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

It's really Monday already??

Well, happy first day of summer. This is just a beautiful day, let me tell you *sarcasm*.

I've talked a lot about running lately, that's only because I recently got back into it and have been spending a lot of time with my New Balances on huffing and puffing up the insanely steep hills of Magnolia. Sometimes I hate it, sometimes I love it. To love it you have to be in this trance, let your mind really go free and then you don't even feel the pain or discomfort. I almost always run with S and the dog, and we usually make a similar loop around the town, modifying it up depending on how much energy we have.


Saturday afternoon:

We were so tired and aching for a nap or some serious veg out time on the couch. We had plans that night (a whole other post...good gosh) so we figured we should probably get off our butts and break a sweat. We laced up our tennies, leashed up the dog, and were on our way. No matter which way you run in Magnolia, the first mile is up hill, there's no getting around it. It's not that bad though, just a slight incline and then it levels off after a bit (2 songs is how I time it). We ran the first mile uphill and felt strong so we decided to keep going and run the 6 mile loop. I have rap music blaring through my headphones so I can't hear a thing. S holds Sunday and I usually follow them so I can see what's going on. I got into that trance around mile 2, I wasn't thinking of anything except the Ludacris song I was singing along to in my head (sometimes outloud too)when I got a couple feet ahead of S and Sunday and almost ran right into a mini van. Oops...maybe the music shouldn't be that loud.

At about mile 5 we were still going pretty good, I was definitely getting tired, but it wasn't a big deal. S looked good, he was keeping his pace and didn't look like anything would slow him down. Sunday trots along, trying to lunge for the occasional bird or fellow runner. It's actually pretty embarrassing when you have a 60 pound dog that looks like it's going to tackle on old man to the ground. Most people have the same reaction, they put their hands up and have a genuine look of terror on their face. I know it's bad that I think it's humorous that people think she's so scary when all she wants is to say hello. S actually witnessed a lady scream when they passed. Chill out, seriously. Anyway, I was following and focusing on his calves and every stride he took when all of a sudden, Sunday got distracted and ran right in front of S. Right in front. There was no pulling her away, no trying to jump over her. She was in the exact spot his next foot was going to land. I saw this whole thing in slow motion and froze up in anticipation what was going to happen next. Thank goodness they were running on grass because she tripped him and he tumbled right over her. That bisnatch. I ripped off my headphones to check on him, and of course, he was fine. He got right back up and started jogging again like nothing happened. He is the best runner I know. He is the fastest, has the most endurance, he is one dedicated athlete and the fact that even a fall didn't slow him down, that says a lot.

I'm sure there will be more crazy Sunday stories, she sure does add humour (and stress, and nerves, and a mess) to our home, but we love her so much!

xx.

Quarter Life Crisis

We have all heard the term mid life crisis, but is there such a thing as a quarter life crisis? If so, it must be completely different than a mid life crisis because most people in their mid 20's don't have enough money to go buy a sports car or yacht or some other extravagant status symbol. That, in fact, is what we (maybe just I?) dream about. We go to college like we're supposed to, graduate, get a job and try to make it. Try to survive on the $!*+ income we make. Not like it's really that bad though, I'm sure most of us do just fine. We are able to go out to dinner, pay the bills, shop a bit, just not go overboard, we comfortably live within our means.

I struggle with my age, 26. Some days I think, 'I'm only 26, I'm so young, we should go party!'. Other days it's more along the lines of, 'Wow, I'm 26, almost 27, almost 30, maybe we should start thinking about starting a family.'. It's kind of a funny age, we're in solid adult land now with adult lives, jobs, relationships, but yearn for a bit of the life we lived before with little to no responsibilities. A bit of freedom, for lack of a better word, back. Is it just me? Please say no.

I really have nothing to complain about, and I'm not trying to complain. I have an absolutely wonderful husband, he is so supportive, my best friend, my everything, and he always puts up with me and my nutty ideas. I would be lost without him. We own our home, have a cute dog, do chores around the house on the weekends... doesn't that just sound so perfect? It's like a movie, it sounds ideal. Nothing is ever "perfect" though, the grass is always greener on the other side. Sometimes we wonder why did we buy a house, we're "stuck" in Seattle for a couple years. We don't have the freedom to move (something we've been considering lately), to go on an extravagant vacation, or even much of a vacation at all. The chores get old, home updates get expensive and time consuming, and sometimes we just want to let loose and have some serious FUN! I'm in an in between time in my life. In between realizing I am an adult and taming my wild side and being OK with that. It will get better though, I know it.


