Over it!

I am over the sun...bring back the clouds and rain. I will take that any day over ice and frozen car doors. I also just found out that my office never closes. Yeah that is right, as a Washington state worker, I roll through ice, snow, rain and traffic to command my post. Not a huge complaint, it could be waaaay worse, I am thankful for my job and the heat that is pumped through the building.

I am thankful for my blessings but can a girl get some 40 degree weather...is that too much to ask for?! Is this Seattle or Denver???

Correction

Please scratch off that first "thank you". Sun in DECEMBER is WAY BETTER!!!

And massages from the best massage therapist ever, Elisabeth, are not too shabby either.

The end.

Thanks a Lot

This is my 2008's thanks:
-mother nature- sun in November is awesome
-we the people- Obama
-ma, pa, Kris and the rest of the fam
-Kathy Griffin- you make Palin fun...or funny...or make fun of her. D) All of the above, final answer.
-UW teams that win
-Scinnomon Ladypants
-friends, friends, friends and friends
-Mini Vans
-Ms. Keys
-Vegas' most awesome married ladies
-Top Shop...it makes Cori smile. Among other things, cough cough, carmy
-the one and only, Tommie Girl
-Americanos with eggnog
-sister's heart
-advances in medicine
-Coldplay's lyrics
-my round feet
-the peeps at my j.o.b.
-buddabye
-my mom's awesomeness at Cranium. Square, square, square.....rectangle.
-homes with two rooms
-Tina Fey
-February 1st, 2008
-JoeJoe's kitchen masterpieces

Cheers to 08....here's to 09

It's not just the leaves that are a CHANGING

Welp my friends...just when I think I am going to get more consistent with this blogging thing, I fall off the map :)

The last couple of weeks have been pretty hectic...between all the election hype, work, searching for the perfect house and trying to keep my house clean, I haven't had a second to update the good old blog. But now that a counter has been added to it, I do see that people actually look at this thing. So let me fill you in on what's been going on in my world.

The day before Halloween I found out some terrible news...a good friend of mine, Michelle French, we call her Frenchie, was diagnosed with non-hodkins lymphoma. Of course all of the whys, how comes and why I outta's ran through my brain but then I remembered the how unlucky this specific disease was. It struck the wrong person...Frenchie is probably one of the hardest workers and most positive people I know. I can honestly say that I have never seen her frown. Even when shaving her hair off she had a huge smile on her face. She is amazing and an amazing inspiration. So that was my end to October...good riddance.

November started with a bang...a bang by the name of Obama! I am so happy that I do not have to hear another campaign commercial for a few years. Even happier that my ballot mimicked the results. I was pretty sure I was going to need to join one of my friends overseas until times got better. After looking at cnn.com throughout the day to see if I could catch a hint of a democratic lead, I finally started to hear great reports as I was catching the first UW women's exhibition game. I am pretty sure I cheered the loudest when I heard that Obama took Virginia and Florida. I hurried home after an exciting second half (or last 5 minutes and OT) and waited until Jessica got home so we could join the masses and celebrate in the streets. Mobs of people had many intersections of Broadway blocked off as they celebrated Change and diversity. It was an amazing thing to be apart of....people celebrating in the streets and the police sitting back, taking pictures and enjoying the beginning of a new era. YES WE CAN!

Last week was topped of with an amazing performance by Brett Dennen. If you haven't heard of him, take it from me, check him out. I was introduced to him by Jessica and Keeler...both of them raved about this "pacific northwest, Jack Johnson-ish" singer. Watching him live at the Triple Door was a great way to get over the usual Wednesday/Hump Day blues.

Pretty much everything after that is boring. I am excited to report that I soon will be moving out of my small little coop and into a new house. My parents are selling the last of the South Dakota fields and investing in a rental house. Thankfully I will get to benefit on that and move into a place with a little more space. SO, if you know of anyone who would like to by an awesome studio in an upbeat and ever-changing neighborhood, tell them to give me a shout.

Talk to you soon....laters.

It's almost November???

