Ummmmm....REALLY?!

I have had one heck of a day. First of all, I am so busy at work, I have barely had time to check People.com for a better picture of Jessica Simpson's hideous engagement ring (like you weren't already thinking it). Love the girl, but really?

THEN- I took a little stroll to Whole Foods to get my newly engaged cousin a card and bottle of wine. I got to the check out, swiped my card and got a big DECLINE. Hmmm, must have typed my pin in wrong, let's try again. DECLINE. OMG...I knew I had money, what was going on?! I quickly excused myself with a bright red face and called the bank. I panicked and said, "I'm at Whole Foods, will you please let me use my card?". The guy said, "Ma'am, did you purchase $6.43 worth of product at STD Solutions this morning?". I started laughing. "No!". He then said, "It's OK if you did, I just need to know to take this fraud hold off.".

Oh gosh, I didn't purchase anything from STD Solutions (Thank God) and someone managed to find my debit card number and steal it! Tricky, little scammers!

So, now I am plastic-less. S is going to either get really annoyed of me asking to use his card or get really annoyed of going to the store to buy things for me for the next 10 business days.

Hopefully my new card will be here before we go to Hawaii!!! Whatta day!

I must give a little shout out to two little love birds who are newly engaged! My beautiful cousin, Sarah and her lover, James got engaged yesterday! I am so excited for them! There's no doubt in my mind they will live a long life full of love, bliss and lots of fun together! Love you! Congratulations!

Tomorrow is a new day. Oy Vey. xx

Brown Chicken, Brown Cooowwww

I think the time has come to go brunette for the winter. This could be a major disaster.... Stay Tuned, Folks!

Happy Friday,
xx

27 Came and Went

About a month ago I celebrated my 27th birthday with friends, food, champagne, champagne, champagne, a trip to the bar, and champagne. Ummm, yeah... I felt less than superb the next day and spent the entire afternoon in bed dry heaving with the worst hangover I've had in years. I couldn't remember leaving our house to go to the bar, coming home, going to bed, anything past about 9:00pm. Worst. Feeling. Ever.

For a few months I knew I wanted to make some changes in my life. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to "change" but somehow wanted to grow up a bit. It turns out, maybe getting blacked out drunk was a blessing in disguise. On my 27th birthday I swore to S (and more importantly, to myself) that I was done drinking like a college kid. There is no way I can do that anymore while maintaining a marriage, a job, friendships and my sanity! I love going home and having a glass of wine, or occasionally having a few bottles of wine with girlfriends. I love spending Friday nights at home with S, watching TV, eating popcorn and drinking beer. That is not what I'm giving up. What I am changing is the heavy drinking, the partying, acting like a complete fool while thinking I'm funny. Yuck, so embarrassing.

It's been a month and so far so good! I haven't woke up with a hangover and always remember everything from the night before!

On another note...I've gained 10 pounds since summer!!!!! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm hitting the gym hard tonight.

Cooking Skillzzz

It's not a huge secret that I love to cook. There actually aren't many things I love to do, well, except shopping, sleeping in, drinking wine, watching Project Runway (which I am VERY upset about the outcome last night), etc. etc., etc....Those are all relatively lazy things.

I love to cook and I rarely use a recipe. Sometimes I'll have something at a restaurant and try to recreate it in my own way at home. Sometimes I'll see a recipe and then omit or add ingredients as I feel necessary. I actually can't remember the last time I used a recipe as is. Or the last time I consistently used measuring cups....This is why I am a terrible baker.

It was actually my darling husbands idea for me to blog about our dinner last night. I simply "threw it together" in 20 minutes and it turned out semi-decent (he thought better than that) :)

6 large tomatoes, chopped
1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped
2 Chopped Shallots (I prefer red onion but this was all I had)
Garlic powder (fresh garlic is much better but I was out)
Salt and Pepper---Sea salt is a must! Always! No exceptions!
A few Basil leaves
A pint of Half & Half

All ingredients beside basil and half & half go into the pot on the stove for about 15 minutes, stirring and tasting regularly and adding salt and pepper as necessary. When the red pepper and tomatoes are soft, reduce the heat to very low and add cream and basil.

I cooked that for just a few minutes on low heat and then busted out the food processor. Oh yes, the best kitchen tool, EVER. Process all those yummy, fresh ingredients and voila! You have a thick, creamy, beautiful soup! MSG free, preservative free, and meat free!

We enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches (try using a white cheese and adding very thin green apple slices) with our hearty soup and it felt like a pretty fancy little meal. Rachel Ray does her 30 minute meals. Well, my yummy soup and semi-gourmet grilled cheese was 20 minutes. Take that, girlfriend! :)

Leavenworth Half Marathon- Check!

For the past, oh I don't know, 5 months or so I have been "training" for a 13.1 mile run through the festive town of Leavenworth. I got a big "F" in training while averaging about one run every 2-3 weeks and finishing with a painful 10-miler a few weeks before the run. I was not prepared to say the very, very least. The only thing I thought I had going for me was I weighed 10 pounds less than I did during my last half. I don't know why I thought that might make a difference, like I have less body weight to run around or something?! I don't know, I made that up, maybe it doesn't help at all.

S, my cousin and her boyfriend and I drove over the mountains and through the woods to the German inspired town to feast on spaghetti and beer and wake up early Saturday morning to run around the town. The weather couldn't have been better. Clear skies, high 60's, just lovely! We started the run and I felt winded immediately. S broke away from Cuzzy and I and the two of us felines (yes, I meant to call us cats) pushed our way up a 2-mile hill. I didn't realize how freaking steep this hill was until we were coasting down and watching all the poor runners struggle up. I thought, how the heck did I just run up that thing?!

We went on, I never achieved the "runners high", yearned for water stations throughout the whole run, went up some more hills, through the woods, down by the river and up some more hills. Hills, hills, hills=dying, dying, dying.

At about mile 12.5 I told Cuzzy to go on, I can't do it anymore. I started to switch from walking for a few seconds, running a few minutes, and repeating until I saw the finish line. Thank the Good, Good Lord! I finished in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 2 seconds. Beat my last time by 2 minutes and I trained like a mad woman for the last one! Cuzzy finished a few minutes before me and S- Warrior finished in under 2 hours! He's a maniac, crazy, fantastic runner! Good job, S!

As I mentioned before, I have had a bad back and it wasn't feeling too hot the week leading up to this silly run. I took 3 Advils the night before, 3 the morning of, and 1 right after. That, I found out, is a very bad idea. I got really sick for the rest of the day and could only minimally enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities. So sad. I'd have a bit of a drunk feeling and then my poor tummy would yell and scream at me and make me stop drinking. Maybe next year I will not overdose on Advil. Better idea, maybe next year I will drink instead of run! YES!

It's My Party and I'll Drink If I Want To!

I'm throwing myself a birthday party this weekend equiped with all the fixings for a great evening. Wine, pop music, friends and hotdogs (even though I don't eat them everyone else does). I have a feeling my 27th year of life is going to be a great one!

Minus The Bear- The Crocodile Seattle

I wasn't familiar with the Seattle band, Minus the Bear, until my husband brought their newest album, OMNI on a road trip and we listened to it on repeat. I was instantly hooked and 'Summer Angel' and 'My Time' were quick favorites although the whole album was addicting. Last Thursday they were playing at The Crocodile downtown so we decided to venture out on a school night and have some fun! They had an opening band who was forgettable (too harsh?), the skinny jeans, messy hair and drugged out persona's really don't do it for me anymore.



Minus the Bear came on and rocked it! I thought they were amazing, they obviously have a huge following in Seattle, they were great performers, sounded perfect live, and seemed like really awesome guys. I thought the blond guitarist made the show with his active stage presence, I loved watching him rock out to each song. The lead singer has a voice that's both hard and soft, I can't decide what it is when his lyrics are sensual yet, his voice is so strong. The whole band is just plain awesome.



You should check them out on iTunes. 'My Time' would be a good song to download to see if you're into their music or not, I think you'll like it though! I would definitely want to see them again and become more familiar with some of their older music. I honestly think Minus the Bear could become really, really big. They seem to have what it takes and they've acquired quite the following, The Crocodile was sold out!

I've been trying to figure out how they came up with their name and this is my best guess....

3 of them look like bears. Two grizzlies and one sloth. They other two do not look like bears. I think maybe they were sitting around one day commenting on how they all look very similar and the conversation might have gone something like this:

Bear Man: Hey, we kind of all look alike
Non Bear Man: Yeah, I look like you but minus the bear

Ta Da!

