Okay...since coming back to the blogging, I have strayed a bit from the usual template…rather than writing five points, I’ve just been sharing what’s been going on. I’m going to attempt to move back to the five point post…mostly to keep my rambling to as much of a minimum as possible.
1. Santa Claus. I have been seeing/reading a lot this year about parents giving up on the Santa thing…to each his own, obviously, but oh, it makes me sad. I was/am a big fan of Santa. I used to wake up in the middle of the night Christmas Eve and sneak downstairs to see what Santa left for me (Santa didn’t wrap presents- he displayed them), and I would peak through my stocking, careful not to disturb the way it looked and give away that I had been there. Santa always left a stuffed animal on my little rocking horse that sits next to the tree, and I would take my new friend back up to bed with me. It never occurred to me that might give my sneaking away. What was more important than the Santa thing (which really, was one day of the whole Christmas season…I always knew the Santas at the stores weren’t the real guy), was that I learned the Christmas story. We saw the Christmas pageants at church, and we talked about what Christmas is actually about. We had the nativity scenes around the house that I would sit and play with. I definitely understood what Christmas was. I can see how people might worry that, for a kid, Santa could overshadow Jesus. But I know that believing in Santa never did that for me. I really think that having conversations about what the Christmas season is about is what matters. I have also heard the argument that we teach our kids to trust us and then we lie to them…. I NEVER once even considered it being a lie. It never made me mad that my family created a magical story for my childhood (okay, not going to lie…Santa still stops at my house). That would be like getting pissed about Disney. Anyway…I know I'm not a parent, and everyone has their own traditions and beliefs...but, for me, Santa never took away from the reason for Christmas- Santa was/is just a fun and silly way to enjoy family and get excited for the big day…and I can’t wait for what crazy antics Santa will have planned for my kids one day!
2. Elf on the Shelf- Speaking of magical stories for kids…do you know about the Elf on the Shelf? They are these little stuffed animal/plastic faced toy elves that Santa sends out to households to keep an eye on the kids. Your family’s elf (who the kid has to name before the magic will start…my friend’s elf is Mr. Doodle Paws…apparently the naming was quite a process) flies back to the North Pole each night and reports to Santa if the kid should be on the good list or the naughty list. And then he flies back to the house and is usually found causing mischief somewhere in the house for the kids to find each morning. My mom has been talking about these elves for a couple of years and what a fun tradition it is…well, I took one look at the creepy elves and decided I wasn’t interested. Until this year…I joined Pinterest, and have seen pictures of all kinds of creative things to have your elf doing for the kids to find…SO FUN. I might want to find a different elf though…Brian suggested perhaps an Elvis on the Shelvis. Nice.
3. Charity Gifts? I’m looking for some thoughts and opinions on this one. As I’ve been making my Christmas gift list (the list of who and what to buy for), I started thinking again about an option I have considered for the past few years. What are your thoughts on spending the money you would on an okay gift (I have a lot of people to buy for…I’m not getting exceptional things for them!), to make a donation toward a cause that would be important to that person? Rather than getting them a mug and gift card to Starbucks (which I’m sure they would love and would use, but would be forgotten after a week), I make a donation that is personal to that person’s interests or cares? Or do you think it is a little bit lame and really, people would rather be able to treat themselves to a peppermint mocha when they normally only allow themselves an Americano? I really go back and forth. What do you think?
4. Snow. I mean, really…are you tired of reading about snow from me? I know, I know…but I refuse to give up. Most of the time that snow is predicted, it doesn’t happen, so who can say that it won’t happen when it isn’t predicted? Two days ago there were snow showers in the forecast for right before Christmas…and a few hours later, they were gone. It has been so cold…right on that cusp of snow and rain. The fluffy white flakes would just really make my holiday time as magical as could be…pleeeeeassssseeee??
5. May Disney trip. I’m still planning on taking the 30th birthday trip in May down to Disney World…if you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit, what better time than then? Registration just opened up for the Expedition Everest Challenge (May 5th), so if you are interested in coming along for my birthday trip, and participating in the race (really, it’s super fun and low key…no need to be any kind of runner), head on over to the page and take a look. It is a partner race, so you have to sign up with someone to race with. Here is the link and info…
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/expedition-everest-challenge
And that’s all for this week…hope your has been fantastic!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Christmastime!
Ahhh, can’t believe it is already Thursday. This week has been a mix of slow motion (I think due to the fact that I’ve been getting to work at 7am, and so am tiiiired…funny how much changes in just a couple of years…I used to get up at 3:45am for work…oh Starbucks…I don’t miss that EVER), but the week has also somehow just FLOWN by…I guess because it has been busy.
I really feel like we have been enjoying the holidays to the max this year, which makes me really happy. We still need to go to ZooLights in Tacoma, ice skating, take a drive through some neighborhood known for its lights, bake Christmas cookies (that doesn’t come until later anyway though)…and then of course, the snow. It must snow. But I have no control over that one.
So far:
Decorating- Nothing compared to my mom’s house…but it takes time to get a collection like that…We have the Christmas tree (Doug), who is still just as handsome as ever. We haven’t put any ornaments on him…just the big, outdoor lights. Then of course, I got crafty and made the felt tree skirt…I can’t think of anything more holiday-y than crafting a tree skirt. Brian was able to snag a nice live wreath from work, complete with pine cones and a big red bow. She was immediately named A-wreath-a…and she will only be complete once she gets a motion sensor attached to play a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T every time a person walks by. I wanted to use some of Doug’s trimmed branches for décor, but have gotten lazy with that.
Gingerbread House- oh yes, Olga and I spent an evening decorating gingerbread houses. She picked up a couple of kits from Costco, made a yummy light dinner, and we spent some time catching up, while sneaking tastes of frosting and gummy candy. I really need to start carrying my camera so I can add photos of these delights I speak of. Maybe a photo blog soon.
