So, you know this all this coughing crap that’s been going on for the last year? I think we finally figure out what the issue is.
On Wednesday night, I decided I was going use my inhaler before I went to bed. Just to see if the coughing was asthma related, rather than allergy related (which is kind of the same thing, as allergies trigger asthma attacks). So I took my two puffs and went to sleep. I woke up a few times in the night, tossed and turned, but never had a coughing fit.
Well, right on!
Then last night, I took my two puffs, went to sleep, and woke up around 2am coughing. Rather than reaching for my cough drops and sitting upright in bed, I took two more puffs off my inhaler and promptly went back to sleep.
No coughing fit.
Yes, I woke up a few times, so it wasn’t a completely restful night, but NO COUGHING FIT.
I really think it’s an asthma thing. With the allergy season in full bloom (HA! Get it? Full bloom?) and with the cats, which I’m very allergic to, my house is just filled with things that trigger attacks. And since my asthma attacks aren’t usually debilitating, I sometimes forget that I even have it. Until I lay down. And then wake up coughing.
Whew!
I hope you all are as relieved as I am.
**********
And.
You know what’s fun about losing your mind? (I can hear my mother’s voice in my head before I even type this….) I buy things for people, and put those things away, only to find those things a year later. It’s like Christmas! In April!
I don’t have to buy Tyler a birthday card next month because I found one that I bought for him last year, which I tucked away, and promptly forgot about! Like Christmas!
This is so like my mother.
Christmas morning was as much fun for her as it was for us. She would sit, curled up in her robe, drinking her coffee, watching me and Dad intently as we’d unwrap our gifts. From her.
“Who’s that from?”
“It’s from you, mom.”
“Oh! Open it! I forget what it is…..oh look at that! That’s a nice watch!”
In her defense, she would shop throughout the year for Christmas, so of course she couldn’t keep track of what all she bought. We’d be at the mall in July and she’d find something and say, “Oh, that would be perfect for Uncle Harold for Christmas!” And she’d buy it.
Then she’d tuck it way in the spare bedroom closet and on Thanksgiving when she’d drag out all of her wrapping paper and bows, she’d find this gift (or gifts) she bought and say, “Oh right! I already got him something!”
That woman cracks me up.
I’m ticking the days off the calendar now. A visit is looming. I’m being all vague about it because I want to stay under the radar while home. I’m going by myself for a whole week. It’s just cheaper than flying three or four of us home, then paying someone to watch the cats and the house. And it’s been a really long time since I’ve gotten to be alone with my parents – no other family, no significant others, no kids. Just me. Acting like I’m 10 years old again, eating Coco Wheats and watching cartoons.
Wait.
I did that last weekend.
You know what I mean.
I’d like to have it in my head that it will a relaxing week. Sleeping in, lounging on the porch, wading in the creek. But if you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that my visits home are so busy I have to write about them in bullet points. However, mom has assured me that she only has one major day planned for us and that’s to look for curtains. And maybe couches. And work on her new computer. And get her Outlook email up and running. And that’s it. She swears.
Yes, I’m skeptical too….
Friday, April 8, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
General Babbling Update
The weekend arrived none too soon. I was at my wit’s end.
Friday night, we took Gary and Amy out for drinks, since we had to cancel on Gary’s birthday festivities at the last minute last weekend. We’ve never been out with Gary and Amy (or, as I now call them, “Gamey”) alone before. They’re Dan and Trish’s best friends, respectively, so it was nice to extend the friendship past the buffers. It should be noted that Dan and Trish were also invited, but their household is currently under quarantine as they, along with Baby Rosiland, have been quite ill lately. Here’s hoping the crud leaves them alone for a while.
Anywho, we had a really great time with Gamey. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them more.
Despite having a vivid dream where I was kicking the shit out of someone, and actually kicking Todd in my sleep, and being jerked awake when he yelled, “What the hell?!”, I actually slept pretty well Friday night and was nicely rested Saturday morning. However, I was in a funk (the same funk that I’ve been in for a few weeks now) so while we were productive, it was a low energy kind of productive. Todd treated me and Kayleigh to lunch (and I had a margarita the size of my head) so that helped a little.
Saturday night, we attended the Twelfth Night production of Rumors. Very, very funny. I was still cranky, and still in a funk, so we came home and went to bed.
Sunday morning, after cuddling with Tom for a while, I got up and headed over to Stephanie's for her big cleaning. She needed her house cleaned and I needed a plane ticket home. So it was a win win situation. I only did the downstairs (in 6 hours) so I'll go back this weekend and do the upstairs. I learned a few weeks ago that it's just not possible to do an entire house in one day. At least, not to my standards. Breaking it up over two days lets me take my time and do my detail work. Good stuff.
And after cleaning, I stopped by the store for dinner fixin's and we just chilled out and watched Blade Runner, which I'd never seen. Shocking, I know. But it's one of those I just have to see. Apparently. And it was neat. And it made me want to see Total Recall and Mosquito Coast.
So we watched Total Recall tonight. Holy crap, that's a bad movie. But very entertaining.
**********
On a completely different note, I think I broke my toe.
I woke up coughing a few times last night, and finally at 1:30am, I just decided to go lay on the couch so I wouldn't wake Todd. I was putting on my sweatpants, in the dark, and when I brought my left leg down and in the pants, I hit my toes on the wooden railing of our bed.
And I screamed. And then I threw my face into the bed and screamed some more.
And Todd woke up.
There's no discoloration, but my middle toe is very swollen. And very sore. But I sat with my leg up on my desk at work, lookin' all coolio, yo, so it's not throbbing quite as bad. Raff called tonight to say he had to cancel our run and I laughed. I can barely walk. Silly boy.
I'm curious to see how things look tomorrow.
Friday night, we took Gary and Amy out for drinks, since we had to cancel on Gary’s birthday festivities at the last minute last weekend. We’ve never been out with Gary and Amy (or, as I now call them, “Gamey”) alone before. They’re Dan and Trish’s best friends, respectively, so it was nice to extend the friendship past the buffers. It should be noted that Dan and Trish were also invited, but their household is currently under quarantine as they, along with Baby Rosiland, have been quite ill lately. Here’s hoping the crud leaves them alone for a while.
Anywho, we had a really great time with Gamey. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them more.
Despite having a vivid dream where I was kicking the shit out of someone, and actually kicking Todd in my sleep, and being jerked awake when he yelled, “What the hell?!”, I actually slept pretty well Friday night and was nicely rested Saturday morning. However, I was in a funk (the same funk that I’ve been in for a few weeks now) so while we were productive, it was a low energy kind of productive. Todd treated me and Kayleigh to lunch (and I had a margarita the size of my head) so that helped a little.
Saturday night, we attended the Twelfth Night production of Rumors. Very, very funny. I was still cranky, and still in a funk, so we came home and went to bed.
Sunday morning, after cuddling with Tom for a while, I got up and headed over to Stephanie's for her big cleaning. She needed her house cleaned and I needed a plane ticket home. So it was a win win situation. I only did the downstairs (in 6 hours) so I'll go back this weekend and do the upstairs. I learned a few weeks ago that it's just not possible to do an entire house in one day. At least, not to my standards. Breaking it up over two days lets me take my time and do my detail work. Good stuff.
And after cleaning, I stopped by the store for dinner fixin's and we just chilled out and watched Blade Runner, which I'd never seen. Shocking, I know. But it's one of those I just have to see. Apparently. And it was neat. And it made me want to see Total Recall and Mosquito Coast.
So we watched Total Recall tonight. Holy crap, that's a bad movie. But very entertaining.
**********
On a completely different note, I think I broke my toe.
I woke up coughing a few times last night, and finally at 1:30am, I just decided to go lay on the couch so I wouldn't wake Todd. I was putting on my sweatpants, in the dark, and when I brought my left leg down and in the pants, I hit my toes on the wooden railing of our bed.
And I screamed. And then I threw my face into the bed and screamed some more.
And Todd woke up.
There's no discoloration, but my middle toe is very swollen. And very sore. But I sat with my leg up on my desk at work, lookin' all coolio, yo, so it's not throbbing quite as bad. Raff called tonight to say he had to cancel our run and I laughed. I can barely walk. Silly boy.
I'm curious to see how things look tomorrow.
Another Kristin Picture
If it weren't for Kristin, sometimes I'd have absolutely nothing to blog about.
Can't you just hear her?
Heeeeey, girlfriend!
Can't you just hear her?
Heeeeey, girlfriend!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Random Thoughts
It’s been a bad week. My mood is just in the toilet.
I hate this. Todd is being extra lovely and helpful, for which I am very thankful, but I’d like to snap out of it and be happy, please.
An example of my mood?
I’d been meaning to clean the bathroom for three days because Nancy and Bob were visiting Wednesday evening. It had been a while and there was litter everywhere and the toilet was icky and how embarrassing for my in-laws to think that I can’t keep up on my housekeeping?
I never got it done. And I didn’t really care. I came home from work a smidge early on Tuesday and promptly fell asleep for two hours. Then couldn’t really muster the energy to do anything productive. Didn’t even do the dishes after dinner. Just stacked them nicely on the counter.
That’s a clear sign, isn’t it?
**********
I just noticed last night that our dental floss is made in Ireland. Huh. How much does it cost to import dental floss from Ireland? Seems kind like a waste of money. Don’t we make that here?
And it doesn’t even taste like whiskey or leprechauns.
**********
What gets me through a slow work day?
Blamimations by Kris Straub and Scott Kurtz.
You may remember the name Kris from my ECCC post - his table was blocked by another artist’s line, so I had to do some crowd control for him. He’s a sweetie.
I love Blamimations because I don’t have to watch it to laugh. The animation isn’t really the funniest part – it’s hearing Kris and Scott do all of the voices and just banter off each other. So, I just stick in my earbuds and plug away at work and laugh my ass off.
Too bad these only come out once a week.
**********
It’s a sad day for me. I just learned (two years after the fact) that David Lake, the Columbia Winery winemaker, passed away.
The David Lake Series is my absolute favorite line of the Columbia Winery wines. It was the wine I purchased on special occasions.
**********
And finally, on a happier note, you know how addicted I am to cute little puppehs and kittehs. They keep me going through the day.
But today, holy crap. I laughed at this one until I had tears rolling down my face.
Enjoy.
**********
Update!
I was in charge of dinner tonight, so I picked up some pork tenderloin, veggies, wild rice and a bottle of Waterbrook Meritage.
Rae-rae is feelin' much better now.
I hate this. Todd is being extra lovely and helpful, for which I am very thankful, but I’d like to snap out of it and be happy, please.
An example of my mood?
I’d been meaning to clean the bathroom for three days because Nancy and Bob were visiting Wednesday evening. It had been a while and there was litter everywhere and the toilet was icky and how embarrassing for my in-laws to think that I can’t keep up on my housekeeping?
I never got it done. And I didn’t really care. I came home from work a smidge early on Tuesday and promptly fell asleep for two hours. Then couldn’t really muster the energy to do anything productive. Didn’t even do the dishes after dinner. Just stacked them nicely on the counter.
That’s a clear sign, isn’t it?
**********
I just noticed last night that our dental floss is made in Ireland. Huh. How much does it cost to import dental floss from Ireland? Seems kind like a waste of money. Don’t we make that here?
And it doesn’t even taste like whiskey or leprechauns.
**********
What gets me through a slow work day?
Blamimations by Kris Straub and Scott Kurtz.
I love Blamimations because I don’t have to watch it to laugh. The animation isn’t really the funniest part – it’s hearing Kris and Scott do all of the voices and just banter off each other. So, I just stick in my earbuds and plug away at work and laugh my ass off.
Too bad these only come out once a week.
**********
It’s a sad day for me. I just learned (two years after the fact) that David Lake, the Columbia Winery winemaker, passed away.
The David Lake Series is my absolute favorite line of the Columbia Winery wines. It was the wine I purchased on special occasions.
**********
And finally, on a happier note, you know how addicted I am to cute little puppehs and kittehs. They keep me going through the day.
But today, holy crap. I laughed at this one until I had tears rolling down my face.
Enjoy.
**********
Update!
I was in charge of dinner tonight, so I picked up some pork tenderloin, veggies, wild rice and a bottle of Waterbrook Meritage.
Rae-rae is feelin' much better now.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Suddenly, I Have a Strong Desire to be a Runner
Woke up at 4am this morning coughing and sneezing. Yes, really.
So, I guess the running (i.e. exercising more than walking to and from the kitchen to refill my wine glass) actually wears me out enough to sleep. Or is there something else that’s happening that’s causing me to not cough at all? Odd, since running made my lungs scream for mercy.
Speaking of my lungs, my doctor refilled my inhaler prescription. Swedish Hospital has this beautiful new contraption – MyChart. You log on and can email your doctor, see your medications history, see your appointment history, look at your family’s records, all that good stuff. So I emailed my doctor yesterday and said:
My inhaler is almost out of juice, and I’m wondering if you could call in a refill?
I started running/walking fast and I find that the albuterol helps with the coughing and wheezing afterwards. I haven’t needed a new prescription for the last few years because I’ve been lazy (loaded word) and sedentary. Thank you.
I got an email back a few minutes later saying the prescription was refilled. Right on.
