Merry Christmas!

Unlike last year, we Downings had a very merry Christmas.  We've discovered the perfect recipe - stay home.  Let everyone disperse as they wish.  Sleep for three hours in the afternoon.

Perfection.

We were awakened at 7am, as usual.  Within the hour, we'd unwrapped all the presents, Tyler had gone downstairs to install his new game, and Todd and I had gone through two cups of coffee. 

My mother tickled me pink with my new apron.

"Will Cook For Shoes"

Speaking of pink, notice the new pink slippers from Todd.  He didn't even coordinate with her!  I'm just officially a lover of pink now.

Todd got a kick out of the boxers that mom and dad sent him.

We love the hillbillies.  Mom also sent a box of Teays gravy, some roadkill rub (yes, I'm serious) and gingerbread cake mix that you cook in pretty white teacups.

I told her, don't give me any shit for gaining weight.

The kids enjoyed their Walking Dead comic books, video camera, electric shavers (for both of them....our babies are growing up!) and Starbucks gift cards, along with other odds and ends.

The cats could care less about presents and wrapping paper.  They were wrestling for a good two hours straight.

And Todd bought me a new lap desk for my laptop.  Because I had been using the one that a family friend made me when I was....10?

Those splotches you see?  Nail polish.  This is what I've used to paint my nails for 20 years.  It started hemorrhaging stuffing a few months ago, so I've got tape on three different places.  It was actually comical - I'd get up from the bed or the couch after being on my laptop and there would be a pile of stuffing.

After presents, Todd made yet another batch of banana bread, we got cleaned up, then Todd made brunch as Grandma Kit was arriving at 11am.

Grandma Kit knitted me (and Kayleigh, see photo above) fingerless gloves.  I LOVE THEM.

My hands get really cold at work, but I can't wear gloves because I can't type with them.  So these are perfect!  And I look so hip.

Grandma Kit bought Kayleigh "Clue" which I'd never played (gasp...I know, I know) so we played a round.  I'm not sold on it just yet.  Maybe I was just too tired to keep up.

And then it was 2pm, so Grandma Kit packed up and left and Todd and I passed out for a few hours.  I feel much better now.

The kids are still in their rooms entertaining themselves.  Todd and I are watching the Dead Can Dance (a band) video I bought him.  He is, in his words, losing his shit.  I think I did good.

Now I think I need a bite of food and a glass of wine to begin round two of Christmas.

Love to all.

Duct Tape Really Does Work

It's a sad day.
My vacuum is sick.

When you push the vacuum forward, everything's dandy.  But when you pull it backward, the wand separates from the carpet head just ever so slightly, so the electrical connection breaks and the power to the brush in the carpet head is broken and while there's still suction, the roller brush does not turn and the light goes out.

It makes me weep.

I need to take it in to be serviced - they said it just needs a new electrical thingybob - but guess what?  If you duct tape the wand to the carpet head, it doesn't separate when you pull backward.

Huh.

But now my poor vacuum looks trashy.  I'll take in after the first of the year.  I mean it.

Christmas Outing

Today, Rae-rae broke out of her comfort zone.

Grandma Kit had invited Kayleigh and a friend to go downtown and look at all kinds of Christmasy stuff.  Kayleigh invited her three friends, but none of them could make it.  She came to us last night, tears in her eyes, saying "No one can go!  I don't want to go by myself!"

I understood.  I used to spend two or three weeks each summer at Granny and Paul's.  The times when I was forced to interact solely with them was painful.  Thirteen year olds don't know what to talk about with their Grandmas.

So I was a good mom and offered to come along.  I've always wanted to go downtown at Christmas time, but my anxiety didn't think that would be fun at all.  But since Kit was driving this outing, I thought this would be the best way to go about it.

Kit picked us up at 12:30, and we headed to Seattle Center to see WinterFest.  When we first arrived we saw the Hot Dog jump roping troupe.

Very....um....interesting.

Then we found the train and the winter village.  It was like mom's winter village on steroids.

From Seattle Center, we took the infamous Monorail (which was actually working!) to Westlake Center.

Kayleigh did not approve of my documentation.

We first visited The Olympic Fairmont Hotel for their incredible Christmas trees....

Live tree.  HUGE.

And the Teddy Bear Suite.  The Teddy Bear Suite was in one of the suites at the hotel.