We went to our first Christmas party of the season last weekend…which was just about as charming as a Christmas party could possibly be (without cute kids for singing carols anyway)…there were fun and fancy beverages, yummy appetizers, a little gift exchange (Brian was VERY excited for the gift he brought…the nerf guns were on sale at Fred Meyer…he even bought me one of my own…what a guy), popper favors that included tissue paper crowns and a joke, an AMAAAAZING chocolate cake, warm festive comfortable home, and of course…the great company of friends.
The Round had their annual Holiday show at the Triple Door (if you haven’t read the dozens of times I’ve written about the Triple Door…it’s my very favorite place for a show). This year there were two different sets of musicians, that did 3 ‘rounds’ of music each. I really look forward to the Holiday round each year…I love going to the Round anyway…local musicians playing together, poetry, painting, etc…but having a bunch of local musicians sitting around playing Christmas songs is great, because as somber and sad and pretty as they play those songs, they are still Christmas songs, which makes them joyful. Anyway…I was a little bit disappointed with this show…the musicians just didn’t play very many Christmas songs…they did winter-y songs, many original…but only a few traditional songs. Bummer. Still good, just not what I was hoping for.
Speaking of music…I have created myself a nice Christmas playlist on Spotify that I listen to while I process paperwork at work…I have quite a mix of musicians on the list…from Bing Crosby to Elvis to Mariah Carey, to Biebs to She & Him, etc…but my favorites are definitely the Sufjan Stevens songs….jeez, they are so pretty. Listening to them at this very moment and feeling very Merry.
I am more ahead of my Christmas gifts than I usually am…though I still have a ways to go…I have taken a few different shopping trips, getting a few things each time. I took a couple of days off work right before Christmas, so I won’t have to worry about being super stressed out at the last minute. Yay!
Side note…I wish the Elf on a Shelf elves were cuter. I think they are kind of scary looking actually…but I think it is such a cute idea.
In other news…
-Went and saw Hugo, the new Martin Scorsese movie…it was different than I expected, but I really enjoyed it. It’s a 3-D movie, which I don’t generally like, but it was shot in 3-D (however that technology works), so really immerses you in the movie, not just a few things here and there. And no headache, which I usually get in 3-d movies.
-My basketball season is winding down…this is the second to last week. I really have had so much fun…I don’t know how much of a ‘coach’ I was…with the little kids, and not having any practices once games get going…but they have definitely improved dramatically from our first few practices…so that’s something. I went to a coaches meeting last night for next season- 4th/5th grade girls. Amazing the difference. This sounds like real basketball…10 ft hoop, 3-pointers, foul shots, over and back, etc. And I was talking to the other coaches (all dads and me), and I guess they have lost some girls on their teams because they have gone to year round soccer. WHAT? Year round, single sport exclusivity…in 4th/5th grade?! That is crazy. And sad to me. Sad because not only are the girls missing out on other really fun experiences and opportunities, they are also going to have a crazy amount of pressure on them! I mean, even when I was playing basketball year round, I still played other sports. Also sad to me…the 4th/5th grade boys have had a waiting list to get on a team for over a month- there are so many kids that want to play…but the girls…we don’t even have enough for 5 teams. C’mon gals…though I guess when I played at the Boys & Girls Club, there weren’t girls teams…I just played on the boys team.
All for now…have a great weekend!
I really feel like we have been enjoying the holidays to the max this year, which makes me really happy. We still need to go to ZooLights in Tacoma, ice skating, take a drive through some neighborhood known for its lights, bake Christmas cookies (that doesn’t come until later anyway though)…and then of course, the snow. It must snow. But I have no control over that one.
So far:
Decorating- Nothing compared to my mom’s house…but it takes time to get a collection like that…We have the Christmas tree (Doug), who is still just as handsome as ever. We haven’t put any ornaments on him…just the big, outdoor lights. Then of course, I got crafty and made the felt tree skirt…I can’t think of anything more holiday-y than crafting a tree skirt. Brian was able to snag a nice live wreath from work, complete with pine cones and a big red bow. She was immediately named A-wreath-a…and she will only be complete once she gets a motion sensor attached to play a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T every time a person walks by. I wanted to use some of Doug’s trimmed branches for décor, but have gotten lazy with that.
Gingerbread House- oh yes, Olga and I spent an evening decorating gingerbread houses. She picked up a couple of kits from Costco, made a yummy light dinner, and we spent some time catching up, while sneaking tastes of frosting and gummy candy. I really need to start carrying my camera so I can add photos of these delights I speak of. Maybe a photo blog soon.
We went to our first Christmas party of the season last weekend…which was just about as charming as a Christmas party could possibly be (without cute kids for singing carols anyway)…there were fun and fancy beverages, yummy appetizers, a little gift exchange (Brian was VERY excited for the gift he brought…the nerf guns were on sale at Fred Meyer…he even bought me one of my own…what a guy), popper favors that included tissue paper crowns and a joke, an AMAAAAZING chocolate cake, warm festive comfortable home, and of course…the great company of friends.
The Round had their annual Holiday show at the Triple Door (if you haven’t read the dozens of times I’ve written about the Triple Door…it’s my very favorite place for a show). This year there were two different sets of musicians, that did 3 ‘rounds’ of music each. I really look forward to the Holiday round each year…I love going to the Round anyway…local musicians playing together, poetry, painting, etc…but having a bunch of local musicians sitting around playing Christmas songs is great, because as somber and sad and pretty as they play those songs, they are still Christmas songs, which makes them joyful. Anyway…I was a little bit disappointed with this show…the musicians just didn’t play very many Christmas songs…they did winter-y songs, many original…but only a few traditional songs. Bummer. Still good, just not what I was hoping for.
Speaking of music…I have created myself a nice Christmas playlist on Spotify that I listen to while I process paperwork at work…I have quite a mix of musicians on the list…from Bing Crosby to Elvis to Mariah Carey, to Biebs to She & Him, etc…but my favorites are definitely the Sufjan Stevens songs….jeez, they are so pretty. Listening to them at this very moment and feeling very Merry.
I am more ahead of my Christmas gifts than I usually am…though I still have a ways to go…I have taken a few different shopping trips, getting a few things each time. I took a couple of days off work right before Christmas, so I won’t have to worry about being super stressed out at the last minute. Yay!
