Happy Friday! I know I said I was going to post another blog in between Fridays to keep my trip updated, but well, I didn't. I hope you were okay with that. Here's my Friday Five:
1. I am supposed to be in Chicago right now. I have never cancelled a trip like this before. It's sort of strange. Sort of like I am in two places at once right now- Harry Potter time-travel like. It's like when you are a kid and you stay home from school, and then realize that school is still going on even if you aren't there...I feel like my Chicago trip is still going on, even though I am sitting at my Starbucks right now, getting ready to work. Man, I wish I could be in two places at once...that would be sweet. I would get so much more done...and be able to visit so many more people. Anyway...I'll be making a trip out to Chicago later this summer sometime...I wasn't giving the trip the proper attention it needed for my return to Chicago. I need to do the normal Eryn planning...Cubs game, perhaps a concert, def a few skillet cookies, etc...oh how I miss that city. In a I'm so happy to not live there anymore kind of way.
2. With my unexpected time in Seattle, due to my cancelled trip, I was hoping to be productive and get ish done. I hadn't made any plans- no babysitting, nothing. BUT, in typical me fashion, I have already filled up pretty much the entire weekend. Ugh. I mean, good, yay! I picked up a shift at my Starbucks today and then I am booking it immediately from work to my apartment where Ian and the band are picking me up for a trip out to Eastern Washington- Electric City to be exact...did you know such a city existed? for a show. We are staying overnight in said Electric City...I'm looking forward to it...though am slightly stressed about leaving so quick after work...I'm sure I will forget to do something important. I thought it was going to be this blog that I wouldn't be able to get to, but since I had to drive to work, I had to get here an hour before my shift (to be able to find a parking spot...curse you downtown parking), so here I am a-writing away.
3. I went and saw Little Ashes last night...the Harvard Exit theater was doing a free screening, so Olga and I headed over to Capitol Hill for the movie. I don't know what I was expecting...all I knew about it was it is about Salvadore Dali, that it was made fairly low budget without the intention of going to major theaters- but due to the current Robert Pattinson craze, it found its way there (the movie was made before he made Twilight, but is just coming out now). After having seen it, I can't really say that I LIKED it, but I think that is just because it was a heavier movie than I was expecting. I'm not sure why Robert was cast in the film- he has to fake the spanish accent when everyone else in the cast is much more natural, and he is very awkward- which DOES work for the Dali character, except that after being super awkward in Twilight, I feel like it is just him, and not his acting skills. The movie was a little bit slow. It dealt with the Spain during Franco's time and how people that were part of the resistence were just taken out to fields and killed in mass numbers...which is just really hard to think about. I know it isn't a new concept in our world, it has happened numerous times in history (and still is), but more than the actual killing, it just really upsets me how these people are killed so anonymously, just one person in such a huge number. How easy it is to forget that each and every one of those people had friends and families that loved them...they weren't just a number, they were real. This movie really showed that. I do think I recommend it...I also recommend reading Ghosts of Spain- it's a book I read while I was living in Barcelona that talked about all the stuff that went on during the Franco time. Crazy.
4. On a lighter note, a friend at Starbucks and I have been talking about going out and hiking and doing outdoor Pacific Northwest type stuff, and then how there are so many Seattle things that, as residents, we just don't do. So we decided we should make regular excursions...and then took a step farther and decided we needed to create a club. Yup, nerd alert. So we are going to try to get in the first meeting of our adventurers club this weekend. I'm pretty sure we will have a secret handshake, secret code words and a song by next week. Maybe even matching sashes. I don't know. I am excited about having an excuse to plan adventures...keep things interesting...be prepared for Seattle visitors...that kind of thing. Another thing I really want to find, and I don't know if it is going to be with this group or not, but I am just going to throw it out there in case any of you readers are interested- I really want to start playing a sport again...I'm getting so bored with running. I miss playing team sports...but I'm just not that into drunk kickball-which is the only team sport I know people who participate in. So, if you have a team and are in need of a player, or if you have been hoping to get involved in something...lemme know! I really want to!
