The latest self discovery, in addition to being bored, is that I’m not doing anything fun. Which is why I’m always so tired. So my homework for the next two weeks is to do fun things.
Which begs the question, what do you, dear reader, consider fun? Somehow, I don’t think you’ll be listing cleaning or organizing (except for Trixie). That stuff is still fun to me. But I’m told it expends energy and doesn’t bring any positive energy in.
What do people do to bring in positive energy?
**********
Being that it’s Kayleigh’s birthday today (Happy 13th birthday, Kayleigh!) we have dinner with Doug and Ann tonight, BlueC and birthday guitar night (with cake) on Saturday, in addition to the wine tasting I’m attending at Ann’s on Saturday. And then there’s the football game on Sunday, for which I will make a dutch baby and maybe some bacon (Ha! Todd will make the bacon).
So I have fun things planned for the next few days.
**********
When I sang “Happy Birthday” to Kayleigh this morning, 10 minutes after rolling out of bed creating a very loose, drunken version of the song (complete with silly off keys), my beautiful, intelligent, smart ass daughter replied:
“Are you just too tired to enunciate?”
Well, sheesh. Pop my mama balloon, why doncha?
**********
I need a haircut. My hair is tickling my neck and is completely out of shape. This will not do. I could use a manicure, too, while I’m at it.....and a massage. That would be fun.
**********
Looking ahead to this winter, King5 says that, because of that bitch La Nina, this may be our wettest, snowiest winter in 55 years. Fantastic.
What shall we call this snowstorm? Snowfiasco 2010? Gotta get ready….
**********
Regardless of the fun I am about to experience tonight, I still just want to go home and take a nap. Sad, huh?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
I Guess It Makes Sense to a Pregnant Woman
I made a huge vat of potato soup last night, so we had oodles of leftovers. I texted CB to see if she liked potato soup and would she like some for lunch today. She replied with “Sounds yummy! I’ll bring something to share, like Pop Tarts or something.”
I laughed. She’s so funny. And she is so lovin’ her Pop Tarts right now.
So we get to work today and we’re chatting and I asked what she brought to share. With a look of duh-I-already-told-you-what-I-was-bringing, she said “Pop Tarts. Strawberry for you because I know you like strawberry, and cherry for me. Yum!”
Uh….
I emailed Todd and told him and he replied with, “You said I could be the bad guy, so here goes: Pop Tarts are SWEETS.” I argued with him for a minute. “But “sweets” are in the bakery aisle! Pop Tarts aren’t in the bakery aisle! They’re a breakfast food! There’s no chocolate or cheesecake or whipped cream! They don’t count!”
Then he sent me the “nutritional” information for Pop Tarts.
One tart has 200 calories (45 from fat), 2g (8%) saturated fat, 170mg (7%) sodium, 37g (12%) carbs, and 17g sugar. Double that if you eat both in the package.
Oh, okay fine!
Admitting defeat, I walked down to the little bakery and bought four rolls. Two for me, two for CB. Because she probably shouldn’t be eating the Pop Tarts either. Pregnant or not.
I definitely deserve a bott…er….glass of wine tonight.
I laughed. She’s so funny. And she is so lovin’ her Pop Tarts right now.
So we get to work today and we’re chatting and I asked what she brought to share. With a look of duh-I-already-told-you-what-I-was-bringing, she said “Pop Tarts. Strawberry for you because I know you like strawberry, and cherry for me. Yum!”
Uh….
I emailed Todd and told him and he replied with, “You said I could be the bad guy, so here goes: Pop Tarts are SWEETS.” I argued with him for a minute. “But “sweets” are in the bakery aisle! Pop Tarts aren’t in the bakery aisle! They’re a breakfast food! There’s no chocolate or cheesecake or whipped cream! They don’t count!”
Then he sent me the “nutritional” information for Pop Tarts.
One tart has 200 calories (45 from fat), 2g (8%) saturated fat, 170mg (7%) sodium, 37g (12%) carbs, and 17g sugar. Double that if you eat both in the package.
Oh, okay fine!
Admitting defeat, I walked down to the little bakery and bought four rolls. Two for me, two for CB. Because she probably shouldn’t be eating the Pop Tarts either. Pregnant or not.
I definitely deserve a bott…er….glass of wine tonight.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Planning and Projects and Spreadsheets, Oh My!
We’ve got projects!
The most recent is my and Todd’s first wedding anniversary! What to do, what to do? We’re thinking a night in a swanky hotel downtown and maybe, if we can swing it, a show at Teatro ZinZanni.
This is one of those things I must do in my life. Like Cirque du Soleil. It’s a splurge, but what better time than our anniversary?!
I’ve started the spreadsheet compare the hotels and their amenities, complete with Water view? Soaking tub? Hot tub? Room service? and Late check out? Because if you’re going spend a wad of money on a local hotel room for one night, by gawd, it better have a hot tub.
And the friend who made our wedding cake is going to make us another little one just for our anniversary. Isn’t that sweet?
Next on the agenda is another organizing project at Ann and Doug’s place. I love going out there and helping them. They make margaritas and guacamole and it’s a just a party. While organizing! This time, it’s the kitchen. When we cleaned out the garage a few months ago, we moved a ton of wedding gifts and other packed kitchen gadgets into their kitchen. Which made the garage look amazing, but the kitchen a disaster.
Funny how that happens.
And then the big daddy project! The project to top all projects in Rae-rae’s life…..
Adding a master suite upstairs.
I KNOW!
I’ve probably mentioned it before, but the main floor of our house (living, dining, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms) is 940 square feet. We share a bathroom with Kayleigh, which isn’t so bad, but she’s hitting those teenage years where she wants to shower in the morning and do other girly stuff in there so we’re getting a bit cramped.
We knew this when we bought the house. During the inspection, Todd and I were already talking about adding onto the back or building up. It was inevitable. And it was worth the money and effort, just to be able to get into one of the best neighborhoods for under $500,000. And we do love our neighborhood. And our neighbors (Hi Carrie Ann!)
So, we have now started the planning. We had the first contractor come out and give us a very loose, rough estimate, and more importantly, to tell us if it was even possible.
It is!
The spreadsheet has been started, pictures are being saved, and we’ve subscribed to Architectural Digest. I’m such an adult.
I even found this fantastic website called Homestyler. You can design your house and add furniture and bathtubs and windows and paint the walls and then see it in 3D. AMAZING! And it even gives the dimensions because I’m an idiot and when I drew my ideal master suite and put everything in it, it was totally not to scale and it ended up being 40 feet by 35 feet. Which is bigger than the house itself.
We’ll get a few more contractors out to chat about the vision, just to get a feel for who might best work for us, then hopefully get a formal bid and proposal in the spring. We hope to start construction around June or July and be finished by Thanksgiving.
I figure, if the project of buying while selling while planning a wedding didn’t break me, what’s a little construction on the house?
Remind me of that come next August….
Let the obsession begin!
The most recent is my and Todd’s first wedding anniversary! What to do, what to do? We’re thinking a night in a swanky hotel downtown and maybe, if we can swing it, a show at Teatro ZinZanni.
This is one of those things I must do in my life. Like Cirque du Soleil. It’s a splurge, but what better time than our anniversary?!
I’ve started the spreadsheet compare the hotels and their amenities, complete with Water view? Soaking tub? Hot tub? Room service? and Late check out? Because if you’re going spend a wad of money on a local hotel room for one night, by gawd, it better have a hot tub.
And the friend who made our wedding cake is going to make us another little one just for our anniversary. Isn’t that sweet?
Next on the agenda is another organizing project at Ann and Doug’s place. I love going out there and helping them. They make margaritas and guacamole and it’s a just a party. While organizing! This time, it’s the kitchen. When we cleaned out the garage a few months ago, we moved a ton of wedding gifts and other packed kitchen gadgets into their kitchen. Which made the garage look amazing, but the kitchen a disaster.
Funny how that happens.
And then the big daddy project! The project to top all projects in Rae-rae’s life…..
Adding a master suite upstairs.
I KNOW!
I’ve probably mentioned it before, but the main floor of our house (living, dining, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms) is 940 square feet. We share a bathroom with Kayleigh, which isn’t so bad, but she’s hitting those teenage years where she wants to shower in the morning and do other girly stuff in there so we’re getting a bit cramped.
We knew this when we bought the house. During the inspection, Todd and I were already talking about adding onto the back or building up. It was inevitable. And it was worth the money and effort, just to be able to get into one of the best neighborhoods for under $500,000. And we do love our neighborhood. And our neighbors (Hi Carrie Ann!)
So, we have now started the planning. We had the first contractor come out and give us a very loose, rough estimate, and more importantly, to tell us if it was even possible.
It is!
The spreadsheet has been started, pictures are being saved, and we’ve subscribed to Architectural Digest. I’m such an adult.
I even found this fantastic website called Homestyler. You can design your house and add furniture and bathtubs and windows and paint the walls and then see it in 3D. AMAZING! And it even gives the dimensions because I’m an idiot and when I drew my ideal master suite and put everything in it, it was totally not to scale and it ended up being 40 feet by 35 feet. Which is bigger than the house itself.
