Baby Fever

Realizing that this will be my 17th post in 17 days, I must admit I am a little shocked with myself. I know a few of my posts have been short, sweet and potentially borderline pathetic. But at least I have showed up and stayed committed to this NaBloPoMo thing. I do love to write and I am hoping that by doing this I will continue once the month of November is over. We shall see what happens. For now I will just focus on today's post.

When Chris and I first got married back in 2004 I was 26 years old. In fact we both were. Back then all my friends were married way before us and it seemed as though a new friend was popping out a little one every month. Clearly I am exaggerating, but at the time it seemed like a lot and I felt a lot of pressure that I had to start a family right away. We moved to Boston the week after we got married and it was there that any pressure I felt disappeared. 

Once we were settled in Boston, found a church and started making new friends, I started realizing that I was surrounded by couples older than us, none of whom had kids. We became good friends with a handful of them, and they were all older than us. The more time I spent with them, the more I felt at ease about our decision not to rush in to starting a family. It seems to be becoming more and more common these days for people to start families later. People used to make me feel like there was something wrong with me, or assume I didn't want kids and yes--on occasion--I have been told I am getting old. 

Truth be told, there is nothing wrong with me, we DO want kids and I am NOT old. Women are having kids later and later. I fully realize and understand things can become more difficult with age but I also know with the technology in our day and age it isn't as difficult as it once was. I am not concerned about my age. I truly believe if and when Chris and I are meant to be parents we will be. Whether I am 33 or 38. God already knows, so why question it? 

It seems these days I see babies EVERYWHERE! More than usual. It's like they seek me out. I can't even count how many people I know who have had babies in the past 6 months or are currently pregnant. In fact 2 of my best friends are due in the next week, one of whom is at the hospital as we speak waiting for her contractions to start after being induced today. So yeah, my baby fever is in full swing. 

Chris and I have enjoyed the past 7 years of our marriage--just us and of course our dog Belle. And we will continue to enjoy the way things are until the time comes when we add to our family. I think we are probably more ready now to start a family than any other time in our relationship. And no--that doesn't mean we are taking immediate steps to make that happen. It just means we are getting closer to taking that step. That being said, I would never trade one day of our lives together so far just the two of us. 

I need to get my health in check, my weight being a big part of that. I am not at a healthy weight, and I need to work harder to move myself towards that. I also still need to have surgery to have 2 benign lumps removed from my breasts. On top of that, I am due for a mammogram and hope things continue to be healthy in that regard. I need to take steps to make sure my health is where it should be, and then I can think about bringing a baby on board. 

I know whenever it happens for us that we will be beyond excited. I know Chris is ready to be a dad and what a wonderful dad he will be. He loves kids and equally they love him. And when I say kids equally love him, I am not messing around. There was a little girl in a highchair at Panera Bread two weeks ago that was literally just staring at him from across the room--even their parents were laughing about it! I am lucky and blessed to have him as my husband and our kids will be just as lucky to have him as their dad. 

And for the record this blog post isn't my secret way of dropping hints that we are pregnant or even that we are trying, because we aren't. I'm just simply letting you know we are thinking about it, so don't get all crazy on me. And if anyone tells me I am old and need to hurry up I will be forced to punch you in your face. 

I can't be the only one with baby fever? So fess up, who else is suffering from it? 

From Sherwood Park to Mumbai

Some of the greatest friendships are those that happen in the oddest of ways: a chance meeting, or a simple hello that turns in to a life long friendship. I have been blessed to have a few of those come my way. In fact that is exactly how I met the Queen. A chance meeting on a boat at a friends wedding. At the time she happened to be dating the best man. Thank goodness she was, because it allowed our paths to cross. To this day she is a very dear friend, and I am thankful to have her in my life. She herself met her best friend in line at a winery. That is the thing about friendship. Sometimes you just never know where it will start or where it will end up.

It has been almost 15 years since I lost my mum to cancer. I think about her a lot this time of year. I generally think of her often, but this time of year it is a little more frequent. Thinking of her and that time in my life always reminds me of a dear friend of mine who is very close to my heart.

While I was going through the devastation of my mum's illness and knowing her time with us was short, a girl who I went to high school with was killed in a tragic car accident. I knew her--not well--but I knew her enough to know the incredible loss those close to her were going through. One of those people was her best friend Tania. Tania and I had mutual friends, but we didn't really know each other and probably had never even spoken to each other. Tania worked at a local coffee shop that my friends and I frequented. I felt drawn to her knowing she was dealing was an incredible loss in her life and knowing that soon I would also be dealing with a loss beyond anything I could ever describe. I had decided to buy her a card to let her know that although we didn't know each other, I was thinking about her and praying for her. I explained my situation and told her if she needed anything to let me know. I gave it to her one night when my friends and I were at the cafe for coffee. I really didn't expect much to come of it, I really had no idea the amazing friendship and journey that would begin from that simple gesture.