"Designed by Kevin Bradford, a Seattle-based interior and event designer and brimming with dozens of fluffy teddy bears. The Teddy Bear Suite welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the holiday season. Take holiday photographs, read one of the teddy bear-themed children's books and enter to win tea in The Georgian. Donations taken at the Teddy Bear Suite benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital."

Kayleigh wouldn't pose with me.

After the Fairmont Hotel, we walked to the Sheraton to see the Gingerbread Village.

Who wants SUGAR?!

And after the gingerbread houses, we popped into Westlake Village for some coffee and a munchie.  And we past these gentleman singing a capella.

They were wonderful.

After grabbing some coffee, we were pooped and it was time to hop back on the monorail and get home.  But poor Kayleigh.  As soon as we got home, she and Todd walked down to the Junction for some last minute shopping.  I took the opportunity to finally wrap Todd's presents, which turned into cleaning up and organizing the Christmas wrapping bins, which turned into cleaning up and organizing the DVDs that were laying all over and then the corner by the couch where Todd's papers, games and pillows all seem to accumulate.

I settled down when the pizza arrived, but then finished up the Christmas cards and started a spreadsheet of Christmas card recipients.  It's time the husband and I combined our lists and I was feeling discombobulated.

Now here we are, two glasses of French wine later and it's quiet in the house and the tree is lit and my man and my cat are laying next to me.

Day two of Christmas vacation is a success.

Happy Solstice

So, I seem to be down to blogging on Tuesdays.  That’s not good at all.  But it’s That Time Of Year, when there aren’t enough hours in the day, at work and at home, and I have to prioritize and unfortunately, sleep comes before most anything.

I apologize.

Today is the winter solstice.  The shortest, darkest day of the year. 

Thank gawd.

Because while I love the winters here, the darkness just makes me sleepy.  No matter how much Prozac I take.  It is good cuddling weather, though.  I do love that.

We had a wonderful weekend.  Todd and I went to our one and only Christmas party of the season at Jenn and Scott’s down in Tacoma.

Have I told you about my new best friend ever, Jenn?

I googled Sanctuary weddings back in the summer of 2009 to see how other people who got married there set up the tables and where they put the cake table and stuff.  Our caterer told me I could not fit 12 tables of 8 on the carpeted area, but I was convinced I could.  I found Jenn’s wedding website, with notes about the Sanctuary.  She and Scott had been married there the same weekend in November of 2008.  So I emailed her, starting with “I’m so sorry to bother you, but…..”

She immediately emailed back with numerous paragraphs and photos.  Thus began a blossoming friendship.  And I compromised and did 8 tables of 8 and 4 tables of 10.

We emailed each other right up to the wedding date, and then I emailed her on the 8^th and wished her a happy anniversary.  They came to our tiki party in August, and surprised the absolute shit out me, so we returned the gesture and headed down to their Christmas party on Saturday.

They are such phenomenal people.  I love them both.  And I think Todd is sick of hearing me say that.  We’ve made a tentative plan to have them up soon for dinner and to share wedding videos.

While the men sit outside and talk about manly stuff, I’m sure.

Anywho, their party was lovely and their house is beautiful and their friends are wonderful and the wine was excellent.  They have a calico kitty named Frankie that absorbed all of my attention when she finally decided to join the party….after most everyone had left. 

I kept telling Todd, “But I don’t WANT to leave.  I want to live HERE!”

I can’t believe I’ve found such a good man who will tolerate me like he does.

On Sunday, Todd made banana bread while we watched the sucky football game and did laundry.  A very domestic day.

And that evening, we headed over to Doug and Ann’s to decorate gingerbread houses.  Because that’s what you do during the Christmas season.  Well, Todd, Kayleigh and Tyler decorated houses.  I drank pink champagne and cut bread and ate cookies.

Thankfully, it was an early night, so we were all tucked away by 10:00pm.

I’m only working two days this week (WOO-FREAKIN-HOO) and both days I’m down in Shipping and Receiving in the afternoons helping to send out employee Fed Ex packages.  Because I’m helper.  It’s actually pretty fun.  I get to be social and meet a bunch of people I’ve never met face to face.  And the afternoon just flies by. 

So!  Countdown to vacation!  And sleeping in!!

Random Updates and Thoughts and Crap

From the “When It Rains It Pours…” column:

It seems that trying to get our finances in order to build a second story on top of our house is not nearly stressful enough. Because now our cottage has a leak.

