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.