Whoa....I am truly slacking!!!! I can't believe it has almost been a month since I was last on here. I know, I know....many people have given me a hard time so be easy my friends. I will get better at this. It is fall, after all and fall = hibernation. So I guess that is what I have filled my days....and nights with. Wake up....work....home.....reality TV and then off to bed. See, I told you things are boring over here. Well....fall also equals hoops season and I know I am not the only one in Seattle praying that UW basketball can bring us all out of mourning. I don't have to mention all of the lost seasons of football and such, you guys live it with me. So, I am putting all of my hopes in the Dawgs. Don't let me down. I am just saying....we have John Brockman and a great group around him. I think that is a recipe for success.

I am also counting on Tia's team to really show some personality. She has 8 of her own "style" of players mixing with a core group of vets...this should be fun.

Lastly, if the dawgs let me down, I always have rec ball. Now, I know what you are thinking....not exactly high action. But I will have to say that I was a little disappointed that I missed Sarah Duncan getting thrown off the court this week. I could just imagine her face getting red and all she wants to do is explode and let out every cuss word in the book. Knowing her, she probably said something completely witty that the ref didn't understand, combined with a couple of F-bombs and there she went, to the sidelines to blow her nose in her socks (I know, the weird things you remember watching your teammates do for 4 years always stick with you). Even more entertaining was probably the reaction of Jill....I am sure she smiled and rolled her eyes. See, rec ball CAN have a little drama in it.

So, this is my direction for the next couple of weeks. Waiting patiently until the dawgs take the court again so I can put all my hopes into them and quick waiting on the football teams first win (I am still waiting...I didn't give up hope yet).

I promise to get better at this...bear with me!

Writer's Cramp

Yep...that dang cramp got me again....not enough gatorade I guess. Well, I guess that just leaves me one thing to write about...September updates. I would have to say that this was an excellent month. Not only is my mom one year older (she doesn't look a day over 38) but I am as well. That's right, the big 30 is here.

I had an amazing birthday and was so thankful to everyone who shared it with me, whether physically or in spirit. We headed up to the Tulalip Casino for dinner and gambling. I must say, the casino is beautiful and I hear the spa is even better. I am excited to be able to check the spa out first hand soon. We stuffed ourselves at the buffet and then rolled on to the tables. I spent most of my time on the blackjack table and faired well. It was such a fantastic night that I decided to continue celebrating it the next day too. After visiting with Cori and crew at her goodbye brunch, I was off to take part in one of the most memorable events of my life. I had told my friend Swen that for my birthday I wanted to meet Alicia Keys. Of course I was joking but she took it to heart. The day of my birthday, she found out that she had been invited to meet Alicia before her concert. She remembered how much Alicia inspires me and decided to pass the opportunity on to me!!! I couldn't believe it! I spent a half an hour sitting in the same room as her and listening to her talk about her favorite things, her travels and outings in Seattle, etc. She was so down to earth and more beautiful in person, inside and out. After a quick autograph and a hug she left us to prepare for the concert. Swen, Jaime and I found our seats, 3 row, and prepared for an amazing show. I don't think I stopped smiling for a week after the fun I had both on my birthday and the day after.

The rest of my September was spent saying goodbye to Cori (tear) and spending as much time in the sun as possible. I was lucky to usher out summer at Golden Gardens where I watched two friends marry as well as watched the sun set on a memorable summer. Fall didn't waste anytime on showing its cold and wet head. I am excited for things to slow down and ready to hibernate in front of the TV. Thankfully football and my favorite TV series are in full effect as they will be my entertainment until the sun comes back.

Be the Change

I finally have something to write about...thank you to those who sent some suggestions as my creative edge was lacking. Someone suggested I should jump on the political bandwagon and tell a little about my views. Now, by no means am I an expert on this stuff but I definitely have an opinion....a pretty strong one at that. So strong that if a certain old man and crazy woman are elected, I may have to move to Turkey with Cori until conditions improve. Seriously.

I have always leaned left when it came to choosing sides. It actually hurts my feelings that elephants have been associated with "those who shall not be named" as the elephant is by far my most favorite animal. I don't know the history behind the elephant and the mule thing but it just confuses me that the righties would pick and animal that is so strongly dominated by the female species, as their symbol. As a matter of fact, the male elephants live in solitude their whole lives, except when called upon to procreate. It is the females that live together, lead by the matriarch, the eldest, most wise elephant. The elephant is a symbol of wisdom and independence. I guess I am just having trouble making the connection....maybe some of you guys are too.

So to continue with the political theme, I want to share an amazing story. I have told this to a few people and every single person has reacted the same way..."that just gave me goose bumps!"