5. And finally, a recap of the east coast trip. On Saturday Luke and I ran some errands while Jessica was at work, and then made the ever-important stop at TWIST, again. Oh man, do I miss twist! Jessica and I talked yesterday and she said they got a new wild blueberry flavor yogurt...mmmm. Sunday Jessica and I went to yoga at her store (she works at Lululemon) and got coffee and hung out. Then we grabbed Luke and all headed out to an lovely outdoor sculpture park. The sun decided to finally make an appearance for my visit (thanks sun). It was really nice to just wander through the trees and chat and enjoy art. It was a really pretty place...very picturesque (we did, in fact, get some pics...but I can't find my camera cord to take them off my camera...argh). Then I headed back into Philly for a last visit with my Philly pal, since I was flying out of Philadelphia Monday afternoon. I experienced the friendliest Starbucks EVER there, in Dave's little neighborhood. And he took me to his favorite little diner, Bob's...which was adorable...and then forced me to eat scrapple, without telling me what it was. I knew it was something gross, but I couldn't remember exactly what...so I tasted it and then was informed that it is basically all the scraps of the unwanted parts of animals mushed together in a loaf, held together with some cornmeal, and then cut into slices and fried. Yeah. And the Philadelphians can't get enough of it.
Alright...I have about 15 min til work, so I am going to sign off here...have a great weekend.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday 5...15...50? East Coast
Hello from Princeton, NJ. Please be prepared to look up big, important words in a dictionary, perhaps not completely follow my extensive line of thinking, and perhaps feel less than adequate...I mean, I have just spent a week at Princeton. My IQ has obviously increased dramatically.
I have had such an amazing time on this trip...I have somehow managed to not overschedule myself, but still get much in...and have been able to see so many friends. Awesome. So here are a few highlights of my trip (so far, I still have two more days):
1. Twist. This is on the top of my mind because we just returned from this heavenly do-it-yourself yogurt shop. Yeah, you read right. Do it yourself. First thing you do is ask for a sample cup, so you can test the eight different flavors of frozen yogurt. According to Tyra Banks, this sampling is a perfect way to portion control...that's right, Tyra walks in for a sample and leaves without buying anything. Luke, Jessica and I made up for her. We filled our bowls with a combination of the flavors, and then moved on to the toppings...fruit, cereal, candy, nuts, coconut...everything. Delicious. Love it. Please open one in Seattle!
2. On my first night in town, we met up with a group of their friends and had dinner and went to see the new XMen movie. I don't know if you are aware, but Tim Riggins is in the movie...so while I don't typically care much about the comic movies...I was looking forward to seeing my boyfriend in a setting outside of the Dillon, TX football field (Friday Night Lights, if you aren't following). Movie was not so great. The end kinda sucked. And Riggins' character wasn't so great...they definitely could have done more with it.
3. I worked one day at the Starbucks here in Princeton. It was an unusually slow day at the store...it was raining, and apparently people don't leave their house in the rain- though I did see an abundance of adorable rain boots on the people that did brave the rain...I think everyone had a pair. My shift went by quickly and the people I worked with were great. Everyone was in awe of my Seattle heritage...they kept telling the customers that the barista making their drink today is all the way from the home of Starbucks...people were expecting great things from their coffee beverages. I'm sure I exceeded all their expectations. Right. I did convince several of them to visit Seattle...that it is beautiful and friendly.
4. Luke and Jessica took me to a pizza and wine tasting restaurant- Teresa's Cafe...sooo much fun! On Monday nights they do this tasting- first, they bring out an antipasta plate for the table to share. Then two different kinds of pizza (with one piece of each kind for each person at the table), then another two pizzas, then another set, finally followed by dessert. and each course had a wine to pair with it. Luke kept saying he was disappointed with the pizza variety...but I thought it was awesome...I wish I could remember all the kinds...there was definitely fig involved in one, walnuts and goat cheese on another, some pesto, red, and white sauces.
