1. Today was the first day of school for Cole. He actually handled it quite well compared to previous years. He woke up, got his shower and headed downstairs for breakfast with nary a snide remark or a put-out look. I treasure those type of mornings. He even spoke using words with more than one syllable. Double bonus for me! I'm sure that even though he was dreading the first day, at least he'll get to see his new girlfriend. Too bad they don't have any classes together. With a lingering cloud of Abercrombie cologne, he headed off for the bus at 6:30 am. These are the days that I love being home so I can pump him for info at 2:30pm. I'm sure he'll be monosyllabic by then!
2. Chris got me a bunch of Pop Cap games awhile back, and while I've enjoyed playing them, I quickly became addicted to Zuma Deluxe. The game is pretty straight-forward- you shoot colored balls at a chain of balls and try to make sets of three. Of course, the game gets progressively harder as the levels increase. I cleared the first 8 levels pretty quickly and then it got crazy hard. I was stuck on 11 for a few weeks and just two days ago, I completed the bonus round on level 13. It was a bittersweet moment because while I was glad to have completed it, I was sad to be done with the game. Chris says I'm now a game addict :) In true addict maner, I searched for a similar game and ended up with Luxor 2. The premise is similar but it's not as fun. *sigh* If anyone knows of any games similar to Zuma Deluxe, please let me know!
3. I've dipped my toes once again into the scrapbooking waters. Chris was nice enough to finish editing the Disney pictures so I started printing them out. My printer, however, is really finicky if I don't use it regularly. The ink clogs and it takes time to run cleaning programs etc so scrapping is not a spontaneous thing in our house. In a flashback to previous technology rants involving the MythTV dvr fiasco, poor Chris had to listen to me bitch about how we have too much technology and nothing is ever easy in this house! For the sake of our marriage, I may run down to Costco and have some pictures printed. Sometimes the easy way out is the way to go.
4. Of course, since August was one of the crappiest summer months on record, September is shaping up to be beautiful - right as the kids go back to school. I love fall so I'm mentally ready for the crisp weather and fall decorating; however, I'll probably have to wait until October for the crispness at this rate!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Munchkin, walking & camping
1. Tania and C introduced to the fun card game, Munchkin, a few months ago and we were instantly hooked. It's a spoof of role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. Players can become wizards, elves, and clerics in order to combat monsters such as Pukachu and Squidzilla. Along the way, they must also deal with curses such as the dreaded Duck of Doom. It's geeky fun but we have a great time playing. We're going to get together tonight and battle it out while enjoying pizza, sangria and bellinis.
2. Tomorrow is the annual 5 & 10k walk/run for Children's Hospital. Chris's company is a sponsor so we always make sure to put this event on our calendar. The good news this year is that the run is in August rather than October. October can be an iffy month weather-wise in the Seattle area. More often than not, it's rainy and icky, but there is also the occassional beautiful fall day. Although it's going to be 93 tomorrow, the run/walk starts at 8 a.m. so we'll be done before the heatwave hits.
3. I don't really enjoy camping that much but I'm going down to Riffe Lake with Cole and my parents for a few days next week. My parents have a motorhome and they enjoy getting out and communing with nature (as much as you can in a fully equiped "home.") I am not a fan of sleeping in cramped quarters so I opt to car-camp. I put an air matress in the back of the Explorer and some tarps over the top to keep the sun/lookie-loos out and I'm good to go! Of course, I can only handle this for a couple of nights, but it's fun to hang out by the lake. And, of course, eat s'mores - the best part of camping :)
2. Tomorrow is the annual 5 & 10k walk/run for Children's Hospital. Chris's company is a sponsor so we always make sure to put this event on our calendar. The good news this year is that the run is in August rather than October. October can be an iffy month weather-wise in the Seattle area. More often than not, it's rainy and icky, but there is also the occassional beautiful fall day. Although it's going to be 93 tomorrow, the run/walk starts at 8 a.m. so we'll be done before the heatwave hits.
3. I don't really enjoy camping that much but I'm going down to Riffe Lake with Cole and my parents for a few days next week. My parents have a motorhome and they enjoy getting out and communing with nature (as much as you can in a fully equiped "home.") I am not a fan of sleeping in cramped quarters so I opt to car-camp. I put an air matress in the back of the Explorer and some tarps over the top to keep the sun/lookie-loos out and I'm good to go! Of course, I can only handle this for a couple of nights, but it's fun to hang out by the lake. And, of course, eat s'mores - the best part of camping :)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Hello jet lag, my old friend...
I always seem to have a hard time getting back into the swing of things after taking a trip. Even a short one like our jaunt to Chicago. I blame it on the recycled airplane air :)
1. Since I'm a lazy blogger, I haven't gotten around to blogging about Chicago, but you can read about our trip on Chris's, Avitania's and RE's blog. I will say that it was such a fun time! I think I slept about 20 hours in total which probably contributed significantly to my jet lag. Although I really enjoyed going out, I think the best night of the trip was just hanging out with RE and LF at their abode and chilling. Mojitos, pizza and the Olympics - a very fun night! And yes, RE, there is quite a bit of video of you singing :) Maybe I should auction the footage on eBay. *evil grin*
2. The school year is almost upon us. I've got about 6 weeks left before I go back, but Cole goes back in a little over two weeks. In preparation, we went school shopping yesterday at American Eagle and Abercrombie. Of those two stores, I much prefer the atmosphere at AE. I must be getting old because I cringe when we enter Abercrombie because of the smell (they spray cologne every 30 minutes) and the music. I had an enlightening conversation with one (cute - according to Cole) employee:
Me: Do these jeans come in 31 length
Cute, yet dumb employee (CYDE): Um.... I dunno.