Maybe once the sun comes out, my quarter life crisis will end. I hope so. I hope for some sunshine, fun, love, and of course, world peace. :)

I run to free my mind

VISA- Beware

University Village Sidewalk Sale starts this Thursday! I'm going right after work, let me know if you want to join me! Last year I got a bunch of tops at Anthropologie for $5! Lululemon is participating this year too! This could be a very bad (good) thing...

Do Like Jamie and Blame it on the Liquor

Friday: Best. Day. Ever.

The sun emerged, it was beautiful, hot, everyone was happy and eager to be in the sun. AND it was payday, that always is a wonderful thing! After work, I ran 5 miles...yes. 5! It was so nice, it felt good to feel the sun beating down on me as my feet pounded on the pavement. Now I can't wait to do it again. A few of us are doing the Leavenworth Oktoberfest half marathon so I am in training mode, it's nice to have a goal to work towards again. I am even considering traning for a full after the half, we'll see though. Not sure I can commit to that, and I'm not sure my poor hips can take it. After 5 miles I am pretty sore. My hip pain seems worse this time around, last year I got to about 9 miles before it was this intense.





Later in the evening we headed to our local watering hole for one too many drinks and great company. Absolute perfection, except waking up the next morning wasn't so fun. That's ok though. It was worth it.








Saturday: Best. Day. Ever. Repeated.



Sunny Seattle is so wonderful. We went to Golden Gardens to catch a few much needed rays. I even got a little, pink nose from the sun and I kind of love it. When the sun is out, everyone is in a good mood. Everyone is so generous, friendly, happy, everyone seems to feel so lucky.

Seattle People are good people.


























We went home after the beach, relaxed for a bit, and then went to Gasworks Park for a picnic completed with a Nalgene water bottle full of Pinot Grigio.



This is a good life we live. I am so thankful for this man, a beautiful city, great loves, great friends, and SUMMER.





much love, xx

I dream of you amid the flowers for a couple of hours

Edward Cullen really has nothing to do with anything, but I like this picture. All I do lately is daydream, daze off into space, wish I was anywhere else besides rainy Seattle. Ahhh, what a little vitamin D could do for the soul. It must be time for a vacation, or a shopping spree perhaps. Maybe just a simple pedicure or hair cut would do. Who knows. It is going to be sunny this weekend and my plan is to put on my swimmy and head to the beach with a book and some music! I've been running lately, which means I've been listening to my ipod and have rediscovered some forgotten music. "Lost" by Coldplay. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I could listen to that song over and over again. Throw a little Britney and Beyonce in the mix just to be safe and we'll run for miles. Not tonight though...my hips hurt too bad from the past couple days.

Tattoo your name across my heart

I feel the need to buy a pretty, whimsical, flowing dress and go to a party and drink champagne. Someone should throw a party, maybe that someone is ME?

xx forever

Environmental Catastrophe

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Gandhi, Mahatma

This is not the way our nation needs to be judged...

I am beyond disgusted, along with most everyone else, the way the BP oil spill is being handled. It's been 48 days....48 days! These pictures are still front page news, so sad, so unacceptable. Now there is talk that maybe it's more beneficial to put the animals down, put them out of their misery so they don't suffer in the oil anymore. I am appalled by so many of these issues. Yes, I understand that reasoning to a certain extent, but maybe this is a cop out. Maybe this is the "easy" route, the cheap route. Maybe we should value all life as much as we value our own lives. Maybe there should have been a recovery plan 47 effing days ago. Seriously, this is not the kind of world I want to live in, and I know you probably don't either.

This just reinforces my thoughts on not eating animals, for any animal to suffer is heartbreaking to me. We had some delicious roasted vegetables and rice for dinner last night and tonight I plan on experimenting with butternut squash enchiladas, sans recipe, sans meat. Wish me luck!