A few weeks ago, my uncle Mike was invited to listen to Barack Obama speak in Montana. My uncle is a proud Vietnam vet and was thrilled at the invitation. Of course he enjoyed the speech and afterwards he jumped up to meet Obama. He extended his hand and thanked him for coming to Billings. My uncle then pulled out an envelope containing a news article about me and told Obama about my story and the issues that I have been dealing with. He handed Obama the envelope and asked him to please read it. Of course Obama's security swooped in to intercept the envelope but Obama politely declined their service and placed the envelope in his pocket, assuring my uncle that he would read it. My Mom thought for sure that during Obama's next speech, he would mention it. Oh Mom, keep dreaming :)

Well, there was no mention of me in his speech but what was to come was a complete surprise. My Dad came home from work yesterday to find a large envelope wedged in between the screen and front door. It was addressed to me, in care of my parents. My Dad took the liberty of opening it and immediately called me. I could tell as soon as he said hello on the phone that he was smiling from ear to ear. He said that I received I letter and a picture from Barack Obama himself!!! The letter made reference to my uncle's meeting as well as my parents move to Washington state to be closer to my sister and I. He said that my family is in his thoughts and prayers. I still can't believe it and I probably won't until I see it first hand. This just reassures me that I have picked the right man to vote for.

Someone who is real, who values family and cares about the future of the people and this nation. The people who care about Change. The people who do not share the same beliefs of a man who has failed his country for 8 years and hides behind his successes of getting us through the worst terrorist attack to date, only to go after the wrong people and cause more American deaths than those who lost their lives almost 7 years ago. Of course there are more examples but we are moving forward here.

Obama is a man that will push the limits set by others in order to secure equal rights for all. Not just those who fit someone else's views as "right" and "wrong". He will allow the matriarchs of our country the right to choose what is best for their future instead of holding us to someone else's values. He will help our children continue to grow in society that promotes equal rights for each of them, not just the privileged few. He is cultivating a culture of acceptance of all by learning from the mistakes of our past and aligning each of us as equals. He is helping all by opening doors to people who have felt nothing but solitude and dissimilarities. Doesn't this echo what the United States stood for hundreds of years ago? Allowing the freedom to choose instead of being controlled by the few elected elite?

So this is my view and this is my story. This is what I stand for and this is what I hope for. Sorry if this may be offensive to some but hopefully it will provoke some thought. If you are reading this then I know you care about me. If you care about me then I know you care about the future of issues like stem cell research and equal rights. Let's not concentrate on how individuals can remain rich but instead make the lives of everyone enriched.

fridgid feet

please send any ideas how to warm up my feet....seriously guys. bad circulation=super cold feet. i could put socks on but then my feet feel like they fall asleep. i really don't know what is worse. send the suggestions. and while you are at it...send me some fun topics to blog about because i have hit a blogging wall.

Chicken Wings and Weiners

Now that the Olympics are over I can finally dedicate my time to the blog. So on Saturday instead of tuning into the closing ceremonies (let's be honest, I probably would have cried) I attended a BBQ at Penny and Loree's beautiful home. Jessica and I arrived around 2:30pm and met Penny on the driveway, busy frying up some wings in her outdoor deep fryer. As soon as I smelled the grease I basically decided to undo my belt buckle a notch, forget any food restrictions I had set prior and EAT AWAY!!! After a quick lift up the steps from the muscles of the group, Kayla and Emily I posted myself in the kitchen waiting patiently to taste the first round of wings. WAY BETTER then they even smelled! We continued to chat away until the guests arrived.

Soon enough people started to trickle in and Kayla began displaying her culinary skills. Yes, not only is she the muscles but she doubles as Chief Grillmaster. After a few heckles from the peanut gallery, the hot dogs were complete and it was time to enjoy the food. Loree and Penny had a beautiful spread of food and everyone must have smelled it because the backyard filled up fast. I enjoyed catching up with everyone and hearing stories of this summer's happenings. We ate and talked into the evening before we were rushed inside by darkness. The party continued with beer pong and music. I am not sure how much of the keg was drank but I am pretty sure we didn't leave much. A few of us decided that the night could definitely not end so we headed out to a bar on Capitol Hill. We basically closed it down and wrapped up an amazing night.

