sweethearts and kisses

Oh my…January is gone and February has started! Can you believe it? I have a challenge going to really try and take the bus to/from work every day in the month of February (rather than being lazy and driving…and paying a fortune to park)…and I failed today. Day 1- FAIL. Drove. But Day 2- I feel good about Day 2.

 

I like February. As a kid, it made me feel smart because I knew about the hidden ‘R’ in the spelling. Plus, it’s a short month so it helps the winter move along…and it is the only month that sometimes has an extra day- like it does this year…that is pretty cool! And then, of course, Valentine’s Day. While I think it is a little bit silly in a romantic kind of way, I LOVE it in a friendship kind of way. I still buy valentines at the store and give them to my co-workers…usually with a pink candy kiss taped to the front…or maybe a special bookmark or sticker that comes with the pack. My mom still gives me a Valentine’s gift (well, the Valentine’s Day Elephant does)…which used to be something like a new pink shirt (one year in elementary school I got this outfit…red plaid leggings, a white shirt, and the same red plaid tie…ohhh, I LOVED that outfit…a tie! So cool.), and the gifts now usually include a bottle of wine or a new book, which is perfect, but in the back of my mind, I still always hope for another rad tie outfit…

 

Oh my gosh…I am only three months out now from my Disney World 30^th birthday trip! When I first decided on the plan, it seemed so far away, and now three months seems like hardly any time at all! I have tentative dates (depending on flight prices) of May 2-11. The Expedition Everest Challenge is May 5^th, which is kind of the center of the trip. In addition to the race, and Disney (duh), I’m suuuuper excited to go to Universal and see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter…can’t believe I haven’t been yet! Also pumped to visit with friends and meet a new little guy (soon to be born). Still have to work out the schedule…and which hotel to stay in! When we go in May, it will have been 2 years since my previous visit…can you imagine! Prior to that, it would have been weird for me to go longer than 8 months without a visit. My excitement can’t be contained.

 

Speaking of excitement not to be contained…I’m going to San Fran at the end of the month to celebrate another 30^th birthday. And I just got an email that involved plans of group dinners, wine tastings, and promises of lots of girl time! Somehow this trip seems harder to wait for than Disney (which, while getting closer, is still a good ways away).

 

My 4^th/5^th grade girls basketball team has had our first two games…still just REALLY enjoying coaching and working with the girls. They work so hard out on the court…rebounds and steals left and right…they go after every loose ball, and usually come up with it. The shooting could use some work. I think this season is going to go by really quickly, and then basketball is over for the year…wah wah wah.

 

This past weekend I went over to Whidbey Island to cabin lead at a high school camp…oh how I miss going to summer camps. And Friends Inc camp! This camp definitely reminded me of Friends Inc camp…too bad my mom doesn’t get to lead that anymore…those were always super fun weekends. I played some basketball with some of the kids and it was SO fun. I have loved coaching the little girls, but I do miss playing. We were playing 2 on 2 (and sometimes 2 on 3 or 2 on 4, depending on who came out to the court) full (smaller sized) court, so there was a lot of running back and forth and jumping and defending…ohhh, my knee was killing me after! I had to ice it the rest of the night. Initially I blamed it on being old…that I am just going to have to deal with these things…but really, I think it’s because I haven’t been playing…my knees aren’t in basketball shape. I need to do something about that. Oh, I also climbed the climbing wall at camp…I used to have a super strong upper body (did the bars in gymnastics…and o-so many pushups), so loooved climbing stuff…but was nervous about the wall because it had been a LONG time since I had tried. I didn’t go all the way to the top…pretty sure I could have, but my hands were freezing and hurt, so I stopped…but it was exciting!

 

Ohhh, and Brian and I have started running on a sort of regular basis (as in, we run each week…we are building up). We plan to dominate the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, so have started our training now. Brian hasn’t ever been a ‘runner’…like, he plays sports for fun and runs around in games, but not just a runner for the sake of running. Meanwhile I was a pretty serious runner for a little while there, and have tapered off a lot in the past year…so it drives me crazy that he is getting in running shape faster than I am. Stupid boys. Ugh. Only a little bit jealous and upset about that…mostly I’m just so happy we are running…I feel so much better about life when I’m running (not during the actual run…mostly when I’m done with the run).

