runrunkitkat is packing up and leaving Blogger.
This move kinda came on sooner than I'd planned, but no need to fear, I'm not ending my blog.
We have our own website that we're in the process of updating post-wedding. It will eventually include a 'todd & katie blog', and in order to streamline things, my personal blog is joining the website. You know, keep the family together and happy. Plus, my blog gets a new look, something I've been wanting to do for quite awhile.
So this is my last post at runrunkitkat.blogspot.com. I'm not leaving with any party or sendoff, just plain and simple, keep on following me at my new site and you won't even notice anything has changed.
Be sure to add http://toddandkatie.com/katiesblog/ to your daily blog readings!
Adieu! See you soon!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Flashback Monday Funday
As I was running by the UW football stadium on Saturday morning, the air was permeated with the smells of bacon and the enthusiastic cheers and laughs of college students who sacrificed sleep for tailgating time.
It made me nostalgic for my days of college football tailgating. While I don't miss it so much that I want to be out drinking beer and eating burgers with them, it did make me remember all the great memories I made with friends and fellow Wildcat fans during my 4.5 years at K-State. Tailgating was an important part of my college days-- behavior I'll never go back to-- but something I have such fond memories of.
I especially recalled the morning several of us woke up at 4:30 am (unheard of for normal college students) to walk to the stadium and wait for an hour behind the barricades......sprint to the stadium gates.....stampede down the stairs to get prime spots....and then wait another 2 or 3 hours for the live broadcast of ESPN's College Gameday from Manhattan, KS to begin. (yeah, this was back when our team was ranked in the Top 10...not so much the case in recent years)
I'm pretty sure my friends and I never got on tv, but who cares? We were part of a faithful following of crazy fans who devoted our Saturdays to supporting our team.
I went back through my photo albums for some good memories.
Freshman year tailgating before the 2000 Big 12 Championship vs. OU.
I was a cheerleader at heart. But I was too tall and about 30 pounds too heavy to make the real squad.
Junior year tailgating with girlfriends.
One of my senior years :) with my brother in his notorious I Eta Pi gameday apparel.
Hard to believe some of those were 8 years ago.
Eat 'em up, beat 'em up, K-S-U!
It made me nostalgic for my days of college football tailgating. While I don't miss it so much that I want to be out drinking beer and eating burgers with them, it did make me remember all the great memories I made with friends and fellow Wildcat fans during my 4.5 years at K-State. Tailgating was an important part of my college days-- behavior I'll never go back to-- but something I have such fond memories of.
I especially recalled the morning several of us woke up at 4:30 am (unheard of for normal college students) to walk to the stadium and wait for an hour behind the barricades......sprint to the stadium gates.....stampede down the stairs to get prime spots....and then wait another 2 or 3 hours for the live broadcast of ESPN's College Gameday from Manhattan, KS to begin. (yeah, this was back when our team was ranked in the Top 10...not so much the case in recent years)
I'm pretty sure my friends and I never got on tv, but who cares? We were part of a faithful following of crazy fans who devoted our Saturdays to supporting our team.
I went back through my photo albums for some good memories.
Freshman year tailgating before the 2000 Big 12 Championship vs. OU.
I was a cheerleader at heart. But I was too tall and about 30 pounds too heavy to make the real squad.
Junior year tailgating with girlfriends.
One of my senior years :) with my brother in his notorious I Eta Pi gameday apparel.
Hard to believe some of those were 8 years ago.
Eat 'em up, beat 'em up, K-S-U!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
We make a great pair
I get to enjoy a 10 mile run on a lovely fall day.
He gets to sleep in until 10:30.
I decided to go back to my old 'stomping ground'. Its been awhile since I've ran the Lake Union Loop and up through UW on the Burke Gilman trail. It was nice, the sun came out and all the vibrant leaves made for a colorful start to the day.
We're off to tour several apartments today. Should be fun.
He gets to sleep in until 10:30.
I decided to go back to my old 'stomping ground'. Its been awhile since I've ran the Lake Union Loop and up through UW on the Burke Gilman trail. It was nice, the sun came out and all the vibrant leaves made for a colorful start to the day.
We're off to tour several apartments today. Should be fun.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The other girl
You know those little things you avoid talking about because bringing up that subject always ends in disagreements? (ie: I don't talk to my husband for hours...yep, that's me, totally passive-agressive)
That 800 pound gorilla sitting in the room?
The thing that you can't seem to discuss without getting frustrated?
*hand raised real high*
Yeah.
We have one subject that we tiptoe around.
Her name is Silvia.
Todd talks about her every once in awhile, shows pictures of them when they were younger, smiles as he remembers all the wonderful times they had together. She was there for him in high school and college, he even moved her to Seattle when he got a job up here. She was perhaps his first love. I think our best man's toast was more about her than me.
In the years that we dated, Todd started spending less time with her, and she eventually just sat by and stayed mostly out of the way. Never made a move to win back the title of his favorite girl.
But I know she's still around. Sometimes he even reminds me just how close Silvia and I are in his ranking of favorite things. Thankfully I always rank just a wee bit above her.
Oh yeah, Silvia is a car.
You may think "Its just a car, why get so irrational over it?" Ah, yes, excellent question.
But to fully explain this, I'd have to go back in time to when my Dad began collecting his cars (no time for that- it would take an entire book to tell about all of his cars). And then my brother followed in his footsteps. I've seen the stress it causes my mother and sister-in-law. I never wanted that for myself.
But sometimes, things work out in ways you never wished for. I fell in love with a man who loves cars. Just like the other two favorite men in my life.
*sigh*
I suppose I could learn to love Silvia if I'd have the chance to actually go for a ride in her or drive her somewhere, but instead she has been locked in a storage unit for the past several years. Gathering mold. Going nowhere. She has no seats. No battery. And her rent is not cheap. I liken it to flushing your money down the toilet every month. What is the use in having a car that doesn't run? Why not get rid of it? Touchy subject indeed.
This past weekend, much to my delight, we put Silvia on a trailer and hauled her off to Idaho where she can be close to her grandparents.
We can go visit her whenever we want, which makes Todd happy. And we're paying 75% less each month for storage, which makes me happy. Perhaps we can put that money to good use and get her some parts.
And sell her. Muahahahahaaa!
I kid, I kid. I know how much he loves her. And as long as he loves me more, I'm fine if they stay friends and keep in touch every once in awhile..
That 800 pound gorilla sitting in the room?
The thing that you can't seem to discuss without getting frustrated?
*hand raised real high*
Yeah.
We have one subject that we tiptoe around.
Her name is Silvia.
Todd talks about her every once in awhile, shows pictures of them when they were younger, smiles as he remembers all the wonderful times they had together. She was there for him in high school and college, he even moved her to Seattle when he got a job up here. She was perhaps his first love. I think our best man's toast was more about her than me.
In the years that we dated, Todd started spending less time with her, and she eventually just sat by and stayed mostly out of the way. Never made a move to win back the title of his favorite girl.
But I know she's still around. Sometimes he even reminds me just how close Silvia and I are in his ranking of favorite things. Thankfully I always rank just a wee bit above her.
Oh yeah, Silvia is a car.
You may think "Its just a car, why get so irrational over it?" Ah, yes, excellent question.
But to fully explain this, I'd have to go back in time to when my Dad began collecting his cars (no time for that- it would take an entire book to tell about all of his cars). And then my brother followed in his footsteps. I've seen the stress it causes my mother and sister-in-law. I never wanted that for myself.
But sometimes, things work out in ways you never wished for. I fell in love with a man who loves cars. Just like the other two favorite men in my life.
*sigh*
I suppose I could learn to love Silvia if I'd have the chance to actually go for a ride in her or drive her somewhere, but instead she has been locked in a storage unit for the past several years. Gathering mold. Going nowhere. She has no seats. No battery. And her rent is not cheap. I liken it to flushing your money down the toilet every month. What is the use in having a car that doesn't run? Why not get rid of it? Touchy subject indeed.
This past weekend, much to my delight, we put Silvia on a trailer and hauled her off to Idaho where she can be close to her grandparents.
We can go visit her whenever we want, which makes Todd happy. And we're paying 75% less each month for storage, which makes me happy. Perhaps we can put that money to good use and get her some parts.
And sell her. Muahahahahaaa!
I kid, I kid. I know how much he loves her. And as long as he loves me more, I'm fine if they stay friends and keep in touch every once in awhile..
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
War.....what is it good for?
I have recently become a huge fan of this website. Can't remember how I discovered it, but it's a slight addiction right now.
Kitten War
Even if you don't like kittens so much (*cough* jamie), you have to admit this is pretty cute. I do feel bad having to make one of the kittens a 'loser', but like the site states "all our kittens are winners really...".
I even submitted a picture of our beloved Miles McCool (may he rest in peace), but either it's still pending approval or the judges have decided he isn't 'kitten' enough.
After all, he was maybe 12 (he never would reveal his real age to us) when the picture was taken, so that would qualify him more for the ElderlyCats War if they had a website for that.
He's still a winner in my heart. Look at that ornery face. Even in his last days he was a playful, happy dude.
Vote for Miles McCool in 2008!
[That's the most political you'll ever hear me be]
Kitten War
Even if you don't like kittens so much (*cough* jamie), you have to admit this is pretty cute. I do feel bad having to make one of the kittens a 'loser', but like the site states "all our kittens are winners really...".
I even submitted a picture of our beloved Miles McCool (may he rest in peace), but either it's still pending approval or the judges have decided he isn't 'kitten' enough.
After all, he was maybe 12 (he never would reveal his real age to us) when the picture was taken, so that would qualify him more for the ElderlyCats War if they had a website for that.
He's still a winner in my heart. Look at that ornery face. Even in his last days he was a playful, happy dude.
Vote for Miles McCool in 2008!
[That's the most political you'll ever hear me be]
Monday, October 13, 2008
the number for today is 7.
Now that I have a little extra free time on my hands....no wedding planning or projects to fuss over, no full-time job to be bored at all day...I've taken this opportunity to get back to my love of training for races.
The annual Seattle Marathon is coming up quickly at the end of November, and since I enjoyed the 1/2 marathon last year, I really wanted to run it again this year. This will be my 7th half marathon, but the first one that I'll be running a 2nd time. My training won't be as gradual as I would like since I just basically started training about 8.5 weeks out, but I'll make it work as long as it doesn't kill my legs.
So far, so good.
This past weekend was sunny and lovely, we got to drive the convertible with the top down 2 days in a row!–- A rare statement for October in Seattle.