As we were getting ready to head home, Tania approached us and thanked me for the card. She asked if I wanted to stay and chat and she would drive me home. So as my friends left, I stayed and the rest was history. While our stories were very different--and perhaps our grief was different--we were both hurting. We both understood the depth of what the other was going through. Long after the last customer went home and she had shut the place down we were still talking. We became each others confidants. For me, she became a life line. As many amazing and loving people I had in my life at that time, I often think had it not been for her I don't know where I would have been. She was everything I needed, whenever I needed it. It was her house I was sleeping at the morning my dad called to tell me mum was gone. It was her who drove me and my dear dear Lori to the hospital. It was her who after my mum's funeral took me home and sat in the dark with me for hours in total silence. My friendship with her is one I never have and I never will be able to adequately express in words.

Given the depth of struggle at that time in both of our lives, our friendship went through a lot of ups and downs--some of which, at the time--I am not sure either one of us thought we would be able to overcome. But 15 years later and a whole lot of miles between us, a long time between phone calls and emails, and 2 or 3 years in between visits she is still as important to me as she was that first night at the Coffee Cafe in Sherwood Park, Alberta. We both know what we mean to each other, and we both know that place we hold in each others lives is never going to change.

Tania lives in India. She has been there doing AMAZING things for the children living on the streets and slums of Mumbai. She turned a chance meeting with some children over 10 years ago into an amazing organization. Please take a minute to read about her and One! International. Click HERE for the website.

When Chris and I were living in Boston, we had the opportunity to twice meet up with Tania in New York City. This past year we were able to meet up with her and her mom in Bellingham, WA for lunch. I miss her dearly and think of her often.

Who has made an imprint on your life? What friendships happened in a chance meeting that today stand as some of the most special ones?

Words Escape Me

We are on day 15 of NaBloPoMo and I will be honest, I wasn't going to post today. But then after I thought about it, I realized that I can't quit now. I really have nothing to say today. That may shock some of you considering I have been known to talk, A LOT! In truth I am just being lazy, I don't feel well and I am just not feeling it. But alas, here I am. I still have nothing to say though so I will just leave you with a few thoughts. 1. People who are crappy pet owners really bug me. 2. I am super excited for turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. 3. I ate all my pumpkin seeds, that makes me sad. 4. I really REALLY hope we get some snow this winter. Ok, that is all you get. A post is a post, right? Till next time...

To Wine or Not to Wine

It is no secret that I love wine. In fact, I am currently sipping a glass as I type this. But, it wasn't always this way. In fact there was a time when I really, really disliked wine. There were times I would drink it when out with friends, but even then it wasn't really wine. It was some super fruity white zin, and let's be honest--that's NOT wine. I had always tried to like wine as a social thing but I just never could. I really hated it. But that all changed the day I met Chris's lovely Grandma.

It was an evening in 2002. Chris and I had only been dating a few months, and I was in Seattle visiting him for a weekend. We were having dinner with his parents and his grandparents (who I was meeting for the first time). As we sat down to dinner, there were a few different bottles of wine on the table and immediately glasses were being filled up. Grandma asked me if I would like some, and I politely declined stating I was not really a big fan of wine. But of course she insisted--and given this was the first time I was meeting her--I didn't want to be rude. I reluctantly said yes, and as we were eating and chatting I choked my way through that first glass. Of course just as soon as it was empty Grandma was filling it up. Again--I didn't want to be rude. By the time I was done eating and finishing my third glass of wine I excused myself from the table. As I headed downstairs to see Chris (who was downstairs with his nephews) he took one look at me and said, "what is wrong with you?!?!" My eyes were glossy and my face was flushed! All I could say was, "your grandma got me drunk!" True story. If you are not a wine drinker, wine can hit you fast and hard. Funny thing is I never realized in that moment the favor that Grandma had done for me.

Sitting here almost 10 years later it amazes me that there was ever a day that I didn't like wine. It was definitely an acquired taste. Much like coffee and beer. The truth is, marrying in to this family I really never had a chance. Chris's uncle Kevin is the VP of Vineyards for a large winery conglomerate in Eastern, WA. I don't remember a family event since I showed up that didn't include wine.

Over the past 10 years I have learned more about wine that I ever thought I would. Even today I would love to take a course or two and learn even more. For those non wine drinkers out there that may sound silly to you, but the truth is there is so much more to wine than just pouring a glass and drinking it. How it is made, what pairs with what, how long it has aged and so on. It is all very interesting to me.

Last year Chris and I had a weeks holiday down in Northern California in the heart of wine country. It was amazing. We went to so many wineries while we were there and tasted so many different wines. It was so much fun. A trip I won't soon forget. Most recently we had a family wine tour weekend out in Eastern WA and it was a blast.

I am not really a big white wine fan or sweet wines. My favorite wine is Syrah with Cab Sav being a close second. You can usually find me sipping a glass while eating dinner, in the tub or hanging out with Chris on the couch while watching TV in the evening. I have definitely learned that you should never assume you don't like something. Give things a chance, you just never know what you might be missing.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

I was asked by her royal highness Queeniecarly to post how I make roasted pumpkin seeds. So here you go. Learn, roast and enjoy.