5. Princeton campus...is gorgeous! The dorms are like castles. The buildings are all old, with ivy and flowers draped down the walls. Jen came into town for a couple of days and we went on a tour of the campus. We took fun pictures- I climbed a tree (and fell out of it- it was slippery!), we found an empty lecture hall (where Einstein apparently lectured) and took pictures writing equations on the blackboard and pretending to teach behind the podium. Yeah, pretty cool.
6. Jessica took Jen and I to Washington's Crossing state park...we saw a video about where the Americans defeated the British in some fight that took place in Princeton. My Philly friend, Dave met up with us there and then we went to this cute little town- New Hope- nearby for lunch. It was all very historical and old and cool.
7. Dave kidnapped me from them and took me in to Philadelphia for a walking tour through the rainy streets of the city. We were a little late getting into the city, so most of the touristy sites were closed, but we walked through them...I saw the liberty bell through the window...which I think was probably just as good a view anyway. We went to "Love Park"...for the City of Brotherly Love. Then we met up with our friends Veronica and Tom...both from areas just out of Philly. All past Disney college program folks. I haven't seen them in such a long time, but it was like it hadn't been any time at all...we had dinner, ice cream and drinks, and just really fun conversation. It made me sad to think about how long it would be before I see them again...stupid distance. Grrr...I hate it.
8. NYC! Thursday, Dave brought me back to Princeton, and Jessica, Jen, Luke and I hopped on the train and headed into NYC. We went right to lunch at Max Brenner's- which is a craaaazy chocolate place...like a combo between classy and Willy Wonka. We had onion rings with a chocolate ranch dipping sauce...we had rich, intense hot chocolates, and a hazelnut banana crepe for dessert. Sooo good. I wish I hadn't gotten full...I could have sat there all day. We left there and visited St. Pat's cathedral, which was beautiful and reminded me of my european adventure.
9. A Whitney spotting...on our way to check out the plaza hotel, I noticed a small camera crew on the street and was wondering what they were filming. I looked at the crowd up ahead, trying to pick out who they could be focusing on. Wait, it must be that tall blonde girl in the ridiculous short polka dot skirt...walk a little closer...omg, it's Whitney! From the Hills, and the City! I was sooo dorky and excited....possibly walked a little faster toward her...may have made it into a shot.
10. Birthday dinner- we met up with a few other friends in West Village...I was still feeling a bit exhausted from the day before, so we didn't make it a late night. But we had some yummy mexican food and they did the whole singing Happy Birthday thing for me. I saaw my friend Adam, who lives in NYC and recently got engaged...with a bench in central park that is theirs forever and says the "will you marry me" thing...so cute!
11. A visit with Cory and Addy- On Friday, I hopped on the train to South Orange, NJ to visit the family I stayed with in Europe. I was so excited to see the kids! As I walked off the bus and toward their mini-van (which they cringe at every time the word comes up), I could see Cory in the back seat, with his GIANT smile and he was laughing so hard. It was adorable! They took me home and showed me around. The kids took a rest, and then we took them to the park to play for a little while. The dads made a delicious birthday dinner for me...salmon, rice, asparagus, salad, champagne...and Rob made a rhubarb pie- completely from scratch- with rhubarb from his AMAZING garden. It was so good. And Grandma Yaya came over with cupcakes she made...we did the candles and singing. Adorable. Then the kids watched a little Monsters Inc- their current fav (last I heard, they were way into Mama Mia) and they went to bed. And I jumped back on the train to Princeton.
I have another day and a half before I head home...not entirely sure what they will hold...I will probably write a follow up before next Friday...maybe add some pics after I upload them.
It has been such a great trip!!