But I especially took advantage of the wonderful fall weather to do a long run yesterday afternoon. I'd planned on going 6 but decided to just push it a little further and run to meet up with Todd at a coffee shop he was going to be doing some work at. I like to call it the 'lake-to-sound-to-steep steps-to coffee' run.
It ended up being 7.7 miles, surprisingly at an 8:28 pace. And that was including all the annoying stop lights along the way and the painfully steep stairclimb through Pike Place market you see there right before mile 7.
Ugh.
But those stairs are so worth it after running along my new favorite spot. This is the second run I've taken down through the Olympic Sculpture park and along the Puget Sound through Myrtle Edwards and Elliot Bay parks.
It humbles and amazes me each time–- that we live in such a beautiful city and yet are just a quick run away from nature's grandeur. The sun was hovering just above the Olympic mountains and lit up the water like fire. It makes a long run so much easier when you can watch the boats sail by and the waves crash on the rocks. I wish I'd had my camera.
I finished up at Uptown Espresso where Todd was, then we walked home, stopping at the grocery store for a couple items so I could make tacos for dinner. What a great way to finish out a lovely weekend.
The annual Seattle Marathon is coming up quickly at the end of November, and since I enjoyed the 1/2 marathon last year, I really wanted to run it again this year. This will be my 7th half marathon, but the first one that I'll be running a 2nd time. My training won't be as gradual as I would like since I just basically started training about 8.5 weeks out, but I'll make it work as long as it doesn't kill my legs.
So far, so good.
This past weekend was sunny and lovely, we got to drive the convertible with the top down 2 days in a row!–- A rare statement for October in Seattle.
But I especially took advantage of the wonderful fall weather to do a long run yesterday afternoon. I'd planned on going 6 but decided to just push it a little further and run to meet up with Todd at a coffee shop he was going to be doing some work at. I like to call it the 'lake-to-sound-to-steep steps-to coffee' run.
It ended up being 7.7 miles, surprisingly at an 8:28 pace. And that was including all the annoying stop lights along the way and the painfully steep stairclimb through Pike Place market you see there right before mile 7.
Ugh.
But those stairs are so worth it after running along my new favorite spot. This is the second run I've taken down through the Olympic Sculpture park and along the Puget Sound through Myrtle Edwards and Elliot Bay parks.
It humbles and amazes me each time–- that we live in such a beautiful city and yet are just a quick run away from nature's grandeur. The sun was hovering just above the Olympic mountains and lit up the water like fire. It makes a long run so much easier when you can watch the boats sail by and the waves crash on the rocks. I wish I'd had my camera.
I finished up at Uptown Espresso where Todd was, then we walked home, stopping at the grocery store for a couple items so I could make tacos for dinner. What a great way to finish out a lovely weekend.
Friday, October 10, 2008
a glimmer of hope
If there's one thing I never understood about my husband (hmmm...still feels a little weird calling him that), it is his odd eating preferences. Or, mostly his dislikes. Seafood, tomatoes, mushrooms, feta cheese, etc....and STRAWBERRIES!??!
*GASP!*
I'm the strawberry girl, after all! My birth announcements were strawberries that said 'its strawberry season and we picked a sweet one'.
awwwwwww.....how cute is that?
They've always been my #1 favorite food, and to find out recently that he's "not too fond of strawberries" was a major shock to my system and everything I've ever believed. God really led me to marry this man??
But learning his eating habits, I've realized how fortunate I was growing up.
My grandpa and dad would take us fishing and we'd clean and fry up that day's catch. Catching a fish with caviar (not the fancy expensive type, mind you, this was pond fish) was a special treat and my brother and I would fight over the little yellow egg packets. My grandparents were all farmers and gardeners so fresh veggies and fruits were what we ate on a daily basis. We prepped for the winters by canning and freezing the summer's produce.
At the time, I thought it was such a pain to have to pick the corn, shuck the corn, clean the corn, cook the corn, can the corn, freeze the corn....now I miss that.
My mom always did such a great job of fixing meals with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, giving us a varied, well developed flavor palate. Plus, if I didn't eat my food, my brother would scarf it down and there was no peanut butter and jelly sandwich waiting for me instead.
Back to my original point....my seafood disliking husband. This has been an ongoing struggle for me since we've lived in the same city and I've been cooking for us. We are blessed to live in one of the best places to get fresh seafood in the world. Even so, we don't frequent many seafood restaurants, except on special occasions or when friends/family come to town.
I make this sacrifice in hopes that some day he'll realize he loves seafood. I leave my sushi eating to going out with friends. Besides, I can find some decent seafood in restaurants where he can have his chicken and beef. It's not always so easy the other way around.
I've been limited on what I cook for dinners. No tomato based products either (this is equally as difficult....i LOVE my parents' garden grow cherry tomatoes, those things are like candy to me).
Well yesterday I didn't feel like having chicken again. Didn't want to walk to the grocery store in the rain. But I did have some frozen Tilapia I'd picked up at Trader Joe's awhile back. I'd mostly intended to save it for when we're not able to eat dinner together, then I'd make it for myself.
Should I make fish? This was my dilemma for awhile and when he called me, I tiptoed around how to tell him I was thinking of making fish for dinner.
"I'm wondering if you..."
"What if I make, um..."
Oh for goodness sakes, he's your husband, he can eat it or make his own food!
"Is it okay if I make fish for dinner tonight?"
"Yeah hun, that sounds good."
What a sweetheart :) I love him.
I made fish. It was delicious. And he even said he liked it.
There's a bright glimmer of hope even in the darkest places....
*GASP!*
I'm the strawberry girl, after all! My birth announcements were strawberries that said 'its strawberry season and we picked a sweet one'.
awwwwwww.....how cute is that?
They've always been my #1 favorite food, and to find out recently that he's "not too fond of strawberries" was a major shock to my system and everything I've ever believed. God really led me to marry this man??
But learning his eating habits, I've realized how fortunate I was growing up.
My grandpa and dad would take us fishing and we'd clean and fry up that day's catch. Catching a fish with caviar (not the fancy expensive type, mind you, this was pond fish) was a special treat and my brother and I would fight over the little yellow egg packets. My grandparents were all farmers and gardeners so fresh veggies and fruits were what we ate on a daily basis. We prepped for the winters by canning and freezing the summer's produce.
At the time, I thought it was such a pain to have to pick the corn, shuck the corn, clean the corn, cook the corn, can the corn, freeze the corn....now I miss that.
My mom always did such a great job of fixing meals with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, giving us a varied, well developed flavor palate. Plus, if I didn't eat my food, my brother would scarf it down and there was no peanut butter and jelly sandwich waiting for me instead.
Back to my original point....my seafood disliking husband. This has been an ongoing struggle for me since we've lived in the same city and I've been cooking for us. We are blessed to live in one of the best places to get fresh seafood in the world. Even so, we don't frequent many seafood restaurants, except on special occasions or when friends/family come to town.
I make this sacrifice in hopes that some day he'll realize he loves seafood. I leave my sushi eating to going out with friends. Besides, I can find some decent seafood in restaurants where he can have his chicken and beef. It's not always so easy the other way around.
I've been limited on what I cook for dinners. No tomato based products either (this is equally as difficult....i LOVE my parents' garden grow cherry tomatoes, those things are like candy to me).
Well yesterday I didn't feel like having chicken again. Didn't want to walk to the grocery store in the rain. But I did have some frozen Tilapia I'd picked up at Trader Joe's awhile back. I'd mostly intended to save it for when we're not able to eat dinner together, then I'd make it for myself.
Should I make fish? This was my dilemma for awhile and when he called me, I tiptoed around how to tell him I was thinking of making fish for dinner.
"I'm wondering if you..."
"What if I make, um..."
Oh for goodness sakes, he's your husband, he can eat it or make his own food!
"Is it okay if I make fish for dinner tonight?"
"Yeah hun, that sounds good."
What a sweetheart :) I love him.
I made fish. It was delicious. And he even said he liked it.
There's a bright glimmer of hope even in the darkest places....
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
A New Leaf
I've been meaning to blog everyday since we've returned from our honeymoon, but obviously, have failed to do so. I have too much to blog about, but I'm torn between what I want to blog about. And torn between where I want my blog to go. What started solely as a running blog became a random update site on my new experiences living halfway across the country from friends and family. And frankly, I think my mom is the only family member who even reads it! Thanks mom, love ya.
So I'm looking to do something different with this blog.
Maybe change the name. Definitely change the look at some point. Blog more frequently for sure. Maybe focus on blogging about more varied, intimate details of my daily life.
I read A LOT of blogs out there, so I have a tremendous amount of inspiration (which also shows me where i'm seriously lacking in having an interesting blog).
I keep up on my friends' blogs, wedding blogs, design blogs, photography, travel, culinary, spiritual, financial.....it's funny how my blogrolls have grown as my life has changed. I read only a couple running blogs now and have started reading more food and finance blogs as an attempt to be a good wife and set up a budget for our family.
But I'm first and foremost drawn to the wedding and design blogs b/c I consider that a form of research for work.
Yes, if I didn't officially previously mention it, I quit my 9-5 job at an ad agency to pursue my passion of having my own customized stationery design business. So I'm not sure if that's where I'll take this blog right now, or start a new one specifically for that, but I'm thinking all these things through while I get back into the groove of blogging about my new married life.
stay tuned....
So I'm looking to do something different with this blog.
Maybe change the name. Definitely change the look at some point. Blog more frequently for sure. Maybe focus on blogging about more varied, intimate details of my daily life.
I read A LOT of blogs out there, so I have a tremendous amount of inspiration (which also shows me where i'm seriously lacking in having an interesting blog).
I keep up on my friends' blogs, wedding blogs, design blogs, photography, travel, culinary, spiritual, financial.....it's funny how my blogrolls have grown as my life has changed. I read only a couple running blogs now and have started reading more food and finance blogs as an attempt to be a good wife and set up a budget for our family.
But I'm first and foremost drawn to the wedding and design blogs b/c I consider that a form of research for work.
Yes, if I didn't officially previously mention it, I quit my 9-5 job at an ad agency to pursue my passion of having my own customized stationery design business. So I'm not sure if that's where I'll take this blog right now, or start a new one specifically for that, but I'm thinking all these things through while I get back into the groove of blogging about my new married life.
stay tuned....
Monday, September 15, 2008
MARRIED!
Just a quick post to announce that we're married!!
Everything went fabulously and I could not have imagined a more awesome day. I'll get around to posting more pictures later, but for now, I'll focus on enjoying our honeymoon in San Francisco (I already had a yummy In-n-Out burger and strawberry milk shake...MMMM!).
