At this very moment...

...I am watching him iron shirts
...I am thinking about getting a piece of coffee cake
...I'm trying to determine just how I want to finish off the wedding scrapbook
...I need to get up and go get m license/debit card pin
...almost as much as I need to go shop for Christmas ornaments for the 3 trees we'll have next year
...I really want to scrap
...he is watching an Oxygen channel movie
...he just turned it to some home improvement something
...we had to turn off the space heater so as not to short out the bedroom
...I think we should go downstairs and watch more West Wing episodes
...or get our 30 minutes in of Dance Dance revolution (thank you cutie!)
...but not drink anymore Silver Oak...sigh
...I could try to convince him to crack open another bottle of wine
...but I have some concerns over my need to drink $60 worth of wine per day. My share that is
...snow is going away
...he is denying me pizza...but I can have enchiladas instead
...we are debating who has the crazier past/family/life...
...right before realizing that now we get to share everything.

Ahhh.

Liisa and her ghetto fab self did the nicest little recap of crazyville for us the other day. I want to print it out and frame it. As a mere fleeting memory of "where we came from" cause really...really.

And no...I'm not checking the weather at Disneyland again.

January 20 is less than a month away

Because January 20 can't get here fast enough and I clearly am a sucker for this kinda stuff:

Michael Franti and Spearhead Barack Obama song.

You can download it for free there too.

As we come to the end...

...of yet another year, you would think that nothing is going on how often I blog and all. I'm the first to admit I'm a bad blogger. So to attone for my sins (I mean, aside from being one of 10 people that made it to church yesterday...yeah...and what??), a rich interactive post is in order. Which means I need to switch to live writer so as to not get frustrated and want to toss this machine.

BRB

Fun with iTunes and Pandora

So we all know how ticked I got with iTunes not too long ago. I'm over it. And to make up to the iTunes Gods, while I'm still not allowed to set foot in the Apple Store (all well and good enough), I think I can still do these little diddies so long as I mix a bit of Pandora goodness in there too. And we're off. Play along:

1. Put your iPod or other music player (iTunes) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
The Name of the song is your answer!
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 15 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.
*edit* so sorry but I forgot which of the 167 bloglines I got this from and all chains die with me because, well, like I said, I like the few friends I have and want to keep them. So blog lurkers, have fun, keep the flame alive. if you hipped me to this on your blog, chime in and I'll link you up.


1.IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Big Things Poppin
2.WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Whoa!
3.WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? Make me Better
4.WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? Stuntin' Like My Daddy
5.WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? A milli
6.WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Awnaw
7.WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Daydreamin'
8.WHAT IS 2+2? Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
9.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Moment of Clarity
10.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Upgrade U
11.WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Live Your Life
12.WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Miss Independent
(fyi...this game is EERIE!)
13.WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Love Lockdown
14.WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? This is Why I'm hot
15.WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? Let's Ride
16.WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? Get Silly
17.WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? Rehab
18.WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Hey Lover
19.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Player's Ball
20.WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? Lookin' Boy
21.HOW WILL YOU DIE? Wipe Me Down
22.WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? Call on Me
23.WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Breathe
24.WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? Beautiful
25.WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? Yahhh!
26.WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Flashing Lights
27.DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? Swagga Like Us
28.IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Go
29.WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? Throw Some Ds
(oh. my. dear. sweet. Jesus. lol)
30.WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? Hit 'em up style (oops!)

That took me like a week in draft to post. Enjoy!

Life catch up

Oy. Razzle Dazzle...you make my world so special.

Snickers Cheesecake hipped to me by Becca. Think I might have to try that when I get back Sunday.

From where? Well from the Leavenworth Lighting Festival.

Snow is coming SNOW IS COMING! Hunker down. I love sweaters (smile).

I get to spend a whole weekend with him.

Nuff said (smile)

Playing with Wedding photos

7 lucky photos. Trying to get the never to be completed scrapbook of wedding photos done.

Gorgeous photography by Gerald Pope and his stunningly talented wife Airika. Crop happy scrapper photoshop tinkering by moi. Enjoy the sneak peeks I posted at Scrapinstyle and here.

Other life updates:

I'm in the scrap room so iTunes is my friend again. Briefly.

Wii is addictive like you wouldn't believe.

Go big or go home. Let go, be free.

Done with iTunes

And with that, I'm done with iTunes. if it is that difficult, it is quickly becoming not worth it to me. not lazy, not stupid, just not going to waste hours of my life trying to sync and authorize computers that no longer exist and not being able to play music I've purchased where I want to play it. I tried artists. Now it's time to pilage the high music seas. I'm kidding. but these things call CDs cost about as much as them stupid iTunes that I can only (evidently) play on my computer in my home upstairs. not on my laptop (which resides in a different room upstairs) or on the computer downstairs (there is a whole level in between "upstairs" and "downstairs" so, maybe that makes a huge difference)...

done.

That playlist yesterday was fun while it lasted.

The $80 birthday cake from heaven...

I've officially hit middle age and the coordinating mid-life crisis is probably about to hit. Probably.

Some brief(ish) observations:

Those who say you can't have "real" friends online that you've never met in real life know not the power of Facebook, Blogger and LinkedIn. Happy Birthday wishes from those folks I knew = 128. You all rocked my world for being a girl who doesn't really make much of a deal out of birthdays.

Life is way too short to play games. And just too short in general.

I need to see my family way more often. Especially since the Seattle move is looking far less likely for them and that makes me really, really, really sad.

El Paso isn't THAT bad. Okay...it's not that great either for a girl who grew up there and cannot get into "tourist" mode to save her life.

I miss her tons. So much. And I love how missing her with me were my mom and my nephew. Four generations (counting the cricket). Until November 1999, we actually had five generations going strong. I miss that second oldest so much. Love that she left such a legacy behind. Others may have, but I will never forget a single detail...how she smelled, how she smiled, how she sounded, how I loved her. Man I miss her.

Going. Thanks for all the well wishes and "thoughtful" emails. Yes, I have a blackberry now. Yes it is because I can't have a WAMU account anymore. Transitions are good. Generally. Because now this means I won't be getting an iPhone for Christmas. Friggin' AT&T.

Speaking of that cake. I LOVE how detail oriented he is. He actually called my fave place in town to order me a birthday cake. That is until he found out that said cake he was considering was going to (per slice) cost just as much as we paid for our wedding cake. Sometimes I love living with a finance geek. This is one of those times. Somehow, it doesn't seem as obnoxious when it is the two of us (or the five of us as often is the case there) shoveling through that wedge of red velvet goodness. But to feed a whole gang of folks, I agree...it's not our wedding part 2.

Speaking of the wedding...playing with photos and trying to get this book scrapped for a mommy Christmas gift. Cause though she loved my purse, I really don't want to have to regift that to her because I love my purse too. I should stop blogging.

That said:

Finally got the oil changed.
Might one day clean this scrap room.
Ikea Christmas tree tonight
sushi run is way overdue
I love scrapbooking and photography (still, keep trying)
I love music

To the last:
Groove On playlist in iTunes
Swagga Like Us - Jay-Z & T.I.
Wipe Me Down - Lil Boosie
Damn! (Club Mix) - YoungBloodz
Big Things Poppin (Do it) [clean] - T.I.
Awnaw - Nappy Roots
Yahhh! - Souljah Boy Tell 'Em
Lookin Boy - Hotstylz
My 64 - Mike Jones featuring Bun B & Snoop
Get Silly (Radio Edit) - V.I.C.
Stuntin' Like My Daddy (Street Version) - Birdman & Lil Wayne
A Bay Bay - Hurricane Chris
Throw Some D's - Rich Boy
A Milli [clean] - Lil Wayne
Whoa! - Black Rob
Presidential tha Remix - YoungBloodz
Player's Ball - OutKast
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik - Outkast
85 - YoungBloodz
Let's Ride - Montell Jordan
What's It Gonna Be - Busta Rhymes & Janet Jackson
This Is Why I'm Hot - Mims
Upgrade U - Beyonce
Live Your Life (featuring Rihanna)- T.I.
Beautiful - Snoop Dogg
Breathe - Blu Cantrell & Sean Paul
Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!) - Blu Cantrell
Love Lockdown - Kanye West
Rehab - Rihanna
Hey Lover - LL Cool J & Boyz II Men
Make Me Better - Fabolous featuring
Miss Independent - Ne-Yo
Call on Me - Janet Jackson & Nelly

Have a fantastic weekend if I don't get ya on the rebound!