Happens Every Day, Isabel Gillies

I love to read. Usually the books that grab my attention are ones I can partially relate to. This definitely is not always the case, just sometimes. I must admit, I also am one of those crazy people who judge books by their cover--bad habit I'm trying to get over but those bright, colorful covers with daisy's just get me every time! A few months back I came across an enormous book sale and stocked up on about 35 books. Happens Every Day, by Isabel Gillies happens to be one of them. It's taken me while to even make a dent in that crazy pile, partly because a majority of the books or authors I'm not familiar with, the topics aren't necessarily my cup o' tea, and some just boring my right from the beginning. This, my friends, was not one of those books.

I don't want to give away too much because I would highly suggest this book to females. It's a memoir Isabel Gillies wrote about her marriage and how it crumbled to pieces while she tried her best to hold it together. She wanted nothing more than to be married to her husband while he completely gave up.

I love the way she writes, she writes like she's having a conversation with you. She tells you intimate parts of her relationship that you would only tell a good friend. I want to be friends with her. Some parts are sad and tears were streaming down my face numerous times but if you can push through the raw emotions you'll be happy you did. She is an inspiring lady who reminds herself and her readers we all deserve true, happy, simple love.

I've had enough of this

10.5. That is what we ran last weekend. The night before I think 'why am I doing this?'. The morning of I think, 'why am I doing this?'. And, yes, during the run I think, 'WHY WHY WHY!?!?!'. I hate to be a poor sport, but I really think this may be my last run for a bit. It always seems like a freaking fantastic idea to sign up for these events, but when it comes down to it, training sucks!

10.5 miles is from our house in Magnolia, pass Seattle Pacific University, across the Fremont Bridge, pass Gasworks park, across the University Bridge, down Eastlake, on to the South Lake Union Park, along Nickerson and home again. Just to rub it in how "fun" this run was (cause I know you're already sooo jealous) it was pouring down rain. Oh no, not just a little sprinkle here and there. DRENCHING, COLD, HEAVY rain! I kept having to wipe my eyes because my eyelashes were getting so heavy with raindrops. It was like having eyelid weights! :) It was almost embarrassing when cars passed us cause I'm sure they thought we were so ridiculous. Heck, I would have thought we were ridiculous! When we passed the few and far between fellow runners we gave each other little smiles like, "at least someone understands, I'm not completely foolish".

Saturday is the big day. The day of the mostly hilly trail run. We'll see. If I'm in complete pain afterwards, the German beer should help cure the muscle aches. It is Oktoberfest after all...

I was missing for a week, now I'm found

It's been a while since I even clicked on my blog, or anyone elses for that matter. Things have been a bit hectic around our house, seasons changing, autumn cleaning, dealing with a minor injury, but I think we're back on track now.

S and I play on a coed kickball team just for the heck of it, it's a riot and pretty fun! During our first game (about 6 weeks ago) I got knocked over HARD. So hard the wind was knocked out of me, I had a ginormous bruise on my leg and was left a bit scratched up and achey. Well, I thought I had healed completely but I've had this persistent lower back pain, like so bad I can't even bend over. I feel like I'm 100 years old but in reality, I'm only 26... I think my back injury is from my fall, I don't know what else it could be! This is extremely unfortunate because I'm running the Leavenworth half marathon in just under 3 weeks and now I can barely get out of bed, let alone run 13.1 miles! So, I'm still not quite sure how to handle this...I went for a 3 miler yesterday and felt alright, but that was only 3 miles. I need to be able to add 10 onto that. I'm going to train the best I can, but I'm not setting any super high goals this time around. I'm so bummed this happened! Errrr, next time we're training I think I'll abstain from kickball.

David Gray and Ray LaMontagne Encore

Unbelievable.

David Gray/ Ray LaMontagne/ Red Rocks/ Irresistable/ Passion/ Beauty

I fear I won't be able to find the words for what I'm about to write about. Maybe the words don't exist.

S and I traveled to Denver, CO for one special reason, the concert of my dreams. David Gray and Ray LaMontagne. I LOVE David Gray, he is my absolute favorite. His voice, his lyrics, the words you can feel deep inside your body and then they emerge through the goosebumps on your skin. He is simply amazing. I was not as big of a fan of Ray, but only because I wasn't as familiar. That has changed.

