I am happy to say that I've been off work for so long that the days have all kind of run together.
Friday was a nice, lazy day. Todd and I ran some errands, dropped Kayleigh off at a girlfriend's, visited Steve and Steph for a few minutes, then came home and started the decorating. We got as far as putting the fake prelit tree up and fluffing the branches, but then it was time to go back over to Steve and Steph's for some quality hanging out and a movie. And I haven't seen Isa in many, many weeks, so seeing her always perks me up.
Isa and Steph had to go off to bed right after the movie, but I was nowhere ready to come home. We'd been trapped in the house all week, and I was absolutely loving being somewhere else.
We chatted with Steve until about 11pm, then Todd finally put his foot down (I love it when he does that) and took us home.
Saturday was darned productive, and a bit chaotic. Tyler hosted game in the cottage, so we had six teenagers blowing through the house around 1pm. Todd and I left to pick up a new dresser for Kayleigh, after selling her old dresser and nightstand (we love craigslist), the got back home and snoozed on the couch until game ended and the six teenagers blew back into the house. I immediately hid in the bedroom to get ready for dinner.
We were invited across the street to Dave and Greg's for a post turkey day dinner with some other neighbors. And let me tell you, I thanked them PROFUSELY for the invitation. Because the kids had decided to play Apples to Apples in the dining room. It was loud. From Dave and Greg's living room, we could watch everyone in our house. Like we were here! But not.
Whew.
We had a lovely turkey dinner (a real turkey! With legs!) complete with stuffing, potatoes, gravy and green beans. I also tried pickled herring (not bad) and some paste made from the quince fruit in their backyard. It was interesting. But yummy.
There was dessert, and coffee and chit chat by the fire. There was also talk about past Twelfth Night productions (since Dave is an actor) so when Todd and I got home, we put in Fiddler on the Roof, which Twelfth Night had done in 2005. It was Kayleigh's second show and she was just freakin' adorable. I've never seen Fiddler on the Roof before - I had no idea what it was about.
This doesn't even shock Todd anymore.
Todd was also in it, as the beggar, and while I couldn't see his face very well, it was nice to just see him on stage.
Unfortunately, that put us to bed after 1am, so when I woke up this morning at 10am, after waking up and coughing a few times during the night, I was completely unhappy. But Todd and I needed to go to Goodwill, and we had to decorate the tree and laundry was piling up and Todd has Tech Week all this week so I had to feed the kids (take out!).....ack.
As much as I would have loved to spend the day in bed, I persevered and functioned. Well. After napping through the Seahawks game. I thought we could actually do it! Except for the interceptions that Hasselback kept throwing, we were playing pretty well!
But no.
Kayleigh summed it up best when she said, "We are getting our asses handed to us on a silver platter. With veggies on the side!"
She's funny.
Oh, ack. And the news is on right now and we're being warned about a huge storm that's coming in. Fantastic! No snow in the forecast, but lots of rain and lots of wind. And a "frosty" morning. I'll just over prepare and expect snow.
It couldn't hurt, right?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gobble Gobble
Happy Thanksgiving.
Our day started with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, then moved on into the dog show (fluffy puppies!!), and then it was dinnertime!
I have often complimented Todd on his cooking abilities, but I have to say, the man went above and beyond this year. I joked earlier in the week about going grocery shopping, and how he didn't need to go with me because it was least I could do since he'd be doing all the cooking.
I was joking!
Kind of...
He single handedly made the garlic potatoes, the veggies, the stuffing, the gravy and he cooked the little turkey breast roast. Okay, I cut up the lettuce for the Caesar salad and threw on some dressing. But that was nothing.
And in return, I cleaned the kitchen while Todd and the kids played Rock Band. I like playing Rock Band, but I get too frustrated if everyone chooses a song I've never heard of, or if, gawd forbid, I actually play an instrument.
So, I cleaned and they played. Everyone's happy!
Oh, and we had a smidge of snow today. Fantastic!
Our day started with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, then moved on into the dog show (fluffy puppies!!), and then it was dinnertime!
I have often complimented Todd on his cooking abilities, but I have to say, the man went above and beyond this year. I joked earlier in the week about going grocery shopping, and how he didn't need to go with me because it was least I could do since he'd be doing all the cooking.
I was joking!
Kind of...
He single handedly made the garlic potatoes, the veggies, the stuffing, the gravy and he cooked the little turkey breast roast. Okay, I cut up the lettuce for the Caesar salad and threw on some dressing. But that was nothing.
And in return, I cleaned the kitchen while Todd and the kids played Rock Band. I like playing Rock Band, but I get too frustrated if everyone chooses a song I've never heard of, or if, gawd forbid, I actually play an instrument.
So, I cleaned and they played. Everyone's happy!
Oh, and we had a smidge of snow today. Fantastic!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Arctic Blast 2010, Day II
And, I'm home again.
All Todd had to say was "It snowed again last night" and I pulled the covers back up over my head and snoozed.
Oh, but I actually had to work today. Despite what my department decided. One aspect of my job is to manage our traveler credit cards, which includes hounding people to reconcile and to approve. And today was the first, and only day to approve.
So I worked from 8am to 3pm, taking a mere hour for lunch (walk to QFC for pie and wine - necessities when in an arctic blast). Hope my boss is okay with that.
I did put up my Thanksgiving day decorations. Just some window cling things that someone made me when I was little.
I am so looking forward to not even acting like I have to wake up early in the morning.
All Todd had to say was "It snowed again last night" and I pulled the covers back up over my head and snoozed.
Oh, but I actually had to work today. Despite what my department decided. One aspect of my job is to manage our traveler credit cards, which includes hounding people to reconcile and to approve. And today was the first, and only day to approve.
So I worked from 8am to 3pm, taking a mere hour for lunch (walk to QFC for pie and wine - necessities when in an arctic blast). Hope my boss is okay with that.
I did put up my Thanksgiving day decorations. Just some window cling things that someone made me when I was little.
I am so looking forward to not even acting like I have to wake up early in the morning.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Arctic Blast 2010
The forecast over the weekend said it was possible we would get some snow flurries Sunday night and Monday morning. But don't get your hopes up, they said. Especially in the low lands, they said.
I woke up to a heavy dusting of snow yesterday morning, with even more falling. The roads weren't too bad so I had no trouble getting to work. And again, the rumor was that this was a fluke, so I wasn't worried about the drive home at all.
Until 3:30pm. The snow really started coming down and Todd called to say that there were blizzard like conditions in West Seattle. He and Kayleigh had walked down to QFC and were beaten by the wind on the way home.
So, I declared I was done for the day and wanted to get a head start on the drive home.
It took one hour to actually see the on-ramp to the freeway (normally a 3 minute drive), and another hour to make it to the West Seattle Bridge, and then 45 minutes to creep up and over the ice covered bridge, tackling 30mph winds once I crested the top, then down the ice covered bridge, and around to Alaska, where I almost ran into two cars, one in each lane, spinning and sliding around, trying to get going. I just sat there patiently and waited until they either slid out of the way or got some traction and moved forward.
I finally made it home and had to literally pry my fingers off the steering wheel. The family was gathered in the living room watching the ARCTIC BLAST 2010 coverage on the news. When we went to bed, the wind was still howling and the trees were scraping against the house and you could hear the ice hitting the windows.
And when my alarm went off at 6:30am this morning, Todd came in to tell me that the city was shut down and the street in front of our house was a solid sheet of ice.