Closer

Closer to a blogiversary and closer to a birthday and closer to some folks I didn't really get to meet all that much but had significant pull in bringing to this crazy town called Seattle.

Closer to figuring out what I want to do in life.

Closer to him (not Him...I need to get back to that house, but to him, the one over in the bedroom napping).

Closer to Friday.

Closer to closure.

Closer to getting the mojo back to scrap a thing or two.

Closer to letting it go and having fun with the important stuff again.

Closer to making it official.

Closer to going back to El Paso.

Closer to getting a shipment that should have done been here by now.

Closer to being scared to death over this economy and the tsunami to come (yes, I'm married to a finance geek if you didn't know that by now).

Lesson for the day courtesy of my often smarter half (or continued learning):

A recession is when your neighbor loses his job (WAMU is laying off close to 2000 folks in Seattle so lots of folks will understand that).

A depression is when you lose your job (technically, it would have been had it not been for the fact that I'm married to an analytical finance geek who is a networking dynamo and got to getting when he freaked that he wouldn't be able to provide for the little woman. Moreso when he realized yeah it would be fun to have a sugar mama, but it is usually more fun when said mama has sugar to give. I do work for a non-profit after all).

Back when the feds were all everything is rosey, I was a "sky is falling" crazy chic trying to convince everyone we were in a recession. I'm not going to break out the d word yet. Not until next week at least. I'll keep you posted on the status of our employment.

Ten Most Important Things to Know Before you die

In an effort to be clever with the titles, but to also share with you the earth shattering tidbits I learned this weekend:

(In no particular order)

Nothing is done (or should be considered done) without measurement. Ie, don't tell me you tried, prove it to me.

Everyone should shop at least once with a personal shopper. At Nordstroms if you're West Coast. At some other crazy expensive secret hideway level of any other department store you never knew had said secret level in any other town beyond the west.

Life is not about assumptions made on a weekend drive. Case in point, we assumed that the place we want to live (off i90) would be closer to work (both of us, off of i90 now) than where we both used to live and now no longer work. Fact of the matter is that the new place is actually farther away (barely) from our current work than our current place. Go figure. It is closer to the new "gaming establishment" though...see the next point.

It is NOT a fact that Blackjack is the best odds (for the player in the house). However, since most folks understand the rules (contrary to that complicated dicey craps table), it is a sure bet that if you're smart and not emotional about it, you can find a good table and walk away up for the night.

There is a difference between crazy and broken-hearted. Most of that difference is in perception, but on rare occassions (like this weekend) we were able to scientifically categorize quite a bit of crazy and half a grip of broken-heartedness. That one is compliments of the super-analytical one during said longer than expected drive out to the new place.

It is crucial to always make time...for drinks, dinner and casual conversation with the un (or under, guess it all depends) employed. You will learn a lot about that thing called perspective mentioned above.

If you have never been in a relationship (any kind of relationship, best friend, lover, parent, child...whatever) where your uncontrollable laughter can cause the other in that relationship to uncontrollably laugh as well, then you have not lived. Bonus points if when you finally spit out the totally not funny thing you were laughing about, you just fall back into uncontrollable fits of laughter.

We're not called "colored" anymore. And I think he prefers that I not call him "whitey" either. We're all just working on it. I know.

Brickbreaker is to Blackberry what Solitaire is to your new (back in 1990) computer. I think I probably drained my life playing way too much solitaire on my computer back in college. And now, with my shiny new blackberry, who needs any of that other crap when I'm big time in Brickbreaker. All that is to say that there is PLENTY in life to suck your time away from doing important things and being in the moment. Try not to cross that fine line between increased productivity and diminishing returns.

Small tokesn of gratitude go so so SO very far. Do it more. Say thank you. say please. Let someone else go first. Do it just because. Feel better about life and yourself when you let go of the bitter places and just move on already. That one is courtesy of the 4 extra minutes gained at the Costco carwash this afternoon. Thanks Ms. Eddie B. Expedition.

Hope your weekend was just as fun!

From 52 to 48

I totally LOVE THIS SITE (in case you skip titles, it is a link to From 52 to 48).

When I was looking it up, I came across another site (that I won't link) from a 48er who is a bit...well...yeah.

That particular other place reminds me of that ex. You know...Liisa...the ones who mourn that they don't have a plumber around anymore? No, not Joe (the Plumber), but the ones that lay pipe?

Anyhow...it is November. Which means the floods have come to Seattle. And now that I work over there, it is a whole lot more real. And sad. Even though I personally didn't see any blocked roads.

I didn't wake up sore, but I'm told he woke up to me clinging to the side of the bed for dear life. Small price to pay for answers that come in your sleep.

Anyhow...I was scrapping tonight and just wanted to remember to send an email and post that link so that I could come back to it years from now.

Planning a special surprise for this weekend (because he's a bit busy right now and doesn't check in here I can hint at half birthdays and all), trying to get addresses down right (I'm working on it) and need to send a fruit bouquet to an old lady and...oh yeah...drama! Of the baby mama sort. Sometimes, I wake up, and I think to myself "really? Is this really my life?" It really is kinda cool to be with someone who can laugh about craziness like this with me.

More to come in a scrapbook page near you sometime soon I'm sure.

July 10, 2009. I want to go see 2012. Mostly because of the Everest images I just saw (I so want to go back there and yes, yes I did finally look up the pod casts from heck...think I'll play some of those now). But also because I love end of the world kind of movies and think it is interesting that now that we are actually in 2008 (only 4 years before said 2012) it still just seems so surreal and sci-fi that we're all 20 anything.

A little closer in time, I'm going to go see Bolt this weekend (I have a crush on the hamster though I just saw a trailer with the pigeons so maybe they are my new faves). In 3D dude! After Sushi. Okay. Maybe no sushi so that we can hit the casino. Honestly, I'm not a big animated flick fan but I LOVE how into them he gets. I can't wait to have kids with him (smi.le).

Withdrawal

Withdrawal. Both of us. Just trying to figure out what in the heck there is to do now that there isn't really anything much interesting going on with Talk Right radio for him, depressed that there isn't a new and exciting development to read. Taking every fiber of my being to not crack open my three mags with photos and "how he did it" stories. I'm saving them. Four years from now, I'll open them with the white glove treatment. I like to look back on things after the fact and see who was precient and who was just off target.

Precient. My better half is such a friggin' analyst. He called just about every state for which way it would swing (and didn't get emotional and give away AZ and GA like I did), called the pop vote margin, calling (still waiting) the senate pick ups...I love watching his brain work.

Then he went to watch football this weekend. With some folks that are just...well...yeah. I ask him all the time how in the world he does it. He is such a study in contrasts--from hanging out on the couch with me watching movies to pub crawls he just is so very much his own set of split personalitites. I LOVE that about him.

Anyhow. I'm a bum. So much so that I've got money to spend on clothes (way too much of it) and I promptly (well, with some urging) called up a personal shopper and said "here are my measurements, Michele Obama me".

