The Truth is Out There

Back in the Saddle Again....

2010-08-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I know. I have no excuse. I really will try to post more than once a quarter. How pathetic!

Anyway, to kick things off, here's me at the Firecracker 5000 back in July, a 5k that starts at 11:55PM on July 3. Yes, that was PM. Now this is my ideal start time for a run, unlike those ungodly 7am-start-which-means-I-have-to-wake-up-at-4am marathon ordeals. Speaking of which, I am now in Week 2 of training for the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll Marathon in December.

Yes, I'm crazy. And I am in desperate need of a spray tan.

Epic Blog Post

2010-06-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been up to, for like the past 5 months....

My birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Even Vickie made it over from the 'Burg!

Thomas was so thrilled to celebrate with me!
Shenanigans after dinner - those shoes were killing me. But they were purple.

MJ the cat, aka King of the House. I feel so bad when I have to kick him off the chair when I have to do work!

Spent a week in Maine for lab training for work. Best lobsters EVER! This was my third!

My sister's birthday dinner.

Mariners opening day - the magnetic schedule streak continues, since 1996!

From Jonathand and Shelley's joint birthday celebration/fundraiser for their Relay for Life team. The tag says it all.

Another Mariners game with Lindsay, Bill, and Chris. Too bad our double date was marred by yet another M's loss.

This was also '95 Slide Griffey Bobblehead night. So sad that he's retiring :(

Summer, here I come!

You snooze, you lose.

2010-04-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

I had it all planned out.

My goal for 2009 was to run one marathon, which I did - the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll. So, for 2010, my goal was to run two - the Seattle Rock 'n Roll on June 26 and the Las Vegas again on December 5. I ran the Seattle Rock 'n Roll half last year and had a blast.

So, I started training the week of February 21, 18 weeks out.

Then last week I'm at the brand new Earl's in Bellevue with my friends Leslie and Becky, the gal who ran the Seattle half with me and the Las Vegas half. She mentions to me that we need to sign up soon because it'll sell out, like it did last year.

Jinx.

She calls me later on that night and informs me that its ALREADY SOLD OUT.

I suck. I have no one to blame but myself. I knew it was going to sell out, and I just let it slip my mind. There is nothing I can do. They won't put you on a waiting list. You can't buy someone else's bib/registration and run in place of them. If you get caught, you're banned from their events for 3 years. There were at least 5,000 people who registered for but didn't run the Las Vegas! I could be a "marathon bandit" if I wanted to - just run without registering and hope I don't get caught, but nah. I could also register with American Cancer Society and be a part of their marathon training program, but I would have to raise $1250, and I have way too much stress going on with my job right now to take something like that on. Yeah I know, excuses.

Once again, I suck!!!

Sigh

2010-02-27T22:49:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know, its been almost TWO MONTHS since I've updated my blog. I am in a serious rut. I dunno what it is, I guess I've just let life in general get the best of me. So here is my attempt at joining the land of the living.

I haven't even been takingp pics lately, so all I can come up with is my new cat, in prime form.

His name is MJ, in honor of the late Michael Jackson (no, I did not come up with that). He's an odd eyed Japanese Bobtail. (If you look closely, you can see that he has one yellow and one blue eye). He also has enough attitude to fill the grand canyon. Some of his favorite activites include -

knocking as many socks out of my drawer as possible, which he is about to do in this picture
knocking over anything in general, including my contact lens case, numerous refrigerator magnets, and my drying rack
staring at the printer as its printing something out, mesmerized by the sound it makes
biting and scratching, because he thinks its funny ( I think he might have been abused in his past life)
crawling inside random bags and boxes for not apparent reason

As pathetic as this sounds, that's pretty much the excitement that's been going on in my life at the moment.

More later....

Its a new dawn, its a new day...

2010-01-02T00:31:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas! For the first time ever, I went to midnight mass at St. James Cathedral. My sis and I got there at 10 and the place was already full. Luckily, we snagged some seats in the back. I had no clue there were this many Catholics in Seattle!

Ah, the wonders of Facebook. It really made me sad to read so many status updates saying that 2009 was such a bad year for them. All things considered, my 2009 wasn't that bad, but I know it was a tough year for a lot of people. I hope that this new year brings lots of blessings and good times for everyone!