Well, okay fine. I'm staying home.
My department had discussed "inclement weather" procedures just a couple of weeks ago, and I was told that if things were bad enough for me to need to stay home, there probably wouldn't be any work for me to do from home, so I would need to take a vacation day or take the day unpaid.
Luckily, I have plenty of vacation time.
So I turned on my Out of Office on my work email ("Thanks for your email but I am stuck at home during Arctic Blast 2010"), and enjoyed my day off. Todd, Kayleigh and I walked down to the Junction to search for some snow boots for the girl (consignment store SCORE! $16), and to get some lunch. I really wanted to put up the Christmas decorations today, but seeing as how Turkey Day is still two days away, I made myself wait.
Since we're not supposed to get above freezing today, I'm not getting my hopes up about driving in tomorrow morning. Anything that happened to melt will just refreeze. I knew this winter would be a humdinger, but I didn't think it would start this early.
I can't wait to see what it's like at Christmas.
I woke up to a heavy dusting of snow yesterday morning, with even more falling. The roads weren't too bad so I had no trouble getting to work. And again, the rumor was that this was a fluke, so I wasn't worried about the drive home at all.
Until 3:30pm. The snow really started coming down and Todd called to say that there were blizzard like conditions in West Seattle. He and Kayleigh had walked down to QFC and were beaten by the wind on the way home.
So, I declared I was done for the day and wanted to get a head start on the drive home.
It took one hour to actually see the on-ramp to the freeway (normally a 3 minute drive), and another hour to make it to the West Seattle Bridge, and then 45 minutes to creep up and over the ice covered bridge, tackling 30mph winds once I crested the top, then down the ice covered bridge, and around to Alaska, where I almost ran into two cars, one in each lane, spinning and sliding around, trying to get going. I just sat there patiently and waited until they either slid out of the way or got some traction and moved forward.
I finally made it home and had to literally pry my fingers off the steering wheel. The family was gathered in the living room watching the ARCTIC BLAST 2010 coverage on the news. When we went to bed, the wind was still howling and the trees were scraping against the house and you could hear the ice hitting the windows.
And when my alarm went off at 6:30am this morning, Todd came in to tell me that the city was shut down and the street in front of our house was a solid sheet of ice.
Well, okay fine. I'm staying home.
My department had discussed "inclement weather" procedures just a couple of weeks ago, and I was told that if things were bad enough for me to need to stay home, there probably wouldn't be any work for me to do from home, so I would need to take a vacation day or take the day unpaid.
Luckily, I have plenty of vacation time.
So I turned on my Out of Office on my work email ("Thanks for your email but I am stuck at home during Arctic Blast 2010"), and enjoyed my day off. Todd, Kayleigh and I walked down to the Junction to search for some snow boots for the girl (consignment store SCORE! $16), and to get some lunch. I really wanted to put up the Christmas decorations today, but seeing as how Turkey Day is still two days away, I made myself wait.
Since we're not supposed to get above freezing today, I'm not getting my hopes up about driving in tomorrow morning. Anything that happened to melt will just refreeze. I knew this winter would be a humdinger, but I didn't think it would start this early.
I can't wait to see what it's like at Christmas.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Weekend Update
What's this? A weekend update...during the weekend?!
Maddness!!
No. Just downtime. Todd's at rehearsal, Kayleigh's in her room and Tyler and I are watching The Simpsons. Since Fox is actually coming in today.
It's a quiet evening.
On Saturday, I was supposed to go to Ann's and help organize her kitchen while Todd (and Steve) were at a film shoot. They were playing extras. But Ann had to cancel, so I found myself with a wide open Saturday. I should have gone and visit CB's new baby, Elijah. He was born on November 5th and I just haven't had a chance to go by and meet him yet. But I had a bit of an...odd week, so I've been clinging to home as much as possible. I'll talk about that later.
So rather than go visit the new baby, I stayed home (except for a brief run to Bartell's for Swiffers and Prozac - insert joke here) and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. Kayleigh was practicing guitar all day and Tyler had Miles over, so I got through the living room and dining room, dusting and vacuuming, but boy when I got the bedroom, I went to town.
I pulled out the nightstands and vacuumed behind them. I reorganized Todd's clothes that were on the bookshelf and put his shorts away which made more room for books. I weeded out my bath basket and got rid of some stuff I haven't used in the last year. I cleaned off and oiled the dressers and then moved into the closet and reorganized that, got rid of some boots (I know!) and straightened up my sweaters.
It was a very good day.
Todd got back around 6pm, so I finished up and cleaned up, then we made dinner and watched Lost In Translation. Kayleigh had never seen it. Afterward, was Dexter. Of course.
And then bed.
Today I woke up early (for me...9:30am) and got ready to have coffee with Stephanie. She came over and we walked down to Bakery Nouveau (in 32 degree weather) for fattening sweet breakfast treats and double shot coffee. We cruised Northwest Art and Frame and looked at all the pretty Christmas stuff, and then farmer's market, and the on to Petco for some cat food, and then home. I changed into my sweats and curled up with Todd to watch the Hawks game.
Oh gawd. Come on, Seahawks!
I..... I just have nothing to say. Just. Nothing.
Then we had soup and sandwiches for dinner, then went to the store and loaded up on Turkey Day dinner makings, then Todd left for rehearsal. And I cleaned a little more. Got the kitchen squared away, and the floor mopped, as well as the whole bathroom cleaned. I believe I am done now.
So now I'm watching cartoons, having a glass of wine, and just chillin'.
I think I have earned not doing a damn thing come Thursday and Friday.
So there.
Even if this post is dry, I still get partial credit for blogging on a Sunday night, right?
Maddness!!
No. Just downtime. Todd's at rehearsal, Kayleigh's in her room and Tyler and I are watching The Simpsons. Since Fox is actually coming in today.
It's a quiet evening.
Friday night was pizza (not in the mood to cook) and Shadow of the Vampire. It's a mock making of Nosferatu. It was really good. Of course, we had to watch Nosferatu afterwards. I've never seen it.
On Saturday, I was supposed to go to Ann's and help organize her kitchen while Todd (and Steve) were at a film shoot. They were playing extras. But Ann had to cancel, so I found myself with a wide open Saturday. I should have gone and visit CB's new baby, Elijah. He was born on November 5th and I just haven't had a chance to go by and meet him yet. But I had a bit of an...odd week, so I've been clinging to home as much as possible. I'll talk about that later.
So rather than go visit the new baby, I stayed home (except for a brief run to Bartell's for Swiffers and Prozac - insert joke here) and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. Kayleigh was practicing guitar all day and Tyler had Miles over, so I got through the living room and dining room, dusting and vacuuming, but boy when I got the bedroom, I went to town.
I pulled out the nightstands and vacuumed behind them. I reorganized Todd's clothes that were on the bookshelf and put his shorts away which made more room for books. I weeded out my bath basket and got rid of some stuff I haven't used in the last year. I cleaned off and oiled the dressers and then moved into the closet and reorganized that, got rid of some boots (I know!) and straightened up my sweaters.
It was a very good day.
Todd got back around 6pm, so I finished up and cleaned up, then we made dinner and watched Lost In Translation. Kayleigh had never seen it. Afterward, was Dexter. Of course.
And then bed.