I won't have a chance to run again with Raff until next Wednesday. Yes, I could go without him, but I don't know if I'm that motivated just yet. Let's just take it one day at a time.
So, I guess the running (i.e. exercising more than walking to and from the kitchen to refill my wine glass) actually wears me out enough to sleep. Or is there something else that’s happening that’s causing me to not cough at all? Odd, since running made my lungs scream for mercy.
Speaking of my lungs, my doctor refilled my inhaler prescription. Swedish Hospital has this beautiful new contraption – MyChart. You log on and can email your doctor, see your medications history, see your appointment history, look at your family’s records, all that good stuff. So I emailed my doctor yesterday and said:
My inhaler is almost out of juice, and I’m wondering if you could call in a refill?
I started running/walking fast and I find that the albuterol helps with the coughing and wheezing afterwards. I haven’t needed a new prescription for the last few years because I’ve been lazy (loaded word) and sedentary. Thank you.
I got an email back a few minutes later saying the prescription was refilled. Right on.
I won't have a chance to run again with Raff until next Wednesday. Yes, I could go without him, but I don't know if I'm that motivated just yet. Let's just take it one day at a time.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
And I Ran….I Ran So Far Away….
(don't know the song I've cleverly referenced?)
So, we have breaking news!
I ran last night. And nothing was even chasing me.
Raff is training for the Warrior Dash. I think he’s nuts but anyway.... After some drunken Facebook messaging last Friday night, he told me I should come running with him. And those four glasses of wine in me made that sound like a pretty good idea.
Oh, but then came Wednesday. Uh oh. I got home, changed into my sweats and 6:30pm came. No Raff. I told Todd, “Maybe he forgot!!” Nope. At 6:35, Raff was at the door, breathing heavy and bouncing around.
“YA READY?!”
Sigh. I guess.
There were a few things on my side. One, Raff has only been training for two weeks. He’s not a regular runner. Two, he decided for this run he needed to wear two pound weights on each ankle. Which slowed him down. Thank gawd.
He kept insisting that we go at my pace, but Raff is 6’4” so three of my strides is just one of his. Inevitably, he was always ahead of me. And that was just fine. Then he couldn’t see me turning red and huffing and puffing.
For a first time runner, I think I did damn good. We ran two blocks, then walked a block. Then ran one more block (okay, half a block – it was a long block!) then walked. Then ran. Then walked. We both have asthma so as soon as one of us started whistling and wheezing, we’d slow down to a walk.
I was home 30 minutes later. I felt overheated and dizzy, but otherwise okay. I’d walked the last four blocks or so, so my heart rate was slowly coming down. I laid on the floor and stretched and breathed, then took a cool shower to get my body temperature down.
And then the coughing started. Oh, geez, the coughing. It was deep and wet and it made my chest hurt. And it kept up all evening. Along with the bouts of sneezing that had my eyes so watery I couldn’t see and that was so loud that the guys Todd was Skyping with passed along their sympathy.
But things calmed down for the most part around 10pm, so Todd and I went to bed. I laid out my cough drop and earplugs, had my glass of water, inhaler and tissues beside my bed, and my spare pillow already propped against the headboard and in place so I could just skootch up in the middle of the night if I started coughing and needed to sit up (this is my standard nightly routine. It’s very sad).
Todd and I did our nightly download and he made me laugh so hard I started coughing again. He said, “You know, it will take a while for your lungs to get used to running, but they’ll get better.”
I said, “Oh. I’m not doing this again. Silly man…..”
However.
Wonder of wonders, I did not wake up once at all last night. I never looked at the clock, I didn’t cough at all, I didn’t sneeze. My cough drop was unopened at 6am this morning when my alarm lit up.
Amazing!
And today I feel pretty damn good. I have a couple of sore places, but I was betting with Todd last night that I wouldn’t be able to walk today. Not so! I’m trying to move a lot today and will stretch really well tonight (maybe even take a soakie) and then we’ll see how I’m doing tomorrow.
Is this the start of a new Raechelle?
And did I mention that, with the exception of a bite of cake Saturday night, I have not had any pastries or desserts since…uh…March 1st, I think. I had some “power bars” at ECCC for lunch, and one of those was coated in chocolate, or probably, fake chocolate, but that’s about it. Look at me, sticking to a plan! Without even realizing it!! CB even invited me to join her for lunch at Azteca yesterday, and I passed. I walked down to my little café and had a salad. So, there.
Maybe I should start up Well Past Voluptuous again?
**********
Annoyance of the day: people who sing in the bathroom.
I realize there are good acoustics in there, but it’s just weird.
So, we have breaking news!
I ran last night. And nothing was even chasing me.
Raff is training for the Warrior Dash. I think he’s nuts but anyway.... After some drunken Facebook messaging last Friday night, he told me I should come running with him. And those four glasses of wine in me made that sound like a pretty good idea.
Oh, but then came Wednesday. Uh oh. I got home, changed into my sweats and 6:30pm came. No Raff. I told Todd, “Maybe he forgot!!” Nope. At 6:35, Raff was at the door, breathing heavy and bouncing around.
“YA READY?!”
Sigh. I guess.
There were a few things on my side. One, Raff has only been training for two weeks. He’s not a regular runner. Two, he decided for this run he needed to wear two pound weights on each ankle. Which slowed him down. Thank gawd.
He kept insisting that we go at my pace, but Raff is 6’4” so three of my strides is just one of his. Inevitably, he was always ahead of me. And that was just fine. Then he couldn’t see me turning red and huffing and puffing.
For a first time runner, I think I did damn good. We ran two blocks, then walked a block. Then ran one more block (okay, half a block – it was a long block!) then walked. Then ran. Then walked. We both have asthma so as soon as one of us started whistling and wheezing, we’d slow down to a walk.
I was home 30 minutes later. I felt overheated and dizzy, but otherwise okay. I’d walked the last four blocks or so, so my heart rate was slowly coming down. I laid on the floor and stretched and breathed, then took a cool shower to get my body temperature down.
And then the coughing started. Oh, geez, the coughing. It was deep and wet and it made my chest hurt. And it kept up all evening. Along with the bouts of sneezing that had my eyes so watery I couldn’t see and that was so loud that the guys Todd was Skyping with passed along their sympathy.
But things calmed down for the most part around 10pm, so Todd and I went to bed. I laid out my cough drop and earplugs, had my glass of water, inhaler and tissues beside my bed, and my spare pillow already propped against the headboard and in place so I could just skootch up in the middle of the night if I started coughing and needed to sit up (this is my standard nightly routine. It’s very sad).
Todd and I did our nightly download and he made me laugh so hard I started coughing again. He said, “You know, it will take a while for your lungs to get used to running, but they’ll get better.”
I said, “Oh. I’m not doing this again. Silly man…..”
However.
Wonder of wonders, I did not wake up once at all last night. I never looked at the clock, I didn’t cough at all, I didn’t sneeze. My cough drop was unopened at 6am this morning when my alarm lit up.
Amazing!
And today I feel pretty damn good. I have a couple of sore places, but I was betting with Todd last night that I wouldn’t be able to walk today. Not so! I’m trying to move a lot today and will stretch really well tonight (maybe even take a soakie) and then we’ll see how I’m doing tomorrow.
Is this the start of a new Raechelle?
And did I mention that, with the exception of a bite of cake Saturday night, I have not had any pastries or desserts since…uh…March 1st, I think. I had some “power bars” at ECCC for lunch, and one of those was coated in chocolate, or probably, fake chocolate, but that’s about it. Look at me, sticking to a plan! Without even realizing it!! CB even invited me to join her for lunch at Azteca yesterday, and I passed. I walked down to my little café and had a salad. So, there.
Maybe I should start up Well Past Voluptuous again?
**********
Annoyance of the day: people who sing in the bathroom.
I realize there are good acoustics in there, but it’s just weird.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Very Late Weekend Update
Last weekend was busy. Period.
Up early on Saturday to help Amy move (Kayleigh joined me) then the stars aligned and Kayleigh had an overnight so Todd and I got to attend a party we were invited to earlier that day. Always fun. And lots of new people. And some…old people. Er. Old friends. ThorNton Creek’s ex-bassist was there was his wife. I hadn’t seen him in a few years and coincidentally, he had just requested my friendship on Facebook! Funny.
Up early on Sunday to make breakfast because Todd’s work partner, Brian, was coming over for an Airship Daedalus meeting (please notice the new banner on the right hand side of the page. Because I am the best wife EVER).
This has become an every weekend thing. I like it. Brian comes over early on Sunday, Todd makes breakfast, I don’t even bother to ask Brian if he wants coffee, I just fix it for him (cream and sugar), we eat, then Todd and Brian work, while I clean the kitchen. Brian is usually gone by noon or 1pm so we have the rest of the day to be domestic.
However, on this particular Sunday, I was domestic at someone else’s house.
Stephanie referred me to a friend for a spring deep clean. So, I spent five hours dusting, de-cobwebbing, vacuuming and scrubbing a cute, little house. Very gratifying. And an extra $100 to boot!
That night, the money really wasn’t worth it as I could hardly walk. The old body ain’t what it used to be. Todd and I were supposed to go grocery shopping (HA!) but gawd bless my man – when I got home, he said “I’m thinking Chinese take out tonight.”
Right on, baby.
And the movie of the evening was Whip It, which is one of my absolute favorite movie now. It’s just a feel good, funny, sweet, rockin’ movie. Go Drew Barrymore.
**********
Side note - I saw a personalized license plate this morning.
SWT PEE
Um. I wonder if they meant sweet urine, or someone made a typo?
**********
Holy crap.
My 36th birthday is in three weeks. How the hell did THAT happen?!
Up early on Saturday to help Amy move (Kayleigh joined me) then the stars aligned and Kayleigh had an overnight so Todd and I got to attend a party we were invited to earlier that day. Always fun. And lots of new people. And some…old people. Er. Old friends. ThorNton Creek’s ex-bassist was there was his wife. I hadn’t seen him in a few years and coincidentally, he had just requested my friendship on Facebook! Funny.
Up early on Sunday to make breakfast because Todd’s work partner, Brian, was coming over for an Airship Daedalus meeting (please notice the new banner on the right hand side of the page. Because I am the best wife EVER).
This has become an every weekend thing. I like it. Brian comes over early on Sunday, Todd makes breakfast, I don’t even bother to ask Brian if he wants coffee, I just fix it for him (cream and sugar), we eat, then Todd and Brian work, while I clean the kitchen. Brian is usually gone by noon or 1pm so we have the rest of the day to be domestic.
However, on this particular Sunday, I was domestic at someone else’s house.
Stephanie referred me to a friend for a spring deep clean. So, I spent five hours dusting, de-cobwebbing, vacuuming and scrubbing a cute, little house. Very gratifying. And an extra $100 to boot!
That night, the money really wasn’t worth it as I could hardly walk. The old body ain’t what it used to be. Todd and I were supposed to go grocery shopping (HA!) but gawd bless my man – when I got home, he said “I’m thinking Chinese take out tonight.”
Right on, baby.
And the movie of the evening was Whip It, which is one of my absolute favorite movie now. It’s just a feel good, funny, sweet, rockin’ movie. Go Drew Barrymore.
**********
Side note - I saw a personalized license plate this morning.
SWT PEE
Um. I wonder if they meant sweet urine, or someone made a typo?
**********
Holy crap.
My 36th birthday is in three weeks. How the hell did THAT happen?!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Paddy's Day and Other Stuff
Please enjoy this card I made on Some Ecards.
**********
You may (or may not) have noticed that the link to my blog changed. It’s now simply www.mynewlifeouthere.com
It’s like I have my own website. I’m so cool.
Now I just need to learn how to code.
**********
I saw a quote on building’s sign today on my drive to work.
Do not be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.
Very poetic, don’t you think? I’m going to try and keep that in mind.
**********
I haven't told you my most recent fantasy, have I?
The house next door to us, on a corner, is for sale. It's big. Really big. Has a media room, a downstairs play area (or music room?), an en suite master bathroom, island in the kitchen, an office off the dining room and a one car garage.
I want this house.
I offered to switch with our neighbors, thinking they wanted to downsize, but I don't think she realized I was serious. Now I'm dreaming about Todd's series selling and us gaining a large chunk of money very quickly and just offering the neighbors cash for their house. Which they'll accept. Yay! I already have our furniture placed and have gone through our first party there.
What? Just let me dream, okay?
**********
We watched Red tonight. Awesome, awesome movie. Just awesome. Watch it.
It's awesome.
**********
I hate that I come home every evening and fall asleep for an hour. What is up with that? I need to get up more during the day. Walk around the block. Do jumping jacks in my cube. Something to get off my tush.
Um.
Okay. That's all. I think.
**********
You may (or may not) have noticed that the link to my blog changed. It’s now simply www.mynewlifeouthere.com
It’s like I have my own website. I’m so cool.
Now I just need to learn how to code.
**********
I saw a quote on building’s sign today on my drive to work.
Do not be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.
Very poetic, don’t you think? I’m going to try and keep that in mind.
**********
I haven't told you my most recent fantasy, have I?
The house next door to us, on a corner, is for sale. It's big. Really big. Has a media room, a downstairs play area (or music room?), an en suite master bathroom, island in the kitchen, an office off the dining room and a one car garage.