Me: Do you think you could possibly check?
CYDE: You want me to check?
Me: That would be nice (rolls eyes):
CYDE: (mumbles into walkie talkie, pauses to listen, mumbles again before ringing up our purchases and not saying anything)
Me: Did you find out
CYDE: Oh yeah.... they don't
Me: Gee, thanks for all of your help (by this point, I want to hit her on the head with a bottle of Fierce cologne).
My advice to Cole at the end of this conversation- don't ever date a girl like that - Intelligence trumps cute every time.
3. Speaking of dates, Cole has one on Friday. He's not really calling it a "date" since the girl has to bring a friend along because her parents don't know Cole. I gave him RE's dating advice: "be funny and bring money." The money part will come from me but he's responsible for his own funny. I'm going to drop him off at the mall and then pick him up a few hours later. Maybe I should wear a disguise and sneak into the movie. Nah, I'll let him have his moment :)
1. Since I'm a lazy blogger, I haven't gotten around to blogging about Chicago, but you can read about our trip on Chris's, Avitania's and RE's blog. I will say that it was such a fun time! I think I slept about 20 hours in total which probably contributed significantly to my jet lag. Although I really enjoyed going out, I think the best night of the trip was just hanging out with RE and LF at their abode and chilling. Mojitos, pizza and the Olympics - a very fun night! And yes, RE, there is quite a bit of video of you singing :) Maybe I should auction the footage on eBay. *evil grin*
2. The school year is almost upon us. I've got about 6 weeks left before I go back, but Cole goes back in a little over two weeks. In preparation, we went school shopping yesterday at American Eagle and Abercrombie. Of those two stores, I much prefer the atmosphere at AE. I must be getting old because I cringe when we enter Abercrombie because of the smell (they spray cologne every 30 minutes) and the music. I had an enlightening conversation with one (cute - according to Cole) employee:
Me: Do these jeans come in 31 length
Cute, yet dumb employee (CYDE): Um.... I dunno.
Me: Do you think you could possibly check?
CYDE: You want me to check?
Me: That would be nice (rolls eyes):
CYDE: (mumbles into walkie talkie, pauses to listen, mumbles again before ringing up our purchases and not saying anything)
Me: Did you find out
CYDE: Oh yeah.... they don't
Me: Gee, thanks for all of your help (by this point, I want to hit her on the head with a bottle of Fierce cologne).
My advice to Cole at the end of this conversation- don't ever date a girl like that - Intelligence trumps cute every time.
3. Speaking of dates, Cole has one on Friday. He's not really calling it a "date" since the girl has to bring a friend along because her parents don't know Cole. I gave him RE's dating advice: "be funny and bring money." The money part will come from me but he's responsible for his own funny. I'm going to drop him off at the mall and then pick him up a few hours later. Maybe I should wear a disguise and sneak into the movie. Nah, I'll let him have his moment :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
On being a mallrat, getting blynched and my walking playlist
1. So the biggest shopping news in our area has been the almost-two year long remodel of our local mall. This mall hasn't been my favorite shopping destination for some time because of the lack of stores that I really like. Finding out about the new stores has been somewhat of a challenge because the developer was keeping it quiet. Bit by bit, however, I found out that H & M was going in along with Sephora as well as some larger versions of existing mall stores. Since I don't have a job or school right now, I've been sleuthing around trying to find out about the new stores. Sad, I know but I need a hobby right? Well, the official opening is tomorrow but since the theater complex opened last week, you can walk through the new section to get to the theater which is where I dragged Chris last night after dinner. I'm happy to report that there will be a Banana Republic (finally!) but no Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma (Boo!). I'll be there bright and early on Friday for the opening!
2. I have become a catchphrase for getting drunk. A few months back, I twittered something while slightly tipsy and Random Esquire proclaimed that I was "blynched." My twitter name is blynch23 hence... blynched. I look forward to getting blynched and eating lots of yummy food in Chicago.
3. I've been trying to walk a 5k (roughly 3.2 miles) a few times a week along with a couple of shorter 2 mile walks. I broke out the old shuffle (which I normally don't use for shorter walks) and created a new playlist. Among the eclectic tracks: Adam Ant, Kettel, Above and Beyond, Cesium 137, Chris Brown, Coldplay and Metro Station. I haven't gained any weight back since Orlando and I'm continuing to lose so the walking is definitely helping.
2. I have become a catchphrase for getting drunk. A few months back, I twittered something while slightly tipsy and Random Esquire proclaimed that I was "blynched." My twitter name is blynch23 hence... blynched. I look forward to getting blynched and eating lots of yummy food in Chicago.