I have had such an amazing time on this trip...I have somehow managed to not overschedule myself, but still get much in...and have been able to see so many friends. Awesome. So here are a few highlights of my trip (so far, I still have two more days):
1. Twist. This is on the top of my mind because we just returned from this heavenly do-it-yourself yogurt shop. Yeah, you read right. Do it yourself. First thing you do is ask for a sample cup, so you can test the eight different flavors of frozen yogurt. According to Tyra Banks, this sampling is a perfect way to portion control...that's right, Tyra walks in for a sample and leaves without buying anything. Luke, Jessica and I made up for her. We filled our bowls with a combination of the flavors, and then moved on to the toppings...fruit, cereal, candy, nuts, coconut...everything. Delicious. Love it. Please open one in Seattle!
2. On my first night in town, we met up with a group of their friends and had dinner and went to see the new XMen movie. I don't know if you are aware, but Tim Riggins is in the movie...so while I don't typically care much about the comic movies...I was looking forward to seeing my boyfriend in a setting outside of the Dillon, TX football field (Friday Night Lights, if you aren't following). Movie was not so great. The end kinda sucked. And Riggins' character wasn't so great...they definitely could have done more with it.
3. I worked one day at the Starbucks here in Princeton. It was an unusually slow day at the store...it was raining, and apparently people don't leave their house in the rain- though I did see an abundance of adorable rain boots on the people that did brave the rain...I think everyone had a pair. My shift went by quickly and the people I worked with were great. Everyone was in awe of my Seattle heritage...they kept telling the customers that the barista making their drink today is all the way from the home of Starbucks...people were expecting great things from their coffee beverages. I'm sure I exceeded all their expectations. Right. I did convince several of them to visit Seattle...that it is beautiful and friendly.
4. Luke and Jessica took me to a pizza and wine tasting restaurant- Teresa's Cafe...sooo much fun! On Monday nights they do this tasting- first, they bring out an antipasta plate for the table to share. Then two different kinds of pizza (with one piece of each kind for each person at the table), then another two pizzas, then another set, finally followed by dessert. and each course had a wine to pair with it. Luke kept saying he was disappointed with the pizza variety...but I thought it was awesome...I wish I could remember all the kinds...there was definitely fig involved in one, walnuts and goat cheese on another, some pesto, red, and white sauces.
5. Princeton campus...is gorgeous! The dorms are like castles. The buildings are all old, with ivy and flowers draped down the walls. Jen came into town for a couple of days and we went on a tour of the campus. We took fun pictures- I climbed a tree (and fell out of it- it was slippery!), we found an empty lecture hall (where Einstein apparently lectured) and took pictures writing equations on the blackboard and pretending to teach behind the podium. Yeah, pretty cool.
6. Jessica took Jen and I to Washington's Crossing state park...we saw a video about where the Americans defeated the British in some fight that took place in Princeton. My Philly friend, Dave met up with us there and then we went to this cute little town- New Hope- nearby for lunch. It was all very historical and old and cool.
7. Dave kidnapped me from them and took me in to Philadelphia for a walking tour through the rainy streets of the city. We were a little late getting into the city, so most of the touristy sites were closed, but we walked through them...I saw the liberty bell through the window...which I think was probably just as good a view anyway. We went to "Love Park"...for the City of Brotherly Love. Then we met up with our friends Veronica and Tom...both from areas just out of Philly. All past Disney college program folks. I haven't seen them in such a long time, but it was like it hadn't been any time at all...we had dinner, ice cream and drinks, and just really fun conversation. It made me sad to think about how long it would be before I see them again...stupid distance. Grrr...I hate it.
8. NYC! Thursday, Dave brought me back to Princeton, and Jessica, Jen, Luke and I hopped on the train and headed into NYC. We went right to lunch at Max Brenner's- which is a craaaazy chocolate place...like a combo between classy and Willy Wonka. We had onion rings with a chocolate ranch dipping sauce...we had rich, intense hot chocolates, and a hazelnut banana crepe for dessert. Sooo good. I wish I hadn't gotten full...I could have sat there all day. We left there and visited St. Pat's cathedral, which was beautiful and reminded me of my european adventure.
