Rachel ['s Not] In Seattle

it's official

2009-07-13T18:28:00.001-04:00

I am now posting at http://rachelsseagulls.blogspot.com/

Now if only I can come up with something to say...

miss ya

xo

blogging?

2009-07-03T17:40:00.002-04:00

I am so not good at this anymore. I got so used to not having the internet, that now I have it, I just don't use it.

Anyways...

As you all know, I haven't lived in Seattle in over a year. (Can't believe it!!) So I am going to retire this blog and write on one of the other ones. Probably A Few Words From...

Check that one, but not any time soon. lol It's conference weekend and I have things to do. One of these days, I will write. Promise!

xo

hi there

2009-05-13T20:12:00.002-04:00

I'm back. For Real! I finally have the internet at home. Hooray! Thanks, neighbor with the unlocked wireless! :)

So hopefully this will work to everyone's advantage. yay!

miss y'all

xo

end of february...already...

2009-02-28T12:27:00.002-05:00

As you may or may not know, I like just about everything the Pet Shop Boys have done. That includes this video. It is so neat from a graphic standpoint. (just don't blame me if you find parts of it offensive...)

Speaking of Graphic Design... I posted a new link on my sidebar. Riga Sutakul is such a fantastic designer and a lovely person to boot. Please check out her website. :)

As for everything else, BG, I WILL write about my tea one of these days...

xo

i suppose

2009-01-16T20:22:00.001-05:00

...it's for the best that all the guys at work are married or have girlfriends. It means they are all straight! :)

hi

2009-01-09T20:27:00.002-05:00

I'm still here. Sort of. I'm never online, so blogging has become a bit of a problem. There's rumours that we are getting new computers next week, and since we are supposed to be placing order online, I'm hoping that means I'll have the internet at work. Which means I can blog. Maybe. There are 4 old computers in the office and we are getting 2 new ones. I can't do "new math..." I'd like to hope that I get one of the new ones, but we'll see. The "owner" was out today and didn't bother telling me. I only knew because I had overheard him telling a customer earlier this week. Ah well, we kept rather busy in spite of it all. Or was it because of it all? I don't know.

I do know that I've been sick this week. Just a medium-bad cold, but enough to make me feel yucky. It was mostly gone this morning, then I got an allergic reaction to something at work and started sneezing all over again. boo. But I took Claritin when I got home and seem to be doing better.

We had long weekends for both Christmas and New Years. I must say that I got rather lazy over Christmas - staying up late, sleeping in til whenever, doing very little in between. Then, suddenly!, it was Sunday night and I was like, "I have to go to work in the morning."

So up early for work on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Then I drove to Smiths Falls for J&J's New Year's Eve party. All the guests left around 12:30 and the 3 of us stayed up and watched Office Space. I do so enjoy that movie. :) Of course, that meant that we didn't get to bed until like 3 and then we slept in quite late and then dragged ourselves out of bed around 11. We ate waffles then wandered out into the frigid morning air. It was -20C overnight and the chill was still in the air. And there was a line at the Tim Horton's. I spent the afternoon & evening at S&J's for family Christmas dinner. After dinner, we went out on the [frozen] lake. I didn't feel like sitting in the snow to put on my skates that had been in my car since the previous morning, so I just wandered around in my boots and took pictures (Nope, there not here. lol) and talked to their neighbors. Back inside, we opened presents, looked at Uncle B's pictures of New Zealand, and watched Mamma Mia! I was back at J&J's around 10 and decided to watch Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. It was good & I adore Johnny Depp! Friday morning was off to an earlier start, and we drove to Kingston after breakfast. I'd never been. We went to Tim's downtown by the water. J said that it's always winter in Kingston - even in the middle of July. I'd believe it! We shopped downtown for a bit, then went out to the mall. I left from the mall, drove in a lot of snow south of Watertown, but north of Syracuse, stopped in Syracuse and was in bed by 9:30 that evening.

Saturday, I was up bright & early. I had a hair appointment at 9:15. New stylist, but I like the salon, so I think I'll keep going to her. :) That day was also our Sunday School Treat. I missed the meeting & the prizes, but made it in time for lunch. Then we went skating at BCC. I was going to just go home & get ready for fellowship, but decided to go out to S's for games and supper. It's a shame they live so far out, cuz I really like their house. Sunday was fellowship. I made a taco casserole for lunch and Creamy One-Pot Pasta for supper. By the time we got thru supper, I was totally exhausted, so I went home, cleaned up my kitchen and went to bed. (Note: I think I got sick because I was exhausted - just thought of that...)

And then Monday was back to routine, up early, back exercises, fixing my coffee as I dash out the door. Wednesday morning, woke up to everything shiny. Shiny, as in, there was an inch of ice covering everything. Including the parking lot at work, which made the walk from my car rather treacherous. It's still almost as bad, although J used up a bag of ice melt today hoping to melt it so we could walk to our cars. It was better... Today was busy - the phones rang off the hook all morning, then we had customers in for several hours when we were going to go to lunch. (I never went, so was thankful I had packed a lunch!) Then the balance of the afternoon was spent answering more phone calls and making sure J phoned all his people back, got everything ordered, etc. We were there until almost 5:30 finishing stuff up. Then we stood in the parking lot and chatted. Because it was so warm (not!) outside?!

And now the weekend is here again. Crazy first week of 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

xo

new york, new york

2008-12-14T16:52:00.003-05:00

Here's the link for the pictures I posted on Facebook. I took more pictures that this but these seemed to be the better ones. I really liked being in New York, and am making plans to go again in a couple of months. I was never a huge fan of The City, but yesterday, that was not the case. It might have had something to do with the sky being blue and the sun shining brightly. Or it might have been the company I was keeping. But I think it was mostly from having the experience of living in a city. I was like, "I think I could live here!" (Of course, I would have to score the most fabulous of jobs to make something like that happen...)

xo

i'm not lost & gone for ever

2008-11-23T16:32:00.002-05:00

nor am I your darling Clementine. (Tho I suppose I could be - if you asked nicely...??!!!) :)

Where to begin?

I've been with Mainline Supply for almost 3 weeks now. I don't have internet access at work, tho I haven't asked about it... And I've been so busy at home that I'm like never online. It's like this HUGE change for me. (I've got my fingers crossed that Clearwire will actually come to Binghamton this winter...)

Oh, yes, so about the job. I am there to answer the phone - if one of the guys doesn't grab it first. I usually have to get one of them if I do answer the phone. Occasionally I can answer a question, like, "how late are you guys open today?" I also have enough knowledge to start customers when they come in. This does not help me - or them - very much. In general, the customers come in knowing exactly what they want and just want price ranges. I can't give them that information. I know how much the stuff costs for us, and I know how to do the retail markup, but I don't know about installation and all that stuff. It's rather frustrating. However, I park between 2 Ford F150s, so... :)

Y'know, it would be so much easier to write a blog if I didn't also have Facebook open...

There's not a whole lot going on in my life right now. Last Saturday, I travelled with my family to South Jersey for the funeral of a friend's father. I really enjoyed the message that was given. At the graveside, Laura & I put our roses on Rose's grave. So solemn!

Yesterday, well, I guess I should start with Friday night. There was a hymnsing at Stewart's. That was nice. Then, M, L & B, H & T came to my place. We started Dudley Do-Right at, like, 10:45. And I'm mad at all of them for not eating more brownies! I got up and made breakfast and put out food for lunch/snack. We were on the road at 10. First stop, Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Factory in Dunmore, PA. YUM! You could smell chocolate as soon as you walked in the door. This was so NOT Hershey's Chocolate World! We got hair nets at the top of the stairs and proceeded directly into the actual factory! NEAT! Every time the [yellow tape-cordoned off] pathway took a turn, you got chocolate. We were nibbling for the better part of the hour we were in the building! YUM!!!!! We got into the tent where the chocolate was cheap, but none of us wanted to stand there because we weren't moving at all! So we left, and headed to the Premium Outlets at Tannersville Crossing. We all started out together, but I suddenly realized after several hours that I was completely alone and that I didn't have anyone's cell number. (Does that make me a terrible chaperone? chaperon??!)

dictionary.com says: chap·er·on or chap·er·one
(shāp'ə-rōn') n.
1. A person, especially an older or married woman, who accompanies a young unmarried woman in public.

Reassuring, yes?! :)

Anyways, I managed to, with the help of a text from A, find L & H and together, we found M, B & T. :) We all headed back to the car [read: minivan .....] and drove to Red Robin in Dixon City. Yum! It made me miss being out west (especially since it was B's birthday and they brunched at Salty's on Alki (i'm only slightly jealous) .....). Then it was a quiet drive home. I dropped all the girls off by 8-ish and went to be slightly after 9. I was exhausted!

Today, I lunched with Madeline. And now, after doing some "homework" for work, I'm blogging.

I miss you all TONS! And hope all is well.

I guess if I think of anything else, I will have to post another time.

xo

week - end (beginning?)

2008-11-03T08:39:00.003-05:00

Guess it starts Friday. Halloween. I "dressed up" as a black cat. This entailed black cat ears and drawn-on whiskers, black turtleneck, short black skirt, black nylons & black heels. I did wear my pink feather boa (in place of a tail) for a while, but it was getting in my way, so I took it off and put it in my bag. Oh, and I took flats and was in them long before the end of the day.

When I got home, I was in a jean skirt & tee shirt SO fast! We had Little Caesar's PizzaPizza for "dinner". I was at my parents and got a call on their phone. It was J asking if I wanted to go to the hockey game. I didn't have any plans, so said yes. Rather than climbing back into my "costume", I just wore jeans with a [different] black turtleneck and put my cat ears back on. Apparently that did the trick, because I got offered a part-time job. Hooray! The Sens lost to the SoundTigers, which did not surprise me at all. In fact, it felt oddly familiar. :s J & I didn't talk very much, just sat next to each other and texted a lot. :)

Saturday, I got up and made cookies. They're really good - I'm eating one now. :) Went back to the arena to talk to the guy, but I couldn't start because I have to go thru the application process and background check and drug test. The guy was like "I know you're fine, but Syracuse has to have the paperwork, so... You can start next Friday." So that's fine with me.

I went home and had lunch with Mom & Dad. Then Mom walked me to my hair appointment. It was GORGEOUS out! Warm & sunny - yay. :) All I had done was my part moved, a trim, and some more layers cut in the back. Mom is convinced that I had it colored. And, while it's true that you can no longer see my gray, I did not have it colored!

That night, Dad & I went to hockey. I figured I should since I'll be working games from now on. Sens vs. SoundTigers again. It was a thriller and a heart breaker. Sens were down 3-0 after 1 and 5-2 after 2. Sens scored 3 goals in 4 minutes to tie things up. Then the SoundTigers didn't score! and won the game. You may be asking yourself "how is that possible???" Hockey fans in Binghamton are still asking this question, so don't feel as tho you are the only one. :s They took a shot that bounced off the right goal post, slid along the goal line without crossing it, bounced off the left goal post, and back out into play. And the dumb ref (!!!!!) called it a goal, did not consult with the goal judge and REFUSED to look at the instant replay. Talk about heart breaker! So they won again. BOO!

..shrugs.. It's just hockey! :D

Sunday. It was supposed to be all-day meeting, but Mr. R died and the family decided to have the funeral yesterday afternoon. So we had Sunday School & morning meeting then lunch for us and anyone who came early. We headed to the funeral home around 2:15. There was lots of family from Scranton there and Dave S had a nice word. Everyone was invited back for food - it was too early to really call it supper. There was plenty of food to go around and I think there's still goodies for the kids after prayer meeting. :) I would have liked have stayed, but had told the girls I would go to Starbucks with them. W & N went with us as well, but the girls did most of the talking. :) Mr. S had gospel and it was really good! I was home around 8:15 and in my pajamas shortly there after. I was in bed by 9:45 - hooray!

And today is my last day as a temp. Tomorrow I start as Office Girl at the floor covering store. I'm excited, but nervous too. I'll keep you posted.

(in fact, as I typed that, I thought hmmm, that would be a good blog title....)

xo

innocence lost

2008-10-30T11:30:00.002-04:00

I am eating an Orange Tootsie Pop. I got a whole Indian complete with bow & arrow and star. I was totally excited - as I have been for YEARS. We were talking about it work, so I Googled it.

It's an Urban Legend. I am devastated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/business/a/tootsie_pop.htm

http://www.snopes.com/business/redeem/tootsie.asp

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/mttul/indian.htm

I'm quite sure I will be crying myself to sleep tonight. I'm am deeply saddened.

But the sun is shining :)

xo

weather or not

2008-10-29T20:23:00.002-04:00

I have spent most of today wondering if the weather can truly be called blustery when there are leaves still on the trees and the grass is still green. The weather definitely was - snow flurries, very breezy & temps only up to 38. But the physical conditions of Binghamton made me wonder. A Google search was quite unsatisfactory as was the glossary on weather.com.

Whatever it actually means, I broke out the parka, gloves & scarf today. It was cold! and we were told yesterday that we had to park across the street from the building due to parking issues. I managed to park mostly in a puddle that I had to jump across and then fight against the wind to even get to the parking lot. Because I chose to cross the abandoned railroad tracks, I had to hop a puddle on the other side. Hey, I was too cold to walk to the end of the driveway...

