Yes, I know...I haven't written for three Fridays in a row. You are wondering if I am still alive. Or if I am out being productive, without time for silly online journals. Or if my life is so dull I couldn't come up with five things to talk about. Or if, perhaps, I have joined a traveling circus and they made me sign a confidentiality agreement. Maybe I've moved to a small town in France that hasn't found internet yet and forgot to mention it in my last post because it was such a last minute decision. I'm sure all of these thoughts have run through your head as you frantically check and re-check my blog site, hoping for an update. I'm sorry to have worried you. I am fine. I am neither more busy or more boring than the past seven months, when I have dutifully updated each Friday. I am still in Seattle (though did leave for California for a short period of time), and I have been making a serious effort to join the people at Disney, who will make me sign a confidentiality agreement, but isn't exactly a traveling circus. I just decided not to write. That's allowed.
And I'm in a rebellious mood, and will not be following the normal format today (Saturday...gasp!) of bullet points. I'm just going to write.
So I have enjoyed writing a blog- it was a fun way to keep everyone updated on my European adventure, and the Friday Five is a way to make myself write (since I have been majorly slacking in the book writing), while keeping my friends that I don't see on a regular basis a little updated on my life. But here's the thing about my blog. It isn't totally honest. I know that anyone can read it. Including people that might be annoying me, that I don't agree with, that I'm concerned about, etc...the things that I would actually write about in a journal. I don't want to offend anyone. Hurt someone's feelings. Or get in trouble at work. :) I re-read my europe blog and it sounds like the greatest time in the world...I even managed to make my bag getting stolen seem like no big deal, just a little inconvenient. Which, I suppose is a nice way to look back on the trip and remember it...because it was an incredible experience, but if I was honest, it was probably the hardest experience I've ever had. Worth it, definitely...absolutely would have done it even if I had known how hard it would be...but not necessarily the rosy trip I wrote about. And it's kind of the same with the Friday Five.
And that's all I have to say about that...I will continue my happy writing. Don't worry.
I went down to California last week/this week. I left last Friday. Spent a couple of days in LA (well, mostly Anaheim actually)..stayed about a mile and a half from Disneyland. I stopped in at the casting office and left them my spectacular Disney resume and chatted a bit. I love the people that work for Disney...they are happy to just chat away and share their info...always so friendly. I spent some time wandering around Downtown Disney...which isn't as good as Disney World's...much smaller, and just not as interesting...but is still Disney and free to wander through. Saturday I had lunch with my good pal Brian, who has been living in LA for three years and I never get to see. Very fun to see him...it was like we were never apart...him smelling my hair, making inappropriate jokes every five seconds. I've missed him! He had to leave to go make an offer on a condo (ohhh, what a grown up) so I went into California Adventure (this is where, if I was totally honest, I would talk about how a couple of my friends ditched spending the day with me...but I won't) and spent a few hours there...went on a couple rides, saw the Pixar parade...but mostly just happy to walk around and soak it in. They had an exhibit showing all the new plans they have for California Adventure between now and 2013...looks super cool. And it is nice to see that even with the economy the way it is, they are still doing alright and pushing forward on projects, continuing to add new magic for guests to enjoy (seriously people, shouldn't I be working there?!).
Sunday Briana flew in and I picked her up from the airport and we began our drive down to San Diego. We felt the need to make a stop in Laguna...hoping to find the surf shop where Stephen worked and perhaps have some kind of Laguna celebrity sighting. I know...dont judge. Sadly, we saw nobody, but did have some delicious ice cream. We continued the drive south. We stopped in...ummm, can't remember the name, to have lunch/dinner with a couple of Briana's friends. We ate at this cool little cafe in Del Mar (I think?) that overlooked the beach, was pretty cheap and totally delicious. And then we finished the drive, found our hotel, showered and changed, and headed out to explore the Gaslamp district.
Our hotel was pretty close to the Gaslamp district...just a few blocks...but those few blocks in between were scary as heck! B and I made jokes each night as we walked home, mostly to keep ourselves from being totally freaked out...we learned which side of the streets to walk on to avoid the o-so popular cricket store hangout of scaries...unfortunately crossing the street put us in this big parking lot that seemed to be the hangout of random hookers. They seemed less intimidating.
Monday we spent the afternoon in Coronado...really cute (and ridiculously expensive!) beach town. The ocean was FREEZING. Like Washington beaches freezing. There was no way we were going in past our ankles! Monday night we had dinner with my oldest pal from kindergarten...so fun to see Krissy! Her poor boyfriend and Briana had to sit there and listen to us laugh about old stories and talk about people they didn't know.
Tuesday I left super early and drove up to Glendale to meet with a Disney Imagineer to talk about what I need to do to get a job with Disney. It was a great meeting. Really inspiring...made me even more eager to continue pursuing that path. Though they are on a bit of a hiring freeze...whatev. The office was so cool...half of the place was a giant warehouse, where they were actually building stuff for the parks...
When I got back, we went out to La Jolla (pronounced la hoya...don't make the mistake of saying it out loud like it's spelled...luckily I kept it to myself, even though I didn't realize this "La Jolla" place on the map was the "la hoya" people kept talking about). This is a gorgeous beach and beach town...with cliffs, and seals and lots of snorkeling (word on the street was this water was warmer...I don't know, we didn't go in). We did some shopping. I was on a mission to find a delicious do it yourself frozen yogurt place...but after asking a sales lady was told there wasn't one in town...so I decided to just go with a bowl of gelato. Yeah, the second we stepped out of the gelato place, there- in front of our face, was a do it yourself frozen yogurt...I was pissed! Luckily my gelato was super yummy, so it wasn't a total bummer. Tuesday night we met back up with Krissy and Justin for the Padres game. Krissy takes pictures on occasion at the games, so she knows some people around, and we got to sit in a bar area that we weren't supposed to be able to with the cheap tickets we had. The game was lots of fun...how I love baseball games. We went out after the game, to some random happy hour with a waiter that was a little too eager and a total "hey babe" kind of guy....which was amusing.
Oh and Wednesday. we were both flying out of LAX, so we left with plenty of time to get to the airport, even with traffic. I had been super organized the whole trip- printed out directions to everything I needed to be at...except returning to the airport. I figured we were going to be on the major freeway, there would be signs to the airport. Not so. Made it all the way up to Glendale before we thought we must have missed it...turned around, called Brian for directions, and then we were stuck in that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad traffic. Luckily Briana's flight was much later, so she could return the car...I truly thought I was going to miss my flight...I got through check in and security in record time (there was next to no line and I didn't have to check any luggage) and I made it to my gate as they were already boarding. Sigh.
I made it back...picked my car up, drove straight to work, straight from work to housesitting...and straight to bed to work early the next morning.
And here I am. Back in dreary, grey Seattle...it is so nice to have the sun gone. I know...but really, it is exhausting when the sun is out all the time. You feel like you have to be outside, going, being social...I just want to sit in my sweats, in a coffee house and write...which is what I'm doing now. Yay.
Hope things are well with you...and I'll return to the Friday Five next week...probably.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
heartbroken in the best way...7/17
Hey, hey! Welcome to Friday, once again...