I want this house.
I offered to switch with our neighbors, thinking they wanted to downsize, but I don't think she realized I was serious. Now I'm dreaming about Todd's series selling and us gaining a large chunk of money very quickly and just offering the neighbors cash for their house. Which they'll accept. Yay! I already have our furniture placed and have gone through our first party there.
What? Just let me dream, okay?
**********
We watched Red tonight. Awesome, awesome movie. Just awesome. Watch it.
It's awesome.
**********
I hate that I come home every evening and fall asleep for an hour. What is up with that? I need to get up more during the day. Walk around the block. Do jumping jacks in my cube. Something to get off my tush.
Um.
Okay. That's all. I think.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Now Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Blog...
Hi, boys and girls!
Now that the monster ECCC post is done, we can get back to the random things of Raechelle-land.
First, updated hair.
The pic just doesn't show how red it is. Bummer.
But trust me - it's red. And I love it.
Ron came over a few weeks ago when Theresa came up, and of course, Tom claimed Ron's lap. Well, kinda.
Ron didn't provide a solid lap, but that didn't stop Tom. He was still pretty comfy.
Michael and Chris came over for dinner last weekend. They hadn't been formally introduced to the new house. So I made my world famous enchiladas and our guests brought the tequila for margaritas. But they also brought a housewarming present.
That Michael. He knows me so well. He knows that Jack and I had to break up recently, but he figured I'd be safe with Gentleman Jack. Ha! Gentleman Jack is the biggest whore of them all.
A side note; Michael also brought a cute little flask to the wedding. When I first saw him, after the ceremony, he wiggled the flask at me and said something like, "Jack would like to say congrats."
Gawd bless him.
Anyway, what else has been going on?
Kayleigh has been sick since Sunday, Todd got sick on Monday, and I took a sick day today for care taking and appointments. And I also conveniently squeezed in a Habitude trip, using my Christmas present from Ann. Thank you, Ann!
I am rubbed, exfoliated, buffed and painted.
It's like putting the oxygen mask on yourself before helping other passengers. One must take care of one's self, before helping others. So I took care of myself. And my nails, all 10 of them, are very pretty. And red. Ha!
Today was also my first facial. When the woman put the magnifying light on me and looked at my face, she said, "Do you ever drink water?" She said my poor skin is extremely dehydrated. I told her I am well aware. I ended up drinking lots of water today (hydrating my pampered skin) and I'm celebrating withtwo three glasses of wine tonight. It all balances in my head.
What's coming up?
We're helping a friend move on Saturday. I actually went over after work last week and helped her pack. I blew through that kitchen! She was very appreciative. Like, happy hour appreciative.
So, she moves on Saturday. We'd been invited to go salsa dancing on Sunday, but Todd has a work meeting, so we'll go next month. I may just enjoy yet another Sunday with no plans. Last weekend I was as worthless as a bump on a log. Didn't get out of jammies all day Sunday. I laid on the couch with Todd, and Kayleigh on the love seat, and watched movies all day. How long has it been since I've had that kind of time?
I felt guilty all day. Maybe I'll actually get dressed this weekend.
Side note; The Abyss is a freakin' awesome movie. Todd's been suggesting it for a long time, and I kept resisting. It was underwater, it was some action alien thing. I just didn't care. But I gave in, and holy geez, I'm glad I did. Just beautiful. And Ed Harris is a hunk.
Anywho.
Let me leave you with a picture of Elvis. We'd just done laundry and Elvis was enjoying the warm socks.
I love that he has one fang sticking out. Cutie pie.
Now that the monster ECCC post is done, we can get back to the random things of Raechelle-land.
First, updated hair.
The pic just doesn't show how red it is. Bummer.
But trust me - it's red. And I love it.
Ron came over a few weeks ago when Theresa came up, and of course, Tom claimed Ron's lap. Well, kinda.
 |
| Yo. What up? |
Ron didn't provide a solid lap, but that didn't stop Tom. He was still pretty comfy.
Michael and Chris came over for dinner last weekend. They hadn't been formally introduced to the new house. So I made my world famous enchiladas and our guests brought the tequila for margaritas. But they also brought a housewarming present.
That Michael. He knows me so well. He knows that Jack and I had to break up recently, but he figured I'd be safe with Gentleman Jack. Ha! Gentleman Jack is the biggest whore of them all.
A side note; Michael also brought a cute little flask to the wedding. When I first saw him, after the ceremony, he wiggled the flask at me and said something like, "Jack would like to say congrats."
Gawd bless him.
Anyway, what else has been going on?
Kayleigh has been sick since Sunday, Todd got sick on Monday, and I took a sick day today for care taking and appointments. And I also conveniently squeezed in a Habitude trip, using my Christmas present from Ann. Thank you, Ann!
I am rubbed, exfoliated, buffed and painted.
It's like putting the oxygen mask on yourself before helping other passengers. One must take care of one's self, before helping others. So I took care of myself. And my nails, all 10 of them, are very pretty. And red. Ha!
Today was also my first facial. When the woman put the magnifying light on me and looked at my face, she said, "Do you ever drink water?" She said my poor skin is extremely dehydrated. I told her I am well aware. I ended up drinking lots of water today (hydrating my pampered skin) and I'm celebrating with
What's coming up?
We're helping a friend move on Saturday. I actually went over after work last week and helped her pack. I blew through that kitchen! She was very appreciative. Like, happy hour appreciative.
So, she moves on Saturday. We'd been invited to go salsa dancing on Sunday, but Todd has a work meeting, so we'll go next month. I may just enjoy yet another Sunday with no plans. Last weekend I was as worthless as a bump on a log. Didn't get out of jammies all day Sunday. I laid on the couch with Todd, and Kayleigh on the love seat, and watched movies all day. How long has it been since I've had that kind of time?
I felt guilty all day. Maybe I'll actually get dressed this weekend.
Side note; The Abyss is a freakin' awesome movie. Todd's been suggesting it for a long time, and I kept resisting. It was underwater, it was some action alien thing. I just didn't care. But I gave in, and holy geez, I'm glad I did. Just beautiful. And Ed Harris is a hunk.
Anywho.
Let me leave you with a picture of Elvis. We'd just done laundry and Elvis was enjoying the warm socks.
I love that he has one fang sticking out. Cutie pie.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Emerald City Comicon
So, I had this whole big long blog post written about ECCC, but upon re-reading, it bored even me. But now I've got a few glasses of wine in me, so I think I can do better.
WITH BULLETS!
Up at 6:45am on Saturday, stop for a big ass latte and breakfast, on to the convention center!
Arrive at the Minion room, check in, get my bright green shirt and wait.
Quick tour (or power walk) around the event with a Black Shirt (staff member), quick burst of information and instruction, back to the Minion room and wait.
The head chick says "I need 10 Minions for Media!" and I pop up and run out the door to be included.
I am stationed at the front of Clair Kramer's autograph line. Who, you ask? Glory on Buffy. She was wicked bad.
Awesome Steve, Clair's ECCC wrangler, is a sweetheart and gives me tips on line management. Which I don't need because, at our busiest, we have five people in line. As opposed to William Shatner and James Marsters, who are on either side of us and have to have lines that weave because there's so many people.
Clair is very nice and chats with me and Awesome Steve during the downtime.
Meanwhile, a bazillion people are milling around in costumes. Some I know. Some I don't. I'm happy to be stationed away from the crowd.
I take an afternoon break while Clair is at lunch and doing photo ops, and go visit my hubby is who hanging out on Artist Alley. While there, a good artist friend of his, Kris, comes over to say hi and mentions that the artists behind him has a line of people that is wrapping around Kris' table and it's blocking his business. I ask him if he wants me to put my Minion shirt back on and take care of bidness. He says, "If you're offering..."
I put on my Minion shirt and head to Kris' table. He's right - there's a line of about 30 people wrapped around hit table, waiting to talk to another artist. This will no do.
I break up the line and instruct the group to line up against the wall, across the aisle. When there's room at the artist's table, I call a few more fans over to line up right at his table.
Kris is very appreciative. The Staff head of the department pats me on the back.
The afternoon is winding down, the big sought after artist's line has finally dissipated, so I go back down to Media and find Clair and Awesome Steve. There's no one in her line and they're chit chatting with someone. I answer questions from attendees.
It's still fun to look at the famous people.
Suddenly, it's 7pm and it's time to check out for the day and freshen up for the concert.
Todd and I walk down to The Hard Rock Cafe and are dumbfounded by the line that winds around the block. Uh. For James Marsters? Uh. Maybe not.
But wait! Trish is the fourth person in line at the front door! We swoop in (which I still feel bad about) and are upstairs at the bar in 15 minutes.
And we are, again, dumbfounded to find that you cannot get food in the upstairs area of The Hard Rock Cafe. We have lived on trail mix and power bars all day and just want some REAL FOOD. Ain't happenin'.
James goes on. Woohoo. Trish and I belly up as close to the front as we can get. He's cute. But I'm tired and hungry, so I leave Trish to drool and rejoin my husband until James is done.
Actually, we don't even wait until James is done. We've heard enough. GIVE US FOOD.
We wait 30 minutes for a table, even though we see numerous tables that are empty. I wait in line for the bathroom because there are only two unisex bathrooms. And once I get in there, it is freakin' disgusting. No urinals, only a toilet. For a unisex bathroom. What the hell?
We wait 20 minutes for our drinks and another 15 minutes for our food. The waitstaff tries hard to be "cool" and "hip" but end up just being rude, immature and disrespectful.
The Hard Rock Cafe? Not ever again, even if you paid me.
Finally, dinner is over and we return to the upstairs to see KrackleFest. Which will begin after the two rappers. Which is two rappers too long.
We say goodbye to Kyle and wish him a good performance, then go home and crash.
Sunday! Up at 7am, stop for a big ass latte and breakfast, and on to the convention center!
I check in at the Minion Room, then immediately head to that hot shot artist's table from Saturday. There will be no line problem this morning!
There is no line problem because the artist isn't due in until noon. Great. I head down to Media to assist Clair and Awesome Steve again.
But I am quickly reassigned to Jonathan Frakkes' line. He was on Star Trek and he's freakin' hysterical. He and Brent Spiner are having a ball. Jonathan's line is pretty hefty. I manage the back and make sure people weave. It keeps me busy.
After a while, I am reassigned to Bruce Boxleitner's line. And not for line management, but table management. Which means I am between the first person in line and the table where Bruce is sitting. I take pictures of guests with him and chat a bit. Like asking what that round thing was that he was signing. It is an identity disk from Tron Legacy. I didn't see it. Didn't really care for the first Tron. I don't tell Bruce that.
When the line gets slow, Bruce, John (his ECCC wrangler) and I chat about the pictures that are laid out. Fun stuff.
Finally, Bruce needs to leave for his plane, so we start packing up his photos and taking down the booth items. Bruce is frantically looking for something to put his wad of money in and John and I are having no luck finding anything. Bruce says he could put it on his carry on, but I remind him that the carry on will still need to go through the xray scanner and be out of his hands for a minute. He pauses and says, "Right. That won't work."
Then Bruce remembers a little teddy bear that one of his fans gave him. "Where's that bag with the bear?" he asks John. John gets the bag, and Bruce takes out the bear, looks at me and says, "Here." The bear has black sparkly wings and little antennas with hearts on top. A bumble bee bear. I come home with Bruce Boxleitner's bumble bee bear. It's a nice ECCC keepsake.
Bruce leaves, and I head back upstairs to check out Mr. Popular Artists' line. Everything seems to be okay.
It's almost 5pm, so I take off my Minion shirt and hang out with Todd and the gang for the remaining time. I still minion though; I help them clean up the area and pack up their stuff. I turn in my badge as we head to the car and we wave goodbye to ECCC.
Update:
Todd visited with Brian this week, one of the owners of ECCC. Brian said I went above and beyond what any girlfriend or wife would usually do for their geeky man. And I had a fantastic time, to boot. So my wonderful husband got me a promotion - next year, Black Shirt. Staff member!
BWHAHAHAHA.
WITH BULLETS!
Up at 6:45am on Saturday, stop for a big ass latte and breakfast, on to the convention center!
Arrive at the Minion room, check in, get my bright green shirt and wait.
Quick tour (or power walk) around the event with a Black Shirt (staff member), quick burst of information and instruction, back to the Minion room and wait.
The head chick says "I need 10 Minions for Media!" and I pop up and run out the door to be included.
I am stationed at the front of Clair Kramer's autograph line. Who, you ask? Glory on Buffy. She was wicked bad.
Awesome Steve, Clair's ECCC wrangler, is a sweetheart and gives me tips on line management. Which I don't need because, at our busiest, we have five people in line. As opposed to William Shatner and James Marsters, who are on either side of us and have to have lines that weave because there's so many people.
Clair is very nice and chats with me and Awesome Steve during the downtime.
Meanwhile, a bazillion people are milling around in costumes. Some I know. Some I don't. I'm happy to be stationed away from the crowd.
I take an afternoon break while Clair is at lunch and doing photo ops, and go visit my hubby is who hanging out on Artist Alley. While there, a good artist friend of his, Kris, comes over to say hi and mentions that the artists behind him has a line of people that is wrapping around Kris' table and it's blocking his business. I ask him if he wants me to put my Minion shirt back on and take care of bidness. He says, "If you're offering..."