This morning, I stopped to see a man about a job. He offered it on the spot and I start Tuesday. I'll be the "office girl" for a floor covering company. In the beginning, I'll just be phones and billing and posting inventory and stuff, but he said they'll teach me the products and then I'll be able to sell. I'm excited to have a "real" job! :D

It seems like there was something else I was going to post, but it's gone from my brain/fingers.

xo

nick & norah

2008-10-23T18:25:00.003-04:00

because I know you love my movie reviews :)

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! But only for the soundtrack. The movie itself doesn't have much of a plot, but it is fun. And it's in New York and you know I don't love NY, I just love it in the movies. It takes place in the course of 1 Friday night with a whole bunch of people who are interconnected in various ways who are all searching for Where's Fluffy?'s secret show. And it's set to a FABULOUS! soundtrack.

That said, I'm so disappointed with myself for not discovering Vampire Weekend until this movie came out. They are simply amazing!!!!!!!!!!! Their entire album cover one picture and lots of Futura. (E would be the only one who would understand...) :) If you are my friend on MySpace (yes, dear Facebook-ers, it still exists!), I have one of their songs for my profile song. Their labels on MySpace call their music "Punk/New Age/Classical" and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!!!!! Figures that all 3 of their NY shows are sold out. LD&R have tickets :(

So, buy Vampire Weekend! Buy Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist!

P.S. Is it obvious that the only reason I saw this movie was for the soundtrack? Well, if you didn't figure it out... I ONLY SAW THE MOVIE BECAUSE I HEARD THE SOUNDTRACK FIRST!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

xo

dark jeans, black turtleneck and ...

2008-10-20T18:03:00.005-04:00

fuzzy slippers???

Yeah, well, I was just in from a hockey game and my toes were like icicles... But the Polar Cap is still the Polar Cap no matter what they change the name to. It was fun watching the Jr. A Sens beat the (2nd?) best team in the league. I did like the Rocket's jerseys however. But our goalie was tops! And he made stopping 62 shots look like a walk in the park. And he's only 17! I caught up with the coach's wife and drank coffee with Pumpkin Pie creamer-stuff. It was not good, but it was warm! Which was good, considering she was wearing my other glove!

And that was my Saturday night. That afternoon I did a $900 Pampered Chef party (in a black turtleneck, short black skirt & hot pink tights!) and totally winged the recipe. I'd never made it before and didn't have the dish it was supposed to be made in, but it was YUMMY and I think I'll make it again!

I figured that since it's the middle of October, I could break out said turtleneck and tights. Saturday morning was GORGEOUS! It was 35 degrees & brilliantly sunny. I was like, "You can't get this anywhere else!" and took a whole bunch of pictures. :)

So there's lots to tell you and absolutely nothing to tell you. Like that, eh?! I am still quite unemployed, tho it's not for lack of trying. I get so bored with my list of current/previous employers, my professional & personal references, and my education. I wish I could just fill out one application and make copies, but, no, every one has to be ever-so-slightly different from the last one. I filled out 4 today. And I think I'm out of options again. Boo! :(

I think I would like to go to Montreal, but I'm somewhat over conferences for reasons I don't care to go into here.

My hair is lloooonngg! I think it's as long as it was when I left home 2 years ago. I'm still "mad" at Tyson for cutting me on the part that highlights my gray, but I'm trying to be okay with it. It bothers me when I'm looking in the mirror on my way out the door, but then I usually forget about it. Until I catch myself in a mirror somewhere else... :s

Let's see, what else would you like to know about me? I'm glad I'm back! I still think social networking is overrated, 'tho I must admit, I'm rather addicted to my Green Patch! :D

I think Seattle turned my brains to mush. Honestly! Well, that, or we have slow automatic doors here??? I don't know how many I've almost walked into. And I confuse really easily now. Oh, and I'm allergic to shellfish and maybe wheat. (Not that allergies have anything to do with a brain that's been mushed by rain!)

OH! I bought pressed powder! Really! I had a coupon for $1 off Cover Girl so I got mineral pressed powder - or something like that! It's not M.A.C. but it seems to do the trick, so for that I'm thankful.

I've a bit of a problem. Dad says it's supposed to snow on Wednesday. Actually, he said, "Welcome back to New York. We're supposed to have snow on Wednesday." The problem with this? I haven't any snow boots. The pair I took to Seattle have been just a bit too small for several years, so they went to Sally Ann after one of the garage sales this summer. The pair I left behind has gone missing. Odd... I discovered that I do have a serviceable winter coat, one that was entirely too heavy to take Out West with me, but should do the trick here. I bought it in Canada! :)

Guess I'll close with a few fall fotos. :)

The girls at Iron Kettle Pumpkin Farm :)

I love looking up at the leaves against the clear blue sky!

Metamorphosis!

Love the colors!!

Miss you!

XO

gray monday

2008-10-06T11:44:00.002-04:00

So, based upon what I did on Friday, I dressed the part today, only to discover that I would be sitting at my desk and then later on the front desk. Figures. I'm grubby, well, not really, but I do not look good in this shade of gray. Fortunately, I wore my Danskos, so I don't feel as dressed down as I would have in my New Balance. However, I do not like this t-shirt. ..shrugs..

Today is cool - like 42 on my way to work this morning - and overcast. I like fall to be cool & sunny! But alas, it's mostly cloudy today.

Also today, I found out that Wednesday is to be my last day. I have been waiting for this for a while. I feel like I've been doing busy work and I didn't get any training on the new system that started this morning, along with the new fiscal year. I have mixed feelings. I have loved being here, but if I'm just puttering with busy work, then I feel like there's no point in my driving 30 miles/day just to be here. At the same time, I am totally panicking because I am struggling financially and need to be working! I hate being me on days like this!

I guess that's better than hating myself for loving you?! lol

On a positive note, yesterday was the renewal of fellowship meetings. I made pumpkin cheesecake, mashed cauliflower (with garlic, mayo, salt & pepper), and roasted carrots (with salt, pepper, garlic & basil). There were no leftover veggies and I ate the last piece of cheesecake with my 2nd cup of coffee this morning. Yum!

Note: I guess I should have realized something was wrong - I rarely have a 2nd cup when I get to work!

Saturday night was fun. The kids, well, I guess they are technically the yp now, went on the nighttime corn maze, then we all went to Steikas for a sing & refreshments. The oldest 4 yp didn't show up (I'd like to share that none of their reasons sounded very valid...), but we had fun without them. After snacking on brownie sundaes - with homemade caramel sauce! - we played "I Never". We laughed A LOT!!! I said to H that I felt old, and she said that I shouldn't feel like that because I was fun and they liked me. Talk about warm fuzzies! :)

I guess that's all for now.

xo

cute on friday

2008-10-03T12:53:00.002-04:00

Yeah, so I figured that since I'd worn jeans all week that I would go sort of cute today. Flared khakis, long t, slightly shrunken sweater, sparkly flats - or as cute as I can make that look. :s I get to work & open outlook. I have a message that says "DO YOU WANT TO COME OVER AND BREAK DOWN FRAMES TOMORROW AFTERNOON ? DIRTY WORK !" This was sent after I left work last night. I don't have the option of saying no as it has been expected all week. I'm the temp and have to do what's needed. So, on lunch, I raced home, changed & raced back. I'm finishing my lunch at the front desk, so hopefully there won't be too many phone calls, appointments, etc. I'm also in light jeans, a Zambonis t & a BU sweatshirt - much more prepared for the afternoon. What did I do this morning, you ask? Well, I cut zippers out of moldy tents.

I KNOW you are all very jealous of my life...! :D

xo

incompetent

2008-10-02T12:42:00.002-04:00

Do you know? There is a ridiculous number of cosmetic products on the shelves today?! I was at Target last night. I need: tinted moisturizer & powder - pressed or loose, no matter. I didn't buy anything. There was too much of everything & I have no idea what colors I need or anything.

Perhaps I should clarify?

In the last 2 years, or rather, ever since I discovered Bradley, then Shane, at the MAC counter at Nordies, I've not had to decide anything. I would sit down in his chair, he would produce any number of cosmetic items, hand-picked for my coloring. I would stand up looking FAB and he would ask what I needed. I would just buy whatever foundation, powder, eye shadow he had used that I really liked, a new brush, whatever, drop [too much of] my money at the cash and walk out. Similarly, when I needed moisturizer, the girl at philosopy sat me down, looked at my pores, and went to work. Again, I said, well I need that and that and here's my Visa.

The only thing I've bought on my own has been mascara - Fresh's Supernova. I was introduced to it at Mall of America and I get it at Sephora. I walk it, ask where the mascara is (they are forever moving the stuff on me!), pick up the amazing box, hand over my rewards card with my Visa and walk out. The day I read that plum mascara would make my eyes look greener, I went to Sephora. The dumbfounded clerk said "plum mascara????" So I went to Bartell's and got Almay's Raisin Quartz. I can buy mascara.

But I need help with the rest of the stuff. I've been to Target a couple of times and still haven't gotten anything. An employee asked if she could help me, so I said I needed a tinted moisturizer that was like philosophy's. She stared blankly at me and pointed vaguely in the direction of the moisturizer aisle. I NEED SHANE! I think he's moved back to Cali by now. :( He was so pretty....

I can't think of what will happen when I need more mascara. I'm not sure I can go back to Maybelline :s

Ah, the trials one must face... ;)

And now, since I've not visited this topic in a while...

I know it's totally wrong of me to crush on 18-year-olds or married men, but sometimes............. Oh & I didn't know the cutest one had a girlfriend until today. sigh. Does he know he's the best looking one here?!

Missing you!

XO

my brain hurts

2008-09-30T09:11:00.000-04:00

that's all

xo

missing

2008-09-29T08:58:00.002-04:00

This morning, I had the brilliant idea to stream The Mountain on my computer at work. I trust you all enjoy your "drop dead gorgeous" day.

I miss: the Mountain & the mountains, the water, walking thru downtown, dropping in somewhere for coffee, wandering into Nordies because I need moisturizer, waving at fellow baristas in different stores, walking thru BoA just to say hi, tossing my empty cup as I stop in for another cuppa, stepping over the sleeping homeless & using my iPod to avoid the panhandlers. Wait - those are the 2 things I don't miss. Usually. Today I do tho.

Oh, and I miss U!!!

xo

tuesday morning

2008-09-23T09:22:00.002-04:00

So today, while driving to work, I heard Learning to Fly while I was drinking a Venti Sumatra (1 Raw Sugar, 2% milk). MMMMM!!! However, because I was driving the parkway rather than the highway, it just didn't have the same feel. shrugs. Guess I should be thankful to have both. And a job to go to in the morning.

In stopping to get said Venti Sumatra... I walked into my old store and knew all 7 customers who were sitting in the cafe drinking their coffee. It was neat to see all of them. And it was nice that they all wanted me back because they miss me. Aw... It was nice to see K, but he's always too busy to actually have a convo - ever since that one when I told him I wasn't coming back...

Have I mentioned that I discovered Jango? I love it. I type in an artist, whoever I feel like listening to, and then it's like listening to my very favorite radio station all day. But... I can pause a song when I have to go to the filing cabinet, printer, mail room, etc. NEAT!

I did a Pampered Chef party last night. I made Creamy One Pot Pasta & Taffy Apple Tartlets. The pasta was yummy! My host bought butterscotch sauce rather than caramel sauce, so the tartlets weren't as sweet as I think they should have been. But they were still good. And her youngest (2 1/2) kissed me good night. It was really sweet, but he was quite naughty the rest of the evening. I like doing parties, but I'm exhausted by the time I get home.

I'm still waiting on that hug from California.

I wish I could travel - Chicago, Seattle, Vancouver, LA.......

I miss you all!!!!

xo

the problem...

2008-09-16T07:47:00.002-04:00

...with taking the interstate to work...
...with listening to Classic Rock on your way...

I listen to 99.1 WAAL on my way to work. My sister questions this, but I've been a fan of Steve since his days at Star. AND I like Steve, Kathy & Big Wally. Anyways, The WAAL used to be "bad". I remember my mother telling me that Mrs. Johnson had told her that it was bad and that I was not to listen to it. I always wanted to know how Mrs. Johnson knew that it was bad, but I never got a satisfactory answer. .shrugs.

Anyways...

What is it about Classic Rock that makes you (ME) want to just drive and drive? Pink Floyd's Learning to Fly came on this morning, and, as I turned it up, I was disapointed that I couldn't just keep driving.

Fortunately, I was able to hear the entire song before I pulled in the parking lot, so that made it better, but still.

I'm on the interstate, it's early in the morning, and there's Floyd on the radio? I wanna drive!

xo

um...

2008-09-04T09:32:00.001-04:00

The Dunkin Donuts mug on my desk is filled with a combination of Starbucks Gazebo Blend & Maxwell House prepack from the office kitchen. Hmmm...

:)

xo

silence speaks a thousand words

2008-08-31T18:15:00.002-04:00

I'm here. Really. I think of you often. I just never write. And I'm deeply sorry. I just feel like I have nothing to say that anyone wants to hear.

I provide support to the Customer Service department at Johnson Outdoors and I'm a Pampered Chef consultant. I work a lot and still struggle to pay my bills.

I occasionally wonder if it's worth it...

I want a hug from a friend in California.

I've recently discovered that I DO like Coldplay, although, perhaps it's just the one song?

I think Jango is, like, the coolest thing.

I'm often lonely.

I wish I were at Bumbershoot this weekend, even tho I don't have money to buy anything from Flatstock.