Everything went fabulously and I could not have imagined a more awesome day. I'll get around to posting more pictures later, but for now, I'll focus on enjoying our honeymoon in San Francisco (I already had a yummy In-n-Out burger and strawberry milk shake...MMMM!).
Sunday, September 07, 2008
4 states down....4 to go.
Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming....check, check, check, check.
We made it to Spearfish, South Dakota late last night and found a hotel room to crash at. After 13 hours of driving (or, riding, in my case) and 800 miles, I was eager to get some good sleep and realign my back.
Highlights from the day of driving include, but are not limited to:
-Crossing the Clark Fork river 15 times.
-Winning another bet against our friend Erin for not seeing any signs for hamburgers for over 30 miles.
-75 mph speed limits!
-Getting to listen to the K-State football game while driving through Montana State country, the team we were playing and eventually beat 69-10. It's not often that K-State games are broadcast out in Seattle, so that was a pleasant surprise.
-Being a couple weeks too late to attend the Testicle Festival in Montana. Thank goodness!
We're getting ready to hit the road again and make it through South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and 7 miles into Kansas, where I'll finally feel like we're 'home'.
We made it to Spearfish, South Dakota late last night and found a hotel room to crash at. After 13 hours of driving (or, riding, in my case) and 800 miles, I was eager to get some good sleep and realign my back.
Highlights from the day of driving include, but are not limited to:
-Crossing the Clark Fork river 15 times.
-Winning another bet against our friend Erin for not seeing any signs for hamburgers for over 30 miles.
-75 mph speed limits!
-Getting to listen to the K-State football game while driving through Montana State country, the team we were playing and eventually beat 69-10. It's not often that K-State games are broadcast out in Seattle, so that was a pleasant surprise.
-Being a couple weeks too late to attend the Testicle Festival in Montana. Thank goodness!
We're getting ready to hit the road again and make it through South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and 7 miles into Kansas, where I'll finally feel like we're 'home'.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Goldie's Last Hurrah
I write this from the front seat of my car, Goldie. Just for safety's concern, I should clarify that I'm in the passenger seat, NOT the driver's seat.
Todd, Goldie, my dress Bella, and I are making the long haul back to Kansas City for our wedding (also our luggage and about 5 boxes of wedding stuff). Yes, my dress has a name--she has a personality all her own and she's taking up most of the back seat.
Our road trip will be a quick one, as we're eager to get back and get things ready and rollin'. We left Seattle this afternoon and are currently driving to Todd's parents' house in Idaho where we'll have yummy greek food for dinner and spend the night.
Tomorrow we'll drive through to Rapid City, South Dakota and then Sunday we'll drive to my parents' house in small town northeast Kansas and then rolling into Kansas City on Monday. I'm excited that we are able to include stops at both parents' and spend a little bit of time with them before things get too excitingly hectic.
Should be fun. I'll probably post more during this trip than I have the past month :) Enjoy.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
These past couple of weeks have left me with very minimal time to do any worthwhile blogging, but I figured I'd leave an update now, lest I don't get around to it any other time within the next week.
Someone once told me that 3 of the biggest changes you'll experience in a lifetime are:
1. Getting Married
2. Moving
3. Starting a new Job
Well, I'm doing all 3 of those (kinda) within the next two weeks. I'm not STARTing a new job, but I am quitting my current job and figuring out what to do next with my occupational life.
Tonight, we're moving my stuff out of my apartment and into Todd's. I am sad about this, as I've loved living in my Eastlake studio the past year. It was the only year in my life that I lived completely by myself. No parents or siblings or roommates. (not saying I liked it MORE than living with others, it was just different) The location was perfect to jump on several of my favorite running routes, and I was just a 3 block walk to Lake Union. I'll miss it.
But its bittersweet, as I'm moving my things to start my married life together with Todd. For that, I'm uberly excited and it makes moving a little less painful.
As one can imagine, it's a little stressful around these parts, but thankfully work is not busy any more since I'm phasing myself out of there, so I get to do the majority of my wedding communcation during work hours :)
Just looking forward to getting everything finalized and seeing our family and friends together for our wedding!
Someone once told me that 3 of the biggest changes you'll experience in a lifetime are:
1. Getting Married
2. Moving
3. Starting a new Job
Well, I'm doing all 3 of those (kinda) within the next two weeks. I'm not STARTing a new job, but I am quitting my current job and figuring out what to do next with my occupational life.
Tonight, we're moving my stuff out of my apartment and into Todd's. I am sad about this, as I've loved living in my Eastlake studio the past year. It was the only year in my life that I lived completely by myself. No parents or siblings or roommates. (not saying I liked it MORE than living with others, it was just different) The location was perfect to jump on several of my favorite running routes, and I was just a 3 block walk to Lake Union. I'll miss it.
But its bittersweet, as I'm moving my things to start my married life together with Todd. For that, I'm uberly excited and it makes moving a little less painful.
As one can imagine, it's a little stressful around these parts, but thankfully work is not busy any more since I'm phasing myself out of there, so I get to do the majority of my wedding communcation during work hours :)
Just looking forward to getting everything finalized and seeing our family and friends together for our wedding!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
One Month
The real countdown is on.
30 days until the wedding. One month.
Which means 22 days until we load up the car and drive back to Kansas. Oddly enough, I'm really looking forward to that part. I think it will be a great pre-wedding stress reliever, driving through beautiful Washington, Idaho, Montana,Wyoming...South Dakota...Iowa...Nebraska...well, the beautiful scenery kinda starts to dwindle halfway through the trip but still, I'm looking forward to it. At least we won't be driving a 17 foot UHaul pulling a car trailer, like we did on my move to Seattle last year.
No UHaul = faster driving, the ability to listen to music of our choice, less gas (not to mention, having to physically squeeze the gas pump handle while the truck filled up for 10 minutes) and not feeling like the engine is going to explode going down the mountain roads.
In the meantime, I keep running, packing up my apartment, and trying to enjoy this time while its here.
30 days until the wedding. One month.
Which means 22 days until we load up the car and drive back to Kansas. Oddly enough, I'm really looking forward to that part. I think it will be a great pre-wedding stress reliever, driving through beautiful Washington, Idaho, Montana,Wyoming...South Dakota...Iowa...Nebraska...well, the beautiful scenery kinda starts to dwindle halfway through the trip but still, I'm looking forward to it. At least we won't be driving a 17 foot UHaul pulling a car trailer, like we did on my move to Seattle last year.
No UHaul = faster driving, the ability to listen to music of our choice, less gas (not to mention, having to physically squeeze the gas pump handle while the truck filled up for 10 minutes) and not feeling like the engine is going to explode going down the mountain roads.
In the meantime, I keep running, packing up my apartment, and trying to enjoy this time while its here.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Best News of My Day!
How I have not heard about this sooner, I don't know, but my friend Aubrey sent me this link today. Rock 'n Roll Marathon is coming to Seattle!
Next June. I'm marking it on my calendar now.
I'm extremely excited because ever since Rock 'n Roll San Diego, I've always wanted to run another RNR marathon to redeem myself from the shin injury. Right now, I'll aim for the full marathon, but if Aubrey runs the half, I might join her in that. Regardless, this makes me very happy.
Next June. I'm marking it on my calendar now.
I'm extremely excited because ever since Rock 'n Roll San Diego, I've always wanted to run another RNR marathon to redeem myself from the shin injury. Right now, I'll aim for the full marathon, but if Aubrey runs the half, I might join her in that. Regardless, this makes me very happy.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
crunched
Time keeps on ticking ticking ticking....
Lately, I’ve found it difficult to find any time to do anything that I really need to do. My to-do list grows everyday and I can’t seem to get anything checked off. 39 days until our wedding, which means 31 days until we drive back to KS, which means I need more than 24 hours in a day.
I’m trying to focus on keeping myself healthy, getting rest, not getting stressed out, but it’s getting more difficult every day. I’m not happy at my job, so I’m stressed about what to do next. I’m maxed out with planning, but I should enjoy this time since it only happens once. I found myself recently succumbing to everything and sobbing my way down the street. I hate it when I’m in a weird funk. It’s not fair to Todd and it’s not healthy for me.
I do somehow manage to keep finding time for my gym classes and my running. It’s the best stress reliever I have. I’ve built my way back up to 5 miles, though at this point, I have no goals of running any races before October. There is a 10K in nearby Woodinville wine country in 2 weeks that I would like to do, but it’s also the morning that our friends are throwing us a couples’ shower. So I pick the shower fun over the 10K run, of course!
This past weekend I wrangled Todd into going with me to watch the Blue Angels perform. We took the bus to the Mt. Baker neighborhood above the I-90 tunnel and had some great views over the performance over Lake Washington. At some points, they even flew so close to use you could see the pilots (I think one winked at me). It was awesome! We caught some of the Sunday show while we were doing some shopping in SODO, so it was neat to get a different vantage point. I want to be an acrobatic pilot now.
Can’t wait until they’re back at SeaFair next year!
Lately, I’ve found it difficult to find any time to do anything that I really need to do. My to-do list grows everyday and I can’t seem to get anything checked off. 39 days until our wedding, which means 31 days until we drive back to KS, which means I need more than 24 hours in a day.
I’m trying to focus on keeping myself healthy, getting rest, not getting stressed out, but it’s getting more difficult every day. I’m not happy at my job, so I’m stressed about what to do next. I’m maxed out with planning, but I should enjoy this time since it only happens once. I found myself recently succumbing to everything and sobbing my way down the street. I hate it when I’m in a weird funk. It’s not fair to Todd and it’s not healthy for me.
I do somehow manage to keep finding time for my gym classes and my running. It’s the best stress reliever I have. I’ve built my way back up to 5 miles, though at this point, I have no goals of running any races before October. There is a 10K in nearby Woodinville wine country in 2 weeks that I would like to do, but it’s also the morning that our friends are throwing us a couples’ shower. So I pick the shower fun over the 10K run, of course!
This past weekend I wrangled Todd into going with me to watch the Blue Angels perform. We took the bus to the Mt. Baker neighborhood above the I-90 tunnel and had some great views over the performance over Lake Washington. At some points, they even flew so close to use you could see the pilots (I think one winked at me). It was awesome! We caught some of the Sunday show while we were doing some shopping in SODO, so it was neat to get a different vantage point. I want to be an acrobatic pilot now.
Can’t wait until they’re back at SeaFair next year!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Say Cheeeeeese!
I realize I mentioned several times that I would follow up a couple of my posts with pictures. Well, I lost my camera USB cord and just found it last night, so here’s a recap of some of my summer so far, in pictures.