Side note…I wish the Elf on a Shelf elves were cuter. I think they are kind of scary looking actually…but I think it is such a cute idea.
In other news…
-Went and saw Hugo, the new Martin Scorsese movie…it was different than I expected, but I really enjoyed it. It’s a 3-D movie, which I don’t generally like, but it was shot in 3-D (however that technology works), so really immerses you in the movie, not just a few things here and there. And no headache, which I usually get in 3-d movies.
-My basketball season is winding down…this is the second to last week. I really have had so much fun…I don’t know how much of a ‘coach’ I was…with the little kids, and not having any practices once games get going…but they have definitely improved dramatically from our first few practices…so that’s something. I went to a coaches meeting last night for next season- 4th/5th grade girls. Amazing the difference. This sounds like real basketball…10 ft hoop, 3-pointers, foul shots, over and back, etc. And I was talking to the other coaches (all dads and me), and I guess they have lost some girls on their teams because they have gone to year round soccer. WHAT? Year round, single sport exclusivity…in 4th/5th grade?! That is crazy. And sad to me. Sad because not only are the girls missing out on other really fun experiences and opportunities, they are also going to have a crazy amount of pressure on them! I mean, even when I was playing basketball year round, I still played other sports. Also sad to me…the 4th/5th grade boys have had a waiting list to get on a team for over a month- there are so many kids that want to play…but the girls…we don’t even have enough for 5 teams. C’mon gals…though I guess when I played at the Boys & Girls Club, there weren’t girls teams…I just played on the boys team.
All for now…have a great weekend!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Christmas season is here!
I hope you all had a super awesome Thanksgiving, full of delicious food and delightful company. This year Brian and I got to celebrate Thanksgiving four times! First with my mom and Ron (and the brie stuffed, prosciutto wrapped turkey), then a Friendsgiving with my old roomie, then with Brian’s fam and fun Alaska relatives that I hadn’t met before (SO thankful that I REALLY like Brian’s family and always look forward to seeing them), and then finally wrapped up the tour on Thanksgiving day with my dad’s side of the family, which unfortunately for Brian (or maybe fortunately) turned out to be a pretty mild version of a Pate holiday. Love that we have a holiday specifically to remind us to be thankful for all that we have.
And speaking of Thanksgiving, I’m so glad it is over so that I can legitimately be pumped for Christmas. Christmas music can be played openly, the decorations can officially come out, Christmas movies are allowed…now if only it would just snow. Thinking of getting in the Christmas spirit and preparing for the season, if you are looking for some tasty holiday recipes, my pal Shawn Stewart has started a new blog full of goodies- plus, she is an awesome writer, and just an all around stellar lady...check it out: www.shawnalogue.wordpress.com/
Brian grew up with a fake tree for Christmas, so this year he was super excited to find the perfect live one…like the Griswold family trip out to the middle of nowhere to find the tree that heaven shines a light on…but for us, no need for the middle of nowhere part, we found it at Fred Meyer. We may have stolen someone else’s tree…Brian spotted THE tree while someone else was checking it out…the second they stepped away, we stepped in and snatched it up. Next is the tying it to the roof of the car…neither of us had done that before on our own, but we got some twine and figured it out, driving ever so slowly back home. Then we got home and realized we didn’t have a saw to cut off an inch at the bottom…but oh well, the tree (who we have grown quite fond of and named Doug) would probably be fine. Then the tree stand was too small for Doug, so we had to go back to Fred Meyer for another tree stand. Finally we got him up and wrapped four strands of lights around him, plugged him in, and boy was he glorious!
But three days later, the water hadn’t gone down any…Doug was going to die quickly if he didn’t get some water. So we borrowed a saw, took all the lights back off, and in Brian’s living room I hugged the tree steady while Brian sawed an inch or so off, and then trimmed the bottom branches (which was definitely needed). We set Doug back up, re-strung him with lights, and he looks much more like a Christmas tree now. Especially because….
Guess what I did? I got about as crafty as I get, and made a felt tree skirt! We made the trek out to Jo-Ann fabrics to get the material, made a guess at measurements, grabbed the basic Christmas colors (red for the base, sparkly green for some evergreen trees, and white for the snow), and I did some cutting and gluing…and I think it is almost cute. Certainly a nice addition to the full Doug package. I also made a couple of stockings with extra felt…but they turned out like something a 4th grader did during art in school…oh well.
Trader Joes has made me super lazy about cooking. Their frozen options are good, and so easy. Usually I don’t love the meat options there, but Brian and I tried their BBQ pulled chicken the other night, and it was pretty darn good. That will definitely need to be added into the dinner rotation. They have some tasty (with garlic butter and nice seasoning) frozen vegetable medleys also, that even Brian likes…and they make the kitchen smell yummy too.
Oh- I hope you saw the awesome flight deals Alaska Airlines released earlier in the week! One way tickets to destinations you actually want to visit ranging from $40-$150 (some, like Mexico or Alaska were more than that). It seemed like Friday and Sunday travel dates were blocked from the cheap fares, and you have to fly before March…but other than that, pretty easy to book. I’m going to San Fran to celebrate one of my dearest friends 30th birthday in February…after taxes and everything it was $121. So excited to be able to make that trip.
Okay, this is getting too long…wanted to talk about the Apple Cup (Brian and I went and had awesome seats…SO much fun!), but I’ll just leave it at that…great game- way to go Huskies!
Have a great week!
And speaking of Thanksgiving, I’m so glad it is over so that I can legitimately be pumped for Christmas. Christmas music can be played openly, the decorations can officially come out, Christmas movies are allowed…now if only it would just snow. Thinking of getting in the Christmas spirit and preparing for the season, if you are looking for some tasty holiday recipes, my pal Shawn Stewart has started a new blog full of goodies- plus, she is an awesome writer, and just an all around stellar lady...check it out: www.shawnalogue.wordpress.com/
Brian grew up with a fake tree for Christmas, so this year he was super excited to find the perfect live one…like the Griswold family trip out to the middle of nowhere to find the tree that heaven shines a light on…but for us, no need for the middle of nowhere part, we found it at Fred Meyer. We may have stolen someone else’s tree…Brian spotted THE tree while someone else was checking it out…the second they stepped away, we stepped in and snatched it up. Next is the tying it to the roof of the car…neither of us had done that before on our own, but we got some twine and figured it out, driving ever so slowly back home. Then we got home and realized we didn’t have a saw to cut off an inch at the bottom…but oh well, the tree (who we have grown quite fond of and named Doug) would probably be fine. Then the tree stand was too small for Doug, so we had to go back to Fred Meyer for another tree stand. Finally we got him up and wrapped four strands of lights around him, plugged him in, and boy was he glorious!