1. Last weekend I made the loooong drive out to Ocean Shores to hang out with some of the fam. My uncle and aunt have a house out there that they bought for the purpose of getting away and hanging out with friends and family. It is a beautiful house, and BIG...lots of room for lots of people. I had two sets of aunts and uncles, some cousins, grandparents, and a few others...and let me tell you, we had a FEAST on Saturday night! We had amazing salmon, and crabcakes (from crab my uncles and cousins caught), oysters, good wine...it was really, really fun. We walked across the street and made our way to the ocean, went into town and visited the learning center- which they have actually done a pretty good job with- there is some interesting stuff there (and the super eager lady that worked there informed us that she has had 22 people come in that have either seen, heard, or smelled bigfoot. True story.) The evening progressed into my aunts, grandma and I watching Singing Bee (seriously, have you ever heard me sing? Prob not because I avoid doing so around pretty much everyone...it's a horrible sound....and I most definitely got it from my mom's side of the family) we were all a-singing out loud to country tunes...not pretty, not pretty. My grandma did show us some of her old dance moves she used to do in high school...one that her mom dragged her off the dance floor for because it was too sexy. Whoa Grandma. I also got to spend some quality time with my newest cousin, Tyler...who has developed a little personality and is sooo adorable and smiley and giggly. Love him!
2. Moving on. Tuesday I had a dentist appointment. I had to get a cavity filled. Trauma! I try to take really good care of my teeth (I still wear my retainer from 8th grade!), so the cavity thing doesn't make me happy. Plus, I am a bit of a nervous wreck about that kind of stuff anyway. I nearly talked myself out of getting my wisdom teeth extracted my freshman year...I went to the bathroom and got myself so worked up about it, I was truly seconds away from sneaking out and waiting for my mom in the car...before I reminded myself I would just have to go back another time. Anyway...the cavity...the gal gave me two shots of the numbing stuff...but I wasn't fully numbed up, so I got another one...and oh my gosh...the left side of my face was out of commission for about five hours. I felt ridiculous...certain I was drooling out the side of my face. I decided to go sit in a movie for a bit, so as not to interact with anyone, but of course, my dentist is in Federal Way...so I ran into people I know. Jeez. Finally, about 7pm, my face started tingling and the feeling returned...though my jaw has been a bit sore since then. Despite the need for a filling, I still love my dentist mucho.
3. During my hours of numbness I went to see UP...because it's Disney, I'd heard pretty good reviews, and it was at a time that worked for me. Very cute movie. It wasn't quite as good as I was expecting (those darn expectations!)...several people told me how good it was and that they cried throughout. And yes, I did cry...a few different times in the movie (I know, who is this girl with feelings)...there was some really sweet moments that I loved...but I felt like there was also a fair amount of filler. That was just okay. Definitely go see it with your significant other...like I said, it's very sweet.
4. My facial blushing is OUT OF CONTROL. I have always had a bit of a condition...when cute boys are around, or I am giving a speech, or interviewing- no matter how comfortable I am, when the attention is on me...my face gets BRIGHT RED. (I "randomly" got assigned facial blushing in my anatomy class to give a presentation on...needless to say, I gave a perfect demonstration)If you read my blog, I'm guessing you know me, and have seen this occurance for yourself. It's embarrassing, but I'd like to hope, a little endearing. As I have gotten a little older, I have gotten better at controlling it so in the past few years it hasn't been too bad. But lately, it has returned. Mostly at work. Most of the people I work with are married or in long term relationships, so we like to pick a "boyfriend of the week" for me each week amoungst our regular customers. Even though I would be perfectly fine talking to these people the week before; as soon as the choice has been decided for the week, I can't talk to or interact with this person without turning a lovely shade of lobster. Because I know everyone I am working with is watching...Today, one such fellow mentioned that it looked like I had gotten some sun...I thought, "yes, go with it, it's just a sunburn...not blushing, sunburn" and then proceeded to ramble on to him about how my legs were all sunburned from sitting outside in short shorts...and then hearing myself and realizing I was talking about my legs...my face turned even darker...I could feel the heat radiating off. Oh, those are my favorite moments. Yes, the facial blushing has returned.
5. And I've saved my last point for my re-falling in love and having my heart broken in the best way with music. Lately I have been pretty uninspired by music...it just hasn't been exciting to me. I have been going about much of my day without music on because there isn't anything I care about listening to. It was always such a big part of my life, it was getting depressing. But last night I went and saw Counting Crows and Augustana at Marymoor and it was exactly what I needed. First of all, it was a great show...the two bands played together pretty much the entire night...it wasn't an opener and headliner kind of thing. Adam and Dan (the two lead singers) took turns singing versus to each others songs and there were a plethora of great covers. Very cool format. And their voices went together so well. I have to admit, while I absolutely loooove Counting Crows (August and Everything After....c'mon!), I was really excited to see Augustana because I haven't before, and their song "Boston" has been a sort of theme song of mine for awhile. I listened to that thing over and over and over as I was packing to move home from Chicago, and when I was getting ready to move to Europe. My passport photo is terrible because the song randomly came on the radio on my way to getting the picture taken and I pretty much started sobbing. I know, I know. It's just one of those songs that hits me. Breaks my heart a little bit every time. The singer's voice just kills me. And the two bands together hit that music thing that does it for me...I don't know...I was (and most definitely still am) thrilled to have found that love again. Yay! Though I did turn on Augustana when I got home last night before I went to bed, and I had to turn it off because it just breaks my heart...I'm probably going to need to put Boston on a few times in a row and just cry it out here soon.
So there you go folks. Big happenings this weekend...going to see Andrew Bird and the Decemberists tonight, and big Adventurers Club game day on Sunday. Hope you have fun plans for this beautiful weekend. Talk to you soon! E
1. Last weekend I made the loooong drive out to Ocean Shores to hang out with some of the fam. My uncle and aunt have a house out there that they bought for the purpose of getting away and hanging out with friends and family. It is a beautiful house, and BIG...lots of room for lots of people. I had two sets of aunts and uncles, some cousins, grandparents, and a few others...and let me tell you, we had a FEAST on Saturday night! We had amazing salmon, and crabcakes (from crab my uncles and cousins caught), oysters, good wine...it was really, really fun. We walked across the street and made our way to the ocean, went into town and visited the learning center- which they have actually done a pretty good job with- there is some interesting stuff there (and the super eager lady that worked there informed us that she has had 22 people come in that have either seen, heard, or smelled bigfoot. True story.) The evening progressed into my aunts, grandma and I watching Singing Bee (seriously, have you ever heard me sing? Prob not because I avoid doing so around pretty much everyone...it's a horrible sound....and I most definitely got it from my mom's side of the family) we were all a-singing out loud to country tunes...not pretty, not pretty. My grandma did show us some of her old dance moves she used to do in high school...one that her mom dragged her off the dance floor for because it was too sexy. Whoa Grandma. I also got to spend some quality time with my newest cousin, Tyler...who has developed a little personality and is sooo adorable and smiley and giggly. Love him!
2. Moving on. Tuesday I had a dentist appointment. I had to get a cavity filled. Trauma! I try to take really good care of my teeth (I still wear my retainer from 8th grade!), so the cavity thing doesn't make me happy. Plus, I am a bit of a nervous wreck about that kind of stuff anyway. I nearly talked myself out of getting my wisdom teeth extracted my freshman year...I went to the bathroom and got myself so worked up about it, I was truly seconds away from sneaking out and waiting for my mom in the car...before I reminded myself I would just have to go back another time. Anyway...the cavity...the gal gave me two shots of the numbing stuff...but I wasn't fully numbed up, so I got another one...and oh my gosh...the left side of my face was out of commission for about five hours. I felt ridiculous...certain I was drooling out the side of my face. I decided to go sit in a movie for a bit, so as not to interact with anyone, but of course, my dentist is in Federal Way...so I ran into people I know. Jeez. Finally, about 7pm, my face started tingling and the feeling returned...though my jaw has been a bit sore since then. Despite the need for a filling, I still love my dentist mucho.