 

Hope your February is full of candy hearts and Toy Story bookmarkers.

Back to work...

Well, the snow sure did happen. It was all I hoped it would be (minus the quick melt)- enough to make everything pretty and magical, but not so much that it got old (as far as I was concerned anyway...I know some people were getting tired of it, but c'mon- it was only a couple of days- though if you are/were without power, I get that...one day of that is more than enough...)

- Some snow highs and lows. *High- as previously mentioned (many times), the jeep is a champ in the snow. Sometimes she can be tough on a regular basis with her occasional stalling, but I just get so proud of her in the snow. *High- we had a late start at work one day, and when B and  got into the office, we were nearly the only ones. We were sure to send emails out so people would know what dedicated employees we are. Then we had Thursday off...that was a major high.
*High- having time in the mornings to make delicious breakfasts. Yum. *High- finally giving the nee Phinney Market restaurant a try (I NEEDED coffee). *High- bringing a football along for a walk to meet a pal and playing catch along the way. A walk with a ball always feels more productive and fun than just a regular walk. *High- not feeling bad about lounging on the couch in sweats for the better part of the day, catching up on old shows, checking out new shows...all while watching delightful little flakes make their way to the ground. *Low- having to go into work at regular time on Friday...the roads were not cleared yet...a late start would have been very appropriate. Boo. *Low- the jeep was broken into late Thursday night. My doors were unlocked, so nothing was broken, and they only took some CD's (which is a bummer, but not devastating)...but they went through everything, so there is paper and whatnot everywhere. Mostly I just feel sad for the jeep...I feel like it was violated...and after being such a sport in the snow.


- Brian and I decided to make the trek downtown Thursday afternoon to see Beauty and the Beast in theaters (we planned to go to Northgate, but couldn't think of a route that didn't involve having to drive down a hill). Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE movie...not just fav Disney movie...favorite movie. I had to see it while it was back in theaters...despite it being in 3-D (ugh). It makes me mad that Disney is bringing back the old movies in 3-D...not just because it gives me a headache, but because I think every kid should have a chance to see these classic movies in the theater, but with the addition of 3-D, they are so expensive. It would cost a family of four $60, not including any popcorn or treats. That's crazy. But...I still went...because I just love that movie.

- Ever since I moved out of my old apartment, I haven't been able to keep up with any of my TV shows (other than HIMYM)...which, honestly, is probably a good thing....but I do miss having cable and especially DVR. Anyway...since Brian received a couple of video games for Christmas, I've decided to catch myself up on Parenthood on my computer. I LOVE this show! I remembered liking it, though I was thinking it was more a nostalgia thing since the show has actors from several of my old favorite shows (Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls, Michael B Jordan from Friday Night Lights, etc)...but as I've been catching up on this season, I think it is actually a great show...I regularly find myself laughing out loud or tearing up a bit...great characters and a realistic family storyline (it isn't overly dramatic). I'm almost all caught up, which is disappointing...I'll have to wait in real time for the new episodes soon.

- I recently joined Pinterest (if you don't know, it's a website that allows you to 'pin' different websites or ideas onto different boards that you create- I have a board for recipes, craft ideas, home decorating, trips, etc- and then you follow other's boards to get ideas to pin on your own), and even more recently have actually started using some of the things I've pinned. I've made a couple of recipes. Last weekend I made breakfast for a few people at Brian's...this Martha Stewart recipe turned out better than I anticipated. I figured it would be tasty, but it was actually pretty delicious, and totally easy. Lots of variations to it also.

- Wednesday I decided to pull out the ol crock pot and another Pinterest recipe (since we had the day off...and it was snowing...crock pot is the obvious choice). Another success. I made a chicken taco chili...again, totally easy. I've never done pulled chicken before, and was a little nervous about it...but after sitting in the crockpot for 8 hours, the chicken just FELL apart...so easy. I did use the modifications the blogger used in the link above. We made some cornbread muffins from a mix from Trader Joe's. Maybe one of these days I'll attempt a craft project from my Pinterest board...maybe.