But three days later, the water hadn’t gone down any…Doug was going to die quickly if he didn’t get some water. So we borrowed a saw, took all the lights back off, and in Brian’s living room I hugged the tree steady while Brian sawed an inch or so off, and then trimmed the bottom branches (which was definitely needed). We set Doug back up, re-strung him with lights, and he looks much more like a Christmas tree now. Especially because….
Guess what I did? I got about as crafty as I get, and made a felt tree skirt! We made the trek out to Jo-Ann fabrics to get the material, made a guess at measurements, grabbed the basic Christmas colors (red for the base, sparkly green for some evergreen trees, and white for the snow), and I did some cutting and gluing…and I think it is almost cute. Certainly a nice addition to the full Doug package. I also made a couple of stockings with extra felt…but they turned out like something a 4th grader did during art in school…oh well.
Trader Joes has made me super lazy about cooking. Their frozen options are good, and so easy. Usually I don’t love the meat options there, but Brian and I tried their BBQ pulled chicken the other night, and it was pretty darn good. That will definitely need to be added into the dinner rotation. They have some tasty (with garlic butter and nice seasoning) frozen vegetable medleys also, that even Brian likes…and they make the kitchen smell yummy too.
Oh- I hope you saw the awesome flight deals Alaska Airlines released earlier in the week! One way tickets to destinations you actually want to visit ranging from $40-$150 (some, like Mexico or Alaska were more than that). It seemed like Friday and Sunday travel dates were blocked from the cheap fares, and you have to fly before March…but other than that, pretty easy to book. I’m going to San Fran to celebrate one of my dearest friends 30th birthday in February…after taxes and everything it was $121. So excited to be able to make that trip.
Okay, this is getting too long…wanted to talk about the Apple Cup (Brian and I went and had awesome seats…SO much fun!), but I’ll just leave it at that…great game- way to go Huskies!
Have a great week!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving week
I wrote this a few days ago, but only got to posting today...so it's a little dated.
You know how some days you wake up and then everything just goes your way…even the little things, like the crosswalk turns to walk as soon as you step up to the curb? I had one of those days on Sunday. Well, ALMOST one of those days. Which was much needed after the previous week!
I woke up Sunday morning and jumped in the newly covered jeep (yep, she is all ready for winter and looking like a legitimate rugged vehicle with her hard top back in place). Drove down to 826 for a special volunteer only event. Donuts with Dave…Dave Eggers was in town, so 826 arranged an event for about 40 volunteers to sit and chat and enjoy Mighty O donuts. Dave Eggers and Mighty O- could the day start any better? I don’t think so.
It was a super casual chat…he asked questions about what we were up to at 826, things we like, things we’d like to see happen. He talked about some of the other chapters and even offered to give relationship advice to anyone in need. I loved the way he talked about public education…along with other volunteers in the group- many of who are or have been teachers. Someone asked if 826 ever gets involved with politics (the answer is no, it is a non profit and can’t do any lobbying), in an education way, because the Seattle school district is really awful, etc…and another volunteer responded about how easy it is to group everybody together, but that there are some really amazing teachers and things happening in the Seattle school district. It is easy to only focus on the bad, and that there will be plenty of that- it is a LARGE, urban school district, but it is not lacking in teachers that care and work toward making a difference. She got a little choked up while she was saying this stuff…which I thought was really cool…she certainly cares. Also, Dave recently produced a documentary that follows four teachers around throughout the stages of their careers…it’s called American Teacher, and it looks great. Wish I could remember everything we talked about...
Right after 826, I drove down to U Village to meet up with the Dinner Club gals for the annual Christmas shopping trip. I got there a little earlier than them, so stopped to get a peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks. So, I realize that I worked at Starbucks and that my drinks might be a little bit high maintenance (they really aren’t that difficult…I don’t ask for a particular temperature or amount of foam…I just think Starbucks drinks are too sweet, so I ask for fewer pumps of syrup…and nonfat milk…and no whip…etc), well…my drink is often made incorrectly. But this Starbucks made my peppermint hot chocolate JUST right. That right there, was enough to make my day great….BUT THEN, as I was leaving, I ran into my friend Olga, that I haven’t seen in waaaay too long. What a treat…a surprise run in with a few minutes to sit and chat. Big smile.
Then shopping with the gals…not super productive…I think we made it to 3 stores in two hours. I made one small purchase. But it was fun to hang out and browse and talk. I had to leave before everyone was done because I had to make a pie for Friendsgiving that night.
The pie-making ended up being the one not perfect part of the day…my TJ’s crust didn’t thaw in time, so we just had to stop at the store and pick one up. Wah wah wah. I don’t think friends at Friendsgiving cared that much though.
In other news…
- Jeep has her winter top….we are all ready and eagerly awaiting the next snow excitement. Took a little longer than usual, as the top gets morphed and re-shaped a little bit more every year. Haven’t come across any bonus spiders while driving yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
- Had Thanksgiving with my mom and Ron…my mom made turkey that was stuffed with brie and wrapped in prosciutto. Ummm, yum.
- Bought a full pie from A La Mode- the new pie place down the street- for my mom’s thanksgiving. It’s a little bit expensive, but oh my, so good. I wish I could make crust like that. We ordered another pie from there for Thanksgiving with Brian’s family tonight.