9. A Whitney spotting...on our way to check out the plaza hotel, I noticed a small camera crew on the street and was wondering what they were filming. I looked at the crowd up ahead, trying to pick out who they could be focusing on. Wait, it must be that tall blonde girl in the ridiculous short polka dot skirt...walk a little closer...omg, it's Whitney! From the Hills, and the City! I was sooo dorky and excited....possibly walked a little faster toward her...may have made it into a shot.
10. Birthday dinner- we met up with a few other friends in West Village...I was still feeling a bit exhausted from the day before, so we didn't make it a late night. But we had some yummy mexican food and they did the whole singing Happy Birthday thing for me. I saaw my friend Adam, who lives in NYC and recently got engaged...with a bench in central park that is theirs forever and says the "will you marry me" thing...so cute!
11. A visit with Cory and Addy- On Friday, I hopped on the train to South Orange, NJ to visit the family I stayed with in Europe. I was so excited to see the kids! As I walked off the bus and toward their mini-van (which they cringe at every time the word comes up), I could see Cory in the back seat, with his GIANT smile and he was laughing so hard. It was adorable! They took me home and showed me around. The kids took a rest, and then we took them to the park to play for a little while. The dads made a delicious birthday dinner for me...salmon, rice, asparagus, salad, champagne...and Rob made a rhubarb pie- completely from scratch- with rhubarb from his AMAZING garden. It was so good. And Grandma Yaya came over with cupcakes she made...we did the candles and singing. Adorable. Then the kids watched a little Monsters Inc- their current fav (last I heard, they were way into Mama Mia) and they went to bed. And I jumped back on the train to Princeton.
I have another day and a half before I head home...not entirely sure what they will hold...I will probably write a follow up before next Friday...maybe add some pics after I upload them.
It has been such a great trip!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Hurray Hurray for May!
I know I am late in posting…I spent Friday afternoon, after packing and running around like a crazy lady getting ready for my trip, sitting in the sun in the backyard at my Grandma’s…it was lovely. Currently though, it is 6am Atlanta time (where I have a 2 hour layover) I slept a little on the plane, but am exhausted. I did, however, find it amusing that the terminals T and A are grouped together at this airport. Here is your Friday Five for the first day of May (whaaaa?!)
1. Oh my goodness. I am so tired of hearing about the swine flu. I know the media is tired of talking about the economy so they are jumping on this…but c’mon! Closing down schools? Really? It’s the FLU! Yes, people have died from it…but guess what, thousands of people die from the flu every year…doesn’t mean we shut down schools and wear masks around the streets. I’m not saying I’d be jumping at the chance to head down to Mexico right now (although I bet there are some good deals ), but I really don’t understand why people are getting so worked up. I do have to say, I think it might just be a media thing…after hanging at the Seatac airport last night and now in the Atlanta airport, I have yet to see anyone in a mask.
2.I spent last weekend running (driving actually) from Seattle to Olympia and back…several times. It was my Grandpa Don’s surprise birthday party and we celebrated at the Great Wolf Lodge. Which was pretty cool. The whole family stayed overnight- I didn’t because I was housesitting up in Seattle- and then we played at the indoor water park all day. It certainly wasn’t at a Disney level, but I think they did a good job with the park…totally family friendly. They could use some better food there though…pizza hut? Not yummy.
3. I rediscovered Room For Squares- John Mayer’s first full length album while driving back and forth between Seattle and Olympia. I stopped at my parent’s house and grabbed a couple of my CDs that I keep there, and I just ended up listening to John the whole time. Seriously, that album is so amazing. I mean, I am a pretty big fan in general, and have enjoyed his later albums…but that first one, man, soundtrack of my life. LOVE IT. Go re-listen to it. Your welcome.