Todd with his parents- riding the Seattle Streetcar
Todd with my parents— our wooden boat ride on Lake Union
Me- sailing the ship. (this is the only picture where I'm not eating my hair.)
Aye Aye, captain!
A view of my apartment from Lake Union (or near proximity of my place)
my pieced-together panoramic view of GasWorks Park
My awesome birthday present from Todd, a Mac Mini. I named him Cooper. And pretty birthday flowers from my NY friend Kaddie.
Kayaking fun!
Followed by some yummy mexican food at Agua Verde cafe
Agua Verde Paddle Club
Oddly, in all these photos it is cloudy. I think it's because they're from June, which was an oddly cool/cloudy month. Apparently I don't carry my camera on sunny days....oh, and I guess it didn't help that I had no more storage space left on my memory stick.
Additionally....I ran 3 miles Monday and 3.5 miles this morning with no foot problems.
We're heading back to Kansas early tomorrow morning for several bridal showers and final wedding vendor meetings. Should be lots of fun, though I'm kinda dreading the heat!
Todd with his parents- riding the Seattle Streetcar
Todd with my parents— our wooden boat ride on Lake Union
Me- sailing the ship. (this is the only picture where I'm not eating my hair.)
Aye Aye, captain!
A view of my apartment from Lake Union (or near proximity of my place)
my pieced-together panoramic view of GasWorks Park
My awesome birthday present from Todd, a Mac Mini. I named him Cooper. And pretty birthday flowers from my NY friend Kaddie.
Kayaking fun!
Followed by some yummy mexican food at Agua Verde cafe
Agua Verde Paddle Club
Oddly, in all these photos it is cloudy. I think it's because they're from June, which was an oddly cool/cloudy month. Apparently I don't carry my camera on sunny days....oh, and I guess it didn't help that I had no more storage space left on my memory stick.
Additionally....I ran 3 miles Monday and 3.5 miles this morning with no foot problems.
We're heading back to Kansas early tomorrow morning for several bridal showers and final wedding vendor meetings. Should be lots of fun, though I'm kinda dreading the heat!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Two months
We have passed the two month countdown to the wedding. It’s starting to get real. And very busy.
Thankfully, the invitations are out of my hands now, and I’m excited to say that I’ve already finished one project for someone after they saw the invitations I made. A PAID project, I should add. I like to think of this as a small stepping stone on my path to someday having my own design business.
I hate it when I go too long without blogging. There’s too much to try and have a full recap and nothing seems as special as it was when it recently happened. So, I’ll just pick up with this past weekend and move forward from here.
Having my longest running hiatus since my stress fracture, I was beginning to think I was slowly morphing my way into being one of those people who don’t run. It was a frightening thought. But I didn’t want to further injure myself, so I waited. And waited. I learned to love the boxing and strength training classes at my gym, but still felt guilty being inside when the summer in Seattle is so perfect.
Saturday, after 5 weeks of waiting, I ran. I ended up going about 2.5 miles and my foot did not hurt. Congratulations, self.
Saturday was also the annual Microsoft Company picnic, so Todd and I caught a bus to the campus and hopped on a charter bus to the picnic site at the base of Mount Si. This is no picnic site like you’d find in a park. This is acres upon acres of free games and food and entertainment. It turned out to be a great day and while we had fun, it’s probably our last company picnic for several years.
Sunday was fun day. After church we took a drive in the convertible to my favorite cherry stand by Snoqualmie. $1 per basket! Yummy yummy cherries. $7 later I was a happy girl.
But by far, the best part of the day was the slip-n-slide soiree hosted by our friends Ryan and Aubrey. There were about 15 of us frolicking around enjoying the sunny day. But this was no ordinary slide, this was a surf-n-slide, with a small surfboard you were ‘supposed’ to slide on. While that didn’t fare too well for most of us, we found other ways to entertain ourselves and finished the day with some tasty bbq. Oh, to be young and carefree again……
Thankfully, the invitations are out of my hands now, and I’m excited to say that I’ve already finished one project for someone after they saw the invitations I made. A PAID project, I should add. I like to think of this as a small stepping stone on my path to someday having my own design business.
I hate it when I go too long without blogging. There’s too much to try and have a full recap and nothing seems as special as it was when it recently happened. So, I’ll just pick up with this past weekend and move forward from here.
Having my longest running hiatus since my stress fracture, I was beginning to think I was slowly morphing my way into being one of those people who don’t run. It was a frightening thought. But I didn’t want to further injure myself, so I waited. And waited. I learned to love the boxing and strength training classes at my gym, but still felt guilty being inside when the summer in Seattle is so perfect.
Saturday, after 5 weeks of waiting, I ran. I ended up going about 2.5 miles and my foot did not hurt. Congratulations, self.
Saturday was also the annual Microsoft Company picnic, so Todd and I caught a bus to the campus and hopped on a charter bus to the picnic site at the base of Mount Si. This is no picnic site like you’d find in a park. This is acres upon acres of free games and food and entertainment. It turned out to be a great day and while we had fun, it’s probably our last company picnic for several years.
Sunday was fun day. After church we took a drive in the convertible to my favorite cherry stand by Snoqualmie. $1 per basket! Yummy yummy cherries. $7 later I was a happy girl.
But by far, the best part of the day was the slip-n-slide soiree hosted by our friends Ryan and Aubrey. There were about 15 of us frolicking around enjoying the sunny day. But this was no ordinary slide, this was a surf-n-slide, with a small surfboard you were ‘supposed’ to slide on. While that didn’t fare too well for most of us, we found other ways to entertain ourselves and finished the day with some tasty bbq. Oh, to be young and carefree again……
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Missing Miles
This post is hard to write while I sit at work, but I don't want to wait, lest I end up not blogging at all. While the title could be interpreted as my 10 day absence from running, that's not the 'miles' i'm writing about.
This is:
Miles McCool Harris.
Todd adopted Miles from a rescue shelter about 4 years ago. They were constant companions, and when Todd decided to make the big leap and move to Seattle, Miles went along too. I first met Miles via ichat when Todd and I started dating long distance. We would wave at each other, and then he'd dart off into his favorite paper bag like a bolt of lightning. We finally met feet-to-whiskers 2 years ago and I like to think that he immediately took a liking to me. (perhaps he just was glad to have a female around)
I knew how much Miles meant to Todd, so when I eventually moved to Seattle and spent a couple of unemployed months staying with them, I learned to put aside my dislike of cat hair everywhere and the occasional vomit cleanup. They welcomed me with open arms (and paws) and we became a family. Miles and I spent every day together. He'd welcome me home from a run and lick the salty sweat off my forehead. He gladly helped me job search, perching on my shoulder like a parrot.
And he even did pilates with me...he liked it so much that he felt the need to use my mat as his own mat/bed/scratch pad. I knew we'd be buddies for life when I woke up in the middle of the night and found him sitting on my chest, watching me sleep. It became a comforting nightly ritual.
This past December, Miles started showing signs of sickness and the vet diagnosed him with kidney failure and feline AIDS. And to our surprise, apparently he was much older than we'd thought. For the past six months, Miles was on a strict kidney food diet, several medications, and we (eventually just Todd) gave him a subcutaneous electrolyte drip several times a week.
Despite these setbacks, his health seemed to improve and he was living out his ninth life to the fullest. This cat had more toys and blankets than I have shoes and purses. He had full run of the apartment.
But it’s so quiet there now.
Yesterday, we took Miles to the vet, knowing that we wouldn't be bringing him back home. I've never had to watch a family pet put to sleep. Growing up, our pets got ran over by tractors, trucks, disappeared into the night or ran off to another farm. Yesterday was just plain awful. You try telling yourself its for the best, don't be selfish and keep him around if he's in pain. We did the right thing. But it's hard.
No more Miles sitting on the window sill staring out at the Space Needle. No Miles to come greet us when we walk in the door, with his meowing that seemed to say "i've missed you, i'm so glad you're here, pet me." No Miles to sit on my face while I sleep at night, or sprawl out on my legs as if they're his own territory. No Miles to whisper secrets into my ears or hold a semi-intelligent conversation with (believe me, he could talk). No Miles to tear around the apartment at the speed of light. No more games of hide-n-seek. No Miles to get his head stuck in a water glass and make a sloppy mess.
It's cleaner in the apartment now. But I don't like it one bit.
I miss Miles.
This is:
Miles McCool Harris.
Todd adopted Miles from a rescue shelter about 4 years ago. They were constant companions, and when Todd decided to make the big leap and move to Seattle, Miles went along too. I first met Miles via ichat when Todd and I started dating long distance. We would wave at each other, and then he'd dart off into his favorite paper bag like a bolt of lightning. We finally met feet-to-whiskers 2 years ago and I like to think that he immediately took a liking to me. (perhaps he just was glad to have a female around)
I knew how much Miles meant to Todd, so when I eventually moved to Seattle and spent a couple of unemployed months staying with them, I learned to put aside my dislike of cat hair everywhere and the occasional vomit cleanup. They welcomed me with open arms (and paws) and we became a family. Miles and I spent every day together. He'd welcome me home from a run and lick the salty sweat off my forehead. He gladly helped me job search, perching on my shoulder like a parrot.
And he even did pilates with me...he liked it so much that he felt the need to use my mat as his own mat/bed/scratch pad. I knew we'd be buddies for life when I woke up in the middle of the night and found him sitting on my chest, watching me sleep. It became a comforting nightly ritual.
This past December, Miles started showing signs of sickness and the vet diagnosed him with kidney failure and feline AIDS. And to our surprise, apparently he was much older than we'd thought. For the past six months, Miles was on a strict kidney food diet, several medications, and we (eventually just Todd) gave him a subcutaneous electrolyte drip several times a week.
Despite these setbacks, his health seemed to improve and he was living out his ninth life to the fullest. This cat had more toys and blankets than I have shoes and purses. He had full run of the apartment.
But it’s so quiet there now.
Yesterday, we took Miles to the vet, knowing that we wouldn't be bringing him back home. I've never had to watch a family pet put to sleep. Growing up, our pets got ran over by tractors, trucks, disappeared into the night or ran off to another farm. Yesterday was just plain awful. You try telling yourself its for the best, don't be selfish and keep him around if he's in pain. We did the right thing. But it's hard.