And finally, in very sad news…we finished the full series of Friday Night Lights. I have written about FNL plenty of times on here. I love this show. Brian decided he would watch with me, so I got to start all the way at the beginning again, which meant I didn’t watch the final season when it was on TV. I was trying to keep the final season going as long as possible…only watching one episode at a time. But last night, we finished. I’m not going to give anything away because, again, as mentioned many times in previous posts, you should watch it! But, I’m so sad it is over…and I hope they don’t make a movie.
That’s all for this blustery day (I got to wear my Eeyore rainboots today)..have a fantastic holiday weekend…I am so thankful for YOU!
You know how some days you wake up and then everything just goes your way…even the little things, like the crosswalk turns to walk as soon as you step up to the curb? I had one of those days on Sunday. Well, ALMOST one of those days. Which was much needed after the previous week!
I woke up Sunday morning and jumped in the newly covered jeep (yep, she is all ready for winter and looking like a legitimate rugged vehicle with her hard top back in place). Drove down to 826 for a special volunteer only event. Donuts with Dave…Dave Eggers was in town, so 826 arranged an event for about 40 volunteers to sit and chat and enjoy Mighty O donuts. Dave Eggers and Mighty O- could the day start any better? I don’t think so.
It was a super casual chat…he asked questions about what we were up to at 826, things we like, things we’d like to see happen. He talked about some of the other chapters and even offered to give relationship advice to anyone in need. I loved the way he talked about public education…along with other volunteers in the group- many of who are or have been teachers. Someone asked if 826 ever gets involved with politics (the answer is no, it is a non profit and can’t do any lobbying), in an education way, because the Seattle school district is really awful, etc…and another volunteer responded about how easy it is to group everybody together, but that there are some really amazing teachers and things happening in the Seattle school district. It is easy to only focus on the bad, and that there will be plenty of that- it is a LARGE, urban school district, but it is not lacking in teachers that care and work toward making a difference. She got a little choked up while she was saying this stuff…which I thought was really cool…she certainly cares. Also, Dave recently produced a documentary that follows four teachers around throughout the stages of their careers…it’s called American Teacher, and it looks great. Wish I could remember everything we talked about...
Right after 826, I drove down to U Village to meet up with the Dinner Club gals for the annual Christmas shopping trip. I got there a little earlier than them, so stopped to get a peppermint hot chocolate at Starbucks. So, I realize that I worked at Starbucks and that my drinks might be a little bit high maintenance (they really aren’t that difficult…I don’t ask for a particular temperature or amount of foam…I just think Starbucks drinks are too sweet, so I ask for fewer pumps of syrup…and nonfat milk…and no whip…etc), well…my drink is often made incorrectly. But this Starbucks made my peppermint hot chocolate JUST right. That right there, was enough to make my day great….BUT THEN, as I was leaving, I ran into my friend Olga, that I haven’t seen in waaaay too long. What a treat…a surprise run in with a few minutes to sit and chat. Big smile.
Then shopping with the gals…not super productive…I think we made it to 3 stores in two hours. I made one small purchase. But it was fun to hang out and browse and talk. I had to leave before everyone was done because I had to make a pie for Friendsgiving that night.
The pie-making ended up being the one not perfect part of the day…my TJ’s crust didn’t thaw in time, so we just had to stop at the store and pick one up. Wah wah wah. I don’t think friends at Friendsgiving cared that much though.
In other news…
- Jeep has her winter top….we are all ready and eagerly awaiting the next snow excitement. Took a little longer than usual, as the top gets morphed and re-shaped a little bit more every year. Haven’t come across any bonus spiders while driving yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
- Had Thanksgiving with my mom and Ron…my mom made turkey that was stuffed with brie and wrapped in prosciutto. Ummm, yum.
- Bought a full pie from A La Mode- the new pie place down the street- for my mom’s thanksgiving. It’s a little bit expensive, but oh my, so good. I wish I could make crust like that. We ordered another pie from there for Thanksgiving with Brian’s family tonight.
And finally, in very sad news…we finished the full series of Friday Night Lights. I have written about FNL plenty of times on here. I love this show. Brian decided he would watch with me, so I got to start all the way at the beginning again, which meant I didn’t watch the final season when it was on TV. I was trying to keep the final season going as long as possible…only watching one episode at a time. But last night, we finished. I’m not going to give anything away because, again, as mentioned many times in previous posts, you should watch it! But, I’m so sad it is over…and I hope they don’t make a movie.
That’s all for this blustery day (I got to wear my Eeyore rainboots today)..have a fantastic holiday weekend…I am so thankful for YOU!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Zayda Buddy's...?
Oh my gosh…there is snow in the forecast! I mean, maybe it says rain/snow mix, but at the beginning of the possible snow season, those giant slushy drops are almost just as exciting. Brian and I are heading to my parents’ house this weekend for an early Thanksgiving meal (my mom and Ron are going to Disney World for Thanksgiving…and then another week and half following…those jerks), Christmas decorating, and to put the hard top back on the jeep and get her all ready for the winter. She loves going into 4WD and cruising the snowy streets. She wasn’t running very well for a brief period there, but seems to be fine now…I didn’t do anything…just checked her oil and put some good quality gas in her…I think she just wanted a little attention and so was acting up. Silly jeep.
I took last Friday off from work…which was awesome and needed. My book club all had the day off for Veteran’s Day, and I have missed the last few book clubs, so I decided I wanted to be part of the Friday brunch! Oh brunch…yummm. There was quiche, there was that super cheesy and sour creamy potato casserole, there was a sausage egg casserole, there were muffins and fruit…I made a raspberry cream cheese coffee cake. And we sat and chatted for more than three hours…while it poured rain outside. It was just so nice. I recently got a tv (I haven't had one since I moved into my new place in May)…I can't watch tv, but I can watch movies. So I got home after book club, turned the heat up in my room, and had every intention of cleaning my room while I watched a movie. Guess what? No cleaning was done. I got REAL cozy in a blanket and fell asleep to My Blueberry Nights.