We went to Red Rocks and Ray played first. His voice is almost....haunting. He sounds better live than recorded, something I didn't even know was possible. He has passion unlike I've seen, slapping his knee, eyes closed, feeling every beat of the music. My eyes welled up during "Hold You In My Arms", I turned to S and said, "I've only had a glass of wine, not a bottle!". Ray has a bit of stage fright so he stood off to the side of the stage, and wouldn't allow pictures to be taken in the first 15 rows. The only thing he said to the audience was, "Thanks you very much". In my opinion, it's just one more thing to love about him. He's definitely not in it for the fame.

David was on next, I've seen him before so I kind of knew how the show would go, flawless and effortless. His voice, his energy, his whole stage presence is so fun to watch. He does an amazing job of interacting with the crowd, getting people up and singing, the crowd was clapping and waving their hands in a sea more than once during the set. One of David's songs lasted about 20 minutes, no joke. It actually got kind of weird and I was convinced he must have been drunk...or high...or just really into it? After that song he apologized to the crowd for "tripping out", and led into his next song by saying, "Here's something real Welsh to go with all this Jurassic $h!+".

If you have time, please watch the video above, it's truly unbelievable. They performed this song together for the encore and it was quite possibly the best performance I have ever seen. It makes me want to scream, "ALL I WANT IS YOU!"

Ahhhh, love... If you care about my opinion at all, I think Ray stole the show. I'm going to try to find tickets to the Washington show, but it's sold out. Craig's List might be my new best friend in the following couple weeks. We'll see.

Happy to be home. Happier I got to experience something so magnificent.

xx

Boom Boom Pow

Did you hear that sonic boom yesterday??? I thought we were having an earthquake! Good thing I didn't duck and cover under my desk because that would have been REALLY embarrassing! Silly Sea Planes! OBOOMA!

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/218467.asp

There is a ginormous grasshopper staring at me through the window at work...my first thought when I saw it was, "I can't believe people eat those things". Sick. Some people really do eat them, right?

No More Excuses

I did it. I finally signed up for a gym membership. Running outside was really bothering my legs and joints, and unlike most people, I really enjoy running on a treadmill! I put on my headphones and let my mind go blank- I actually really love it.

So, peeps, if anyone goes to LA Fitness is Ballard, let's work out together! I HATE being sold to and it took me 2 hours to get the guy to the price that I was OK with. It would have been nice to go lower, but whatever. He threw in a gym bag, and some not-so-cool LA Fitness gear so I felt like I won in some weird way.

Tonight is Friend Night! Unlike other Girls Only Nights, I plan to refrain from drinking 2 bottles of wine and being so hungover the next day I feel like a dragon breathing alcohol out of my nostrils. Stay tuned, Lovers.

Here it is, the groove slightly transformed

Summer in Seattle and THE BEST EVER!! Yesterday was 95 degrees. Perfection. I love the heat. Seriously, do you know what drives me insane? When people complain it's too hot outside. OK, just get over it. Before you know it, it will be dark by 4:30pm, rainy, and miserable. Stop complaining, try to enjoy it while it lasts. We've been on a mini mission lately to find a small table and chair set for our deck. Small, being the key word here. I decided to venture off to Crate and Barrel at U Village, because then I could shop and enjoy the sun at the same time! I'm a terrific multi-tasker :) Well, Anthropologie was having another sidewalk sale!!! Ahhhh, save me please, Visa! Three tops later that were all marked way down from $88/shirt, I was on my way to CB. The cheapest patio table they had was $600! No thanks, on the the next one. I ended up finding a cafe table for $90. We had drinks and dinner on our little, tiny deck and enjoyed the heat and city living (no outdoor space). I just think someday when we're old and rich and boring maybe we'll have a ginormous yard and beautiful outdoor living area. Until then, we're happy to make due with what we have.

FYI- half marathon training is not going so well. It's been about two weeks since I've put on my New Balances. Shoot. I need to step it up if I plan on running 13 miles without extreme discomfort. Remind me again why I do these events!?