I. DID. IT.

2009-12-08T22:49:00.000-08:00

Its official. I have completed my first marathon. As I sit here and type this, I am still somewhat in awe that I actually accomplished what has been a longtime goal of mine.

All in all, the run went pretty well. My original goal was to run this thing in 4 hours and 21 minutes, which is about a 10 minute mile. Many marathons these days have a "pacer" you can run with, to make sure you are on pace. They hold up a sign during the entire race with the designated finish time on it. They only go in 15 minute increments, so the closest one to 4:21 was 4:15. I figured, "Hey, what's 5 minutes faster than my goal? I can swing it."

Here is a brief synopsis what went through my mind during my 26 miles, 385 yards journey, as best as I remember it. Mile markers are approxiamate estimates.

Miles 1-6 - Wow this is cool, running right on the strip! And I'm keeping up with the pacer!
Miles 6-7 - Ew. The strip isn't so pretty at this point. Now its just kinda seedy.
Mile 10 - This is it. The breakoff point between the half marathon and the full. No turning back now. So long half marathoners! Be glad that you're almost done!
Mile 13 - Uh oh. My lower leg is starting to hurt. No no no, its way too early for that to be happening.
Mile 14 - Um, shoot. The pacer is quite ahead of me. I can't keep up. Well, I just have to be 5 minutes behind them and I'll still hit my goal. As long as I can still see the sign I'm good.
Mile 15 - Ok, I can't even see the sign anymore. Crap.
Mile 20 - Well, everyone says that this is when you "hit the wall." I now know why. And oh darn, I see the 4:30 pacer shortly behind me. Just try and stay ahead of them!
Mile 21 - The 4:30 pacer has now passed me. And I don't even care anymore. Do I still have legs? Why do they feel so funny?
Mile 24 - Ow. Ow. Ow.
Mile 25 - I have a feeling this is going to be the longest mile ever. (and it was)
Mile 26 - Take a picture. Just don't fall on your face.
Mile 26.2 - I. did. it. And, um, why can't I walk?
Mile 27 and on - Oh dear Lord, we still have to walk back to the hotel? Escalators, thank God! Handrails, thank God! Elevators, thank God!

So, my final time ended up being 4:41:38. That's well over 4:21, but hey, I'll take it. True to my nature, I started reading Hal Higdon's marathon training book on the plane ride home, after running a marathon. And wouldn't you know, he recommends that first time marathoners add 3o minutes to their inital goal time, so that they don't expect too much of themselves. So, I did exactly what I was supposed to do!

A few pics. More to come later when my friend Becky sends me hers (she ran the half). I didn't want to take too many pics with my camera because the battery was low. I am so well prepared for everything that its astounding.

Yes, it was still dark when the race started.
I have never been happier to see this number.
And just when you all thought I couldn't get any crazier, I start training in February for the Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon in June!

Week 18

2009-12-05T20:18:00.001-08:00

Well everyone, the moment has arrived. I have reached the last week of my 18 week training program for the Rock n Roll Las Vegas Marathon/Half Marathon. God willing, in about 15 hours from now, I will officially have run my first marathon.

I am in my PJ's, about to slip into a carb coma from the pre-race pasta party. The race starts at the ungodly hour of 6:00AM, and I must try to get some semblance of sleep beforehand. I think this is the part that I am most worried about, seeing that I am physically incapable of falling asleep before midnight.

So, I'm signing out for the evening. Thank you to everyone for your support and words of encouragement. See you on the other side of 26.2!

Souper!

2009-11-23T23:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know, I've been MIA. So what else is new? The next few weeks are going to be chock full of blog worthy stuff, so things might pick up a bit in Stella-land.

Shelley hosted a soup swap down at the farm tonight. The six of us enjoyed a great dinner and good company, and each of us brought several batches of soup to swap with each other. I made off with turkey chili, beef stew with red wine, chicken tortilla soup, and sausage and chicken gumbo. And yes, I am dolt and took two batches of turkey chili because, apparently, my short term memory is shot. I myself brought Tex Mex Chicken Taco Soup. Thanks for the recommendation, Hannah! You all know I would never have come up with that on my own!

Thomas had a great time hanging with the ladies.

Now, I must get back to the madness that is my life...

A "Wondrous" Halloween!

2009-11-04T23:28:00.000-08:00

I'm frantically trying to get some stuff done before I'm gone all next week for a sales meeting, so this post will be super short.

Its a miracle, but I finished my costume in time. My sis and I...