Maybe it felt left out.

It’s probably had a leak for years, hence the blue painting tape that is “suturing” the “boil” in the ceiling in the storage room.

But with all the snow and now rain we’ve been having, we’ve found water. So, Todd and I moved the most expensive stuff (keyboards, costumes, wedding dress) out of that room and put down a bucket for the water to drip into. Luckily, the room is severely slanted, any random water is just going to run to the edge of the room, which is now cleared, and away from all the other junk.

Look at me, finding the silver lining…

Our next step is a tarp over the roof (you can take the girl out of the country…) and maybe lancing the boil of water in the ceiling.

While wearing a hazmat suit, of course.

**********

Dear Santa,
One hundred thousand dollars. That’s all I’m asking for this year. Forget the dance shoes, forget the boots, forget the bubble bath.

Mama needs cold, hard cash to fix her roof and build her master suite. Or mama is going to freakin’ lose it.

Lovums,
Rae-rae

PS If you’ve already bought the boots, it’s okay. I’ll live.

**********

I’m dragging this holiday season. The tree is up. The lit garland on the archway is up. And we just left the lights on the house from last year, so that’s done. Except, two strings are burnt out.

You would think it would drive me nuts, right?

You are correct. It looks trashy.

So then why I haven’t I done anything about it yet? Or at least badgered Todd to do something about it?

Because I think I’ve hit that age where it’s just all a pain in the ass. That tree took enough effort. We bought pretty little lights to line the sidewalk, too. They’re still in a box by the front door.

What am I waiting on?

And should I up the dosage on my pills?

**********

I volunteered to help at Todd’s final show of “It’s a Wonderful Life” Sunday afternoon. I was just going to help with strike (breaking down the set and storing everything afterward) but since I was comped a ticket to the show, I ended up working concessions and just doing anything anyone asked me to do. Afterwards, was the cast party with pizza and adult beverages.

And it was a ton of fun.

I told Todd, I need to do that more often, especially if he’s in or directing the show. The people are awesome and funny as hell. It’s three hours of laughing your ass off. How is that a bad thing?

*********

Also, this weekend, Todd and I shopped til we dropped on Saturday.

But first, I was awakened at 4am by heartburn that I thought was going to kill me (and yes, the words “heart attack” crossed my mind). I blame the rich food and oodles of wine from our dinner at the Bohemian with Nancy and Bob on Friday. Or maybe it was an omen, as the Bohemian shut it’s door very abruptly on Monday. Huh.

Anyway, I was up at 4, pleading for a quick death, so I moved to the leather couch because 1) I didn’t want to wake Todd with my pleading 2) it was cooler than the bed and I was burning up and 3) I needed Tom cuddles to make it all better.

I dozed off and on until 8am, when Todd woke up. And I figured since I was up so early, we might as well get out and about before everyone else.

We finally got back home around 3pm. Just in time for Todd to rest up before his Saturday night show, and for me to get into my jammies and prepare for the onslaught of teenagers. Only two extra ones this weekend, but still enough to make me use my mom voice and threaten to send everyone to their room if they didn’t stop saying “slap the monkey”.

**********
Speaking of the fluffy animals, funny story.

Elvis isn’t much of a cuddlier, but he gets in his moods early in the morning. Usually, he lays on Kayleigh while she’s waiting around until it’s time to walk to the bus, or on Todd before anyone else gets up. He purrs so very loud and even drools. It’s just adorable. Until he decides he’s had enough and bites you.

Anyway, they were both sleeping on the back of the loveseat, at the front window, when I got onto the couch. Tom lifted his head for a minute, but then laid back down. Elvis, however, got up slowly, nonchalantly, and stretched, then walked over and just plopped down on my chest and started purring.

After a few minutes, Tom got up and walked over sat on the floor beside the couch, looking up to see if there was any room for him. Elvis just kept purring.

Well, Tom didn’t like the looks of this at all. He sauntered off into the kitchen and I closed my eyes again. Then I heard him batting around a piece of food on the hardwood floor. Of course, Elvis’ ears perk up and he’s all interested in what’s going on there. A few seconds later, Elvis jumped down and ran into the kitchen.

I don’t think Elvis even made it all the way before Tom came running in, jumped up on my chest, and just sprawled from my neck to my belly.

Sneaky little booger….

**********

And speaking of Tom, I told Todd that I bet if I got a baby sling and put Tom in there, he’d be just as happy as a clam and let me carry him around all day.