1. After you have cleaned all the seeds out of the pumpkin, wash as best you can. Be sure to get most if not all orange pumpkin goo or strings off of the seed. I would suggest laying the seeds out on cookie sheets to dry over night. I wouldn't suggest laying them on paper towel as they seem to stick.

2. Melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1 teaspoon of salt. I generally mix the seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt to make sure they are coated well. You can also use vegetable oil if you would prefer that over butter.

3. Spread seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Bake in oven for approx 40 mins  at 300 degrees F till golden brown, stirring occasionally.

5. Eat and enjoy.

Picture Perfect

I took the above picture a few years back while visiting Martha's Vineyard. I specifically remember seeing this dock and the sun setting over the water and immediately wanting to capture it.

I love to take pictures of all sorts of things but seem to always been drawn to scenes like the one above. Capturing a sunset over a body of water is simply put, breathtaking. I don't have the greatest camera, but that doesn't stop me. Perhaps investing in a really nice camera wouldn't be such a bad idea if satisfies my photography needs. I have often thought about taking a photography course. I would love to really learn my way around a camera. To be able to know the correct angles, how to use the light, shadows and so on.

New York City at night from the top of Rockefeller Center



Rockaway Beach, Oregom

Tree outside our bedroom window



Sunrise in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina



For now this is just a hobby, but who knows what the future may hold.





The Battle of the Bulge

The fact that I need to lose weight is no secret. I am not exactly the picture of health and fitness. I am not putting myself down, I am merely pointing out a fact. I wasn't always overweight though, in fact I spent the better part of 20 plus years skinny. Even though I haven't always had the best of eating habits, it didn't matter because I always kept very active and was in great shape. Somewhere a long the way I became less and less active but my eating habits stayed the same. You do the math.

I think we all have that "oh I will never get fat" attitude. I know I certainly did. But the reality is, that one or two pounds here and there very quickly add up. Before you know it you're 100 pounds overweight...and feeling like crap. Don't think for one second that it cannot happen to you, because it can and I am proof of that. One of the most frustrating things I have realized is how much faster and easier it is to gain 100 pounds than it is to lose it. Gaining is super simple. Sit on your butt and eat crap. Losing, however, requires a whole world of motivation, hard work and dedication. It requires you to dig deeper to parts of you that you never knew you had. Clearly I have struggled to stay motivated and find my own inner dedication.

I suppose I could take the easy way out and take some "magic" pills or have major surgery. Oh wait--no I can't--because I am very against both of those options. While I fully realize that there are some people who genuinely need medical intervention, there are so many others who either just don't want to do the work or who simply believe they are not capable of pushing their bodies to do what is needed. I myself am learning that the human body is capable of so much more than we think. I sometimes wonder if people really understand how much they still need to change, even WITH surgery. I wonder even more why some doctors are so quick to perform such procedures like gastric bypass and lap band surgery without exploring the safer option of exercise and diet. I guess the big fat paycheque makes them so quick to accommodate regardless of the outcome for the patient. I am tired of hearing tragic stories of people dying from such procedures. And for what? Just because you couldn't be bothered to eat a salad or go for a walk once in a while. I feel the easy access to such things and the media leave people convinced it is the only option. It may be the fastest option, but it is far from the safest and so often NOT needed.

Over and over I see stories of people twice my size or even more losing hundreds of pounds the old fashioned way--with blood, sweat and copious amounts of tears. Whether it be on reality shows such as the Biggest Loser or Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, or someone at 350 pounds choosing to do the work on their own and lose over 100 pounds in less than a year. And yes it is possible because one of my best friends did just that. In January 2010 she weighed 350 pounds, but by October she was down 118 pounds. She did that in 9 months by eating right and getting off her butt and working out. What more proof do we need that it CAN be done the old fashioned way?

My highest weight ever was a few years back at 248 pounds. The last few years though, I have hovered in the 200-220 range. I have done well and gotten under 200 at times, but always seem to fall off the wagon and then end up super discouraged and I don't really ever get back on. Over the past year I have started to run again, not nearly as often as I should though. We have ran numerous 5k's and I always surprise myself at how well I am able to do even when I am so far from being prepared for it. I need to continue to push myself and do better each time.

I am once again in that place where I am ready and needing to get this weight off. I hate how it makes me feel, I know it isn't healthy and let's be honest, I am tired of not being able to wear some of the clothes I want to wear. I don't want this the easy way. I want it the hard way. I want to push myself beyond what I thought I could ever do. I want the satisfaction of accomplishing this and being proud of it. When I reach my goals, I want to be reminded of how hard it was so I never go back. It is time to finish what I have started so many times before, and I give you all permission to remind me and push me and kick me when I need it. Hopefully this time next year I will be able to blog about my success, to look back at what I have accomplished and be proud of the journey.

“Why choose to fail when success is an option?” --Jillian Michaels.