No more Miles sitting on the window sill staring out at the Space Needle. No Miles to come greet us when we walk in the door, with his meowing that seemed to say "i've missed you, i'm so glad you're here, pet me." No Miles to sit on my face while I sleep at night, or sprawl out on my legs as if they're his own territory. No Miles to whisper secrets into my ears or hold a semi-intelligent conversation with (believe me, he could talk). No Miles to tear around the apartment at the speed of light. No more games of hide-n-seek. No Miles to get his head stuck in a water glass and make a sloppy mess.
It's cleaner in the apartment now. But I don't like it one bit.
I miss Miles.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fight it
plantar fasciitis. ugh.
It started hurting last Friday, but already by Saturday I was itching to go for a long run. I figured I’d just step out for a mile or two and see how it felt. The first four miles were me running on my right forefoot, avoiding pressure on the heel. Yes, I ‘tested it out’ for FOUR miles...but it didn’t hurt while I was running so I kept going. And then, factor in the lovely day and pain free running, I decided to go another four miles and bump up my total to eight.
Part of this decision had to do with me having my bridal gown fitting that evening. But part of me wanted to keep increasing my long run mileage.
That I did.
And come Sunday morning, I was majorly regretting it. (one would think that with all the lower extremity running injuries I’ve had, I would learn sooner rather than later that it takes rest to heal....unless you know how stubborn I am. Then it makes perfect sense why I ran.)
Although, I don’t think that running two miles or eight miles would’ve made much of a difference in the pain level. It flat out hurt. I stood on one foot or leaned on Todd during church and scooted around on a shopping cart at Target, but most of the day was spent trying to avoid putting any pressure on it.
And no, I haven’t gone to the doctor. I told myself that I would not run on it the rest of the week, then I’d see how it is on Saturday.
While I feel like my 8 mile long run is now a waste, I do want my foot to heal so I decided to experience some new alternative workouts to running. I went to yoga and kickbox/bootcamp classes this week that made my muscles the sorest they’ve been in a long time. Love that feeling!
Now, it's up to me to decide whether or not to restrain myself from running this weekend.....but it's supposed to be really nice out....must. fight. the. urge.
It started hurting last Friday, but already by Saturday I was itching to go for a long run. I figured I’d just step out for a mile or two and see how it felt. The first four miles were me running on my right forefoot, avoiding pressure on the heel. Yes, I ‘tested it out’ for FOUR miles...but it didn’t hurt while I was running so I kept going. And then, factor in the lovely day and pain free running, I decided to go another four miles and bump up my total to eight.
Part of this decision had to do with me having my bridal gown fitting that evening. But part of me wanted to keep increasing my long run mileage.
That I did.
And come Sunday morning, I was majorly regretting it. (one would think that with all the lower extremity running injuries I’ve had, I would learn sooner rather than later that it takes rest to heal....unless you know how stubborn I am. Then it makes perfect sense why I ran.)
Although, I don’t think that running two miles or eight miles would’ve made much of a difference in the pain level. It flat out hurt. I stood on one foot or leaned on Todd during church and scooted around on a shopping cart at Target, but most of the day was spent trying to avoid putting any pressure on it.
And no, I haven’t gone to the doctor. I told myself that I would not run on it the rest of the week, then I’d see how it is on Saturday.
While I feel like my 8 mile long run is now a waste, I do want my foot to heal so I decided to experience some new alternative workouts to running. I went to yoga and kickbox/bootcamp classes this week that made my muscles the sorest they’ve been in a long time. Love that feeling!
Now, it's up to me to decide whether or not to restrain myself from running this weekend.....but it's supposed to be really nice out....must. fight. the. urge.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Weather wonders
It's June here, and when the rest of the country seems to be sweating their way through summer temps, us Seattleites have been pulling out our already-boxed-up-until-next-winter sweaters and finding ways to convince ourselves the sun will come out tomorrow. or the next day. or the next. or maybe in July.
I was on my lunch break, sitting on a bench reading a book when a strange light shone down on me, creating an odd warming sensation on my head. It seems so long since I've felt this presence, it took me several seconds to realize....the SUN!
The sun is out and it's a good day in Seattle.
On a less sunny note....my alma mater was hit by a tornado last night. The city (ok, more like 'large town') of Manhattan, Kansas, and the Kansas State University campus suffered an extensive blow. Storm damage on campus alone is believed to excede $20 million.
from wibw.com
I'm thankful that it is summer semester and not as many students are in town, but looking at the pictures I have seen posted online, I can only be saddened that the place I called home for 4 (and 1/2) years is now in shambles. While they're resilient and they'll rebuild, I'm sure thoughts and prayers would be appreciated. And if you'd like to help with a donation: K-State Tornado Relief
I was on my lunch break, sitting on a bench reading a book when a strange light shone down on me, creating an odd warming sensation on my head. It seems so long since I've felt this presence, it took me several seconds to realize....the SUN!
The sun is out and it's a good day in Seattle.
On a less sunny note....my alma mater was hit by a tornado last night. The city (ok, more like 'large town') of Manhattan, Kansas, and the Kansas State University campus suffered an extensive blow. Storm damage on campus alone is believed to excede $20 million.
from wibw.com
I'm thankful that it is summer semester and not as many students are in town, but looking at the pictures I have seen posted online, I can only be saddened that the place I called home for 4 (and 1/2) years is now in shambles. While they're resilient and they'll rebuild, I'm sure thoughts and prayers would be appreciated. And if you'd like to help with a donation: K-State Tornado Relief
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Numbers
100.
100 days. Yesterday marked 100 days until our wedding. While I’m not yet freaking out, I am much more aware of all the overwhelming things I need to do in 100 days. Well, 99 days now. and counting. Oh goodness.
26.
Shout out to J-Gib, my Gemini twin. Today is her 26th birthday. Saturday is my 26th birthday. Two years ago we celebrated our ‘Sweet Sixteen and a half’ birthdays together. I think everyone, except for the two of us, was confused as to why we called it that. Uh…16+(1/2 of 16)=24. We thought it was clever.
I was on crutches and painkillers as a result of my marathon shin fracture debacle, but I’ll always cherish that birthday. Hopping around like a disabled princess, yet surrounded by friends.
10
10 hours of driving in Todd's car is not comfortable. I felt like a crumpled up piece of paper by the time I got out of the car. We made a 'quick' 5-hour drive to Idaho for his Uncle Ken's memorial service and had to turn around and get back to Seattle without much time to rest. But I'm glad we went, I only met Ken two years ago, but there was never a dull moment when in his presence. We'll miss Uncle Ken and his great sense of humor (and homemade wine). It helped me reflect on my own friends and family who've left us all too early, but as someone perfectly stated it yesterday, we experience these hardships so that we can come to know God and appreciate the life he's blessed us with. Amen to that.
Todd bought me 2 pounds of cherries, 3 pounds of apricots, 1 cantaloupe, 5 apples and 1 bundle of asparagus at one of the roadside fruitstands that dot the landscape in Middle-Washington. I should do something great and make a pie or cobbler, but likely will just end up snacking on them and giving myself a tummyache. Totally worth it!
100 days. Yesterday marked 100 days until our wedding. While I’m not yet freaking out, I am much more aware of all the overwhelming things I need to do in 100 days. Well, 99 days now. and counting. Oh goodness.
26.
Shout out to J-Gib, my Gemini twin. Today is her 26th birthday. Saturday is my 26th birthday. Two years ago we celebrated our ‘Sweet Sixteen and a half’ birthdays together. I think everyone, except for the two of us, was confused as to why we called it that. Uh…16+(1/2 of 16)=24. We thought it was clever.
I was on crutches and painkillers as a result of my marathon shin fracture debacle, but I’ll always cherish that birthday. Hopping around like a disabled princess, yet surrounded by friends.
10
10 hours of driving in Todd's car is not comfortable. I felt like a crumpled up piece of paper by the time I got out of the car. We made a 'quick' 5-hour drive to Idaho for his Uncle Ken's memorial service and had to turn around and get back to Seattle without much time to rest. But I'm glad we went, I only met Ken two years ago, but there was never a dull moment when in his presence. We'll miss Uncle Ken and his great sense of humor (and homemade wine). It helped me reflect on my own friends and family who've left us all too early, but as someone perfectly stated it yesterday, we experience these hardships so that we can come to know God and appreciate the life he's blessed us with. Amen to that.
Todd bought me 2 pounds of cherries, 3 pounds of apricots, 1 cantaloupe, 5 apples and 1 bundle of asparagus at one of the roadside fruitstands that dot the landscape in Middle-Washington. I should do something great and make a pie or cobbler, but likely will just end up snacking on them and giving myself a tummyache. Totally worth it!
Monday, June 02, 2008
busybusy bee
Busy busy bee....that's me.
June is here! Without a doubt, my favorite month of the year.
It's the transition from spring to summer— when the days are long and the cool breeze blows in through the open windows while I'm sleeping. It's prime-time strawberry season. My #1 favorite berry. Yes, that's correct, I have an entire list of my favorite berry rankings. Perhaps I'll share that with you someday. And of course, it's my birthday month! No additional explanation for excitement needed there.
As I mentioned in my last post, it's been a busy couple of weeks, with my friend Cat and my parents all visiting back-to-back.
Some favorite highlights of mine include our multi-restaurant 'sushi crawl', going kayaking in Portage Bay, Espresso martinis at Chandler's, my first Mariners' game (and my annual eating of a hot dog), sailing in a 19th century wooden boat on Lake Union and having both Todd and my parents in town to meet for the first time. And that's only the short list— I'll try to round up some pictures to post later.
I love having visitors— showing them my beloved adopted city and even experiencing new things myself— but I'm in serious need of some 'katie time'. I need to enjoy it while I can before wedding prep chaos takes over.
Then I'll be crazy bee. I'm sure all around me are looking forward to that. MuahahaHAHAHAAA!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Cheese & Cat
There comes a point in one person’s life when they can’t possible eat any more cheese.
This happened to me Saturday at the Cheese Festival. But what was I to do? There was a plethora of cheese for the sampling....bleus, feta, cheddar, goat, brie, camembert, chevre, gouda, fontina, mozzarella, stilton, swiss....ah, the list could go on and on, and those are just the more common names I remember ingesting. I can’t even remember what my favorite one was called, because I was herded on to the next cheese station before I could take note.
The downside of the Cheese Festival
1. Hordes of people packed together scrounging for free cheese in the 85 degree heat. Sweaty claustrophia.
2. My stomach couldn’t even make it through two tents. I missed out on at least 4 others.
3. Sunburn. Red. Pain.
The upside of the Cheese Festival
1. Mmmm....cheese.
2. Enjoying the vibrant Seattle culinary scene with Todd, Aubrey & Ryan.
3. Pike Place Market on a sunny day is one of my favorite places to be.
Despite our gluttony on cheese, we still made a dessert stop at our favorite cheesecake shop, The Confectional. I restrained myself from a yummy individual cheesecake and had a delicious caramel cheesecake truffle instead. I convinced myself (fairly easily) that the entire day's cheese overload was deserved after my morning 5-mile run.