I miss Starbucks.

I miss Seattle!

I'm praying for Beth's family & wishing I could be with them.

I'm so over social networking!

I love you all and I'm sorry I don't write more often.

xo

p.s. Know anything about the title? Comment...

lonely 07.31.08

2008-08-06T09:26:00.001-04:00

home alone here is
different from Seattle. i
wasn't lonely there.

well, i guess, maybe
i was, but it was okay
there. not here. this is

supposed to be HOME.

bass lake

2008-08-02T23:15:00.002-04:00

This is specifically for J, because I am at her house and she is complaining that I don't ever write. I have lots to say, but I, like, never post. I'm dreadfully sorry. But thanks for your hospitality. I do love being here and find it most relaxing. Well, except when Andy takes corners too hard and I fly across the bottom of the boat. It's too bad I bruise so easily.....

xo

obviously

2008-07-04T18:37:00.003-04:00

I am so definitely back.

I went to the mall to check on a shirt at the Gap. The guy who checked me out asked if I had found everything I was looking for. I said "no" and, when asked, went on to describe the shirt I had bought in Seattle on Monday and was looking for the blue one. The guy says, "Are you Rachel?" Me [in shock] "Yeah..." "I'm Nathan. I met you at John's going away party at the church before he went to Australia." Me "Ooohhhh :D How are you?!" And we went on having a conversation about him remembering that I was moving to Seattle. I'm still racking my brain, but I think I might have met him at Applebee's? I feel bad that I don't remember him, but we figure we'll run into each other again. :)

Then I went to the bakery at the corner to grab a sub for dinner tonight. These 2 guys pulled in at the same time as me, but I didn't pay them much attention. Until I turned around to look at the pop and came face to face with the one. I'm pretty sure I went out with him, once, probably 3 - 4 years ago. It was a hockey thing and I'm quite sure he didn't recognize me. My hair is shorter & super dark and I felt kinda crappy so didn't look all that fabulous anyway.

Oh, and I knew the kid that checked me out at the grocery store.

Apparently I'm back. Crazy.

xo

it's true...

2008-06-23T08:37:00.001-04:00

Seagulls

Released May 1997
(written by Hallett)

She left St.John's one day in May
Dressed in her Sunday best
A kind man sat beside her
While she cried her way out West

She moved in with her cousin
Found a job down in the mall
Her friends at home were jealous
Said they'd see her in the fall

Chorus
You know that she wants to try,
never lets you see her cry
You know that she wants to try,
she's got seagulls in her eyes

She made some decent money
But nothing comes for free
The windy street, just can't compete
With the sky, the rocks and sea

Chorus

Her parents came at Eastertime
They wanted her to stay
But she bought a panel van
Moved home on her birthday

Her friends were pretty cynical
'Couldn't make it on your own...'
Now the sky's a little smaller
And it doesn't seem like home

a change (will do you good)

2008-06-09T10:05:00.001-04:00

Or so the song goes. I'm moving from Seattle back to [upstate] NY. A change, yes?

I decided to post on my original blog. It's here. Enjoy. I'll try to post regularly. I'm currently in Idaho.

xo

what a deal!

2008-05-10T01:31:00.003-04:00

I walked past Brooks Brothers on my way to work this afternoon. They're having a sale.

Golden Fleece Performance Polos 3 for $119, regularly $59.50 each

As I walked on, I got to thinking that that was a lot of money for 3 shirts and that they better be made of gold! It's basically getting one free. Which still doesn't make me want to buy them.

By comparison, Ralph Lauren's start at $75!

I also found them at:
Lacoste, where they also start at $75. But there's a cute polka-dotted one on sale for $49.99.
Banana Republic is more my price range. There you can get them for $29.50 when you buy 2 or more!
And finally, at Target, they are much more affordable! $9.99 is definitely in my price range!

I'd like to add that I don't personally wear polos outside of work. I don't think they look good on me. shrugs.

I just had to write about Brooks Brothers because I think it's totally preposterous that they charge that much for shirts. And we have customers who shop there and were excited about said sale.

Ridiculous!

It's also ridiculous that I'm still up writing about this when I should be sleeping because I have to be out catching the bus to go to work before 8 a.m. tomorrow!

Good night!

xo

P.S. For more infomation about polo shirts, click here.

there, and here

2008-05-09T01:08:00.002-04:00

I'm constantly running across things that I think would be fabulous to blog about, but, as you know, I seldom do.

...My coffee panel project is now going through June 4, so my new last-day-of-work is June 6.

...I miss living downtown.

...I was in Westlake Center this week. I was on the down escalator and this girl with red hair was on the up escalator. We looked at each other and then turned around to have a conversation. She was my server at Lola on Saturday morning. It was so fun to see her. It's like, I finally know people in Seattle when it's time to leave. Weird.

...I love brunch at Lola. There's not much better than their garlic-smashed potatoes!

...Weird is spelled weird and I always spell it wrong. Why is that?

...Friends are getting married, having babies, breaking up, changing careers, remaining in their current careers, etc. I remain: single, unanchored by any specific career, clueless about what I really want to do, poor, etc. I try to be thankful for what I've got.

...For many years, I read [only] romance novels. One day, I was like, "This is so dumb!" and stopped reading them. I didn't read for a while because I couldn't settle on a new genre. I've started reading again. I read a book about travel, a book about cooking, a book about travel, a book about religion, 2 more books about cooking. I still have a bookmark in Pride & Prejudice. I've seen the movie - I know how it turns out. I just can't seem to finish the book. So I'll move on to the next book about cooking and see what happens after that.

...It's time for bed. I've still got stuff to write about, but I'll save it for another post. Good night.

xo

sadness

2008-04-30T00:25:00.002-04:00

So, I am guessing that most of you have heard the news?

I am leaving Seattle to go back to NY to be near my family & stuff.

(Now, don't go all crazy on me - I'm not going to NYC!!!)

Here's my dilemma:
My blog is called "Rachel In Seattle".
Should I keep it that?
Should I use one of my other old blogs?
Should I keep the same address and change the name to "Rachel [Not] In Seattle"?
Should I start a whole new one?
If I were to start a whole new one, what would I call it?

Any opinions will be gratefully accepted. I heart U all!

xo

why?

2008-04-15T17:57:00.002-04:00

Let's say you are in Seattle.

You are waiting for the bus and it's sprinkling.

You are wearing a hood, yet you open your umbrella.

While you are under the shelter.

WHY? WHY? WHY?

Just wanted to get that off my chest!

xo

reunion

2008-04-09T01:38:00.003-04:00

NKOTB have gotten back together!!!!!

Their first live performance will be on The Today Show on May 16th.

They plan to release a new album and go on tour.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(here's hoping that tour includes a stop in Seattle!)

xo

how totally random

2008-04-09T00:52:00.002-04:00

I was at Key Arena tonight to watch the Thunderbirds lose to the Tri-City Americans. Yes, it was a hockey game. Playoffs, too, no less. But how I ended up being there, well

Where to begin, I start with the end...

Not really, I just wanted to quote Carbon Leaf. :)

I was in Pioneer Square this afternoon. In the rain! (Because it's Seattle, apparently!) E works in Pioneer Square, so I texted her and asked if she wanted to do dinner. She wrote back and said she had plans. Turned out those plans were going to the hockey game.

Now, I had seen in the paper that this round was tied 1-1 and that there was a game on Tuesday. However, I rarely watch hockey these days, so didn't really look at when the game actually was. My bad.

So I took myself home on an 18X that was packed tighter than a can of sardines, if that's humanly possible. When we got to Pine, I got off because I decided I would be more comfortable walking. And the rain had stopped.

So I got home, not quite wet to the skin, and tried to figure out what to have for dinner. Nothing really sounded good and I hadn't eaten in HOURS! And I mean that - I went to "lunch" at 7:15 this morning! and it was now 5:30ish. What to do?! What to do?!

I decided I would either go to Safeway or Belltown Pizza. (See title of post!) I crossed 1st to either wait for the bus or walk for pizza then decided that I didn't want to go to Queen Anne because I was tired and had laundry to put away.

So I started walking south on 1st. As I was crossing Vine (I think it was), I passed this group of people in which one guy had on a Thunderbirds jersey and one girl had on a Red Wings jersey. I said "have fun at the game."

The guy in the T-birds jersey stopped and said "Thanks. Do you want to come with us?" I was like, "well, yeah, I guess. Do you have tickets?" And he goes, "Yeah, you can have one for 10 bucks. I'm Ben." I said, "Thanks. I'm Rachel." And we started walking toward Seattle Center together. He introduced me to his girlfriend Sarah and David & Joe & I can't remember the other girls name. I feel terrible! :(

So we walked into the game and sat in Section 128, Row 11, Seats 1-6. When they turned the lights up after the National Anthem (Why do they always pick young girls who can't sing?!), I heard someone yelling "RACHEL! RACHEL!" I turned around and there was E in Row 13, Seat 9ish. She was there with her sister & brother-in-law, and his friend. She was rooting for Tri-Cities!

The game was interesting. For those of you who so enjoyed the fights in Everett, you would have been sorely disappointed tonight. There was lots of hockey and lots of good, hard hits, but no fights. Unfortunately, the T-birds played much of the game in their own end, but Helenius stood on his head to keep the team from losing too badly. He made 42 saves in a 3-2 loss.

And then, they walked me home. It was sweet of them, really. Joe lives a couple of blocks from me, so they were headed in my direction anyway. They were all really nice and thanked me for going to the game with them. They kept asking if I had fun. I did! :)

xo

crush(ed)

2008-03-30T02:37:00.004-04:00

I nabbed this picture from here. I have a HUGE crush on Nada Surf. Seriously. I thought it was just on Daniel, but it turns out that it's on Matthew and Ira as well. (S, I'm sorry, I can't help it!)

I arrived at The Showbox at the Market just before 7:30 last night. I headed into The Green Room because it was cold outside. I should have ordered food, but the guy never came back. I chatted with the couples on either side of me. The usual stuff: have you ever been here, how many times have you seen them, what are you drinking? A cute, sandy-haired guy reached in next to me and ordered 3 Guinness. I said "hi nate" and we caught up on life since LE back in the fall. He's been to Argentina and back. I've mostly been in Seattle.

If you are in the Green Room, you get to go into the show before they open the doors to the outside. I think that's neat! Most of the people from the Green Room went into the bars inside. I walked up to the stage and asked if you really could just stand there. The 2 girls standing there said yes. THEN we introduced ourselves.

The Builders and the Butchers took the stage about 9 and played for 50 minutes. They are from Portland and were SO MUCH FUN! Their myspace says they sound like "singing and shouting with guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, accordian, drums, xylophone, bells, and washboard." That's true! But they forgot trumpet and assorted noise makers... The 2 percussionists (Paul & Ray) were FAB.

Nada Surf didn't take the stage until 10:30. They rocked!!! I was SO close to Daniel - that was awesome. He's such a performer and so much fun to watch! They played til about 11:45, then came back for an encore that finished after midnight. The encore included Blizzard & Blonde on Blonde and ended with Blankest Year. It was fairly rowdy and there was much singing along!

No, I didn't take my camera! I knew that it was a standing GA show, so didn't want to carry too much stuff. Am I mad at myself? TOTALLY!!! I took a couple of pictures with my phone, but they didn't come out very good. :( Hopefully Beth will send me some - I used her camera a couple of times...

12:15 a.m. is really late at night for me, especially since I was at work at 4:30 Friday morning. I lost my voice and my hearing, but I chatted with The Builders for a bit before heading out into the cold night. I had to run for about a half block, but I made the bus, so I was home and almost in bed by 12:45. Crazy! But I had SO MUCH FUN even tho I went out by myself to see an opening act I had never heard of. :)

So, anyways, I'm in a bit of a quandary. If these 2 bands are my favorites and I also heart Guster, what kind of music do I like? Myspace says: The Builders are "Powerpop / 2-step / Acoustic", Nada Surf is " Rock / Indie / Pop" and Guster is: "Alternative". Am I trying too hard to fit myself into 1 genre? What am I supposed to tell people when they ask what kind of music I like? Help...

xo

bc briefly

2008-03-30T02:07:00.002-04:00

On Thursday, the day before Good Friday, I boarded a bus (???) to Richmond, BC, Canada. I was rather shocked, as I had booked my ticket thru Amtrak, which, as you may know, is a train! Anyways, I picked up my ticket at the ticket window and the nice lady told me to go get on the big white bus out front. Did I mention I was shocked?

I stowed my suitcase in the bottom part of the bus and climbed aboard. I got 2 seats to myself in the middle of the bus. I was reminded of hockey trips back East, except that I had 2 seats to myself and I didn't know anyone on the bus.

L & K picked me up, tho they were at the wrong hotel to start. It's not my fault the city of Richmond names 2 of their hotels with the same name, only changing what they are. One is a hotel, the other is an inn. crazy. They kindly took me for a Tim's then to drop off my stuff, then on to a taco salad supper at the MR.

On Friday, for lunch, the ladies served a FAB Greek meal. YUM!!!!

On Saturday, for lunch, the ladies served a yummy bbq meal.

On Sunday, for lunch, the ladies served roast beef for main course and cheesecake for dessert.

For supper on Friday & Saturday, there were Subway party subs. (I don't like Subway.)

I left before supper on Sunday.

I enjoyed the readings and addresses. And the gospels and the hymn sings. Peter made us learn a new tune to #104. Can't remember it right now, but I really liked it.