So I need to throw out some special thanks:

Penny and Loree- Huge thanks for opening up your home, cooking, being amazing hosts and just being awesome. I can't wait until we can do it again....even if it is on a much smaller scale. I owe you guys dinner. Name the date and we will do it!!!

Kayla, Emily, Sarah and Jessica--Thank you guys too...you are basically house guests of L and P's so I am sure you all did a lot to help them get this together.

Ty and Tootsie-- Thanks for being the life of the party ;)

RB, Kit, Janet, Mom, Dad, Larry and Judy--Thanks for putting up with all the loud and craziness, I am so happy you guys came.

Besties--I always thank you and I always love you.

Bethany--Gets the longest traveled award. All the way from NYC via Chicago.

Kyle--Being one of the only guys amongst all the ladies, I am sure it wasn't that hard ;)

HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME, SUPPORTED AND DONATED!!!! Because of you guys, the foundation raised a little over $1,000!!!! That is huge!

I love you all and I thank you more than I possibly can.

Simply Obsessed

Ok, ok....so I have been meaning to do my weekly blog for some time now. However, I am a woman possessed. Ever since I was a wee little thing, I can remember planting myself in front of the TV and watching every minute of the Olympics that I possibly can. The theme song gives me goose bumps every time. My favorite sport to watch as a kid: GYMNASTICS. Mary Lou Retton was the Alpha. She was simply amazing. Not to mention Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Flo Jo with her fierce nails.

Many years later, I begged my mom to let me be a gymnast like the Dominiques (Dawes and Moceanu). But she said...no go...you are going to be too tall and there are no gymnastic gyms in rural South Dakota. So I had to put my dream off another 4 years. By that time, my mom was right, even though we moved to Denver where there were plenty of gyms, I was too tall. Besides, I had another thing on my mind. HOOPS. By the time the next Olympics rolled around, Teresa Edwards was the main poster on my wall. I was usually too busy playing my own ball to actually watch as much as I wanted, but I definitely was able to squeeze in a few games. As well as keep dreaming about the perfect beam routine :) I can actually remember sitting in my camp dorm room in '96 at a bball camp in Pennsylvania and watching Kerri Strug complete her vault despite a fractured ankle. Ironically, the next day at camp I sprained my ankle. Her performance must have left a lasting impression on me because despite a fatty cankle, I taped up and hobbled up and down the court.

The next 2 Olympics were watched as much as possible but again, too much sport for me to actually pay close attention. So that brings me to 2008. I have been watching so much Olympics that when I finally was able to pull myself away from the TV to eat, I was craving Chinese food. Thanks to Jessica for running out to House of Hong for some yummy Kung Pao Chicken :)

So, which sports have kept me sleepless??? Well, it of course started out with the opening ceremonies. You have to start it out right. Just hearing the music and watching the presentation brought me to tears. The tears continued for a different reason as the camara kept glancing at George W, probably wishing he had a hot dog and some nachos. Despite that, the ceremony was amazing. First up, fencing. I think I would definitely take that sport up. You get to wear a sweet Tin Man suit that lights up while tagging your opponent with a sabre (I think that is what the sword is called). And to top it off, you get to yell and taunt after you hit them. One match to 15...nice, quick and sweet.

After fencing, I watched a little air rifle before I set the Tivo and went to sleep. The next morning brought 8 hours of recorded bliss. A little women's soccer and some women's hoops (Go Sue!!!) for breakfast. That was a quick meal as they worked the Czechs. Some women's volleyball, Logan Tom is an animal. A little bit of women's beach volleyball. Not my favorite team of Misty and Karri, yet still dominating. And of course, men's hoops. I am really hoping the guys live up to their name, The Redeem Team.

As you can see, I could go on and on about my two week sport-a-thon but I am thinking I should go ahead and wrap it up. If you need me, I will either be at work or in front of the TV watching the Americans' work. I am still trying to figure out a way to get a TV into my office at work so I can watch Phelps continue his Olympic run for 8 gold medals!!!! So, that is all for now....gotta direct my attention to Beijing.

ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM.