Friday night Brian and I went to the newly made into music venue- Neptune Theater for some local music. Hey Marseilles was releasing something…wasn’t entirely sure what, but they did play a ton of new stuff…so it was something new. I was super excited for Hey Marseilles…I love that band…they are so fun and charming and…whimsical isn’t the right word…but every time I listen to them, I remember strolling around Paris on the weekends. Bryan John Appleby opened…I also adore Bryan John Appleby- though he had a weird setlist that I didn’t so much adore. But oh well. AND the theater was pretty cool! Brian said it would be perfect for a high school Under The Sea dance…and that is very true.
AND, the news you have all been waiting for…how did the Shooting Fireballs/Chicago Sky/Team 9 (my little basketball team, duh) play on Saturday morning? Oh my gosh…they were AMAZING! I was shocked…in awe! They didn’t have any travels, they passed the ball to each other, they rebounded like animals…they ran up and down the court like there was no tomorrow. I mean…I was really proud of them. Mostly I was proud of their passing. During scrimmages at practice, nobody wanted to give the ball up, and when they did it was a weak little bounce pass, easily stolen….but they threw really smart passes. They found people open under the basket. Brian showed up with the snacks (which was still a hot topic, even on the bench while the game was going on…WHERE ARE THE SNACKS!)…we had juice boxes, satsumas, and mini Might O donuts. What a day!
I have been biiiig time craving some Zayda Buddy's recently. Zayda Buddy's is a Minnesota pizza bar down in Ballard. Brian and I went a lot last football season to watch games, and then tend to make it there…maybe once a month just for fun. It’s always a VERY special treat when we decide to go…it can turn a bad day around immediately…and is always the first place we think of when we are starving (though that isn’t always a great idea because sometimes it takes awhile for the pizza to come out) our pizza of choice is the Chelsea Chelsea…it’s pepperoni pizza with shelled macaroni and cheese on top (we tried putting mac and cheese on our pizza at home…sooo not the same)…anyway…we have had plans for the last two weeks to go, but for one reason or another haven’t made it…and I talk about it pretty much every day. I want to go! Yesterday I was going to a craft thing that was providing dinner and Brian was all bummed out that he had to figure out his own dinner. And then he told me he was going to go to Zayda Buddy's! Can you believe that. I told him it was the rudest thing he has ever said to me. Of course, he was kidding…but I really want to go tonight. Maybe? Just maybe…
Later
I took last Friday off from work…which was awesome and needed. My book club all had the day off for Veteran’s Day, and I have missed the last few book clubs, so I decided I wanted to be part of the Friday brunch! Oh brunch…yummm. There was quiche, there was that super cheesy and sour creamy potato casserole, there was a sausage egg casserole, there were muffins and fruit…I made a raspberry cream cheese coffee cake. And we sat and chatted for more than three hours…while it poured rain outside. It was just so nice. I recently got a tv (I haven't had one since I moved into my new place in May)…I can't watch tv, but I can watch movies. So I got home after book club, turned the heat up in my room, and had every intention of cleaning my room while I watched a movie. Guess what? No cleaning was done. I got REAL cozy in a blanket and fell asleep to My Blueberry Nights.
Friday night Brian and I went to the newly made into music venue- Neptune Theater for some local music. Hey Marseilles was releasing something…wasn’t entirely sure what, but they did play a ton of new stuff…so it was something new. I was super excited for Hey Marseilles…I love that band…they are so fun and charming and…whimsical isn’t the right word…but every time I listen to them, I remember strolling around Paris on the weekends. Bryan John Appleby opened…I also adore Bryan John Appleby- though he had a weird setlist that I didn’t so much adore. But oh well. AND the theater was pretty cool! Brian said it would be perfect for a high school Under The Sea dance…and that is very true.
AND, the news you have all been waiting for…how did the Shooting Fireballs/Chicago Sky/Team 9 (my little basketball team, duh) play on Saturday morning? Oh my gosh…they were AMAZING! I was shocked…in awe! They didn’t have any travels, they passed the ball to each other, they rebounded like animals…they ran up and down the court like there was no tomorrow. I mean…I was really proud of them. Mostly I was proud of their passing. During scrimmages at practice, nobody wanted to give the ball up, and when they did it was a weak little bounce pass, easily stolen….but they threw really smart passes. They found people open under the basket. Brian showed up with the snacks (which was still a hot topic, even on the bench while the game was going on…WHERE ARE THE SNACKS!)…we had juice boxes, satsumas, and mini Might O donuts. What a day!
I have been biiiig time craving some Zayda Buddy's recently. Zayda Buddy's is a Minnesota pizza bar down in Ballard. Brian and I went a lot last football season to watch games, and then tend to make it there…maybe once a month just for fun. It’s always a VERY special treat when we decide to go…it can turn a bad day around immediately…and is always the first place we think of when we are starving (though that isn’t always a great idea because sometimes it takes awhile for the pizza to come out) our pizza of choice is the Chelsea Chelsea…it’s pepperoni pizza with shelled macaroni and cheese on top (we tried putting mac and cheese on our pizza at home…sooo not the same)…anyway…we have had plans for the last two weeks to go, but for one reason or another haven’t made it…and I talk about it pretty much every day. I want to go! Yesterday I was going to a craft thing that was providing dinner and Brian was all bummed out that he had to figure out his own dinner. And then he told me he was going to go to Zayda Buddy's! Can you believe that. I told him it was the rudest thing he has ever said to me. Of course, he was kidding…but I really want to go tonight. Maybe? Just maybe…
Later
Monday, November 7, 2011
November already
I can’t believe we are a week into November. We had snow in November last year! Oh, I want it to snow. Every time I step outside in the evening, it smells like snow to me. I think it is probably just everything getting situated with the new temperatures. I’m trying hard to appreciate each sunny Fall day we have been getting (we really have had such a beautiful Fall), but I am so ready for some snow…lots of snow. Though maybe I should get the hard top on the jeep first…
I am finally feeling a little bit of relief from work…I had a huge project two weeks ago, that still has a few loose ends, but is mostly complete, and then a smaller but still significant project that finished up this last Friday. Sigh…glad to be back into a semi-normal routine again. I definitely feel more awake and aware now that those are done.