4.Thursday night was Dining Out For Life…particular restaurants throughtout the city donated a percentage of their sales to fight AIDS. Amy and I decided we should probably be supportive of the evening…I looked at the list of restaurants participating and it looked like pretty much every place in the entire city. So, we decided to hit up Serious Pie- Tom Douglas’s pizza place. We have been talking about going there since we became friends a couple years ago and hadn’t made it there yet. It was delicious. They were out of the soup we wanted…boo. So I got some asparagus with dried anchovies on top (I know), and then we split a truffle and chartelle mushroom pizza….which was flippin delicious. And then we split dessert…no, we didn’t split A dessert…c’mon, it’s a Tom Douglas restaurant- you don’t skimp on dessert. We ordered two and they were A-MAZING. It was a way too expensive dinner- but I’m pretty sure we are fairly close to curing AIDS after that. So I suppose it is okay.
5.Well, it should be interesting to see what this next week is like…I have NO idea what my schedule holds. I was planning on picking up some shifts at the Starbucks near Jessica’s place…talked to the manager a couple weeks ago about him scheduling me, he said no prob, he would call me after he made the schedule. Finally, on Wednesday (just a couple days before the schedule would be good), he finished it…and when I called him (since I hadn’t heard from him) oh, ooops, forgot to put me on the schedule. Grrrr, so annoying! I was counting on working those days. Not to mention that I had been waiting to figure out my schedule for visiting friends and such until I knew my Starbucks schedule. So I am not only not working, but have made no plans with anyone. I told my manager that I appreciate her.
There you go. Have a great week! Make sure you put some time into thinking about my birthday gift…I mean, uh, no, just kidding. But seriously…I’ll be 22 in less than a week. That’s exciting. Later….E
1. Oh my goodness. I am so tired of hearing about the swine flu. I know the media is tired of talking about the economy so they are jumping on this…but c’mon! Closing down schools? Really? It’s the FLU! Yes, people have died from it…but guess what, thousands of people die from the flu every year…doesn’t mean we shut down schools and wear masks around the streets. I’m not saying I’d be jumping at the chance to head down to Mexico right now (although I bet there are some good deals ), but I really don’t understand why people are getting so worked up. I do have to say, I think it might just be a media thing…after hanging at the Seatac airport last night and now in the Atlanta airport, I have yet to see anyone in a mask.
2.I spent last weekend running (driving actually) from Seattle to Olympia and back…several times. It was my Grandpa Don’s surprise birthday party and we celebrated at the Great Wolf Lodge. Which was pretty cool. The whole family stayed overnight- I didn’t because I was housesitting up in Seattle- and then we played at the indoor water park all day. It certainly wasn’t at a Disney level, but I think they did a good job with the park…totally family friendly. They could use some better food there though…pizza hut? Not yummy.
3. I rediscovered Room For Squares- John Mayer’s first full length album while driving back and forth between Seattle and Olympia. I stopped at my parent’s house and grabbed a couple of my CDs that I keep there, and I just ended up listening to John the whole time. Seriously, that album is so amazing. I mean, I am a pretty big fan in general, and have enjoyed his later albums…but that first one, man, soundtrack of my life. LOVE IT. Go re-listen to it. Your welcome.
4.Thursday night was Dining Out For Life…particular restaurants throughtout the city donated a percentage of their sales to fight AIDS. Amy and I decided we should probably be supportive of the evening…I looked at the list of restaurants participating and it looked like pretty much every place in the entire city. So, we decided to hit up Serious Pie- Tom Douglas’s pizza place. We have been talking about going there since we became friends a couple years ago and hadn’t made it there yet. It was delicious. They were out of the soup we wanted…boo. So I got some asparagus with dried anchovies on top (I know), and then we split a truffle and chartelle mushroom pizza….which was flippin delicious. And then we split dessert…no, we didn’t split A dessert…c’mon, it’s a Tom Douglas restaurant- you don’t skimp on dessert. We ordered two and they were A-MAZING. It was a way too expensive dinner- but I’m pretty sure we are fairly close to curing AIDS after that. So I suppose it is okay.