We’ll get a few more contractors out to chat about the vision, just to get a feel for who might best work for us, then hopefully get a formal bid and proposal in the spring. We hope to start construction around June or July and be finished by Thanksgiving.
I figure, if the project of buying while selling while planning a wedding didn’t break me, what’s a little construction on the house?
Remind me of that come next August….
Let the obsession begin!
Welcome Back, Autumn!
 |
| Photo credit: West Seattle Blog |
Autumn has arrived! I’ve decided I like “autumn” better than “fall”. Makes me feel…European.
The leaves are changing, the sun is setting earlier and the holidays are just around the corner. I’m already planning the Christmas cards! And the Christmas cocktail party! And my time off! Yay!
(Boy, that red leaf really clashes with the pink background, huh? Ick.)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Oh So PC
So, I believe I told you that the windows above my cube are frosted because our building backs up to a parking lot and transients were known to hang out back there and look in the windows.
Well, when it’s overcast, like today, the frosting just adds to the darkness in my cube. I look up to the window with an ever increasing expectation of seeing sunshine. Or something. Anything. But all I see is frost.
After looking up for the umpteenth time, I rolled my chair back to the half wall I share with Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-worker and said, “I wonder if they could make the windows one way? So we could see out, but the bums couldn’t see in?”
Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-worker laughed, and laughed and then choked a little, and then laughed some more. I didn’t get it. It was a simple question.
When he could finally breathe again, he said, while still chuckling, “Raechelle..…bums?…Um…..I think they’re called “homeless individuals””.
Oh, very well, Mr. PC.
Homeless individuals.
Or why don’t we take it one step farther and call them “residentially challenged individuals”?
The point is, I want to be able to see out of my little window.
However…….if there are residentially challenged individuals out there, would that really be a better view? Some random person staring in at me as I type?
Maybe I’ll see if facilities can paint a blue sky with little wispy clouds. Or the tips of palm trees.
Something. Anything.
Maybe not a residentially challenged individual’s face, though.
No, that would be no good.
Extremely Late Weekend Update. And Happy Birthday Daddy!
Our weekend was much fun. It started with movie night on Friday, and new people, Landon, gaffer and do it all extraordinaire, and his girlfriend, Dallas. They, along with Dan and Trish, came over to watch Howard Hughes’ “Hell’s Angels”, a film from 1930.
It was mockable, but for it’s time, it has amazing camerawork. So I’m told by the movie dudes.
Dan and Trish had to leave rather early, but Dallas and Landon hung out until about 1:30am. It was inspiring to talk movies, childhoods and music with them. New people are good for that.
Saturday morning, Todd, Tyler and I got up and headed to Raff’s for a garden party. “Party” meaning please work on our yard and we’ll feed you and there’s beer. I was in charge of weeding the front of the house, which faces east and has a shit load of rose bushes. So I was baking and being attacked by thorns for most of the day. Not an ideal way to spend a Saturday, but I was muy productive and I met some new people and, really, I had a good time. Look at me, branching out!
Get it? Branching? Gardening?
Ha!
After the garden torture, Todd and went home (Tyler left hours before) to clean up and loaf on the couch. Todd whipped up some dinner, then the kids retired to their separate rooms so Todd and I decided to watch an episode or two of Dexter.
Holy crap. We ended up watching the last four episodes of season one and I was just in freakin’ awe. I can’t imagine how they’re going to top this storyline. Fantastic.
Also, Saturday was my daddy’s 68th birthday.
I started to write a post about him back in April when the West Virginia mine exploded and collapsed. He was a coal miner when we lived in West Virginia, although he never went down into the mines; he was a surface miner. But mom still worried about him every morning when he left for work. So, when a mine disaster happens, I can’t help but get a little nostalgic.
So, I started to a post to honor Dad. But I couldn’t get it done within any reasonable amount of time, and then I thought, “I’ll post it for his birthday!” and well, you see how well that worked, and so now I’m just hoping to get it posted by Father’s Day, 2011. That’s a reasonable goal, right?
Okay, maybe I’ll shoot for Christmas.
Anyway.
Sunday was domestic football day. We made a big breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits and fried apples (thankyouverymuch), then threw in some laundry, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed and got ready for Steve and Steph to come over for the game.
I started off optimistic, but that only lasted until halftime. The ‘Hawks just weren’t up to snuff. They had, what, three turnovers? Ridiculous. I kept screaming for them to put Charlie in, but no one was listening. Hmph.
Steph had to leave right after the game, but Steve stuck around to watch the beginning of the Manning bowl. I love to watch Peyton play. He’s a great leader.
Eli? Not so much. Poor guy.
So, of course, the Colts won.
And then, the Sunday night wind down. Getting ready for the new week, finishing up the laundry, trying to get to bed early. It just depresses me.
Kermit, my co-worker, was talking about our group moving into a new building when it finally gets built, probably about 8 years down the road.
Ah gawd. Eight years?!
I told him I may not be here in eight years. I’m pretty much just working day to day, waiting for Todd to tell me to stop because he’s sold a TV series or a movie. I come home from work everyday and look at him expectedly, waiting for those beautiful words “You can quit your job!” but so far, nada.
But I am not deterred!
I have faith in my honey! It’s gonna happen!
I just know it!
Good juju! Send the good juju!
It was mockable, but for it’s time, it has amazing camerawork. So I’m told by the movie dudes.
Dan and Trish had to leave rather early, but Dallas and Landon hung out until about 1:30am. It was inspiring to talk movies, childhoods and music with them. New people are good for that.
Saturday morning, Todd, Tyler and I got up and headed to Raff’s for a garden party. “Party” meaning please work on our yard and we’ll feed you and there’s beer. I was in charge of weeding the front of the house, which faces east and has a shit load of rose bushes. So I was baking and being attacked by thorns for most of the day. Not an ideal way to spend a Saturday, but I was muy productive and I met some new people and, really, I had a good time. Look at me, branching out!
Get it? Branching? Gardening?
Ha!
After the garden torture, Todd and went home (Tyler left hours before) to clean up and loaf on the couch. Todd whipped up some dinner, then the kids retired to their separate rooms so Todd and I decided to watch an episode or two of Dexter.
Holy crap. We ended up watching the last four episodes of season one and I was just in freakin’ awe. I can’t imagine how they’re going to top this storyline. Fantastic.
Also, Saturday was my daddy’s 68th birthday.
I started to write a post about him back in April when the West Virginia mine exploded and collapsed. He was a coal miner when we lived in West Virginia, although he never went down into the mines; he was a surface miner. But mom still worried about him every morning when he left for work. So, when a mine disaster happens, I can’t help but get a little nostalgic.
So, I started to a post to honor Dad. But I couldn’t get it done within any reasonable amount of time, and then I thought, “I’ll post it for his birthday!” and well, you see how well that worked, and so now I’m just hoping to get it posted by Father’s Day, 2011. That’s a reasonable goal, right?
Okay, maybe I’ll shoot for Christmas.
Anyway.
Sunday was domestic football day. We made a big breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits and fried apples (thankyouverymuch), then threw in some laundry, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed and got ready for Steve and Steph to come over for the game.
I started off optimistic, but that only lasted until halftime. The ‘Hawks just weren’t up to snuff. They had, what, three turnovers? Ridiculous. I kept screaming for them to put Charlie in, but no one was listening. Hmph.
Steph had to leave right after the game, but Steve stuck around to watch the beginning of the Manning bowl. I love to watch Peyton play. He’s a great leader.
Eli? Not so much. Poor guy.
So, of course, the Colts won.
And then, the Sunday night wind down. Getting ready for the new week, finishing up the laundry, trying to get to bed early. It just depresses me.
Kermit, my co-worker, was talking about our group moving into a new building when it finally gets built, probably about 8 years down the road.
Ah gawd. Eight years?!
I told him I may not be here in eight years. I’m pretty much just working day to day, waiting for Todd to tell me to stop because he’s sold a TV series or a movie. I come home from work everyday and look at him expectedly, waiting for those beautiful words “You can quit your job!” but so far, nada.
But I am not deterred!
I have faith in my honey! It’s gonna happen!
I just know it!
Good juju! Send the good juju!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Another Fantastic Spelling
Roshalle
In the poor girl's defense, she merely asked for my email address and not the spelling of my name when she called. My email is "rmarsh" so she was going in pretty blind.
I kind of like it.....
In the poor girl's defense, she merely asked for my email address and not the spelling of my name when she called. My email is "rmarsh" so she was going in pretty blind.
I kind of like it.....
Friday, September 17, 2010
Passionless
It has come to my attention, via therapists and Todd, that I am currently passionless.
It has come to my attention, via therapists and Todd, that I am currently passionless.
When asked last night what my passions were, rather than answering music, singing, dancing, writing, organizing or hell, even shopping……I cried.
I have no passion right now. We’re not planning a wedding or a move or a sale. I’m not playing music, I’m not organizing, I’m not planning anything. I’m bored. Yes, I’m busy in the evenings (dinner, clean up, laundry, Facebook, movies) but I’m bored. I need something to keep me awake, to make my heart pump with enthusiasm, to distract me during the day.
I think about when I’m happy. Yes, when Tom is laying on me, but I can’t really make a “project” out of that, now can I?