3. I've been trying to walk a 5k (roughly 3.2 miles) a few times a week along with a couple of shorter 2 mile walks. I broke out the old shuffle (which I normally don't use for shorter walks) and created a new playlist. Among the eclectic tracks: Adam Ant, Kettel, Above and Beyond, Cesium 137, Chris Brown, Coldplay and Metro Station. I haven't gained any weight back since Orlando and I'm continuing to lose so the walking is definitely helping.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Disney makes you crazy
Since I am not the photographer in the family, I only have a few pics of our Disney trip. This is one of my favorites. We were just going into "It's a Small World," and after 3 attempts to get Cole to smile, this is what I got.
You can see more pics here: Disney Vacation
You can see more pics here: Disney Vacation
Monday, July 21, 2008
My new favorite drink
The Bellini.
Everyone who has me as a Twitter friend has heard (seen?) me raving about these for the past few weeks. The drink is surprisingly simple: Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine and sorbet. Although, it's not the "original" version according to Wikipedia, it's pretty darned yummy. I don't really like peaches anyway so I'm not sure that I'd even really like the original.
We have been drinking these at our local pizzeria, Fondi, every time we go (which is pretty often because their pizza is amazing!), and they usually have a refreshing selection of sorbets to choose from. My favorite is marionberry, but the tangerine sounds really great as well. Since they're served in a tiny glass, it's impossible not to be tempted to have at least two. It's like dessert in a glass - with alcohol!
Yesterday, while we were shopping at Whole Foods in Bellevue, I decided to get the ingredients to make our own. I have to mention Whole Foods, because ain't nobody selling Prosecco in Kent... just sayin :). To mix it up a bit, I selected pomegranate sorbet to accompany the Prosecco.
WOW!
Chris had three glasses and I had two. Not cute little champagne flutes - BIG glasses :) It was so yummy! I need to fiddle with the sorbet/Prosecco ratio a bit but it's hard to go wrong with a mix of both. Move over Sangria, there's a new drink in town!
Everyone who has me as a Twitter friend has heard (seen?) me raving about these for the past few weeks. The drink is surprisingly simple: Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine and sorbet. Although, it's not the "original" version according to Wikipedia, it's pretty darned yummy. I don't really like peaches anyway so I'm not sure that I'd even really like the original.
We have been drinking these at our local pizzeria, Fondi, every time we go (which is pretty often because their pizza is amazing!), and they usually have a refreshing selection of sorbets to choose from. My favorite is marionberry, but the tangerine sounds really great as well. Since they're served in a tiny glass, it's impossible not to be tempted to have at least two. It's like dessert in a glass - with alcohol!
Yesterday, while we were shopping at Whole Foods in Bellevue, I decided to get the ingredients to make our own. I have to mention Whole Foods, because ain't nobody selling Prosecco in Kent... just sayin :). To mix it up a bit, I selected pomegranate sorbet to accompany the Prosecco.
WOW!
Chris had three glasses and I had two. Not cute little champagne flutes - BIG glasses :) It was so yummy! I need to fiddle with the sorbet/Prosecco ratio a bit but it's hard to go wrong with a mix of both. Move over Sangria, there's a new drink in town!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Weekend Tidbits
1. Summer has finally come to Seattle - only 2 months behind the rest of the country! We've had a week of 75 and sunny and more of the same is forecast for next week. No humidity and a light breeze = summer heaven. Break out the sangria!
2. We'll be right in the thick of the midwest summer on our Chicago trip coming up in two weeks. I'm expecting lots of sticky humidity, but since we were just in Orlando, I'm ready for it. I can't wait to eat, shop, see the sights and hang out with Random Esquire. We're all doing a segway tour of the city which should be fun. Hopefully no one will end up like this: Segway fail.
3. Chris and I braved the crowds and hung out at the Bite of Seattle for a few hours today. Among the food we sampled: Indonesian Javanese chicken, beef kabobs, barbeque hot links, fried macaroni & cheese, root beer floats, lemonade, and piroshky. We also sampled a few wines while cooling our feet in a fountain and listening to jazz music. After the bite, I stocked up on bubble bars from Lush and got a new pair of shoes at the Nordstrom sale (my 4th pair of shoes in a week, but who's counting, right?). Pretty much the perfect day.
2. We'll be right in the thick of the midwest summer on our Chicago trip coming up in two weeks. I'm expecting lots of sticky humidity, but since we were just in Orlando, I'm ready for it. I can't wait to eat, shop, see the sights and hang out with Random Esquire. We're all doing a segway tour of the city which should be fun. Hopefully no one will end up like this: Segway fail.
3. Chris and I braved the crowds and hung out at the Bite of Seattle for a few hours today. Among the food we sampled: Indonesian Javanese chicken, beef kabobs, barbeque hot links, fried macaroni & cheese, root beer floats, lemonade, and piroshky. We also sampled a few wines while cooling our feet in a fountain and listening to jazz music. After the bite, I stocked up on bubble bars from Lush and got a new pair of shoes at the Nordstrom sale (my 4th pair of shoes in a week, but who's counting, right?). Pretty much the perfect day.
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