This time I refuse to choose failure. This time I will kick failure so hard in the face it won't know what hit it.

Buffalo Wings and General Hospital

When I was a kid, I definitely went through a tomboy stage. Most of my cousins were boys--plus I had 2 brothers. I would spend hours with my cousin playing Hot Wheels or GI Joes. And it was so much fun. But then on the other side of it, I would go home and play with My Little Pony or my Jem dolls. I was honestly happy playing with either. My mom always had me in a cute little kilt or pink dresses for church and special occasions. But I was probably happier in jeans and a t-shirt. But I made it work. Half girly-girl and half tomboy. I really don't think I fully grew out of it.

There are days when I love putting on my makeup, doing my hair, and putting on a cute outfit. I love the color pink, I love a bubble bath with a glass of wine, I love escaping through terrible soaps like General Hospital and Days of our Lives, and I love a good chick flick or tearjerker. I get excited when I am shopping and I see a cute purse, a new perfume or a funky new nail polish.

On the flip side, There are days I would rather put on a headband and a pair of sweats. I LOVE sports. Hockey (Oilers), baseball (Mariners) and football (Seahawks), in that order. I am happy and content spending all day Sunday relaxing at home with Chris watching all the NFL games. I have real hockey and football jerseys, NOT the "female" ones and they certainly AREN'T pink. I have been known during many an Oilers game to stand and yell at the TV screen. I love beer, action movies, buffalo wings, and video games. I reeeeally like video games. Sports ones are a big hit, but I also love first person shooter games like Medal of Honor, Call of Duty and so on.

I like to think it balances me out and saves me from being stuck in the typical everyday routine that is expected from women. Why can't it be okay to sit back with the boys, watch the game and enjoy a few beers? I would not have done well back in the 40's. A classic time where women were classy and always dressed to the nines. I would have hated it. I would have wanted to be at the bar with the boys drinking scotch and smoking a cigar. (Not that I do that nowadays--that's just what they did in the 40's, right?)

Luckily for me I met and married a man who loves both sides of me. He loves that I can be girly and look nice when we go out, but he also loves that I will sit home, drink beer and yell at the TV with him--unfortunately, being a Mariners and Seahawks fan this happens often.

So which one are you? The tomboy? Girly-girl? Or both? Obviously I am both and I wouldn't change a thing.

To Cook or Not to Cook

I am not really sure I think I am "good" at cooking, but I like to do it. Tonight I made the above pot roast and it was AMAZING. Yeah I am tooting my own horn. TOOOOOOT TOOOOOOOOT!!

I have often thought it would be fun to take a cooking class and find some direction in the kitchen. But then I remember what a hot mess I am in the kitchen, how messy things get and I realize I do not want to expose the outside world to that. Sort of like me doing zumba. No one should see that.

I think maybe I would like to start tackling a new recipe each week. I have the perfect test subject. Like Chris is going to complain. Well as long as I don't try to feed him nuts or fish that is, since he is deathly allergic and all.

So any ideas on what my first new dish should be? Who has good recipes? Lay em on me....

Just Under the Wire

Ok so there will be no fantastic post tonight entertaining you with random musings of my life. The truth is I have been on the phone for a few hours with a dear friend doing some much needed catching up. I am just now realizing "oh crap I didn't blog." But you know what, that is okay because the talk I had was good for the soul.

You know the talks I am talking about. The ones you just need. Tonight was one of those nights. Yes you all have been neglected, but no worries tomorrow you will have a great post filled with all sorts of awesomeness.

With that I will leave you with a picture to make you smile. My niece Annika with the greatest hair ever.

Finding Beauty in Your Fears

Sept 19, 2006 6:35am

I have been talking about my fears of heights and flying in my blog posts lately. I took the above picture back in 2006 on a red eye flight back to Boston from Seattle. As much as I hate to fly, it is moments like the one captured in this photo that I'm reminded that if I let my fears win then I miss out on amazing things such as this. Watching the sunrise from the window of a plane 30 some thousand feet in the air is an experience you cannot replicate anywhere else. It was amazing, and perhaps one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. In this moment I had no fear, I was just in awe of the beauty outside the window. I am not sure I have ever been more at peace in a place I am normally so on edge and afraid.

If you have never had the joy of watching a sunrise on a plane, I encourage you the next time you fly to make sure you are awake to take it in. I promise you, it will be worth it. 

It's a Dog's Life

I am an animal lover. I could spend hours at the zoo just staring at all the different animals. Last year Chris and I went to a place called Safari West down in Santa Rosa, California and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Most notably when my neck was nuzzled by a giraffe. A-MAZING! The site of a deer grazing at the side of the road fills me with joy. And I am constantly going "awww" when I see a dog out for a walk with it's owner.

I always wanted a dog growing up. Instead, we had a cat. Don't get me wrong--I loved my cat very much--all 14 years of his life. His name was Sparky, and he was awesome. In fact, after he died I had a hard time sleeping for weeks because I had become so accustomned to his loud purring. He would would sleep on my pillow above my head and he purred like a Harley. But as much as I loved him, I always had that yearning for a dog.