Today I woke up early (for me...9:30am) and got ready to have coffee with Stephanie. She came over and we walked down to Bakery Nouveau (in 32 degree weather) for fattening sweet breakfast treats and double shot coffee. We cruised Northwest Art and Frame and looked at all the pretty Christmas stuff, and then farmer's market, and the on to Petco for some cat food, and then home. I changed into my sweats and curled up with Todd to watch the Hawks game.
Oh gawd. Come on, Seahawks!
I..... I just have nothing to say. Just. Nothing.
Then we had soup and sandwiches for dinner, then went to the store and loaded up on Turkey Day dinner makings, then Todd left for rehearsal. And I cleaned a little more. Got the kitchen squared away, and the floor mopped, as well as the whole bathroom cleaned. I believe I am done now.
So now I'm watching cartoons, having a glass of wine, and just chillin'.
I think I have earned not doing a damn thing come Thursday and Friday.
So there.
Even if this post is dry, I still get partial credit for blogging on a Sunday night, right?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Adventures in Raechelle-land
As you may or may not know, Todd and I told Kayleigh we would redo her bedroom for her 13th birthday. No more little girl furniture. She was now a TEENAGER.
She finally got a new, full size bed last week. That’s been nice. But now, we needed to find her a desk so she could sprawl in her room (instead of the dining room table) and do her homework, and she needs a new chest of drawers.
One of the many things I love about Kayleigh is she immediately said “We’ll look on craigslist and at Goodwill!” No brand new, expensive furniture for this girl. She is happy with gently used – as long as it’s new (and cool) to her.
Gotta love that.
So I’ve been scouring craigslist in my spare time, looking for a big corner or L shaped desk. And yesterday, I found it. For $25.
I emailed the link to Kayleigh, then called her at home and told her about it. The desk doesn’t really fit the color scheme she’s going for, but she agreed that for $25, it’s better than not having a desk right now. And when we build up, and she moves into our (much bigger) room, we’ll get her a Real Desk.
I emailed the craigslister and arranged to pick it up last night. She lives in the Greenlake area, so I mentally prepared myself for a drive on a Thursday night, after being tired all day at work.
After arriving home, I was reminded that Kayleigh’s school was holding teacher conferences that evening – 5:45 – 7:45pm. Todd had rehearsal, so okay fine, I changed into comfy clothes, and off we went to the middle school, before heading up to Greenlake to get the desk. There was no time to make dinner, and it would be too late by the time we got home, so Todd said, “Why don’t you just grab dinner while you’re out?”
Woohoo!
And I immediately thought of Blue C. Kayleigh loves Blue C, and I thought since that’s in Fremont, and we’re going to Greenlake, we might as well stop by the Ballard Goodwill to see if they had a chest of drawers! Make it a girl bonding night!
The conferences were good. I met most all of Kayleigh’s teachers, and they all had nothing but positive, lovely things to say about her. Of course.
At 7:00pm, we left the school, and headed to Greenlake.
After getting turned around a bit, we found the craigslister’s house and prepared to buy a desk.
And here’s where things get fun.
The damn thing wouldn’t fit in my car. The craigslister’s husband tried all kinds of different angles, but nada. We just need one more inch! It’s funny, I didn’t think to measure the desk for the car before we left. I measured K’s room, to make sure it wouldn’t take up too much room, but didn’t even think about the car.
The desk would have fit in Ruby.
I’m just sayin’.
So the husband, a young Pacific Northwest rock climber dude complete with headlamp, tied the top of the desk to my roof rack. Fantastic.
However, I felt a bit unsure about stopping at BlueC and eating. The BlueC parking is in a garage under the building. A dark garage. Kayleigh said, “It’s a desk top! Why would someone steal a desktop!?” Oh, you’d be surprised. Granted, I’d only paid $25 for it, but if someone wanted to steal it, and they got the ropes undone, they could potentially damage the car trying to get that thing off the roof. It’s quite heavy.
So…..no BlueC. There were almost tears.
Until the craigslister reminded us that there was a BlueC in U Village which has a parking lot right in front of the restaurant and was brightly lit AND was just right on the other side of the freeway. Well, alrighty! But Goodwill was back in Ballard, in the opposite direction. It was now 7:30pm, and we were hungry, and we couldn’t fit in both places. I left it up to Kayleigh. Goodwill or BlueC. Pick one.
She picked BlueC. Good girl.
So with the desk top securely tied to my roof rack, off we went, east across the freeway, through the University District, to get our fish. And the traffic a was a bit heavy for a Thursday night. And what’s that policeman doing parked there?
And why is that road closed?
Oh. Oh no.
How could I have forgotten?! It was all over the news!
HUSKY'S GAME! During rush hour traffic on a Thursday evening.
Yes, I remembered hearing this, but had promptly forgotten about it because on Thursday evenings, I go home to West Seattle, in the opposite direction of the University area. Because who, in their right mind, would be going to U Village on Thursday evening? Sheesh.
Me and my daughter. That’s who.
For some fish.
If you, dear reader, have a daughter, you understand when I tell you that changing the plan was not an option. BlueC was on the brain and come hell or high water or a University football game, we would have fish. I was in no mood to be the bitch and say “Ain’t no way in hell we’re going there now!” because I KNEW there would be a lot of tears and some moaning and some mumbling about how I was the worst mother ever and how I didn’t care at all about her feelings or her stomach and how could I be so MEAN?!
So, merrily (really, really trying to be merry), we crept along at 5mph down 50th, around to 25th, down a back road to the Village because the main road in front of it was closed. But magically, when we got in the parking lot, it was wide open. Oodles of spaces.
We parked right outside of BlueC, got seated right away in an oversized booth, and had a quick little dinner. Even split an éclair for dessert.
We paid and were back out to the car 30 minutes later.
And apparently that’s exactly when the game let out.
We sat in the U Village parking lot for about 20 minutes. Couldn’t go right, couldn’t go left. No one was moving. People walking everywhere. Everyone was trying to get to 25th to head north, because (ah, the power of the University) the road had been altered to only go north. Twenty fifth Avenue is usually a major north/south arterial. But not tonight, folks! Everyone’s going north! Turn on 65th to get the freeway? Nope. Keep going north.
Funny though, people would drive past 65th, then turn left into the gas station, circle around, then turn right on 65th. Like they wanted to begin with. All the while, the very official cop is standing in the intersection, shaking his head “No!” when I’m mouthing, “BUT I NEED TO TURN LEFT!”
I went straight. I have to set a good example for my young, impressionable daughter.
In an odd twist of personality, I was doing very well at being calm and even pleasant about the whole experience. We had good sushi in our tummies, Bob Schneider on the iPod and the butt warmers on high. We talked with Steph on the Bluetooth for a minute. It was all good.
I told Kayleigh, this must be what it feels like when you have to evacuate. Everyone is going the same way, across four lanes of traffic and driving on the wrong side of the road. It like I was in England.
We continued north, past 85th, at 10mph. If you remember, anything north of 85th is Canada to me. There are no sidewalks, and very few street lights. But I wasn’t panicked just yet. I knew if I kept heading north, I would hit Northgate Way, another major arterial going east/west, so I’d just take that over to 99 to head home. Because there was no way we were getting on the freeway. We were north of Husky Stadium, so in order to get home on the freeway, we’d have to double back and go south, right past Husky Stadium. All those cars that were leaving were all taking left turns off 25th. They were headed east. To the freeway.
No way.
So north we go, keep going north, we’re very far north (Kayleigh is now whining, “I just want to go to bed….”) and wala! I see a major intersection! There’s lights and many cars going east and west! We’re saved!