And a special thanks to Rich Brown of BrownRice fame. He offered some very helpful advice on this frantic and inexperienced homeowner's water heater crisis. No wonder Shelley is always raving about him!

Wonder Woman? More like Slacker Woman.

2009-10-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

So I got these in the mail today.

They're supposed to be for my Wonder Woman costume for Hallowen. Supposed. The red bustier is halfway done, but the hard part hasn't even started yet - putting the signature gold "double W" on the front. Not to mention the fact that the rest hasn't even been started on yet - the belt, headband, wristbands, blue skirt (I am not doing briefs, I still have a little bit of pride), and the monstrosity that is the cape. Since I like to make life difficult for myself and put a special "authentic" touch on all my costumes, I have decided to make a replica of the cape that Lynda Carter wore on the TV show, and not just a plain red cape, which would be so much easier. Google image it if you want, I'm too lazy to do it here.

It will be a miracle if it gets done in time. Luckily, I have a backup - Strawberry Shortcake, new and improved, and made my me, of course. I don't do store bought crap.

Its just par for the course for me these days. I feel like my days are chock full, but I get nothing done. I have so much to do around this condo, work is crazy like it always is, I haven't updated my blog in forever, and I am long overdue for a pedicure. I just spent my Friday evening renewing my safety certification online, which I have had months to take care of, so that I can judge my first gymnastics meet of the season tomorrow without being in violation of USA Gymnastics policy. I also have to take another test to maintain my rating, but haven't had time to study. The last chance to take it is in December, or I will lose part of my rating.

What on earth would I do with myself if I had a husband and children to take care of? I can't even take care of myself!

My one victory I am clinging too is that my marathon training is still going strong. No matter what, I do not allow myself to stray from my schedule, unless I absolutely have to. 16 mile run, here I come!

I need a lackey or something. Any takers?

I love you guys!

2009-09-29T00:06:00.001-07:00

Thanks everyone for all the kind words. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. I am doing a little better this week after having some time to try and calm my nerves about things. It is so comforting to know that I have people praying for me!

I've been lame with the pics lately, but here is my meager attempt. I was in Denver last week for work (well actually Fort Collins, an hour north of Denver). One of my fondest memories of living in Colorado 22 years ago (yikes I am old) was Chik Fil A - the best fast food chicken establishment ever. EVER. Luckily, there was one near my hotel.

Ah...just like I remember it. Except I ordered the sandwich without mayo. I'm in my thirties, ya know.

Back to the daily grind...

Lying low

2009-09-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Haven't been blogging lately. There's been a lot of things going on in my life that have taken me on an emotional roller coaster. Please pray for me if you can.

St Therese, was that you?

2009-09-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

I had a fun, relaxing weekend catching up with friends. I celebrated my friend Art's birthday on Saturday and then headed over to Ellensburg to hang with Vickie. We were sort of going to check out the rodeo, but just did dinner and a movie. Then on Monday I went to Yakima to visit Becky and to meet the beautiful baby #3, Callie Jade. And of course, I did not get pics of any of these joyous occasions.

Before any of that, however, I had to get in my obligatory "long run" of the week, as part of my marathon training. This week it was 10 miles, so on early Saturday afternoon, I opened my door to leave, and I found a sing red rose sitting on my doorstep.

People's exhibit A

At first I thought, "Aw, how nice." And then I thought some more.

There was no note attached, so I have no idea who its from. It had to have been delivered in person. There is no one in my life, even remotely, that would do this, let alone that would also have my address. Heck, the only people that have even been to my condo are my family and a few friends.

This bugged me all weekend. I couldn't stop wondering - Who does this? Why didn't they leave a note? Don't they realize that, while this might have been considered a romantic gesuture back in the day, in this day and age its just plain creepy? On and on.

My frustration escalated to the point that I called Shelley on my way home from Yakima, both to vent, and to entertain her as she always finds my rants so amusing. Then she suggested that maybe it was St. Therese Lisieux. She's way cool. She is known for many things, one of them being her love of roses. Catholics believe that sometimes she leaves them for people as her way of "whispering to those who need a sign that she has heard, and that God is responding", according to one of the websites about her.

So I end my post with this -

To whomever left me that rose, if you're reading this, I appreciate the gesture. However, there would have been better ways to get my attention.

To St. Therese - if this was you, thanks. I do not know what this was supposed to mean, but I trust that I will find out eventually. Pray for us!