3. During my hours of numbness I went to see UP...because it's Disney, I'd heard pretty good reviews, and it was at a time that worked for me. Very cute movie. It wasn't quite as good as I was expecting (those darn expectations!)...several people told me how good it was and that they cried throughout. And yes, I did cry...a few different times in the movie (I know, who is this girl with feelings)...there was some really sweet moments that I loved...but I felt like there was also a fair amount of filler. That was just okay. Definitely go see it with your significant other...like I said, it's very sweet.
4. My facial blushing is OUT OF CONTROL. I have always had a bit of a condition...when cute boys are around, or I am giving a speech, or interviewing- no matter how comfortable I am, when the attention is on me...my face gets BRIGHT RED. (I "randomly" got assigned facial blushing in my anatomy class to give a presentation on...needless to say, I gave a perfect demonstration)If you read my blog, I'm guessing you know me, and have seen this occurance for yourself. It's embarrassing, but I'd like to hope, a little endearing. As I have gotten a little older, I have gotten better at controlling it so in the past few years it hasn't been too bad. But lately, it has returned. Mostly at work. Most of the people I work with are married or in long term relationships, so we like to pick a "boyfriend of the week" for me each week amoungst our regular customers. Even though I would be perfectly fine talking to these people the week before; as soon as the choice has been decided for the week, I can't talk to or interact with this person without turning a lovely shade of lobster. Because I know everyone I am working with is watching...Today, one such fellow mentioned that it looked like I had gotten some sun...I thought, "yes, go with it, it's just a sunburn...not blushing, sunburn" and then proceeded to ramble on to him about how my legs were all sunburned from sitting outside in short shorts...and then hearing myself and realizing I was talking about my legs...my face turned even darker...I could feel the heat radiating off. Oh, those are my favorite moments. Yes, the facial blushing has returned.
5. And I've saved my last point for my re-falling in love and having my heart broken in the best way with music. Lately I have been pretty uninspired by music...it just hasn't been exciting to me. I have been going about much of my day without music on because there isn't anything I care about listening to. It was always such a big part of my life, it was getting depressing. But last night I went and saw Counting Crows and Augustana at Marymoor and it was exactly what I needed. First of all, it was a great show...the two bands played together pretty much the entire night...it wasn't an opener and headliner kind of thing. Adam and Dan (the two lead singers) took turns singing versus to each others songs and there were a plethora of great covers. Very cool format. And their voices went together so well. I have to admit, while I absolutely loooove Counting Crows (August and Everything After....c'mon!), I was really excited to see Augustana because I haven't before, and their song "Boston" has been a sort of theme song of mine for awhile. I listened to that thing over and over and over as I was packing to move home from Chicago, and when I was getting ready to move to Europe. My passport photo is terrible because the song randomly came on the radio on my way to getting the picture taken and I pretty much started sobbing. I know, I know. It's just one of those songs that hits me. Breaks my heart a little bit every time. The singer's voice just kills me. And the two bands together hit that music thing that does it for me...I don't know...I was (and most definitely still am) thrilled to have found that love again. Yay! Though I did turn on Augustana when I got home last night before I went to bed, and I had to turn it off because it just breaks my heart...I'm probably going to need to put Boston on a few times in a row and just cry it out here soon.
So there you go folks. Big happenings this weekend...going to see Andrew Bird and the Decemberists tonight, and big Adventurers Club game day on Sunday. Hope you have fun plans for this beautiful weekend. Talk to you soon! E
Friday, July 10, 2009
Feeling Lazy
I'm not feeling especially blog chatty today...I think it'll be a short Friday Five.
1. 4th of July was great. Had a few different options, and really didn't know where I was going to end up when I left the house. I made some delicious brownies (from the barefoot contessa) and figured I could bring them wherever I showed up. I decided I would meet up with Darby and Friends out on their boat, for a little while and then go meet some other people. Well, I got to the park where D&F (Darby and Friends) were...and had to kayak out to the boat (good thing I forgot, and left the brownies sitting in the car). Well, it was so nice out on the water and the company was delightful (and there was promise of good food to come), I never made it off the boat...we went over NEAR Lake Union (close enough to have a great view of the fireworks, far enough to not get stuck in boat traffic after the show)...the fireworks were awesome...some really cool ones that I've never seen before. And yeah...some delicious BBQ with all the sides. Mmmm.
2. I've been doing a lot of deck sitting and reading since I have been housesitting and it has been super nice out. I've been doing a bit of gardening (well, more like watering, and picking raspberries and tomatoes...don't know if that constitiutes gardening), watering plants, feeding a cat...it's kind of fun having a house to stay at. Though I find myself being really lazy (like how I REALLY don't feel like writing up the blog right now, even though I don't have anywhere to be for another hour) and overall not being productive. Reading counts as productive, right? I haven't turned on the tv since I have been here.
3. Speaking of reading, so I have book club on Monday and hadn't started the book yet. I put it on hold at the library, but there are like 50 holds before me, so I'll never get it in time for book club. Soooo, I have visited Barnes and Noble a couple of times in the past week, grabbed the book ($25, c'mon!) and read for an hour here and there in the cafe, before returning it to its shelf. My friend that worked at Barnes and Noble said that if I return it to it's shelf, they don't really care that much. It is a little bit like stealing though. We are reading 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'. I'm only about 100 pages in, so I'll give the review next week. It is about the Japanese Internment camp stuff that happened here in Seattle.
4. So I lied a little bit earlier (stealing and lying all in one blog, man)I said I haven't watched the tv since I have been here...which is technically true. I have been watching a few shows on my computer though. I checked out Cupid...which has been cancelled, but I enjoyed. And Samantha Who? I've never watched it before...but it's like all the side characters from other shows I have loved...Suki from Gilmore Girls, one of the sisters from Related, and Barry Watson from the show What About Brian (you could also say 7th Heaven, though I never was into that show)...so I am enjoying Samantha Who?
5. What's my last point? I don't know...and I'm too lazy to think of something. Have a great weekend/week. Later....E
1. 4th of July was great. Had a few different options, and really didn't know where I was going to end up when I left the house. I made some delicious brownies (from the barefoot contessa) and figured I could bring them wherever I showed up. I decided I would meet up with Darby and Friends out on their boat, for a little while and then go meet some other people. Well, I got to the park where D&F (Darby and Friends) were...and had to kayak out to the boat (good thing I forgot, and left the brownies sitting in the car). Well, it was so nice out on the water and the company was delightful (and there was promise of good food to come), I never made it off the boat...we went over NEAR Lake Union (close enough to have a great view of the fireworks, far enough to not get stuck in boat traffic after the show)...the fireworks were awesome...some really cool ones that I've never seen before. And yeah...some delicious BBQ with all the sides. Mmmm.
2. I've been doing a lot of deck sitting and reading since I have been housesitting and it has been super nice out. I've been doing a bit of gardening (well, more like watering, and picking raspberries and tomatoes...don't know if that constitiutes gardening), watering plants, feeding a cat...it's kind of fun having a house to stay at. Though I find myself being really lazy (like how I REALLY don't feel like writing up the blog right now, even though I don't have anywhere to be for another hour) and overall not being productive. Reading counts as productive, right? I haven't turned on the tv since I have been here.