No we’re not.
That’s Lake City Way. I get shot off 25th onto Lake City Way which aims even farther north. And east.
For reference, we live south. And west.
(I see now on my handy dandy map, that if I’d just continued to go north a little farther, I would have hit Northgate way. Possibly, with some luck.)
So, we backtrack, get on 85th, head east toward Aurora, and are finally on the right track to get home.
And it’s 9:30pm now.
But traffic on Aurora is light (thank gawd) and we’re home in 15 minutes.
And even though Kayleigh’s bedtime is 9:30pm, I let her stay up and check her email and Facebook.
Cause see?
I AM a good mom.
And mom always says not to panic. “It’s an ADVENTURE!”
Key for Map:
A/G = home
B = Kayleigh’s school
C = craigslister’s house
D = Husky Stadium / U Village
E = Lake City Way
F = Aurora Ave
She finally got a new, full size bed last week. That’s been nice. But now, we needed to find her a desk so she could sprawl in her room (instead of the dining room table) and do her homework, and she needs a new chest of drawers.
One of the many things I love about Kayleigh is she immediately said “We’ll look on craigslist and at Goodwill!” No brand new, expensive furniture for this girl. She is happy with gently used – as long as it’s new (and cool) to her.
Gotta love that.
So I’ve been scouring craigslist in my spare time, looking for a big corner or L shaped desk. And yesterday, I found it. For $25.
I emailed the link to Kayleigh, then called her at home and told her about it. The desk doesn’t really fit the color scheme she’s going for, but she agreed that for $25, it’s better than not having a desk right now. And when we build up, and she moves into our (much bigger) room, we’ll get her a Real Desk.
I emailed the craigslister and arranged to pick it up last night. She lives in the Greenlake area, so I mentally prepared myself for a drive on a Thursday night, after being tired all day at work.
After arriving home, I was reminded that Kayleigh’s school was holding teacher conferences that evening – 5:45 – 7:45pm. Todd had rehearsal, so okay fine, I changed into comfy clothes, and off we went to the middle school, before heading up to Greenlake to get the desk. There was no time to make dinner, and it would be too late by the time we got home, so Todd said, “Why don’t you just grab dinner while you’re out?”
Woohoo!
And I immediately thought of Blue C. Kayleigh loves Blue C, and I thought since that’s in Fremont, and we’re going to Greenlake, we might as well stop by the Ballard Goodwill to see if they had a chest of drawers! Make it a girl bonding night!
The conferences were good. I met most all of Kayleigh’s teachers, and they all had nothing but positive, lovely things to say about her. Of course.
At 7:00pm, we left the school, and headed to Greenlake.
After getting turned around a bit, we found the craigslister’s house and prepared to buy a desk.
And here’s where things get fun.
The damn thing wouldn’t fit in my car. The craigslister’s husband tried all kinds of different angles, but nada. We just need one more inch! It’s funny, I didn’t think to measure the desk for the car before we left. I measured K’s room, to make sure it wouldn’t take up too much room, but didn’t even think about the car.
The desk would have fit in Ruby.
I’m just sayin’.
So the husband, a young Pacific Northwest rock climber dude complete with headlamp, tied the top of the desk to my roof rack. Fantastic.
However, I felt a bit unsure about stopping at BlueC and eating. The BlueC parking is in a garage under the building. A dark garage. Kayleigh said, “It’s a desk top! Why would someone steal a desktop!?” Oh, you’d be surprised. Granted, I’d only paid $25 for it, but if someone wanted to steal it, and they got the ropes undone, they could potentially damage the car trying to get that thing off the roof. It’s quite heavy.
So…..no BlueC. There were almost tears.
Until the craigslister reminded us that there was a BlueC in U Village which has a parking lot right in front of the restaurant and was brightly lit AND was just right on the other side of the freeway. Well, alrighty! But Goodwill was back in Ballard, in the opposite direction. It was now 7:30pm, and we were hungry, and we couldn’t fit in both places. I left it up to Kayleigh. Goodwill or BlueC. Pick one.
She picked BlueC. Good girl.
So with the desk top securely tied to my roof rack, off we went, east across the freeway, through the University District, to get our fish. And the traffic a was a bit heavy for a Thursday night. And what’s that policeman doing parked there?
And why is that road closed?
Oh. Oh no.
How could I have forgotten?! It was all over the news!
HUSKY'S GAME! During rush hour traffic on a Thursday evening.
Yes, I remembered hearing this, but had promptly forgotten about it because on Thursday evenings, I go home to West Seattle, in the opposite direction of the University area. Because who, in their right mind, would be going to U Village on Thursday evening? Sheesh.
Me and my daughter. That’s who.
For some fish.
If you, dear reader, have a daughter, you understand when I tell you that changing the plan was not an option. BlueC was on the brain and come hell or high water or a University football game, we would have fish. I was in no mood to be the bitch and say “Ain’t no way in hell we’re going there now!” because I KNEW there would be a lot of tears and some moaning and some mumbling about how I was the worst mother ever and how I didn’t care at all about her feelings or her stomach and how could I be so MEAN?!
So, merrily (really, really trying to be merry), we crept along at 5mph down 50th, around to 25th, down a back road to the Village because the main road in front of it was closed. But magically, when we got in the parking lot, it was wide open. Oodles of spaces.
We parked right outside of BlueC, got seated right away in an oversized booth, and had a quick little dinner. Even split an éclair for dessert.
We paid and were back out to the car 30 minutes later.
And apparently that’s exactly when the game let out.
We sat in the U Village parking lot for about 20 minutes. Couldn’t go right, couldn’t go left. No one was moving. People walking everywhere. Everyone was trying to get to 25th to head north, because (ah, the power of the University) the road had been altered to only go north. Twenty fifth Avenue is usually a major north/south arterial. But not tonight, folks! Everyone’s going north! Turn on 65th to get the freeway? Nope. Keep going north.
Funny though, people would drive past 65th, then turn left into the gas station, circle around, then turn right on 65th. Like they wanted to begin with. All the while, the very official cop is standing in the intersection, shaking his head “No!” when I’m mouthing, “BUT I NEED TO TURN LEFT!”
I went straight. I have to set a good example for my young, impressionable daughter.
In an odd twist of personality, I was doing very well at being calm and even pleasant about the whole experience. We had good sushi in our tummies, Bob Schneider on the iPod and the butt warmers on high. We talked with Steph on the Bluetooth for a minute. It was all good.
I told Kayleigh, this must be what it feels like when you have to evacuate. Everyone is going the same way, across four lanes of traffic and driving on the wrong side of the road. It like I was in England.
We continued north, past 85th, at 10mph. If you remember, anything north of 85th is Canada to me. There are no sidewalks, and very few street lights. But I wasn’t panicked just yet. I knew if I kept heading north, I would hit Northgate Way, another major arterial going east/west, so I’d just take that over to 99 to head home. Because there was no way we were getting on the freeway. We were north of Husky Stadium, so in order to get home on the freeway, we’d have to double back and go south, right past Husky Stadium. All those cars that were leaving were all taking left turns off 25th. They were headed east. To the freeway.
No way.
So north we go, keep going north, we’re very far north (Kayleigh is now whining, “I just want to go to bed….”) and wala! I see a major intersection! There’s lights and many cars going east and west! We’re saved!
No we’re not.