To Shelley - who on earth thought that you would be the voice of reason?

Is this what my life has been reduced to?

2009-09-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

So I've been trying to cut back on my diet soda intake. Those of you who know me best would find this shocking, I know. As much as I love my Diet Mountain Dew, I suspect that my affliction is one of the reasons that I have not lost a pound since late last year, when I first started running hardcore. Not that I mind, I just find it odd. According to this Purdue study, artificial sweetener can actually cause weight gain. What a cruel joke!

I had just started to come up with a game plan. Unsweetened iced tea. Naturally flavored seltzer water. Perrier. Diet soda, but only 2-3 times a week or so. I was doing pretty well.

Then this happened.

As if my beloved Diet Mountain Dew could not get any better, its purple, my favorite color, and its one of the few limited editions that Mountain Dew has had that comes in diet!

I went and bought 3 24-packs at Safeway today. They had a buy two get one free. I'm headed to Albertson's tomorrow, because they have a by two get two free!

*sigh*. I need help.

What is wrong with people?

2009-08-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Funny for the day -

So I was on the St Vinny's parish website looking at the weekly bulletin to find out which masses the Mission Trek youth are serving their pancake breakfast fundraiser. This is what was in Father Bill's weekly message to the parish -

"Speaking of phones, we are finding that the afterhours emergency phone is being misused. Fr. Leonardo and I are getting too many non emergency calls at all hours, day and night. Most are from non parishioners who get the number off the answering machine. Why is it people think to call a priest after the bars close? The emergency number will still be listed on the front cover of the bulletin and on the parish calendar and parish web site. The chaplains at St. Francis Hospital also have the number. We will be taking the emergency number off the answering machine. Please be sure you have that number recorded somewhere so that in emergencies we may assist you. You may want to be sure to take a bulletin each week, read it and keep it around for the whole week before recycling it. Do not take the bulletin with you to the bar."

Drunk calling priests? Talk about an all time low. Shame on you, St. Vincent's parishioners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bring back the Trident!

2009-08-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

Some random stuffs I've been up to -

I was in Montana last week for work. Some fellow sales reps and I walked to the "M". Its a huge concrete "M" on a hill at the University of Montana campus. This is my pathetic attempt at capturing a deer that we saw. If you squint you can see it.
Last Friday Shelley, newly-married Lindsay, and I met up with Amy, who's in town from Franciscan U. After a pot of both cheese and chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot, we still hadn't caught up on everything!
It always takes more than one pic for any of us to be happy with how we look. I still don't think 2 takes was enough!

Went to the M's game Monday night with the family. That's my dad on the left, wondering why we're dilly dallying. This is for all my friends who ripped me to shreds for wearing a Red Sox hoodie the last time I went to an M's game. For the record, this hoodie cost more. Apparently retro=excuse to charge a lot.

You know, maybe if the Mariners brought back the old school trident logo, they might win the world series or something. Just sayin.'

Milk Duds are for People

2009-08-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

So, my friend Trina who's in town visiting from San Francisco (see previous post) decided to extend her visit, so four of us headed up to Anacortes for a little day trip. The original plan was to take the 10 AM ferry to Lopez Island and rent some bikes, but we missed the ferry (weekends are awful for ferries, apparently), but had a great, albeit comedy-of-errors kind of day anyway.

Some highlights/things I learned from today-

We had lunch at this great little place in La Conner - Seeds - highly recommend!

If you plan on renting bikes, its best to have a back-up plan in case your first one falls through. Otherwise, you might end up driving from Anacortes to La Connor, thinking that you can rent bikes there, driving to Burlington because there are no bike rentals in La Connor, and then driving back to Anacortes to rent bikes there, because Anacortes is much more scenic for bike riding than Burlington. Not that that happened to us, I am just purely speculating.

When we got back to the car from the bike rental place, we realized that Britney's sweet and engergetic labrador, Lucy, had eaten the rest of Trina's hamburger from lunch. No big deal, just meat and bread, right? A minute after that, someone asked, "Hey, where are those Milk Duds?" At that moment I knew. I looked behind me where Lucy was, and there on the floor was nothing but torn up pieces of the rather large Milk Dud box, and no chocolate covered caramel in sight. What followed shortly were a few frantic phone calls, Googling "dog eating chocolate treatment" (thank you, iPhone), a stop at 7-11 for some hydrogen peroxide, and forcing poor Lucy to drink the stuff, twice, after she didn't throw up the first time. Let's just say that she's just fine, after leaving two little gifts on a random grassy knoll in the city of Burlington. And, I am not sure what surprises me more - the fact that 7-11 has hydrogen peroxide, or that you can actually drink it.