Todd replied, “That would officially make you a crazy cat lady. I’m just sayin….”

Confessions of an Addict

Me: Denise brought these little cookies covered in Belgium chocolate to work today. A whole tin of them!

TD: And how many did you have?

Me: Um....well….maybe....about....seven?

TD: (look of horror) SEVEN?

Me: But they were tiny little cookies! Shortbread! And really thin and it was really only like three because they were so SMALL!

TD: SEVEN.

Me: Don’t judge me.

TD: Seven cookies.

Me: You suck.

TD: Do we have cookies? I kinda want a cookie now.

Please Help - Do You Know These Doggies?



From West Seattle Blog


Such a sad story.

These poor dogs have been running loose in West Seattle for, what may be, a week now.  They're following the same route, down by Alki Beach, up to California Avenue.  People have tried coax them into cars and get them out of the road, but they're skittish and appear to be headed for a destination.

The West Seattle Blog has posted this story, to see if anyone knows these dogs, but no one has come forward yet.  I can't believe no one lives next door to these guys, or is friends with the owner.  Someone must know where they live.  They just look so lost and pitiful.  Rumor has it the gray and white one is huge.

To my Seattle readers - can you help?  Maybe there are people in the area who are friends with the owners?  Maybe some different neighborhood bloggers could post the picture of the dogs on their blogs and ask for help?

I don't want to be a drama queen, but I have to wonder if the owner is okay.......

Weekend Update

The weekend, of course, started off with pizza. But there was no movie tonight! No, no. It was opening night of Todd’s radio play of It's A Wonderful Life, so we had a Friday night field trip. We met Steve, Stephanie and Isabella there, and watched my man play the part of Joseph, the superintendent of the angels. He’s the one who sent Clarence down to help George Bailey.

It was quite a sight. The cast was dressed in 1940’s garb, and Todd was completely clean shaven with a little drawn in pencil mustache.

I miss the beard….

Anywho, after the play we all went home, but Todd and I headed back out to join the cast and crew at Elliott Bay for some post opening night celebrating.

Saturday morning was a relative early morning for me (9am) so that we could get a jump start on Christmas errands – Fred Meyer, Payless Shoes, The Dancing Shoe and Rite Aid.

And I don’t know if I didn’t eat enough beforehand, or if my nerves were particularly frayed that day, but after getting completely stressed out at Fred Meyer, I ended having a brief shit fit at Rite Aid because there were just too many people and they were all in my way and I am NOT WAITING IN THAT LINE TO BUY A STRING OF LIGHTS AND GARLAND!

Todd sent me to the car while he paid.
Which was just fine.

And then we went straight home.

Todd needed to rest up for his Saturday night performance and I needed to curl up on the bed and be alone. ThorNton Creek was playing in Fremont, and I had every intention of going since it was a 6pm show, but after weighing the decision of leaving the house for about an hour, I decided to stay in. Kayleigh was at Lydia’s until 9ish, Tyler was staying the night with Gavin and Michelle, and Todd was at his play.

So I made a brief run to the store (which just reiterated my need to stay away from any and all people)  for supplies (brie, wine, ice cream) and had a lovely evening by myself, eating cheese, drinking wine and wrapping Christmas presents while watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

It’s so cheesy, and so predictable, but I love this movie. Always good for a laugh.

When Todd got home, we watched the first episode of Dexter Season 4, then we went to bed. Cause we were exhausted.

Sunday started with banana walnut pancakes and bacon.

I love my husband SO MUCH.

Todd had a performance at 3pm, so he was going to be gone most all afternoon, and I had it all laid out in my head what I needed to do that day - take Kayleigh shopping for some teenager supplies, take Tyler shopping for a new stocking and hat (after Saturday, it seemed to be best if I took the kids in two different trips), then stop by Trixie’s holiday open house sometime between 1 and 4. Then figure out something to make for dinner.

But Tyler spending the night with Gavin and Michelle the night before put a snafu in that plan. I needed to pick him up from the ferry. Which ferry? Didn’t know yet. What time? Don’t know, they’re going to call.

So I got myself together and ready and waited to hear what I was supposed to do.

I could never work a job where I had to be on-call. I can’t plan being on-call.