I put on my Minion shirt and head to Kris' table. He's right - there's a line of about 30 people wrapped around hit table, waiting to talk to another artist. This will no do.
I break up the line and instruct the group to line up against the wall, across the aisle. When there's room at the artist's table, I call a few more fans over to line up right at his table.
Kris is very appreciative. The Staff head of the department pats me on the back.
The afternoon is winding down, the big sought after artist's line has finally dissipated, so I go back down to Media and find Clair and Awesome Steve. There's no one in her line and they're chit chatting with someone. I answer questions from attendees.
It's still fun to look at the famous people.
Suddenly, it's 7pm and it's time to check out for the day and freshen up for the concert.
Todd and I walk down to The Hard Rock Cafe and are dumbfounded by the line that winds around the block. Uh. For James Marsters? Uh. Maybe not.
But wait! Trish is the fourth person in line at the front door! We swoop in (which I still feel bad about) and are upstairs at the bar in 15 minutes.
And we are, again, dumbfounded to find that you cannot get food in the upstairs area of The Hard Rock Cafe. We have lived on trail mix and power bars all day and just want some REAL FOOD. Ain't happenin'.
James goes on. Woohoo. Trish and I belly up as close to the front as we can get. He's cute. But I'm tired and hungry, so I leave Trish to drool and rejoin my husband until James is done.
Actually, we don't even wait until James is done. We've heard enough. GIVE US FOOD.
We wait 30 minutes for a table, even though we see numerous tables that are empty. I wait in line for the bathroom because there are only two unisex bathrooms. And once I get in there, it is freakin' disgusting. No urinals, only a toilet. For a unisex bathroom. What the hell?
We wait 20 minutes for our drinks and another 15 minutes for our food. The waitstaff tries hard to be "cool" and "hip" but end up just being rude, immature and disrespectful.
The Hard Rock Cafe? Not ever again, even if you paid me.
Finally, dinner is over and we return to the upstairs to see KrackleFest. Which will begin after the two rappers. Which is two rappers too long.
We say goodbye to Kyle and wish him a good performance, then go home and crash.
Sunday! Up at 7am, stop for a big ass latte and breakfast, and on to the convention center!
I check in at the Minion Room, then immediately head to that hot shot artist's table from Saturday. There will be no line problem this morning!
There is no line problem because the artist isn't due in until noon. Great. I head down to Media to assist Clair and Awesome Steve again.
But I am quickly reassigned to Jonathan Frakkes' line. He was on Star Trek and he's freakin' hysterical. He and Brent Spiner are having a ball. Jonathan's line is pretty hefty. I manage the back and make sure people weave. It keeps me busy.
After a while, I am reassigned to Bruce Boxleitner's line. And not for line management, but table management. Which means I am between the first person in line and the table where Bruce is sitting. I take pictures of guests with him and chat a bit. Like asking what that round thing was that he was signing. It is an identity disk from Tron Legacy. I didn't see it. Didn't really care for the first Tron. I don't tell Bruce that.
When the line gets slow, Bruce, John (his ECCC wrangler) and I chat about the pictures that are laid out. Fun stuff.
Finally, Bruce needs to leave for his plane, so we start packing up his photos and taking down the booth items. Bruce is frantically looking for something to put his wad of money in and John and I are having no luck finding anything. Bruce says he could put it on his carry on, but I remind him that the carry on will still need to go through the xray scanner and be out of his hands for a minute. He pauses and says, "Right. That won't work."
Then Bruce remembers a little teddy bear that one of his fans gave him. "Where's that bag with the bear?" he asks John. John gets the bag, and Bruce takes out the bear, looks at me and says, "Here." The bear has black sparkly wings and little antennas with hearts on top. A bumble bee bear. I come home with Bruce Boxleitner's bumble bee bear. It's a nice ECCC keepsake.
Bruce leaves, and I head back upstairs to check out Mr. Popular Artists' line. Everything seems to be okay.
It's almost 5pm, so I take off my Minion shirt and hang out with Todd and the gang for the remaining time. I still minion though; I help them clean up the area and pack up their stuff. I turn in my badge as we head to the car and we wave goodbye to ECCC.
Update:
Todd visited with Brian this week, one of the owners of ECCC. Brian said I went above and beyond what any girlfriend or wife would usually do for their geeky man. And I had a fantastic time, to boot. So my wonderful husband got me a promotion - next year, Black Shirt. Staff member!
BWHAHAHAHA.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Random Friday Babbling
I haven’t had chocolate in two days. I am making a conscious effort to not eat sweets. Too much wine, too many sweets, not enough exercise. So, sweets are dead to me. Long live wine.
**********
Speaking of being fat, it’s Frumpy Friday here in Raechelle-land. Ann gave me this big, gray sweater that, at first glance, appears to be a wool poncho with a cowl neck. It’s not flattering on me at all. But I’m wearing it at work today. Vanity be dammed. I am comfy.
I’m thinking though, with a pair of black leggings and my black stiletto heel boots and no tank top underneath, it could make for a sexy outfit.
**********
Maybe tomorrow night for the James Marsters show and our buddy, Kirby Krackle?
Wha..? You don’t know who James Marsters is? That’s Spike, from Buffy, silly! He is a guest at Emerald City Comicon this year, along with Felicia Day, Wil Wheaton, Nicholas Brandon, THE William Shatner and a bunch of other people I don’t know all that well.
Oh, and did I mention I’m volunteering at the con? Me. Non-comic geek. Volunteering at a comicon.
Because my husband has a booth where he will be pimping his wares (as well as do all of his buds) and I thought, wouldn’t I be just the coolest wife if I volunteered to participate in something I have absolutely no clue about, just to be near my man all weekend?
That’s right. I WOULD be.
Also, I might meet famous people.
**********
And so I’ve dyed my hair the brightest red yet for the event. Can’t appear *too* normal this weekend.
Pictures soon.
**********
I think I’m going to leave the blog on Blogger. I migrated it over to WordPress, and while I LOVE the fact that I can have all of my blogs under one domain name, WordPress is only customizable if you know HTML. Which I do not. And don’t really have the time to learn right now.
If I can’t change the color of my font relatively easily, screw it. It’s too much work.
**********
Speaking of being technologically challenged, I signed up for a Twitter account. I don’t know how to Twitter, and don’t really want to Twitter. I just want to stalk….er….follow a few people I love.
....time lapse….
Twitter update:
I now follow five people on Twitter and have uploaded a profile picture. Still don’t know how to post a tweet. Or a twit?
It is a slippery slope, my friends.
**********
And now that I can see photos that Twits post, I wanna be at ECC!! I just talked to Todd. He’s there with his buddies and he’s seen Kyle and the famous people are signing stuff and I have to wait until tomorrow!!
It’s like a party I can’t attend yet. Crap!
**********
Speaking of being fat, it’s Frumpy Friday here in Raechelle-land. Ann gave me this big, gray sweater that, at first glance, appears to be a wool poncho with a cowl neck. It’s not flattering on me at all. But I’m wearing it at work today. Vanity be dammed. I am comfy.
I’m thinking though, with a pair of black leggings and my black stiletto heel boots and no tank top underneath, it could make for a sexy outfit.
**********
Maybe tomorrow night for the James Marsters show and our buddy, Kirby Krackle?
Wha..? You don’t know who James Marsters is? That’s Spike, from Buffy, silly! He is a guest at Emerald City Comicon this year, along with Felicia Day, Wil Wheaton, Nicholas Brandon, THE William Shatner and a bunch of other people I don’t know all that well.
Oh, and did I mention I’m volunteering at the con? Me. Non-comic geek. Volunteering at a comicon.
Because my husband has a booth where he will be pimping his wares (as well as do all of his buds) and I thought, wouldn’t I be just the coolest wife if I volunteered to participate in something I have absolutely no clue about, just to be near my man all weekend?
That’s right. I WOULD be.
Also, I might meet famous people.
**********
And so I’ve dyed my hair the brightest red yet for the event. Can’t appear *too* normal this weekend.
Pictures soon.
**********
I think I’m going to leave the blog on Blogger. I migrated it over to WordPress, and while I LOVE the fact that I can have all of my blogs under one domain name, WordPress is only customizable if you know HTML. Which I do not. And don’t really have the time to learn right now.
If I can’t change the color of my font relatively easily, screw it. It’s too much work.
**********
Speaking of being technologically challenged, I signed up for a Twitter account. I don’t know how to Twitter, and don’t really want to Twitter. I just want to stalk….er….follow a few people I love.
....time lapse….
Twitter update:
I now follow five people on Twitter and have uploaded a profile picture. Still don’t know how to post a tweet. Or a twit?
It is a slippery slope, my friends.
**********
And now that I can see photos that Twits post, I wanna be at ECC!! I just talked to Todd. He’s there with his buddies and he’s seen Kyle and the famous people are signing stuff and I have to wait until tomorrow!!
It’s like a party I can’t attend yet. Crap!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Smells Like Change
Picture with me, dear reader, a big ol' vat of promise. Promise and hope and prosperity and success. Now picture a gigungus spoon of action.
This spoon has been stirring the pot o' promise for years. It took big muscles. And grunting. But now, the promise is swirling on its own. The momentum has taken hold and it really doesn't take much muscle to stir this promise anymore. You just keep the spoon of action in there to keep it moving, not really to mix it.
It's very exciting.
I'm not really sure what happens when you completely remove the spoon. I'm not sure if the promise goo will get to spinning so fast it will explode and make a mess in the kitchen.
It's a mystery.
But I'm very intrigued. Momentum is taking hold in many aspects of our lives and it's hard to hang on. Kinda feels like the beginning of my relationship with Todd. Clouds are parting (metaphorically of course - we still live in Seattle) and the sun is starting to just beam.
In addition to all of this momentum, I'm also transferring the blog to WordPress. Also very exciting. I still have some work to do, but I just wanted to warn you. Hopefully, I can combine all of the blogs into one to make it a little more.....efficient. Cause you know me. I'm all about efficiency.
I will keep you posted.
This spoon has been stirring the pot o' promise for years. It took big muscles. And grunting. But now, the promise is swirling on its own. The momentum has taken hold and it really doesn't take much muscle to stir this promise anymore. You just keep the spoon of action in there to keep it moving, not really to mix it.
It's very exciting.
I'm not really sure what happens when you completely remove the spoon. I'm not sure if the promise goo will get to spinning so fast it will explode and make a mess in the kitchen.
It's a mystery.
But I'm very intrigued. Momentum is taking hold in many aspects of our lives and it's hard to hang on. Kinda feels like the beginning of my relationship with Todd. Clouds are parting (metaphorically of course - we still live in Seattle) and the sun is starting to just beam.
In addition to all of this momentum, I'm also transferring the blog to WordPress. Also very exciting. I still have some work to do, but I just wanted to warn you. Hopefully, I can combine all of the blogs into one to make it a little more.....efficient. Cause you know me. I'm all about efficiency.
I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Happy Pills
How do I know that my happy pills are really working?
I haven’t taken one since Friday morning and I'm freakin' LOSING IT today.
I started to call and refill my prescription Saturday morning, but then I noticed that I don’t have anymore refills. I figured I’d be fine for a couple of days, since Monday was a holiday, and I wouldn’t be able to talk to my doctor until today.
Oh, but the mood started yesterday. I thought it was just because I hadn’t had any alone time in a couple of days and I was just oversaturated.
But it is so much worse today. I woke up stressed and panicked. I’m having a really hard time keeping a tone out of my voice when dealing with people on the phone. It feels like I’m just freaking out on the inside, and I’m using all of the energy I have to suppress that and appear “calm”.
I’m just exhausted.
I remember this feeling. This used to be very common for me. I was wound up for no reason, I had virtually no fuse whatsoever, and it felt like I had chugged four lattes – I could not sit still.
I guess it’s nice to know the pills are actually working, huh?
I haven’t taken one since Friday morning and I'm freakin' LOSING IT today.
I started to call and refill my prescription Saturday morning, but then I noticed that I don’t have anymore refills. I figured I’d be fine for a couple of days, since Monday was a holiday, and I wouldn’t be able to talk to my doctor until today.
Oh, but the mood started yesterday. I thought it was just because I hadn’t had any alone time in a couple of days and I was just oversaturated.
But it is so much worse today. I woke up stressed and panicked. I’m having a really hard time keeping a tone out of my voice when dealing with people on the phone. It feels like I’m just freaking out on the inside, and I’m using all of the energy I have to suppress that and appear “calm”.
I’m just exhausted.
I remember this feeling. This used to be very common for me. I was wound up for no reason, I had virtually no fuse whatsoever, and it felt like I had chugged four lattes – I could not sit still.
I guess it’s nice to know the pills are actually working, huh?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Weekend Update
I think I need a vacation day to recover from my three day weekend. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Saturday, after blogging, Kayleigh and I got ourselves together and headed out to tackle Southcenter mall. And tackle we did. We started with lunch at Blue C, always a good way to start off a holiday weekend, then we hit Macy's, where I bought yet another huge bra. Kayleigh wanted to get fitted, so we did that, but soon realized that the Macy's personnel was not quite as thorough as the Nordstrom gals. So we headed over to Nordstrom afterwards.