I'll make it to the moon if I have to crawl

Sometimes I like to think I am an outdoorsy kind of person, but this is so false it's not even funny. Maybe I think that because I can weather the dirt, sleep in a tent, and not shower for a couple days (blah), but honestly, living in Seattle makes me look like a priss compared to "real" outdoorsy people. I guess what differentiates "me" from "them" is I actually don't entirely enjoy being dirty and going to the bathroom in a hole.

We went camping this weekend with my cousin and her novio. I have to admit, I wasn't too excited about this because I already went camping once this summer. And, I was told I may have to use "The Hole". I immediately started eating lots and lots of cheese. Too much information? Whatever. (Fortunately, there was an actual bathroom). Once a summer is my limit for sleeping in a tent. I tend to prefer a hotel with a pool and hot, hot showers instead. Can you really blame me?? I ended up having a really great time with really great company sitting around the fire, floating in the lake, you know, all the normal camping rituals.

Poor Sunday sprained her tail. She yelped louder than I have ever heard and it tore my heart to pieces. She is being pampered like crazy and feeling better but it broke my heart to see her in so much pain! I can only imagine what it would feel like with an actual CHILD, not just a dog child! Craziness...

Pizza-rific

Holy Moses, seriously, I have had pizza 5 times in the past week! I shouldn't be bragging about that...oh well.

Pizza Date #1:

Me+Emily+Wine+Pizza= Perfect Monday night!

Pizza Date #2:

Me+3 really, really fun girls with blonde hair+8 bottles of vino+Pizza+Shark Week+A quick trip to 711= ummmm, bad idea but fun at the same time

Pizza Date #3:

Work party. Not as exciting but I have never been so happy to have pizza at work to help soak up a liter of wine in my belly from the night before

Pizza Date #4:

Date night with my true love. Phoenecia in West Seattle is one of the most fun and romantic dates I've been on in a long, long time. It is a quaint little place, cozy and candle lit. Not rushed at all, we had a two hour, small plate dinner which included a squash pizza. It was deeeeelish! It was like pumpkin pie on a pizza, but better. I encourage you to check it out. It's not super cheap, but it's a great date location and made me feel so much passion and love for my husband. It was well worth the extra pennies.

Pizza Date #5:

Me+Them+Wine+Pizza= Total Eclipse of the Heart

I love waking up and having my friends there! It's like college all over again, but this time S won't get kicked out for sleeping in a sorority and I won't have to do dishes for having a boy in my bed. Naughty, naughty.

How did I get so lucky? I ask myself this every day.

kiss kiss

Buy Me a Star on The Boulevard

This is what I'm doing tonight. What about you??

Californication has recently become my new obsession! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! OK, I know David Duchovny is 50 years old (I still find that so hard to believe), but I have a secret crush on him. Shhhhh.....don't tell S.

Sorry for the extreme gloating, but I can't help it

I can't contain myself, I have to exclaim my accomplishment to the world. I ran 5 miles last night....in 39 minutes! That's faster than I can ever remember going! I shouldn't leave out the part that I "accidentally" ate half a bag of chips before. Oopsie.

Wednesday, August 4th

• I've been introduced to BBM. Now, I might be even more obsessed with my Blackberry


• It's only Wednesday and I've already consumed way too much alcohol and caffeine this week. My friend even tagged me as a bottle of wine on facebook
• I blame the above issue on the fact we just bought a HUGE TV! The Kardashian's have been keeping me very entertained, and what goes better with them than a bottle of wine?

• We had a kickball game last night, I got knocked over and fell HARD to the ground. There is a monstrous bump on my leg and every hour it's looking a little more blue. Ouch.


• I just had to google how to spell ouch. I'm an idiot. Maybe I shouldn't mention that to the world?
  
• I am feeling rather dehydrated. It must be time for my afternoon Diet Coke.


• MUST.RUN.TONIGHT- It's been at least a week since I've broke a sweat. Well, that's not entirely true, but whatever.


• I am so, so, so in love with the sunshine!

This One's for The Girls!

"Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with."

- Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City

I am currently reading The Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood, recommended to me by one of my favorite people, Ali. L.O.V.E. it! I can't get enough, have you read this book? And do you know what makes it even better? It reminds me of the relationship I have with my friends! I am so, so, SO lucky to have such a tight knit group of girlfriends. Girlfriends are the best, right?