- Awards season has begun...People's Choice (which is a silly one) and Golden Globes have happened. Looking forward to the next couple of months and having to watch all of the movies/actors nominated. Going off of the Golden Globes nominations for Best Picture, I have seen The Help, Hugo, Ides of March Moneyball, 50/50, The Artist, and Midnight In Paris...still need to see My Week With Marilyn, Bridesmaids, War Horse, and The Descendants (featuring George Clooney in Tommy Bahama gear...keep an eye out for the marlin). Probably my personal favorite of those was Midnight In Paris....but not necessarily for best picture.


And that's all for this week- hope you are warm and with power!

Snowpocolypse!

Ohhh, I feel like this week has been incredibly long. Possibly because it is the first full week of work I’ve had in a few weeks…don’t know, but I am TIRED and very much looking forward to the weekend. Not only to sleep, but also because of the possibility of…SNOWPOCOLYPSE. We’ll see….

      1. Okay, seriously…Seattle is THE most gorgeous city…I won’t say in the world, but certainly in the US. I am not going to add the disclaimer that ‘I might be biased’…because whether I am or not, the statement is still true. We have had the most amazing sunrises the last few days…I mean, the mountains are crystal clear- and completely surround the city…whichever direction you look, there are snowy and jagged STUNNING mountains. And then you add the vibrant oranges and purples from the sun…and it just demands that you pause in your rush to get to work and appreciate it. Pic on the left was taken right outside my house…those trees are the border of the Zoo. And then the other pic is one that has been floating around. 

      2. Ohhh, last week we had a Feng Shui master come in to our office (this is something that has been happening since the beginning of TB), and since I am covering facilities for the time being, I got to be a part of it. Meaning, I followed him around to the various offices and took notes about what changes needed to be made. Then, since I was new to the Feng Shui experience, he did my ‘reading’…using my birth date, year, and time…fascinating. Apparently I am VERY lucky…born the year of the dog and the day of the rabbit (those two get along very well), he assured me that I will be very happy my WHOLE life, into old age. Which, I mean really- minus the old age part, I already knew. Being happy doesn’t mean bad things don’t happen, it just means you handle those things in a certain way. He did say that this next year will be fine…nothing special, but then the four years following will be VERY good years, particularly 2016. So, you know, that’s always good to hear. He also told me to avoid oily foods, to which I made an incredibly oily soup for dinner that night and got a terrible stomachache. Great. 

    
     3. Tuesday evening I had basketball practice (still, completely LOVING coaching this group/age) and Brian was planning to cut Doug (the Christmas tree) up and clean up around his house. Pretty low key evening. We were trying to find something to watch…and decided on…Never Say Never- the Justin Bieber movie. Yep. And it was good. I like that kid. He is actually talented and he seems to have a good sense of humor…I’m sure he has his teenage boy moments, and his heartthrob star moments…but for the most part, he seems like a nice kid that works hard. I hope he gets out of the pop scene eventually…I think he is capable of some cool stuff. Purple is his color....

4.      Meanwhile, while we were enjoying some Baby, Baby, Baby whoa…we were missing the January Round. We weren’t planning to go, but it was still there in the back of my mind, as it always is when I don’t go (what if I’m missing some great local musician that I don’t know about…like a Bryan John Appleby)…Brian’s roommate went. AND, he came home with one of the paintings! I have always wanted to buy one of the paintings that is created right there and then auctioned off, but I’ve never really looked into it…never had any idea how much they go for, etc. So first off, I thought it was cool that he went and bought one…and then I saw who the artist was…Henry! Who has murals all over Ballard and Wallingford. I LOVE Henry. I want to have a Henry mural painted in a kids room. SOOO bummed to have missed him. BUT, Jared bought one, which is pretty exciting. 

5.      Wednesday night was the first movie night of 2012…and it was a hit. The theme was Summer Blockbuster, and we had popcorn and classic movie candy (hot tamales, junior mints, whoppers, milk duds, licorice, etc) and watched Super 8! Love that movie. There are definitely things about it that I thought could have been done different (I just didn’t like the ‘monster’…it needed to be something that was easier to have compassion for), but it was cast so well…those kids are each so perfect for their roles. So fun. And as always, love having people over and chatting and laughing.