3. Speaking of reading, so I have book club on Monday and hadn't started the book yet. I put it on hold at the library, but there are like 50 holds before me, so I'll never get it in time for book club. Soooo, I have visited Barnes and Noble a couple of times in the past week, grabbed the book ($25, c'mon!) and read for an hour here and there in the cafe, before returning it to its shelf. My friend that worked at Barnes and Noble said that if I return it to it's shelf, they don't really care that much. It is a little bit like stealing though. We are reading 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet'. I'm only about 100 pages in, so I'll give the review next week. It is about the Japanese Internment camp stuff that happened here in Seattle.
4. So I lied a little bit earlier (stealing and lying all in one blog, man)I said I haven't watched the tv since I have been here...which is technically true. I have been watching a few shows on my computer though. I checked out Cupid...which has been cancelled, but I enjoyed. And Samantha Who? I've never watched it before...but it's like all the side characters from other shows I have loved...Suki from Gilmore Girls, one of the sisters from Related, and Barry Watson from the show What About Brian (you could also say 7th Heaven, though I never was into that show)...so I am enjoying Samantha Who?
5. What's my last point? I don't know...and I'm too lazy to think of something. Have a great weekend/week. Later....E
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 3rd of July
I am currently sitting outside, lounging in the sun with a beer, overlooking the lovely Puget Sound, and figured I should probably get the ol Friday Five up....I'm housesitting. Love it.
1. Last Sunday I visited my good pal that lives out in Snoqualmie Ridge...we were planning on going for a nice little hike in the sunshine. Every time I drive over there (okay, it had only been twice before Sunday), I feel like I am on I-90 for forever. I always think 'man, how does she do this commute into the city everyday?!' And everytime, I take the exit and am blown away by the view she lives with. The mountains and trees...amazing. Not to mention the adorable neighborhood feel, and the fact that they have a house with a yard...and she has a garden going on with all kinds of fun things to look at and pick to eat. Plus, we left her back door, walked to a trail and wandered along, finding a gorgeous view of Snoqualmie Falls and the Lodge (and scary bear warning signs!). Maybe life outside the city isn't so bad. And a bit of a commute for that view...probably worth it. I'm a fan...in fact, I am heading back out there this afternoon.
2. Ohhh, Treat Receipts. Have you visited a Starbucks this week? If you have, then likely you are familiar with the "Treat Receipt". If not...let me tell you. If you buy anything (drink, food, merchandise, etc) before 2pm, you get a sunshiney bright yellow receipt. You then return to any Starbucks location AFTER 2pm, and can pick ANY iced grande beverage- for $2! What a steal. You can get extra shots, flavors, soy milk, smoothies, frappacinos...for just $2. As you can imagine, as the clock strikes 2pm, there is a mad rush to the store...and everyone wants that drink they never allow themselves to buy. Fraps for days. And people are totally into the new Strawberry Banana Smoothies (I still prefer the Orange-Mango)...but then people want to add matcha powder to their smoothies or they want only half a banana, or they want soy milk and no protein powder. Sigh...though, I have to say- educating people on the first day, in the morning, ABOUT the treat receipts was MUCH worse than the actual chaos of making the drinks. It's almost fun to see how we work as a team to get everything out in a timely fashion. I work with a great team...for sure.
3. Went to the Seattle Art Museum on Thursday (first Thursday of the month is free...woo)...I haven't been to SAM in...I can't even remember the last time. And after being so immersed in art in Paris, I was really looking forward to going. And I gotta say...not overly impressed. I think it was more one of the current exhibits that annoyed me. Target Practice: Painting Under Attack: "an international, historical survey of the attacks that painting endured in the years following World War II. For the artists in the show, painting had become a trap, and they devised numerous ways to escape the conventions and break the traditions that had been passed down to them over hundreds of years. This phenomenon occurred in all parts of the world, and the exhibition documents why artists felt compelled to shoot, rip, tear, burn, erase, nail, unzip and deconstruct painting in order to usher in a new way of thinking." I get that they were feeling the need to break out of the conformity that had been passed down, that's fine. I just didn't enjoy destruction as a form of art. It just seems so angry...which is certainly an emotion that needs to be expressed...I just don't like it. Andy Warhol had a piece where people in his studio urinated on metal. And that was the art. No, peeing is not art. To me. Totally my opinion. Didn't enjoy it. And I am not super into the modern art, random stuff...I went to the modern art museum in Paris and while it was random..and perhaps interesting...I just don't find much of it to be ART. I was so annoyed at the big, purple ballon art dog that was up at Versailles...it totally took away from the place.
4. Same day, I met up with a couple friends for the free evening at the EMP (Experience the Music Project, for you non-Seattleites). They only do the first Thursday free thing from 5-8pm. We got there about 5:30 and wandered a little. There was a band playing, and people were gathered around the Michael Jackson jacket and glove (ohhh, the sequins!) After wandering for a little while, we decided to check out the temporary Jim Henson exhibit. Found ourselves in a huge line...should have gone there immediately. Not to worry, while we waited they had the Motown anniversary show where the Jackson 5 reunited...and Michael moonwalked across the giant screen. It was sweet. And really kind of sad. What in the world happened to him?! Anyway, we finally made it into the Sci Fi Museum part (the EMP and SCi Fi museum are combined now, and Jim Henson is in the Sci Fi half)...that was an interesting area. Hmmm. And then, another twenty minutes later we made it into the exhibit, which was really cool. Everything was done in really bright colors, there were furry walls, and they had the actual original muppets- kermit, bert, ernie, etc. Funny how I never thought of them as being such simple puppets when I watched them on tv. If you have some time before the exhibit leaves, I would recommend checking it out...really fun and nostalgic. Side note...the Liguid Lounge- the bar that is upstairs at the EMP- the only place I ever used a fake ID, so I could get in to see John Mayer for the first time- GONE. Closed. And the restaurant- gone...claims to be a cafe, but is really just a coffee stand and some seating. Very sad.
5. After the EMP, my pals and I made a dinner stop at Serious Pie...Tom Douglas' pizza restaurant. I know I have blogged about Serious Pie before. I just feel the need to discuss again. I decided to try a totally random pizza...with ingredients I would never think to not only put on a pizza, but really to use in a recipe at all. My pizza had porcini muchrooms (I'm not fancy enough to distinguish one mushroom from another in my cooking), soft egg (like a soft boiled egg) and wood violet (yeah, greens with flowers...huh)...and it was super delicious. But really, the highlight was the apricot and walnut cannoli...oh man. I'm not really a big cannoli person. There is a place in Boston (Mike's) and a place in West Seattle (that has them shipped from Mike's in Boston) with cannoli I like, other than that...not so into it. But I have a new favorite. It was sooo yummy. Go have some.
And that's it from me. Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend...PLEASE be safe with the fireworks- they STRESS ME OUT! Yay for America. Until next week....
1. Last Sunday I visited my good pal that lives out in Snoqualmie Ridge...we were planning on going for a nice little hike in the sunshine. Every time I drive over there (okay, it had only been twice before Sunday), I feel like I am on I-90 for forever. I always think 'man, how does she do this commute into the city everyday?!' And everytime, I take the exit and am blown away by the view she lives with. The mountains and trees...amazing. Not to mention the adorable neighborhood feel, and the fact that they have a house with a yard...and she has a garden going on with all kinds of fun things to look at and pick to eat. Plus, we left her back door, walked to a trail and wandered along, finding a gorgeous view of Snoqualmie Falls and the Lodge (and scary bear warning signs!). Maybe life outside the city isn't so bad. And a bit of a commute for that view...probably worth it. I'm a fan...in fact, I am heading back out there this afternoon.