I was happy when we were shooting the Wolverine video. I was cranky, too, because I was getting up at 7 am on Saturdays and Sundays, but I was around people I absolutely adored and who made me laugh and I was working toward something that was going to be awesome. I was helping to create with my husband. That was wonderful.
I was happy (albeit FREAKING OUT) when we were moving and planning the wedding and working on the house. I didn’t have a spare minute to be bored. I always had something to do, to work on, to think about.
I was happy when I was planning for everyone to come into town for the wedding. Booking bed and breakfasts, organizing who should go where, making itineraries, drawing up maps. Planning to make someone else’s stay in our city enjoyable.
I’m happy when I’m writing. Let me rephrase that – I’m happy when I have something interesting or funny to share with you and I have time to sit and write it. (And then I crack up when I re-read it because I think I’m so damn funny)
I’m happy when I’m making people laugh. Like Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Co-Worker. I live to make him laugh. He was out all last week, and I actually thought about decorating my cube for Christmas over the weekend, so when he returned on Monday, he would literally throw up. His reaction would be so worth it.
So that’s my homework for this week – to find a project. Find something that gives me focus and joy and brings energy into my life, rather than sucking energy out.
Sigh.
Any suggestions?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Weekend Update
First of all, hows about those Seahawks? Todd and I only saw the first quarter of the game in Bellingham, and that was enough to completely depress us. But Darragh, gawd bless his little football hating heart, texted me to talk some smack and ended up keeping us up to speed on the game until we got home. 31-6, baby!
However, the real story of the weekend was our trip to Bellingham early Saturday morning for Opa’s memorial service. There was a bagpiper and other special music, along with a flag ceremony, since Opa was in World War II. There was a nice reception afterward at the church, and then after that, a lovely casual hang out at Omi’s. Soon after we all arrived when Bob broke out the wine and everyone talked over everyone and I bonded with new family, Judy and Kat, who were in town from Sacramento and Florida.
And as Kat’s birthday was coming up, the grown ups went to Anthony’s for a late dinner, while Kayleigh and Zadra camped out with Omi and had a girls’ night, and Tyler went back with Gavin and Michelle to take care of the kitties.
Todd and I got a room at the Best Western for the night, which was handy after all of the wine and the crying, but also so very disappointing. I spent hours trying to find the nicest, yet affordable, room in Bellingham. I am very selective when it comes to hotels. I compared pictures, reviews, amenities, the whole shebang. And the Best Western appeared to have the nicest room, and the reviews boasted of it’s thick walls and quiet environment.
HA!
May I vent for a moment?
First, we were placed on the ground floor. And since that building was against a hill, it was underground. Not horrible, not great. But we checked in at 10:30pm after a very long and exhausting day, so I wasn’t going to complain about that. Next, there was no oversized tile shower like every photo showed. It was a shower stall. A small shower stall with a $10 white, plastic detachable shower head.
I am very particular about my hotel bathrooms. Very. And this one did not live up.
If Todd and I had been hanging out in the room, relaxing for a chunk of the day, these are things I would have bitched about. But it was late, and we were simply going to sleep, then get up and check out, so it really wasn’t worth the effort to complain.
Oh, but sleeping was no good.
The pillows are these huge, fluffy, break-yer-neck things. In the Frequently Asked Questions that sat on the desk, there was the question “How do I get a smaller pillow?”
Um. If that’s a “frequently asked question”, maybe your pillows are too big and you should think about also providing flatter pillows. Just a thought.
In addition to the bigass pillows, the doors to each room were heavy as shit, so anytime anyone shut one, the walls would rattle. And! We very clearly heard our upstairs neighbors’ conversation, even though they were yelling or partying. It sounded like they were just lounging around, shooting the breeze.
Thick walls my butt.
And we were placed right across from the Virginia Room, which is where they serve breakfast. I didn’t think too much about it when I checked us in, but boy howdy at 8am, I figured out why that was crappy placement.
Criminy! The clanging of the dishes, the way-too-loud-and-perky people walking down the hall, the slamming of every freakin’ door. Word to the wise – do not accept a room across the hall from the eating space. Not worth it.
So, while it wasn’t a romantic impromptu night together, at least we got to crash up there, rather than driving two hours back home after a long day of wine and crying.
And Sunday, we got up and had coffee with Sara and Kat, then dropped by Sara’s jewelry store to look at wedding bands. I’ve grown tired of mine.
Hee. Just kidding.
I have a very dainty, plain platinum band right now because we were running of time, options and money before the wedding. We decided a pretty, thin band would go just fine with snazzy engagement ring. But now, when I take my engagement ring off and just wear the band, it gets lost on my finger. And I’d like mine to have Celtic knot work like Todd’s. So we were exploring our options on Sunday.
After a little mall shopping, it was time to meet up with the rest of the family for lunch at one of their favorite spots. That’s where we watched the first quarter of the Seahawks game, and took a ton of crap from Judy. She’s a big 49ers’ fan, being from Sacramento and all, and she didn’t let up. I didn’t mind so much. Judy is very much a one liner kinda gal, so I felt like I was home.
And when we were all hugging goodbye for the day, before Todd, Kayleigh and I headed back to Seattle, Judy hollered at me “Come here and give me a hug, you little shit.”
That’s when I knew I’d found more family.
Once home, we all just kind of deflated. We got in our jammies, and snoozed on the couch and went to bed around 8:30pm. It was a long weekend of visiting and eating and remembering and crying, but I think we gave Opa a very loving and warm send off.
However, the real story of the weekend was our trip to Bellingham early Saturday morning for Opa’s memorial service. There was a bagpiper and other special music, along with a flag ceremony, since Opa was in World War II. There was a nice reception afterward at the church, and then after that, a lovely casual hang out at Omi’s. Soon after we all arrived when Bob broke out the wine and everyone talked over everyone and I bonded with new family, Judy and Kat, who were in town from Sacramento and Florida.
And as Kat’s birthday was coming up, the grown ups went to Anthony’s for a late dinner, while Kayleigh and Zadra camped out with Omi and had a girls’ night, and Tyler went back with Gavin and Michelle to take care of the kitties.
Todd and I got a room at the Best Western for the night, which was handy after all of the wine and the crying, but also so very disappointing. I spent hours trying to find the nicest, yet affordable, room in Bellingham. I am very selective when it comes to hotels. I compared pictures, reviews, amenities, the whole shebang. And the Best Western appeared to have the nicest room, and the reviews boasted of it’s thick walls and quiet environment.
HA!
May I vent for a moment?
First, we were placed on the ground floor. And since that building was against a hill, it was underground. Not horrible, not great. But we checked in at 10:30pm after a very long and exhausting day, so I wasn’t going to complain about that. Next, there was no oversized tile shower like every photo showed. It was a shower stall. A small shower stall with a $10 white, plastic detachable shower head.
I am very particular about my hotel bathrooms. Very. And this one did not live up.
If Todd and I had been hanging out in the room, relaxing for a chunk of the day, these are things I would have bitched about. But it was late, and we were simply going to sleep, then get up and check out, so it really wasn’t worth the effort to complain.
Oh, but sleeping was no good.
The pillows are these huge, fluffy, break-yer-neck things. In the Frequently Asked Questions that sat on the desk, there was the question “How do I get a smaller pillow?”
Um. If that’s a “frequently asked question”, maybe your pillows are too big and you should think about also providing flatter pillows. Just a thought.
In addition to the bigass pillows, the doors to each room were heavy as shit, so anytime anyone shut one, the walls would rattle. And! We very clearly heard our upstairs neighbors’ conversation, even though they were yelling or partying. It sounded like they were just lounging around, shooting the breeze.
Thick walls my butt.
And we were placed right across from the Virginia Room, which is where they serve breakfast. I didn’t think too much about it when I checked us in, but boy howdy at 8am, I figured out why that was crappy placement.
Criminy! The clanging of the dishes, the way-too-loud-and-perky people walking down the hall, the slamming of every freakin’ door. Word to the wise – do not accept a room across the hall from the eating space. Not worth it.
So, while it wasn’t a romantic impromptu night together, at least we got to crash up there, rather than driving two hours back home after a long day of wine and crying.
And Sunday, we got up and had coffee with Sara and Kat, then dropped by Sara’s jewelry store to look at wedding bands. I’ve grown tired of mine.
Hee. Just kidding.
I have a very dainty, plain platinum band right now because we were running of time, options and money before the wedding. We decided a pretty, thin band would go just fine with snazzy engagement ring. But now, when I take my engagement ring off and just wear the band, it gets lost on my finger. And I’d like mine to have Celtic knot work like Todd’s. So we were exploring our options on Sunday.
After a little mall shopping, it was time to meet up with the rest of the family for lunch at one of their favorite spots. That’s where we watched the first quarter of the Seahawks game, and took a ton of crap from Judy. She’s a big 49ers’ fan, being from Sacramento and all, and she didn’t let up. I didn’t mind so much. Judy is very much a one liner kinda gal, so I felt like I was home.
And when we were all hugging goodbye for the day, before Todd, Kayleigh and I headed back to Seattle, Judy hollered at me “Come here and give me a hug, you little shit.”
That’s when I knew I’d found more family.