Reason #1 out of 572,436,136,098 We can talk about anything, I can always count on them for honest advice or just an ear to listen and relate. When things are looking up, I want to share everything with them! When things aren't going so great, I know they will help cheer me up. I love hearing what they have to say, someone on my level, someone going through, relatively, the same trials and tribulations. It's great. On the other hand, I love hearing what they have to say. I love being an honest ear for THEM. Good gosh, I would do anything for them!

Reason #2 out of that really big number We ALWAYS have a good time. No. That's an understatement. We ALWAYS have a fabulous, beautiful, crazy, good time! It usually involves a little liquid, but that's OK. It makes for really good stories. Like the time a few of us went out for Mexican food and drank WAY too many margaritas and got kicked out and they locked the door behind us. OK, they didn't really kick us out, they were closing, but they did lock the door and wouldn't let us back in! We were stuck in rainy Seattle without a cab in sight! We tried to walk across the Ballard bridge, luckily we didn't- who knows if we would have made it or not! Instead we got in a cab and sang Ke$ha all the way to the next bar. (you girls know who you are, love you!)

Reason #3 If there is a cage in sight, we'll find it. Yeah, I don't care if you think "those girls" are annoying, attention seekers, whatever. It's not about YOU, it's about US and what WE want to do TOGETHER. Cages just happen to be really, really fun to dance in.

#4 Secrets are meant to be kept and never spoken about again. I love that I am able to tell my girlfriends my secrets and am not afraid of being judged or betrayed.

There are SO many other reasons to be so grateful for girlfriends- just writing this makes me want to give you all a big hug!

So, girlies, thank you so much for being everything to me. I would be so different (and boring) without you all, I love you! WSU just happened to be the best thing that ever happened to me! You are smart, freaking beautiful, one of a kind, really wonderful, special people. I wish absolutely nothing but the very best for each one of you. I am so lucky to have you as friends!

xx

Another Day In Paradise

Living in the city of Seattle you tend to run into quite a few less fortunate people. People who don't have anywhere to call home, people who are in search of their next meal or somewhere to rest their eyes at night. As horrible as it is to say, 'you get used to it', you actually really do. Every once in awhile someone will really make you realize how good you have it and your heart will sting for a brief moment. Maybe you will give them a few bucks, an apple, whatever, and then move on with your day.

I remember the first time I saw a homeless man. I was a young teenager, outside Nordstrom with my mom in Seattle. I felt so bad for him and started crying on the street. If my memory is correct, I begged my mom to give him some money, I would have done anything to help this man! He could stay in my bedroom, maybe work for my parents in the yard, maybe we could have got him an apartment, anything! I just couldn't believe he didn't have a home. Sadly, I was a bit naive.

I have lived in Seattle for a few years now and see these people on a daily basis. On my drive to work, drive home, lunch break, wandering the sidewalks, at the grocery store, etc., etc., etc. Sometimes someone will look extra special to me, but more often than not, I drive past without paying any attention. (This is actually very eye opening to me that I shove this aside, I need to be better about acknowledging everyone.)

A couple weeks ago I was in the parking lot outside Blockbuster in Seattle, (I know, who goes to Blockbuster anymore?!?! ME!) when this man asked if he could wash the windows on my car for 50 cents. Immediately, without even thinking, I said, 'No, thank you', and walked away. When I got in the store I was appalled by my behaviour, I didn't give that man the time of day. I didn't pay him any attention, didn't look in his eyes when he asked if he could exchange a window washing for 50 cents. He was willing to work, that's what stuck with me. I felt like a cold hearted, selfish, stuck up person who I barely recognize and I sure as heck do not want to be! I went outside, gave him a five and thanked him for offering to help me. He was so happy, it was amazing, he offered to wash my windows again, but I really just wanted to go home and see my husband, dog, house, everything. I just wanted to suck in my life as much as possible and be grateful for everyone and everything. You never know who that guy was before in life, maybe he was someone just like you and me, who knows. I am going to start giving all people a chance before I shut them out. This man was a true eye opener. I am so grateful for him popping into my life. Thank you, Window Washing Man, you might have just changed my life.

xx

And That's Another Cougar First Down!

Oh Wait, wrong sport. Just kidding, I know my sports better than you may think, Little Readers!

I haven't been to a Mariners game for 5 years. 5 whole years! I remember it was 5 years ago because S and I went together the summer we started dating and then apparently decided to never go again!