I also liked that there were cute boys there (!) and that I got to drink Tim's. No, I don't particularly like their coffee, and therefore I drink double-doubles, which are basically warm, sweet beverages that taste vaguely like coffee. I don't drink Starbucks when I'm in Canada!

all on a saturday

2008-03-26T02:36:00.004-04:00

The Space Needle hiding behind a tree.

Eggs!

Making frosting from just 3 ingredients. Have I mentioned that I'm a Safeway fan?!

My new shoes :)

Sunset

Caesar Salad!

Carrot Cake with Apricot filling. It was from Costco and had cream cheese frosting.

Wii! Phil, Liviu, Dan, Andre, Cristian

Striped Pants!!!!!

Keren & Karen. I think they were trying to bowl?

And then I wandered off to take random pictures of the house. :)

thunderbirds @ silvertips 3/14/08

2008-03-26T02:04:00.004-04:00

Tempers flaring...

"Game On!"

This glass isn't supposed to break...

The cool t-shirt-shooter-thing!

2 Zambonis!!! :)

My new favorite player - look at his last name & # (not all of you will understand this, in fact, I don't know if any of you will. sorry.)

The final fight, or rather, what was left while the penalties were being sorted out.

And I'd like to point out that the penalties didn't make a whole lot of sense, but then, I don't know the rules of the WHL.

xo

these last few weeks

2008-03-26T01:10:00.008-04:00

I have been saying things like "this is SO going in my blog" or "I really need to blog this in the morning" and, well, it hasn't really happened that way. So here are a few pictures with brief comments to fill you in on life in Seattle.

xo

This was before the Seahawks got knocked out of the playoffs.

Some pictures from my trip home in Jan/Feb...

Annabelle texting?

Like their daddy, Syreeta & Annabelle like their video games.

Annabelle eating popcorn at the hockey game.

<3 My sister <3

Candace, Char, Leanne & Mia at the wedding of...

Phil & Abby on 2/9/08

March came in like a lion! This is hail on 3/1!

Seattle from the Bainbridge Ferry.

A random shot of people in the Space Needle. This is taken from my bus stop!

Making cookies - yum!

Artistic shot :)

Finished product!

SPRING! :)

happy st. paddy's day

2008-03-17T19:43:00.003-04:00

This is my famous "Green Cake" that I only make once a year. Although, it's easy & yummy and I should make it more often. Perhaps I should experiment with other flavors of pudding? The green version uses Pistachio.

It is gorgeous in Seattle today, if a little cool & breezy. I have things to do, but not the motivation...

xo

fyi

2008-03-15T19:15:00.002-04:00

My mom finally sent my transfer cable, so I am in the process of uploading my pictures from my camera to my computer. I've been taking lots (I love spring!) so it's taking a while to upload them all. Especially since I've been doing laundry & baking this afternoon! I promise I will put some up soon, starting with the AHL All-Star Game. (Yes, B, just for you!)

xo

famous

2008-03-11T01:48:00.002-04:00

This is a video of my friend Evan's band, I Declare War. They are a death metal band and the video is very disturbing. Consider yourself warned!!!

That said, it is well-produced, and that's why I decided to put it on here.

http://www.virb.com/ryankamfilm/videos/40849

xo

yay!

2008-03-08T01:05:00.001-05:00

I met Cakespy!!!!! We met at Nielsen's Pastries in Queen Anne and chatted for well over an hour and then, sadly, I had to go to work. We plan to get together again. She is SO very cool. And she's an East Coast Girl!!!!!

It was so very fun! :D

xo

sigh

2008-03-04T23:20:00.002-05:00

Saw G after cp today. It TOTALLY made my afternoon! ;)

xo

it's jodie's fault!

2008-02-29T02:08:00.000-05:00

adventure

2008-02-27T18:53:00.004-05:00

Today is beautifully gorgeous! It's the kind of day for exploring. It's the kind of day when you should take your camera when you go exploring.

I forgot about that last part. :(

However, I do have visual memories of purple crocuses and tulip leaves. I saw green grass & blue sky. I looked off to the east and saw the Cascade mountains. (I also saw the cranes in Bellevue.) I petted a dog and had a conversation with a recovered alcoholic. I still wish I had taken my camera.

I went to Sugar and had a Rosemary & Cheddar scone. I also had a cup of Caffe Vita Peruvian coffee. I bought something for B. :) The scone was very yummy, but it wasn't quite a Dill Scone from here. The coffee was quite mild, but had a pretty good flavor. It was not a good pairing with the scone, but I made it work anyway.

Sugar is located at 1014 Madison Street. I took the #2 bus and walked 3 blocks, but I suppose if you had to, you could drive. It's very pink and very girly. The walls are dark pink & light pink striped and the ceiling is rather high. There's a [pink] beaded curtain closing off the stairs to the office. As you walk in, there are 2 large pastry-cases to your right. I was there about 2, so there were lots of empty spots, but I would imagine those cases are FULL in the morning. I know that there were 2 other scones and 3 different cupcakes, but my brain couldn't comprehend the rest of the case. But I did notice the lavender shortbread. They had samples! :) The 3 girls that were working (I think one of them was the owner, but I'm not sure.) were super friendly and I plan on going back. You should check it out sometime.

Oh, and before I forget, Cakespy told me about it. Her art is showing there right now. I must share with you that I LOVE HER ART!!!!!!! I'd like to buy lots & lots of it, but I'm rather poor right now. :s

From there, I got back on the bus for a few more stops. Hopped off at 16th & E. Union. I made the "mistake" of walking East, rather than North. Apparently that did make all the difference, because it was in that round about way that I saw all the previously-mentioned wonderful things that I saw. I eventually ended up at Trader Joe's on Capitol Hill.

Yay! It's nicer than the Totem Lake version, which is the only other one I've ever been to. Hey, they didn't have them where I used to live! :D It was like this. I got a Fearless Flyer in the mail. I flipped thru it and was like, I should go sometime. I had wanted to go on Sunday afternoon, but we ended up on the Kirkland waterfront instead. While that was fun, it wasn't TJ's. Until today, I'd always relied on Beth to take me there. That ended today. lol I can get there on my own. Anyways, I got groceries that I didn't desperately need, but now I have a larger variety of things to choose from when I need to eat. :)

It was on the bus back down the hill that I got chatting with my fellow passengers. And now I'm home, with my feet up. Well, specifically my left foot up cuz it's the one that hurts. Guess I really should have ice on it, but I don't. Too lazy to get up and get it. lol I'm also shopping online because I didn't feel like shopping at the Gap when I stopped in on my way home from work this morning.

I did stop at MCoy books. I got 6 books, 2 greeting cards, and 1 postcard for $8. They are going out of business. This makes me very sad as they are the only independent bookstore between my place and work. Guess I'll have to go to Barnes & Nobel if I want a book. But the thing of it is this: The only reason I like going to BN is the discount. (And I think I need to renew my membership...) I'd much rather support the local independent folk.

Well, I just made plans with SD to meet up (be)for(e) dinner. Perhaps I'll see some of you this evening? :)

xo

the song that started it all...

2008-02-23T01:08:00.002-05:00

Whit & I sang this at work today, much to Scott's amusement :D

xo

road trip

2008-02-23T00:57:00.003-05:00

Last night, I was listening to Power Ballads sung by big (not bad!) hair bands. As I was singing along, I was realizing that they are such amazing driving songs. And then I realized that it's been forever since I've roadtripped anywhere!

I guess I did a little one last summer when I went to J&J's wedding, but that was extra brief and included a crush on both KK & BP. ACK! TANGENT ALERT!!!!!

Anyways. I would love, love, LOVE to road trip to Poison, Whitesnake, Skid Row & Night Ranger. Anyone care to join me?

xo

well, hello, again, little bloggie

2008-02-20T23:52:00.005-05:00

Greetings, y'all!

I have not fallen off the face of the earth, nor have I returned to the East Coast. (How the rumours fly!) ;)

Let's see if I can summarize the last month or so. Oh, look, it's only been like 3 1/2 weeks......

I flew home on 1/25 for the AHL All-Star Game. Mom was disappointed that I would fly home for a hockey game, so I decided to stay for 2 weeks. It was relaxing. I barely left the house, and when I did, it was to go to Starbucks. I never did get together with all the people I had hoped to get together with. I managed to have coffee with Chels and with KMC. But I mostly hung out with my family and people from meeting. I went through a lot of stuff that I had left behind and got rid of lots and shipped 4 boxes to myself.

Dad & I went to the All-Star Game. I was chatting with my friend Beth, her husband Tom, and the "Kelly boys" and I looked at Beth & said, "THIS is what I miss about living in Seattle." And we both realized that it's the camaraderie that makes hockey in Binghamton HOCKEY! I can watch hockey anywhere, but it's far more enjoyable knowing everyone in the place. It was like old home day there on 1/28/08! And Team Canada won the game, thanks, in part, to Denis Hamel's goal in the shoot-out. 4,800 people on there feet chanting "Deh-knee! Deh-knee! Deh-knee!" The building was shaking and I lost my voice. (I must note here that I don't think Dad was chanting, though he did cheer when he scored! Also, the BCVMA is the smallest building in the AHL, and I think sold-out it seats 4,709. Either way, the total number of people in the building was probably around 5,000.) It was neat to see all the jerseys from around the league. People came from as far away as Houston & Manitoba. Oh, and I was there from Seattle. :D

Mom & I did get out a couple of afternoons - between A's naps and picking S up from school. She's 5 now and she goes to school. (!) We made several trips to the Giant, also to Grandmother's Thimble,Tom's, and Cyber Cafe West. These are not the sorts of trips we used to take. I miss those all day trips on roads we'd never driven on!

Mom, Dad & I went to women's basketball at BU. Dad & I went to mens & womens hoops at BCC - on Alumni Day. We got in free AND they fed us lunch! :)

The Wednesday before I left, Dad & I and A & the girls went to the hockey game. That was funner because it was the old crowd (a.k.a. not all the visitors for the All-Star game!) S was disappointed because Max didn't come over and say "hi". A's hands and face turned blue from the cotton candy.

Thursday, A invited me out for breakfast. We went to a place on the Avenue. The omelets were amazing! I haven't found a place as good here in Seattle. We sat and talked for a while and then went to Dunkin Donuts. Because I was East and because it was right there. :) I miss her SO much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then it was Friday and time to fly back to Seattle. I was at BGM at 4:55 a.m. I flew to DTW then to ATL. I looked at my watch as we were boarding in ATL and was shocked to discover that it was 3 o'clock in the afternoon and I WAS STILL ON THE EAST COAST! with the longest leg of my trip ahead of me! Grrr!

I finally got back to Sea-Tac around 5:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. EST!) It took forever for the luggage to come through. I finally collected my 2 bags and got myself to the Avis counter. (It's a l.oo.n.g way to go when you are struggling to control 2 suitcases!) I got a RED Focus - fun! It was raining and traffic was bad as I made my way downtown. Got a parking spot just above the alley, so it was easy to move in. Into my stuffy apartment because the windows had been closed for 2 weeks.

Saturday morning, I got up and drove to Vancouver, WA, to attend Dr. Phil & Dear Abby's wedding. No, they don't like us calling them that, but it keeps us amused. LN called at 7:30, so he ended up carpooling with me. It was nice to have the company. And then the sun came out on the way down. The wedding was nice, but TOO big! I took a whole bunch of pictures* and it lasted way too long. A bunch of us went to Peet's before I got back on the road. I stopped at the outlets in Centralia for food, gas, and footwear. I got back to my place around 9:30 and had to park 2 blocks away.

Sunday was a quiet day spent with B & W. We went to Top Pot. :) And Monday I started back to life. I'll have to write about that a different time.

xo

*There are no pictures because my transfer cable is still at my parents house...

breakfast

2008-01-28T16:51:00.000-05:00

As you may have noticed, I have a list of blogs I read over there on the right side of your screen. I enjoy reading Orangette - because she is mostly local and because she writes about food. From her links, I found simply breakfast. And fell in love! Why? Because I love breakfast! :)

xo

sick

2008-01-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

One of these days, I'll write a real post. I'm sick right now and can barely see straight. I did, however, add a couple of elements to my blog. Can you find them? Next, I guess, I should post pictures. That'd be nice, eh?!

xo

and we could all use a little change...

2008-01-14T01:48:00.000-05:00

The Chatty Housewife has emailed me some instructions for prettifying my blog. One of these days, I think I might. I updated my profile a bit tonight, but that's it. Sorry.

The girls in Europe are having fun and I think I'm jealous. ;)

xo

i hear paris is lovely in the spring

2008-01-07T23:44:00.000-05:00

My friends are in Europe. Check out their blog!

rinkrat

2007-12-29T18:55:00.000-05:00

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

rink rat
–noun Canadian.
a youth who spends a great deal of time at a hockey rink, helping with maintenance work, sweeping, etc., often without pay or in return for free admission to the rink.

[Origin: 1940–45]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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Such was the result of a dictionary.com search for rinkrat/rink-rat/rink rat this afternoon. I can hear you now. "Rachel, why are you even looking up the definition of rink rat? Don't you know? Haven't you been one in your past life?"

Yes, yes, I am well aware of what exactly a rink rat is/does. And I have been one in the past. And I thought I was pretty much done with that. However, such has not been the case this weekend.