My basketball team had our last practice on Saturday before our first game next Saturday. Obviously, the game doesn’t matter and they will all go out and play and have fun…but oh dear, I am worried about the game. I think there is maybe one or two girls that have ever played in a game ever…and we have really only been able to scrimmage a couple of times, due to the lack of numbers at each practice. And even those were only half court scrimmages… On Saturday, we sat down and went over the rules…what’s a travel, what’s a double dribble, what is out of bounds, etc. I know they know the answers, but I think when they get into that game setting, it’s all going to go out the window…oh well. It will be a good learning experience for all of us, and, if nothing else, we will have some good snacks after the game!
Sounders season is done. Brian has made a paper chain to count down the days until the 2012 season begins, and I believe is currently watching a video of all the goals the Sounders scored over the year. The playoff game on Wednesday was a rough night for him. It actually was a great game…they played really well, they won 2-0…Kasey Keller’s last game was at home, a shut out, and a win….it just was a bummer that they played SO poorly in the first game of the aggregate. They lost 0-3 in the first game and so had to win by 4 on Wednesday to move on to the next round. But…next year will be here before we know it…and I get to share season tickets! This year I’ve gone to a few games- whenever someone Brian sits with isn’t able to go…but next year, I’m actually sharing a seat with someone.
I went to a super cool show on Saturday night. The Fremont Abbey has started a new event (I think it is monthly? I hope so…) The event is called Cathedrals, and they hold it at St Mark’s on Capitol Hill. They bring in some musicians…the lights are low, the sound is beautiful…everyone sits in silence, just listening. Sigh, it was just really beautiful. This time it was Kelli Schaefer…who I was really excited to see in this setting- I love her voice, Cataldo, and My Brightest Diamond. Kelli Schaefer has a song that is one of my favorite songs- just in general. Gone In Love…it’s so pretty. Anyway…she did that song, with her mom singing harmonies. She said it was the first time they had performed that together. One of the verses- “I will sing my mother hymns of old when she is passing/for every heartache I have caused/oh my mother, I am sorry...I want you to know there is nothing you have done that has been wasted…” singing this in a giant cathedral, with her mom singing behind her…wow. My eyes got a little watery…and then after, some girl came up to her friend behind me and was like “I just bawled through that whole thing”. Very cool…I’m excited to see what other musicians they bring in.
I am giddy for the holidays this year…some years I can be a little bah-humbuggy, and get annoyed with the early holidays in the stores. This year I’m soaking up the pumpkin spice lattes, the Mighty O apple spice donuts, enjoying the Christmas tree displays, pumped about decorating at my mom’s house…and, again…CANT WAIT FOR SNOW.
Have a great week…
I am finally feeling a little bit of relief from work…I had a huge project two weeks ago, that still has a few loose ends, but is mostly complete, and then a smaller but still significant project that finished up this last Friday. Sigh…glad to be back into a semi-normal routine again. I definitely feel more awake and aware now that those are done.
My basketball team had our last practice on Saturday before our first game next Saturday. Obviously, the game doesn’t matter and they will all go out and play and have fun…but oh dear, I am worried about the game. I think there is maybe one or two girls that have ever played in a game ever…and we have really only been able to scrimmage a couple of times, due to the lack of numbers at each practice. And even those were only half court scrimmages… On Saturday, we sat down and went over the rules…what’s a travel, what’s a double dribble, what is out of bounds, etc. I know they know the answers, but I think when they get into that game setting, it’s all going to go out the window…oh well. It will be a good learning experience for all of us, and, if nothing else, we will have some good snacks after the game!
Sounders season is done. Brian has made a paper chain to count down the days until the 2012 season begins, and I believe is currently watching a video of all the goals the Sounders scored over the year. The playoff game on Wednesday was a rough night for him. It actually was a great game…they played really well, they won 2-0…Kasey Keller’s last game was at home, a shut out, and a win….it just was a bummer that they played SO poorly in the first game of the aggregate. They lost 0-3 in the first game and so had to win by 4 on Wednesday to move on to the next round. But…next year will be here before we know it…and I get to share season tickets! This year I’ve gone to a few games- whenever someone Brian sits with isn’t able to go…but next year, I’m actually sharing a seat with someone.
I went to a super cool show on Saturday night. The Fremont Abbey has started a new event (I think it is monthly? I hope so…) The event is called Cathedrals, and they hold it at St Mark’s on Capitol Hill. They bring in some musicians…the lights are low, the sound is beautiful…everyone sits in silence, just listening. Sigh, it was just really beautiful. This time it was Kelli Schaefer…who I was really excited to see in this setting- I love her voice, Cataldo, and My Brightest Diamond. Kelli Schaefer has a song that is one of my favorite songs- just in general. Gone In Love…it’s so pretty. Anyway…she did that song, with her mom singing harmonies. She said it was the first time they had performed that together. One of the verses- “I will sing my mother hymns of old when she is passing/for every heartache I have caused/oh my mother, I am sorry...I want you to know there is nothing you have done that has been wasted…” singing this in a giant cathedral, with her mom singing behind her…wow. My eyes got a little watery…and then after, some girl came up to her friend behind me and was like “I just bawled through that whole thing”. Very cool…I’m excited to see what other musicians they bring in.
I am giddy for the holidays this year…some years I can be a little bah-humbuggy, and get annoyed with the early holidays in the stores. This year I’m soaking up the pumpkin spice lattes, the Mighty O apple spice donuts, enjoying the Christmas tree displays, pumped about decorating at my mom’s house…and, again…CANT WAIT FOR SNOW.
Have a great week…
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Happy Halloween
Sorry for the late blog post. It was a busy, busy end of the week last week, and weekend! Plus, Rachel said she was hoping for some Tuesday blogging (Happy Reformation Day), along with an increase by 5% of my Disney stuffed animal collection. I’ll just start with the Tuesday blog.
First of all…I’m a little bit disappointed in the cute kid Halloween pictures posted on facebook- not that the kids weren’t cute (they are…VERY cute), but there just weren’t enough of the pics…c’mon parents, get those pictures posted.