My best friend Catherine is coming today for a six day visit! I’m so excited and I don’t want to be stuck at work right now, but at least I have a four day weekend to spend with her. I’m not sure what all we’ll do in addition to the touristy stuff, but there’s sure to be sushi and wine and a wedding dress fitting and a jog or two along the lake together.
This happened to me Saturday at the Cheese Festival. But what was I to do? There was a plethora of cheese for the sampling....bleus, feta, cheddar, goat, brie, camembert, chevre, gouda, fontina, mozzarella, stilton, swiss....ah, the list could go on and on, and those are just the more common names I remember ingesting. I can’t even remember what my favorite one was called, because I was herded on to the next cheese station before I could take note.
The downside of the Cheese Festival
1. Hordes of people packed together scrounging for free cheese in the 85 degree heat. Sweaty claustrophia.
2. My stomach couldn’t even make it through two tents. I missed out on at least 4 others.
3. Sunburn. Red. Pain.
The upside of the Cheese Festival
1. Mmmm....cheese.
2. Enjoying the vibrant Seattle culinary scene with Todd, Aubrey & Ryan.
3. Pike Place Market on a sunny day is one of my favorite places to be.
Despite our gluttony on cheese, we still made a dessert stop at our favorite cheesecake shop, The Confectional. I restrained myself from a yummy individual cheesecake and had a delicious caramel cheesecake truffle instead. I convinced myself (fairly easily) that the entire day's cheese overload was deserved after my morning 5-mile run.
My best friend Catherine is coming today for a six day visit! I’m so excited and I don’t want to be stuck at work right now, but at least I have a four day weekend to spend with her. I’m not sure what all we’ll do in addition to the touristy stuff, but there’s sure to be sushi and wine and a wedding dress fitting and a jog or two along the lake together.
Friday, May 16, 2008
new kicks
Behold, my shiny new Adrenalines.
I took them for their first run last night and I have no complaints. They felt great, looked great, and had the right amount of support and cushioning. While my heel didn't give me any problems, my knee did start hurting after two miles, I think that's just because I took some time off and probably should've done a shorter, slower run. But it was so gorgeous out so I wanted to get in at least a three mile run. And I was kinda crunched for time so I had to run faster. This is somewhat logical thinking, right?
I ran to Gas Works park via Eastlake/Burke Gilman trail. Lots of people were out running, playing frisbee, taking engagement photos, flying kites, doing some weird trapeze artistry.......
It's my favorite park in Seattle, set on a hill at the north end of Lake Union where there used to be a gas manufacturing plant. With a picturesque view of downtown, its a great place to watch the sailboats and seaplanes come and go.
I stopped there briefly to enjoy the view, then looped back to Trader Joe's to conclude my 'grocery run', where I discovered a new favorite treat— the Pinachio cookie, made with pistachios and white chocolate chunks. MMMMmm!
Tomorrow is the Seattle Cheese Festival, we're hoping to meet up with some friends and partake in some yummy cheese and wine.
I took them for their first run last night and I have no complaints. They felt great, looked great, and had the right amount of support and cushioning. While my heel didn't give me any problems, my knee did start hurting after two miles, I think that's just because I took some time off and probably should've done a shorter, slower run. But it was so gorgeous out so I wanted to get in at least a three mile run. And I was kinda crunched for time so I had to run faster. This is somewhat logical thinking, right?
I ran to Gas Works park via Eastlake/Burke Gilman trail. Lots of people were out running, playing frisbee, taking engagement photos, flying kites, doing some weird trapeze artistry.......
It's my favorite park in Seattle, set on a hill at the north end of Lake Union where there used to be a gas manufacturing plant. With a picturesque view of downtown, its a great place to watch the sailboats and seaplanes come and go.
I stopped there briefly to enjoy the view, then looped back to Trader Joe's to conclude my 'grocery run', where I discovered a new favorite treat— the Pinachio cookie, made with pistachios and white chocolate chunks. MMMMmm!
Tomorrow is the Seattle Cheese Festival, we're hoping to meet up with some friends and partake in some yummy cheese and wine.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
undetermined
I’ve been away for awhile. Not so much physically away, but more so mentally.
We had some layoffs at my company, which cut my department in half and left me with twice the workload. The last two weeks were unbearably crazy, but thankfully this week has slowed down and allowed me time to breathe.
I reorganized my cube, hung some engagement photos, traded in my office chair for an exercise ball (I’ve only fallen over once), and adopted a couple of plants.
I feel as though I’m in dire need of a vacation. Not just a lazy weekend or a random day off of work, a REAL vacation. With complete freedom to do whatever I want to do and not worry about deadlines and to-do lists.
We went to Idaho last weekend to visit Todd’s parents, and for the next three weeks, we have a steady stream of friends/family visiting. (which I LOVE, don’t get me wrong. I’d even love more people to visit Seattle!)
It’s just that I think I’m fed up with my job and ready to be done with it and do something I enjoy. Still trying to figure out what that will be.
My running seems to have taken a vacation though. I’ve had a sore heel for over a week. And I'm doing my best to go against my normal way of dealing with injuries—which is to keep on running anyways— and give it some decent rest to heal before I start 'training' for some undetermined summer race.
In good news, my co-worker’s girlfriend works at Brooks Running headquarters and got me some new shoes with a sweet discount, plus she threw in two pairs of free shorts. I love free swag.
With the lovely weather today and through this weekend, I’m hoping to get in some pain-free runs. Oooh, and maybe go kayaking! Have a picnic! Something fun in the sun. With sunscreen, of course. I don't mind the recent cloudy, cool Seattle weather, but it's always exciting to see the sun come out to play.
We had some layoffs at my company, which cut my department in half and left me with twice the workload. The last two weeks were unbearably crazy, but thankfully this week has slowed down and allowed me time to breathe.
I reorganized my cube, hung some engagement photos, traded in my office chair for an exercise ball (I’ve only fallen over once), and adopted a couple of plants.
I feel as though I’m in dire need of a vacation. Not just a lazy weekend or a random day off of work, a REAL vacation. With complete freedom to do whatever I want to do and not worry about deadlines and to-do lists.
We went to Idaho last weekend to visit Todd’s parents, and for the next three weeks, we have a steady stream of friends/family visiting. (which I LOVE, don’t get me wrong. I’d even love more people to visit Seattle!)
It’s just that I think I’m fed up with my job and ready to be done with it and do something I enjoy. Still trying to figure out what that will be.
My running seems to have taken a vacation though. I’ve had a sore heel for over a week. And I'm doing my best to go against my normal way of dealing with injuries—which is to keep on running anyways— and give it some decent rest to heal before I start 'training' for some undetermined summer race.
In good news, my co-worker’s girlfriend works at Brooks Running headquarters and got me some new shoes with a sweet discount, plus she threw in two pairs of free shorts. I love free swag.
With the lovely weather today and through this weekend, I’m hoping to get in some pain-free runs. Oooh, and maybe go kayaking! Have a picnic! Something fun in the sun. With sunscreen, of course. I don't mind the recent cloudy, cool Seattle weather, but it's always exciting to see the sun come out to play.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Goin' to Kansas City
Kansas City, here I come!
We're off to our homeland before the sun even rises, catching a 4:30am bus to the airport. Ugh. Who planned that?
Oh yeah, I did.
I had to, in order to get the most out of our short visit, packed with wedding vendor meetings, a couple's communication class at the church, tux/bridesmaid dress fittings, and squeezing in as much time as possible with family and a few friends.
That's the bad thing about going back home. I love making the trip, but it's impossible to see everybody I want to, or even try to see everyone with all the other items to check off the to-do list. And this time more than any previous, it seems like there's a gazillion to-do items.
It's a weird mix of fun and stress, but I'm excited for it and wouldn't want to spend the next four days any other way.
My brother said we can play Nerf gun war :-)
We're off to our homeland before the sun even rises, catching a 4:30am bus to the airport. Ugh. Who planned that?
Oh yeah, I did.
I had to, in order to get the most out of our short visit, packed with wedding vendor meetings, a couple's communication class at the church, tux/bridesmaid dress fittings, and squeezing in as much time as possible with family and a few friends.
That's the bad thing about going back home. I love making the trip, but it's impossible to see everybody I want to, or even try to see everyone with all the other items to check off the to-do list. And this time more than any previous, it seems like there's a gazillion to-do items.
It's a weird mix of fun and stress, but I'm excited for it and wouldn't want to spend the next four days any other way.
My brother said we can play Nerf gun war :-)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
Since moving to Seattle, I’ve become more eco- friendly, sometimes without even making a conscious effort to do so. Compared to the Midwest, it seems people here are much more concerned about the environment and aware of taking measures to protect it.
It's easy to see why Seattle is in the top 10 Greenest Cities in the U.S.
I love it. Living here encourages me to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, eat locally grown and/or organic foods, take public transporation, recycle, etc. I don’t even drive my car (Goldie) but once a week to bible study. Maybe twice a week if necessary, but sometimes Goldie sits undriven so long, I forget where I parked her.
I love being able to walk or ride the bus practically everywhere. Maybe I enjoy it because I was deprived of that option before. I love the bus. Or, as we prefer to call it....BOOSE!! (pronounced like goose)
My preferred method of grocery shopping involves me running to Trader Joe’s— with my cloth shopping bags rolled up and tucked under my arm like a football player—and catching a ride on the bus back home.
I realize in many places it’s difficult, maybe even impossible to walk to the store or work, but there are so many alternatives that you can do to be kind to Mother Earth.
-Reduce your shower time in order to save water
-Use non-disposable cups, plates, utensils and avoid using paper napkins/towels
-Get some reusable grocery bags, and if possible, tell store clerks you can do without a bag. Plastic bags are evil!
-Recycle, recycle, recycle
-Shop at your local farmer's market and buy locally grown produce that wasn't trucked in from clear across the country
It’s simple. Start small. We all have a long way to go, but even by changing just one small thing, you can help.
It's easy to see why Seattle is in the top 10 Greenest Cities in the U.S.
I love it. Living here encourages me to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, eat locally grown and/or organic foods, take public transporation, recycle, etc. I don’t even drive my car (Goldie) but once a week to bible study. Maybe twice a week if necessary, but sometimes Goldie sits undriven so long, I forget where I parked her.
