking out. It did, in fact, sound interesting. I figured I wasn't going to find any of my friends that would care to join me, so I ventured out on my own. I didn't know what to expect...was it actually what is said it would be? What kind of people would be attending this type of show (other than me)? I was cautious- didn't want to get my hopes up. But let me tell you, Disney Cover Song Night did NOT disappoint. Oh, where to begin. Disney Cover Song Night was several local bands performing a few Disney songs each. The first band was terrible...the singer (I have a hard time calling him a singer though, because he yelled) didn't know any of the words to the songs. I do have to give him a little credit though because one of the songs he picked was the theme song to Gummi Bears...and man, I haven't heard that in a while. Then there were two girls, one on accordian and one singing, that did Poor Unfortunate Souls from Little Mermaid, that was awesome. And then, the adorable boys in hats started taking the stage. And it wasn't just one band, it was like three performances in a row...of adorable musician boys. And if you know me at all, you know I have a tad bit of a weakness for the cute musician boy...put a guitar in a a guy's hand, and he is 10x hotter. Can you imagine if said boy is singing a Disney song? Swoooon. For the most part, the bands tried to do somewhat obscure songs...all of which I proudly knew, of course. Highlights included adorable boy doing "Can you feel the love tonight" (seriously, suh-woon), another adorable boy sitting with his guitar doing a Robin Hood tune....but my favorite was probably the Pete's Dragon song...in the movie, Elliot, the dragon, talks back to Pete- but not with words, and the band's bass player did Elliot's part on the bass...it was so perfect. I won't go into any more detail, both because point one has turned into a mini-novel in itself, and also because you are starting to re-think being my friend anymore....but it was a really fun/hilarious/adorable night. And the place was packed. I think it is a yearly thing...I can't wait for next time.
2. I have gotten back to my reading a ton...stayed away from the TV, for the most part. I got through two more Sarah Dessen books...both of which I liked. I finally got her most recent one at the library...it has been checked out for awhile. And I really liked it. She has a pretty standard formula to all of her books- main character girl has some problem...generally some family issue that causes self-esteem problems...two supporting character friends, one that is a quirky but nice and one that is a bit standoff-ish but comes around, one quirky/guiding adult character...generally a boss of some sort. And then the boy that isn't your usual dreamboat guy, but is cute "in his own way" and interesting, who ends up saving the girl in the end and helping her realize her worth. Despite the predictability, I do enjoy her books- she creates good characters. I am always sad when I finish, and feel like I am losing my new friends. Which sounds corny...but is true. But her latest book was a little different...still had the usual characters, but girl saves boy in this book. Which I love. I feel like all these young adult books are boy saves girl- where are the strong female characters? Anyway, her new book- "Lock and Key" is up for a Children's Choice Book Award. In other book reading news, I went to the library and checked out a couple of the Polk Street School books. I am so excited to re-read them...I used to read the books to my mom in the car during our commutes to and from school when I was in first and second grade...and we both loved them. I'm hoping it will help me with my kid book writing.
3. I'm making it a goal to be more social. Not just see and talk to people social, because I do a lot of that...I see my pals on a regular basis, and goodness knows I talk to enough people every day at Starbucks...but I am going to make an effort to say yes when I am invited out to things, or to possibly check out stuff on my own...maybe being more social isn't quite right, but explore more. I want to pretend I'm new to Seattle...I feel like I get restless and want to move because it is so familiar to me. I go to the same places (which I love and always miss when I am gone) and see the same people (again, all of who I love)...but in an effort to stay in one place for a semi-extended period of time, I need to make my Seattle life more exciting. I went to Pies and Pints this week with my roommate and some of her pals. I have driven by there a bazillion times, but have never gone in. Will keep you posted on upcoming Seattle exploring.
4. I didn't mention this at the beginning fo the post, but I am currently sitting in the Alaska Airlines MVP lounge, drinking mimosas. Mom and I were supposed to fly out early this morning to Orlando (well, to Dallas and then on to Orlando). After everyone was boarded and ready to go (and we had been upgraded to first class), they announced that there was some mechanical problem and we would have to de-plane and get on a new aircraft. Well, that meant we were going to miss our connecting flight. We got ourselves re-scheduled on a non-stop for later in the day. Which means we have several hours to kick it at the airport before we fly out. So we made our way to the MVP lounge...and are feeling o-so important...typing away on our computers, drinking booze (so what if it is 10am...in Orlando it is 1pm) and pretending to be fancy and important. I'm excited for Disney World. It has been forever...almost an entire year...the last time I worked was April 1st...which somehow doesn't seem like that long ago. Weird. I am excited to wander around the world showcase at Epcot and check out the places I have ACTUALLY been now. Mom and I always joked that we didn't need to travel the world, we could just go to Epcot.