First, an addendum to the above definition. The rink rats I have known don't actually do any work around the rink. They get dropped off by their parents with their skates and enough money for admission and maybe a candy bar. Maybe this was just Grippen, but we were expected to "babysit" these kids, especially if it was an afternoon session and an evening session with a hockey game in between. The parents would come back hours later. (Or, in the case of a certain family, we would take the kids home.)

See, these rink rats don't actually do any work. They just hang out and skate and ask for more money so they can have hot chocolate. They followed the skate guards around and hung out in the office with the manager. (He often ordered pizza on said evenings...)

Rink rat is a general name for the kids who are at the rink for every public skating session, who know all the skate guards, managers, and Zamboni drivers. I know. I was one of them. Get to know enough people and hang around long enough, and they give you a job. Then I got to clean the locker rooms as well as keep peace on the ice.

Rink rats hang out in professional arenas as well. Or maybe we were just spoiled, growing up in the smallest arena in a certain professional league. I was friends with entire hockey teams and their wives/girlfriends/parents/kids/dogs. (For some, it was all of the above. At the same time. Don't ask.) The equipment manager sharpened my skates. I had run of the entire arena. Then the league changed and security got tighter. And the names got bigger and I got less involved.

Nothing has changed how much I love to skate. Only location prevents me from doing so more often. I got new skates at the end of the 04-05 season, and I wish I remember why. That year, my rink flooded, then I had back surgery, then they didn't get the rink reopened for the winter. (It's closed. Permanently, I believe.) So, to go skating, I had to drive to the community college, register to park, pay more than the old county-owned rink, and make new friends with the employees. Being social (!) and from a small hockey town, it wasn't that hard, but the rink was different.

With not enough time to break in my new skates, I packed up and moved to downtown Seattle. Yes, the skates came too. I skated once last year - in Renton. This does not break in the skates. See, the biggest problem with living here is the lack of skating facilities. A guy last night was practically bragging that they have 6 quality rinks in a 30 mile area. In my opinion, that is not nearly enough ice for as many people as live here. But, then, I don't exactly consider this a hockey hotbed. Sure, we have the Thunderbirds, but American Junior hockey played in a building that also is home to an NBA team kinda loses the closeness of junior hockey that I know. I've been twice.

Where was I going with this? Oh yeah. Every (?) holiday season, a.k.a the period of time between Thanksgiving and New Year's, Seattle Center holds Winterfest. And during this time, they have an ice rink. This is good, yes? I can walk there. Well, it turns out, that it's not so good. Yes, it's ice and it can be skated on, but... It's really small and it's not well-maintained. (Read: There is no Zamboni!) They scrape the ice down and flood it. I went last night. I asked a lot of questions. I have a new friend. In that order.

So. Last night. I walked the 5 or so blocks to Seattle Center, stopped at the ATM and headed into Fisher Pavilion. I paid my 5 bucks, put on my skates, and hopped on the ice. (Literally - it's a big step up then a smaller step down onto the ice.) I started skating - a little shaky as I haven't been in a year! (Hard to imagine!!!) Got back into the rhythm and was like, "this ice feels funny." The guard on at the time was a young Indian (?) guy and I felt like he would not be able to answer my questions.

A few laps later, I realized the guard had changed. So I went over to his corner and asked how they made their ice. Not gonna lie, I was expecting a really flip response - something about water and cold. But no, he actually started explaining how they made their ice, and how it is 1 foot thick. Hence the funny feeling to the skating. Having been around rinks for long enough, I asked lots of questions and got really good answers. Then we talked about where we were from - me, upstate NY, him, Minnesota. So, of course, we talked hockey and rinks and speed skating (him, tho he's built more like a hockey player). And it was like social hour at Grippen all over again. I just hung out in the corner and chatted. After the ice "cut", he skated for a while. I got to help him get a little kid off the ice after he hit his head when he fell. It was like old times. (I think there are some grammar issues with that sentence, but hopefully it makes sense.)

When the session was over, he took off his skates and walked out with me. He told me to stop by and see him again and I said I might. I got all reflective on the whole rink rat thing on my walk home last night. And I would have posted this last night, but I was exhausted from walking/skating/walking, so I went to bed.

Today, I slept in and cleaned my apartment. I do lead SUCH an exciting life..! About 4 this afternoon, I was feeling very house-bound and friend-less. My phone had rung only once in the last 36 hours, and it had been my mother. So, I dressed warmly and headed for Fisher Pavilion. PK (yes, he has a name) was glad to see me and took his lunch when I said I had to go meet some friends. We stood outside and talked about the lack of snow in Seattle, then he hugged me and told me to call. I might sometime.

xo

yeah, it's been posted before

2007-12-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

But I felt the need of reposting today, especially since it just started raining. Again. (Thanks, Crutch, for the forward!)

You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.

2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton

3. You know that 'WOAH' comes from Joey on Blossom

4. If you ever watched 'Fraggle Rock'.

5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.

6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.

7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

9. You played the game 'MASH'(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)

10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.

11. You know the profound meaning of 'WAX ON, WAX OFF'

12. You wanted to be a Goonie.

13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe).

14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.

15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female Smurf.

16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard.

17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.

18. You still get the urge to say 'NOT' after every sentence.

19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.

21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.

22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying 'I know you are, but what am I?'

23. You remember 'I've fallen and I can't get up'

24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.

25. You have ever played with a Skip-It.

26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.

27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.

28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.

29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.

30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as 'NKOTB'

31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on 'Saved By The Bell, The ORIGINAL class.'

32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.

33. You just sang those words to yourself.

34. You still sing 'We are the World'

35. You tight rolled your jeans.

36. You owned a banana clip.

37. You remember 'Where's the Beef?'

38. You used to (and probably still do) say 'What you talkin' 'bout Willis?'

39. You're still singing 'Shot Through The Heart' in your head, aren't you!

PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS WHO GREW UP IN THE 80s or Early 90s!!! .

a restaurant review, or, why driving to everett for dinner might not be such a bad idea

2007-12-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

Charlene graduated yesterday as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Her uncle took her, her grandmother, aunt, and 3 friends out for dinner. In Everett. I am still not sure why we had to go to Everett, but I think it had something to do with that Uncle L. knows people that live there and go to Lombardi's all the time. shrugs. It took less than 45 minutes to get there from Kirkland. When we arrived, I felt very honored to have been included. :)

"Located on Everett’s scenic waterfront, classic but casual, Lombardi’s is the Northwest’s take on modern Italian cusine (sic). Perfect for dining out before the big game or concert at the Everett Events Center, Lombardi’s is always a great spot to drop by for a drink, a quick lunch, or a leisurly (sic) dinner with friends and family. With a great view of the marina and the Olympics beyond, what could be better?"

It was night, so we didn't see the water or the Olympics. Just lots of lights. :) The table was 4 2-tops pushed together. Leanne & I had the table farthest from the window and our table was quickly dubbed the hockey table. Imagine!!

We arrived after they had ordered the Bruschetta Sampler with all 3 bruschettas: Goat Cheese, Mediterranean Olive Tapenade, White Bean Italian Hummus, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Salsa Siena. I didn't try the olives or the tuna, but the other 3 were fab. The toasts they came with were excellent and I didn't stop to pick out what the flavor was. They also brought plain bread - same as the toasts - with cloves of roasted garlic. YUM!

Everything on the menu looked good, but I went with the first thing I had picked out from the online menu before I went - Tortellini Gorgonzola. Cheese tortellini with Gorgonzola sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil & walnuts. The sauce was the perfect amount of cream and there were only sun-dried tomato garnishes so that was okay. I don't like walnuts to eat them as nuts, but in a dish like this, I love 'em. I started with a dinner Caesar salad, just because I figured I needed veggies. :) For dessert, Leanne & I split tiramisu. It was too sweet and there was too much marscapone and not enough espresso-drenched lady fingers. However, we left only crumbs on the plate. :)

It was a leisurely dinner that took about 2 hours. It was great chatting hockey with Leanne, but it was also fun to hang out with Uncle L. because I'm pretty sure I've only talked to him once in my life. And then, we all went our separate ways.

I got home, got into my pajamas, and was in bed by 10:30. And I didn't get out of said bed until 8 this morning. That felt amazing! But now, I have to get in the shower, and put away yesterday's laundry, and clean my bathroom, and vacuum my apartment, and get ready to go to tea at B's. Talk about a busy Saturday!

xo

i had no idea

2007-11-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

Seattle has a curling club. Turns out it's the only dedicated curling club on the west coast of the US. Crazy, I know! They have social leagues - definitely something I will check out come next fall. They've already started for this season. Granite Curling Club. Check 'em out.

This is a sure sign that I need to get off line. :D

xo

for cath (& ya'll)

2007-11-25T21:32:00.000-05:00

So life is not as bad as it sounded from that last post. Sorry!

I moved into my new place on 10/22 and had my house-warming party 2 weeks later. It was on a Friday night and I got/made/put out too much food and wine and people ate very little and drank even less. (Thanks!) 2 nights later, I put out all the food again, warmed up soup & B made grilled cheese. S & J finally(!) showed up and J showed his pictures from his [April] trip to India. They were really neat to see, but I'm pretty sure I don't need to go there! Ya'll didn't eat enough that night either!

The following Friday, a whole passel of people went to Spaghetti Factory for dinner and were done by the time I got out of work, home to change and to the restaurant. Then 9 of us went to Warren Miller's Playground. (If it comes to your city, go see it!) I'm not a winter sports person and am totally happy to sit in the lodge and keep warm while the rest of you enjoy the out-of-doors. However, this film was somewhat inspiring 'tho it made my knees hurt! There were several attractive men in it. :D

After that, I was sick for the better part of 2 weeks and am finally feeling better. I am still somewhat congested. boo.

Work is going well. The Apple Cup was Saturday, so I am done working Saturdays. Yay! They were fun and I think I'll actually miss some of the customers. Well, actually, I don't think I will. Especially not the drunk ones that liked me.

Y'know, it's pretty sad that only drunk guys find me attractive............

(Have I posted this before?)

poster child for the Christian single
dumped on more than a birdhouse shingle
tired of the same old crowd, she starts to
mingle where she don't belong
all God's bachelors hanging in a bunch
wolves in a Wool-lite beat 'em to the punch
score another knockout, barely bought her lunch
what went wrong?

Chorus
let's talk about real life
truth and consequences
and coming to our senses
and lies we'd best unlearn

let's talk about real love
truth and propaganda
are you really gonna stand for
love that waits it's turn?

Might I mention that I'm still waiting for "God's bachelors" to step up.
seriously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I'm currently uploading all my Christmas cds to iTunes. I LOVE Christmas music, much to the dismay of my coworkers. At least all the ones who were working Friday morning. Crazy kids!

I guess that's all for now. I can't think of another thing to tell ya'll.

xo

miserable

2007-11-21T16:41:00.000-05:00

That is what I am. I am so congested and my throat is sore. And I've been sent home early from work the last 2 days because I am sick. Not to fear, I am online at my neighborhood Starbucks. :)

So I guess that I am posting only on holidays? I don't mean to. Really I don't. I have all these ideas for blogs and random things happen that I'm like, I should definitely blog about that. But then I never do. Sorry.

Since Halloween, I have been to the Oregon Coast. Abby's personal shower was in Seaside and we had lunch and shopped in Cannon Beach. It was a really nice girls weekend. (Yes, there's pictures. No, I don't know when I'll get them online.) :D

What else has happened? Um, nothing. I've been working and I'm currently sick. There is an attractive man sitting in the corner facing me. He came over to ask about my sweatshirt. All he could see was the "Senators" part. So we started talking a little hockey. Turns out he's from Detroit. Just my luck, eh?! LOL

Oh look. He left. :(

I got this in a forward from a friend from home. It's neat, so I thought I'd share. Check it out. You can send a free thank you to a soldier. Do it! www.letssaythanks.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

xo

happy halloween

2007-10-31T10:50:00.002-04:00

This year, I'm going as a black cat, just like my nieces. However, instead of a collar or tail, I have a pink feather boa. Just for fun. :)

Anyways, welcome back. It's been forever, or at least 1 1/2 months! And so much has changed!

I withdrew from school under the "career change" check-box. I moved to a different apartment. [I can't say "new" 'cuz it's not!!!] I am living 1 block from a Cherry Street Coffee House and they have free wi-fi, so here I am. I'm still at my same Starbucks, but I'm sitting on a coffee panel at corporate and hoping I can turn it into a job somehow.

I withdrew from art school because I am not an artist. Well, I am, but not in the way they want me to be; not in the way that will give me an amazing portfolio; and certainly not in a way that will land me that fab job in the Graphic Design world. I am far too social! ;)

Once I get settled, I plan to resume my card making. Hopefully, this year's holiday cards will be my own. We'll see. There's still WAY too many boxes in my living room.

Speaking of getting settled, I'm hoping for my housewarming party to be on the 9th. Call or email if you want more info.

I do so love this coffee house, as all they play is 80s music. And you all know how much I absolutely adore 80s music!

Well, that's all for now. I must go home and start on my costume. Wait, it's not even 8:00 yet... I get up way too early!

xo

i'm still here

2007-09-07T20:53:00.001-04:00

There's just way too much going on and it's hard to explain.

Please keep me in your prayers. My knee surgery is 9/18 and I have to find a place to live in the next 11 days. Why? Because.