2. Ohhh, Treat Receipts. Have you visited a Starbucks this week? If you have, then likely you are familiar with the "Treat Receipt". If not...let me tell you. If you buy anything (drink, food, merchandise, etc) before 2pm, you get a sunshiney bright yellow receipt. You then return to any Starbucks location AFTER 2pm, and can pick ANY iced grande beverage- for $2! What a steal. You can get extra shots, flavors, soy milk, smoothies, frappacinos...for just $2. As you can imagine, as the clock strikes 2pm, there is a mad rush to the store...and everyone wants that drink they never allow themselves to buy. Fraps for days. And people are totally into the new Strawberry Banana Smoothies (I still prefer the Orange-Mango)...but then people want to add matcha powder to their smoothies or they want only half a banana, or they want soy milk and no protein powder. Sigh...though, I have to say- educating people on the first day, in the morning, ABOUT the treat receipts was MUCH worse than the actual chaos of making the drinks. It's almost fun to see how we work as a team to get everything out in a timely fashion. I work with a great team...for sure.
3. Went to the Seattle Art Museum on Thursday (first Thursday of the month is free...woo)...I haven't been to SAM in...I can't even remember the last time. And after being so immersed in art in Paris, I was really looking forward to going. And I gotta say...not overly impressed. I think it was more one of the current exhibits that annoyed me. Target Practice: Painting Under Attack: "an international, historical survey of the attacks that painting endured in the years following World War II. For the artists in the show, painting had become a trap, and they devised numerous ways to escape the conventions and break the traditions that had been passed down to them over hundreds of years. This phenomenon occurred in all parts of the world, and the exhibition documents why artists felt compelled to shoot, rip, tear, burn, erase, nail, unzip and deconstruct painting in order to usher in a new way of thinking." I get that they were feeling the need to break out of the conformity that had been passed down, that's fine. I just didn't enjoy destruction as a form of art. It just seems so angry...which is certainly an emotion that needs to be expressed...I just don't like it. Andy Warhol had a piece where people in his studio urinated on metal. And that was the art. No, peeing is not art. To me. Totally my opinion. Didn't enjoy it. And I am not super into the modern art, random stuff...I went to the modern art museum in Paris and while it was random..and perhaps interesting...I just don't find much of it to be ART. I was so annoyed at the big, purple ballon art dog that was up at Versailles...it totally took away from the place.
4. Same day, I met up with a couple friends for the free evening at the EMP (Experience the Music Project, for you non-Seattleites). They only do the first Thursday free thing from 5-8pm. We got there about 5:30 and wandered a little. There was a band playing, and people were gathered around the Michael Jackson jacket and glove (ohhh, the sequins!) After wandering for a little while, we decided to check out the temporary Jim Henson exhibit. Found ourselves in a huge line...should have gone there immediately. Not to worry, while we waited they had the Motown anniversary show where the Jackson 5 reunited...and Michael moonwalked across the giant screen. It was sweet. And really kind of sad. What in the world happened to him?! Anyway, we finally made it into the Sci Fi Museum part (the EMP and SCi Fi museum are combined now, and Jim Henson is in the Sci Fi half)...that was an interesting area. Hmmm. And then, another twenty minutes later we made it into the exhibit, which was really cool. Everything was done in really bright colors, there were furry walls, and they had the actual original muppets- kermit, bert, ernie, etc. Funny how I never thought of them as being such simple puppets when I watched them on tv. If you have some time before the exhibit leaves, I would recommend checking it out...really fun and nostalgic. Side note...the Liguid Lounge- the bar that is upstairs at the EMP- the only place I ever used a fake ID, so I could get in to see John Mayer for the first time- GONE. Closed. And the restaurant- gone...claims to be a cafe, but is really just a coffee stand and some seating. Very sad.
5. After the EMP, my pals and I made a dinner stop at Serious Pie...Tom Douglas' pizza restaurant. I know I have blogged about Serious Pie before. I just feel the need to discuss again. I decided to try a totally random pizza...with ingredients I would never think to not only put on a pizza, but really to use in a recipe at all. My pizza had porcini muchrooms (I'm not fancy enough to distinguish one mushroom from another in my cooking), soft egg (like a soft boiled egg) and wood violet (yeah, greens with flowers...huh)...and it was super delicious. But really, the highlight was the apricot and walnut cannoli...oh man. I'm not really a big cannoli person. There is a place in Boston (Mike's) and a place in West Seattle (that has them shipped from Mike's in Boston) with cannoli I like, other than that...not so into it. But I have a new favorite. It was sooo yummy. Go have some.
And that's it from me. Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend...PLEASE be safe with the fireworks- they STRESS ME OUT! Yay for America. Until next week....
Friday, June 26, 2009
6/26/09
Ohhh, what a week, what a week...
1. I'm going to go ahead and begin with Michael Jackson. On Thursday, when the news came out that he died and people were posting all over Facebook and Twitter, and I was walking down the street in my neighborhood hearing MJ music blasting out of apartment buildings, I was a little bit annoyed. Yes, it is totally sad that someone died. But, every single one of these people would have been posting something negative about him if he was in the news for a different reason (as he has been)...so I decided I didn't want to write about it here. BUT, then today...I feel different. It's weird. It makes me feel old. I think about how my nieces and nephew will have no memory of a living Michael Jackson, and that is really strange. I feel like my dad when he talks about Elvis Presley. We have lost such a pop icon...it's sad. And it's also sad that poor Farrah Fawcett's death was completely overshadowed. Tough/weird day yesterday.
2. Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird lately? Like, since 9th grade when you had to? You should definitely go read it again. It is an amazingly good book. The voice of Scout is so perfect...such a child- figuring things out, assuming one thing and learning another...the cover says it's a "coming of age" story which always sounds so hokey...but Harper Lee writes Scout so beautifully- it doesn't have an ounce of "coming of age" corny. And then, of course, it hits on racism and the segregation in the south...in such a sad way. I found myself unable to blink on my bus ride home the other day because I knew the tears were pooling up and if I blinked, they would be running down my face. And the relationship between brother and sister, father and children, friends...sigh, it really is such a fantastic book. I remember liking it in 9th grade...it definitely wasn't one of those school books you have to force yourself to get through the assigned chapters each night...but I don't remember it being SO good. Which is why I am re-reading all those school books. Really though- go buy a copy (don't even check it out from the library...go buy it), and re-read it. Next up...hmmm, perhaps Great Gatsby?
3. Enjoyed a delightful Happy Hour at Chapel on Tuesday with some of the old radio folks. It was fun to get together and chat with people I don't see on a regular basis and catch up...and I was so excited to go to Chapel. Back in my National Promo Dir days, a group of us used to go up there almost once a week for their happy hour...they have a huuuge list of fun flavored martinis that are $5 (used to be $4 though!) and then some food items. I doubt I'll make it back there for quite awhile...because well, I just don't go out very much...but if you are in search of a new locale...you should give it a try. It's on Capitol Hill and it's a cool building...and the drinks are pretty strong (I had ONE martini...and chatted for about three hours and could still feel it a bit...granted, I'm a total lightwight...but still, only one.)