When I met Chris he had told me early on that he could never have a dog because of his allergies. I tried to convince him that some dogs are better for allergies than others, and that even with allergies people generally adjust over time. On July 7th 2002 (our 6 month dating anniversary), Chris wanted to take me to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle. Having lived there his whole life he had somehow never gone up there. Now he was trying to convince his girlfriend that they should. I was DEAD SET against it. As obvious from my previous post about being afraid of heights, going to the top of the Space Needle was pretty much out of the question for me. What made me even more convinced I would not be going up there was the fact that the elevator for the Space Needle is on the OUTSIDE of the building with glass windows that allow you to watch outside as you go up. Not going to happen.

Chris--who REALLY wanted to go--started working his magic trying to convince me to go with him. He finally found my soft spot, and promised me that if we went to the top AND I looked out the whole way up he would get me a puppy someday. Now here was my thought process at the time. I REALLY wanted a dog, but I had also only been dating him for 6 months. As crazy as I was about him, things happen and there was always a chance he would not be around to follow through on his promise. After about an hour of sitting at the bottom and looking up at the giant building I wanted no part of, I had made my decision. Chris and I were a great fit and we really loved each other, I convinced myself that he was the "one" and I would get myself that puppy someday. And so I said yes. I didn't totally live up to my end of the bargain as I only looked outside briefly during the elevator ride, the rest of the time I had my face buried in Chris's chest wishing it was over. Much like my trip to the top of the Columbia Tower last month, it was beautiful (you can go back and read about it HERE in case you missed it). An experience I am glad I had but will likely never do again.

A year and a half later in February 14, 2004 Chris lived up to his end of the deal. He surprised me that morning by telling me we could get a dog and I should start looking for one. We decided almost immediately that we would "rescue" a dog. I went straight to the computer and started my search on Petfinder.com. I found her almost immdiately. This is the very first picture I saw of her and I was in love from the get go.

Chris--who is not a fan of dogs with bandanas--was a little turned off. After I assured him I didn't think she had picked it out, he softened to her. Those paws, that face and those eyes. I knew she was the one. I immediately called the number for the shelter she was at and was beside myself when I found out she was still there and very much available for adoption. We were unable to go and meet her that day as she was at a shelter in Wenatchee, Washington which was almost 3 hours from us and it was already later in the day. They were closed on Sunday but told us if we wanted to come meet her someone would be in the office and they would let us in. She was not as young as I had originally wanted (she was approx 10 months old) but it didn't matter, I was smitten.

The next morning I was filled with excitement at going to meet MY dog for the very first time. The 3 hour drive was excrutiating, I just wanted to be there already. When we arrived, we were taken back to where all the dogs were. A chorus of barking dogs greeted us as each one of them tried to get our attention. I felt bad for them, knowing very well some of them may not make it out of there, but I had already chosen MY dog. There she was in her little run. Sitting as far away from the door as possible, cowering in the corner and not making a peep. Chris immediately liked the fact that she was not barking like all the other dogs. We were given a leash and directed to a fenced area outside where we could interact with her. As we walked past all the other dogs and even a cat outside, she paid no attention to them. We were thinking how awesome it was that she seemed so unfazed by other animals. We played with her, loved on her and it was confirmed that she was the dog for us. We headed back inside to get the adoption process going. Her adoption fee would be $70, but we were informed we couldn't take her home yet because she needed to be sent to the vet to be spayed. The appointment was set and we were told we could come back and take her home on the 17th.

We made the drive back home and waited eagerly for Tuesday to arrive to head back to get her. Ir was only two days, but for me it seemed like an eternity. On the morning of the 17th the phone rang, and it was the vets office. Immediately our hearts sank thinking something had gone wrong during her surgery. Turned out to tbe the complete opposite. The shelter made a mistake, and she was in fact already spayed. Luckily the vet determined this before they put her under the knife. Excited, we made the 3 hour drive back to Wenatchee to pick her up. She was soooo excited to see us when we got there. The feeling was definitely mutual. We loaded up and off we went with our new dog.

It wasn't till the next day we realized that the calm and scared little dog we had met at the shelter was all a front. She was a smart one and was on her best behaviour so someone would take her home. From early on she was very uptight around other dogs and barked at anything with 4 legs. To this day she has never changed, and believe me we have tried. We have adapted and we know how to deal with her. If she is introduced to a dog properly, the potential is there for a playmate. I even have pictures to prove it.

Leah, Belle and Madison



Belle and Wrigley napping after a hard core wrestling session



Kisses for her friend Canela



Belle and her buddy Titus



For the most part though, we keep her away from other dogs. It is never worth the stress of worrying about her attacking and injuring another dog, or she herself getting hurt. It makes me sad for her sometimes, because I know how much fun she does have when she gets along with another dog. I wish we could take her to open fields and just let her run--something she loves to do--but the risk is always there and it just isn't worth it. She is good with people and kids, so I will take that any day over her being good with other dogs.