That’s Lake City Way. I get shot off 25th onto Lake City Way which aims even farther north. And east.
For reference, we live south. And west.
(I see now on my handy dandy map, that if I’d just continued to go north a little farther, I would have hit Northgate way. Possibly, with some luck.)
So, we backtrack, get on 85th, head east toward Aurora, and are finally on the right track to get home.
And it’s 9:30pm now.
But traffic on Aurora is light (thank gawd) and we’re home in 15 minutes.
And even though Kayleigh’s bedtime is 9:30pm, I let her stay up and check her email and Facebook.
Cause see?
I AM a good mom.
And mom always says not to panic. “It’s an ADVENTURE!”
Key for Map:
A/G = home
B = Kayleigh’s school
C = craigslister’s house
D = Husky Stadium / U Village
E = Lake City Way
F = Aurora Ave
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
My Long Weekend Update
I splurged and took Friday off, since we had Thursday off for Veteran’s Day. And it was a good thing, too, because I spent all day Thursday cleaning Kayleigh’s room with her because her new full size bed arrived bright and early so we had to make room for that. Then there was dinner and drinks with Jamie that evening at the Celtic Swell, so yes, a day off was much needed.
Tom and I slept in.
Tangent: Can I just say that this is one of the best ways to wake up in the morning (in addition to smoochies from Todd, of course)? It doesn’t normally start off so cuddly. Usually, there’s kneading with his claws on my stomach or my head, depending on how I’m laying, and that’s followed by very loud purring and a wet nose on my face. But eventually, he falls asleep so the kneading stops and he ends up just kind of slides into some groove, be it my arm, my neck, my legs or on my feet.
This is why it’s so hard for me to get up in the mornings.
But I finally did get up (at 11am) to go shop. I went to Goodwill and Value Village to find some non-jean pants. Which I didn’t. I will have to soon, though. The only reason I can wear jeans to work is because I don’t work in the clinic anymore. I’m offsite. But in December, I will have to help out with my department, so I will be onsite every afternoon for two weeks. So, no jeans.
Not good.
Anyway, back to our story.
Friday night, I completely spaced about a girlie party I was invited to, and instead Todd and I (along with the kids and Lydia) watched Temple Grandin. Excellent movie. Excellent. Even the kids loved it. Claire Danes is just beyond incredible.
And then there was teenage girl drama (which I LIVE FOR), and then I finally got to go to bed.
On Saturday morning, Ron arrived to do family pictures for our Christmas card. And let me just say, if you do get one of our Christmas cards, I am well aware that I look like a 45 year old boring, homely mom with a bad haircut and extra 20lbs. Please know this hairstyle (and extra 20lbs) is a temporary setback and the pictures will be better next year. I promise.
Todd and the kids look fantastic. Of course.
After the hell of picture time (picture time with NO ALCOHOL, thankyouverymuch) Todd and I watched a few episodes of Dexter Season 3 while the kids were out in the cottage playing games. The weather was completely icky, so it was a perfect day to curl up on the couch and veg out with a serial killer.
Another tangent? I freakin’ love this show. There aren’t a lot of shows that I can say I freakin’ love, but I freakin’ love this show. Yes, Debra annoys me because she’s so crass and vulgar, but even she’s growing on me. I told Todd, I simply love the characters. Every season there’s a character you know you shouldn’t like. You know they’re going to turn out to be bad, bad people, but you can’t help it. They’re likable. Until they try to kill Dexter. This is one of the perks of Seattle in the winter. Lots of indoor time to catch up on your shows. We should be caught up on all of Dexter by the spring.
Anyway.
At about 7:30pm we got off our butts and dressed up to go to our friend Michael’s Rock Star birthday party. I do love an excuse to wear my black and red wig. A few people thought it was real! (Hmm….maybe I’ll just get this style in a few different colors and wear them until this fugly haircut grows out….) Todd wore the "Chelle Shocked” t-shirt and badge he made for my Rock Star birthday party, so he was my bodyguard.
The party was filled with entertainment, from pole dancing to belly dancing to live music. Michael and Chris’ parties do not disappoint.
But we were home by 11:30pm, because were are responsible parents.
And on Sunday, Todd and I drove up to Bellingham to visit Omi and watch the Seahawks finally play some good football! Nancy and Bob came over, we had an early supper, then it was already time to head back home. In the dark. At 4pm.
I heart Seattle.
Todd went to rehearsal that evening, I curled up on the couch and attempted to watch Sunday night cartoons, but I fell asleep through The Simpsons and The Cleveland Show, then Family Guy wouldn’t come in.
Oh. Did I tell you we got rid of our cable? Yep. That’s why Family Guy wouldn’t come in. We’re kickin’ it old skool now. We got an antenna. And that’s it.
Since you can watch most any show or movie online or through Netflix Instant queue on the Wii, it seemed ridiculous to pay over $100 for cable TV. Yes, I miss HGTV and a couple of other channels, but really? We’re not losing any sleep. Except when Fox won’t come in. I just want to watch Family Guy!
At least we still get football games. That’s the biggie.
Oh, and we cut off our land line, too. Again, ridiculous when every one of us has a cell phone. Maybe mine will ring more often now….
So we’re getting down to basics. Yes, we still have wireless internet, because HELLO? Four of us in the house with laptops, streaming movies, videos and playing games. Getting rid of wireless would be insane. But we’re cutting back where we can.
Look at me! Being responsible.
Yuck.
Tom and I slept in.
Tangent: Can I just say that this is one of the best ways to wake up in the morning (in addition to smoochies from Todd, of course)? It doesn’t normally start off so cuddly. Usually, there’s kneading with his claws on my stomach or my head, depending on how I’m laying, and that’s followed by very loud purring and a wet nose on my face. But eventually, he falls asleep so the kneading stops and he ends up just kind of slides into some groove, be it my arm, my neck, my legs or on my feet.
This is why it’s so hard for me to get up in the mornings.
But I finally did get up (at 11am) to go shop. I went to Goodwill and Value Village to find some non-jean pants. Which I didn’t. I will have to soon, though. The only reason I can wear jeans to work is because I don’t work in the clinic anymore. I’m offsite. But in December, I will have to help out with my department, so I will be onsite every afternoon for two weeks. So, no jeans.
Not good.
Anyway, back to our story.
Friday night, I completely spaced about a girlie party I was invited to, and instead Todd and I (along with the kids and Lydia) watched Temple Grandin. Excellent movie. Excellent. Even the kids loved it. Claire Danes is just beyond incredible.
And then there was teenage girl drama (which I LIVE FOR), and then I finally got to go to bed.
On Saturday morning, Ron arrived to do family pictures for our Christmas card. And let me just say, if you do get one of our Christmas cards, I am well aware that I look like a 45 year old boring, homely mom with a bad haircut and extra 20lbs. Please know this hairstyle (and extra 20lbs) is a temporary setback and the pictures will be better next year. I promise.
Todd and the kids look fantastic. Of course.
After the hell of picture time (picture time with NO ALCOHOL, thankyouverymuch) Todd and I watched a few episodes of Dexter Season 3 while the kids were out in the cottage playing games. The weather was completely icky, so it was a perfect day to curl up on the couch and veg out with a serial killer.