There you go. Here’s hoping for some epic snow this weekend into next week…or really, any snow at all, it doesn’t need to be epic. But my jeep would love something epic.

2012...here we go...

Happy 2012! I started my 2011 blog saying I was going to switch formats to This I Believe’s…and then I just stopped writing because it was intimidating. When I finally did get back into writing, it was rarely an actual Five, and rarely on Friday. So…for 2012…no rules for the blog. Maybe a Five pointer, maybe on Friday, maybe about things I believe…who knows.

In the meantime…

1. New Year’s Eve was great…B and I made the loooong drive down to Olympia, almost Shelton, to my Uncle Roy and Aunt Debby’s house. They are the family party house…they host parties all year long, and I always want to go, but having that hour and a half drive each way is rough. I’m glad we decided to go though…all of my mom’s siblings were there (which always makes for a lot of noise, if nothing else…no, no…I REALLY like them all, so much fun!), most of my cousins, and then the occasional neighbor or random. We ate, drank, played cards (shanghai rummy is a tradition, but I think we may have overdone it this year…), and then ate more. Last year I was able to ring the new year in with some of my best friends at a wedding, and this year with my family…I have always liked the idea that how you spend your New Year’s is reflective on the rest of your year…I’d say friends and family is a good way to go. 

      2. January 4^th was my two-year anniversary with Tommy Bahama. That’s pretty exciting…certainly my longest ‘real’ job. Still happy to be here, still enjoying the people in my department, and this year has definitely provided lots of opportunity to learn with my added facilities role. I continue to think about going back to school for a Masters in Teaching…or maybe Nursing…and then I think, well…maybe I should get my HR certification, because this Human Resources stuff isn’t so bad…just always keeping the door open for whatever comes along my way. 

      3. 4^th/5^th grade basketball season started on Tuesday for the Boys and Girls Club. I had my first practice, and oh my…the difference between the 2^nd/3^rd and 4^th/5^th is NIGHT and DAY! I was surprised when we had our coaches meeting and I learned that the 4^th/5^th graders play with all the normal rules of basketball…they shoot free throws, there are 3 pointers, over and back, traveling, double dribbles, 10 ft hoop, etc. I figured there would obviously be an improvement between the two age groups…but whoa. These girls on my new team (we get to be the Storm this season…woohoo!) listened, paid attention, did what I asked (which included running waaaay more than my other girls ever did, and pushups, and defensive slides, etc). In our very first practice we could play shooting games (I could never play games with the younger girls because they could barely get the ball to the hoop), we played a rebounding game, they tried to beat me when we ran lines, etc. They worked HARD, and they didn’t complain. I’m really excited for this season…I think there will actually be some coaching involved! Plus, I have an assistant coach…another gal that just wanted to get involved and doesn’t have kids on a team…so that will be really fun…have some help and get to bounce ideas off each other. REALLY looking forward to this season.  
   
           4. Brian and I went to the Cinerama last night to see the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I didn’t see the Swedish version, but have read the book, so I knew the story and knew what to expect…but ish, that is a tough movie. It’s just so disturbing. I waited to see the American version, thinking it would be a little bit milder, but it was still pretty graphic…I’m surprised it could be rated R. Good movie…definitely an interesting story line, and even though the movie is two and a half hours, you are never checking your watch…the music is great and very much adds to the suspense. But you leave the theater feeling upset and disturbed. Good movie…pretty sure I will never watch it again.

      5. While the movie was tough, the previews before the movie were aaaawwesoooome! First up, the Hunger Games. Looks so good…I can’t wait! And it is only a couple of months away. I was nervous about them doing it well, but the preview got my hopes up! Next, the upcoming Batman movie. I’m not as excited as Brian for this one, just because I’m not as into the action movies…but the Dark Knight was great (I need to work on using other words than great…I always read other words…amazing, fantastic, phenomenal…and think it sounds like trying to use something other than great…sometimes things are just great…better than good or fine…but stellar is over the top)….anyway…preview shows promise (how about that one?). And the final preview was…The Hobbit. Soooo excited for this one, even in 3-D (or especially in 3-D? Since they used new 3-D technology…). Brian bought the Lord of the Rings trilogy on Blue Ray, and we have been moving through those (not that I haven’t seen them all a few times), and one of our friends does a New Year’s Day viewing of all three movies right in a row (we only stayed for a couple of hours)…so the story and those characters and that world is all very fresh. But I haven’t ever read the Hobbit…so I just started last night…exciting!