5.Well, it should be interesting to see what this next week is like…I have NO idea what my schedule holds. I was planning on picking up some shifts at the Starbucks near Jessica’s place…talked to the manager a couple weeks ago about him scheduling me, he said no prob, he would call me after he made the schedule. Finally, on Wednesday (just a couple days before the schedule would be good), he finished it…and when I called him (since I hadn’t heard from him) oh, ooops, forgot to put me on the schedule. Grrrr, so annoying! I was counting on working those days. Not to mention that I had been waiting to figure out my schedule for visiting friends and such until I knew my Starbucks schedule. So I am not only not working, but have made no plans with anyone. I told my manager that I appreciate her.
There you go. Have a great week! Make sure you put some time into thinking about my birthday gift…I mean, uh, no, just kidding. But seriously…I’ll be 22 in less than a week. That’s exciting. Later….E
Friday, April 24, 2009
It's April 24th...a Friday!
Happy Friday to you. I think I jinxed the Thursday time machine epiphany from last week by writing it on here, and letting my co-workers know about it. It didn't happen so much this week. It wasn't a slow week...but just about the length a week should feel like, I guess. I'm sorry Thursday time machine...I won't call you out again.
I have a busy, busy weekend ahead of me...so not a lot of time to write this up...sorry.
1. I got to see one of the kids (Addy) and dads (Rob) I lived with in Europe on Monday..and Grandma Ya-ya...if you were a follower of my Europe blog, you are familiar with all of these characters. They were in town for a relative's birthday and made some time to see me. We met up in Pike Place market- at the original Starbucks- Rob needed to get the starbucks card that is only found there so he can impress his Starbucks baristas back home. We wandered around the market, watched the fish guys, sat and enjoyed some yummy donuts from my favorite little donut stand, and then went out to the park at the end of the market, that has amazing views of the puget sound, the cascades, Mt Ranier, and about a dozen homeless guys sleeping in the grass. Addy saw them and thought it looked like a good idea...she walked up on the grass and layed herself down...it was adorable and hilarious.
2. I took a marathon walk yesterday to the library...the only one I could find that carried the next Jessica Darling book in the series...I'm on the 4th book now...of 5. The fifth JUST came out last week (when I first posted about this series I said there were seven...not so, I was misinformed, only five. Sad.)Anyway, I walked myself to the library, found the book, and have since been the girl that is reading everywhere she goes...on the bus, on my breaks, on the elyptical machine at the gym, walking down the road- I do finish a paragraph and look up while I cross streets. Safety first. I did, however, come extremely close to plowing right into another walker today on my way home from the gym. I think that was his fault though- HE wasn't reading...he could have moved to the other side of the sidewalk. I got the book yesterday and I am just about halfway through...because I am reading it everywhere I go...but soon the series will be over...darn me and my obsessive self. I am especially enjoying this one because Jessica spends some time at Princeton...which is where I will be headed a week from today!
3. As excited as I have been about the sinshine poking her head out lately, it was a nice relief to have some rain yesterday. Both because I am a Seattleite, and am really only comfortable in my raincoat with a slight drizzle around me, and also because I have had major guilt about sitting inside and getting stuff done while it is nice. So I haven't been getting much done...Catholics and our guilt. I have been out walking and visiting- which is most definitely a great thing...but my room is a bit of a mess (shocking) and my writing isn't going anywhere. I love you sun...but I need some rain sometimes too.
4. On one of these sunny days, I made my way out to West Seattle to visit my very pregnant (in the most adorable way!) friend Chrissy. We went down to Alki beach, walked along, stopped for coffee, and sat on some stairs on the beach. Now, it was sunny...but it is still April in Washington. It was not warm. I was wearing a sweatshirt, Chrissy had a sweater on. And there are girls (even a few guys) laying out in their swimsuits on the beach. Walking along the pathway in their bikinis. It is cold! That is ridiculous. Alki elementary school is really close to where we were and there was a class out on the beach, picking up garbage, it looked like. This little boy came up to Chrissy and I and asked if we had been smoking because there were cigarettes on the ground all over the place. We assured him that we weren't to blame, and then cracked up. First of all...Chrissy is clearly pregnant and therefore not smoking, though I suppose an elementary kid might not realize that, and second...if we were, was he planning on lecturing us about picking up garbage or the health of our lungs? I almost wish we had said yes.