I finally got word that Tyler would be arriving on the 1:40pm ferry, downtown. Well okay fine. We have a plan. But now, do I take Kayleigh with me to pick up Tyler, then bring Tyler home and take Kayleigh shopping? Or do I leave Kayleigh, pick up Tyler, take Tyler shopping, bring him home and get Kayleigh?

Do I really want to try taking them both? At the same time?

Seeing as how it was already 1:15pm, I opted to suck it up and take both kids. At the same time.

Kayleigh and I picked up Tyler at the downtown ferry dock (and thank goodness I took her – she jumped out of the car and went to physically retrieve Tyler), then the three of us headed to Target.

And it wasn’t too bad. We got some Christmas presents and teenager supplies taken care of, then even went one step further and popped into Barnes & Noble to look for a few more things.

We were home at 3:30pm, so I made a grocery list (Kayleigh decided on baked spaghetti for dinner) and started out to the store. But then, I thought, Trixie’s holiday open house is still going on for another 30 minutes! And it’s just right down the street from Safeway! I could just pop in for a minute to show my loyalty!

And I did. And it was lovely. Most people were leaving at that time, so I got some nice one on one conversation with her and even had a small glass (or two) of wine. At 5pm, I decided I really did need to get to the grocery store and get home to make dinner. Trixie sent me home with lots of leftovers – cake, cookies, wraps, wine. I told her I needed to come by more often.

So, on to the store for dinner fixins and then home to actually fix the dinner, with Kayleigh’s help. Until she got frustrated because she felt like she couldn't do anything right. Which I totally understand and I told her that’s why I don’t cook more often.

We watched Date Night, with Tina Fey and Steve Carrell while we ate. I probably wasn’t supposed to like it because it was very silly, but I laughed my ass off. I love Tina Fey.

And suddenly, it’s bedtime.

Thank goodness.

Despite having a bit more energy with my new pills, I still love bedtime. Curling up in a big bed, snuggling up with Todd and/or Tom. Just chatting and not thinking about laundry or what to make for dinner or what bills I need to pay. That is my official off time. If I’m in that bed, I am Off Duty.

Which is why I like to sleep until 11am.

Dear Santa

Santa, baby....

How are you doing this Christmas season?  I hope Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves are all ready for the holiday.

I apologize for not sending in my list for the past 30 years, but I've been a bit busy and have really only been asking friends and family for very practical things these days (vacuum cleaners, socks, bubble bath, gift cards). 

But this year, Santa, I have a very special request.

These shoes.  Size 7.  Medium.

I know what you're thinking, Santa.  These aren't hawt boots or heels that I usually drool over.  But I need them to salsa dance.  Right now I'm dancing in my sock feet on carpet and it's really quite painful.  And since salsa dancing is the only exercise I'm getting right now, I'd like to be able to enjoy it without my feet hurting.

And look at the pretty rhinestones!

I know you get many letters, and there are more important Christmas wishes out there, but I just wanted to touch base and give it a shot.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Love always,

Raechelle (aka Binky)

Almost All of My Neurotic Quirks in One Handy Post!

December is officially NOT flip flop season. Right?
I don’t care if it is an unseasonably warm day.

I should write a policy.

**********

My hair is getting better, but it still ain’t great. I have too much bulk on my left side and it’s too choppy on the right side and my bangs do not like being bangs. They’re trying to slide over to the side, which makes them all wonky and not at all balanced.

*********

There’s a new group in our cube farm. They are very serious, zen-like people. There’s a lot of bamboo and buddahs in their cubes. Very calming

However, there’s even a tinkling water feature.

And that’s going to get old really quick. Makes me have to pee.

**********

I was a very happy, awake person during Arctic Blast 2010 and the Thanksgiving holiday. Now I’m waking up at 6:30 (oh, okay, 7am) and I’m just tired, and all I can think about is going back to bed.

I thought the old pretty pink pills (actually, they were white) were the problem, as did my doctors. I took them at night because they were a sedative. Anti-anxiety and all. But they were too much of a sedative. I was sleepy all the time.

Now I have new pills (orange and gray capsules, not as pretty) that are stimulants, so I take them in the morning. Todd says he’s noticed a major improvement lately.

Except for this week.

I’m starting to think the pills don’t really have anything to do with my sleepiness. I just think I was not configured to wake up before 8am. Period.

**********

Speaking of anti-anxiety medication, a stronger dose might be in order as I had a complete freak out in kickboxing class a few weeks ago. And I haven’t been back.