Once home, we all just kind of deflated. We got in our jammies, and snoozed on the couch and went to bed around 8:30pm. It was a long weekend of visiting and eating and remembering and crying, but I think we gave Opa a very loving and warm send off.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Random Thoughts
One of the reasons why I love Seattle is that we utilize goats.
This is all the rage now. Does any other city in the country utilize goats? They’re hired to clear out brush both commercially and privately.
**********
We’ve got another foot!
However, this one wasn’t in a tennis shoe. Interesting…
You may recall from previous posts that we have quite the foot problem up here in the Pacific Northwest.
**********
The kitties had their check up last week, and despite Sir Barfsalot's little puking issue, he's 100% healthy. As is Elvis. They also got their nails got clipped, so now it won't be so painful when Tom kneads my stomach like he's starting doing.
Todd and I have deduced that Tom pukes when he's stressed. And he seems to be most stressed when I leave for work. I often get emails from Todd that say "And just as you walked out the door, Tom horked."
However! If Tom gets his lovin' the night before, and a little attention from me in the morning before I leave, he seems to be fine. Guess he has some anxiety issues. Living in a chicken coop will do that to you.
**********
Everything in my house is Todd sized. Including the biscuits.
***********
Speaking of food, you can always tell what Kayleigh doesn't like at dinner.
In this case, red peppers and mushroom.
**********
I have been trying to get this post up since Friday. There's just no time! If I do have time, I'm snoozing on the bed or the couch. I'm just so sleepy. And the SAD season really isn't even full swing yet! Although it is very fall like and dreary today.
I will tell you we had a lovely Labor Day weekend. Social time with Steve and Stephanie, lots of cleaning, lots of sleep, and my first ever game of Monopoly. I did pretty well - Kayleigh and I bankrupted Todd and Tyler and then were trying to bankrupt each other. After three and a half hours, we had to call it and tally up. She beat me by $2000. But I had 3/4 of the board. MWHAHAHAHA.
If only I'd bought the Boardwalk first. Hmph.
**********
And school starts tomorrow! Yay!!
This is all the rage now. Does any other city in the country utilize goats? They’re hired to clear out brush both commercially and privately.
**********
We’ve got another foot!
However, this one wasn’t in a tennis shoe. Interesting…
You may recall from previous posts that we have quite the foot problem up here in the Pacific Northwest.
**********
The kitties had their check up last week, and despite Sir Barfsalot's little puking issue, he's 100% healthy. As is Elvis. They also got their nails got clipped, so now it won't be so painful when Tom kneads my stomach like he's starting doing.
Todd and I have deduced that Tom pukes when he's stressed. And he seems to be most stressed when I leave for work. I often get emails from Todd that say "And just as you walked out the door, Tom horked."
However! If Tom gets his lovin' the night before, and a little attention from me in the morning before I leave, he seems to be fine. Guess he has some anxiety issues. Living in a chicken coop will do that to you.
**********
Everything in my house is Todd sized. Including the biscuits.
***********
Speaking of food, you can always tell what Kayleigh doesn't like at dinner.
In this case, red peppers and mushroom.
**********
I have been trying to get this post up since Friday. There's just no time! If I do have time, I'm snoozing on the bed or the couch. I'm just so sleepy. And the SAD season really isn't even full swing yet! Although it is very fall like and dreary today.
I will tell you we had a lovely Labor Day weekend. Social time with Steve and Stephanie, lots of cleaning, lots of sleep, and my first ever game of Monopoly. I did pretty well - Kayleigh and I bankrupted Todd and Tyler and then were trying to bankrupt each other. After three and a half hours, we had to call it and tally up. She beat me by $2000. But I had 3/4 of the board. MWHAHAHAHA.
If only I'd bought the Boardwalk first. Hmph.
**********
And school starts tomorrow! Yay!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Healthy Just Ain't Worth It
CB and I branched out today (no pun intended – you’ll get it in a minute) and went to Whole Foods for lunch. After scouring all of the grab-n-go food, we each got a container of prepared ricey pasta crap, and then headed over to the bakery. Because if we’re eating healthy Whole Foods crap, we’re having dessert.
We got back to the office and sat down at our respective cubes to eat our lunches. Within a few bites, I thought “This takes like woods.”
It’s long grain parboiled brown rice, black barley, daikon radish seeds, red grape tomatoes, fennel, baby arugula, basil, zucchini, yellow squash, lemon zest and sea salt. Healthy, right?
Yes, but ah gawd, it tastes like crap.
A few minutes later, CB hollered over and said, “I think I’m eating dirt with leaves in it.” I asked what she got. She came over and showed me….and it was the same thing I had. Kermit and Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Coworker laughed their tushies off at us.
Thank goodness we have that cookie and chocolate macaroon for dessert. It makes the dirt worth it.
Kind of.
Not really.
**********
Update: My stomach is killing me. Kind of feels like I’m still hungry, kind of feels like rocks working their way through my innards. Gah.
I think the macaroon will make it all better.
Or bring it all back up.
Whatever makes the pain go away.
We got back to the office and sat down at our respective cubes to eat our lunches. Within a few bites, I thought “This takes like woods.”
It’s long grain parboiled brown rice, black barley, daikon radish seeds, red grape tomatoes, fennel, baby arugula, basil, zucchini, yellow squash, lemon zest and sea salt. Healthy, right?
Yes, but ah gawd, it tastes like crap.
A few minutes later, CB hollered over and said, “I think I’m eating dirt with leaves in it.” I asked what she got. She came over and showed me….and it was the same thing I had. Kermit and Mr. Cranky Non-Decorating Coworker laughed their tushies off at us.
Thank goodness we have that cookie and chocolate macaroon for dessert. It makes the dirt worth it.
Kind of.
Not really.
**********
Update: My stomach is killing me. Kind of feels like I’m still hungry, kind of feels like rocks working their way through my innards. Gah.
I think the macaroon will make it all better.
Or bring it all back up.
Whatever makes the pain go away.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Reason #4 Why I Love Todd
He makes the coffee every morning while I'm in the shower, and on most mornings, my breakfast.
As we're waking up, he'll ask, "Coffee?" (if I wake up on the right side of the bed, I answer "Yes, please". Wrong side of the bed? "Well, duh!")
Then he'll ask if I want a egg sandwich or a breakfast burrito or something like that, and I get excited and really wake up. And when I turn off my hairdryer, I'll hear him start the microwave or put the skillet in the sink.
Because he knows that when I'm finished blow drying my hair, it means I have about 10 minutes before I leave.
So when I go in the kitchen to get my coffee, I'll find a Ziploc bag or a Tupperware dish waiting for me on the counter. I don't bother to ask what it is; he knows what I like and don't like.
And it doesn't matter what it is. All that matters is that my husband wants to make sure I actually eat breakfast so he makes me something and packs it up while I'm getting ready for work.
How wonderful is that?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Yes, Yes. I'm Still Here.
I know, I know. I suck. Just what has been keeping me so busy that I can't possibly find time to put up a quick few sentences to let you know I'm still alive?
Work. Simply put. Work.
If I don't have time to jot things down during the day, it's hopeless.
But today, I'm home on the couch with my favorite blanket watching bad reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 on cable. So I have no excuse.
I had the second round of root canal done this morning, and despite Dr. Dean's claims that this one wouldn't be as bad as the last, I am in a helluva lot more pain. Glad I went ahead and took tomorrow off, too.
In other news, we had a tiki/pirate/tropical party on Saturday night, and per usual, I freaked out about the happy hostess, which means I lost track of the cocktails and overdid it. Oy. In talking with Todd about it, we've decided that I only seem to do this when we host. I think it's the pressure of being the cute, friendly, social hostess. I've always said I'm insecure - I'm not ashamed. But that's just silly when people are telling me what a great hostess I am, and what a sweetie I am, and we even found a note Sunday morning that said I was an "adorable doll" and a "ray of sunshine". So why on earth am I insecure?
Might have to talk to my therapist about that. But now you can understand how proud I am of myself that I didn't ruin my own wedding reception.
Anywho, football preseason has started!
We beat the Titans on Aug 14 so that was exciting. Our new coach, Carroll, seems to have really energized the team. I didn't see the game this past Saturday, but we lost to Green Bay. No biggie. It's all good.
Let's see....what else can I tell you?
I'm blanking out right now. But at least I got something up here, right?
Go me.
I need painkillers.
Work. Simply put. Work.
If I don't have time to jot things down during the day, it's hopeless.
But today, I'm home on the couch with my favorite blanket watching bad reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 on cable. So I have no excuse.
I had the second round of root canal done this morning, and despite Dr. Dean's claims that this one wouldn't be as bad as the last, I am in a helluva lot more pain. Glad I went ahead and took tomorrow off, too.
In other news, we had a tiki/pirate/tropical party on Saturday night, and per usual, I freaked out about the happy hostess, which means I lost track of the cocktails and overdid it. Oy. In talking with Todd about it, we've decided that I only seem to do this when we host. I think it's the pressure of being the cute, friendly, social hostess. I've always said I'm insecure - I'm not ashamed. But that's just silly when people are telling me what a great hostess I am, and what a sweetie I am, and we even found a note Sunday morning that said I was an "adorable doll" and a "ray of sunshine". So why on earth am I insecure?