Seriously, where she get her hair did cause this girl here is LONG overdue for a half a straightcomb. Or something.

But really. I need to step it up a kick. I got it in my closet, but instead of buying seasonally and not taking care of stuff, I've gotta start dressing like I have a real job and am married to a dude with a real job. so. Weekend shopping trip. Paid for. But then go win some more at the Casino after looking at houses (gotta keep our eyes on the goal or I might buy a whole LOT more clothes that I'll never wear) and maybe steppin' toe into the CK Convention. Maybe.

He's home. Time to go pour him a glass of milk (smile).

Night

I woke up this morning video - Will.I.Am

...and I was fine. I found a great land of photoshop fun that I had somehow missed. I went to work with great people. My better half figured out how to sync us together on our blackberry/crackberry tether so like Pam and Jim, we could hear everything we didn't maybe want to hear (smile).

I was fine when I woke up this morning.

I went to Staples and SCORED on some page protectors I sorely needed and finally got more ink. Not that stupid "combo pack" for printing 150 photos on photo paper I NEVER use. But real filled cartridges that will print for more than 3 days. Only took me like a year to figure that one out. I was still okay.

I was fine when I woke up this morning--even giggled as my better half took a nibble on my ear to catch the back of my earring down his throat (sorry love, it too shall pass...smile).

I was fine when I woke up this morning knowing I'd get to meet Alexandra (small world where she is working and who I knew was trying for it).

I was fine when I bought three mags at Barnes and Noble commemorating what broke me down.

I was fine when I bought my hair stuff so that I wouldn't look a hot mess the next time (yes, there will be a next time) someone accosts me to be the face of whatever they'd next like me to be the face of.

I was fine when I was watching Oprah and she brought out Will.I.Am.

I was even fine watching his phenomenal "I woke up this morning" performance (certainly, I'll keep it real, not because of his voice, but because of the power of the message...flashed with pictures to set a pacemaker off).

But then I made a mistake. I went and watched this again:



And I was no longer fine.

I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop bawling. I couldn't stop wishing that I could wrap my arms around her one. more. time. Today in particular. To tell her yes we did. To hear her tell me about how it was (she grew up in the south...Mississippi south at that). To watch the salty tears roll down her face as she got that I always got that she was my living history. To melt into her just wrapped up in her warmth as she told me I could do and be anything I wanted to do and be and this time feel her hold me so tight and really believe it...not because she didn't believe in me, but because she could believe in "it" again too.

This is really stupid to say and I don't mean it to sound drastic so please don't call the suicide hotlines or anything like that but I would literally do just about anything including catch a charge or two to have just that one last moment with her right now. Again. Once more.

And I know this sounds even sillier. But I'm making her a DVD. And those three mags I bought today. They don't have maintanance as part of her burial agreement and no one really goes out there often enough and I have not been out there since maybe a year after she was burried. Or so. But those mags, those are for her too.

Yes we did. You too. Yes you did. And finally, in a way it didn't hit me on Tuesday...or even Wednesday...and definitely not yesterday. It hits today. Probably because about this time, 9 years ago, she was taking her last breaths. I was on a plane headed back to Ithaca to prep for an LSAT I should have cancelled, and finals I would end up not having to take. I had kissed her hand and begged her to hold on for a few more months because I was almost there. I had almost made it. We had almost made it.

I miss her so much. I wish she was here. I wish she had seen this. To the young folks without old folks in their lives who say "this is so much bigger than Tiger and the Williams' sisters" I say, oh, man, do I ever know. I wish she was here. If even just for a moment longer.

I love you granny. Yes we did. You too. Without your sacrifices, your struggles and your history--OUR history. This moment would be no where near as significant as it is. I promise to do my part to never forget. The same way I never forgot nor will I ever forget you.

I'ma go finish bawling my eyes out now.

Peace out folks and thanks Will.I.Am for bringing it all home for me. Soon as I find the bootleg YouTube clip of you on Oprah, you know I'm totally going to post it here.

B

O. Yes. We. Did!

Robert keeps asking me if I'm okay. I still just can't believe it. Absolutely can't believe that we seriously just elected our first black President. Not when I was 80. Not when I was in my mid life. But when I was young enough to still be hopeful, but guarded because you know...I've hoped that hope before.

Wow. Wow!

We did it! You did it. I wish my grandmother were here to do it too. I love you mom. Love you Crystal and David too. And Quantae. And so many folks not wanting to be named. Thanks for putting up with me when I forgot birthdays, took forever to get thank you notes out and didn't return calls for months on end. Thank you for indulging my "your people and my people" hour long educational sermons. Thank you for letting me dream about doing the unthinkable and then doing it - I quit my job and took the time to immerse myself in this before moving on to the next pasture.

Wow. Did I say wow already?

The only other things I wish?

I wish that one of those southern states had gone blue. So that all those folks (you know who I'm talking about) who finally felt safe enough to care and get up and go out and vote...would have felt the full force impact that when they participate, the results are real and tangible. For the record, it still counts - you're part of that mandate.

I wish that we would remember that the demise of "publicly financed campaigns" was NOT a bad thing. That if it takes non-public financing for ordinary everyday people to give $5 or $20 at a time and to be so involved that they'll actually turn out to vote? I'm okay with that kind of Public Financing of Presidential Campaigns.

And I wish that voting was as easy as possible. Meaning, don't try to trick and intimidate and discourage people from feeling like I do tonight. Win it fair and square. And I don't mean quibble over who isn't eligible to vote because of some arcane rules you set up way back when you were still trying to keep certain folks from voting. I mean win it FAIR and SQUARE.

I love that the world was watching. And I know she was too. She stepped right back down here tonight for one brief hug--well two. I wish I would have gotten her name. But when she grabbed me and held on tight. And then I had to ask her for one more hug for granny. I about lost it. And because I'm blurring up here...I'ma leave it at that.

Thank you America. Thank you America.

Yes we did!

Obama's Aunt: The Visitor

October surprise? Thanks goodness for early voting because I can see the spin already on this.

So Obama has an aunt living illegally in the US of A (in a Boston housing project at that). You can peep that story here.

And right after you read that story, go...no...RUN to your local Blockbuster and rent this movie:

You can also buy your very own copy here.

I love the irony that is this country of immigrants. Save. it. You don't have to tell me about the right and wrong way to get here and the rules and the laws. I get that. But remember. My point is about the irony of the situation. That lots of folks making/professing those laws are folks who have just as little right to be here as the next.

And all that.
Really folks. Drama.

Let's not forget the rules/laws violated by loose lips but hey...

Get out and vote!

Labels

Republican. crazy. ham. scrapbooker. reader. boss.

Just free flowing ya'll. And sometimes the label doesn't fit, is unnecessary or whatever. like dude. But really?

I'm reading (way too much lately, clearly) and came across a lis tof potential staffers for an Obama White House. Course I didn't go anywhere near a list for potential McCain White House, but that would be interesting reading after this:

"Dems in the know" are seriously letting leak that Obama is considering Republicans for Education and Environment posts? Now. I know. Labels. But really. Commerce...defense...commerce...and did I mention defense? Would not have batted an eye. But I've just been conditioned to believe - despite the fact that I live in WA where labels are RARELY what they seem - that if you like the environment/public lands and you want to do something meaningful about education (and health care and...) that you don't put Republicans in charge of that kind of stuff. They like (and are good at) things like commerce and defense. Oh and commerce. Comfy with Republican staffers there. But education and environmental issues? I have not dropped my ballot yet. Maybe that is a good thing.

But what is truly a good thing is how small this world is. I went to the state Dem convention this year and got to meet lots of "everyday, ordinary people". Some of them I even saw on said list of potential White House staffers. Maybe I'm the only geek that thinks that is cool. Probably.