Another tangent? I freakin’ love this show. There aren’t a lot of shows that I can say I freakin’ love, but I freakin’ love this show. Yes, Debra annoys me because she’s so crass and vulgar, but even she’s growing on me. I told Todd, I simply love the characters. Every season there’s a character you know you shouldn’t like. You know they’re going to turn out to be bad, bad people, but you can’t help it. They’re likable. Until they try to kill Dexter. This is one of the perks of Seattle in the winter. Lots of indoor time to catch up on your shows. We should be caught up on all of Dexter by the spring.
Anyway.
At about 7:30pm we got off our butts and dressed up to go to our friend Michael’s Rock Star birthday party. I do love an excuse to wear my black and red wig. A few people thought it was real! (Hmm….maybe I’ll just get this style in a few different colors and wear them until this fugly haircut grows out….) Todd wore the "Chelle Shocked” t-shirt and badge he made for my Rock Star birthday party, so he was my bodyguard.
The party was filled with entertainment, from pole dancing to belly dancing to live music. Michael and Chris’ parties do not disappoint.
But we were home by 11:30pm, because were are responsible parents.
And on Sunday, Todd and I drove up to Bellingham to visit Omi and watch the Seahawks finally play some good football! Nancy and Bob came over, we had an early supper, then it was already time to head back home. In the dark. At 4pm.
I heart Seattle.
Todd went to rehearsal that evening, I curled up on the couch and attempted to watch Sunday night cartoons, but I fell asleep through The Simpsons and The Cleveland Show, then Family Guy wouldn’t come in.
Oh. Did I tell you we got rid of our cable? Yep. That’s why Family Guy wouldn’t come in. We’re kickin’ it old skool now. We got an antenna. And that’s it.
Since you can watch most any show or movie online or through Netflix Instant queue on the Wii, it seemed ridiculous to pay over $100 for cable TV. Yes, I miss HGTV and a couple of other channels, but really? We’re not losing any sleep. Except when Fox won’t come in. I just want to watch Family Guy!
At least we still get football games. That’s the biggie.
Oh, and we cut off our land line, too. Again, ridiculous when every one of us has a cell phone. Maybe mine will ring more often now….
So we’re getting down to basics. Yes, we still have wireless internet, because HELLO? Four of us in the house with laptops, streaming movies, videos and playing games. Getting rid of wireless would be insane. But we’re cutting back where we can.
Look at me! Being responsible.
Yuck.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dreaming About Blogging
Last night I dreamt that I stopped to get coffee and breakfast before work. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money – just grab something cheap, like a muffin or croissant. But this place only had big breakfasts, with the exception of a cinnamon roll. I debated for a good 10 minutes then finally said, “Well, I guess I’ll just take the cinnamon roll. I can have a salad for lunch…” The woman started chatting as she was getting the roll, and said something to the effect of “Oh, these have an expiration date of 2099, so it should still be fresh..”
Wha…? 2099?
Uh. I don’t think so.
I told her, you know what? I cannot possibly eat that cinnamon roll now. It must have a shit load of preservatives in it, and I just can’t, in good conscience, put that in my body. Thanks, but no thanks.
Then I left.
And I was leaving, I thought, I should blog about this. My readers will be happy to know that I made a good decision.
Then I dreamt that Will Smith and I were playing frisbee.
Yeah, no idea.
Wha…? 2099?
Uh. I don’t think so.
I told her, you know what? I cannot possibly eat that cinnamon roll now. It must have a shit load of preservatives in it, and I just can’t, in good conscience, put that in my body. Thanks, but no thanks.
Then I left.
And I was leaving, I thought, I should blog about this. My readers will be happy to know that I made a good decision.
Then I dreamt that Will Smith and I were playing frisbee.
Yeah, no idea.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Anniversary Weekend Update
Our anniversary weekend started on Friday with pizza and the movie The Losers.
While the movie was no 4 star hit, it was very entertaining. And I just love Jeffrey Dean Morgan (even though I can never remember his name). I still think of him as Denny on Grey’s Anatomy. But, ooh, he was in P.S. I Love You and played an Irish dude. Even better.
Where was I?
Oh yes! My anniversary weekend!
So, The Losers was good.
After sleeping in Saturday, Todd and I did some laundry and really just twiddled our thumbs until it was time to take Kayleigh to her overnight and check into our hotel. We stayed at the Pan Pacific downtown, and after dropping the word “anniversary” a couple of times, were upgraded to a corner room on the 9th floor. We had a lovely view of the Space Needle and Lake Union.
We scoped out the room for a while, then napped (because that’s what you do when you’re in a posh hotel room with no children around at 5pm), then got beautified and headed to dinner at Il Bistro.
It took us a few tries to actually find the restaurant, but once there, it was just lovely. We sat in a cozy corner, with a candle and rose petals on the table. The waiter was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the wine was fantastic.
I will say, however, it was very loud. For being the most romantic restaurant in Seattle, it was a bit of a reverberating cave. The two person tables had the chairs right next to each other, as opposed to across the table from each other, and I’m guessing that’s because they’re already aware of this problem,.
But other than though, it was great.
We caught a taxi back to the hotel, where we immediately popped open the pink champagne that the Junior Hickmans gave us for our wedding (thank you!).
Appropriate, no?
And there was other stuff, and then the cutting of the second edition wedding cake! Yum. And then there was more stuff, and then me drooling on Todd’s chest and then sleepy time.
And then there was coughing at 3am (or was it 2am, with the time change?) which lead to getting up which led to a sneezing fit, and then more coughing, and then an attempt to go back to sleep, but the mood was squashed. I think Todd and I finally officially woke up at 7:30am.
Shoot me.
We ordered room service and read our complimentary Seattle Times, while watching the NFL pregame show. When it finally came time to shower and pack up, my mood tanked and I became a whiney little six year old.
“I don’t WANNA go back home. I don’t WANNA do laundry. I wanna sleep in this fluffy bed! PLEASE LET ME SLEEP IN THIS BIG FLUFFY BED!”
Todd was having none of it.
So, off went (35 minutes before our check out time! I could have had 35 more minutes!), back to our house and our kitties and our laundry and our dirty floor and messy kitchen.
But when we walked in, we saw vacuum marks on the carpet. And the dishwasher was running. Wha..? What’s going on?! Were we robbed? Or….cleaned?
Nope. Tyler woke up feeling domestic, so he vacuumed, did some laundry, and ran the dishwasher (and even put the dishes away when it was done!)
I tell ya, that made coming home a lot easier.
The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging around in our jammies, snoozing and watching the Seahawks get their ass kicked. Even worse than last week! What the hell?!
I’m still being supportive, guys Or, I’m trying to be. Really, I am. But come on, you gotta give a win! Or at least score some freakin’ points!
So, Sunday, not so great.
But the wonderful weekend ended with beef goop and Sunday night cartoons, so we wrapped up on a good note.
And then this week I work a mere three days! I took Friday off, since we get Veteran’s Day off and I somehow have an abundance of vacation time.
What am I doing, you ask?
No idea. Maybe reading. Maybe shopping. Maybe cleaning. Maybe a pedicure. I don’t know. I’m just going to enjoy my day away from the office. And then I’ll come back for a week, and then I’ll work another mere three days, and then we’re at Thanksgiving!
WHICH MEANS DECORATING!
While the movie was no 4 star hit, it was very entertaining. And I just love Jeffrey Dean Morgan (even though I can never remember his name). I still think of him as Denny on Grey’s Anatomy. But, ooh, he was in P.S. I Love You and played an Irish dude. Even better.
Where was I?
Oh yes! My anniversary weekend!
So, The Losers was good.