Might have to talk to my therapist about that. But now you can understand how proud I am of myself that I didn't ruin my own wedding reception.
Anywho, football preseason has started!
We beat the Titans on Aug 14 so that was exciting. Our new coach, Carroll, seems to have really energized the team. I didn't see the game this past Saturday, but we lost to Green Bay. No biggie. It's all good.
Let's see....what else can I tell you?
I'm blanking out right now. But at least I got something up here, right?
Go me.
I need painkillers.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Random Updates and Thoughts and Stuff
My sincerest apologies for not blogging for well over a week. I have an ASAPSAP project at work and it leaves no time at all for jotting down thoughts or reading the news or oogling over the cute kitties. Sheesh.
A few days ago, CB treated me to a pastry from Bakery Nouveau. Oy. Have you been to this place? She’s been telling me how fantastic their almond croissants are. Well, I like almonds and I LOVE croissants, so when she texted to see if I wanted one, I said sure.
She brought me this croissant that was the size of a large kitten. It was soaking the paper bag that it was in and it was warm. After two bites, I emailed her and asked her if it was deep fried. Because it sure as hell tastes deep friend (i.e. delicious). It was gooey and there was powdered sugar on it and I got through the top half (it was split in two) before I went to the bakery’s website to read the menu and find out what was in this heart attack.
Twice Baked Almond Croissant
Our classic croissant soaked in simple syrup and filled with delicious almond cream. It is topped with sliced almonds and additional almond cream.
Oh.My.Gawd. Soaked in simple syrup? Twice baked? Filled with almond cream? Kill me. Just kill me.
Because now I am hooked and am thinking of walking down there this weekend to get one for Todd so he can suffer with me.
Thank goodness I bought new pants.
Oh, I bought new pants! Four pairs of new jeans and two pairs of summer khaki roll ‘em up and button the little flappy on the side pants. Yes, they’re a bit bigger than my old pants, but boy howdy, it’s amazing how much more attractive you feel when you aren’t wearing pants that are two sizes too small and create the infamous “muffin top”.
Never attractive.
Let’s see….what else has been happening in my little world?
It's been hotter than hell here. Todd and I have actually slept out in the living room a few times because there's a better breeze out there than in the bedroom. The night that I slept on the couch, I woke around 5am to a nice little monsoon. I couldn't figure out what the noise was as it was rolling in, but then it hit the house and wow. Rain, glorious rain. Which is very needed because this is currently our yard:
Nice, huh? It crunches when you walk on it. It's pitiful. But you'll notice our neighbors still have green grass. They cheat. They have a built in sprinkler system. Hmph.
Also, I think we have a rose bush.
It has thorns, and the leaves look like rose bush leaves. We'll wait and see what happens.
Oh, and here is our tenacious blackberry bush.
Yep, growing up through the porch steps. We keep saying we're going to clip it, but we don't. It's just kind of neat.
Neat, makes me think of heat.
We bought ceiling fans today. We got the living room fan up, but when we tried to put the one up in the bedroom, we hit a snag. The electric box is plastic, we have to have a metal one. Also, the box isn't bolted to a stud. It's just kind of stuck up in the attic. Which will not hold a ceiling fan.
Crap.
So we have the electrician coming out this week to fix that problem.
And tonight is our first pre-season Seahawks game. It's a bit hard to enjoy football when it's 90 degrees out, but I'm determined to do it. It will be interesting to see what our new coach, Pete Carroll, has done with our team. I'm not expecting any championships this year. I'm just hoping to not get creamed every week. That's not asking too much right?
Okay, off to prep for the game. Wish us luck.
And send snow.
A few days ago, CB treated me to a pastry from Bakery Nouveau. Oy. Have you been to this place? She’s been telling me how fantastic their almond croissants are. Well, I like almonds and I LOVE croissants, so when she texted to see if I wanted one, I said sure.
She brought me this croissant that was the size of a large kitten. It was soaking the paper bag that it was in and it was warm. After two bites, I emailed her and asked her if it was deep fried. Because it sure as hell tastes deep friend (i.e. delicious). It was gooey and there was powdered sugar on it and I got through the top half (it was split in two) before I went to the bakery’s website to read the menu and find out what was in this heart attack.
Twice Baked Almond Croissant
Our classic croissant soaked in simple syrup and filled with delicious almond cream. It is topped with sliced almonds and additional almond cream.
Oh.My.Gawd. Soaked in simple syrup? Twice baked? Filled with almond cream? Kill me. Just kill me.
Because now I am hooked and am thinking of walking down there this weekend to get one for Todd so he can suffer with me.
Thank goodness I bought new pants.
Oh, I bought new pants! Four pairs of new jeans and two pairs of summer khaki roll ‘em up and button the little flappy on the side pants. Yes, they’re a bit bigger than my old pants, but boy howdy, it’s amazing how much more attractive you feel when you aren’t wearing pants that are two sizes too small and create the infamous “muffin top”.
Never attractive.
Let’s see….what else has been happening in my little world?
It's been hotter than hell here. Todd and I have actually slept out in the living room a few times because there's a better breeze out there than in the bedroom. The night that I slept on the couch, I woke around 5am to a nice little monsoon. I couldn't figure out what the noise was as it was rolling in, but then it hit the house and wow. Rain, glorious rain. Which is very needed because this is currently our yard:
Nice, huh? It crunches when you walk on it. It's pitiful. But you'll notice our neighbors still have green grass. They cheat. They have a built in sprinkler system. Hmph.
Also, I think we have a rose bush.
It has thorns, and the leaves look like rose bush leaves. We'll wait and see what happens.
Oh, and here is our tenacious blackberry bush.
Yep, growing up through the porch steps. We keep saying we're going to clip it, but we don't. It's just kind of neat.
Neat, makes me think of heat.
We bought ceiling fans today. We got the living room fan up, but when we tried to put the one up in the bedroom, we hit a snag. The electric box is plastic, we have to have a metal one. Also, the box isn't bolted to a stud. It's just kind of stuck up in the attic. Which will not hold a ceiling fan.
Crap.
So we have the electrician coming out this week to fix that problem.
And tonight is our first pre-season Seahawks game. It's a bit hard to enjoy football when it's 90 degrees out, but I'm determined to do it. It will be interesting to see what our new coach, Pete Carroll, has done with our team. I'm not expecting any championships this year. I'm just hoping to not get creamed every week. That's not asking too much right?
Okay, off to prep for the game. Wish us luck.
And send snow.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Poops for Kidd Valley
The first time CB and I went to Kidd Valley for lunch, I asked for a kid’s meal. I’m no fool. I know the regular size hamburgers are way too big for me and my tiny, petite frame (shut up!) The cashier said yes, I could do a kid’s meal, but they also had “mini meals”, which as I look at the online Kidd Valley menu, must just be special to the Queen Anne Kidd Valley.
The kid’s cheeseburger meal is $3.65. That includes a small fries and a small drink. But that hamburger is a tiny little plain hamburger. And a shake is extra. The mini-meal’s cheeseburger is, I believe, $2.65 and it’s smaller than the regular, but it’s loaded. Then you can get a small fries/small shake combo for $2.95. And the small shake is smaller than the small soda size.
So! You may pay $2 more than the kids meal, but you get smaller portions, fully loaded and a tiny shake to boot. Win win!
Now, if it weren’t for the homeless guy pooping on the sidewalk in front of the place, it would be the perfect lunch spot!
Yes. I’m serious.
And no, we won’t we be going to that Kidd Valley again.
I hate the city.
The kid’s cheeseburger meal is $3.65. That includes a small fries and a small drink. But that hamburger is a tiny little plain hamburger. And a shake is extra. The mini-meal’s cheeseburger is, I believe, $2.65 and it’s smaller than the regular, but it’s loaded. Then you can get a small fries/small shake combo for $2.95. And the small shake is smaller than the small soda size.
So! You may pay $2 more than the kids meal, but you get smaller portions, fully loaded and a tiny shake to boot. Win win!
Now, if it weren’t for the homeless guy pooping on the sidewalk in front of the place, it would be the perfect lunch spot!
Yes. I’m serious.
And no, we won’t we be going to that Kidd Valley again.
I hate the city.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Happy Friday, Let’s Drill a Hole in Your Tooth!
I had big, big plans for this weekend. Big plans. And not one of those plans included a root canal.
I’ve looked up root canals in the past. I know what's involved. And though I don't consider myself a squeamish person, I made the declaration that I would rather just have the damn tooth ripped out than have a root canal. You remember, I have that pesky tooth that has a crack in it and it’s always been a bother. My dentist has been keeping an eye on it, and said the nerve is still alive and fine, so not much we can do about it.
Until last week. The toothache started on Monday, the headache came along on Tuesday and by Friday, I could barely stand to eat or hear. I sucked it up and made a dentist appointment with my sister’s best friend, Dean, who I’ve been seeing for about six years.
My initial phone call suggested the tooth had abscessed so they prescribed an antibiotic and wanted me to come in at 4:00 to take a look. After Dean checked the x-ray, he said, “Yep, all kind of infected. Let’s get you numbed up for a root canal!”
Uh. What? Aren’t there any other options?
He said, “We can take the tooth out. Sound good? No? Let’s numb up!”