Aside from her hatred of other animals, she is a high energy dog who can sometimes be a little much for those who are not dog people. For us, her good qualities outweigh her bad ones. She is a happy, loving dog. She loves to cuddle, give kisses, go for walks, bark at squirrels and go for car rides. She is 8 and a half years old and still acts like a puppy. This makes me very happy. She has been a healthy dog her whole life which is something we are very thankful for. She is a joy in our lives.

Chuck E. Awesome

I am most definitely a kid at heart. I have been known to jump in puddles. A preview for the latest animated movie is enough to make me giddy. Just ask Chris how I currently react to the commercials for Happy Feet 2. I prefer my drinks with a straw--preferrably a swirly/twisty/colorful one. When I go to the zoo, my excitement is the same as it was when I was 12 years old. I barely sleep Christmas Eve because my excitement about Christmas morning can barely be contained. And no, it isn't just about the presents. It is a quality I love about myself and I hope it never changes.

Today I continued to embrace my inner child by spending the afternoon at Chuck E. Cheeses with Chris, our friends Tammy and Jeremy and their two kids, Maya (5) and Declan (4). Don't be fooled into thinking it was their idea to go--it was mine. It isn't wrong to use my friends children as an excuse to go to Chuck E. Cheese. It's a win win for all involved.

I was excited as could be getting ready this morning and thinking of all the fun little games I would get to spend my afternoon playing. Thinking of a the prizes I could win and eating pizza. And of course spending time with some good friends. We arrived right around 12:30, ordered our pizza, got our drinks and our tokens. And away we went to play to our hearts content. The great thing is about Chuck E. Cheese is that now all the games are only one token. More for your money, and oh the joy I feel when those little tickets spit out at me.

Tammy and I took a time out to have our picture sketched.

Chris was beside himself when he played a game where he had to get the timing just perfect, hit the button and have it blow up a balloon. He hit it right on the target, the balloon popped, and he won the 100 ticket bonus. He was as happy as could be. With his winnings from that and the rest of our tickets pooled together we got that awesome pen above, it is huge. I got a cool straw that I am way more excited about than you know.

Tammy's little girl Maya used the pen above to get Chuck E's autograph. Yeah, that happened. He looked so funny writing it with his giant mouse hands and the giant pen. Awesomeness.

All in all we had a great afternoon and everybody had fun. Call me crazy if you want, but I really love Chuck E. Cheeses. I love feeling like that little kid again. And I love even more that I have a husband who is willing to join in and have a little fun himself.

What do you guys do to make you feel like a kid? I mean come on...I can't be the only one.

She's Crafty...ish

I wish I could be more crafty. You know, do fun projects and actually have them turn out good. Don't get me wrong, I LIKE all things crafty I just tend not to be very good at them.

When I was a kid I loved drawing pictures even though I wasn't good at drawing. Let's be honest--my greatest art work always included stick men and even that is questionable. I loved painting even though I wasn't good at painting. Unless, of course, it was finger painting and in that case I totally rocked it. Whenever we did crafts at school or church I got right in there and enjoyed every second of it. I just wasn't good at it and often my would be the oddest looking one in the bunch. But back then I didn't care, I was just having fun.

Now that I am an adult I feel like if I am going to make something and have it look totally ridiculous then I probably shouldn't be making it. But then I ask myself, why the heck not? I mean I am not trying to impress anyone but myself (and Chris). And if it is something I enjoy during my free time--which I have a lot of these days--then to hell with how uncrafty it looks.

I have been trying to think lately of some easy fun projects I can do, especially with the holidays upon us. I am not really sure what direction I am thinking, but there has to be something out there I can get my hands on and try my best to be creative and make something that will be somewhat useful to me or someone else.

So come on, I know there are a few of you out there who actually read this blog who are pretty crafty so give a girl some ideas. Help my untalented self in the right direction. And who knows, if you're lucky maybe I will post some of my craftiness for you all to judge and laugh at. ;)

Conquering My Fears

Everyone has fears. Some are rational and some are so far from rational it makes you wonder what truly goes on in peoples heads. My main fears I think are pretty common. First there is heights which naturally makes me afraid of tall buildings and flying. I am also a little claustrophobic so I really hate elevators. My fears are not debilitating by any means. As scared as I am to fly or get in an elevator, I will still do it. Which I suppose makes me braver than some, but it doesn't change the fact that I have been know to let those fears consume me to the point of ridiculousness sometimes. I have spent many a sleepless night leading up to a flight somewhere because all I can do is go over and over in my head all the things that could go wrong with the plane. I make myself crazy. But the fact that I will do it no matter how scared I am has to count for something.

Last month Chris and I went up to Seattle for the weekend to spend some quality time with some friends from the great white north. Saturday night we met the Queen and her boyfriend Kevin (whom we found delightful) at their swanky swankerson hotel The Arctic Club downtown Seattle and headed out for a dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. We decided over dinner that before we attended the Seahawks/Falcons (sadly Carly is a Falcons fan) game on Sunday we would go to a buffet brunch on the 76th floor of the Columbia Tower downtown. WHY oh why did I agree to such a thing? I sort of didn't, it was just kind of decided and I really didn't want to be the lame one to ruin everyone else's fun.