I love being able to walk or ride the bus practically everywhere. Maybe I enjoy it because I was deprived of that option before. I love the bus. Or, as we prefer to call it....BOOSE!! (pronounced like goose)
My preferred method of grocery shopping involves me running to Trader Joe’s— with my cloth shopping bags rolled up and tucked under my arm like a football player—and catching a ride on the bus back home.
I realize in many places it’s difficult, maybe even impossible to walk to the store or work, but there are so many alternatives that you can do to be kind to Mother Earth.
-Reduce your shower time in order to save water
-Use non-disposable cups, plates, utensils and avoid using paper napkins/towels
-Get some reusable grocery bags, and if possible, tell store clerks you can do without a bag. Plastic bags are evil!
-Recycle, recycle, recycle
-Shop at your local farmer's market and buy locally grown produce that wasn't trucked in from clear across the country
It’s simple. Start small. We all have a long way to go, but even by changing just one small thing, you can help.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
no clever title here
1. NASC: I've gone 1 week of being artificial sweetener-free and I gotta say, it hasn't been difficult at all. With my main grocery stores being Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, that practically eliminates any chance of me purchasing products made with artificial sweeteners. The majority of items they carry are made with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, no MSG and no added Trans Fats. What did I ever do without a Trader Joe's??? I ate fake food, that's what.
2. Running: Last week was a great week for running, I put in 20 miles. 3 miles on the treadmill, 5.5 miles (around Lake Union, then to Trader Joe's for groceries), 3 miles on Thursday morning, and 8.7 miles on Friday evening since the weather was so nice. I figured I would do my long run on Friday instead of Saturday since we had a busy day planned.
Check out that early hill climb. The elevation chart doesn't even do it justice. It was a killer on my quads, but I knew it would be all downhill after mile 2 so that helped ease the pain.
3. Say Cheese: Saturday we met with our friends Chris and Laurie for a six-hour engagement photo excursion (with a break for Thai food in there somewhere). They have a professional-grade camera and were willing to put up with our nonsense so we took advantage of the lovely spring day and went to a few of Seattle's best locations for photo ops.
(I'll post some more pictures later when I get a chance)
Chris also had two tickets for a harbor cruise that they couldn't use, so Todd and I sailed off at 9 pm and spent three hours cruising around the Puget Sound with a bunch of 40-50 year olds. It was a great evening but we were both so wiped out from the day that we were ready to jump ship after an hour and go to sleep. Still, it was fun to go on a nighttime cruise and we spent some time just talking and entertaining ourselves with a game of who-knows-who best. I don't remember who won. Let's just say it was a tie.
2. Running: Last week was a great week for running, I put in 20 miles. 3 miles on the treadmill, 5.5 miles (around Lake Union, then to Trader Joe's for groceries), 3 miles on Thursday morning, and 8.7 miles on Friday evening since the weather was so nice. I figured I would do my long run on Friday instead of Saturday since we had a busy day planned.
Check out that early hill climb. The elevation chart doesn't even do it justice. It was a killer on my quads, but I knew it would be all downhill after mile 2 so that helped ease the pain.
3. Say Cheese: Saturday we met with our friends Chris and Laurie for a six-hour engagement photo excursion (with a break for Thai food in there somewhere). They have a professional-grade camera and were willing to put up with our nonsense so we took advantage of the lovely spring day and went to a few of Seattle's best locations for photo ops.
(I'll post some more pictures later when I get a chance)
Chris also had two tickets for a harbor cruise that they couldn't use, so Todd and I sailed off at 9 pm and spent three hours cruising around the Puget Sound with a bunch of 40-50 year olds. It was a great evening but we were both so wiped out from the day that we were ready to jump ship after an hour and go to sleep. Still, it was fun to go on a nighttime cruise and we spent some time just talking and entertaining ourselves with a game of who-knows-who best. I don't remember who won. Let's just say it was a tie.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Oh, the Glee!
Day 3 of my 'no artificial sweetener challenge' (NASC)
My biggest fear with NASC was that I wouldn't be able to go without gum.
I'm a gum addict.
I chew gum when I finish a meal or coffee drink. I chew when I'm bored or don't have any food handy. I chew when I workout. When I run. Practically the only time I don't chew is when I'm sleeping. That just seems too dangerous.
My favorite gum is Extra Polar Ice. I keep a stash of it on hand and make sure I have a pack in every purse or gym bag I carry. I frequently find gum in my bathroom, makeup bag, coat pockets, coffee table, shoes....it's like a special surprise everytime I find a forgotten pack.
So I went cold turkey. No gum. Ugh.
But wait! Just when I thought all hope was lost, (ok not even 24 hours had passed) I found this.
Imagine my glee (pun totally intended) when I discovered Glee.
It's all natural, no preservatives, or artificial flavors or sweeteners. Natural means that they use chicle, derived from the sap of a certain tree in Central America, which in turn, helps sustain the rain forest. Glee is good for everyone!
My only gripe with it is that the flavor doesn't last long, but it is good to chew following a meal. At least I won't have stinky breath. And I'm helping the rain forest, which isn't something you do by chewing Extra gum.
My biggest fear with NASC was that I wouldn't be able to go without gum.
I'm a gum addict.
I chew gum when I finish a meal or coffee drink. I chew when I'm bored or don't have any food handy. I chew when I workout. When I run. Practically the only time I don't chew is when I'm sleeping. That just seems too dangerous.
My favorite gum is Extra Polar Ice. I keep a stash of it on hand and make sure I have a pack in every purse or gym bag I carry. I frequently find gum in my bathroom, makeup bag, coat pockets, coffee table, shoes....it's like a special surprise everytime I find a forgotten pack.
So I went cold turkey. No gum. Ugh.
But wait! Just when I thought all hope was lost, (ok not even 24 hours had passed) I found this.
Imagine my glee (pun totally intended) when I discovered Glee.
It's all natural, no preservatives, or artificial flavors or sweeteners. Natural means that they use chicle, derived from the sap of a certain tree in Central America, which in turn, helps sustain the rain forest. Glee is good for everyone!
My only gripe with it is that the flavor doesn't last long, but it is good to chew following a meal. At least I won't have stinky breath. And I'm helping the rain forest, which isn't something you do by chewing Extra gum.
Monday, April 07, 2008
I'm not so sweet anymore
I'm giving myself a new challenge. It's part mental, part health-related.
I've decided to go a month without ingesting any artifical sweeteners. I've been known to carry around packets of Splenda with me, but I've been cutting back on my intake recently. And when I had some in my coffee yesterday, I realized what people mean when they say it leaves a 'chemical-like' taste. Plus, with all the possible medical side effects, I figure I might as well cut myself off now.
This means no diet soft drinks, no Splenda in my coffee.
In fact, I found a list of possible 'no' foods: Soft drinks, vitamin & herb supplements, yogurt, instant breakfasts, candy, breath mints, cereals, sugar-free chewing gum, cocoa mixes, coffee beverages, instant breakfasts, gelatin desserts, frozen desserts, juice beverages, laxatives, milk drinks, shake mixes, tabletop sweeteners, tea beverages, instant teas and coffees, topping mixes, wine coolers, etc.
Hmmm...perhaps I haven't thought this fully through. I'm fine with no diet soda and no Splenda, but....No gum?!! No sugar-free Jell-O? No more of my favorite yogurt?
I do like that this presents a definite challenge for me. I'll just have to be more aware of what I buy and I'll have to eat the real versions of certain foods. Because when you think about it, artificial sweeteners just make our foods fake. Not how God intended it.
I started my challenge today and I'm aiming for one month of non-sweetener life*. This could either be a good month— improving my health, eating more natural foods, etc. Or, this could be a bad month— bad breath, crankiness, weight gain....this list goes on and on.
I'm hoping it's the former.
*This does not include meals I can't control: eating out at restaurants and/or not knowing what specific ingredients are in foods.
I've decided to go a month without ingesting any artifical sweeteners. I've been known to carry around packets of Splenda with me, but I've been cutting back on my intake recently. And when I had some in my coffee yesterday, I realized what people mean when they say it leaves a 'chemical-like' taste. Plus, with all the possible medical side effects, I figure I might as well cut myself off now.
This means no diet soft drinks, no Splenda in my coffee.
In fact, I found a list of possible 'no' foods: Soft drinks, vitamin & herb supplements, yogurt, instant breakfasts, candy, breath mints, cereals, sugar-free chewing gum, cocoa mixes, coffee beverages, instant breakfasts, gelatin desserts, frozen desserts, juice beverages, laxatives, milk drinks, shake mixes, tabletop sweeteners, tea beverages, instant teas and coffees, topping mixes, wine coolers, etc.
Hmmm...perhaps I haven't thought this fully through. I'm fine with no diet soda and no Splenda, but....No gum?!! No sugar-free Jell-O? No more of my favorite yogurt?
I do like that this presents a definite challenge for me. I'll just have to be more aware of what I buy and I'll have to eat the real versions of certain foods. Because when you think about it, artificial sweeteners just make our foods fake. Not how God intended it.
I started my challenge today and I'm aiming for one month of non-sweetener life*. This could either be a good month— improving my health, eating more natural foods, etc. Or, this could be a bad month— bad breath, crankiness, weight gain....this list goes on and on.
I'm hoping it's the former.
*This does not include meals I can't control: eating out at restaurants and/or not knowing what specific ingredients are in foods.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Peep Fiction
On Wednesday, an office memo went out about the annual Peeps contest, so I sent out a request for ideas to my always ingenious Non-Blonde girls. They're four of my close friends from college that helped me through many a late night working on last-minute advertising projects. Now that we're all geographically separated with jobs and grad school, we resort to daily emails to keep each other entertained and bounce ideas off of one another.
They gave me some creative suggestions, and last night I rounded up supplies then Todd and I worked until early morning getting our project perfected. I've never had so much fun with cherry jelly.
Presenting.....'Peep Fiction'
They gave me some creative suggestions, and last night I rounded up supplies then Todd and I worked until early morning getting our project perfected. I've never had so much fun with cherry jelly.
Presenting.....'Peep Fiction'
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
My new favorite thing
I went to REI last night to buy Todd a new Nalgene water bottle since he's on a 'no soda' rule and I thought I'd make it easy on him so he could keep one at home and one at work. While there, I found my new favorite thing.
Introducing......my SIGG.
(only mine has the twist top, not the cap top)
SIGGs have many appeals, including:
1. The aluminum design is eco-friendly and doesn't leave a 'plasticy' taste. In fact, I think it makes the tap water taste better (that's probably all in my head though). And with recent studies claiming that plastic bottles can potentially leak toxins into their contents, I figure I'll do my best to avoid that risk.