5. My mom is telling me I have been working on this blog for too long and I need to finish up...and then, while making her own mimosa (she went up and asked for a couple glasses of oj and a couple glasses of champagne)...she has spilled EVERYWHERE...turns out, champagne bubbles up- quickly- and it doesn't matter if you pour the oj into the champagne or the champagne in the oj...mess both ways. So, I need to get my stuff out of the way and think about doing something with this sticky mess. TTFN...
Have a great week...I'm sure I'll have some good Disney stories next week.
Friday, March 6, 2009
TGIF- 3/6
Thank goodness Friday is here. I am EXHAUSTED! Had a pretty stellar week....
1. I went to a concert on Wednesday (def a reason for my current exhaustion!) I went to Neumo's with Amy to see Donovan Frankenreiter (I didn't even look up how to spell that)...he is kind of a Jack Johnson-mellow-feel good- kind of sound. I did a meet and greet with him a few years ago at the gorge when I was working at the station (along with Jack Johnson and Mr. G.Love), but haven't really seen or heard much of him since. I had a good time...I ended up staying for the whole show, even though I had to open at Starbucks the next morning (which left me with 3 hrs of sleep...hence, the exhaustion). Everyone in the band wore hats and about halfway through the show, Donovan traded hats with someone in the audience...which I felt the need to pull a pen out of my bag and write down on my hand to include in my tour book. The opener was Gary Jules...and he was hilarious. When I lived in Chicago, these two guys that I worked with at Starbucks used to annoy me on purpose by playing Gary Jules' version of Mad World over and over and over. At first they just liked the song, but then they discovered that it pushed my buttons...so it made me laugh, and think about those boys o-so endearingly when Gary played that song.
2. Didn't do a whole lot of reading this week. I finished 'Water For Elephants', which was great- I recommend it...def an interesting and easy read. I wasn't totally into the ending...but I have been having trouble with endings lately anyway. I also zipped through a Sarah Dessen book that my sis let me borrow. I need to make a trip to the library...I have been doing a tad bit of TV watching this week in replacement of the reading. As long as it doesn't become a habit, I suppose that is okay. But man, there is some seriously bad TV on- wowza. Friday Night Lights tonight- wooo-yeah. (NOT an example of bad tv).
3. So this past weekend I babysat both Friday night and Saturday night...it wasn't the most exciting of weekends. I decided to do something I wouldn't normally do- and while it wasn't necessarily "out of my comfort zone", as I have challenged myself to have each week (and the subject of point 3 in the Friday Five), it still was something I don't generally decide to do. I went out. I know, I built that up...you thought I did something crazy. The radio crew celebrated Brian's birthday with a pub crawl, that began at 4pm, hitting a different Ballard bar each hour...and I caught up with them at midnight. As you can imagine...they were all pretty trashed. Which is why it was a little out of the comfort zone...I mean, joining a group, totally sober, while everyone else has been gone for HOURS doesn't sound like much fun...but, it was pretty hilarious. Plus, I recieved many a-hug...which for this non-hugger, had the potential to be uncomfortable. See, this activity totally fits for Point number 3, I take it back.
4. I am heading down to Orlando at the end of this week, and I can't WAIT! I just checked out weather.com and it is like 80 degrees. Usually Disney trips aren't especially relaxing...especially with my mom (I'm totally not complaining AT ALL...she and I rock Disney and have the best time every single trip)...but she has a conference this time and is going to be away for a couple days...and my plan, is to kick it at several of the resort pools. Fully sunscreened, mind you. I will not come home with a tan. But I am going to RELAX. And read. And work on my book. And I am going to get my day of work in...and mom and I do have some meal reservations and she needs to do some 'research' for her guide book she is writing. I'm really excited to stroll around the world showcase, now that I have actually been to some of those countries. Yay, can't wait. Hopefully next week will fly by.
5. I have had a big friend week. And I love it. That is why I started the blog with what a stellar week I've had. I hung out with a few of my awesome close friends that I see all the time, and I did yoga and lunch last weekend with one of my favorite friends that I don't see nearly enough, and I had coffee with my old office mate, I went out Sat night with a bunch of the radio kids, I spent an afternoon with my sister, I have re-connected with a few old friends on Facebook...this has just been a super friendly week. And I just need to say how unbelievably grateful and lucky I am to have SUCH amazing people in my life. I have those insecure moments every once in a while (not often, but every so often) about not having a "normal" career or not being married with kids, or whatever other societal norms I don't fit into...but then I take a look at the support I have around me and realize how great it is that I feel comfortable enough to make those choices. And when I have weeks like this one, it just reinforces those choices and priorities in my life. So thank you, pals (and that includes my fam). You are the best...I am so so fortunate.