5. I have to get going...I'm sure I had a really interesting point to let you know about...but it isn't coming to me at the moment. Friday Four works too.
Have a great weekend...next week's edition will be as I am packing for my trip to the East coast...woo.
I have a busy, busy weekend ahead of me...so not a lot of time to write this up...sorry.
1. I got to see one of the kids (Addy) and dads (Rob) I lived with in Europe on Monday..and Grandma Ya-ya...if you were a follower of my Europe blog, you are familiar with all of these characters. They were in town for a relative's birthday and made some time to see me. We met up in Pike Place market- at the original Starbucks- Rob needed to get the starbucks card that is only found there so he can impress his Starbucks baristas back home. We wandered around the market, watched the fish guys, sat and enjoyed some yummy donuts from my favorite little donut stand, and then went out to the park at the end of the market, that has amazing views of the puget sound, the cascades, Mt Ranier, and about a dozen homeless guys sleeping in the grass. Addy saw them and thought it looked like a good idea...she walked up on the grass and layed herself down...it was adorable and hilarious.
2. I took a marathon walk yesterday to the library...the only one I could find that carried the next Jessica Darling book in the series...I'm on the 4th book now...of 5. The fifth JUST came out last week (when I first posted about this series I said there were seven...not so, I was misinformed, only five. Sad.)Anyway, I walked myself to the library, found the book, and have since been the girl that is reading everywhere she goes...on the bus, on my breaks, on the elyptical machine at the gym, walking down the road- I do finish a paragraph and look up while I cross streets. Safety first. I did, however, come extremely close to plowing right into another walker today on my way home from the gym. I think that was his fault though- HE wasn't reading...he could have moved to the other side of the sidewalk. I got the book yesterday and I am just about halfway through...because I am reading it everywhere I go...but soon the series will be over...darn me and my obsessive self. I am especially enjoying this one because Jessica spends some time at Princeton...which is where I will be headed a week from today!
3. As excited as I have been about the sinshine poking her head out lately, it was a nice relief to have some rain yesterday. Both because I am a Seattleite, and am really only comfortable in my raincoat with a slight drizzle around me, and also because I have had major guilt about sitting inside and getting stuff done while it is nice. So I haven't been getting much done...Catholics and our guilt. I have been out walking and visiting- which is most definitely a great thing...but my room is a bit of a mess (shocking) and my writing isn't going anywhere. I love you sun...but I need some rain sometimes too.
4. On one of these sunny days, I made my way out to West Seattle to visit my very pregnant (in the most adorable way!) friend Chrissy. We went down to Alki beach, walked along, stopped for coffee, and sat on some stairs on the beach. Now, it was sunny...but it is still April in Washington. It was not warm. I was wearing a sweatshirt, Chrissy had a sweater on. And there are girls (even a few guys) laying out in their swimsuits on the beach. Walking along the pathway in their bikinis. It is cold! That is ridiculous. Alki elementary school is really close to where we were and there was a class out on the beach, picking up garbage, it looked like. This little boy came up to Chrissy and I and asked if we had been smoking because there were cigarettes on the ground all over the place. We assured him that we weren't to blame, and then cracked up. First of all...Chrissy is clearly pregnant and therefore not smoking, though I suppose an elementary kid might not realize that, and second...if we were, was he planning on lecturing us about picking up garbage or the health of our lungs? I almost wish we had said yes.
5. I have to get going...I'm sure I had a really interesting point to let you know about...but it isn't coming to me at the moment. Friday Four works too.
Have a great weekend...next week's edition will be as I am packing for my trip to the East coast...woo.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday Five- 4/17
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.
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 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!!
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