My dear, dear friend came to town with her husband and they were going to the game Saturday night so we decided to join them. The four of us headed down to Safeco after a very, very happy hour and bought some tickets on the street! So fun! S and I had no idea what we were doing, pretty much just saw some guy selling tickets so we bought them! He did give us a deal though, so I guess that's just fine. We were happily enjoying the game and feeling rather "thirsty", so we hunted down the beer man who informed us we could either choose between an $8 Bud Light or a $10 22oz Amber. A $2 difference, seriously? That's a silly question, Sir. Like we're really going to pay $8 for water. The fifth inning rolled around and we spent the rest of the game in the beer garden with Wheat Blossom, Pixy and a couple of S's friends we randomly found wandering. People, you have to go to a M's game and hang out in the beer garden, it was so much fun and I want to go again soon!

We headed back to our place and had some Disaronno on the rocks (say it like the commercial)! Their marketing scheme worked on me because as soon as I saw that bottle on the shelf, I could hear the commercial guy's voice talking about 'Disaronno on the rocks'. You tricky, tricky marketing people!

Seriously, go to a Mariner's game and spend the whole time in the beer garden. You will have the best time, just be prepared to drop some serious cash for a beer or two....or three...

I've been a very bad blogger

I am sorry, I've been MIA in the blogging world, let's chat.

S and I went camping last weekend to Lake Chelan. We had a campsite right on the beach complete with a fire pit and picnic table. We rolled in Saturday with poochy poo in tow and stayed 2 nights (plenty of time to spend in the wilderness for me). Sunday went into serious guard dog mode. She wasn't my cuddly, sweet companion I know and love, instead she barked at any little sound she heard and kept a close eye on who and what came near us. Have you ever slept in a small tent with an air mattress and a 60 pound dog? If not, I don't recommend it. I don't think I ever completely fell asleep. It was more like that state between being awake and dreaming. We had a great time, but were so happy to come home to our comfortable home and hot shower!

Currently, I have my nose in The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I love this book. I can't seem to put it down and haven't turned on the TV for the past couple days. My entire lunch hour has been spent reading at the coffee shop across the street. It reads like a movie, like you're watching the characters, like you can actually hear their voices and almost like you can smell the surroundings. I just can't get enough. If you're looking for a good read, read this!!!

Last night S and and I went for a run. I've mentioned before no matter where you run in Magnolia, they first mile at least is going to be uphill. That man can seriously RUN. We ran 1.1 miles uphill in under 9 minutes. Maybe that's slow to some people? I don't know, but to me, that was like freaking sprinting! We finally leveled off and I could barely keep up, I was spent from the hill. We had to stop and walk for a minute because it felt as if my lungs were on fire, my quads ached, I was miserable. I'm taking the night off running to get in a little HH, but hopefully will catch up tomorrow.

Lately, I've been trying to figure out the things I really love in life. So far there's only have two. Reading and running. There has to be more I'm passionate about and know I'll find them someday. Note: I said things.

xx

Day 3. So far, so good.

I have a three mile run, plus strengthening to look forward to tonight. It looks hot outside, not like I'd know since I've been cooped up in an air conditioned office all day. Maybe the run will happen later this evening after the sun sets. Maybe The Man will be home from work by then because I really don't want to do this alone (poor poochy has a limp and is out for a couple days to recover).

After that I plan drinking a glass (or 3) of wine and spending a little QT with Mr. Morgan. AKA: Dexter.

Year Goals

Let me tell you about my Sunday...not the dog, the day. I decided to replant a few plants because I always kill mine, indoor and outdoor. I don't know why, I just don't have a green thumb I guess. They either get too much water, not enough water, too much sun, not enough sun. I just can't get it right for some reason! So, I was going to get some new little guys and was half way to Lowe's when I saw a huge sign which caused me to slam on my breaks and park immediately.

HALF PRICE BOOKS WAREHOUSE SALE

I had to stop, it would be weird not to, right? Everyone would blow off replanting and grocery shopping for a used book sale, right? $20 and about 40 books later, I could barely carry the bag to my car. I set a goal for myself to read each and every one of those books by July 2011. Even the Al Gore one, still not sure why I bought that...whatever, I'm going to do it!