Kayleigh went through a big girl fitting and then splurged on some new delicate items. I was a proud mama. I ended up returning the big ass bra that I bought a while back because 1) it was too tight and 2) it made my chest break out. Yuck. And I still couldn't find anything to spend my Christmas gift card on.
After Nordies, there was Guitar Center (where Kayleigh had a gift card) and then World Market (where I had a gift card, and returned some things) and then Old Navy (where Kayleigh had a gift card - she scored at Christmas) and then Party City for some Oscarware, as we are having an intimate group over Sunday night for the Oscars awards.
Then we had to hussle back home so Kayleigh and Tyler could catch the bus to Chief Sealth for a band concert. So Todd and I took the opportunity to have dinner out and play some pool.
And it was then I realized that I am really old. My left thumb hurt when trying to hold the cue and my right shoulder hurt when pulling back the cue. Wonderful.
We wrapped up early so we could go pick the kids up after the concert, and then Todd played me songs on YouTube as I fell asleep on the couch. It was a long day.
Sunday was Todd's OA meeting here at the house and my Emerald City Comicon Minion meeting downtown. Yes, I volunteered to be a minion at ECCC. Since Todd is going to be sitting on Artist Alley with his buds for three days, I thought it would be fun for me to actually work the con.
Well, there's also the William Shatner and James Marsters component. Hee hee. At the minion meeting, I made sure to introduce myself to the department heads that manage the media guests. And since I know two of the founders of the comicon, I chit chatted with them a bit, as well. Yes, I know how to work it.
After the meeting, I walked down to Nordstroms to try, once again, find something to buy. No luck. It's quite frustrating.
I headed home about 5pm, and found that Todd's OA meeting was over and social time had started. Landon was still hanging out, Ron had come over and we were waiting for Theresa to arrive from Grays River. She and her husband are old friends of Todd's and they just had a cutie pie little baby! So we got some baby time in, as well as some old friend time, as another old friend of their's that I hadn't met yet, came over, too.
I love nights like that. Impromptu gatherings where I end up laughing my ass off and serving Honey Bunnies and carrots that were left over from the Chinese New Year party because I was not planning on hosting. But everyone was happy.
And today was a pretty lazy day. Sleeping in until 11am, a leisurely breakfast, a coffee date with Shandalla, then some quality solo time reorganizing my clothes in the closet, cleaning out and straightening my dresser drawers and nightstand drawer and sending out some cards I've been meaning to send for a while. Muy productive.
Now I sit here and blab to you about my weekend while Kayleigh is in her room singing at the top of her lungs and Tyler is already in bed for the night and Todd is at yet another OA meeting. I've got my glass of Pinot Gris beside me and Tom sprawled across my lap.
And the news tells me that it's snowing downtown. Huh.
Saturday, after blogging, Kayleigh and I got ourselves together and headed out to tackle Southcenter mall. And tackle we did. We started with lunch at Blue C, always a good way to start off a holiday weekend, then we hit Macy's, where I bought yet another huge bra. Kayleigh wanted to get fitted, so we did that, but soon realized that the Macy's personnel was not quite as thorough as the Nordstrom gals. So we headed over to Nordstrom afterwards.
Kayleigh went through a big girl fitting and then splurged on some new delicate items. I was a proud mama. I ended up returning the big ass bra that I bought a while back because 1) it was too tight and 2) it made my chest break out. Yuck. And I still couldn't find anything to spend my Christmas gift card on.
After Nordies, there was Guitar Center (where Kayleigh had a gift card) and then World Market (where I had a gift card, and returned some things) and then Old Navy (where Kayleigh had a gift card - she scored at Christmas) and then Party City for some Oscarware, as we are having an intimate group over Sunday night for the Oscars awards.
Then we had to hussle back home so Kayleigh and Tyler could catch the bus to Chief Sealth for a band concert. So Todd and I took the opportunity to have dinner out and play some pool.
And it was then I realized that I am really old. My left thumb hurt when trying to hold the cue and my right shoulder hurt when pulling back the cue. Wonderful.
We wrapped up early so we could go pick the kids up after the concert, and then Todd played me songs on YouTube as I fell asleep on the couch. It was a long day.
Sunday was Todd's OA meeting here at the house and my Emerald City Comicon Minion meeting downtown. Yes, I volunteered to be a minion at ECCC. Since Todd is going to be sitting on Artist Alley with his buds for three days, I thought it would be fun for me to actually work the con.
Well, there's also the William Shatner and James Marsters component. Hee hee. At the minion meeting, I made sure to introduce myself to the department heads that manage the media guests. And since I know two of the founders of the comicon, I chit chatted with them a bit, as well. Yes, I know how to work it.
After the meeting, I walked down to Nordstroms to try, once again, find something to buy. No luck. It's quite frustrating.
I headed home about 5pm, and found that Todd's OA meeting was over and social time had started. Landon was still hanging out, Ron had come over and we were waiting for Theresa to arrive from Grays River. She and her husband are old friends of Todd's and they just had a cutie pie little baby! So we got some baby time in, as well as some old friend time, as another old friend of their's that I hadn't met yet, came over, too.
I love nights like that. Impromptu gatherings where I end up laughing my ass off and serving Honey Bunnies and carrots that were left over from the Chinese New Year party because I was not planning on hosting. But everyone was happy.
And today was a pretty lazy day. Sleeping in until 11am, a leisurely breakfast, a coffee date with Shandalla, then some quality solo time reorganizing my clothes in the closet, cleaning out and straightening my dresser drawers and nightstand drawer and sending out some cards I've been meaning to send for a while. Muy productive.
Now I sit here and blab to you about my weekend while Kayleigh is in her room singing at the top of her lungs and Tyler is already in bed for the night and Todd is at yet another OA meeting. I've got my glass of Pinot Gris beside me and Tom sprawled across my lap.
And the news tells me that it's snowing downtown. Huh.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Early Morning Ramblings
So, it's 8am. I am awake. I am on my second cup of coffee, and I'm eating an English muffin with Nutella.
I'm hooked on Nutella, and that's probably contributing to my weight gain. Funny thing, on their website, they state that Nutella is the original hazelnut spread. Is there another hazelnut spread? I don't know of one. So how can they be the "original" if there are no copies?
Anywho, I'm awake. I woke up sneezing at 7:30am, and since I felt well rested and alert (and Tom was more interested in cleaning himself at my feet than cuddling), I figured I might as well actually get out of bed. Plus, Monday is a holiday, so I have two more mornings to try to sleep in.
My bedside this morning:
Yes, those are tissues. Also, please note the cough drop, earplugs and water on the table. This is standard every night. I get on my coughing fits in the middle of the night, so I chug some water hoping that will help, but it never does, so I pop a cough drop and suck on that as I go back to sleep. I am well aware that this is dangerous. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get some sleep.
Also, while looking for that picture, I ran across this one.
Aren't my boys precious? Nap time at the Downing household.
And just to prove that Tom is a complete whore, and will lay on anyone and everyone:
This is Jenn and Scott, my new favorite people. They came up for dinner in January, and it didn't take long for Tom to introduce himself to Scott's lap. Luckily, they're cat people too.
I think I'll take Kayleigh shopping today. Go to the mall, have some lunch with my girl, toodle around. It's really sunny, but really windy here today. We actually have snow in the forecast:
Care to take bets on if this will really happen? We need some excitement around here!
Sigh.
What to do until Kayleigh wakes up? I could go clean up my tissues, huh? Maybe reorganize the clothes in my closet. I'd like to have all of my T-shirts together, blouses together, strappy summery tops together. Then I want to organize them by color. Do I have the energy to do that right now? Eh. Maybe. I could work on my address book, too. I bought a new one (thank you, mommy, for my Barnes & Noble gift card). I found, when doing Christmas cards, that my address book was horribly out of date. I didn't remember some names I had in there. And I still can't bring myself to erase Maydell's address. I'll just leave her in there for now. It's hard not to send her a Christmas card.
Moving on! Happy thoughts!
I'm thinking more about that closet. Todd is sitting here beside me, playing online with his buddies, so he doesn't need my attention right now. Both cats are sleeping, both kids are sleeping. I could get showered and cleaned up. Maybe do some grooming.
Or maybe I need another cup of coffee first. Just to really get the blood pumping.
Yeah, that sounds good.....
Happy Saturday!
I'm hooked on Nutella, and that's probably contributing to my weight gain. Funny thing, on their website, they state that Nutella is the original hazelnut spread. Is there another hazelnut spread? I don't know of one. So how can they be the "original" if there are no copies?
Anywho, I'm awake. I woke up sneezing at 7:30am, and since I felt well rested and alert (and Tom was more interested in cleaning himself at my feet than cuddling), I figured I might as well actually get out of bed. Plus, Monday is a holiday, so I have two more mornings to try to sleep in.
My bedside this morning:
 |
| That corner isn't as cluttered as it looks. Just FYI. |
Yes, those are tissues. Also, please note the cough drop, earplugs and water on the table. This is standard every night. I get on my coughing fits in the middle of the night, so I chug some water hoping that will help, but it never does, so I pop a cough drop and suck on that as I go back to sleep. I am well aware that this is dangerous. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get some sleep.
Also, while looking for that picture, I ran across this one.
Aren't my boys precious? Nap time at the Downing household.
And just to prove that Tom is a complete whore, and will lay on anyone and everyone:
This is Jenn and Scott, my new favorite people. They came up for dinner in January, and it didn't take long for Tom to introduce himself to Scott's lap. Luckily, they're cat people too.
I think I'll take Kayleigh shopping today. Go to the mall, have some lunch with my girl, toodle around. It's really sunny, but really windy here today. We actually have snow in the forecast:
Care to take bets on if this will really happen? We need some excitement around here!
Sigh.
What to do until Kayleigh wakes up? I could go clean up my tissues, huh? Maybe reorganize the clothes in my closet. I'd like to have all of my T-shirts together, blouses together, strappy summery tops together. Then I want to organize them by color. Do I have the energy to do that right now? Eh. Maybe. I could work on my address book, too. I bought a new one (thank you, mommy, for my Barnes & Noble gift card). I found, when doing Christmas cards, that my address book was horribly out of date. I didn't remember some names I had in there. And I still can't bring myself to erase Maydell's address. I'll just leave her in there for now. It's hard not to send her a Christmas card.
Moving on! Happy thoughts!
I'm thinking more about that closet. Todd is sitting here beside me, playing online with his buddies, so he doesn't need my attention right now. Both cats are sleeping, both kids are sleeping. I could get showered and cleaned up. Maybe do some grooming.
Or maybe I need another cup of coffee first. Just to really get the blood pumping.
Yeah, that sounds good.....
Happy Saturday!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Bad Blogger! And Lady Gaga.
I have been such a bad blogger. I'm so sorry. I'm keeping myself busy with all of these random projects, but that just means that when I get a chance to sit down and surf, I'm brain dead and can't form a post. It's a catch 22 really.
Did I ever tell you what I used to eat for lunch in high school? A small bag of Sour Cream & Onion potato chips, a Little Debbie fudge brownie (with those little chunks of walnuts on top) and a Coke.
Swear ta gawd. Sometimes I'd have some change so I'd buy the deep fried mozzarella sticks or a slice of cold, square pizza. It's amazing I was as thin as I was.
I think of this because I'm eating a Subway sandwich and a bag of Sour Cream & Onion chips for lunch today. And a Diet Coke, thankyouverymuch.
Speaking of eating and my body, I've decided that if I could have any woman's figure, I would choose Lady Gaga's. I watched her interview with Anderson Cooper before the Grammy's on Sunday and was pleasantly surprised at how normal she is. Both physically and mentally. There's one segment in the interview where she's in nude underwear ("I just didn't feel like wearing clothes") and she's normal. She's not bone thin, or impeccably smooth and tight. She's your typical female figure. She's got some butt, and a little round tummy. I would love to have a little round tummy (as opposed to a large dimpled tummy). Rather than shooting for 98lbs, maybe I'll shoot for Gaga's figure. Much nicer. More natural.
And also, I totally agree with her comment about how changing your name can free you.
I used Raechelle in Kindergarten and first grade in West Virginia. When we moved to Texas, somehow, my first name stuck. Brenda. I was Brenda until I moved to Seattle in 1999. My sister asked how she should introduce me. I told her I wanted to use Raechelle. It was a new city, a new state, a new part of the country, new people, new boys. Let's just all be new.
And Raechelle I became.
It was very liberating and a bit.....mysterious? Dangerous? Secretive? Rebellious? Granted, I ended up being the exact same person I was when I was known as Brenda, but Raechelle seems to fit this new life here in the Pacific Northwest. Now if I move to North Carolina, I may have to call myself BrendaRae. Ya know, with a twang.
Anywho, I'll try to be a more diligent blogger. There's stuff that I want to tell you about, I just don't seem to get the time to jot it down. I need a vocal blogger thing. I talk to myself all the time. If I could just record my rambles and have it transcribed onto this here blog, I would blow your minds. Seriously.
I'll have to work on that...
Did I ever tell you what I used to eat for lunch in high school? A small bag of Sour Cream & Onion potato chips, a Little Debbie fudge brownie (with those little chunks of walnuts on top) and a Coke.