I will admit I had trouble sleeping that night. I couldn't turn my brain off. I was making myself sick worrying about having to go up in an elevator and spend an hour or two that high off the ground. As we were driving into Seattle the next morning the dread kicked into full gear when I looked at the skyline and realized the tallest building was where we were headed and once we got there we were headed to the top floor.

As we got closer and I started to realize how much I didn't want to go up there I started to cry. Yeah I am that much of a baby. But I put on my big girl pants, we picked up Carly and Kevin and into the building and toward the elevators we went. Inside I was terrified, my heart was racing. I did my best to look brave on the outside. I mean who wants to see a grown woman cry over a friggin elevator ride? We were up to the 40 something floor in no time where we had to get in a different elevator to take us up the rest of the way. I definitely think breaking the 76th floor ride into two parts helped me out. The ride was quick and smooth other than the fact Kevin thought he would be funny and shake the elevator as we were riding up. Had I not just met him the night before I very well may have punched him in his face.

 So there we were 76 floors above the ground. My stomach was definitely turning most of the time we were up there but I made the best of it. The shot above was the view from inside a bathroom stall. No lies, that is what I saw as I peed. Am I glad I went? Yes. Would I go again? I really am not sure. It was a beautiful view from all angles. I am thankful I experienced it but I just don't know I need to experience it again. The important part was that l conquered that fear, that day. And I got to do it while spending time with great friends. I pray I continue to be able to conquer my fears and not miss out on opportunities like that.

Maybe I need to learn to live a little more and not be so consumed by fear. Rational or irrational, no fear should ever stop you from living your life, going places and doing what you love. Maybe that is a lesson I am learning little by little. It doesn't mean I will never let the fear win, but I am sure going to try and come out victorious every time. If I don't, I will just pick myself up and try again when the next thing comes along.

Birthdays and Steak

Ever since Chris and I have been married we have made a habit dining out at nice restaurants for special occasions. Birthdays, our anniversary and valentines day. That's only 4 nights a year we splurge and it is usually well worth it. We have had some fantastic meals over the years at places such as The Capital Grille in Bostons swanky Back Bay area, Abe and Louie's also in Bostons Back bay area, Top of the Hub which is a restaurant on the top floor of the Prudential Tower in downtown Boston, The Metropolitan Grill in downtown Seattle, Crickelwood which was a great little local joint we found in Northern California, The Chart House here in Portland and most recently we enjoyed an amazing dinner tonight at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse here in Portland.

Today was Chris's 34th birthday and he is always on the hunt for a great steak. He of course was the one to pick Ruth's Chris and what a great choice it was. We had the most amazing dinner. French onion soup and a bone in rib eye for Chris. A divine wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese and stuffed chicken for me. Broccoli au grautin and garlic mashed potatoes. My mouth is watering just remembering how good it all was. Of course no meal is complete without dessert. We managed to not do too much damage by sharing his free birthday treat which was a mini chocolate cheesecake, vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

I would like to think that Chris had a great birthday even though it did start with dentist appointments I set for us for first thing this morning. I hope the fact I got him tickets to The Apple Cup to see the Washington Huskies take on the Washington State Cougars at Century Link Field in Seattle will make up for the dentist part of the day. Happy Birthday Chris, I love you!!

So what are your traditions for special occasions like birthdays?

Old Men and Shopping Carts

I will be the first to admit that I can have a temper from time to time. I've always been that way. Part of it is just my personality, the other part I like to blame on the fact that I am Scottish--full blooded Scottish at that--so I like to think it gives me a little bit of a free pass. I realize that it doesn't, but I still like to think that it does. It takes a lot these days to really get my blood boiling and believe me it used to be much much worse. But for as much of a temper I used to have--and the one that still lurks under the surface--I have rarely ever lost it in public or taken it out on total strangers. It really doesn't seem fair to unload on total strangers. I like to think that although I can have a temper I can and do control it. You know who DOESN'T control their temper? Grumpy and crotchety old men who nothing better to do than lash out at innocent and unsuspecting citizens like me.

Oddly enough old men seem to always get mad at me in grocery stores.  A few years back while we were living out east in Boston, an old man called me a stupid wench. Yeah, that happened. I wish I could remember the circumstances leading up to the stupid wench comment, but it seems my memory has failed me. Regardless, I know I didn't do anything to warrant such rudeness. This time, Chris and I were at Safeway doing our grocery shopping. I had sent Chris back to the other end of the store to grab something we had forgotten while I continued on the path up and down the aisles in the order I like to do.

As I was approaching the aisle I wanted to turn down, there was an older gentleman walking very slowly in front of me carrying a basket. I decided I would pass him and then turn down my aisle instead of continuing behind him at a snails pace. So I passed him on the left (and put on my imaginary cart-blinker) minding my own business, looking over my shopping list and thinking of the things I may have forgotten. I slowly took the right turn down the aisle but before I knew it, I was having to catch myself from falling and hitting head-first into one of the glass doors in the frozen aisle!