4. Oh man, I bought the last season of Gilmore Girls on DVD last...ummm, like, day after Thanksgiving or something...and JUST found it, so I have been watching an episode every night in bed before I fall asleep. I heart the Gilmore Girls. You know this...I am Rory, and my mom is Lorelai. I watched the CUTEST episode last night. Christopher (Rory's dad) and Lorelai have started dating again and he tells her he is going to take her out but won't say where (a surprise...I love it)...and he picked her up in some old convertible car (to which she replied "enjoy my hair now, because it won't look like this for long" I can vouch for that after driving with the jeep top down)...he drives her out to the middle of nowhere (she is trying to guess all along the way and has turned NYC dates into "are you going to murder me" dates...and he pulls up in front of this old abandoned barn and has set up a movie to play on the wall...like a drive in movie...and has packed all her favorite movie treats and they watched some old black and white movie. Sigh...sooo cute. THEN, same episode!, Logan (who I flipping adore) is working in London so he and Rory are working on doing this long distance relationship thing...and he calls her and tells her to go up to the roof because there is a meteor shower that he wants to "watch with her" (which, by the way, is cute enough on its own)...but instead- he is THERE, with a table all set up for dinner...surprise! Oh, I love it. And this is why I don't have a boyfriend. :-)
5. Good luck to all the Rock and Roll marathoners this weekend! I soooo wish I was running the half..next year, next year. Carb load up tonight, make sure you bring lots of packets of goo to slurp down on the course, drink your water...and have fun, enjoy the music! Those of you not running (probs most of you!)...I wouldn't plan to go anywhere tomorrow....check out the race course to find out which roads will be closed and how to get around town...pretty sure it will be a nightmare.
Have a great weekend!
1. I'm going to go ahead and begin with Michael Jackson. On Thursday, when the news came out that he died and people were posting all over Facebook and Twitter, and I was walking down the street in my neighborhood hearing MJ music blasting out of apartment buildings, I was a little bit annoyed. Yes, it is totally sad that someone died. But, every single one of these people would have been posting something negative about him if he was in the news for a different reason (as he has been)...so I decided I didn't want to write about it here. BUT, then today...I feel different. It's weird. It makes me feel old. I think about how my nieces and nephew will have no memory of a living Michael Jackson, and that is really strange. I feel like my dad when he talks about Elvis Presley. We have lost such a pop icon...it's sad. And it's also sad that poor Farrah Fawcett's death was completely overshadowed. Tough/weird day yesterday.
2. Have you read To Kill A Mockingbird lately? Like, since 9th grade when you had to? You should definitely go read it again. It is an amazingly good book. The voice of Scout is so perfect...such a child- figuring things out, assuming one thing and learning another...the cover says it's a "coming of age" story which always sounds so hokey...but Harper Lee writes Scout so beautifully- it doesn't have an ounce of "coming of age" corny. And then, of course, it hits on racism and the segregation in the south...in such a sad way. I found myself unable to blink on my bus ride home the other day because I knew the tears were pooling up and if I blinked, they would be running down my face. And the relationship between brother and sister, father and children, friends...sigh, it really is such a fantastic book. I remember liking it in 9th grade...it definitely wasn't one of those school books you have to force yourself to get through the assigned chapters each night...but I don't remember it being SO good. Which is why I am re-reading all those school books. Really though- go buy a copy (don't even check it out from the library...go buy it), and re-read it. Next up...hmmm, perhaps Great Gatsby?
3. Enjoyed a delightful Happy Hour at Chapel on Tuesday with some of the old radio folks. It was fun to get together and chat with people I don't see on a regular basis and catch up...and I was so excited to go to Chapel. Back in my National Promo Dir days, a group of us used to go up there almost once a week for their happy hour...they have a huuuge list of fun flavored martinis that are $5 (used to be $4 though!) and then some food items. I doubt I'll make it back there for quite awhile...because well, I just don't go out very much...but if you are in search of a new locale...you should give it a try. It's on Capitol Hill and it's a cool building...and the drinks are pretty strong (I had ONE martini...and chatted for about three hours and could still feel it a bit...granted, I'm a total lightwight...but still, only one.)
4. Oh man, I bought the last season of Gilmore Girls on DVD last...ummm, like, day after Thanksgiving or something...and JUST found it, so I have been watching an episode every night in bed before I fall asleep. I heart the Gilmore Girls. You know this...I am Rory, and my mom is Lorelai. I watched the CUTEST episode last night. Christopher (Rory's dad) and Lorelai have started dating again and he tells her he is going to take her out but won't say where (a surprise...I love it)...and he picked her up in some old convertible car (to which she replied "enjoy my hair now, because it won't look like this for long" I can vouch for that after driving with the jeep top down)...he drives her out to the middle of nowhere (she is trying to guess all along the way and has turned NYC dates into "are you going to murder me" dates...and he pulls up in front of this old abandoned barn and has set up a movie to play on the wall...like a drive in movie...and has packed all her favorite movie treats and they watched some old black and white movie. Sigh...sooo cute. THEN, same episode!, Logan (who I flipping adore) is working in London so he and Rory are working on doing this long distance relationship thing...and he calls her and tells her to go up to the roof because there is a meteor shower that he wants to "watch with her" (which, by the way, is cute enough on its own)...but instead- he is THERE, with a table all set up for dinner...surprise! Oh, I love it. And this is why I don't have a boyfriend. :-)
5. Good luck to all the Rock and Roll marathoners this weekend! I soooo wish I was running the half..next year, next year. Carb load up tonight, make sure you bring lots of packets of goo to slurp down on the course, drink your water...and have fun, enjoy the music! Those of you not running (probs most of you!)...I wouldn't plan to go anywhere tomorrow....check out the race course to find out which roads will be closed and how to get around town...pretty sure it will be a nightmare.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday Five 6/19
Thank goodness this week went by faster than last's...I actually think last week might STILL be happening somewhere. BUT, here is your Friday Five for THIS week...woo.
1. Thank you rain gods. It's about time. We were one day away from setting a record for days without any rain. I know I have been praying and hoping for continued sunshine due to the condition of my jeep (and it's lack of a functioning top), but the humidity that was happening here was ridiculous. This is the Northwest- we don't do humidity...we leave that miserable, sticky, gross feeling to you east coasters, and southerners, and mid-westerners. Not over here in the west. And certainly not here in Seattle, where air conditioning doesn't really exist. But rain it did- I was slightly surprised at the lifting of my heart, as I was frothing milk and pulling espresso shots, to see the rain start falling outside our store. Yes, my heart...it lifted. It is still a bit humid- but it is a tad better. The sky is overcast and I am happy.
2. Ohhh, the jeep. The jeep, the jeep. So I spent a good deal of time searching for the parts I need to keep the soft top from flying off as I drive (as it currently does)...Finally, I found them. I went to a jeep dealership, they helped me find the right parts and they have been ordered. The parts haven't arrived yet, so I can't drive in the rain...I put the top up temporarily (didn't put the windows in though...I haven't checked out the status of the inside since it started raining. I'm sure it's fine.) But, the parts are ordered. Sigh of relief. Let me tell you a little bit about the pride I felt when I drove into the jeep dealership. I pulled in, someone came out to meet me and asked how they can help me. And then asked what year my jeep was...and was blown away by the good condition it's in for how old it is. Then we walked in, and a whole group of the guys that worked there grouped around me and started talking about how the Sahara edition (what I have) was THE jeep to get back in the day, and how cool it was to see, and they all wanted to go check her out. Yeah...all you jeep naysayers...she is rad. The jeep people know.