Walking tomorrow. Flying on Tuesday. Fired up and ready to go.

back to scrapbooking while my own homemade HAM watches Saw Bazillionandseven. Right after War, Inc which, by the way, was the stupidest movie I have ever watched. Even worse than dude wandering through the woods to the big white house. whatever the heck that was.

Crazy is out in full force lately though. Rebecca--did you take all the candy off my porch??

I'll stop.

Damon Weaver, 390, Subprime stick people

So I was over at PostBourgie and they had the cutest little journalist linked up from You Tube:



I particularly busted out laughing (with you Damon, with you) when Biden launched into a pretty long "What does the VP do" answer. Only because you see Damon's elbow slowly but surely drop from "oh, a few more words" to "seriously, this is not a 30 second soundbite" to "Dear sweet Jesus Joe...you're my homie but dang!"

lol. Loved. That

They also hipped me to 270towin.com. Where of course I had to dream a little dream.

DO NOT email me about what I'm smoking. At least I left Texas red.

And just to reload this powerpoint that Robert sent me a while back (fixed the linky since I don't have Windows Live to upload the ppt direct to blog anymore):

CDO Powerpoint SubPrime Primer

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Academic Work Reports mortgage SubPrime

In case you need a peek before you enter Power Point presentations like the one above: If you can't read the tiny font, click on the title CDO Subprime Primer and it will take you to the site where you can blow it up big as day. It's worth it.

That was funny.

Obama Hate Crimes Part II

...or maybe a crime against the not as obvious target as suggested by THIS effigy story out of my neighboring state of Oregon.

Sigh.

I think I'm going to be a flier on November 4. Gotta drop my ballot off tomorrow after I get a picture of it of course.

Obama Hate Crimes: A History Lesson?

Quote of all quotes at a ridiculous hour of the night reading what has all of a sudden become very scant election coverage:

"Had this stupid act been done to Senator (Barack) Obama, there would appropriately have been a national outcry," he said in a statement."

This from this Newsweek Article of a Palin effigy left swinging from a porch.

Now. I'll be the first to admit that while I rocked straight As in school, History would probably be in my bottom 3 subjects. And yeah. I probably have a bit more "understanding" of mine one over say, Mr. Antonovich's.

But surely you jest right? Is political affiliation really a protected class for a hate crime? I know race/ethnicity sure is. And to that, I kinda see why if it were Obama, it might be considered a hate crime (or at least, perhaps, premeditation of some such since it was a crime against an effigy, not against the actual person).

In any event, the police are scanning the field with their search lights in my backyard and it is only a matter of time before the helicopters show up so I should probably head for the bunker.

But not before I link you to a couple of good NPR pieces.

Yesterday's interview with Toni Morrison about her new book A Mercy.

Today, Hate Groups go gaga for Obama well, sort of.

Night.

If I would have been a journalist...

...I wonder.  Would I gloss over the following clip out of "respect" that an aged man might slip up from time to time and I might be seen as making fun of/taking advantage of those slips by noting them:

And I tried to find cleaner video before realizing life is so much more than YouTube surfing of what I watched from bed on Sunday and physically WINCED at:

As a journalist, would I be more inclined to include some of the annoying verbal space saving uhms and ers and pregnant pauses in Obama's transcripts? Annoying because I got to TA Oral Comm at Cornell and yes, verbal space savers annoy the HECK out of me ever since I got dinged out of an A+ because of them.  And yes, I also TA'd Human Sexuality and have a few pet peeves in that realm too.  Another story for another time.

I don't know.  I just know I'm going to be in a world of hurt once the election is over.  whatever will I do with my time?

Quick. i90 or 520?

No brainer right? Unless you overthink it. And sometimes, I overthink it. Like this afternoon. Probably would have been faster to get over the 520 to where I was going but hot dang it if 520 didn't prove me right AGAIN this afternoon.

No matter though.

Guess what I got today? Well, besides cookies to give out as gifts. And yeah, besides a new great staff person to complete my team. Okay...besides the giggles looking at R's shopping receipt for groceries last night. Yeah, besides a crazy Jones for great Thai food around the corner.

Okay. Give up already. Seriously.

Remember this? In my hot little hands are the best pictures I will ever in my life scrap. Just in time too (smile).

Happy sunny crisp fall day!

A Red Bull Morning

And that's about all I have to say about last night.  H.A.M.

Nichole, we totally have to scope out the Thai place in Bothell.  I owe you at least that.  Really now.

So three quarters of agonizingly tedious college football.  Now.  I didn't go to any kind of football school.  That is a given.  My better half did.  Well, for grad school.

So we donned our white and headed to Sport to join the Penn State crowd to watch the most boring football game I have ever witnessed.  That is until the boys got up for a smoke break and all hell (literally!) broke loose.  He was right though--the team with the mistake was going to be the loser.  Who just knew it would take until the end of the game for that to play out.

All in all, we didn't leave any nice girls in the hood, it's a beautiful blue sky afternoon and I'll just have to atone for it all next week.

Tomorrow he starts a new gig right up the street from where I work.  I actually am looking forward to working pretty close to each other and maybe (more definitely if we're smart about it...and I can drag myself out of bed that early) carpooling together.

More to come.  In the midst of some great pages, need to grocery shop and should maybe find some time (it is almost 2 after all) to wash my hair this weekend.  Uhg.

Skiing Metalhead

So last night I'm out for the last hurrah and I have to school Rob on a little something something:

"Rob.  You've known me for three years.  Does it LOOK like I'm the type of person who will strap on some skis?"

To which, (one of the things I love about the dude) he asks if I've ever in my life skied before.  No.  But that isn't the point.

Later in the same night, Robert and his wife (three Roberts in one night is quite an evening, let me tell you) shock my never observant but no where near "colorblind" arse with a pronouncement of Robert's wife's mad Bones skills (aka Dominos).  Really?  Really?  Not the bones part...I get that.  But how in the heckfire have I seen this woman at least a handful of times and talked to her at least as many times and NEVER picked up on the fact that she's Puerto Rican?  My sistah.  Oh my word.

And if that didn't cap it all off.  We get home, I go my way, he goes his.  Except when I meet back up with him, he's watching MtV2 Icon...Metallica. 

Now.

I am no metalhead.  I had come downstairs to cry on hubby's shoulder because I'd read Ben Smith's BLOG POST at Politico and couldn't help but to think how I so wish my grandmother could be here right now.

Sure, she would probably take issue with my choice of mate.  But only (and I seriously mean ONLY) for the fact that my music choices all went downhill once I hooked up with that other lighter shade of vanilla dude for the starter marriage. 

Couldn't help thinking of that last night because just when I had finally come back to the dark side with my music choices, here I was staying up to all unGodly hours of the night saying things like "hey, that song isn't that bad."

Now to only move out to Snoqualamie so we can hit the casino and ski all night.

Right. 

Go Penn State!  Got my white on, ready to roll. 

Right after I remember to download The Rest of Everest.

What the? Oh no. Slow. it. down.

I missed reading Time magazine. There was a really great piece by:

Ta-Nehisi Coates who wrote The Beautiful Struggle and has an amazing blog that somehow managed to stay off my bloglines list for way too long. He writes for the Atlantic and if I was a good blog linker, I'd have my brothers and sisters all linked up and I wouldn't have to tell you nothing about Mr. Coates.  But that is not the point.

Here's the Time Viewpoint that I ripped out and posted on my wall.