Had I tripped on something? Had I lost my balance? (Full disclosure, I have fallen in a Target before.)

As I turned around and fully realized what had happened, I couldn't believe it. That older gentleman I had just passed and turned in front of had stuck his foot out to try and trip me! And no it wasn't an accident--he had stuck his foot right between my legs and his intent was blatantly obvious. WOW!!! I was stunned. I turned and looked and him and said, "excuse me, sir!" He replied by angrily stating that, "well you turned right in front of me ma'am." In my shock all I could do was laugh, shake my head and yell, "whatever!" in his direction.

As I turned and walked away I thought to myself, WHO tries to trip someone on purpose? I am very confident in the fact that I did NOT cut him off. He was plenty back from me when I turned down that aisle. And even if I had misjudged my timing, he obviously saw me and had time to slow down so as not to "crash" in to me. Yet somehow he thought something I did on accident was justification to try and trip someone. Had I actually fallen I could've really hurt myself by hitting my head on any number of things. I was livid! When Chris met up with me after retrieving what I had sent him to get, he couldn't believe it either. We never saw the man again, so Chris never had an opportunity to let him know you don't trip people on purpose. True story.

I imagine people lose their tempers like that in everyday situations and lash out at total strangers with no regard for anything. I just wonder why the angry old men of the world seem to find me. Or maybe it is just a sign I should send Chris to do the shopping from now on.

How about you? Anyone tried to trip you in public or called you names? Any old men ever make you want to punch them so hard in the face they would never know what hit them?

What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

I started this blog way back in 2004 when Chris and I moved cross country from Seattle to Boston. My intention was for it to be a way for our friends and family back west and in Canada to be able to keep up with us and what we were up to out on the east coast. I quickly became addicted to blogging and for a long time it was a priority. It became an outlet for me, a way to vent and tell whatever crazy story was swirling around my head on any given day. It also became a way of meeting new friends. Blogging kept me connected with a certain Queen, a dear friend of mine. However, I got lazy. Very lazy. In 2010 I posted four times and in 2011 three times, that includes this post. Between the laziness and becoming convinced no one wanted to hear about my boring life that some days was nothing more than the fact I had stepped in dog poop, I stopped blogging. That brings us to today and the point of this post and the answer to the question in the title. What HAVE I gotten myself into?

The aforementioned Queen brought a challenge to her loyal followers to join NaBloPoMo. I don't quite understand all the details but the gist of it is a challenge to post everyday for a month with that month being November. Although it seems as though nablopomo is in place to challenge us as bloggers to post everyday no matter what the month. So I challenge my followers, what few of you are still out there to sign up for this blog challenge and join me in getting back to blogging and putting our mindless drivel out there for the rest of the world to read.

I have stories to tell so I might as well start telling them. Like for example, while grocery shopping at Safeway last week an old man tried to trip me. For reals THAT happened.

Cock-a-doodle-doo

So there is this house about 5 mins up the road from us that we sort of walk past on our walks with Belle. I think the people who live there think they live on a farm or maybe they run a petting zoo that I just don't know about. Anyways, we have seen goats in their front yard before. I am not lying they really have goats. Which I suppose isn't that odd except for the fact we live in a residential neighborhood. It's not like we are out in the country people.

So a few weeks ago Chris and I are walking Belle after dark. Although I suppose it could have only been 5 pm since it is dark so early these days. And all of a sudden we hear COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!! What the? It is evening, it is dark and we are in a residential neighborhood and there is a rooster crowing. It was funny. We are assuming it is from the same house as the goats. I mean what are the chances there are more houses with random farm animals?

So now almost daily without fail we will be walking Belle and hear the crowing of our friend the rooster. I think I will name him Rusty. Must suck to be their neighbors.

To Run or Not to Run

I used to be a runner. About 15 years ago I ran almost everyday. In the last 10 years the most I have ran is away from bees or inside from a sudden rain storm or lightning strike. That is about to change.

I feel like I have been on a never ending journey to lose weight the last 5 years or so. I lose weight, gain weight, lose weight and then maintain that loss. But the problem is I have a long way to go that maintaining is the exact opposite of what I should be doing. And so I decided that I was going to sign up for and run a 5k. I just started a 9 week training program this past week and I am SO excited. Chris is running it also and we are actually getting a team of about 15 together to run with us. One of those people is a very special friend of mine who is flying all the way from West Virginia just because I asked her to come run with me. How awesome is that?

So whether I want or not I will be running a 5k here in Portland in March. I am excited and nervous.

In the next few months I will be able to stop saying "I used to be a runner" and instead I will be saying "I AM A RUNNER!!"

This is just a step in a journey that is far from over. But for the first time I feel like I am actually excited about what is on the other side. And I just might finally be starting to believe that I CAN do this.