Swear ta gawd. Sometimes I'd have some change so I'd buy the deep fried mozzarella sticks or a slice of cold, square pizza. It's amazing I was as thin as I was.
I think of this because I'm eating a Subway sandwich and a bag of Sour Cream & Onion chips for lunch today. And a Diet Coke, thankyouverymuch.
Speaking of eating and my body, I've decided that if I could have any woman's figure, I would choose Lady Gaga's. I watched her interview with Anderson Cooper before the Grammy's on Sunday and was pleasantly surprised at how normal she is. Both physically and mentally. There's one segment in the interview where she's in nude underwear ("I just didn't feel like wearing clothes") and she's normal. She's not bone thin, or impeccably smooth and tight. She's your typical female figure. She's got some butt, and a little round tummy. I would love to have a little round tummy (as opposed to a large dimpled tummy). Rather than shooting for 98lbs, maybe I'll shoot for Gaga's figure. Much nicer. More natural.
And also, I totally agree with her comment about how changing your name can free you.
I used Raechelle in Kindergarten and first grade in West Virginia. When we moved to Texas, somehow, my first name stuck. Brenda. I was Brenda until I moved to Seattle in 1999. My sister asked how she should introduce me. I told her I wanted to use Raechelle. It was a new city, a new state, a new part of the country, new people, new boys. Let's just all be new.
And Raechelle I became.
It was very liberating and a bit.....mysterious? Dangerous? Secretive? Rebellious? Granted, I ended up being the exact same person I was when I was known as Brenda, but Raechelle seems to fit this new life here in the Pacific Northwest. Now if I move to North Carolina, I may have to call myself BrendaRae. Ya know, with a twang.
Anywho, I'll try to be a more diligent blogger. There's stuff that I want to tell you about, I just don't seem to get the time to jot it down. I need a vocal blogger thing. I talk to myself all the time. If I could just record my rambles and have it transcribed onto this here blog, I would blow your minds. Seriously.
I'll have to work on that...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Chinese New Year
My apologies. My mother has scolded me for not writing for over a week. I've been busy! Work is busy, home is busy. And yet, I really didn't have anything to tell you about.
But here you go!
We hosted Darlene's 12th Annual Chinese New Year party on Saturday. I say it's Darlene's party because she's organized this gathering in the past, but just moves it around to different people's homes.
Keepin' it real, yo.
Since it's the year of the rabbit, and I'm a rabbit, Darlene and I hosted in our bunny ears.
And our makeshift tails.
Darlene provided the finger foods.
Her man made the bunny sandwiches.
We're all about a theme.
There was rabbit trivia and other games, but the finale was photographing Kayleigh's stuffed bunnies for the Playbunny photo shoot.
Dirty bunnies.
There's two more pictures, but this is a PG blog, so I don't feel it would be appropriate to post them.
However, we here in Raechelleland tend to push the bounds of that PG rating, with photos like this:
I will leave these men unnamed, but I will tell you what's in those shot glasses.
Three Penis Liquor.
I kid you not. One of these men brought that crap back from China and it was quite the novelty. I might have even had a shot of it.
Or two.
But I also remembered to drink my water after every glass of wine, so I wasn't doing too bad on Sunday.
I don't know if I can say the same thing about Ron.
He was having a pretty good time around 1am.
But here you go!
We hosted Darlene's 12th Annual Chinese New Year party on Saturday. I say it's Darlene's party because she's organized this gathering in the past, but just moves it around to different people's homes.
Keepin' it real, yo.
Since it's the year of the rabbit, and I'm a rabbit, Darlene and I hosted in our bunny ears.
And our makeshift tails.
Darlene provided the finger foods.
Her man made the bunny sandwiches.
We're all about a theme.
There was rabbit trivia and other games, but the finale was photographing Kayleigh's stuffed bunnies for the Playbunny photo shoot.
Dirty bunnies.
There's two more pictures, but this is a PG blog, so I don't feel it would be appropriate to post them.
However, we here in Raechelleland tend to push the bounds of that PG rating, with photos like this:
I will leave these men unnamed, but I will tell you what's in those shot glasses.
Three Penis Liquor.
I kid you not. One of these men brought that crap back from China and it was quite the novelty. I might have even had a shot of it.
Or two.
But I also remembered to drink my water after every glass of wine, so I wasn't doing too bad on Sunday.
I don't know if I can say the same thing about Ron.
He was having a pretty good time around 1am.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Bad Omen?
I have “Shall We Gather at the River” stuck in my head.
Why? I have no idea.
It creeps me out when I get gospel songs stuck in my head. Where the hell did that come from?
Is this a sign? Is everyone okay?
Please let me know.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Random Thoughts with a Weekend Update
I am wearing my uber expensive DDD bra today.
And it’s too tight.
Crap.
**********
My weekend was good. I had my first meeting with Ann on Saturday (read about it here, eventually), which included a sushi lunch and digging through her clothes and purses. I have a few new big comfy sweaters.
Comfy. Not frumpy.
**********
Saturday night was dinner with Kim-n-Tim-n-Milo. It was low key, veg on the sofa and chat. And listen to Milo sing “Old MacDonald”.
And Sunday was domestic – Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, laundry, paying bills, helping Kayleigh with her Math project. We’re totally gonna get an A.
Sunday night was the season 4 finale of Dexter. Fan-freakin-tastic. Season 5 isn’t out on DVD yet. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?!
**********
Saturday morning is when I woke up with an achy shoulder. And hip. I must have slept hard on my left side. But as the day when on, and the shoulder didn't pop, it got worse. It was making my arm ache and my back and neck ache. Sunday was even worse. I couldn’t carry anything with my left arm. Monday, I decided it was time for a doctor’s appointment. Not that he could really do anything about it, but he could prescribe a massage, of which I am in desperate need.
But then I popped a couple Tylenol 3 with codeine last night before bed (because they had been prescribed for this stupid 3am cough) and when I woke up this morning, my shoulder felt much better. I coughed all night, but my shouldn’t didn’t hurt!
I still went to my appointment this morning and got my prescription for a massage.
So, it was totally worth it.
**********
I am sick of our weather. La Nina, my ass. For the past month (and for the next month) it’s 50 degrees and rainy. Woo.Hoo. How boring.
I want snow. I want to be snowed in. I want to be trapped at my house for a week. It’s okay, I have the vacation time. I need excitement!
**********
I have many balls in the air this week - work party tonight, drinks with a friend tomorrow, creative work meeting on Thursday (yes, I have a creative work meeting!), Archer premiere party on Friday, more organizing on Saturday, a party Saturday night, cleaning for a friend on Sunday....
B R E A T H E
Plus, Todd and I are hosting the Chinese New Year party this year, so there was a planning meeting for that last night and will probably be another one more in the next two weeks.
I like being this busy. Keeps me distracted from the crappy things in life.
We'll talk about that later....
And it’s too tight.
Crap.
**********
My weekend was good. I had my first meeting with Ann on Saturday (read about it here, eventually), which included a sushi lunch and digging through her clothes and purses. I have a few new big comfy sweaters.
Comfy. Not frumpy.
**********
Saturday night was dinner with Kim-n-Tim-n-Milo. It was low key, veg on the sofa and chat. And listen to Milo sing “Old MacDonald”.
And Sunday was domestic – Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, laundry, paying bills, helping Kayleigh with her Math project. We’re totally gonna get an A.
Sunday night was the season 4 finale of Dexter. Fan-freakin-tastic. Season 5 isn’t out on DVD yet. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?!
**********
Saturday morning is when I woke up with an achy shoulder. And hip. I must have slept hard on my left side. But as the day when on, and the shoulder didn't pop, it got worse. It was making my arm ache and my back and neck ache. Sunday was even worse. I couldn’t carry anything with my left arm. Monday, I decided it was time for a doctor’s appointment. Not that he could really do anything about it, but he could prescribe a massage, of which I am in desperate need.
But then I popped a couple Tylenol 3 with codeine last night before bed (because they had been prescribed for this stupid 3am cough) and when I woke up this morning, my shoulder felt much better. I coughed all night, but my shouldn’t didn’t hurt!
I still went to my appointment this morning and got my prescription for a massage.
So, it was totally worth it.
**********
I am sick of our weather. La Nina, my ass. For the past month (and for the next month) it’s 50 degrees and rainy. Woo.Hoo. How boring.
I want snow. I want to be snowed in. I want to be trapped at my house for a week. It’s okay, I have the vacation time. I need excitement!
**********
I have many balls in the air this week - work party tonight, drinks with a friend tomorrow, creative work meeting on Thursday (yes, I have a creative work meeting!), Archer premiere party on Friday, more organizing on Saturday, a party Saturday night, cleaning for a friend on Sunday....
B R E A T H E
Plus, Todd and I are hosting the Chinese New Year party this year, so there was a planning meeting for that last night and will probably be another one more in the next two weeks.
I like being this busy. Keeps me distracted from the crappy things in life.
We'll talk about that later....
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Mother of All Projects
I have a new project. It’s a biggie.
It will make good Mighty Tidy material, so I’ll blog about it there.
Where?
Here.
It will make good Mighty Tidy material, so I’ll blog about it there.
Where?
Here.
Things I’ve Learned Along The Way
When you open a little yogurt container, open it AWAY from you. Inevitably, yogurt spits out. I’ve gotten yogurt on my shirt one too many times. Now I know.
Unload the bottom rack of the dishwasher first. Then, when you unload the top rack and all of the water dumps from the punts in the glasses or the lip of the Tupperware, it won’t dump on the dry dishes below. Less dishes to dry off.
Tidy your room at night before you go to bed. Hang up your clothes, put away your shoes, throw away your tissues from the night before. Its easier in the morning when you’re getting ready for work or school.
Save every freakin’ email. Two years from now, someone will argue with you about something and it takes the wind out of their sails when you say “Well, let me just pull up the email about that….”
Take your rings off when you wash your hands.
When you clean, start at the top and work your way down. Cobwebs, dusting lights/on top of the cabinets, wiping down cabinets, wiping counter tops, wiping baseboard, sweep the floor.
Use “waiting time” to tidy. That way, you don’t have to make time to do it later. While my bagel was toasting today, I put away the clean dishes on the counter and soaked and stacked the dirty dishes in the corner. Less I have to do this evening when I clean the kitchen. And back when I used to pump gas, I would set the thingy to automatic and clean all of the trash out of my car. I know you’re not supposed to re-enter your car while gas is pumping, so I’d just get the stuff out of the door pockets.
And speaking of soaking dishes, I have trained my family to follow one of my quirks. When the dishes start piling up and I need to put them in the dishwasher, but just don’t get around to it, I fill up one of the larger dirty glasses with steaming hot water and put all of the silverware in there, dirty side down. By the time I get around to putting that silverware in the dishwasher, the dried peanut butter/Nutella/mayo(gag)/butter has soaked off and I don’t have to rinse them.
Consistent reminders really do work with teenagers. Even though you feel like you’re just repeating yourself to a wall and they get all huffy and said, “Duh. I know!”. I see Kayleigh remember to turn the shower off BEFORE she turns the water off (it’s a rude awakening to have the shower blast down on me first thing in the morning when I turn on the water) and put the towel up over the tub when she leaves the bathroom. Gentle, consistent reminders.
At the grocery store, if you unload all of the freezer stuff together and the fridge stuff together when you check out, you don’t spend time running back to the fridge when you get home and unload stuff. If you have a good bagger, all of your cold stuff will be together. If you have a bad bagger, well, bag your own stuff next time.
*Tangent*
I remember going to Kroger with Mom every Saturday morning for the weekly grocery shopping trip. I remember her standing there to write out her check and chatting with the cashier because she knew them all on a first name basis. And I remember the mentally disabled boy who would leave whichever lane he was on when he saw mom, to come bag her groceries. He loved football and they’d talk about the Oilers while he bagged and as he walked her out to her car. He was nice. Wonder where he is now?
I also remember if he wasn’t there, and the other baggers were busy, Mom would look at me and say “Make yourself useful!”. And I would. I’m a good bagger. And I still step in and bag when Todd and I do one of our huge grocery shopping trips and there are no baggers available. If the cashier has to scan and type and bag, it takes too long. I always get a surprised look and a thank you. Makes me feel good.
Now. Back to our list.
Um. I think I’m done.
However.
You would think I’ve learned by now not to tell my mother I coming to visit her five months in advance. That’s way too much time her to think of all the things she wants me to help her with. It’s much better to just show up when she isn’t expecting it. Less time for her to compile a list.
I’m thinking about going home for a few days over Memorial weekend. I miss my folks. A whole bunch. And I need to be mommied for a while.
Unload the bottom rack of the dishwasher first. Then, when you unload the top rack and all of the water dumps from the punts in the glasses or the lip of the Tupperware, it won’t dump on the dry dishes below. Less dishes to dry off.
Tidy your room at night before you go to bed. Hang up your clothes, put away your shoes, throw away your tissues from the night before. Its easier in the morning when you’re getting ready for work or school.
Save every freakin’ email. Two years from now, someone will argue with you about something and it takes the wind out of their sails when you say “Well, let me just pull up the email about that….”
Take your rings off when you wash your hands.