On an absolutely unrelated note:

And are you kidding me?  Have you SEEN THIS? Oh that is just disgusting.  Showy, pitiful and disgusting.  I remember watching Omarosa on Celebrity Apprentice (and. what.) and wondering if she ever looks back on those episodes and winces with embarrassment and what she sees.  Surely.  She does.  Right?  These women, that's a whole new kind of H.A.M.  And this is coming from a girl with admittedly almost skewed ideas of what going to a certain school and working in a certain part of town would be like.  This is a girl who won't never role with a baller (too smart for that, not knocking, just givin' the real on why that didn't work out) but who knows her fair share of girls who give to get.

I've never thought I'd marry rich.  I didn't go to Cornell to get my W. Ed on and I didn't date the guys I dated because they were the big fish in the pond.  Honestly, (smile) most of the guys I dated were just sheer dumb naivete.  Oh that ain't fair.  I know.  Whatever. It is what it is.  All that is to say when I got to a point where I thought all that was left in a relationship was the paycheck, I bounced.  I got my own.  Not a lot of it, but I get by.  I can buy my own car, get my own place, buy my own clothes and do my thing.  I get by. Now I'm married so I don't have to get my own, but that is also not the point.

That hot mess I linked to up there?  Some of those folks need serious help. Seriously.

I think for a week, I'm going to pretend like I'm all that matters in the world.  Okay.  I couldn't do that. I think my better half's comment was "Imagine all the good you could do in the world with that kind of money."

Okay.  Moving on.

Rachel--don't make me talk about you.  And if you tell Crystal my middle name, I will cut you.  Or tell Liisa all my business first.  Your pick.  And watch me.

I've gotta knock out some pages.  I stay up all night and I have maybe 4 pages done (hybrid will be the death of me).  He stays home one day and not only knocks out a lightbox for me (get to play with that tomorrow) but ALSO customizes my friggin' closet.  That boy is such a keeper.  And he don't even know it. But he does know my name (smile).  Liisa...stop it.  You too Rachel.

I interrupt the madness

Because it is just too funny NOT to post:

And because I'm all about equal time (well, not really), I was going to link McCain.  But really...it's just not that funny.  Or I just don't get it.  Probably because I didn't listen to much of it.  So You Tube that joint if you want it.

Enjoy Obama being funny at Alfred Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner.

March? How about November...and May

Gotcha on the calendar for March T. I should look up NASPA, but shoot me some dates...I should be golden.

November child (you, Ms. NYC) it is what it is. Alas. 30 though eh? Are we REALLY that old? Come on now...

I should totally blog more often. Whatever. Yes. I'm on the whatever kick because Alex is back in my life. For the fleeting glimpse of a moment. I think the ball is back in my court and I was supposed to email him back about my life or something. It is great enough that he's on facebook. Dare I require him to catch up via these ramblings? I'm totally not that self-important. Not. at. all.

So, where were we? Since I don't give you much by way of photos anymore. Or words for that. So I think you deserve some blog clips eh? I get in the habit of clipping lots of other blogs so let me give ya a few categories of stuff I loved of late and have. at. it.

Quick life update:
Liisa is going to be breaking up terrorist cells (smile)
I love watching him network and be a caregiver.
We are okay. Better than okay. Staying in Seattle. Sorry mom.
Sorry mom x2. Cause your sister's baby daddy is a h.a.m.
h.a.m.
My prayers and thoughts are with you - especially after watching the Office and thinking of you.
I love the folks I work with. Pure and simple. It feels so good.
Of course I need a Benz. Uh huh.
I like stacks of paper that are organized
I LOVE scrapbooking. Still. Unconditionally.

Categorically speaking:

Great, timely, quote
Techy stuff (not an iPhone, promise)
Scrap love
more scrap loving
and even more scrap loving
blackwhite 10,000 men of Harvard (smile)
fun time waster
another quote that really got me through
I totally get to be part of this...wow!
why I still want a sewing machine
fun with others' photos
just in case you thought black folks didn't get married (LOOK! It is gorgeous!)
camera + games = fun!
why politics doesn't have me cycnical anymoreyet
one of the best movies I saw this year
why life is so easy as a supervisor (embrace it)
one day...I will make them (the cupcakes...the cupcakes...cute kid though)
coolest wedding theme ever!
I love you mom...I miss you granny
I love my finance geek for ensuring that I understood every word of this

Way too much information

Hanging out on Chris J's blog again (well, if 42 seconds can be "hanging out" anywhere...speed reading is probably contributing to my splitting headaches as of late). Check out her answers here and get to know way too much about me here:

1. What time did you get up this morning? actually out of bed? 8:17
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds from him
3. Last movie you saw at a cinema? Beverly Hills Chihuahua
4. What is your favorite TV show? Amazing Race
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Breakfast? What is that?
6. What is your middle name? Super top secret. I don't even think my hubby really knows
7. What food do you dislike? Most meat. Texture issues.
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? CDs...not the $$$ kind?
9. What kind of car do you drive? Don't hate on me playas...I get around.
10. Favorite sandwich? Fried bologna with lots of mayo. Psyche! I grew up on those joints though...it's been a while. Really though...BLTs...I know I know.
11. What characteristic do you despise? Despise is kinda harsh. I don't cotton much to victims who bring it on themselves. And psychopaths. But they can't really help that they're crazy so that's not really fair.
12. Favorite item of clothing? his Penn State sweatpants
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Africa
14. Are you an organized person? I've got a lot of you fooled that's for sure.
15. Where would you retire to? with him? Jamaica of course (smile)
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? I don't remember (smile).
17. What are you going to do when you finish this? scrap and keep reading
18. Farthest place you are sending this? You tell me. Folks from all over check in here.
19. Person you expect to send it back first? not a soul. I don't do that chain mail gig
20. When is your birthday? December 4
21 . Morning person or a night person? neither. just struggling to be an awake person lately.
22. What is your shoe size? 10 (9 if they are REALLY cute and worth it)
23. Pets? I should check the garage...Robert's been home alone lately.
24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? ***GRIN*** I plead the fifth.
25. What did you want to be when you were little? an astronaught. Then Challenger blew up. A geneticist. Then I went to Cornell. a Public Health Officer then I got tired of school. a crusader for higher education access then I got a clue. I'm still little and still trying to be big. I'll let you know when I grow up how it all turned out.
26. How are you today? exhausted but so much better in this moment
27. What is your favorite flower? anything he brings me home. He knows me so much better than I know myself there
28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? May 13, 2009
29. What are you listening to right now? the hum of my computer
30. What was the last thing you ate? chips and salsa (I needed salt like no one's business)
32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? figuratively or literally? Orange
33. How is the weather right now? Perfect fall day
34. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Publishers' Clearing House
35. Favorite soft drink? Sprite
36. Favorite restaurant? Sushiland
37. Hair color? Almost black again (winter time and all)
38. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies
39. Summer or Winter? Both - love Seattle Summers, but am a winter baby at heart
41. Chocolate or Vanilla? Duh (smile) Vanilla
42. Coffee or tea? Chai lattes
43. Do you want your friends to email you back? Uh. Yeah. Alex!
44. When was the last time you cried? almost yesterday afternoon. headache and all
45. What is under your bed? uhmmm...mom...turn away (smile)
46. What did you do last night? Fall asleep on the pre-married make out couch
47. What are you afraid of? him being unhappy
48. Salty or sweet? both, but not at the same time. It cycles like everything in my life
49. How many keys on your key ring? SIX I think. And two keyless fobs. And a Texas charm. Of course.
50. How many years at your current job? none. 82 days and counting. Wow. Almost 100 days. Wow.
51. Favorite day of the week? Sushi Friday of course.
52. Do you make friends easily? Nope
53. How many people will you send this to? I like the friends I have so no one.
54. How many people will reply? A few blog readers will keep it alive *RIGHT**?
55. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Not really since we all share the same brain and don't need a bazillion questions to know that hood Liisa probably loves fried bologna sandwiches just as much as I do. And. What.