My other year goal (season goal) is to stay on some sort of exercise plan. I don't know why I have the hardest time staying on track. I do really well for a few weeks and then decide running is over-rated. I made (I mean copied) a training plan to follow for the next 12 weeks, we'll see how long I can stick to that before I get completely warn out. Maybe if I buy some cute workout clothes I will be more motivated to go for a run...the Nordstrom sale does start on Friday.

The sun is shining and I have places to go and people to see!

xx

Must.Run.Tonight.

I've been using the excuse it's too hot to run outside.

I mean, really, what if I get heatstroke? What if I desperately need water and die of thirst on the side of the road? What if the pavement is too hot for Sunday's little paws? I'm not being dramatic, these are all valid points.

Well, it's a comfortable 70 degrees and I'm afraid the scale hasn't agreed with my excuses. Stupid scale.

I'll be seeing you tonight, Road. Dang it.

The Simple Life

...babies...

Arts & Crafts at Home

For those who've been to our house you know we have a HUGE green wall that is fairly bare and very green. Well, over the weekend S got a big piece of sheet metal, painted it with chalkboard paint and hung it on that big, green wall! Pretty cool, right?? I love his picture of Sunday, so cute. And can you make out what his 'To-Do List' says? He's crazy...in a really good way.

Hi Mt. Si!

S and I hiked Mt. Si Monday morning before the record setting high temperatures set in for the week. As you can see, S's hat has little moisture droplets all over it- at one point I was really cold and long sleeves, pants and an ear warmer weren't enough! You know, I'm still trying to find the thing I really like to do...hiking, eh, it's OK I guess.
We took the dog and surprisingly, she did pretty well, except for the couple times I almost face-planted in the rocks when she tried to chase a chipmunk, that's besides the point though. We didn't get any frightened looks or screams despite her looking totally gangster on the trails. This picture looks like one of those petfinder.com (click that link) ads to adopt a dog that you really don't want to adopt in fear it may maul you in the middle of the night, but feel so bad for it suffering on the rocks. Don't fret, she lives a very charmed life.

xx lovers and friends, enjoy the HEAT, I know I will.

They're BACK!!!

I need to go see Eclipse, pronto. Somehow I talked S into seeing the first two Twilight's with me but it doesn't look like I'll be so lucky again. Come on, people, Edward and Bella are going to do some naughty things, we've got to see this!

S and I are going camping in a couple weeks! We have been a couple times together, but it's been awhile... a few years (wow, it's weird to say "years"). Actually, the first time we went together was 5 years ago! Crazy! We had just officially become boyfriend/girlfriend and we had SO much fun. I like to tell myself he fell in love with me that weekend. It's true, isn't it, S? :) I am so excited, we're going to REI tonight to purchase some of our own gear so we don't always have to borrow. I CAN'T WAIT to sit around the campfire with my main squeeze and poochy poo under the stars, munching on snacks and sipping beer. I wish it was this weekend.

Other random news, I'm craving the Spaghetti Factory in a major way. I think that will have to be what's for dinner tonight!

xx.

I love soccer

Maybe I'll be more than cute,

maybe I'll be dashingly truthful,

but whatever my maybe's may be,

I hope they can involve you, and me,
and infinite possibility.

A Brief Moment of Clarity

Lately I have been feeling so lost, you know, my quarter life crisis and everything :). Lost is the wrong word, more like confused, walking around in a haze, nothing seems clear; I don't know what the heck I'm doing in my life except going with the flow. Whatever the flow is, I'm not quite sure. Just trying to live one day at a time and have a good time doing it, or at the least, keep my sanity. S and I both took yesterday off work to chill out and regroup. It was AMAZING. Waking up on a Monday morning whenever you please is so much better than the weekends! We didn't wake up with a hangover, or the feeling we had to try to squeeze as much into our weekend as possible, we just enjoyed every moment, it was simple. I vote for 4 day work weeks!

My dear, dear, DEAR friend Michelle is in town with her Aussie man. LOVE them both! We spent the day with them, making breakfast, wandering around Seattle and ended with fish and chips and beer on the water. Does it get any better than that?? I don't think so.

Later that evening is when my moment of clarity came to me. Spending time together in comfy clothes on the couch. Laughing at whatever was on TV, being still and eating broccoli of all things! Relaxing and knowing that everything is just fine and everything is going to be fine. Perfection.

The End.

xx