When you clean, start at the top and work your way down. Cobwebs, dusting lights/on top of the cabinets, wiping down cabinets, wiping counter tops, wiping baseboard, sweep the floor.
Use “waiting time” to tidy. That way, you don’t have to make time to do it later. While my bagel was toasting today, I put away the clean dishes on the counter and soaked and stacked the dirty dishes in the corner. Less I have to do this evening when I clean the kitchen. And back when I used to pump gas, I would set the thingy to automatic and clean all of the trash out of my car. I know you’re not supposed to re-enter your car while gas is pumping, so I’d just get the stuff out of the door pockets.
And speaking of soaking dishes, I have trained my family to follow one of my quirks. When the dishes start piling up and I need to put them in the dishwasher, but just don’t get around to it, I fill up one of the larger dirty glasses with steaming hot water and put all of the silverware in there, dirty side down. By the time I get around to putting that silverware in the dishwasher, the dried peanut butter/Nutella/mayo(gag)/butter has soaked off and I don’t have to rinse them.
Consistent reminders really do work with teenagers. Even though you feel like you’re just repeating yourself to a wall and they get all huffy and said, “Duh. I know!”. I see Kayleigh remember to turn the shower off BEFORE she turns the water off (it’s a rude awakening to have the shower blast down on me first thing in the morning when I turn on the water) and put the towel up over the tub when she leaves the bathroom. Gentle, consistent reminders.
At the grocery store, if you unload all of the freezer stuff together and the fridge stuff together when you check out, you don’t spend time running back to the fridge when you get home and unload stuff. If you have a good bagger, all of your cold stuff will be together. If you have a bad bagger, well, bag your own stuff next time.
*Tangent*
I remember going to Kroger with Mom every Saturday morning for the weekly grocery shopping trip. I remember her standing there to write out her check and chatting with the cashier because she knew them all on a first name basis. And I remember the mentally disabled boy who would leave whichever lane he was on when he saw mom, to come bag her groceries. He loved football and they’d talk about the Oilers while he bagged and as he walked her out to her car. He was nice. Wonder where he is now?
I also remember if he wasn’t there, and the other baggers were busy, Mom would look at me and say “Make yourself useful!”. And I would. I’m a good bagger. And I still step in and bag when Todd and I do one of our huge grocery shopping trips and there are no baggers available. If the cashier has to scan and type and bag, it takes too long. I always get a surprised look and a thank you. Makes me feel good.
Now. Back to our list.
Um. I think I’m done.
However.
You would think I’ve learned by now not to tell my mother I coming to visit her five months in advance. That’s way too much time her to think of all the things she wants me to help her with. It’s much better to just show up when she isn’t expecting it. Less time for her to compile a list.
I’m thinking about going home for a few days over Memorial weekend. I miss my folks. A whole bunch. And I need to be mommied for a while.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Random Thoughts
In local news today, a 13 year old boy was sent home from school for wearing a Steelers' jersey.
While I would like to jump up and down, screaming "Yeah, BOY. Steelers can suck it!!", I can't in this particular instance.
The school allowed kids to wear their Seahawks gear for the game this weekend, but the boy chose to wear his Steelers' jersey. Um. Not Steelers spirit day. Seahawk spirit day. If you ain't got Seahawk spirit, wear your school uniform.
The Seahawks play Chicago on Sunday. We're not holding our breath, but stranger things have happened.
**********
You remember the post about my sick vacuum?
Well, it completely went kaput. The roller brush wouldn't even turn. So I finally took it into Ballard Quality Sewing and Vacuum. Yes, we have a Quality Sewing and Vacuum in White Center, but I don't like it. So I took my vacuum all the way to Ballard.
When I dropped it off, a very nice boy (yes, boy) asked if he could help me. I said, with weepy eyes, "My vacuum is sick." The man, very dramatically, gasped and put his hand to his heart and said "Oh, no!"
See? He gets it.
I told him what all was wrong, and he took the vacuum from me and said "Well, take good care of her." Then I told him to shield her eyes because I was going to oogle the shiny new Ricaars.
When I went to pick her up, there were five boys working. In a vacuum and sewing shop. All young, all had Justin Bieber hair, and all just as sweet as pie. I told Todd, it must be a front for a drug operation. That's just bazaar.
But my Ricaar is feeling much better now.
**********
My left thumb joint is getting worse. It hurts to hold my travel coffee mug now. I'm consciously thinking about keeping my thumb close to my hand - not letting it stray outward so that it hyper extends.
It's all downhill from here, isn't it?
**********
Can I get a "hell yeah" for a three day weekend? Yes, I will thank Martin Luther King Jr when I wake up at 10am on Monday.
While I would like to jump up and down, screaming "Yeah, BOY. Steelers can suck it!!", I can't in this particular instance.
The school allowed kids to wear their Seahawks gear for the game this weekend, but the boy chose to wear his Steelers' jersey. Um. Not Steelers spirit day. Seahawk spirit day. If you ain't got Seahawk spirit, wear your school uniform.
The Seahawks play Chicago on Sunday. We're not holding our breath, but stranger things have happened.
**********
You remember the post about my sick vacuum?
Well, it completely went kaput. The roller brush wouldn't even turn. So I finally took it into Ballard Quality Sewing and Vacuum. Yes, we have a Quality Sewing and Vacuum in White Center, but I don't like it. So I took my vacuum all the way to Ballard.
When I dropped it off, a very nice boy (yes, boy) asked if he could help me. I said, with weepy eyes, "My vacuum is sick." The man, very dramatically, gasped and put his hand to his heart and said "Oh, no!"
See? He gets it.
I told him what all was wrong, and he took the vacuum from me and said "Well, take good care of her." Then I told him to shield her eyes because I was going to oogle the shiny new Ricaars.
When I went to pick her up, there were five boys working. In a vacuum and sewing shop. All young, all had Justin Bieber hair, and all just as sweet as pie. I told Todd, it must be a front for a drug operation. That's just bazaar.
But my Ricaar is feeling much better now.
**********
My left thumb joint is getting worse. It hurts to hold my travel coffee mug now. I'm consciously thinking about keeping my thumb close to my hand - not letting it stray outward so that it hyper extends.
It's all downhill from here, isn't it?
**********
Can I get a "hell yeah" for a three day weekend? Yes, I will thank Martin Luther King Jr when I wake up at 10am on Monday.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
I Can Justify Anything
Which is why I am well past voluptuous.
Safeway has a four pack of these delicious muffins that are normally $1.99 (with the club card), or like yesterday, $2.69 but two for one. On therapy days, I usually stop and pick up a latte and muffins afterwards, on my way in to work – it’s a little treat to myself after I’ve purged my soul. Since there’s four in a pack, I share them with Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-worker and CB. They have come to love Muffin Day.
Anywho.
Todd and I were out of coffee yesterday, so I stopped and got muffins and a latte. CB is still on maternity leave so Mr. Co-Worker and I enjoyed our muffins alone. And I put the rest in my file cabinet, happy in the knowledge that I have breakfast for the rest of the week (eight muffins, minus two muffins equals six muffins!)
We still don’t have coffee at home (well, we have coffee beans, but no grinder, and short term memory so we forgot to take the beans to get ground last night, or grind them in the blender) so I stopped again today for a latte, and very much looked forward to my muffin when I got to work.
And my muffin was good. Apple. I got banana nut too, because Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-worker likes them, but they’re e a little too dry for me.
So I had my muffin and everything was dandy. Until I got an email and then the day just went to shit. Big project, lots of equipment orders, need to be delivered somewhere else, can’t deliver somewhere else, no one told us that, cancel that other order that was placed last week, okay cancelled, but wait maybe we don’t need to cancel that order…
Oh, for the love of puppies!
That’s when I ate my second apple muffin.
I didn’t need that muffin. But my mood was slipping and I knew the taste of that muffin would distract me (temporarily) and so I went for it.
Now I have two very processed apple muffins in my belly and I feel gross. And I bet I just gained three pounds.
Coincidentally, this is the same reason I drink wine every night.
Safeway has a four pack of these delicious muffins that are normally $1.99 (with the club card), or like yesterday, $2.69 but two for one. On therapy days, I usually stop and pick up a latte and muffins afterwards, on my way in to work – it’s a little treat to myself after I’ve purged my soul. Since there’s four in a pack, I share them with Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-worker and CB. They have come to love Muffin Day.
Anywho.
Todd and I were out of coffee yesterday, so I stopped and got muffins and a latte. CB is still on maternity leave so Mr. Co-Worker and I enjoyed our muffins alone. And I put the rest in my file cabinet, happy in the knowledge that I have breakfast for the rest of the week (eight muffins, minus two muffins equals six muffins!)
We still don’t have coffee at home (well, we have coffee beans, but no grinder, and short term memory so we forgot to take the beans to get ground last night, or grind them in the blender) so I stopped again today for a latte, and very much looked forward to my muffin when I got to work.
And my muffin was good. Apple. I got banana nut too, because Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-worker likes them, but they’re e a little too dry for me.
So I had my muffin and everything was dandy. Until I got an email and then the day just went to shit. Big project, lots of equipment orders, need to be delivered somewhere else, can’t deliver somewhere else, no one told us that, cancel that other order that was placed last week, okay cancelled, but wait maybe we don’t need to cancel that order…
Oh, for the love of puppies!
That’s when I ate my second apple muffin.
I didn’t need that muffin. But my mood was slipping and I knew the taste of that muffin would distract me (temporarily) and so I went for it.
Now I have two very processed apple muffins in my belly and I feel gross. And I bet I just gained three pounds.
Coincidentally, this is the same reason I drink wine every night.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Horrified
Dear Republican Readers,
I understand that you and I have differences of opinion. I still love you as a person. I don't lump all of the extreme people into one group - Republicans. There are extreme Democrats. I get it. I don't generalize.
However.
If you like Sarah Palin, and you support her murderous belief system, I don't understand you.
And that scares me.
I understand that you and I have differences of opinion. I still love you as a person. I don't lump all of the extreme people into one group - Republicans. There are extreme Democrats. I get it. I don't generalize.
However.
If you like Sarah Palin, and you support her murderous belief system, I don't understand you.
And that scares me.
Random Kitty Post
So, Tom has this creepy habit of just sitting in one spot, staring. Sometimes it's at something, sometimes it's not.
Usually, in the morning, he sits on bed or the footboard of the bed and stares at me when I'm getting ready for work. I'd love to know what's going through his head.
But on Friday, Todd slept in while I got up and got ready. He had the covers pulled up over his head, because I had the light on, so he had no idea that Tom was just sitting there staring at him. For about 20 minutes.
Eventually, Tom wanted under the covers so he started clawing at the quilt. I knew Todd wouldn't tolerate that like I do, so I just lifted the quilt and Tom walked under and curled up against Todd.
I was a little jealous that I didn't get my Tom cuddle time that morning, but it was sweet to see Todd get his cuddle time.
Usually, in the morning, he sits on bed or the footboard of the bed and stares at me when I'm getting ready for work. I'd love to know what's going through his head.
But on Friday, Todd slept in while I got up and got ready. He had the covers pulled up over his head, because I had the light on, so he had no idea that Tom was just sitting there staring at him. For about 20 minutes.
Eventually, Tom wanted under the covers so he started clawing at the quilt. I knew Todd wouldn't tolerate that like I do, so I just lifted the quilt and Tom walked under and curled up against Todd.
I was a little jealous that I didn't get my Tom cuddle time that morning, but it was sweet to see Todd get his cuddle time.
Lazy Saturday
Our Saturday was completely lazy. Completely.
Kayleigh and I had a morning date, so we walked down to the Junction at 11am and had a lovely breakfast (and six cups of coffee...me, not Kayleigh) at the Easy Street Cafe. It was a long, leisurely time since they're always packed and service is less than speedy. But that's why we go there. To dally.
At 1:30pm, we headed back home for the now INFAMOUS Seahawks game!
Holy shit!
No one thought we could do it! WE didn't think we could do it! But we FINALLY played some football! When it freakin' counted! Go 'Hawks!
Whew.
Okay, so after the game, we were just sloths. Lots of TV, more football, nachos for dinner, random crime drama shows, and cuddling.
Todd felt a little left out. So as soon as Kayleigh went to check her email, he snagged her spot.
Yeah, they can't get enough of the Rae-rae.....
Kayleigh and I had a morning date, so we walked down to the Junction at 11am and had a lovely breakfast (and six cups of coffee...me, not Kayleigh) at the Easy Street Cafe. It was a long, leisurely time since they're always packed and service is less than speedy. But that's why we go there. To dally.
At 1:30pm, we headed back home for the now INFAMOUS Seahawks game!
Holy shit!
No one thought we could do it! WE didn't think we could do it! But we FINALLY played some football! When it freakin' counted! Go 'Hawks!
Whew.
Okay, so after the game, we were just sloths. Lots of TV, more football, nachos for dinner, random crime drama shows, and cuddling.
Todd felt a little left out. So as soon as Kayleigh went to check her email, he snagged her spot.
Yeah, they can't get enough of the Rae-rae.....
Friday, January 7, 2011
How Hard Was To Come To Work Today?
I am wearing my jammie pants.
I kid you not.
Okay, they don’t “look” like jammie pants. They’re drawstring, wide leg sweat pants from Old Navy. But when I go home and get into my jammies, these are the pants I put on.