My Three Vices

Wine, Coffee and Diet Coke apparently isn't a good diet plan, but I am semi-obsessed with the lovely liquids. Wait, that's an understatement. My day consists of about 4 cups of black coffee, a diet coke and at least one glass of wine...usually more like 3. Don't judge. I had a standard check up at the Dr. last week and I told her how I've been feeling exhausted, run down, sluggish and just not my chipper self so she tested my blood. The results came back and I am basically nutrient deprived. Well, that is what I took from a low white and red blood cell count. I have to go back in a month, but until then I am going to start taking better care of myself, running more, eating healthier (something other than crackers, hummus and cheese), drinking less caffeine and alcohol, and taking a multi-vitamin. I've got the running down, I've gone for a jog after work the past 2 days and I plan on keeping it up. It feels amazing to be outside running, its one of my simple joys in life. I bring the dog and she trots along side me, such a good little pal. I took two weeks off from jogging (laziness is my only excuse) and it's crazy how fast you fall out of shape! I've been going about three miles and am pretty winded...so pathetic when I used to do six easy. I bought some One A Day vitamins and took one with a piece of toast and glass of water this morning. Everything was fine and dandy until I went upstairs 5 minutes later to finish getting ready for work and a cold sweat came on. *&()%&$@! I said, "Dear Husband of mine, I think I'm going to be sick!". Of course Sunday ran in the bathroom to save the day while the vitamin, toast and water all decided they didn't feel like sitting in my stomach any longer. Hmmm, thanks a lot, One A Day. S insisted I try to take another one with lunch but I was too scared, maybe tomorrow I'll have better luck. I am certain with some more veggies in my diet and a little exercise I'll be feeling back to normal in no time!

It's Friday and I could not be happier! Even though it's June it still feels like November, so my plan is to read and run all weekend! We didn't get to our kitchen tile back splash last weekend so hopefully we can start on that too. Tonight is going to be perfect! Spaghetti, sweats, TV, and my two loves...it should be pretty obvious who they are but in case you forgot, here you go!

I think my favorite cousin and I are going to try to do the Leavenworth Oktoberfest half marathon! Does anyone want to join us? It would be so fun to go over there, run in the morning and drink beer the rest of the day and Leavenworth is so much fun!

xx

Jump Start

The sun is peaking through, I see it, I swear it's there! I was worried for my eyeballs when I went out for lunch, I feared the umbrella spokes were going to poke them out. Talk about a blustery day! Maybe the storm has passed, my fingers are crossed. Please Mother Nature, please, please bring us some sun!!

I need to get myself signed up for a gym, or a freaking marathon. OK, maybe a half marathon...not quite sure I want to commit to running 26 miles. Ick. That actually sounds pretty awful but I still will probably do at least one someday! I give major props to all those that have the discipline and dedication to do it. If anyone is thinking they might want to give it a shot, let me know and we can be jogging buddies. Running is good for the soul, just bad for the knees and hips.

So, I'm thinking either Vegas or New Orleans...come on. Let's do it. Someone sign up with me and we'll make a weekend out of it!

http://las-vegas.competitor.com/register/ -OR- http://mardi-gras.competitor.com/

"Methinks that the moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow."
- Henry David Thoreau

Book Worm

I love books. The way they smell, the way a new books crisp pages feel on your finger tips, the history of a used one and wondering where it's been and how it got to you. I would rather read a good novel than watch TV any day and it's always fun when an Amazon.com package arrives with your name on it! I just finished The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson and was so impressed. It took me awhile to get into it, but once I did, I was enthralled the entire time. If you're ever looking for a good thriller, I would highly recommend it and it's been on the NY Times Best Seller List for over a year, that has to say something. I am tempted to jump right to the sequel but have reconsidered and decided to give my brain a rest and fall into Dear John instead. I know, I know, so lame, but I have to read it, everyone needs a good love story once in a while and I was choosing between that and A New Earth. Not really in the mood for the latter...

My True Loves....I could lose myself in them over and over.

Although I spent much of the 3-day weekend with a book and glass of red wine or coffee in hand, we also did some major redecorating! Check out my new kitchen curtains and pendant light! With a little creative inspiration from my dear friend, Ali and Anthropologie, I think they are darling! S thinks they are ridiculous, but I don't care, I love them!

This is another addition I worked on yesterday. I never thought I would teach myself how to use a power drill (is that what it's called?), but I did and must admit, it was kind of exhilarating! Disregard the shelf of nonsense...we're trying to decide what to do with that corner of books and other...things.

Oh, three day weekend, you got a lot of work out of me but not much fun. The next one isn't until July, hopefully the rain will be long gone by then!