2. Very cool graphic art exteriors and various lids to choose from.
(here are just a few)
3. They're made in Switzerland, and I'M made in Switzerland! Ok, technically, I wasn't MADE in Switzerland, but my maternal ancestors were, which makes me 1/2 Swiss.
I love all things Swiss...Swiss Cheese, Swiss Chocolate, Swiss Army knives, Swiss watches, Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa (although this isn't actually made by the Swiss, it's made by Nebraskans). And most importantly, the Swiss' neutrality during World Wars. Gotta respect that.
This is where I segue into my lifelong dream to travel to Switzerland....ever since I was little and my grandparents would talk about their ancestral land, I've wanted to go there and stay at a chalet and eat cheese and chocolate and play an alpenhorn while frolicking in the Alps in some lederhosen with my hair braided like Heidi. Someday, somehow I'll fulfill that dream. And I'll be sure to have my trusty SIGG by my side.
Introducing......my SIGG.
(only mine has the twist top, not the cap top)
SIGGs have many appeals, including:
1. The aluminum design is eco-friendly and doesn't leave a 'plasticy' taste. In fact, I think it makes the tap water taste better (that's probably all in my head though). And with recent studies claiming that plastic bottles can potentially leak toxins into their contents, I figure I'll do my best to avoid that risk.
2. Very cool graphic art exteriors and various lids to choose from.
(here are just a few)
3. They're made in Switzerland, and I'M made in Switzerland! Ok, technically, I wasn't MADE in Switzerland, but my maternal ancestors were, which makes me 1/2 Swiss.
I love all things Swiss...Swiss Cheese, Swiss Chocolate, Swiss Army knives, Swiss watches, Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa (although this isn't actually made by the Swiss, it's made by Nebraskans). And most importantly, the Swiss' neutrality during World Wars. Gotta respect that.
This is where I segue into my lifelong dream to travel to Switzerland....ever since I was little and my grandparents would talk about their ancestral land, I've wanted to go there and stay at a chalet and eat cheese and chocolate and play an alpenhorn while frolicking in the Alps in some lederhosen with my hair braided like Heidi. Someday, somehow I'll fulfill that dream. And I'll be sure to have my trusty SIGG by my side.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
....she was a showgirl
It's been awhile since I've posted about our Thursday Night Dinner Club outings, but with guests in town and conflicting schedules, we took a short hiatus. Well, we're back and we've gradually morphed into Friday Night Dinner Club– due to 50% of the club wanting to watch 'Lost' now that new episodes are airing (we are the other 50%). As a result, a fairly unanimous decision was made to change TNDC to FNDC (and by 'fairly unanimous', i mean that Aubrey and I made an executive decision without consulting Ryan and Todd).
This week's FNDC took us to Lola, a Greek-inspired restaurant that uses locally grown ingredients. Normally, it would be a bit out of our price range but being married to/dating Microsoft employees does have its occasional advantages– this time in the form of the Prime Card, which gives you a 'Buy one entree, get the second free' deal at numerous area restaurants, Lola being one of them. It's practically our only chance to eating fancy.
The Oregon Pinot Gris was yummy, and since Greek food is practically my favorite cuisine, I figured anything I ordered would be excellent. Lamb, hummus, feta, olives, scallops...those are like the best foods ever! I LOVE lamb and don't ever order steak (or even eat it more than maybe once a month), but the Washington Hanger Steak reeled me in and boy was it succulent! I would totally go back again, but I'm not sure that Todd would if it weren't for the Prime Card savings, since most of the menu is lamb, goat and seafood dishes. It's my ongoing struggle to get him to branch out and try foods other than chicken, cheese and coffee.
The one downside to eating at Lola? For the entire evening and most of the following day, I had Barry Manilow's Copacabana lyrics dancing through my head....
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there....
And now hopefully you have it in your head too. You're welcome. :)
This week's FNDC took us to Lola, a Greek-inspired restaurant that uses locally grown ingredients. Normally, it would be a bit out of our price range but being married to/dating Microsoft employees does have its occasional advantages– this time in the form of the Prime Card, which gives you a 'Buy one entree, get the second free' deal at numerous area restaurants, Lola being one of them. It's practically our only chance to eating fancy.
The Oregon Pinot Gris was yummy, and since Greek food is practically my favorite cuisine, I figured anything I ordered would be excellent. Lamb, hummus, feta, olives, scallops...those are like the best foods ever! I LOVE lamb and don't ever order steak (or even eat it more than maybe once a month), but the Washington Hanger Steak reeled me in and boy was it succulent! I would totally go back again, but I'm not sure that Todd would if it weren't for the Prime Card savings, since most of the menu is lamb, goat and seafood dishes. It's my ongoing struggle to get him to branch out and try foods other than chicken, cheese and coffee.
The one downside to eating at Lola? For the entire evening and most of the following day, I had Barry Manilow's Copacabana lyrics dancing through my head....
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there....
And now hopefully you have it in your head too. You're welcome. :)
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Blingaring
A little backstory:
When Todd proposed, he did so with a simple solitaire ring, and my first thought was "This is nothing like the design I had told him I liked, but oh well, it's still pretty". He explained that my 'real ring' was still being custom made so we went to the jewelry store to see what my ring would look like. And last week, I finally got the final product.....drumroll please.......
....*drumming sound*.....
He did well......very well.
When Todd proposed, he did so with a simple solitaire ring, and my first thought was "This is nothing like the design I had told him I liked, but oh well, it's still pretty". He explained that my 'real ring' was still being custom made so we went to the jewelry store to see what my ring would look like. And last week, I finally got the final product.....drumroll please.......
....*drumming sound*.....
He did well......very well.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
just keep swimming....just keep swimming
The engagement shock has worn off and I've turned into part-time, full-blown wedding planner extraordinaire (that's only somewhat of a contradiction). It's been one month and I have the church, reception venue, caterer and DJ all booked. My dress is bought and waiting for me in a secured vault at the seamstress.
The wedding planning is coming along quite swimmingly. The marathon planning, on the other hand.....that is swimming along like a cement block in Lake Union.
This is where I'm all out of whack— I haven't been able to balance the two very well. My running has suffered in the name of invitation designing and reception idea brainstorming. Tell you what— it's a good thing I am my own designer, because the bill for my hourly labor spent so far would be more than I spend on rent for the year.
And while I've been told "that's okay, you should enjoy this time of your life since it only happens once", I can't wholeheartedly agree with that. I NEED running. I NEED the escape, the fresh air, the energized feeling, the lack of guilt when I eat 4 Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. Seriously, what do they put in those things to make them so tasty and addicting?!?
So I've decided that while I have my 'Handy Dandy Little Wedding Planner Organizer' binder thingy, I need to get my 'You Are Going Running and There Will Be No Excuses' schedule thingy planned out so I stay focused on keeping myself (and everyone around me) sane.
The wedding planning is coming along quite swimmingly. The marathon planning, on the other hand.....that is swimming along like a cement block in Lake Union.
This is where I'm all out of whack— I haven't been able to balance the two very well. My running has suffered in the name of invitation designing and reception idea brainstorming. Tell you what— it's a good thing I am my own designer, because the bill for my hourly labor spent so far would be more than I spend on rent for the year.
And while I've been told "that's okay, you should enjoy this time of your life since it only happens once", I can't wholeheartedly agree with that. I NEED running. I NEED the escape, the fresh air, the energized feeling, the lack of guilt when I eat 4 Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. Seriously, what do they put in those things to make them so tasty and addicting?!?
So I've decided that while I have my 'Handy Dandy Little Wedding Planner Organizer' binder thingy, I need to get my 'You Are Going Running and There Will Be No Excuses' schedule thingy planned out so I stay focused on keeping myself (and everyone around me) sane.
Friday, February 15, 2008
My hand feels weird
Ah yes, the most exciting news of my year so far and I haven't even blogged about it yet. (but thanks to Mouse for prompting me too)
I'M GETTING MARRIED!
I'm still getting used to the whole 'engaged' thing and I'm not one of those people who announce it from the rooftops, so perhaps that's the reason why it has taken me nearly 2 weeks to blog about.
February 2nd started out as any normal Saturday....the sun was out and the city was bustling. I went for a late morning run while Todd went to the coffee shop. We walked downtown for a late lunch and then went to Pike Place Market, walked around for a bit and headed down to the Waterfront Park on Elliot Bay. He led me to a nice quiet spot and asked me to marry him.
I was so caught by surprise that the first thing I managed to say was "Are you serious?" A little voice inside my head was telling me "for goodness sakes make sure you tell him 'yes'!"
And so I said yes. I immediately called my parents (who didn't answer), so I called my brother who told us to go buy a disposable camera since neither of us had our cameras with us. The nearest store just happened to be Pirates Plunder, and even though I begged to get an eye patch, we just bought the camera and went back to the park for some snapshots.
With planning for a wedding sure to keep me preoccupied for the next seven months, I'm not sure if I'll have time to train for/run the Eugene Marathon. I know I'll definitely need something to ease my stress, but I don't think I'll be able to focus as much as desired on months-long training. Besides, I only get to be engaged once so I want to savor that as much as possible. I can always run Eugene another year.
I'M GETTING MARRIED!
I'm still getting used to the whole 'engaged' thing and I'm not one of those people who announce it from the rooftops, so perhaps that's the reason why it has taken me nearly 2 weeks to blog about.
February 2nd started out as any normal Saturday....the sun was out and the city was bustling. I went for a late morning run while Todd went to the coffee shop. We walked downtown for a late lunch and then went to Pike Place Market, walked around for a bit and headed down to the Waterfront Park on Elliot Bay. He led me to a nice quiet spot and asked me to marry him.
I was so caught by surprise that the first thing I managed to say was "Are you serious?" A little voice inside my head was telling me "for goodness sakes make sure you tell him 'yes'!"
And so I said yes. I immediately called my parents (who didn't answer), so I called my brother who told us to go buy a disposable camera since neither of us had our cameras with us. The nearest store just happened to be Pirates Plunder, and even though I begged to get an eye patch, we just bought the camera and went back to the park for some snapshots.
With planning for a wedding sure to keep me preoccupied for the next seven months, I'm not sure if I'll have time to train for/run the Eugene Marathon. I know I'll definitely need something to ease my stress, but I don't think I'll be able to focus as much as desired on months-long training. Besides, I only get to be engaged once so I want to savor that as much as possible. I can always run Eugene another year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