I woke up a lot last night and completely slept through my bigass bright light and then just had a really hard time waking up and I just couldn’t stand the thought of wearing jeans or slacks and sitting in that chair all day. So I convinced myself that my gray sweat pants, with my bright pink hoodie over a white tank top would just hover above the line of “inappropriate”. I did put on mascara and a necklace, so it all balances, right?
Actually, I’ve seen much more inappropriate in this office. Spandex leggings with a t-shirt? Inappropriate. Dirty sweat pants (complete with elastic around the ankles) and flip flops? Inappropriate. Camisole/tank top thingy? Inappropriate.
Okay, CB was pregnant when she wore that, and it was 90 degrees out, so I guess I can let the tank top slide.
Actually, I think I look like a hip stay at home mom. I’ve always admired those mommies that I see in the grocery store at 9am with their hair done and make up on and fashionable sweat suit. They’re comfy, but they still look good.
I’m comfy today. And I think I look good.
It’s Friday. Who cares?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Potty Talk
Upon my umpteenth trip to the bathroom today, the phrase “I’m peeing my freakin’ head off!” ran through my head.
I crack myself up.
And speaking of the bathroom, maybe one of you can shed some light on a cultural practice.
CB and I have both noticed that there are some women, most often Asian women, who wet a paper towel and take it with them into the stall. Do I dare ask what they do with that paper towel? I’m assuming I know (deductive reasoning and all) but I’m just curious. I don’t know anyone to ask – I’m not that close with any of the Asian women in my office.
Also, some women wash their hands before they go into the stall, too. And then when they come out. Very hygienic. Is that a cultural thing?
I’ve been drinking a lot of water today. Hence, the potty talk.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
This Year Goes to 11!
(Thanks for the line, sweetie.)
Happy New Year, dear readers! Just when I get used to writing 2010...
Todd and I threw the kids on a ferry yesterday afternoon and shipped them off to their uncle's for the night. Oh, I joke. Uncle Gavin invited them.
At 6pm, we met Steve, Stephanie and Isa at Endolyne Joe's for dinner. We were going to gather at Steve and Steph's, but she called earlier and said she wasn't up for cooking so could she take us out to dinner? Well, you betcha.
And after dinner, we caravaned over to Trish and Dan's for a New Year's gathering. We joined Gary and Amy, and Trish's brother and sister-in-law. We drank and laughed and played spikey ball with Isa (I lost. I still don't know how.) There was some X-Box dance game that was just odd, and then the mocking of the New Year's Eve show. A lovely night.
I'm feeling pretty good today, despite the numerous glasses of wine and not getting to bed until after 1am. Todd and I took down the Christmas decorations, which always just depresses the shit out of me, and then we met some Twelfth Nighters for a quick drink and too see Muriel, who is visiting from Chicago.
Muriel is one of the reasons Todd and I met. She was the vocalist for the And Tears Fell project, but after recording the CD, she moved away. So Todd placed the Craigslist ad looking for a new vocalist, I responded, and BAM. Love.
I gave her a big hug when we met.
After drinks was grocery shopping (I hate grocery shopping. Hate it.) then dinner. Todd made fried rice. It's sooo good. Big bowl o' comfort food.
And tomorrow is the last day of holiday vacation. Sniff. I'll be spending it cleaning for Rachelle. She emailed a few weeks, asking if I could recommend someone to do a deep cleaning for her. I said I didn't really know anyone anymore, and regardless, no one is as good as I am.
Cocky, aren't I?
So, I offered to do her cleaning. A few extra dollars ain't gonna hurt? And I'm actually thinking I'd like to pick up a few deep cleanings. The extra money would come in handy, post Christmas.
I'll have to think about that.
Anywho, happy new year!
Happy New Year, dear readers! Just when I get used to writing 2010...
Todd and I threw the kids on a ferry yesterday afternoon and shipped them off to their uncle's for the night. Oh, I joke. Uncle Gavin invited them.
At 6pm, we met Steve, Stephanie and Isa at Endolyne Joe's for dinner. We were going to gather at Steve and Steph's, but she called earlier and said she wasn't up for cooking so could she take us out to dinner? Well, you betcha.
And after dinner, we caravaned over to Trish and Dan's for a New Year's gathering. We joined Gary and Amy, and Trish's brother and sister-in-law. We drank and laughed and played spikey ball with Isa (I lost. I still don't know how.) There was some X-Box dance game that was just odd, and then the mocking of the New Year's Eve show. A lovely night.
I'm feeling pretty good today, despite the numerous glasses of wine and not getting to bed until after 1am. Todd and I took down the Christmas decorations, which always just depresses the shit out of me, and then we met some Twelfth Nighters for a quick drink and too see Muriel, who is visiting from Chicago.
Muriel is one of the reasons Todd and I met. She was the vocalist for the And Tears Fell project, but after recording the CD, she moved away. So Todd placed the Craigslist ad looking for a new vocalist, I responded, and BAM. Love.
I gave her a big hug when we met.
After drinks was grocery shopping (I hate grocery shopping. Hate it.) then dinner. Todd made fried rice. It's sooo good. Big bowl o' comfort food.
And tomorrow is the last day of holiday vacation. Sniff. I'll be spending it cleaning for Rachelle. She emailed a few weeks, asking if I could recommend someone to do a deep cleaning for her. I said I didn't really know anyone anymore, and regardless, no one is as good as I am.
Cocky, aren't I?
So, I offered to do her cleaning. A few extra dollars ain't gonna hurt? And I'm actually thinking I'd like to pick up a few deep cleanings. The extra money would come in handy, post Christmas.
I'll have to think about that.
Anywho, happy new year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
DDD Day
I ventured out of my comfort zone today and took the bus downtown. I got a Nordstrom gift card for Christmas and needed some alone time with myself. And with exception of a weirdo who beat on the side of the bus as we were coming to a stop, the trip was pretty uneventful.
Thank goodness.
The big news of the day (hee..."big") came when I got a free bra fitting.
Disclaimer - my faithful readers know that there is no such thing as TMI to me. We've covered my boob scare in 2006, my abnormal cervix in 2009, my extra 25 pounds in Well Past Voluptuous and my skin tags in 2010. My body, and it's oddities, do not embarrass me. Maybe they should, but it takes a bit more. If you prefer to not know so much about me, stopping reading this post right now.
Still here? I warned you.
I had planned to buy a gray V-neck cashmere sweater from Nordy's. Except they didn't have it in a Large. Extra large? Yes. Medium? Yes. But no Large. And when you're buying a cashmere sweater, you do not "make do" with the wrong size.
So, I wandered around looking for something else to buy. Lo and behold, I found myself in the lingerie section, of course, and I remembered that I wanted to buy new bras because mine are all many years old and the underwires squeak, which is quite embarrassing.
I've been fitted a few times in the past but it's been five or six years. It's a free service at the fancy stores, as long as you actually buy bras there. It's always very enlightening. The least little bit of weight you lose or gain will affect your bra size.
As soon as I told the nice British lady that I'd gained 30 pounds in the past few years, she cut me off and said "Let's go."
We went into a dressing room, where I took off my shirt and she measured around my ribs. I am a 36. Not too shabby. Then she went to retrieve some 36 fitting bras. She came back with two different ones and said "Look at these things! They're engineered like a bridge!" There's side panels and extra panels underneath. It's truly amazing.
She put me in the first one and had me bend over and "work the girls" in the bra so they were comfy. I looked in the mirror and was impressed. My boobs actually looked smaller and more compact. But still nicely shaped. The wires were well to the sides ("They should be OUTSIDE of your breast tissue - not cutting into it - so that you are supported.") and the shoulder straps were thick and padded so they stayed up on my shoulders (I have slopey shoulders). It was a three hook in the back, so the band was wide enough that it wouldn't bend and roll when I sat down, and no fat bubbled up and over or out the sides. Sold!
I asked her was size cup this was.
DDD.
Swear to gawd.
Triple D.
Not D. Not double D. TRIPLE DDD.
I've been wearing B (very old) and C (newer) bras for five years. Holy geez. Have I gained that much weight?! The very kind woman said that I just had very heavy breast tissue so it needed more of a support system. Better "engineering", I suppose. Panels and pulley systems and hydraulic pistons. Hey! I'm not fat, I'm just high maintenance.
I ended up buying one (very expensive) bra and think maybe I'll just go to Target or Fred Meyer to get a few cheaper ones in an accurate size. But I have to stay, I felt beautiful walking around .
When I got home, asked Todd if he still loved his fat, high maintenance wife. He correctly replied yes. And now he now says "Raechelle! In 3D! I don't even need special glasses!"
It's a good thing he's cute.
I think this has been the foot in my ass I need to lose weight. I do not like being a DDD. I am 5'2". That's just.....wrong.
Those are a C cup, at most....
Thank goodness.
The big news of the day (hee..."big") came when I got a free bra fitting.
Disclaimer - my faithful readers know that there is no such thing as TMI to me. We've covered my boob scare in 2006, my abnormal cervix in 2009, my extra 25 pounds in Well Past Voluptuous and my skin tags in 2010. My body, and it's oddities, do not embarrass me. Maybe they should, but it takes a bit more. If you prefer to not know so much about me, stopping reading this post right now.
Still here? I warned you.
I had planned to buy a gray V-neck cashmere sweater from Nordy's. Except they didn't have it in a Large. Extra large? Yes. Medium? Yes. But no Large. And when you're buying a cashmere sweater, you do not "make do" with the wrong size.
So, I wandered around looking for something else to buy. Lo and behold, I found myself in the lingerie section, of course, and I remembered that I wanted to buy new bras because mine are all many years old and the underwires squeak, which is quite embarrassing.
I've been fitted a few times in the past but it's been five or six years. It's a free service at the fancy stores, as long as you actually buy bras there. It's always very enlightening. The least little bit of weight you lose or gain will affect your bra size.
As soon as I told the nice British lady that I'd gained 30 pounds in the past few years, she cut me off and said "Let's go."
We went into a dressing room, where I took off my shirt and she measured around my ribs. I am a 36. Not too shabby. Then she went to retrieve some 36 fitting bras. She came back with two different ones and said "Look at these things! They're engineered like a bridge!" There's side panels and extra panels underneath. It's truly amazing.
She put me in the first one and had me bend over and "work the girls" in the bra so they were comfy. I looked in the mirror and was impressed. My boobs actually looked smaller and more compact. But still nicely shaped. The wires were well to the sides ("They should be OUTSIDE of your breast tissue - not cutting into it - so that you are supported.") and the shoulder straps were thick and padded so they stayed up on my shoulders (I have slopey shoulders). It was a three hook in the back, so the band was wide enough that it wouldn't bend and roll when I sat down, and no fat bubbled up and over or out the sides. Sold!
I asked her was size cup this was.
DDD.
Swear to gawd.
Triple D.
Not D. Not double D. TRIPLE DDD.
I've been wearing B (very old) and C (newer) bras for five years. Holy geez. Have I gained that much weight?! The very kind woman said that I just had very heavy breast tissue so it needed more of a support system. Better "engineering", I suppose. Panels and pulley systems and hydraulic pistons. Hey! I'm not fat, I'm just high maintenance.
I ended up buying one (very expensive) bra and think maybe I'll just go to Target or Fred Meyer to get a few cheaper ones in an accurate size. But I have to stay, I felt beautiful walking around .
When I got home, asked Todd if he still loved his fat, high maintenance wife. He correctly replied yes. And now he now says "Raechelle! In 3D! I don't even need special glasses!"
It's a good thing he's cute.
I think this has been the foot in my ass I need to lose weight. I do not like being a DDD. I am 5'2". That's just.....wrong.
Those are a C cup, at most....
Monday, December 27, 2010
Reason #6 Why I Love Todd
He pumps my gas for me.
(That is not a euphemism for anything either, Mr. Dirty Mind.)
And not just when I need to get gas and he’s in the car and I whine enough until he says “Oh, I’ll pump for you.” No, no.
He will take my car to go get the gas and then bring my car back. He loves me that much.
He also knows that I will run that thing down to empty before I stop for gas. I know when my gas light comes on, I have about 50 miles left (the car salesman told me that) and unfortunately, I even have a little “How many miles are left on this tank?” gauge.
I’ve run it down to 25. At that point, it just starts blinking at you, begging you stop somewhere. Anywhere. I don’t know why I hate stopping so much.
This bad habit of mine did cause a bit of a scare when we had Arctic Blast 2010 in November. I sat on the freeway for almost two hours with my heat blaring, watching my gas needle drop. Using my wisdom and intelligence, I concluded that if I turned off the butt warmers and the heat, I would save gas. But then Todd called to check on me and I told him I was freezing because of this brilliant logic and he said “Um. The alternator runs your heat. Not gasoline. If you’re engine is running, you’re using gas. Heat or no heat.”
Well, okay fine!
I turned the butt warmers and heater back on and was nice and toasty on my long drive home.
Our forecast has a “slight chance” of snow for Wednesday. You know what that means. Arctic Blast 2010, The Sequel. I’m not working on Wednesday (thank gawd) but, in any event, Todd took my car to the grocery store yesterday and gassed it up.
Thanks, baby.
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