Have a super amazing, fantastically epic week. Or just a great one.

Goodbye 2011

The last post of 2011…should be full of deep reflections and favorite things. Should be. But, well…I just haven’t put that much thought into it. I will say, I have loved this year.

I remember thinking how great 2010 was and being a little nervous about 2011 because it couldn’t possibly live up to 2010. But somehow 2011 was even better.

I decided that since it isn't looking positive for snow any time soon, I'd add some snow to my blog. It does make me happy, even if it isn't even close to the real thing.

Some highlights from the past year:

-Going to Disneyland with Brian. Disney is one of those big tests that could have been a deal breaker...but Brian was quite a sport and kept up. We have a trip to Disney World tentatively planned (it's happening, but reservations haven't been made) for May...I'm sure he has no idea what he is getting in to (pretty sure my mom is going also)...but I'm not worried this time. Really, just something super exciting to look forward to in 2012.

-Getting my own place. I moved into my new place in May...and there are still unpacked boxes in the living room, and I actually don't think I've done any 'living' in the living room...but it's my own space. I was able to close up my storage unit and everything is with me now. I had great visions of decorating cute and buying new things...none of that happened (I did get some more snowflake plates the day after Christmas at Target), so hey...that's something.

-Live music...Brian and I went to so many shows this year...and almost all actually paid for. (After working at the radio station and getting all kinds of free tickets, it took me some time to be okay with purchasing...I still have a few connections, luckily.) Fav shows included: Ryan Adams solo at Benaroya in the 6th row...wowzer. Muse and Arcade Fire at Outsidelands. Beach Boys with Brian's parents, David Gray, a very cool birthday gift to see Jeff Bridges- what a performer. Some pretty fantastic local performances- Ian McFeron Band's latest album release at the Triple Door, multiple Head and the Heart shows, Bryan John Appleby, Campfire OK, Kelli Schaefer at Cathedrals (her mom singing with her- shivers! This doesn't do it justice, but still... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BaHpuCgCKE ), Fleet Foxes twice...both amazing...I know I'm forgetting shows...great music year though.

-Sports galore! You have no idea how often I have feared that I would never find someone that found great importance in both music AND sports, as I do. Brian and I went to a ton of Mariners games (including Sonics night at Safeco...what a thrill that was!), Sounders games (I even found myself part owner of season tickets next year...who would have thought my first set of season tickets would be for soccer!), we went to a Seahawks game, and Sunday afternoon kid soccer games at Greenlake... we watched just about every major sporting event on TV...I mean, sports are pretty much an every day thing. I'm pretty pumped for the upcoming Sounders season...oh I wish we still had the Sonics! There was also the thrill of playing on the Bahama Bombers kickball team...we weren't good, but we almost won a playoff game. Brian, of course, was recruited to another team that went on to win the championship...what a traitor.

-Trips! We went to Portland twice...once to see the Head and the Heart, and once for an incredible Fleet Foxes show AT Edgefield. We did Disney in April and San Francisco to see Jessica and Luke and a music festival, Ellensburg for the RODEO! Looking forward to another trip to San Fran in February for Rachel's 30th birthday, the D-World trip, and who knows where else we might be off to...I'd love to get back to Chicago, I need to see Jessica and Luke's new place, visit Jen in Austin, I'd love to visit Brian's sisters in Alaska and NYC, and I'd love to leave the country some time soon.

-Volunteering...spent some time at 826 doing the 2nd and 3rd grad Geoduck field trips, and helping high schoolers with their college essays...not as much time spent at 826 as I would have like due to my work schedule. And my little Shooting Fireballs basketball team. Those girls were definitely one of the highlights of my year. I don't think I did much, but I know they had fun, and they were so stinkin funny.