That’s why I’m glad Dean’s my friend. He doesn’t give me a chance to wussy out.
So, after five shots (better to be too numb than not numb enough, I say!) I had my first root canal. And I must say, the actual procedure wasn’t too traumatizing at all.
It was when I started taking the Vicodin and the antibiotic that things took a turn for the worst.
I’ve always been able to take Vicodin. I PRIDE myself on the fact that I can take Vicodin. But, as we know, things change when you get older.
Actually, I think the big problem is that I have to eat when I take Vicodin. And after a root canal, it’s a bit hard to eat. So I made the mistake of taking it on an empty stomach one too many times, and finally on the drive home from the “On and On” screening Saturday night, my stomach said “NO MORE!” and promptly evacuated itself into a Safeway grocery bag.
So, no more Vicodin for the weekend.
But at least I made it to Chris’ birthday bbq and the “On and On” screening. I also slept until 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday, so that was a perk. Cause you know how Rae-rae likes her sleep.
My tooth feels pretty okay today; I even put some ice cream against it last night and no sensitivity at all! Love that! Now if I could just get this little headache to go away. And right when it goes away, I get to go back into Dean and go through round two of the root canal. I just have a medicated insert in canal right now. Next is removing that and putting in the permanent filling. Which means more drilling. And more painkillers. Maybe we’ll try a different one this time. Or I’ll just make sure I have a lot of mushy bread type stuff on hand.
**********
I couldn’t help but laugh at loud at I Has a Hotdog this morning.
I feel the same way, doggie. The SAME way.
I’ve looked up root canals in the past. I know what's involved. And though I don't consider myself a squeamish person, I made the declaration that I would rather just have the damn tooth ripped out than have a root canal. You remember, I have that pesky tooth that has a crack in it and it’s always been a bother. My dentist has been keeping an eye on it, and said the nerve is still alive and fine, so not much we can do about it.
Until last week. The toothache started on Monday, the headache came along on Tuesday and by Friday, I could barely stand to eat or hear. I sucked it up and made a dentist appointment with my sister’s best friend, Dean, who I’ve been seeing for about six years.
My initial phone call suggested the tooth had abscessed so they prescribed an antibiotic and wanted me to come in at 4:00 to take a look. After Dean checked the x-ray, he said, “Yep, all kind of infected. Let’s get you numbed up for a root canal!”
Uh. What? Aren’t there any other options?
He said, “We can take the tooth out. Sound good? No? Let’s numb up!”
That’s why I’m glad Dean’s my friend. He doesn’t give me a chance to wussy out.
So, after five shots (better to be too numb than not numb enough, I say!) I had my first root canal. And I must say, the actual procedure wasn’t too traumatizing at all.
It was when I started taking the Vicodin and the antibiotic that things took a turn for the worst.
I’ve always been able to take Vicodin. I PRIDE myself on the fact that I can take Vicodin. But, as we know, things change when you get older.
Actually, I think the big problem is that I have to eat when I take Vicodin. And after a root canal, it’s a bit hard to eat. So I made the mistake of taking it on an empty stomach one too many times, and finally on the drive home from the “On and On” screening Saturday night, my stomach said “NO MORE!” and promptly evacuated itself into a Safeway grocery bag.
So, no more Vicodin for the weekend.
But at least I made it to Chris’ birthday bbq and the “On and On” screening. I also slept until 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday, so that was a perk. Cause you know how Rae-rae likes her sleep.
My tooth feels pretty okay today; I even put some ice cream against it last night and no sensitivity at all! Love that! Now if I could just get this little headache to go away. And right when it goes away, I get to go back into Dean and go through round two of the root canal. I just have a medicated insert in canal right now. Next is removing that and putting in the permanent filling. Which means more drilling. And more painkillers. Maybe we’ll try a different one this time. Or I’ll just make sure I have a lot of mushy bread type stuff on hand.
**********
I couldn’t help but laugh at loud at I Has a Hotdog this morning.
I feel the same way, doggie. The SAME way.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Random Thoughts
How do you get your man to make you a breakfast sandwich?
When you’re laying in bed, waking up, nuzzle him and ask him if he’s hungry. When he says yes, say “You should make yourself a breakfast sandwich. With cheese. And while you’re at it, make me one, too.”
Your man will inevitably pinch/tickle/bite/punch you, but you’ll giggle and be cute, therefore he won’t be able to resist and you will, in fact, get your breakfast sandwich.
**********
It’s been so hot here, I have a heat rash in my cleavage.
TMI? No such thing on this blog.
*********
My next door cube neighbor just got one of the new VOIP phones (I’ve had one for almost a year) and she discovered that she can change her ringtone. Instead of a ring now, I hear a man’s voice say “Are you there? Are you there?”
Haha. Yeah, that was funny the first two times it rang. I sense it won’t be funny for long.
My ringtone is a classic rotary dial ring. Unique, no?
**********
The light at Mercer is SO LONG that I can:
File all 10 of my nails
De-cathair my outfit
Floss my teeth
Pluck my eyebrows
Organize my purse
Swiffer the front section of my car
Start a blogpost
**********
I came up with a new hairstyle. I call it “Woke Up Too Late To Blow Dry My Hair But Thank Gawd I Have Gel Cause Now I Have That Hip Disheveled Look”.
And I bought some temporary color, so Todd is going to help me color my hair tonight. I need some foofin’.
**********
Todd and I watched It Might Get Loud last night. You’re not going to care very much if you’re not into music or guitars, but for those of us who are, HOLY CRAP.
To watch The Edge (from U2) ask Jack White (from the White Stripes) to teach him the basic riff for “Seven Nation Army”, and then to watch Jimmy Page (from Led Zeppelin) join in and then three of the awesomest guitar players jam together….well, it just makes the brain explode.
Ya gotta like guitar players to get it.
**********
And, as always, I leave you with cuteness.
When you’re laying in bed, waking up, nuzzle him and ask him if he’s hungry. When he says yes, say “You should make yourself a breakfast sandwich. With cheese. And while you’re at it, make me one, too.”
Your man will inevitably pinch/tickle/bite/punch you, but you’ll giggle and be cute, therefore he won’t be able to resist and you will, in fact, get your breakfast sandwich.
**********
It’s been so hot here, I have a heat rash in my cleavage.
TMI? No such thing on this blog.
*********
My next door cube neighbor just got one of the new VOIP phones (I’ve had one for almost a year) and she discovered that she can change her ringtone. Instead of a ring now, I hear a man’s voice say “Are you there? Are you there?”
Haha. Yeah, that was funny the first two times it rang. I sense it won’t be funny for long.
My ringtone is a classic rotary dial ring. Unique, no?
**********
The light at Mercer is SO LONG that I can:
File all 10 of my nails
De-cathair my outfit
Floss my teeth
Pluck my eyebrows
Organize my purse
Swiffer the front section of my car
Start a blogpost
**********
I came up with a new hairstyle. I call it “Woke Up Too Late To Blow Dry My Hair But Thank Gawd I Have Gel Cause Now I Have That Hip Disheveled Look”.
And I bought some temporary color, so Todd is going to help me color my hair tonight. I need some foofin’.
**********
Todd and I watched It Might Get Loud last night. You’re not going to care very much if you’re not into music or guitars, but for those of us who are, HOLY CRAP.
To watch The Edge (from U2) ask Jack White (from the White Stripes) to teach him the basic riff for “Seven Nation Army”, and then to watch Jimmy Page (from Led Zeppelin) join in and then three of the awesomest guitar players jam together….well, it just makes the brain explode.
Ya gotta like guitar players to get it.
**********
And, as always, I leave you with cuteness.
(Well, this IS an armchair, is it not?)
(The wide angle of Tom's tushy)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Mourning Fading
I am happy to say that things are back to normal here in Raechelle-land. Maydell was laid to rest last week, so I think that’s helped with the sadness.
Needless to say, last week was a crappy, crappy week. But after waking up Saturday morning and making the conscience decision that I was going to have a good weekend with my husband, the stars fell into place and Todd and had one of the best weekends we’ve had in a long time. The beautiful summer weather help tremendously.
I slept in Saturday, then joined Todd across the street for brunch with our neighbors, Dave and Greg.
Side note – I think I’m entering a new age bracket. In the last two weekends, I’ve attended two brunches. Each invitation led me to believe it was a come-hang-out-maybe-grab-a-muffin-and-a-mimosa kind of thing. Oh no. Val’s brunch-n-book exchange two weeks ago was a sit down, with tablecloths and quiche kind of event. It was lovely. Cold, but lovely. Then yesterday, Dave had told me to just wander over whenever I got up and about (the scheduled time was 9am. On a Saturday. Ha! Not even for a mimosa.) So I headed over about 10am. I knocked and opened the door but didn’t see or hear anyone. Oh no! I thought. Did I miss it?! Then I heard laughter outside, so I went through the kitchen, out to the back patio and found a group of nine people sitting around a table with linen napkins and fancy glasses. Another sit down! I’m glad I wore a dress.