3. I started and finished The Golden Compass this week. And I really liked it! The dads and I watched the movie last year in Barcelona...I didn't really know much about it, didn't even know it was a book (a trilogy, actually)...and someone left the book at my store, so I took it home and read it. Pretty fast. It has that sort of Lord of the Rings feel to it (not as good)...the whole innocence vs evil, magic, monsters- good and bad, twists and turns, etc. I have heard the first book is the best of the three, which is always a little disappointing to hear, but I am still planning on checking out the other two. If you haven't yet, I recommend the read. Now I have started my first re-read of To Kill A Mockingbird. Very excited.
4. Starbucks Shared Planet...I took a Barista 200 class this week for Starbucks and learned a lot more about what Starbucks' Shared Planet initiative is about. Before the class, I had heard the term tossed around a bit in the store, but never knew WHAT it was or what we, as partners or as customers, could do to be a part of it (or even if we wanted to be a part of it...really no clue what it was about). But, I learned. And it is really pretty cool. Starbucks has some hefty goals they are planning to reach by the year 2015- which are totally doable...IF we know about the tools they have provided and USE them. Right now I feel like there isn't much being done, at a store level, to implement changes and work toward our goals. So, I decided I am going to be the Shared Planet Embassador at my store...hehe. I'll post more information about it as I get things rolling. In the meantime, if you are interested in more information- go to www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet
5. I am looking into putting together an Adventurer's Club camping trip. Those involved in Adventurer's Club thus far (it isn't exclusive...you can be part if you want...just let me know and I'll give you the login to our event calendar!) are fairly indecisive and easygoing...which is nice, but means I have to make decisions, which I'm not so good at. They don't care where we camp- ocean, mountains, islands, eastern wa, etc...if you have any suggestions of cool campsites you recommend (that aren't too pricey- remember the objectives of A.C....cheap being one- and that will still have openings this late in the year), PLEASE pass them along so I can get this trip a-going. Yay.
That's it for this week...hope yours was stellar...see ya next week.
E
1. Thank you rain gods. It's about time. We were one day away from setting a record for days without any rain. I know I have been praying and hoping for continued sunshine due to the condition of my jeep (and it's lack of a functioning top), but the humidity that was happening here was ridiculous. This is the Northwest- we don't do humidity...we leave that miserable, sticky, gross feeling to you east coasters, and southerners, and mid-westerners. Not over here in the west. And certainly not here in Seattle, where air conditioning doesn't really exist. But rain it did- I was slightly surprised at the lifting of my heart, as I was frothing milk and pulling espresso shots, to see the rain start falling outside our store. Yes, my heart...it lifted. It is still a bit humid- but it is a tad better. The sky is overcast and I am happy.
2. Ohhh, the jeep. The jeep, the jeep. So I spent a good deal of time searching for the parts I need to keep the soft top from flying off as I drive (as it currently does)...Finally, I found them. I went to a jeep dealership, they helped me find the right parts and they have been ordered. The parts haven't arrived yet, so I can't drive in the rain...I put the top up temporarily (didn't put the windows in though...I haven't checked out the status of the inside since it started raining. I'm sure it's fine.) But, the parts are ordered. Sigh of relief. Let me tell you a little bit about the pride I felt when I drove into the jeep dealership. I pulled in, someone came out to meet me and asked how they can help me. And then asked what year my jeep was...and was blown away by the good condition it's in for how old it is. Then we walked in, and a whole group of the guys that worked there grouped around me and started talking about how the Sahara edition (what I have) was THE jeep to get back in the day, and how cool it was to see, and they all wanted to go check her out. Yeah...all you jeep naysayers...she is rad. The jeep people know.
3. I started and finished The Golden Compass this week. And I really liked it! The dads and I watched the movie last year in Barcelona...I didn't really know much about it, didn't even know it was a book (a trilogy, actually)...and someone left the book at my store, so I took it home and read it. Pretty fast. It has that sort of Lord of the Rings feel to it (not as good)...the whole innocence vs evil, magic, monsters- good and bad, twists and turns, etc. I have heard the first book is the best of the three, which is always a little disappointing to hear, but I am still planning on checking out the other two. If you haven't yet, I recommend the read. Now I have started my first re-read of To Kill A Mockingbird. Very excited.
4. Starbucks Shared Planet...I took a Barista 200 class this week for Starbucks and learned a lot more about what Starbucks' Shared Planet initiative is about. Before the class, I had heard the term tossed around a bit in the store, but never knew WHAT it was or what we, as partners or as customers, could do to be a part of it (or even if we wanted to be a part of it...really no clue what it was about). But, I learned. And it is really pretty cool. Starbucks has some hefty goals they are planning to reach by the year 2015- which are totally doable...IF we know about the tools they have provided and USE them. Right now I feel like there isn't much being done, at a store level, to implement changes and work toward our goals. So, I decided I am going to be the Shared Planet Embassador at my store...hehe. I'll post more information about it as I get things rolling. In the meantime, if you are interested in more information- go to www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet
5. I am looking into putting together an Adventurer's Club camping trip. Those involved in Adventurer's Club thus far (it isn't exclusive...you can be part if you want...just let me know and I'll give you the login to our event calendar!) are fairly indecisive and easygoing...which is nice, but means I have to make decisions, which I'm not so good at. They don't care where we camp- ocean, mountains, islands, eastern wa, etc...if you have any suggestions of cool campsites you recommend (that aren't too pricey- remember the objectives of A.C....cheap being one- and that will still have openings this late in the year), PLEASE pass them along so I can get this trip a-going. Yay.
That's it for this week...hope yours was stellar...see ya next week.
E
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday Five- Ways to Save a Buck
As I was thinking about what I would include in my Friday Five this week, I realized I have had a REALLY boring week. And that is because, in the past two weeks, I have spent a total of $20- $15 for gas and $5 for parking. I know, you are impressed/sad for me. My friend gave me the brilliant idea of Five Way to Save a Buck...so, here they are:
1. Search through the free weekly newspaper (Seattle Weekly, The Stranger) for free festivals or free classes. The Adventurers Club found a free class last weekend at a local mind/body/soul-type place. It was the first class in a series of regular, so the first one was free ($15 normally...what a steal!) We participated in some Nia. I told Rachel, prior to the start of class, that what happened in that room was not to leave that room- for two reasons- 1. I watched an online video about what Nia is, and I was already feeling uncomfortable before even arriving, and 2. I am the most uncoordinated dancer ever. It's embarrassing. Really. BUT, after going, and fully participating (it took me a few minutes to full on go for it)...I decided it was fun and definitely worth talking about. It was a lot of pretending, which I can TOTALLY do..."pretend you are wearing a cape and you have to hide inside of it, you are peaking around a corner..." Yeah, really. It wasn't the most difficult work out- though I think they were taking it easy because it was a free class, but it was definitely fun...and more importantly, cost NOTHING.