With that said, I am SO into The Killers right now. I listen to "Read My Mind" like constantly!

Also, Bumbershoot rocked!!!! :)

xo

a picture for you

2007-08-30T20:18:00.000-04:00

of course its an artistic one! ;)

only in seattle

2007-08-25T18:25:00.000-04:00

There is some anime/gaming convention here this weekend. In wandering around today, I was disappointed to see so few people in costume. .shrugs.

What I did see was this:

Tall guy, dark longish, curly, hair, black (?) tee, black utilikilt, gray cable-knit knee socks, and black Keen sandals. This is why I can't remember what else he was wearing... cable-knit knee socks?????? with these Keen sandals...

Anyways, just wanted to share that with you. Utilikilts are the way to go, boys. ;)

Today, I got on the bus downtown and got off on Capitol Hill. Paid my $1.25 and went to Utrecht for some special vellum for a project. Had a [turkey/havarti/lettuce/shredded carrots] sandwich with a pomegranate italian soda for lunch and washed that down with a cup of Guatemala Huehuetenango - Finca Vista Hermosa (Single Origin). It was mild! Since I didn't feel like waiting for the bus and could see the convention center, I opted to walk down the hill - from Minor to 1st. At 1st & Pike I caught the bus to Paper Zone to complete my paper purchases for the day. And I managed to get in and out of there and on the next bus going north. All this for my original $1.25. FUN! :)

Oh, there are loads more other things to write about, but I'm supposed to be re-creating my PATE gift card for Art Direction.

xo

who knew?!

2007-08-16T18:57:00.000-04:00

So I am researching data-rich sites for my Interface Design class. Yes, the final was due today but I didn't go cuz of my knee and cuz it wasn't done. So I'm still working on it. Anyway! I came across Montana's website and was like, I could do something on NY. So I started searching and ended up getting a bit homesick.....

But I wanted to share this with y'all.

"Upstate" is a common term for New York State counties north of suburban Westchester and Rockland counties. Upstate New York typically includes the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, the Shawangunk Ridge, the Finger Lakes and the Great Lakes in the west; and Lake Champlain, Lake George, and Oneida Lake in the northeast; and rivers such as the Delaware, Genesee, Mohawk, and Susquehanna. The highest elevation in New York is Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks.

and

While the state is best known for New York City's urban atmosphere, especially Manhattan's skyscrapers, most of the state is dominated by farms, forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes. New York's Adirondack Park is larger than any U.S. National Park outside of Alaska.

So there!

You can read the rest of the article here.

xo

Trip through the 80s - A Video Compilation

2007-08-16T17:30:00.001-04:00

80s One Hit Wonders

2007-08-16T17:09:00.001-04:00

on important things

2007-08-15T00:24:00.000-04:00

This week is going much better than last week. Thankfully.

I got a brainstorm about a gift card/envelope for Art Direction on Sunday night and I executed it on Monday morning before going to the doctor. And Sigrid liked it!

I like the doctor. He was kind and thoughtful and caring and gentle. And I think that all of those things should characterize a good doctor. And he referred me to an orthopedic who the scheduler called "the best knee guy we've got". To me, that was reassuring because I've had good success so far with Virginia Mason and I pray that it continues.

Speaking of praying, I really should do it more often. I should also read my Bible more often!

From 10:30 last night until 4:30-ish this afternoon, I was on a no-calorie fast so I could have my cholesterol and blood sugar tested. That's rough, man! But I discovered that an Iced Grande no classic Green Tea is really tasty! This could be the start of my new weight loss program...

Yeah, I need to lose weight. Quite a bit actually. The doctor suggested Weight Watchers Online. So I checked it out last night. It's only $65 for the first 3 months and then $16.95 for each month after that. I'm sorry! but that's a lot of money. And anyways, I pretty much suck at keeping track of what I eat. I've tried it before. But I'm going to try to cut out all sugar except fruit. We'll see how that goes...

Fun thing at work today... This customer asked which of the handsome guys was going to take his money. I was pouring coffee and didn't hear what they decided. When I turned around, I said "I don't know who got to ring you up, but I'm the the pretty girl who poured your coffee." I was an instant hit! ;)

I miss Mike and hope he's doing well Back East. He's so non-communicative. lol

Don't trust Verizon 611 when you make a payment. They accepted my payment and then a week later said that they didn't get one and turned off my service. Then they charged me $15 to turn it back on. Yes, I'm attempting to get to the bottom of this, but thankfully I can still make calls.

I should buy some juice. Wait. I think Mom sent me some. I should go check. I'm really thirsty and don't feel like drinking water.

Yesterday, I signed another 6-month lease on my apartment. With my pending knee surgery, I just can't move right now. As it is, I know exactly where everything is, both in the apartment and in the surrounding neighborhood. If I were to move, I would have to relearn everything and that wouldn't be very much fun if I were all drugged up. I've already tried the Percocet on a nearly empty stomach at work...

Peter's back to work and looking WAY better than before he got mono. It's nice to have him back! :D

I have new work crushes and I love working with Moni because we can talk about the boys. :)

I'm falling asleep and I can't go to bed until Ashley calls me back about the field trip tomorrow. Why do I always have to be the one to organize these things??!!!

I know I keep saying I should post pictures, and I promise! One of these days, I actually will post pictures and y'all will be shocked!

xo

hi b :)

2007-08-09T01:09:00.000-04:00

It's really not that I've had nothing to say. It's just that most of it's been really depressing and I'm not sure that you want to read that after having heard most of it on the phone. :D

This is an update to my movie rant... B & I watched Failure to Launch over the weekend, and I was excited to see that the main characters had friends. I would totally be friends with MM. ;)

I had a conversation with one of my teachers yesterday and she told me that I was going to stay in school. No ifs, ands, or buts. If I don't do it now, when am I going to do it? It was somewhat motivating, considering she had another Graphic Designer there with her who told me the same thing.

I got a follow-up appointment for my knee. Yes, I finally called. And I'm having my knee follow-up and a complete physical. Nope, haven't had one of those in y-e-a-r-s, so not so excited, but it will be good for me to get established with a doctor in Seattle, especially if/since I plan to stay here.

I have a quiz in Interface Design tomorrow and I haven't read any of the stuff for it. Also I don't have any ideas for my website design that we're supposed to be going over tomorrow. Hmmm... It's 10:15 p.m. I have to work at 6 a.m. and I have class at noon. Not sure how much of that stuff is going to get done. Yikes. School is not high on my list of priorities this summer, for whatever reason. :(

I've decided/realized that what I miss most about being home is the opportunity to unwind at home and have someone to talk to. I come home to my little apartment and have to think to myself. I only realized this on Monday when Kyle & I were discussing how lucky he was to not have to worry about rent and stuff. Totally lucky!

Well, I think I am going to take some Naproxyn and possibly some Advil and get some sleep. I can read tomorrow.

Right.

xo

etc.

2007-08-02T17:42:00.000-04:00

Why I decided that going to school in the summer would be a good idea shall forever remain a mystery to me. It's been ridiculous and I've been totally stressed out.

Yes, you may well ask yourself why. I still do. But I'm doing better.

I flew home for J & J's wedding (and saw Brad Pitt...) and got to be at the Vestal conference for Sunday but then...

My flight home landed at noon on Monday and that was the day that classes started - at noon. I'm taking:
Art Direction
Digital Page Layout (1st 5 weeks)
Electronic Print Production (2nd 5 weeks)
Interface design

Fortunately there's very little homework in the other 2 classes, but Art Direction makes up for that. I am behind on thumbnails because, well, I don't know why. I had mid-program review on Monday and it didn't go well.

But somewhere along the way I thought I could be the new RA on my floor.

This required moving all my stuff down the hall. Now, mind you, I brought entirely too much stuff from NY and it's a pain to move all that little stuff that I'm not sure why I even keep. That and all the kitchen stuff that I have. And all the kitchen stuff I have comes from apparently thinking that I need everything I could possibly have in a kitchen, only to realize that I have enough stuff for a good-sized kitchen in a house. Argh. It's a pain to move.

Friday, I was sitting on the floor sorting out some stuff in my new place. I decided to take a shower, but when I tried to stand up, I had such terrible pain in my knee that I couldn't. My knee was bent at about 95 degrees and I couldn't straighten it out. Much crying and many tries later, I finally called work and said that I didn't think I'd be in. Then I found some clothes and called 911.

4 [cute] SFD guys came and made me sit on the couch and checked me out, then the ambulance took me to the emergency room at Virgina Mason. They were amazing there and I felt like I was going to be taken care of. The ER doctor was fab! I had x-rays and they showed a floating bone chip that had apparently gotten stuck in a meniscal tear. (This is my right knee. Yes, the one I had surgery on.) I spent all day at the hospital and tried twice for an MRI, but couldn't straighten out my knee. SO they sent me home on crutches, Percocet & Naproxyn.

Somewhere on my way out the door, down the hill, and across the street to wait for S, I must have jarred the bone chip out of my meniscus because when I got home, I could walk. I am SO thankful, but it was wierd.

So I spent the weekend working on my mid-program reiew stuff. B took me out for brunch on Saturday. We went to Etta's. Bacon & eggs (just like I had a Lola) with home fries with chipotle ketchup. That was the best part. We had coconut cream pie because it was Tom Douglas. But also because it was Tom Douglas, the service was just okay. But it was fun to get out.

Mid-program review was Monday and it did not go well. I have been trying to figure school out this quarter and the program director basically said that my work was sub-par and did I know how competitive GD is and I really needed to figure out what I was doing, etc. All of which I knew, but it was hard to hear it from someone of whom I am not a big fan, who just happens to be in charge of making my schedule. Grrr...

By Tuesday night, I was totally stressed out and hurting and I had to go to an RA meeting that I didn't know about. It was rough and I don't remember exactly how the conversation went, but I was like "I can't commit to that." And the RD was like, "Are you resigning?" And I was like, "Yes, I guess I am." So now I am no longer an RA. And I had to move out. Which I did last night and everything I said a few paragraphs up applies to this move as well. My goal is to get rid of some of this stuff!

So my very cool floor is very sad that I'm not their RA anymore, but said now we can party. :D

I'm very sure there was more I was going to talk about but now it's time to go to GDC so I'm out.

xo

gbs (the reason for the email)

2007-07-23T19:58:00.000-04:00

Seagulls
Great Big Sea

She left St.John's one day in May
Dressed in her Sunday best
A kind man sat beside her
While she cried her way out West

She moved in with her cousin
Found a job down in the mall
Her friends at home were jealous
Said they'd see her in the fall

CHORUS:
You know that she wants to try, never lets you see her cry
You know that she wants to try, she's got seagulls in her eyes

The people here seem really nice
But the winter's way too long
New friends, they don't understand
Her mother wrote "be strong"

She made some decent money
Yeah, but nothing comes for free
The windy street, just can't compete
With the sky, the rocks and sea

CHORUS

Her parents came at Easter-time
They wanted her to stay
But she went and got a panel van
And moved home on her birthday

The girls in town all said,
"Couldn't make it on your own..."
Now the sky's a little smaller
And it doesn't seem like home

CHORUS (x2)

She's got seagulls in her eyes

lazy saturday morning

2007-07-21T17:32:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning with a plan. It involved brunch, shopping at Nordies and then doing homework. This is how it has played out so far...

I walked out my front door around 10 a.m. Stopped for a short drip before heading over to Lola (Tom Douglas' restaurant attatched to Hotel Andra at the corner of 4th & Virginia). The host was most attractive and I was seated quickly. I ordered a mimosa - because you're "supposed to" and besides, it felt really grown up! I had two eggs, scrambled, 3 slices of bacon, garlic smashed fried potatoes, and toast. Lest it sounds too unhealthy, there was half a strawberry and a cube each of watermelon and cantalope. :) The mimosa was interestign. I was expecting a bit sweeter, but the bubbly was nice. It complimented bacon & eggs quite nicely. The eggs were on the bland side, by themselves. The potatoes are FAB! Mike & I went there about 6 months ago and I had forgotten how amazing the potatoes were. Kidd Valley Garlic Fries they are NOT! The garlic is far more subtle and there are other spices as well. The toast is rustic and if you don't eat it right away, its like eating crackers. There were 2 really cute jars of jam - strawberry and orange marmalade. But it was the bacon. MMMMMMMMM About 1/4 inch thick. The edges were firm and chewy. The fat melted in mouth. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And for the first time, the service was good at one of Tom's restaurants. (Actually, it was better than I've had at most fine dining establishments here in Seattle!)

So I finished brunch and headed for Nordstrom and their Anniversary Sale. It was a total crush and I only bought a t-shirt, a pair of brown heels, and a couple of MAC items. The service was very unsatisfactory. The girl who started my dressing room apparently disappeared because I never saw her again.

Downstairs in shoes, I was wandering thru and listening to the salespeople talk to customers and make suggestions and going and getting more stuff for them. I had the misfortune of asking a guy if this shoe came in brown. He said yes and told me where to sit. When he came back with the shoes, he took them out of the box, set them on the floor in front of me...and walked away! I had to wait for quite a few minutes before he came back and I could request the next size. The exact same scenario played out. I tried the new pair on then went back to the original. I took them off, put them in the box, put on my sandals and sat there. He came back and was like, "have you made a decision?" I said I thought I would take these ones. He takes them out of my hands and says "We'll take care of these right over here." I really wanted to get a pair of flats, but he was ready to check me out, so I just went because I was so tired of being in the store.