Anyway, I met up with my hubby for breakfast with a few neighbors, then we all walked a half a block to California, set up our camp chairs and watched the West Seattle Grand Parade. I’m normally not a parade kind of gal (except the Solstice Parade) but this was low energy, not crowded at all, and a good excuse to just sit in the beautiful sunshine. I have to say, the police motorcycle brigade, both Seattle and Vancouver, were my absolute favorite. We chatted with one of the Vancouver officers while he was parked, blocking traffic, and learned that they’ve had to alter their routine in the last few years after they had a major accident that permanently disabled one of their officers. Very sad. But they’re formations were just incredible.
After the parade, we took Kayleigh and Lydia to the beach then garage saled. Yes, it’s a verb.
Side note – I have decided I want to be a grandma’s house. I want to have a toy box full of toys for all of our friends who have kids. I want to have some plastic play stuff out in the back yard, so we can hang out back there and the kids can play. I want to have some sippy cups on hand and maybe some tiny plastic utensils. I want the kids (and their parents) to love coming over to our house because we have everything they need.
So Todd and I picked up a free plastic slide, a box of sidewalk chalk, a bag of dinosaurs, a bag of cars and fire trucks and a doodle board. I need to get some coloring books and some toys for babies, so Trish and Dan don’t have to lug things over to our house for Rosiland.
All I need is the doily table cloth and you can call me Granny. Wait! I HAVE doily table cloth! And it’s on the table right now!
Saturday evening, I took Todd out for dinner. It’s been a while since we’ve had a nice dinner, just the two of us, and since we’d both been kind of icky last week, it seemed like a good time to bond. We went to Jak’s down at the Junction. Yummy yummy yummy. I’d never been, but Todd promised it was fantastic. And boy howdy, was it.
After dinner a couple of drinks, we walked back home to find two boys hanging out on our front porch. Gawd bless my daughter – I told her she could not have her male friends in the house while Todd and I were gone. So she made them stand on the porch while she and Lydia cooked them dinner. Mac-n-cheese.
Must remember this loophole in the future.
Todd and I were a bit too mushy and happy to be in the house with five teenagers, so we took our bottle of wine and plopped down out in the front yard. Once the kids left for the Movies on the Wall, we fired up the Wii and rocked out like a couple of young/middle aged parents can do after a bottle of wine. I rawked the hell out of “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar. Even those high notes at the end.
Ask our neighbors. I bet they heard me.
After the exhaustion of Rock Band, we curled up in our room, while the kids, back from the Movies on the Wall because they had no chairs and were uncomfortable, hid away in Tyler’s room to watch the exact same movie that was playing at the wall. Wonderful.
And it was a restless night. Hotter than a hippy in Kerrville and no breeze. Todd ended up on the couch, where there WAS a breeze from all of the windows open, and Tom took advantage of the open bedroom door to sleep with me.
Sunday, yet another brunch. Only we hosted and it completely wasn’t planned. I wanted to make dutch baby. I wanted to be social. So we called our trusty good-for-last-minute-plans-that-involve-food, Steve and Stephanie. Of course, you have to have mimosas when you have a brunch (complete with doily tablecloth) so that always starts a beautiful sunny Sunday off on the right foot.
After Steve and Steph left, and Todd took Kayleigh over to her friend’s, he and I got ourselves together and went to Crate & Barrel. My dutch baby was just barely enough for six people so I needed a bigger dish. Luckily, we still had some money left on our gift card, so we also bought some tea spoons for jam. As mom and dad taught us, tea spoons have that nice, long handle to get down in the jar of jam. What a great tip.
And then there was lunch and popping in to get our wedding rings cleaned at Ben Bridge, then spending yet another gift card at Victoria’s Secret and then a little java frappuccino before heading back home.
Once home, we were attacked by a vicious nap, so the original plan of grocery shopping was dashed. Oh darn. But a couple of hours later, we got our second wind and worked on some administrative stuff and made a light dinner and then tidied up the house, and then finally, bed.
Whew.
I do love the summer here in Seattle. But if you think I cram a lot into a weekend during the fall and winter, you should see me in the summer.
MUST.DO.EVERYTHING.RIGHT.NOW.
Our 10 day forecast shows nothing but blue skies and high 70/low 80 degree weather. Now THIS is why we put up with nine months of winter.
Although, ceiling fan shopping may be in order soon.
Needless to say, last week was a crappy, crappy week. But after waking up Saturday morning and making the conscience decision that I was going to have a good weekend with my husband, the stars fell into place and Todd and had one of the best weekends we’ve had in a long time. The beautiful summer weather help tremendously.
I slept in Saturday, then joined Todd across the street for brunch with our neighbors, Dave and Greg.
Side note – I think I’m entering a new age bracket. In the last two weekends, I’ve attended two brunches. Each invitation led me to believe it was a come-hang-out-maybe-grab-a-muffin-and-a-mimosa kind of thing. Oh no. Val’s brunch-n-book exchange two weeks ago was a sit down, with tablecloths and quiche kind of event. It was lovely. Cold, but lovely. Then yesterday, Dave had told me to just wander over whenever I got up and about (the scheduled time was 9am. On a Saturday. Ha! Not even for a mimosa.) So I headed over about 10am. I knocked and opened the door but didn’t see or hear anyone. Oh no! I thought. Did I miss it?! Then I heard laughter outside, so I went through the kitchen, out to the back patio and found a group of nine people sitting around a table with linen napkins and fancy glasses. Another sit down! I’m glad I wore a dress.
Anyway, I met up with my hubby for breakfast with a few neighbors, then we all walked a half a block to California, set up our camp chairs and watched the West Seattle Grand Parade. I’m normally not a parade kind of gal (except the Solstice Parade) but this was low energy, not crowded at all, and a good excuse to just sit in the beautiful sunshine. I have to say, the police motorcycle brigade, both Seattle and Vancouver, were my absolute favorite. We chatted with one of the Vancouver officers while he was parked, blocking traffic, and learned that they’ve had to alter their routine in the last few years after they had a major accident that permanently disabled one of their officers. Very sad. But they’re formations were just incredible.
After the parade, we took Kayleigh and Lydia to the beach then garage saled. Yes, it’s a verb.
Side note – I have decided I want to be a grandma’s house. I want to have a toy box full of toys for all of our friends who have kids. I want to have some plastic play stuff out in the back yard, so we can hang out back there and the kids can play. I want to have some sippy cups on hand and maybe some tiny plastic utensils. I want the kids (and their parents) to love coming over to our house because we have everything they need.
So Todd and I picked up a free plastic slide, a box of sidewalk chalk, a bag of dinosaurs, a bag of cars and fire trucks and a doodle board. I need to get some coloring books and some toys for babies, so Trish and Dan don’t have to lug things over to our house for Rosiland.
All I need is the doily table cloth and you can call me Granny. Wait! I HAVE doily table cloth! And it’s on the table right now!
Saturday evening, I took Todd out for dinner. It’s been a while since we’ve had a nice dinner, just the two of us, and since we’d both been kind of icky last week, it seemed like a good time to bond. We went to Jak’s down at the Junction. Yummy yummy yummy. I’d never been, but Todd promised it was fantastic. And boy howdy, was it.
After dinner a couple of drinks, we walked back home to find two boys hanging out on our front porch. Gawd bless my daughter – I told her she could not have her male friends in the house while Todd and I were gone. So she made them stand on the porch while she and Lydia cooked them dinner. Mac-n-cheese.
Must remember this loophole in the future.
Todd and I were a bit too mushy and happy to be in the house with five teenagers, so we took our bottle of wine and plopped down out in the front yard. Once the kids left for the Movies on the Wall, we fired up the Wii and rocked out like a couple of young/middle aged parents can do after a bottle of wine. I rawked the hell out of “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar. Even those high notes at the end.
Ask our neighbors. I bet they heard me.
After the exhaustion of Rock Band, we curled up in our room, while the kids, back from the Movies on the Wall because they had no chairs and were uncomfortable, hid away in Tyler’s room to watch the exact same movie that was playing at the wall. Wonderful.
And it was a restless night. Hotter than a hippy in Kerrville and no breeze. Todd ended up on the couch, where there WAS a breeze from all of the windows open, and Tom took advantage of the open bedroom door to sleep with me.
Sunday, yet another brunch. Only we hosted and it completely wasn’t planned. I wanted to make dutch baby. I wanted to be social. So we called our trusty good-for-last-minute-plans-that-involve-food, Steve and Stephanie. Of course, you have to have mimosas when you have a brunch (complete with doily tablecloth) so that always starts a beautiful sunny Sunday off on the right foot.
After Steve and Steph left, and Todd took Kayleigh over to her friend’s, he and I got ourselves together and went to Crate & Barrel. My dutch baby was just barely enough for six people so I needed a bigger dish. Luckily, we still had some money left on our gift card, so we also bought some tea spoons for jam. As mom and dad taught us, tea spoons have that nice, long handle to get down in the jar of jam. What a great tip.
And then there was lunch and popping in to get our wedding rings cleaned at Ben Bridge, then spending yet another gift card at Victoria’s Secret and then a little java frappuccino before heading back home.
Once home, we were attacked by a vicious nap, so the original plan of grocery shopping was dashed. Oh darn. But a couple of hours later, we got our second wind and worked on some administrative stuff and made a light dinner and then tidied up the house, and then finally, bed.
Whew.
I do love the summer here in Seattle. But if you think I cram a lot into a weekend during the fall and winter, you should see me in the summer.