2. Make coffee beverages at home. It isn't as fun, I know. But, it helps if you find a mug that you really like...I have been collecting starbucks city mugs from all the places I've lived, and I like to drink my coffee drinks out of them, sit on my couch, and pretend the Eiffel Tower is right outside my window (I told you I am a really good pretender). Plus, I used a couple of my partner beverages (the free drinks I get when I work) to take home a few pumps of the mocha syrup or the chai syrup...so I can make a real starbucks beverage at home. You non-partners can't really do that...but maybe invest in some syrups, or chocolate syrup...or honey on top is pretty delicious (speaking of honey...I just saw some Honey Moon at QFC...as in Blue Moon...my favorite beer...I haven't had it yet, and sadly, I am babysitting tonight so will not be tasting it...but perhaps tomorrow? I'll let you know...) I digress...coffee at home, yes, saves you lots of money. Though if you had any intentions of visiting me at my store, by all means, pull out the cash and come say hello...it will make my day.
3. textsfromlastnight.com Ummm, have you been to this website yet? Yes? Well, then you know what I am talking about....tens of minutes of entertainment that is...oh yeah, free. No, you haven't? Ummm, go there right now. And be prepared to both laugh and be disgusted. In a funny way mostly though. People post their ridiculous texts from last night on the site...love it. Check it out. Totally free.
4. I know you have been wondering, since the beginning of my post, "Eryn- if you have spent $20 in the last two weeks and only on your beloved jeep...what are you eating?" Well, let me tell you about a little bit of deliciousness called gourmet box mac and cheese. Step 1. Take your preferred brand of box mac and cheese (kraft, annie's, trader joe's, safeway select, etc), prepare as directed on the box. 2. Go through your veggie drawer and pull out those vegetables that haven't quite gone bad yet (but are prob getting close?), throw them in the boiling water for the last 2 minutes of noodle boiling, 3. Search through your pantry for the emergency stash of tuna fish you have in the back, and throw that in the fully mixed dish. Voila...gourmet mac and cheese with all your basic food groups. This is also a fantastic meal option while touring around the country in a bus with a band...It's delicious. (I haven't really been living on that for two weeks...I've actually only had it once...though other similar creations have been discovered with random ingredients in said fridge and pantry). Your welcome.
5. So it's a beautiful, sunshiney day...and you really want to go out and enjoy it...but you know that if you go outside, you will be tempted to get some ice cream, perhaps at Molly Moon's? Then your super friend texts and asks if you want to stroll around Greenlake. Brilliant. Amy and I made ourselves some delicious coffee beverages at my apartment (if you are confused, refer to point number 2 in this issue of the Friday Five), and then walked over to Greenlake and around the lake and then back to the apartment. Awesome friend catching up time, vitamin D intake, and a false feeling of partaking in a work out. So good. Then Amy decided she REALLY wanted a Mighty O donut. So we hopped in the jeeper (still topless folks, the sun has not left me yet!) and turned the summer mix CD up, and did some dancing, singing, and mostly feeling rad and drove up to Mighty O. Ohhhh, closed. Luckily, Zoka is right across the street. Amy and I shared the largest slice of Key Lime pie in the world. Save money tip...share with a friend (unfortunately for Amy, she didn't actually save any money because she bought the full piece...I just ate half of it).
And that's how it works, kids. Today was payday...I just treated myself to a store-bought coffee...mostly because I have three hours to kill on Mercer Island between babysitting jobs...I figured I should purchase a drink instead of loitering.
Have a great weekend!
1. Search through the free weekly newspaper (Seattle Weekly, The Stranger) for free festivals or free classes. The Adventurers Club found a free class last weekend at a local mind/body/soul-type place. It was the first class in a series of regular, so the first one was free ($15 normally...what a steal!) We participated in some Nia. I told Rachel, prior to the start of class, that what happened in that room was not to leave that room- for two reasons- 1. I watched an online video about what Nia is, and I was already feeling uncomfortable before even arriving, and 2. I am the most uncoordinated dancer ever. It's embarrassing. Really. BUT, after going, and fully participating (it took me a few minutes to full on go for it)...I decided it was fun and definitely worth talking about. It was a lot of pretending, which I can TOTALLY do..."pretend you are wearing a cape and you have to hide inside of it, you are peaking around a corner..." Yeah, really. It wasn't the most difficult work out- though I think they were taking it easy because it was a free class, but it was definitely fun...and more importantly, cost NOTHING.
2. Make coffee beverages at home. It isn't as fun, I know. But, it helps if you find a mug that you really like...I have been collecting starbucks city mugs from all the places I've lived, and I like to drink my coffee drinks out of them, sit on my couch, and pretend the Eiffel Tower is right outside my window (I told you I am a really good pretender). Plus, I used a couple of my partner beverages (the free drinks I get when I work) to take home a few pumps of the mocha syrup or the chai syrup...so I can make a real starbucks beverage at home. You non-partners can't really do that...but maybe invest in some syrups, or chocolate syrup...or honey on top is pretty delicious (speaking of honey...I just saw some Honey Moon at QFC...as in Blue Moon...my favorite beer...I haven't had it yet, and sadly, I am babysitting tonight so will not be tasting it...but perhaps tomorrow? I'll let you know...) I digress...coffee at home, yes, saves you lots of money. Though if you had any intentions of visiting me at my store, by all means, pull out the cash and come say hello...it will make my day.
3. textsfromlastnight.com Ummm, have you been to this website yet? Yes? Well, then you know what I am talking about....tens of minutes of entertainment that is...oh yeah, free. No, you haven't? Ummm, go there right now. And be prepared to both laugh and be disgusted. In a funny way mostly though. People post their ridiculous texts from last night on the site...love it. Check it out. Totally free.
4. I know you have been wondering, since the beginning of my post, "Eryn- if you have spent $20 in the last two weeks and only on your beloved jeep...what are you eating?" Well, let me tell you about a little bit of deliciousness called gourmet box mac and cheese. Step 1. Take your preferred brand of box mac and cheese (kraft, annie's, trader joe's, safeway select, etc), prepare as directed on the box. 2. Go through your veggie drawer and pull out those vegetables that haven't quite gone bad yet (but are prob getting close?), throw them in the boiling water for the last 2 minutes of noodle boiling, 3. Search through your pantry for the emergency stash of tuna fish you have in the back, and throw that in the fully mixed dish. Voila...gourmet mac and cheese with all your basic food groups. This is also a fantastic meal option while touring around the country in a bus with a band...It's delicious. (I haven't really been living on that for two weeks...I've actually only had it once...though other similar creations have been discovered with random ingredients in said fridge and pantry). Your welcome.
5. So it's a beautiful, sunshiney day...and you really want to go out and enjoy it...but you know that if you go outside, you will be tempted to get some ice cream, perhaps at Molly Moon's? Then your super friend texts and asks if you want to stroll around Greenlake. Brilliant. Amy and I made ourselves some delicious coffee beverages at my apartment (if you are confused, refer to point number 2 in this issue of the Friday Five), and then walked over to Greenlake and around the lake and then back to the apartment. Awesome friend catching up time, vitamin D intake, and a false feeling of partaking in a work out. So good. Then Amy decided she REALLY wanted a Mighty O donut. So we hopped in the jeeper (still topless folks, the sun has not left me yet!) and turned the summer mix CD up, and did some dancing, singing, and mostly feeling rad and drove up to Mighty O. Ohhhh, closed. Luckily, Zoka is right across the street. Amy and I shared the largest slice of Key Lime pie in the world. Save money tip...share with a friend (unfortunately for Amy, she didn't actually save any money because she bought the full piece...I just ate half of it).
And that's how it works, kids. Today was payday...I just treated myself to a store-bought coffee...mostly because I have three hours to kill on Mercer Island between babysitting jobs...I figured I should purchase a drink instead of loitering.
Have a great weekend!
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