Then over to the MAC counter because I dropped my beauty powder this morning and it shattered into many pieces. I had to vacuum the bathroom to get them all! A girl asked if I had been helped and was I looking for anything? I started explaining that I had dropped my beauty powder and was wondering... She jumped in and said that I should keep my container because for every 6 empty containers I brought in, I could get a free lipstick and that was how they recycled. I was like 'ok, um' and fortunately Shane walked over just then and said he liked my ring. I said I liked his hair, and when he started telling me how he had done it himself, the girl just walked away. He asked if I needed anything so I told him about my beauty powder. He asked if I wanted to replace it and I said yes. So he showed me the new one and then showed me the new line of mineral stuff and sold me a lipglass that I definitely did not need. But he's a good salesperson and asked questions and sold me stuff.

So I left the store with a ridiculously large shopping bag for 1 t-shirt, 1 pair of shoes, and 2 cosmetics. And a feeling of disgust for Nordies. I am hoping that this experience was just because it was the HUGE sale and they were overwhelmed by the number of people shopping.

I walked home, picked up my school stuff and have been sitting here for about 2 hours and haven't accomplished anything. Guess I should fix that?

xo

movies, etc.

2007-07-15T17:25:00.000-04:00

So I have figured out why I enjoy watching movies as much as I do. (S & B think it's because I'm wierd...)

Well, that may be part of it and I'm always interested in who has done the animation and graphic stuff, so I watch the credits. But I figured it out for real.

In the movies, the main characters have no friends. Am I the only person who realizes this??? They have a sibling and maybe a friend but its usually just the people that the movie is about. Think about it...

Derek Zoolander lived with his 3 modeling buddies, but after they die, he doesn't get anymore friend until Billy Zane at the club and then he ends up being friends with Hansel. (that Hansel, he's so hot right now...)
Sleepless in Seattle. Meg Ryan has 1 friend. Tom Hanks has 3 co-workers and girlfriend.
Breakfast at Tiffany's. Holly has that one party and then spends most of the rest of her time alone or with Paul, who also has no friends, except for his "sponsor".
Flashdance. Jennifer Beales has 2 friends and 1 of them dies and she's dating her boss.
Ratatoullie (I can't spell!). The guy who adopts the rat has no friends, but has a huge crush on a fellow chef. (who also has no friends)

Maybe I'm watching the wrong movies right now? Or perhaps it's that thing where you are just really in tune with what matches your life?

See, I have friends, I just never hang out with them. So maybe my life could be a movie? Nah, there's not enough "love interests" LOL !!!!!

Exceptions to my theory inclued Dazed & Confused and Miracle. In Miracle, Mike Eruzione said "We're family!" And that movie was alright because it was about hockey!

Don't you love it when I actually post on my blog?!

xo

s.f.d.

2007-07-03T17:18:00.000-04:00

You would think that with the amount of time the ambulances and fire trucks spend in Belltown, they would know where they were going. But apparently not. 2 REALLY cute medics just got out of their ambulance in front of Starbucks and looked around and started walking up the block and then got this really confused took on their faces and then ran and got back in the ambulance and took off again. And they just drove by again. Guess I should walk outside and see what's going on? Hmm... looks like they are up at the next corner. Going into the bar???

Just had to share.

xo

i learned something today

2007-07-03T16:57:00.000-04:00

I was at school doing some paperwork today. At the accounting office, there was a poster, of sorts, that said "Winter Quarter 2007." So I looked at it and discovered it was an Honor Roll.

3.4 - 3.6 is Honor Roll
3.7 - 3.9 is Dean's List
(and, of course...)
4.0 is President's List

That means that Fall 06 (3.4) and Winter 07 (3.6) I was on Honor Roll. Then Spring 07 (3.7) I made Dean's List.

Funny how they don't inform you of these things, you just sort of have to figure them out on your own.....

When I told Dad I got a 3.7, he said "Good. Now next quarter, you can get a 3.8." I was like, "yeah. thanks."

Oh. The other thing they don't tell you at school.

This girl who lives down the hall was telling me that she had approved of her schedule when she was supposed to and when she checked it when her mom wanted to know, she discovered that her 5-week session classes had changed days. So I checked mine, and guess what? Mine changed too. So when I was at school today, I went and saw my A.D. and he said the instructor's schedule had changed. So now I don't get to take Type & Letterform Design this summer and that makes me really sad. And I have Wednesday night class again. :(

But on a happier note, I was in line at Starbucks this afternoon and I met a guy named Brad who is from Ottawa. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And he's cute enough to be gay. Figures! Anyways, it was fun to chat with him. :)

more of the same

2007-07-02T19:38:00.000-04:00

We made several stops on our way to Walla Walla and ate lunch at McDonald's once we got there. Then we walked in halfway thru Bill Brockmeier's address. Mom & Dad had saved us a back row, so it was easy to get in and out with the girls. We stayed thru Bob Thonney's address on Sunday before heading home. We stopped in Prosser and Cle Elum on the way back. And I really want to get back to Cle Elum - it's such a neat town!

Guess I should fill you in on boy news? There's none, really. I am finally over my crush on R. Yeah, don't go into too much shock! D is SO cute! The boy that B & S know about, well, the jury is so far out I don't know when they'll be back. (!) And when a certain pilot touched my shoulder when he said bye made me go a little melty inside. ;)

So I worked all last week and will work 3 days this week. Day off on the 4th. Note to self: call Lisa about BBQ plans. lol Thursday I fly East for Jo & Jon's wedding. I'm SO EXCITED!!!!!! I bought a suitcase today on my way home from work. :) Oh wait, that means I have to pack...

I should post pictures one of these days...

xo

this, that & a few other things

2007-06-29T18:39:00.000-04:00

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, just the internet. ('Tho to some, they are the same thing...)

I handed in my last final on Wednesday, 6/13. It felt amazing to finally be done. Last quarter was rough!

Here are my grades:
Design Layout A
Digital Illustration A-
Computer Drawing A-
Digital Typography B+

For a GPA of 3.7. YAY!!!!! :)

On 6/16, Mom & Dad & A & the girls flew in. We spent Sunday at all-day meeting.

Monday was a quick tour of downtown, including a stop at my store. Lunch with Mom's friend Connie, then a tour of Starbucks headquarters. To kill time, the whole family came to my place. No it's not big enough for all of them! Dad went downstairs to Starbucks to get out of the way. We went to B&C's for dinner. (yum!)

Tuesday we went to the aquarium, then wandered the waterfront and ate lunch at Red Robin. (exciting, eh?!) Then we stopped at the Mariners team store on 4th to pick up tickets for the game. $35 for the 6 of us to get into the game. (!) Which would have been great if we'd been able to go on the bus and not eat! But that was not the case and it ended up being a bit of an expensive evening. However, we sat in the Center Field Bleachers and got a great view of the game. The M's lost that night. :(

Wednesday we got off to a late start and spent ALL day at the zoo. It's a very nice zoo and they have 4 giraffes, but it took a long time to get thru. Supper on the eastside before going to prayer meeting.

Thursday, I got up early and picked up Top Pot donuts and took them to the eastside for breakfast. Mom & Dad left for Walla Walla with D & E. AS had been running a temperature so we took it pretty slow that day. We went to B's store then lunch at Chipotle before a Target run. I took the girls back to the house and went back downtown to pack up my stuff for conference. Back to the house for leftovers with B. We did a late evening tour of a Renton firestation with Rick. That was fun. We got to see them leave on a call while we were there.

Got up early Friday morning. I took B's car to go pick up B and we met B & A & the girls in North Bend and caravan-ed to Walla Walla from there.

And it seems I've run out of battery power with which to finish this post, so I'll have to write more later!

xo

the coolest thing happened to me today...

2007-06-12T20:46:00.000-04:00

I graduated from high school in 1993 with Eric. I heard from a friend at home that he was living in Seattle and has been out here for a while. He found me on myspace and I discovered that he's a mountaineer and we chatted a bit, but he was headed out to Nepal and wouldn't be back until early -to- mid June. I said that was fine because I was going to be in school until then. So we made sort of tentative plans to get together then and he went off to Nepal.

To climb Mount Everest, apparently.

Yesterday, I got a package from Mom which included an article from the Press & Sun-Bulletin about Eric. His parents monitored his climb closely and were thankful that he got back safely. So I emailed him this morning, congratulating him on his achievement and welcoming him back. And I gave him my new phone number.

Fast forward to this afternoon. We walked to the Sculpture Park and built stone piles, then we wandered back. I decided to go home to switch out projects and get food. As I was walking past the garage entrance to Cost Plus, I saw a tall really good-looking guy walking with an older couple. I said,

"Eric?"

He looked at me and said "Rachel?"

Turns out it was indeed Eric and his parents. They had come for a visit after his trip. (Too bad they will miss my parents by 3 days.) So we stood in the middle of the sidewalk and chatted for a while. And it was the COOLEST THING EVER!!! :)

p.s. he's really cute! ;)

xo

on being single

2007-06-12T13:44:00.000-04:00

The reason I am single is because I don't show enough cleavage.

So said the lady I was talking to yesterday. "Go on over to Victoria's Secret and shop from the catalog too. You need to show some cleavage and then you'll have your pick of boys. Just make sure the one you pick loves you and treats you well."

So I get my pick of guys who only want to look at cleavage and this will let me know that they will treat me well?? Sorry, I'm a little confused......

She also told me that I shouldn't let on that I had Starbucks stock right away, that way, no boys would be chasing me for my money. I didn't have the heart to tell her that my stocks didn't amount to very much...

I just started talking to this little old lady at Starbucks because she had dropped her fork. Next thing I know, she's figuring out my life and inviting me for wine. If she had it her way, I'd be married to her son by this time next year. (Don't tell Mom!)
Oh wait, I talked to the son on the phone - he called while I was sitting with her. He's retiring from the Navy in December. She told him that she'd found the perfect girl for him and she wanted him to know that she approved of me. "She shops at Victoria's Secret." Yes, she told him that on the phone!" Oh and don't worry, she has Starbucks stock so she can take care of herself. She won't be after your money like that other girl."

Yeah, it was pretty bizzare. I'll have to keep you posted. :D

And now, after all this time, I haven't gotten any work done on my Computer Drawing final and it's almost time to go to Design Layout. I'm pretty excited about today - I have to hand in 2 projects and THAT'S IT!!! My DL teacher wants to take us on a field trip to the Sculpture Park. Not sure if I want to do that since I'm not getting any work done right now...

xo

i ain't no quitter

2007-06-11T22:56:00.000-04:00

Granted, Shania is talking about a boy, but I am almost done with my 3rd quarter here at The Art Institute of Seattle! This is exciting (for me! and for you!) and I'll tell you why. This the longest I have stayed in a school in a very long time. Yes, I got my Associate of Science, Business Administration in 4 semesters, but outside of that, I only make it 1 - 2 semesters/quarters. Can you understand my excitement?!!! Oh, and I'm planning on taking 4 classes this summer. (yeah, I'm crazy!)

Oh and I love the dancing in this video! :)

xo :)

we're supposed to sing about piratey things...

2007-06-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

Watch it because if you haven't seen it I can't tell you what happens. I'll tell you this much - I had fewer questions than I did at the end of Dead Man's Chest, but not by much.

I really need to watch Curse of the Black Pearl again to try to follow the Norrington story. I know his name is James, but I am sure Beckett calls him "Adam" at one point in At World's End.

As you all know, I am a huge fan of Capt. Jack Sparrow, but I didn't like him as much in this one. Odd. Keira Knightly was amazing and gorgeous in EVERY scene. I can't even keep my makeup fresh for a day of school and work. But then, my life is not a movie...

This one had more gore, more violence, more death, more blood, a less spectacular sword fight than in the 2 previous. I also think it was the best cinematographically. Watch it (if you haven't) and STAY FOR THE CREDITS!

And I'm not saying anymore. Other than that KMC, it was not the same watching it by myself. I really wished I could have watched it with you! Oh, and RE, thanks so much for taking me to the first one.

yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!

xo

sad day

2007-06-05T22:08:00.000-04:00

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment
community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection
and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities
turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry
Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and
Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a
man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in
show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not
considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked
schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a crusty
old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough
and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by
his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If this made you smile for even a brief second, please rise to the
occasion and take time to pass it on and share that smile with someone
else who may be having a crumby day and kneads it.

the most gorgeous song

2007-06-05T20:41:00.000-04:00

Cassanova in Hell (sung by Rufus Wainwright) from the Pet Shop Boys album Concrete

It's a very pretty song to begin with and PSB does an amazing job on Fundamental, but there is just something about Rufus' voice that makes it even more amazing. And it's live! :)

Note: If you click the link, don't blame me if you are offended. http://www.petshopboys.co.uk/browser.aspx Go to navigation, then product, then albums and it's the first one in the top left corner then scroll to the song.

Now with music out of the way, I also need to tell you that I am totally overwhelmed (yes, I also said that on Facebook!) by the amount of work I have to do before next Wednesday night! And I am just hoping to make it out alive.

It blows my brain to smithereens that the quarter is almost over and my family will be here in 1.5 weeks. Yay. But I should probably clean my apartment before they get here... Off track, sorry. I keep thinking that I have no idea what I'm doing in school, but I have learned so much this quarter! I now know more about Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Freehand than I have ever known in my whole entire life! And yet, I feel like there is no way I will ever be able to do the stuff that my schoolmates are doing!