Washington Park has some awesome views of Puget Sound!

Trina practicing her yoga. Perfect spot for it!

I actually got somewhat of a sunburn, which means that my pasty skin is actually capable of changing color.
I have a newfound (but gradual) appreciation for beets. They still taste like dirt to me, but they're such a pretty purple color!
And lastly, and most importantly, you usually end up having the most fun when your best laid plans end up falling through!

Its freezing!

2009-07-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

Well, not really, but all everyone's been talking about is how hot it is. Thought I'd mix things up a bit.

Nothing to post about really. Friday I got to meet up with Shelley and the Wee Ski. He's getting better at these self portraits.

Then on Saturday my friend Trina was in town from San Francisco, so we went out for a night on the town.
I forgot to ask the gorgeous blonde with the blacked out eyes if I could put this pic on my blog, hence the secrecy lol.

I am in Week 1 of my marathon training program. Bring on the miles!

8.58, yeah right

2009-07-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Most marathons are open to whomever is crazy enough to do it, but the Boston Marathon is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious marathons. You have to qualify for it at a previous approved marathon. The qualifying time for my age group is 3 hours and 45 minutes, which comes out to a pace of 8.58 minutes per mile.

Currently, my mile pace is 10 minutes per mile. Not gonna happen. I've been running at a 10 minute mile pace for months now, and I can't seem to break out of it. Running in the summer hasn't helped either, the heat makes you way more fatigued and dehydrated.

Then, I was running on the hotel's fitness room treadmill tonight and for the heck of it, I increased the speed to a 9 minute mile. I ran 4 miles with no problem.

Hmm.....one can always dream....

I love summer!

2009-07-19T23:18:00.001-07:00

From the Bite of Seattle this weekend. It wasn't my idea to bring the dog, but she did ok.

What I've been loving about summer -

The tan I now have solely from doing so much running outside, except for my face of course. Thank God for SPF!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Shallow, I know. So far I've been good, only two pairs of shoes!

The annual girls river float trip in August!

Havaianas. Now, if they only made them with arch supports...

That is all.

Poor Bruno...

2009-07-07T23:07:00.001-07:00

So I'm at the airport today waiting to board to fly back to Seattle. I had read my two Shape magazines on the flight over already, so I sauntered over to the nearby gift shop to perhaps get a magazine or two for the flight home. Before I settled on Time's Michael Jacskon tribute (had to) and the latest issue of Real Simple, I saw this...

and then this....
My best guess for the "cover ups" - Sacha Baron Cohen is naked on the cover of GQ (big suprise), and besides for the fact that Cosmo is a big pile of vile, nasty trash that isn't worth the paper its printed on, I guess you could say that cover girl Katy Perry is wearing a somewhat revealing outfit.

Can you guess where I was?

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I ran the Firecracker 5000, a fun run to ring in Independence Day. There were two reasons for this -

It was only 5K, or 3.125 miles, or, a "cakewalk" compared to the 13.1 miles I ran a week ago.

It started at midnight, which is way better than 7:00am. Morning people, what's wrong with them?

Here I am at the info booth for the Seattle Marathon. 26.2, here I come!

Rock and Roll!

2009-06-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, as of last Saturday, I now have two half marathons under my belt. The inaugural Seattle Rock 'n Roll Marathon/Half Marathon was a smashing success.

Here's Becky and I at the Expo the day before at the Qwest field convention center. These are a great place to score free food samples. I really wanted to wear a skort for the big run and was lucky enough to find a booth that sold all kinds of them. I settled on purple with leopard print. Is that any surprise?
I must say, I was pretty impressed with whoever planned all this. Having to manage 25,000 runners is something I would never sign up for, but it was pretty well organized. The runners were divided up into corrals, based on your predicted finish time. Kind of like a cattle drive. Hmm....

I can't believe I actually look chipper at 7:00 am, especially after getting up at 3:45am.

The start line.

Probably the only time I will (legally) run on the I-90 express lane.