After sleeping in Saturday, Todd and I did some laundry and really just twiddled our thumbs until it was time to take Kayleigh to her overnight and check into our hotel. We stayed at the Pan Pacific downtown, and after dropping the word “anniversary” a couple of times, were upgraded to a corner room on the 9th floor. We had a lovely view of the Space Needle and Lake Union.
We scoped out the room for a while, then napped (because that’s what you do when you’re in a posh hotel room with no children around at 5pm), then got beautified and headed to dinner at Il Bistro.
It took us a few tries to actually find the restaurant, but once there, it was just lovely. We sat in a cozy corner, with a candle and rose petals on the table. The waiter was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the wine was fantastic.
I will say, however, it was very loud. For being the most romantic restaurant in Seattle, it was a bit of a reverberating cave. The two person tables had the chairs right next to each other, as opposed to across the table from each other, and I’m guessing that’s because they’re already aware of this problem,.
But other than though, it was great.
We caught a taxi back to the hotel, where we immediately popped open the pink champagne that the Junior Hickmans gave us for our wedding (thank you!).Appropriate, no?
And there was other stuff, and then the cutting of the second edition wedding cake! Yum. And then there was more stuff, and then me drooling on Todd’s chest and then sleepy time.
And then there was coughing at 3am (or was it 2am, with the time change?) which lead to getting up which led to a sneezing fit, and then more coughing, and then an attempt to go back to sleep, but the mood was squashed. I think Todd and I finally officially woke up at 7:30am.
Shoot me.
We ordered room service and read our complimentary Seattle Times, while watching the NFL pregame show. When it finally came time to shower and pack up, my mood tanked and I became a whiney little six year old.
“I don’t WANNA go back home. I don’t WANNA do laundry. I wanna sleep in this fluffy bed! PLEASE LET ME SLEEP IN THIS BIG FLUFFY BED!”
Todd was having none of it.
So, off went (35 minutes before our check out time! I could have had 35 more minutes!), back to our house and our kitties and our laundry and our dirty floor and messy kitchen.
But when we walked in, we saw vacuum marks on the carpet. And the dishwasher was running. Wha..? What’s going on?! Were we robbed? Or….cleaned?
Nope. Tyler woke up feeling domestic, so he vacuumed, did some laundry, and ran the dishwasher (and even put the dishes away when it was done!)
I tell ya, that made coming home a lot easier.
The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging around in our jammies, snoozing and watching the Seahawks get their ass kicked. Even worse than last week! What the hell?!
I’m still being supportive, guys Or, I’m trying to be. Really, I am. But come on, you gotta give a win! Or at least score some freakin’ points!
So, Sunday, not so great.
But the wonderful weekend ended with beef goop and Sunday night cartoons, so we wrapped up on a good note.
And then this week I work a mere three days! I took Friday off, since we get Veteran’s Day off and I somehow have an abundance of vacation time.
What am I doing, you ask?
No idea. Maybe reading. Maybe shopping. Maybe cleaning. Maybe a pedicure. I don’t know. I’m just going to enjoy my day away from the office. And then I’ll come back for a week, and then I’ll work another mere three days, and then we’re at Thanksgiving!
WHICH MEANS DECORATING!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Flashback from Hell
Anywho, one of my coworkers came by to grab something, and she, Mr. Cranky Non-decorating Coworker and I all started talking about candy from our youth. This woman loved Black Cows, the chocolate version of Slo Poke. I don't think I ever had one, but after hearing her talk about them ("We just suck and suck on 'em before dinner, then put them down in the wrapper until after dinner. Girl, those things last a week!") I looked them up.
After she left, Mr. Cranky Non-decorating Coworker and I started reminiscing and then I had that WHACK of a memory, and asked him "Have we talked about those Pepto Bismol pink mint Christmas candies?" He said, "Oh yes. Weren't they Brach's?"
YES. My mother used to set out this bowl of pink, round disks that looked all soft and chewy, but when you put them in your mouth, they were minty chalk. And quite gross.
Sorry, mom.
So, on my tour of vintage candy, I found the pink mints. Actually, they're called Brach's Wintergreen lozenges.
What the frick? Were they billed as mints back then? Or did mom just want to prevent sore throats?
Either way, just looking at them gives me the willies....
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Couple of Random Thoughts
We have a woman in our cube farm who screams when she sneezes. I mean SCREAMS. I told Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Coworker that one of these days she was really going to be in trouble and no one would help her – we’d all just yell “Bless you!”
Also, Steph says that your sneeze is indicative of your orgasms.
Just FYI.
**********
I’ve gotten many flattering and wonderful compliments on my new haircut. Thank you guys so much. However, I’m not so sold on it. My hair is too thick for this many layers and it just feels like a helmet.
Which made me think of this as I was leaving for work this morning:
This is how I think I look.
But with brown hair instead of a green lime. Same shape, though.
**********
There are certain bands or musicians that represent certain periods of my life. When I hear The Cardigans, I think of meeting Todd. I think of the break up when I hear John Mayer. Willie Nelson makes me homesick. And the Waifs make me think of summer. There are so many more I could name….
And now I have a new band to add to this list. Mumford and Sons will forever make me think of Autumn. They are an English band, but have this dark, driving Scottish beat (complete with banjo, accordion and fiddle) . Their lyrics are soulful and their harmonies remind me of a gospel choir. It’s a full, warm, enveloping sound.
I finally listened to the whole album today, and I have to say, there isn’t a track on there I don’t love.
They are an awesome band. And it should be noted that Tyler turned both me and Todd onto them. Go Tyler.
**********
Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?
I WANNA DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS!
Also, Steph says that your sneeze is indicative of your orgasms.
Just FYI.
**********
I’ve gotten many flattering and wonderful compliments on my new haircut. Thank you guys so much. However, I’m not so sold on it. My hair is too thick for this many layers and it just feels like a helmet.
Which made me think of this as I was leaving for work this morning:
This is how I think I look.
But with brown hair instead of a green lime. Same shape, though.
**********
There are certain bands or musicians that represent certain periods of my life. When I hear The Cardigans, I think of meeting Todd. I think of the break up when I hear John Mayer. Willie Nelson makes me homesick. And the Waifs make me think of summer. There are so many more I could name….
And now I have a new band to add to this list. Mumford and Sons will forever make me think of Autumn. They are an English band, but have this dark, driving Scottish beat (complete with banjo, accordion and fiddle) . Their lyrics are soulful and their harmonies remind me of a gospel choir. It’s a full, warm, enveloping sound.
I finally listened to the whole album today, and I have to say, there isn’t a track on there I don’t love.
They are an awesome band. And it should be noted that Tyler turned both me and Todd onto them. Go Tyler.
**********
Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?
I WANNA DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Just How Out Of Shape Am I?
 |
| From SalsaIsGood.com |
Yes. I am THAT out of shape.
Just to clarify, I use my arms regularly. Really. But I guess they’re not used to having pressure against them, while pointed upward. HK, my dance partner, is a very strong lead, so when she wants me to turn, by golly, I turn. And when you have a solid frame, the pressure against your arms is pretty substantial.
Not a dancer? Can’t fathom how partner dancing can make your arms sore?
Okay, I give you homework!
Find a partner. Preferably someone taller and a bit bigger than you.
Stand, facing each other. Have your partner raise their left arm. You raise your left arm and put the fingers of your hand flat against the palm of their hand. Act like you’re going to walk to the left of your partner. Have them exert pressure, with their left arm, against your left hand.