That said, class is supposed to be starting and I'm blogging and listening to PSB. *grins* Perhaps I should work on something that's due this week?!

xo

again, with the shuffle

2007-05-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

On the way to school this morning:

Londonbeat (Thinking About You)
Pet Shop Boys (You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk)
Rod Stewart (Young Turks)
Plus One (My Life)
Audio Adrenaline (Jesus & The California Kid)

Love it!

xo

why? (a series of questions)

2007-05-23T10:10:00.000-04:00

...can I not walk without spilling my coffee?

...can't I just go home after class instead of "surfing the web". I should have been doing homework.

...can't the boys I'm interested in be interested in me? (see 2 posts down)

Scene 1: Introducing the cast of characters.

J, the boy
R, me
A, the mutual friend, classmate of R
M, teacher that R & A have Tuesday night

Scene 2: The Connection

J is a security guard at a store that R & A walk past on their way to school. R lives nearby, A walks from somewhere. R & A are both very friendly girls. J is a friendly boy. A is a server at a local pub that J frequents. A invited R to J's 30th birthday party that was to be held there. R totally forgot about it and did something else that night. (R is not much one for "going out.")

Scene 3: Monday of this week

R was walking to school. J was standing outside of his store. R stopped and wished him a "happy belated birthday" and they ended up chatting for a while. R didn't think any more about the conversation until...

Scene 4: Tuesday night in class

A walked in and said to R, "I was just talking about you."
R: "You must have been talking to J. I was talking to him yesterday."
A: "You made such an impression on him. He kept talking about you and how cute you were and how beautiful you were. And he thinks you're fabulous."
R: "Thanks. I think I'm fabulous too."
(queue laughter from classroom!)
A: "No seriously, he wouldn't stop talking about you. And he really wants you to call him. Tonight. He tried to find out if you had a boyfriend and you didn't give him an answer."
Transcript of note from J: "I THINK YOUR CUITE (heart w/arrow thru) (smiley face)"
R: (thinking) "He asked if I have a boyfriend?"
R: "oh"
A: "So are you going to call him?"
R: "um"
A: "Do you have a boyfriend?"
R: "No. I don't have time for them. I don't even have time for me!"
M: "What? Rachel's got a boyfriend? Rachel, you're getting married?"
R: "What? No!"
M: "Rachel, you're working on your wedding picture as your final project?"
R: "What? No!" (laughs)
M: "No worries, you'll be divorced by the end of class anyway."
(more classroom laughter)

Scene 5: Wednesday morning, R waking up

R: (thinking) "OH! He did tell me I should come to the other store that he works at in the Market with my guy... Guess I could call the RHB for a Market wander? We haven't done that for a really long time... Gaa! How do I get into these things?"

my life...

2007-05-22T23:35:00.001-04:00

p.s.

2007-05-21T19:50:00.001-04:00

I have the most random crushes right now.............

frustration

2007-05-21T19:45:00.000-04:00

School + work + lack of sleep + a serious lack of money = HUGE issues & stress

and I really don't like that girl at the front desk in Financial Aid!

but there's a cute boy sitting to my right in the computer lab.

but it doesn't really make me feel any better...

and I have a store meeting tonight from 7-9

and I just want to sleep....................!

just had to share all that with you.

xo

idea

2007-05-16T13:28:00.000-04:00

I just discovered an interesting blog about a girl who is a bibliophile. And I realized that I could blog about books. Or something. Just a suggestion.

I'm supposed to be working on a magazine spread and I have a question and my teacher hasn't come over to talk to me yet. :(

I'm exhausted and have no time to sleep in. Ever.

Boo.

xo

lovin' the shuffle

2007-05-08T19:23:00.000-04:00

As I walked home from class and then back to school, this was my playlist:

Tarzan Boy (Baltimora)
This Old Heart Of Mine (Rod Stewart)
Beer Barrel Polka (Fritz's Polka Band)
Red Dirt Girl (Emmy Lou Harris)
Doctor Jones (Aqua)

Wait. Never mind. That's pretty much the soundtrack to my life. :D

P.S. B & C are moving into their new condo south of Seattle. How excited am I?! :)
P.S.S. I have SO much work to do before tomorrow morning...

xo

kmc, how i wish u were here...

2007-05-07T22:07:00.000-04:00

and then he said

2007-05-07T19:57:00.000-04:00

Busy weekend and I need to recover!

Friday night, Jodie & I went to Flying Fish in Belltown. Rumour has it that Emeril eats there when he's in town. We had Banana-leaf Wrapped Mahi Mahi with diced yams and shitake mushrooms in oyster sauce. She had a mojito and I had a glass of chianti and we each paid $22. Yeah, it was expensive and I was still hungry when we were done. shrugs. I would definitely go there again. After dinner, we wandered around Belltown with thoughts of stopping in somewhere for another drink. But nothing looked like we had to go there and we ended up at Whole Foods. I forget that it's only 7 blocks from my apartment! I bought red Gerberas and pineapple and a salad and she went a little crazy over the gluten-free section. I was home by 9-ish so I watched Spaceballs. I really enjoy that movie! :)

Saturday, I slept in then spent 7 hours in the computer lab at school. Unfortunately, I am no where close to being done with any of the 3 projects that are due this week. :( Once I got kicked out of the computer lab, I went to Barnes & Noble and ate supper and bought The Graphic Design Visual Dictionary because I had a coupon and wanted to buy something. I am positive I will use it.

Sunday morning, I was out of bed at 3:15 and at the Seattle Art Museum at 4:40. Yes, AM! Volunteered there from 5 - 9, mainly as a greeter, taking tickets and handing out maps. Our supervisor sent me and the other girl out to look at the museum and in the 45 minutes we were away from our post, we only looked at the 3rd floor galleries! I really want to spend more time there! I stopped for a mocha at Caffe Ladro on my way home, then got my Mini Cooper and went to meeting. Andrew, Eleanor, Keren, Anna, Beth & I went to World Wrapps then I dropped off my car and did laundry. I took pictures for my Digital Type project and went to bed while it was still light. Weird!

Oh, and I made new friends at SAM - Rian & Courtney & Cab (?). I kept thinking that Courtney was the f.h. but I'm not sure. Rian was totally my best friend and it was kinda cute and kinda creepy. I DO attract the really strange, the drunk, and the gay... Oh, and also I met a guy named Mark who lives in Belltown and thinks we should go to a wine tasting together. If only I could remember where the place was or what he looked like?!

This morning, I was at work at 4:10 AM. I worked until noon, then lunched at Cheesecake Factory (took dessert home with me), talked to Becky on the phone, then had a nap. When I woke up, I felt very allergic and still do, even though I'm at school working on my stuff. (Yeah, right. I'm actually posting right now...)

I am working in Studio 7 because: 1) I didn't feel like walking to North Campus and 2) I had to meet with Doug to "approve" my schedule for next quarter, strange tho it may be! I have discovered that I don't really like the computers in here or the setup and just might wander down the street for better working conditions...

My reason for going to work told me that his 4-year-old daughter had a sleep over this weekend with her 5-year-old cousin and that he didn't feel very rested. I just couldn't bring myself to ask about his daughter's mother/father(?) but I remembered that when I first started working I had the feeling that he was not single. Figures!

The girls were wearing their really cute spring clothes and sandals today. It's around 70 and clear and sunny and really nice in general and I am inside. Grrr!

And not only am I inside, but I am not working on my tourism brochure because I am feeling a little lost about it. SO MUCH TO DO!!!!!

Guess I should get working?

xo

um

2007-05-04T16:55:00.000-04:00

Well, it is absolutely gorgeous out today, but the breeze is definitely still cool.

I'm sitting in Starbucks and the really cute deaf guy just walked by and we waved. That's all we ever do! :)

I might have to change my reason-for-going-to-work. He's not being very social this week. So the new reason is all the cute shoes that the girls upstairs wear. :) Stuff like this or this or this. I have no idea what exactly they are wearing cuz I don't ask. But they wear really cute clothe as well. :)

Oh, I also go to work becuse I work with amazing people and I love my job! :)

Right. I was going out to run errands. So I guess I should go.

xo

p.s. there are entirely TOO many attractive gay men in this fair city!

confusion sets in

2007-05-01T00:33:00.000-04:00

Name that tune! No prizes to be awarded, but I can't remember who it's by, so...

Monday morning. I was at work just after 6. Got to do the first trash run of the morning/week. Not all that exciting, but the trash compactor made a wierd noise and I just remembered that I didn't tell anyone. Oops!

Reason-for-going-to-work got his hair cut over the weekend. It makes him look younger. And he said he was exhausted and if I'd made his drink, I would have slipped him an extra shot, but whatever.

Both of my teams are up 2-1 in their series - Buffalo over the Rangers and Sens over whoever they are playing. (And I say I like hockey?!!) Mike's got his money on the Sabres... Ryan Miller's kinda hot... ;)

It is 9:35 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and I am sitting in the computer lab at school. I was working on my icon series for Design Layout and was using a tablet & stylus - fun. But I couldn't figure out 2 of my icons so I just went with 4. Tomorrow I will make them look presentable. Tonight I just want to sleep.

But since EVERYONE reads my blog, I figured I should say hello.

S threw me a birthday party on Saturday night. It was just the 2 of us and B. She made a yummy fritata with bread and fruit and cupcakes. Oh, and presents and they sang "happy birthday" to me. yay. I had my birthday party. I've been getting cards all week - fun! And today I got cards from Lisa & Megan. That about made my birthday! :) Miss you girls!

I have to go home and put sheets on my bed, so I guess I should get moving along.

More a different day...

xo

welcome

2007-04-25T22:40:00.000-04:00

I've recently given this blog site to a few new people, so I just want to welcome you all. :D

I'm sitting in Computer Drawing, writing a 12 x 18 movie poster to a cd to have it printed for Digital Illustration. Our teacher is showing off his wife's work on flickr. Neat.

Illustrator & FreeHand are fun. Yay. Photoshop & InDesign still need some work. I have midterms next week. Another yikes.

Island Girl & I are snacking ...illegally... in the computer lab. Hey, we sit in the corner and he turned off the lights... .grins.

Not much else to say. Today was a busy day, but I got all my work done. SO yay for that. :)

Well, class is about to start up again. Have a great night!

xo

lame

2007-04-25T00:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, birthdays without family, birthday cake or "Happy Birthday" are lame. S gave me that word. She rocks. :)

BUT tonight in Digital Illustration, Alex gave me 2 birthday carrots that I had to wish on and blow out AND she sang to me. YAY! :D

BUT tomorrow morning is InDesign and I have sketches due. Yikes! Guess I should go home? I have to do my homework for tomorrow night. That includes mounting my final logo for my make-believe company. Yes, another one. I'm tired of creating imaginary companies and developing identities for them.

And it looks like everyone is leaving so I need to leave so I don't walk home alone.

Love you!

xoxoxo

silence can say more than a thousand words

2007-04-24T11:26:00.000-04:00

frustration

2007-04-18T14:22:00.000-04:00

InDesign is not my friend. I actually cried in class this morning because I was so frustrated. And I still don't feel like I learned what I was supposed to learn.

And yesterday, on my way to school, all of the sudden I was like "Why am I going to art school?"

I can't come up with a good answer.

I am such a mess right now............................................

correction

2007-04-18T12:14:00.000-04:00

Those hottie audio boys aren't actually audio boys at all. In reality, they are video production. DUH! ;)

that homework thing again

2007-04-17T20:56:00.000-04:00

Got the work done for class at noon and managed to get my sketch done for class tonight. Like barely in time. Yikes.

But the work for tomorrow is not done. Well, the first part is done. The 2nd part is started. The collecting part is not even started. And I'm in class until 9:30 and that class is at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Did I say Yikes?!

Ok, class is starting...

xo

oh, i forgot

2007-04-16T23:51:00.000-04:00

I saw my reason for going to work TWICE today - morning and afternoon.

(He travels in a pack with his office mates.) :D

xo

homework is not getting done

2007-04-16T23:25:00.000-04:00

Well, that's not totally true because I did download a couple of pictures for a project that I have to do a sketch for still, but it's not due until tomorrow night. I'm also googling stuff for my design layout magazine that's due tomorrow. Well, the layout is... And I need to work on my poems for Wednesday morning.

I REALLY need to stop putting this stuff off until the night before it's due. I'm struggling a lot this quarter with time management. No, that's not it. I just haven't been doing it because I don't feel like it. Which is odd because I like what I'm learning this quarter, I'm not motivated to do it. ACK!!!

I'm doing a Seattle tourism project for Design Layout, a movie poster for Digital Illustration, 3 poems for Digital Typography, and I have to work on my logo and do a tutorial on making a pear in Illustrator for Computer Drawing. I need to schedule homework time and do it!

But that wasn't the original plan for this blog.

I feel like I am so not close to the Lord right now and it's scary. I get to meeting when I can, but I know I don't read my Bible enough. And prayer happens when it happens. So yeah, I'm kind of a mess. :( Anyways, I was walking to work this morning, iPod in, and this song comes on and I didn't immediately recognize it. But as I listened, I realized there were tears running down my face. I may not feel that close, but I am still in His hand and He cares for me just the same. (And I'm tearing up right now...) So I just wanted to share this with you.

Before The Throne of God Above
written by: Charitie L. Bancroft, 1863.

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!