I have little panic attacks in certain situations – most often in crowds. I say I don’t like crowds, but that is a total understatement. I wig out in crowds. My hands ball up into fists and started jerking in front of me, and I start sweating and breathing hard, and I just want to curl up in a ball and hide. Todd is a godsend. He’s so big, he can just stand in front of me and hold me and shield me. It helps immediately.

This is why I don’t go to festivals or parades anymore.

I’ve also been known to wig out in restaurants. If we’re being seated, and the hostess takes us to a table in the middle of the room, the hands ball up into fists and I start looking around wildly and twitching, and Todd will have to say (gawd bless him), “No, we need a table against a wall, please.”

I’ve freaked out in stores before, as well. Too many people, I can't get away from them, I can’t get to a wall to get away from everything that's touching me.

The medication has actually helped, I think. I haven’t had a problem in a while. Until kickboxing class, when Lisa had us sparring. I don’t spar. I don’t know how to spar, I don’t like to spar, I am completely opposed to doing anything of the sort. So when Lisa had us line up in front of each other, the panic started. When she told us what we were going to do, the fists went nuts, I started sweating, I started backing up and shaking my head.

Way to be subtle, there Rae-rae.

I went through with it, but it was even less than a half hearted attempt - a little punch here, a weak kick there - and I couldn’t even look at the person across from me. Even though every one of them told me what a great job I was doing. When we were done, I turned to get my water and cried.

Quietly.

Lisa hugged me and asked what the fear was. I don’t think there’s fear. Or at least, that’s not how I interpreted the feeling. It’s just a simple I Don’t Wanna. I know nothing bad will happen (I think), but I still don’t wanna. I want to curl up in a ball and shut my eyes and just breathe.

Is it an aggression thing?  It is because I was bullied in school?  Is it the same reason I despise boxing and war movies?

I’m still debating on if I want to go back. I like the aerobic aspect of the class, but I despise the martial arts aspect. And since it is a kickboxing class, it’s really not something I can escape.

**********

And speaking of sleepiness (remember that?  Before the kickboxing freak out?), it’s even harder to get up in the morning when Tom comes in a snuggles with me. He’ll put his little paw on top of my hand or my arm or my head. I love the pads of his paws. They’re a little “deflated” because of the burns from when he lived in a chicken coop, but they’re soft and he lets me rub them and play with them. I cannot resist the paws!

WANT TO KISS IT.
Elvis hates it when I kiss it.

**********

The pads of the paws are right up there with the satin edge of my blankets and the tops of Todd's feet (and you know how I hate feet).  It's a tactile thing.  It soothes me.  I do it mindlessly and almost compulsively. 

If one of my satin edge blankets is laying on the floor, I'll purposefully walk across it just to feel the satin.  I have one on my bed and I sleep with the satin part wrapped around my fingers.  When Todd is sitting near me, and we're barefoot, I'll just put my foot on top of his.  That's all I need.  Just to feel the smooth part.  And when Tom is laying beside me, all I need is to just reach out and put my finger against the pad of his paw.  Any paw.  And I'm content.

The smooth underside of my engagement ring soothes me at work.  I'll take it off and just roll it around the pad of my index finger.  I think it makes Todd nervous when I do it in front of him.

I haven't mentioned this particular quirk to my therapist.  There's so many other things to worry about.

**********

Like this. I think I have this disorder.

When I have sleepy days like today, and Tom’s cuddled with me that morning, all I can think about just going home and curling up with the little fluffball.

But then I also have those days where I just want to cling and curl up with my big Fluffball. Maybe that’s a different disorder?

(Side note – I had started to email Todd to ask him to photoshop his face over the kitty’s, but then I thought “I don’t need no stinkin’ man! I have MS Paint!”  It’s just as good, I think.)

**********

I actually thought of more quirks, but I think I should stop here.
Whew.

Who still likes me?

Weekend Update

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

The Flow Chart of My Life

Found here

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.

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.

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!

Flashback from Hell

There's a lot of candy in my office.  Obviously.  I've contributed to the pile, as well.  The pixie sticks were trapped at the bottom of the candy bowl on Halloween, so we had a ton left over.  As well as Smarties, Starburst and Candy Money.  Which are just really big Smarties.

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....

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!

Just How Out Of Shape Am I?

From SalsaIsGood.com

My shoulders and upper arms are sore from dancing yesterday.

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.

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.

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.