I Missed This

So I started up again (smile). Want to see?

7 years ago

I was married. I was worried about the overdue rent payment. I was walking across campus to work. The air was absolutely silent--except for that radio the groundskeepers were gathered around. He said "yeah, something about a helicopter and the pentagon".

I was living in Las Cruces, NM. The morning was crisp--it was going to be a hot day. But it was fall and football was on and I remembered thinking "These are my favorite kinds of days." The gist of my other thoughts were "Hmmm...how many groundkeepers does it take to mow two blades of grass?"

In the Educational Services building, there was no one outside. Before I entered the building, I could see everyone gathered around the tvs. That's odd. It wasn't registration season and I couldn't imagine why anyone would want to stand around watching streaming class lists cross over a blue screen in unreadable white text. The gist of my other thoughts were "What in the world?? I didn't know we had cable in this building!"

It was just so quiet. Even the birds were silent. Which was saying a lot by that building where I always ducked for fear of being splashed on the way in.

She turned away bleary eyed. I saw a hole in a tower and smoke pouring out. They were talking about a plane. "Huh. That's interesting. I wonder what is going on there?" I thought I'd have to call someone later that day and ask them about the craziness going down in their city. I graduated from Cornell--land of "I'm from New York" smart kids. I was President for two years of my business frat. I knew people in NY. I knew people.

I sat at my desk. Silence for maybe a couple of minutes, then the phones started ringing off the hook. It was recruiting season so almost everyone was out of the office. I was on my way out at the end of the week. The Assistant Director called to say she was stuck in Dallas. Except with her accent, it sounded like she was saying she was stuck in Dulles. My heart dropped.

I could hear the TV in the hall. I wasn't watching it. I looked up to look at something else just in time to see the second plane crash into the tower. I fell back into my seat like a ton of bricks. I thought "What the [really really bad curse word] is going on here?!" And everyone in my office came straight back to me.

"Do you know anyone there?" "Do you have any family?" "Shouldn't you call someone?" "Can you get through?" "Try email instead!"

No one was answering of course. Phones or email. My mind was numb and I couldn't think to know if I knew anyone. My boss made me go home. I started to walk but about halfway home, I saw a familiar car. It was my husband coming to get me. He's from Upstate NY. His dad drives truck, sometimes in the city.

We went home and watched the tv all day long. It was one of the only days ever that I didn't wake up and turn on the Today show as I got ready. I couldn't move from that couch. For like two days.

I remember walking outside tonight 7 years ago, looking up at the sky and asking why.
I remember my first recruitment where the teacher asked me if it was okay if she watched the tv in the back of the room while I talked.
I remember going to the football stadium and feeling so safe among my fellow Americans--not just US Americans (I was in Cruces) but my fellow Americans of every stroke and color.
I remember not having the courage to look at any of the lists of names, then or now. I don't want to know, I cannot know.
I remember years later finding a picture from my first trip to NYC a few years earlier and of course they were part of the skyline--I took an upshot trying to see the top.

Now, I remember last year, and maybe the year before, riding by that hole. Being grotesquely fascinated with it like I can be with scars that take a long time to heal. Completely blocking out any memories of how or why, but instead focusing on what. That hole in the ground.

Now, I remember riding the train from Jersey into that hole.

Now, I remember how I felt connected to the globe back then and I want that feeling back--for good reasons, not for fear.

Now I remember just how important it is for me to get off my [lot less nice word for behind] and do something.

Now I remember. Now I remember.

Now that Crazy has left the building

And entered the political arena instead...

Like you knew I wouldn't. So much going on in life. And really not much at all. So pictures are in order (yeahhh...pictures!!)
So just like in your life, lots gone on in my life since 10 years ago when I last visited this here blog.

The Olympics hit Beijing. I've been to Beijing. I can't believe we didn't boycott Beijing. I gotta give China props for running the table and knowing where the house is weak though. Strategy will win every time.

I got to talk to my little brother again. Word on the street is he'll be out of country again soon. Word on the street street is that he might do the unthinkable in November. Have not had the courage to ask him that cause I don't want to have to beat him. They sure do brainwash em good in the military. I'm just saying. And yeah...like I can talk about my bruthas cause of tone, I can also talk about the Generation Kill kids cause they're my own too. Not those specific kids, but almost everyone in my family. So yeah. November matters to me.

I STILL get calls with them trying to figure out fault. Really already. I didn't run him down. The dent is/was on the BACK of my car. On the right. Where he was coming into my lane. And tried to run me into the wall. Why does everything have to be so shades of gray all the time?

I like Palm Dessert. Not nearly as much as the OC. Okay...more than. But I think it might be time for another So Cali fix. Craziness of the past weekend all considered.

Kinda thankful I didn't get to go to Denver for the DNC after all. I woulda passed out amongst all those bodies. Yeah I would have.

I miss my pho. And now that we're on the Sushi Friday kick, I can't even "leave early" and go to lunch there before dinner. Sushi friday rocks though because I get to go with him (smile).

Speaking of him. That was him almost two months ago to the day. And to think he was breathless then.

I loved our reception. Mostly because I love candles and all that fun stuff. If you still have not seen the slide show, you totally have to hit that up.

I just really like the innocence of this picture. Makes me feel pure. New beginnings of a bird nest and all. I kinda feel like doing some nesting lately. Just purged my scrap room. That totally felt good.

Never thought I would see (and pay for) $4 gas.

Talk about feel good, it has been blazing in Seattle lately (high 70s, 80 in my work spot). I know, no self respecting El Pasoan should say "blazing" and "80" in the same sentence but we ain't got no central air. I wish I could splash through the water like them boys. How fun!

My fave time of year is upon us. Can't wait to go get more pumpkins!

Question and Answer time

Let's see if I can even remember all of them. Nope. So I get to ramble through what I remember.

My cutie pie nephew. (Who is the cutie little man in the limo)
Cause they're professionals. (How did your photographers capture all that emotion)
I threatened them. (How did you keep the girls on lockdown)
I plead the fifth (What was so funny in that one picture)
I'm going to go with "I don't know" (What was the little dude drinking?)
$15 - Pike Place Market (Amazing bouquet. Bet you had to pay a grip for that)
Co-Maids of Honor (You only had two chics with you. Who was MOH?)
My life. My joy (Who is the cutie in the wedding party--your pick as to which one *smile*)
I've got connex like that. Well he does. (Where in the heck did you find a wheat field in Downtown Seattle?)
Ivory w/champagne trim (So did you tell the white lie after all?)

Those are your ten for right now. More to come. Some day.

Totally excited that I get to go and hang with Liisa this Saturday. I can't wait. Wish money grew on trees so that I could help those who really need it. Mom, you always come through. I love you to pieces. Wish I had your new phone number (hint, hint). I FINALLY have some sense of calm at understanding just what it is that I do for a living right now. Thursday night...I'm going to miss the Olympics when they are over. Watched Generation Kill last night. Maybe he will have another episode for me tonight. Sick. Man. And speaking of sick men doing stuff for me, I love him so friggin' much. So much. Thanks for taking it to the bookcase. I promise I'll exchange the other one. Sometime. Soon.

If I could...

...I would. Do it all over again. Yes. Even the planning. Link is in the previous post. You don't REALLY have to search for it...towards the bottom.