And on that sappy note, I am peace-ing out...going to make up a big ol thing of lasagna to last me the week. Woo.
1. I went to a concert on Wednesday (def a reason for my current exhaustion!) I went to Neumo's with Amy to see Donovan Frankenreiter (I didn't even look up how to spell that)...he is kind of a Jack Johnson-mellow-feel good- kind of sound. I did a meet and greet with him a few years ago at the gorge when I was working at the station (along with Jack Johnson and Mr. G.Love), but haven't really seen or heard much of him since. I had a good time...I ended up staying for the whole show, even though I had to open at Starbucks the next morning (which left me with 3 hrs of sleep...hence, the exhaustion). Everyone in the band wore hats and about halfway through the show, Donovan traded hats with someone in the audience...which I felt the need to pull a pen out of my bag and write down on my hand to include in my tour book. The opener was Gary Jules...and he was hilarious. When I lived in Chicago, these two guys that I worked with at Starbucks used to annoy me on purpose by playing Gary Jules' version of Mad World over and over and over. At first they just liked the song, but then they discovered that it pushed my buttons...so it made me laugh, and think about those boys o-so endearingly when Gary played that song.
2. Didn't do a whole lot of reading this week. I finished 'Water For Elephants', which was great- I recommend it...def an interesting and easy read. I wasn't totally into the ending...but I have been having trouble with endings lately anyway. I also zipped through a Sarah Dessen book that my sis let me borrow. I need to make a trip to the library...I have been doing a tad bit of TV watching this week in replacement of the reading. As long as it doesn't become a habit, I suppose that is okay. But man, there is some seriously bad TV on- wowza. Friday Night Lights tonight- wooo-yeah. (NOT an example of bad tv).
3. So this past weekend I babysat both Friday night and Saturday night...it wasn't the most exciting of weekends. I decided to do something I wouldn't normally do- and while it wasn't necessarily "out of my comfort zone", as I have challenged myself to have each week (and the subject of point 3 in the Friday Five), it still was something I don't generally decide to do. I went out. I know, I built that up...you thought I did something crazy. The radio crew celebrated Brian's birthday with a pub crawl, that began at 4pm, hitting a different Ballard bar each hour...and I caught up with them at midnight. As you can imagine...they were all pretty trashed. Which is why it was a little out of the comfort zone...I mean, joining a group, totally sober, while everyone else has been gone for HOURS doesn't sound like much fun...but, it was pretty hilarious. Plus, I recieved many a-hug...which for this non-hugger, had the potential to be uncomfortable. See, this activity totally fits for Point number 3, I take it back.
4. I am heading down to Orlando at the end of this week, and I can't WAIT! I just checked out weather.com and it is like 80 degrees. Usually Disney trips aren't especially relaxing...especially with my mom (I'm totally not complaining AT ALL...she and I rock Disney and have the best time every single trip)...but she has a conference this time and is going to be away for a couple days...and my plan, is to kick it at several of the resort pools. Fully sunscreened, mind you. I will not come home with a tan. But I am going to RELAX. And read. And work on my book. And I am going to get my day of work in...and mom and I do have some meal reservations and she needs to do some 'research' for her guide book she is writing. I'm really excited to stroll around the world showcase, now that I have actually been to some of those countries. Yay, can't wait. Hopefully next week will fly by.
5. I have had a big friend week. And I love it. That is why I started the blog with what a stellar week I've had. I hung out with a few of my awesome close friends that I see all the time, and I did yoga and lunch last weekend with one of my favorite friends that I don't see nearly enough, and I had coffee with my old office mate, I went out Sat night with a bunch of the radio kids, I spent an afternoon with my sister, I have re-connected with a few old friends on Facebook...this has just been a super friendly week. And I just need to say how unbelievably grateful and lucky I am to have SUCH amazing people in my life. I have those insecure moments every once in a while (not often, but every so often) about not having a "normal" career or not being married with kids, or whatever other societal norms I don't fit into...but then I take a look at the support I have around me and realize how great it is that I feel comfortable enough to make those choices. And when I have weeks like this one, it just reinforces those choices and priorities in my life. So thank you, pals (and that includes my fam). You are the best...I am so so fortunate.
And on that sappy note, I am peace-ing out...going to make up a big ol thing of lasagna to last me the week. Woo.
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