And on the subject of Halloween. Gals…PUT SOME FLIPPIN CLOTHES ON. Jeez louise. I know that Halloween is the one night a year where it is somehow acceptable to wear next to nothing. But that doesn’t mean you have to or should. Good grief.
I never wrote about our rock star Friday a couple weeks ago. We got to see both The Black Keys AND Ryan Adams- in one night- for free. The new Microsoft store in U Village brought The Black Keys in for their grand opening. Brian took a day off work the day before to stand in line and get the tickets they were giving out. We got to the event on Friday evening there were appetizers being passed around on trays, free Jamba Juice, full slices of deep dish pizza, red carpet, etc. The Black Keys played for about an hour…it was a pretty small group of people in the event space. Very cool. Then, we ZIPPED over to Benaroya Hall for Ryan Adams. Catie gave us the VIP wristbands…which gave us 6th row seats. Wowzer. This was such an unbelievable way to experience Ryan Adams. 6th row at Benaroya Hall! He was funny, he played solo so everything was slow and pretty. It was definitely one of those once in a lifetime shows. Sigh just thinking about it. Thank you Catie!!
I’m a little bit sad that today is November 1, and I’m not even going to attempt NaNoWriMo this year. November is national novel writing month, and NaNoWriMo has a site for you to keep track of the number of words you’ve written, with 50,000 being the goal, over the course of the month. I have attempted the last few years. I haven’t ever made it…I think I am just too stinking busy, but it definitely gets me motivated to write. I’ve been receiving the NaNoWriMo prep emails and I just wish I was motivated this year to try.
This week is picture day for my basketball team. We decided on the name Shooting Fireballs, but then were told we had to have WNBA team name. Lame. So officially, we are the Chicago Sky, unofficially- SHOOTING FIREBALLS. We have had two weeks of practices and I have never had more than 5 girls show up to one practice (between soccer games, weekend trips, etc)…which makes it very difficult to do any scrimmaging. I’m a little (a lot) worried that my girls won’t know what to do in a game situation (I think this is everyone’s first year playing)…one more week before games start. Hopefully everyone will show up for pictures…
Brian and I missed Potluck last week. We missed for a few reason…first, I was just dead…work was exhausting me. I think last week was a combination of work stress, work being busy, and just the seasonal change-it definitely became seriously Autumn over the last two weeks…but I was very much lacking in energy and the motivation to DO anything. Plus, it was Game 6 of the World Series, which was an INCREDIBLE game. The whole World Series this year was pretty great. But Game 6 in particular…there was just no possibility of leaving the house while the game was in the state it was. But, we kept thinking we would make it to Potluck, so we made our dessert item in preparation of going. It was a Dia de los Muertos themed party….we made churros! I’ve never made churros before…they turned out pretty delicious. I’ve never really admitted to liking churros. They were one of those Disneyland snack treats that my family never bought, but I always secretly wanted. We would get the ice cream bars and the popcorn, but we never went for the churro.
That’s all I have for this Tuesday…
First of all…I’m a little bit disappointed in the cute kid Halloween pictures posted on facebook- not that the kids weren’t cute (they are…VERY cute), but there just weren’t enough of the pics…c’mon parents, get those pictures posted.
And on the subject of Halloween. Gals…PUT SOME FLIPPIN CLOTHES ON. Jeez louise. I know that Halloween is the one night a year where it is somehow acceptable to wear next to nothing. But that doesn’t mean you have to or should. Good grief.
I never wrote about our rock star Friday a couple weeks ago. We got to see both The Black Keys AND Ryan Adams- in one night- for free. The new Microsoft store in U Village brought The Black Keys in for their grand opening. Brian took a day off work the day before to stand in line and get the tickets they were giving out. We got to the event on Friday evening there were appetizers being passed around on trays, free Jamba Juice, full slices of deep dish pizza, red carpet, etc. The Black Keys played for about an hour…it was a pretty small group of people in the event space. Very cool. Then, we ZIPPED over to Benaroya Hall for Ryan Adams. Catie gave us the VIP wristbands…which gave us 6th row seats. Wowzer. This was such an unbelievable way to experience Ryan Adams. 6th row at Benaroya Hall! He was funny, he played solo so everything was slow and pretty. It was definitely one of those once in a lifetime shows. Sigh just thinking about it. Thank you Catie!!
I’m a little bit sad that today is November 1, and I’m not even going to attempt NaNoWriMo this year. November is national novel writing month, and NaNoWriMo has a site for you to keep track of the number of words you’ve written, with 50,000 being the goal, over the course of the month. I have attempted the last few years. I haven’t ever made it…I think I am just too stinking busy, but it definitely gets me motivated to write. I’ve been receiving the NaNoWriMo prep emails and I just wish I was motivated this year to try.
This week is picture day for my basketball team. We decided on the name Shooting Fireballs, but then were told we had to have WNBA team name. Lame. So officially, we are the Chicago Sky, unofficially- SHOOTING FIREBALLS. We have had two weeks of practices and I have never had more than 5 girls show up to one practice (between soccer games, weekend trips, etc)…which makes it very difficult to do any scrimmaging. I’m a little (a lot) worried that my girls won’t know what to do in a game situation (I think this is everyone’s first year playing)…one more week before games start. Hopefully everyone will show up for pictures…
Brian and I missed Potluck last week. We missed for a few reason…first, I was just dead…work was exhausting me. I think last week was a combination of work stress, work being busy, and just the seasonal change-it definitely became seriously Autumn over the last two weeks…but I was very much lacking in energy and the motivation to DO anything. Plus, it was Game 6 of the World Series, which was an INCREDIBLE game. The whole World Series this year was pretty great. But Game 6 in particular…there was just no possibility of leaving the house while the game was in the state it was. But, we kept thinking we would make it to Potluck, so we made our dessert item in preparation of going. It was a Dia de los Muertos themed party….we made churros! I’ve never made churros before…they turned out pretty delicious. I’ve never really admitted to liking churros. They were one of those Disneyland snack treats that my family never bought, but I always secretly wanted. We would get the ice cream bars and the popcorn, but we never went for the churro.
That’s all I have for this Tuesday…
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