Three hours I will never get back

That's about what I feel about tonight. From waiting for 17 minutes (I kid you not) for the obnoxious woman to pull the frig out of her parking spot that I was going to wait and be patient and slow down no matter what to wait for. To waiting (and reading a whole story on how Mrs. Edwards could live through what this newly married woman just feels is the most unlivable humiliation in the world--thank you People. Or Us. Or whatever rag was on the aisle) for another 9 minutes while the checker with the woman in front of me slowly (very) checked through multiples (many of them) in this woman's basket by scanning each one. Separately. Some of them twice. All to get her 9 bazillion items scanned in. All so that I could get my one item scanned in (that will come back. Wait for it). To being checked at the door of Wal Mart of all places (because yeah, the only people stealing stuff out of the Renton Wal Mart are the sisters with a big old bookcase in the cart--receipt in hand). To not being able to call into the conference call and freaking out. To the point of making it home from said Renton Wal Mart in 11 minutes. And not speeding (well, not that much) the whole way. To getting home, calling into the new conference call number to find myself the second person online and the meeting cancelled because no one could call in. To finally sitting down to put together said bookcase from tonight's purchase (and Sunday's purchase with him in tow). Which meant I had to drag it UP three flights of stairs to my scrap room hallway.

Sat down. Ready with the directions. Had to go back down three flights of stairs to get screwdrivers and forget the hammer. Was humming along. Then for whatever reason, stuff stopped working right. Lack of Hammer I think. But since I used a much gentler tennis shoe with a much softer swing no problem right? Wrong. Flip shelves over. Crack. Loud crack. As in broken bolt thingy crack. As in "are you friggin' KIDDING ME?!" roared crack. As in Lost. My. Mind. crack.

As in "I just spent three hours that I will never get back". On nothing but crap tonight.

Happy productivity. At least I got my ballot in. Supposedly. It's in a drop box. I don't trust ballot drop boxes.

So to make myself happy, I went back to this link:

Happiness pill {aka wedding photos slideshow}

Enjoy (smile).

And on this day...

...I got a link. And in that link was something I cannot share. Not just yet. Well not with the masses. And it is killing me. So I shared it with anyone I knew for half a hot second.

Now I need to check all my bazzillion social networking sites and update them but my whole life was made sweeter for a lifetime in all of about 4 minutes this morning. wow.

So.

I need a new camera. I guess the one I bounced off of the garage floor day before my wedding is no longer acceptable. But I think it takes neat pictures now so of course I'll keep it.

I want to scrapbook again. So I have it in my grand master plan to get off of work at 5 pm (which means I'll leave there at 7), stop by wal mart for one more set of shelves (it is called repurposing honey--not hoarding) and get home just in time to see him get home. And maybe have a page done. But definitely have my hard drive dumped onto this backup drive so that we can get my laptop set back up and I can begin the fun prospect of digital scrapping again.

It is good to have goals right?

Reminds me, I need to email those other two couples about a dinner. This weekend or next. And we need to go to Purple cafe. And I need to go get a massage at Habitude. And I still have a boatload (literally) of stuff to return (I tend to overbuy just to make sure I have enough...I need to break that habit) and upon those returns I think I will barely (just barely) have enough to buy my Dyson Animal. Which I go back and forth on. I'm about 99% positive if I ever bought something for "home" that I didn't find at Marshalls, Ross, Big Lots or some similarly cheap but looks good enough today type store, it would be all out straight to the wall top line vacuum cleaner that I personally will use...maybe...once. I don't clean. That we've established. But after talking about monthly cash flows here and later, I think I'll make a strong case for having a happy housekeeper some day. And if you think I'm serious with that last line, I have a great candidate for...okay. I can't go there. Keep it professional.

Speaking of professional. I want her. Really REALLY bad. Problem is that statement could apply to oh...SEVEN of the candidates we are looking at right now. Of course I have my faves but that is what it is.

Social networking sites. I'm off.

She lives

Barely. So you know what that means...

102 feeds 700+ nibbles to read. I have a love/hate relationship with Bloglines right now.
Diamonds are a girls' best friend--be that in a wedding band or top tier status. Thanks ATL.
I hate flying. In airplanes. Through Philly.
It is indeed a Miracle. Or a Merikle (smile).
I don't like feeling stupid/incompetent/overwhelemd/like a quitter.
Facilitating big meetings and asking the right questions is my forte. Stop fighting it.
Phone interviews rock. Just not back to back to back to back to back to...
Weddings in dry cities are comical. Or profitable depending on how you look at it.
Where has all the customer service gone?
Jamaica. Oh Jamaica. Oh sweet sailing, snorkeling, being with him all the time Jamaica.
I hate conflict. Almost as much as I hate being manipulated.
I love seeing people in their element. Especially people I have responsibility for.
My new job rocks the salt. Challenges are good--especially when you're pushed to excel.
Excel, exodus? I need my Liisa fix.
Ms. Co Maid of Honor--your photos had me bawling!
Auntie girl, your videos are the shizz!
Cousin wed, I saw you videotaping on the downlow so when you going to share? My photos. uh.
Way to pull off the lustful reading Mr. M, screech into the parking lot 2 minutes before go.
I liked mine better too just for the record.
I paid really great photographers good money to do their magic of making ugly pretty. wow!
And I should get to work.

I do still like blogging. And scrapping. And reading. Ther eare only 24 hours in a day and when most of those days are spent stuck in a real life version of Tom Hank's airport movie (seriously, dude, I know every nook and cranny of all terminals of the Philly airport), then those 24 hours go by excruciatingly slow. With no internet access or scrap materials on hand. Sigh.

Love you all that showed up in person, via phone calls or via cards to the shin dig. Really great getting to see some others of ya'll tossing away all your money on the Boardwalk. Definitely praying for others of you--most for legit "it isn't fair" reasons, but some of ya'll I'm praying for your soul cause you know you ain't right.

Now that the blog silence has effectively scared off the stalkers, let's get back to being real.

Goodness gracious

So much happened. Got married, got traveled, got stuck, got photos courtesy of Rachel.

Laughed my but off, now going to sleep. After I down a whole pack of chiclets.

Night.

Relax mom...it is just embossing powder

Those are the not so random comments I anticipate being heard throughout my place when my mom gets here.  Which is in like t-minus 4 days (sunday, monday, tuesday, she's here barely on wednesday--with my cutie nephew and my lovely auntie).

I can't BELIEVE how much I got done on wedding stuff today.  I know where everyone is sitting, flowers are stressing me out, so not so much, spray paint high is in full effect and tomorrow is all about beautifying.  Uhg.  Straighten hair.  All day ordeal.  Now if only my friggin "foundation garments would get it straight already. 

Remember how the first dress that I wasn't even supposed to try on turned out to be THE DRESS?  Same thing happened today looking for the earrings.  Sigh.  And I thought I had found the bracelet but dear sweet Jesus and his papa were trying to tell me something real quick when I went to do online checkout.  I think the message was something like "are you out of your flippin' mind?!" because though I entered my credit card number and was twitchin' at the cost but justifying it by saying if it was not absolutely perfect, I would return it immediately, the next screen popped up to tell me I needed to call in to customer service to process my request.  Took too long so the last two in stock probably sold out before I hit them last few digits.  And I wasn't crying and a hot mess over it.  remarkably.

Favor boxes and programs.  Really not looking forward to either--especially the programs, but I just need to get it done already and stop procrastinating.  That and dig up my ipod for R.  Jazz selections on the mind.

Oh oh yeah!  Almost forgot.  When you get to my casa Ms. I know all your secrets, we can talk about said muffin pan.  You'll see it is perfectly intact.  And ALSO that I have brand new frying pans.  Which is perfect for the obligatory photo at my place.  You think I'm joking.

It was 91 here today with no air conditioning.  Over under on how long it will take me to pass out next Saturday?  Note to self, have chairs handy and lots of water.  Hot. mess.