-New friends. I love our weekly tradition of either Potluck or Movie Night. I love hanging out, eating food, playing games, laughing, and boy do I love any event with a theme. It has been tough having several of my very best friends moved away, it has been so great to have met and made so many new friends this year.

Oh dear...Brian just broke his new nerf gun...I gotta go.

Merry Christmas!

I keep thinking it is Friday. It isn’t…it’s Wednesday…but at work, today is MY Friday (minus the Friday coffee with the department…boo) since I am taking Thursday and Friday off. Ohhh, I’m excited to be done at the end of the day today. For multiple reasons…first, I get to see my super awesome buddy Amy, who is a big, bad music gal in LA now. I miss her and she is in town and we are going to happy hour tonight. THEN, I’m going to see Mission Impossible at the IMAX, which Brian already saw and insisted on seeing again…he said it is really cool…really, just going to the IMAX is an exciting adventure…if the movie is good, that’s a bonus.

THEN, tomorrow morning I get to see my dentist. Weird to be excited about that? I know…but I really, really like my dentist… With all of my moving and traveling, I always managed to get appointments in while I was home visiting. Plus, I'm a little bit crazy about my teeth and taking care of them (I still have my retainer from 8th grade!), so a trip to the dentist to take care of my teeth is both exciting and a relief. Dr. Jacka in Federal Way (I even make the trip down to Fed Way)…everyone at the office is great. THEN, tomorrow is the Dinner Club Christmas party! This is one of my FAVORITE Christmas traditions…because I love this group of people so much, and Christmas is just the best time to hang out with those important people.

THEN, it really is Friday, and boy do I have a ton of stuff to take care of, but luckily I’ll have some good company in Rachel (another CA friend in town visiting), to make the errands and tasks more enjoyable.

Then comes the actual holiday…Brian and I are running around all over the place. Initially, it all seemed easy and doable and no big deal. Now, as the small logistics are being figured out, I’m getting stressed about making it all happen. I really look forward to the day when I can have everyone over to my house and host. Buuuuut, really, if you are going to have a problem, having an abundance of family to hang out with on Christmas is probably about the best problem to have. I’m sure it will all be magical.

My cold has hung on, but just at the level it was on the first day. It hasn’t progressed at all. Still just a little swollen throat and a bit of a headache…the headache is even subsiding though (that may have been a coffee related headache, actually). Brian has definitely caught something similar and I’m hoping he will be able to fight it off. He is also taking tomorrow off, so hopefully a good nights sleep and being able to sleep in will keep the sick away.

And for a final basketball update- My basketball season has come to an end. We had our final game last Saturday (it was a rough one…we were short people, and the other team was really good). And then last night we had our banquet. It’s interesting how when I played sports, I never thought about how the coach has to put together the banquet. And where do the trophies come from? And, how do you go about ordering the pizza so the coach isn’t out $300? The Boys and Girls Club told me coaches just do their own thing for banquets…so I had to figure it out. We ended up going to Zeeks for pizza. The grandpa guy that took stats all season put together some participation certificates (and then proceeded to call out their stats for EVERY SINGLE GAME…oh my). I wrote a little note to each girl in a Christmas card and made little ornaments with their name. It was definitely my rookie season…but I had a lot of fun and I think the girls had a good time…which is the most important thing…I just want them to keep playing! Looking forward to next season with the 4th/5th grade girls.

Okay...this is it for me until after Christmas. Hope you have the best holiday full of everything you love. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

And now I'm stressed....

Up until today I was feeling so good about Christmas. Loving the season, getting gifts and recipes prepared slowly but surely…and then all of a sudden, today, I am totally stressed out…feel like there is too much to do, not enough time to do it, plans every night…AND…I can feel a cold coming on. Ugh. I am totally going to be sick over Christmas.

Deep breath.

I am taking two days off of work this week to avoid this feeling. To give myself time for all of the last minute things…to wrap the presents and to do the baking of the recipes that I’ve prepared for. But I didn’t prepare for a cold and just wanting to drink tea in bed and watch movies. Crap.