Feel that? That’s leading and following. When you haven’t done that in 10 years, an hour of it will make you sore.
It’s a good kind of sore, though.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Rethinking Me
I answered yet another ad. No, not for a vocalist (you know where that gets me), but for a dance partner.
My company has a community news group so people can post things for sale, or items wanted, or really anything. Last week there was a posting from a woman looking for a practice partner for salsa dancing.
And I thought, why not?
I miss dancing. I haven’t been salsa dancing in ages. And while I’m not a good leader, I’m a helluva follower, and this particular gal needed someone to practice her lead with.
We met today at lunch and danced for about an hour. She’s learning tough steps in her class and was impressed that I could follow her so easily. It reminded me how to use my body – keeping a frame, not locking my arms, spotting when I’m turning, keeping my torso straight and only turning from the waist. It all came rushing back after 10 years.
And as an added bonus, I sweated my ass off.
So we’ve agreed to meet up once or maybe twice a week to practice. Add this to my kickboxing classes and I should hit my goal weight of 98lbs in no time!
Kidding, kidding…
What’s funny is, it occurred to me that I don't really seem to have a lot of fear when it comes to emailing strangers. That’s how I met Steve, and Ms. Traveler (my Ballard walking buddy and in some ways, my mentor) and Todd. I’ve met some of the greatest people by blindly (but safely) taking a chance and reaching out.
It’s times like this when I take a step back and I surprise myself. The 13 year old girl in me would be paralyzed with fear at the thought of reaching out and being vulnerable. She was so insecure and afraid and fragile.
But now, the 35 year old in me says, what the hell? What’s the worst that can happen? I would never use the words “secure”, “fearless” or “strong” to describe myself, but there are moments when that’s exactly what I am.
I kind of like this person I’ve become.
My company has a community news group so people can post things for sale, or items wanted, or really anything. Last week there was a posting from a woman looking for a practice partner for salsa dancing.
And I thought, why not?
I miss dancing. I haven’t been salsa dancing in ages. And while I’m not a good leader, I’m a helluva follower, and this particular gal needed someone to practice her lead with.
We met today at lunch and danced for about an hour. She’s learning tough steps in her class and was impressed that I could follow her so easily. It reminded me how to use my body – keeping a frame, not locking my arms, spotting when I’m turning, keeping my torso straight and only turning from the waist. It all came rushing back after 10 years.
And as an added bonus, I sweated my ass off.
So we’ve agreed to meet up once or maybe twice a week to practice. Add this to my kickboxing classes and I should hit my goal weight of 98lbs in no time!
Kidding, kidding…
What’s funny is, it occurred to me that I don't really seem to have a lot of fear when it comes to emailing strangers. That’s how I met Steve, and Ms. Traveler (my Ballard walking buddy and in some ways, my mentor) and Todd. I’ve met some of the greatest people by blindly (but safely) taking a chance and reaching out.
It’s times like this when I take a step back and I surprise myself. The 13 year old girl in me would be paralyzed with fear at the thought of reaching out and being vulnerable. She was so insecure and afraid and fragile.
But now, the 35 year old in me says, what the hell? What’s the worst that can happen? I would never use the words “secure”, “fearless” or “strong” to describe myself, but there are moments when that’s exactly what I am.
I kind of like this person I’ve become.
Spooky Weekend Update
There was much spookiness this weekend, as there should be at the end of October.
Friday night, the family gathered around the tube for Nightmare on Elm Street. The kids had never seen it. It’s a classic! And it’s Johnny Depp’s first movie! It was just as bad as we remembered, but it was a nice flashback.
After that, we watched Cat’s Eye, a collection of Stephen King short films.
Oh, first we started to watch Thankskilling, but when it opened with a shirtless female pilgrim running from a demonic turkey who used the F word, we decided it wasn’t just a cheesy horror film – it was a waste of electricity to even view it on the TV.
Then we watched Cat’s Eye.
And then everyone retired. Because it was late.
Saturday, up around 9am and domestic until it was time for our neighbors’ Halloween party at 4pm. Todd was a pirate, I was a rock star. As I always am. In my head.
The party was oodles of fun (so many cute kiddies!), and we excused ourselves around 6:30pm to go home and prepare for our own little Halloween gathering. Steve, Stephanie and Aunt Mardie came over, and our neighbors Joe and Carrie joined us a while later, for more noshing, drinking and games.
And then, ack. Midnight and bed.
Sunday was a lazy day of sleeping late and football. I love days like that. I don’t love days when the Seahawks lose 3 to 33, but I stayed with them til the end, despite my frustration. I don’t know how long I can keep this up, though.
And last night was potato soup (homemade, thankyouverymuch. Or, Todd thanks you very much as he made it) and more horror TV (28 Days Later, which is actually a very good horror movie, and the premiere of The Walking Dead on AMC, which is a new series based on the comic book) while answering the door for trick-r-treaters.
Oddly enough, I only had one semi-nightmare this weekend. And I can’t even really remember it now. I know it was about a zombie and I remember thinking, in my dream, this is just because I’ve watched scary movies all weekend.
And here we are at Monday, where it’s 50 degrees and pissing down rain like you would not believe. I made the mistake of wearing my gaucho pants and ballet slippers today and, after my walk to salsa lunch, my shoes are still wet and my feet are pruned. I cannot wait to take a hot bubble bath and read my book tonight.
I love Autumn.
Friday night, the family gathered around the tube for Nightmare on Elm Street. The kids had never seen it. It’s a classic! And it’s Johnny Depp’s first movie! It was just as bad as we remembered, but it was a nice flashback.
After that, we watched Cat’s Eye, a collection of Stephen King short films.
Oh, first we started to watch Thankskilling, but when it opened with a shirtless female pilgrim running from a demonic turkey who used the F word, we decided it wasn’t just a cheesy horror film – it was a waste of electricity to even view it on the TV.
Then we watched Cat’s Eye.
And then everyone retired. Because it was late.
Saturday, up around 9am and domestic until it was time for our neighbors’ Halloween party at 4pm. Todd was a pirate, I was a rock star. As I always am. In my head.
The party was oodles of fun (so many cute kiddies!), and we excused ourselves around 6:30pm to go home and prepare for our own little Halloween gathering. Steve, Stephanie and Aunt Mardie came over, and our neighbors Joe and Carrie joined us a while later, for more noshing, drinking and games.
And then, ack. Midnight and bed.
Sunday was a lazy day of sleeping late and football. I love days like that. I don’t love days when the Seahawks lose 3 to 33, but I stayed with them til the end, despite my frustration. I don’t know how long I can keep this up, though.
And last night was potato soup (homemade, thankyouverymuch. Or, Todd thanks you very much as he made it) and more horror TV (28 Days Later, which is actually a very good horror movie, and the premiere of The Walking Dead on AMC, which is a new series based on the comic book) while answering the door for trick-r-treaters.
Oddly enough, I only had one semi-nightmare this weekend. And I can’t even really remember it now. I know it was about a zombie and I remember thinking, in my dream, this is just because I’ve watched scary movies all weekend.
And here we are at Monday, where it’s 50 degrees and pissing down rain like you would not believe. I made the mistake of wearing my gaucho pants and ballet slippers today and, after my walk to salsa lunch, my shoes are still wet and my feet are pruned. I cannot wait to take a hot bubble bath and read my book tonight.
I love Autumn.
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