Lastly.  In the switcharoo of emails and blogger not wanting to realize that yes, yes I have REALLY moved on, I didn't get like the bazillion comments that needed to be moderated in all of the last like 2 weeks I think.  I just thought no one was reading cause, well, I wasn't posting.  Never mind that I have years of stuff on here to tide any sane person over for a while of radio silence.  Anywho...(that is for you punk--if you already had a ticket out here, you best find some time to visit us when it starts raining again...I will be home this year). Admittedly not my top priority, but I'm working through the comments. Most of ya'll I know you so I'll just respond direct as usual, but for the FAQ type stuff, I'll tackle that here.  Here's the first round:

Nope.  Not at Seattle University anymore.  Love them to pieces.  Not so much the crazy travel.  Though do miss the frequent flier miles.

As ready as I think I will ever be (smile).

Nope, no CHA this summer (or last winter).  But hopefully, maybe this winter.  Just gotta see where we are in life at that point. Off the top of my head, probably not then either.

New hobby?  More like obsession and not at all new.  I started playing (Sim City) way back when it was just "simcity".  As in back when I was in grade school.  Spend way too much time crafting terrain rather than really playing.  But it makes for a great analogy when your finance geek fiance is trying to explain what in the heck craziness just happened this past Friday.

No.  I don't like Thin Mint blizzards and Thin Mints are usually really gross to me.  But the Ice Cream cake was actually yummy.  And no I didn't have any before the "extra 50 pounds appearance."  Uhg.  That was just gross.

I knew I would know them when I saw them.  It is more commitment issues than it is not knowing what the heck I'm looking for.  Case in point, the mall trip today.

Be back with photos to this post probably months from now when I've forgotten that I promised to come back.  Midnight.  hungry. sleepy time.

What...you want another engagement photo?

How about my fave one from the session?

Fave cause you can't really totally make me out (I like that.  Trust me.) and he's in the background doing his usual thing--looking on, with this look on his face like he is up to no good.  Which is appropriate cause the whole time he was gaming on being behind the camera instead of in front of it.  Right.

Photo by Gerald Pope Photography. Mix fun by your's truly in Picasa 2.

 

Off to traffic.  I mean work.

Lots to say, 3 minutes to say it

So I should do a list instead.  I know I know.

Was at work today.  And the commute is fun. Let. Me. Tell. You.  I might have to get road rage awareness classes.  or a bus pass.  And the links to all the Flex Cars on the East Side.

So at work, here's what I was loving today:

 

 

 

 

 

That and the fact that I found a memory card.  From the Tibet trip. With so many great photos on it, I can hardly stand myself. 

Three minutes are up.  Time for fish and chips and So you think you can dance.  I love Wednesdays.  Two more days until weekend fun in Ocean Shores!

Muffins or Photoshop

Now.

I can EITHER bake cornbread muffins OR reload all my actions and filters to Photoshop CS3 after finally getting my computer back.

Clearly, I can't multitask and do both. Not at the same time.

I was SO looking forward to cornbread muffins too.

Sigh.

At least it wasn't shrimp and grits. That would have ended up being another frying pan incident.

So close to the wedding. Probably not appropriate. But yeah, he should probably be very scared.

Twas my last day of domestic house playing freedom. Start work for reals and I'm super duper excited. Next month is going to go by so fast.

Strap in. Hold on tight.

Fave person. Fave site. Fave love

Love our photographers. Photo by Gerald Pope Photography.

I applied the Mix session courtesy of Picasa 2.

Poppies In the Park
Enjoy the weather! Happy Solstice!

For a political weekend...papaless and all

For such a political weekend, so VERY much has happened that I didn't even get to blog about. And my single mama, I called her today to say I love you and happy father's day (well, yesterday...on the way home from Spokane) and she put it all in perspective for me.

When you ask most folks what they think about Tim Russert's death, the answer is always an agreeable "I will so miss him and Election Night won't be the same without him."

Except for my mom. Not only did she bring it up to me first in conversation, but she said "It is so sad that he's going to miss election season this year." As in, it was sad for him to miss out on something he was so passionate about. It wasn't about what he did for her; it was about his passion and the timining of dreams lost. ESPECIALLY during this season she noted--for any political junkie and especially one like him, it IS sad that he won't get to be a part of that night in November.

I've never met a more selfless person than my mama. God I love her and everday I just wish that I could be 1/5th the woman she is. And since I can't see through the tears to type much more, I should go to bed (smile).

I'm an emotional wreck lol It was a draining weekend. Wanted something really REALLY bad and didn't get it. So that stung. Missing Robert more than I ever imagined possible. So can't sleep. Wish I could have my whole family under one roof. Wishing I could have gone to Irvine this past weekend (although that would have meant no Spokane, so just clone me so I could be two places at once). Really wish I could have had some scrap fun in TN this past weekend.

But above all else. Really wish I could hug my granny right now. And now I'm REALLY a hot mess so I'm going to go watch the ScalpMed infomercial. Those joints are educational! Act like you don't know.

Congrats to all the WA state Obama National Delegates! Special shout outs to Wyatt (you bring tears to my eyes with your PASSION!), Jay (I can't wait to work with you for years to come) and Robert (photographer extraordinaire) for representing the 11th in the finalist round! The delegates from WA all make my heart sing. And the folks who didn't even get to be delegates--wow. WOW. One of the other finalists said it best when she noted damn you all for making my ordinary and boring life absolutely unacceptable anymore. Damn you and thank you from the bottom of my heart!

And just FYI...ScalpMed has Miss Black Nevada testifying about her bald head and wigs. Can I get an amen?

Bring it Barack. Bring it. Responsible fathering (smile).

Goodness of Life

Last night, I acted a fool. So I had to apologize. But I got to meet some really cool people like Carolyn who reminds me of my aunt Terri, Rich who pulled some pretty funny wigged stunts in NJ with crab apples as a boy, and Devon (I'ma call you out Devon...cause that's how I roll) with the super fro and eyes that demand that you say "Yes, of course I'll work tirelessly to get Gregoire elected."

So. You know how farmers farming for ethanol is contributing to the food shortage across the globe? That's what I thought about when I thought about how fired up Obamaholics are contributing to the shortage of volunteers for the governor and senate races locally. I tell ya.

Today. Got to chat with Ms. Liisa which ALWAYS makes my heart sing. Got all ready for the trip to Spokane--with no laptop, doing it old school. Which is probably the best thing yet because that will force me out of my room and onto the floor to interact. And that's what this is about right?

I hold no illusions. I think I've done it, walked it, talked it and had a good time. At this point, it probably is more about connecting with people who will talk to me when they get back from Denver. And that's good to it too. But as I was being told by Ms. Jourdan of a certain someone's new gig--so much of life is talking the talk. Mean game. Which I have never been about. Always Ms. Worker Bee. But something about this process has really made it so very easy to do the thing.

So tonight I get to meet with a really great guy. And this is why I'm blogging (although now I remember a comment from last night too).

In the hubbub of elbow rubbing, I cornered a dude into eating. Yeah, you might not get to sleep much, but you gotta eat even in the midst of a campaign right? Right. So we're meeting up at 7ish for coffee. He gave me the two roads and a sortof attempted spelling of the name of the place. And his number. So I googled it. The crossroads and the words "Seattle, coffee". And I'll be darned if the 2nd entry to pop up didn't bring up the name of the place (spelled very wrong, but hey...I knew what you were getting at Majid *smile*).

So that's what on for tonight. While my better half is trying to be dark like me, I'll sip tea and chat and probably eat my whole box of fruit leather if I don't move on already.

So much for scrapping this weekend. One more week of freedom to get that done.

Oh yes...the other bloggable moment? Yesterday I finally got my mini pots painted and transfered the plants I'd been hording. Put them up on the sills in the kitchen. To which the other one asked "What's up with the weedpatch?"

That weedpatch is part of our centerpieces. Hush your mouth.