85 miles of pure joy

So when does pain = joy? In my life....finishing the last 300 hundred test the beginning of your senior year, getting a deep tissue massage, brain freezes from sno cones, getting a tattoo and exerting your body for a good cause, just to name a few. Although, I didn't really feel the pain of the last one, I know some pretty sweet people that did. Last weekend I attended, and some of my best friends rode, in the 85 mile Double Day Bike Ride for ALS. I really didn't know what to think when I first arrived Saturday morning at the crack of dawn. Jessica, Enji, Kimmie, Cori, Carly and I road tripped an hour north to the Skagit Valley to embark on this adventure. We reached Conway School, set up our little tent city on the soccer field and started to get registered for the ride. Soon to follow were Heather, Jennie and Takiyah. As over 200 riders showed up, I was amazed to see so many people gathered for one cause. I mean, I guess I wasn't surprised but it was a little overwhelming to know that all of these people were affected in one way or another by the same thing, that damn 3 letter acronym.

As the crew took off into the morning I was greeted by a long lost friend, Miss PB herself. I was so overjoyed to see my good friend from high school, Anna Peters. To be honest, it has been so long since I was connected to my high school years. Once I left Littleton I guess unintentionally I became disconnected from that world. Anyways, Anna and I caught up on old times, places and faces and waited for my parents to show up. Once they did, the four of us took off to catch up with the biker beauties. After a few wrong turns and some much needed gas we caught them in the town of La Conner. The bikers were about halfway finished with the ride and most of my team was in good spirits and ready to get going. Jessica seemed a little pooped and by the look of her smile, probably wanted to stick around with us and eat lunch. But I know her well and I know there was no giving up. She continued on and my parents, Anna and I went to lunch. The food was good, the wine better....you can even ask my shoes, right mom :) We walked around a little more and then set off to catch the bikers.

After passing a few we finally made it to the finish line to welcome everyone home. Well except Heather, she is an iron woman and beat us all. She quickly packed up and headed back to Seattle so she could make it to church the next morning. After some R&R and a couple of beers, courtesy of Alex, we all headed to the school where a huge pasta dinner was awaiting us. I was wishing that I had burned enough calories to actually gorge myself with pasta but obviously not. I decided to splurge anyways....I figured the calories wouldn't count this weekend. The food was great as well as the banquet and presentations. There were prizes, like the Almond Roca that Kimmie won and the prizes that Boline and Alex missed because they were not there to claim them...next year guys. And there was also tears. To hear the stories of the brave people that ALS has overcome and their unstoppable family members that ride to keep their memories alive, were enough to fill the room with tears and tissues. There was obviously not a dry eye in the place and it didn't help when Jessica stood up and spoke for me. Every time I know that my story is going to be told, by me or others, I think this is going to be the time that my emotions do not spill over. Welp, it wasn't this one....I was boohooing just like everyone else. The night ended with dessert and laughter but emotions definitely ran wild throughout the weekend.

We finished off the night with a campfire, smores, big booty and a couple safety meetings had by the pres, vice pres and secretary ;) The next morning was wet and cold but the pancakes and rubber eggs filled Enj, Cori, Carly and Kimmie's stomachs and prepared them for day 2 of the ride. 45 more miles through rain, hills all on top of already aching butts. The crew made it, a couple of them with police escorts. Despite the rain and cold, the second day's scenery was beautiful. I found a couple of vacation homes on the lake that I will be buying once I nab the winning lotto ticket.

The ALS double day was incredible. My friends and everyone that I met there are AMAZING! The acceptance I gained over my disability and illness are unparalleled. Thank you to everyone that attended, donated, prayed and supported myself, the riders and the families. Can't wait to see everyone at the next event...whether it be next year or in the near future. HUGE THANKS!!!

So a few days after the ride, I talked with my friends who sacrificed their butts and asked how they felt. A few of them said that their legs or rears were sore. A couple had a little bit of a sun burn. And all of them said that they had a lot of joy. Joy that wasn't found artificially in front of a TV or by the greatness of retail therapy. Joy that was found when people sacrificed their body for someone who is no longer able to do if for themselves. Joy that definitely derived from pain.

Testing....1, 2, 3....

Ok, so let me figure this little blogging thing out....I honestly only have a couple of minutes cause it is late and I have to work tomorrow. First....MAJOR shout outs to Arista, Betty and Stone Soup. Without them...I would still be writing with a pen and paper :) So, there is lots to say but you guys are gonna have to be patient cause my eyes are closing. And, let's be honest, no one has this address yet, so really I am the only one reading this. Unless, peeps are catching up weeks later.

So good night for now and more to come. THANK YOU ARISTA!!!!