MUST.DO.EVERYTHING.RIGHT.NOW.
Our 10 day forecast shows nothing but blue skies and high 70/low 80 degree weather. Now THIS is why we put up with nine months of winter.
Although, ceiling fan shopping may be in order soon.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Remembering Maydell
When I lived in West Virginia, Maydell would pick me up every Sunday morning for church. My parents didn’t go to church. But for some reason, they thought I should.
So Maydell would pick me up, take me to Sunday School (where I would dip my Cheetos into my ice tea), then drive me home. I’d hop out of her car and run up to mom, who, in the summer, would be laying out on her folding lawn chair, listening to the radio. My pool would be up and filled and I’d immediately change in my swimsuit (or not, it was the country) and jump in.
That’s one of my favorite memories from West Virginia. I think of that scene whenever I hear the Bellamy Brothers or Don Williams.
I also remember playing in Maydell’s attic (I think it was the attic) with Cindy, Maydell’s granddaughter. Cindy and I were the best of buds. The attic had a couple of little, hidden rooms and it was hot as hell but Cindy and I spent hours up there. When I was small enough to fit up there.
I’d always stop in and see Maydell whenever I was in Nestorville. She still lived in the same house, at the end of my uncles’ road. We still sent each other Christmas cards and I had just gotten a letter from her before we left for West Virginia a few weeks ago. She sent me a picture she found of me, Cindy and some little boy, Andrew. I don’t remember him. I was about four in the picture. We were in Maydell’s living room.
I tried to see Maydell when we were in West Virginia. I had sent her a wedding photo of me and Todd, and I wanted her to meet him, and Kayleigh. We stopped by, but her car wasn’t in the garage, and I tried to call her the next day, but there was no answer. That’s Maydell – very social, always out and about, still driving at 88 years old and shuttling people to church.
So it was when she failed to show up at church on Sunday, that people grew concerned and a neighbor walked over to check on her.
And he found that Maydell had passed way.
But what is so troublesome, is that it appears that Maydell’s passing was not at all natural. There were signs that someone may have hurt her.
Nestorville is an unincorporated town of maybe 300 people. For the most part, everyone knows everyone, and everyone knew Maydell. There are some strangers who have moved in, and unfortunately, your mind tends to wander to those people as suspects. There was evidence left behind, and the state police spent all of Sunday at her house, so hopefully we will have answers soon.
In the meantime, my energy is sapped and all I want to do is sleep and/or cry. Maydell was like a grandmother to me, and it physically hurts to think that someone could do such a thing to her. I can still hear her voice as it shook and I still see her out tending to her garden. She was a gentle, quiet, loving woman who still had many vibrant years left in her.
So, when I get back to a better place and can be entertaining and funny, I’ll post more. Until then, I’m just going to curl up and remember the good ol’ days.
So Maydell would pick me up, take me to Sunday School (where I would dip my Cheetos into my ice tea), then drive me home. I’d hop out of her car and run up to mom, who, in the summer, would be laying out on her folding lawn chair, listening to the radio. My pool would be up and filled and I’d immediately change in my swimsuit (or not, it was the country) and jump in.
That’s one of my favorite memories from West Virginia. I think of that scene whenever I hear the Bellamy Brothers or Don Williams.
I also remember playing in Maydell’s attic (I think it was the attic) with Cindy, Maydell’s granddaughter. Cindy and I were the best of buds. The attic had a couple of little, hidden rooms and it was hot as hell but Cindy and I spent hours up there. When I was small enough to fit up there.
I’d always stop in and see Maydell whenever I was in Nestorville. She still lived in the same house, at the end of my uncles’ road. We still sent each other Christmas cards and I had just gotten a letter from her before we left for West Virginia a few weeks ago. She sent me a picture she found of me, Cindy and some little boy, Andrew. I don’t remember him. I was about four in the picture. We were in Maydell’s living room.
I tried to see Maydell when we were in West Virginia. I had sent her a wedding photo of me and Todd, and I wanted her to meet him, and Kayleigh. We stopped by, but her car wasn’t in the garage, and I tried to call her the next day, but there was no answer. That’s Maydell – very social, always out and about, still driving at 88 years old and shuttling people to church.
So it was when she failed to show up at church on Sunday, that people grew concerned and a neighbor walked over to check on her.
And he found that Maydell had passed way.
But what is so troublesome, is that it appears that Maydell’s passing was not at all natural. There were signs that someone may have hurt her.
Nestorville is an unincorporated town of maybe 300 people. For the most part, everyone knows everyone, and everyone knew Maydell. There are some strangers who have moved in, and unfortunately, your mind tends to wander to those people as suspects. There was evidence left behind, and the state police spent all of Sunday at her house, so hopefully we will have answers soon.
In the meantime, my energy is sapped and all I want to do is sleep and/or cry. Maydell was like a grandmother to me, and it physically hurts to think that someone could do such a thing to her. I can still hear her voice as it shook and I still see her out tending to her garden. She was a gentle, quiet, loving woman who still had many vibrant years left in her.
So, when I get back to a better place and can be entertaining and funny, I’ll post more. Until then, I’m just going to curl up and remember the good ol’ days.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Random Thoughts
I’m wearing jeans today. I haven’t worn jeans in almost two weeks. And it’s been fantastic. These really aren’t comfortable at all. Maybe I just need bigger ones?
Sad.
**********
Our new cell phone law went into effect on June 1. In the past, talking on the phone wasn’t reason enough to pull someone over. If a cop pulled them over for speeding, and they happened to be on their phone, then they could get ticket for that. But now, cops can pull you over if they see you talking on your phone or texting.
I like this new law (because I have Bluetooth.)
While sitting at the SLUT light, I only saw two people talking on their phones as they drove by. This used to be how I killed time at this intersection – put the car in park, count the jackasses on the their phones.
But today, only two. Guess that $124 ticket is a deterrent, huh?
**********
The taste of warm Coke or Pepsi immediately takes me back to Surfside Beach in Texas.
We moved to Texas in 1982 and my folks were so excited to live near a beach, we were there every weekend during the summer. And we were professional beach people. We had the truck stocked full of towels, coolers, blow up rafts, lawn chairs and the radio. We would spend hours and hours at the beach. And we didn’t wear sunscreen! Cause it was Texas! In the 80’s!
Anyway, the cooler would be stocked with Pepsi and cheese and bologna for sandwiches. I would nurse a Pepsi all day, because you know I don’t drink much throughout the day (unless it’s alcohol, but I was 8 then) and by the afternoon my Pepsi would be warm. And usually full of sand.
Anyway, I got a Coke out of the vending machine on Monday, and didn’t finish it, so it was still sitting on my desk. When I took a swig, it was warm and I was right back at Surfside Beach, in my little blue bathing suit, listening to The Bellamy Brothers and smelling the dirty beach water.
Good times.
**********
It’s actually pretty beautiful here today - 74 degrees and sunny. Just lovely. Seattle had a major heat wave last week. But luckily, Todd, Kayleigh and I were in West Virginia where it, too, was hot and miserable but we were blessed with air conditioning. A luxury we do not have here in Seattle.
Todd and I are contemplating ceiling fans, though. It just makes sense, doesn’t it?
**********
I leave you today with Elvis.
Enjoy.
Sad.
**********
Our new cell phone law went into effect on June 1. In the past, talking on the phone wasn’t reason enough to pull someone over. If a cop pulled them over for speeding, and they happened to be on their phone, then they could get ticket for that. But now, cops can pull you over if they see you talking on your phone or texting.
I like this new law (because I have Bluetooth.)
While sitting at the SLUT light, I only saw two people talking on their phones as they drove by. This used to be how I killed time at this intersection – put the car in park, count the jackasses on the their phones.
But today, only two. Guess that $124 ticket is a deterrent, huh?
**********
The taste of warm Coke or Pepsi immediately takes me back to Surfside Beach in Texas.
We moved to Texas in 1982 and my folks were so excited to live near a beach, we were there every weekend during the summer. And we were professional beach people. We had the truck stocked full of towels, coolers, blow up rafts, lawn chairs and the radio. We would spend hours and hours at the beach. And we didn’t wear sunscreen! Cause it was Texas! In the 80’s!
Anyway, the cooler would be stocked with Pepsi and cheese and bologna for sandwiches. I would nurse a Pepsi all day, because you know I don’t drink much throughout the day (unless it’s alcohol, but I was 8 then) and by the afternoon my Pepsi would be warm. And usually full of sand.
Anyway, I got a Coke out of the vending machine on Monday, and didn’t finish it, so it was still sitting on my desk. When I took a swig, it was warm and I was right back at Surfside Beach, in my little blue bathing suit, listening to The Bellamy Brothers and smelling the dirty beach water.
Good times.
**********
It’s actually pretty beautiful here today - 74 degrees and sunny. Just lovely. Seattle had a major heat wave last week. But luckily, Todd, Kayleigh and I were in West Virginia where it, too, was hot and miserable but we were blessed with air conditioning. A luxury we do not have here in Seattle.
Todd and I are contemplating ceiling fans, though. It just makes sense, doesn’t it?
**********
I leave you today with Elvis.
Enjoy.
(Our long, proper kitty)
(Elvis 'tocks)
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