To live up to its namesake, there is (supposed to be) a live band at every mile of the course. As I looked at the band line-up, I thought to myself - "Seriously? They found that many musicians that agreed to play in the early morning?" Needless to say, I don't recall seeing all 13 of them.

Almost there...and just so you know, I took all of these pics while running. Stopping is not an option.

And I finished! I'm pretty happy with my final time too - 2:12:04 - a pace of 10.08 minutes/mile and 7 minutes 51 seconds faster than my first half marathon. My goal was a 10 minute mile, so that's close enough for me!

As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day, Lindsay and Bill's wedding was later on that day.

My friend Becky, who I met in college. I met Linsday after I had known Becky for quite some time and didn't realize that they were cousins until I had known Lindsay for several years.

The toast...

Aren't they cute!

No really, that's a ceiling decoration on top of my head. Its not my hairbow, I swear.

Beautiful bride.

What better way to exit!

Congrats Lindsay and Bill! I am so happy for you both!

Cancer sucks

2009-06-22T00:15:00.001-07:00

I received some very sad news today. A friend of mine from college, Leigh Buckley, passed away on Sunday after a long battle with leukemia.

Leigh and I met our freshman year at UW. We both lived at University Christian Union, a Christian house for men and women (separate houses, the women's house and men's house were right next to each other). It was also during her freshman year that she met her husband, Andrew, who lived in the men's house.

I always liked Leigh because she was a lot like me - sassy, spunky, and goofy. I have many fond memories of the time we were housemates, from all the pranks we pulled on the guys, to the funny little "candle ceremony" we had which is how we found out that Andrew had proposed, to the outrageous bridal shower we threw for her in the living room.

Leigh and Andrew lived in California for a bit before they moved to the East coast. We had lost touch over the years, and when I first heard that she had been diagnosed, she was never far from my thoughts. I would get updates every now and then from fellow college friends and such. What has touched me the most is the faith in God that Leigh and Andrew had throughout their whole ordeal.

I went digging through my old photos and reminisced a little bit. I think this was taken at some ice skating outing, junior year. Leigh is second from the left.

In the summer of '98 (gosh I am old), my friend Chris and I took a 2 week road trip to California as sort of a graduation celebration. The Buckleys were living in Cali at the time and we stopped by for a brief visit.

This just really sucks. Please pray for Andrew and his two little girls.

Rest in peace, Leigh. You are loved and will be missed.

If you aren't already, please consider being a bone marrow donor.

Eight Days

2009-06-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon is fast approaching - 8 days away! For my first marathon back in March, I used Hal Higdon's "beginner" level training program. For this one, I took it up a notch and followed the Intermediate program, in hopes of improving on my time. Although, I should probably be a bit more concerned about the fact that Lindsay's wedding is the same day. And, I'm a Eucharistic minister for the wedding mass. Granted, the event starts at 7AM and the wedding isn't until 3, but running 13.1 miles can do funny things to you. If I can make it through the evening by speaking coherently and walking fairly normal, I'd consider that a success.

Since I travel so much for work, sometimes its heard to stick to my running schedule, but not when I'm in Vancouver, which is where I was this week. I went on my very first trail run on Tuesday night, which pretty much kicked my butt, but in a good way. Inclines kill me!

So , I "took it easy" on Wednesday by running a breezy 8K (that's 5 miles for us non-metric Americans) around gorgeous Stanley Park. Seriously, this is what the view is like the entire way around. I highly recommend it. Running not required.

Now, if I could just find a really cute outfit to wear for the big day!

Daytrip to PDX

2009-06-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

I love getting my hair cut, because since Gene Juarez is right across from Pacific Place, it gives me an excuse to do some window (and sometimes real) shopping. Imagine my pleasant suprise when I saw this....

In all seriousness though, I might not buy anything from there, because I can count on one hand the number of jeans I've paid full retail for. But we will see...

As if that wasn't excitement enough, on Saturday, Shelley, Thomas, and I headed down to Portland for a little day trip to attend the ordination of a friend of ours, David Jaspars. I first met David a few years ago when Shelley, Vickie, and I headed down to Mount Angel, OR, to visit the seminary that David attended, and for Oktoberfest(which is way better than Fremont's lame Oktoberfest, by the way). He was so gracious as to show us around, and even let us climb this ridiculously high church tower thing. I ran into him again at Jonathan and Shelley's wedding. His ordination wouldn't be for another year and a half at the time, but I vowed that I would go, because I have been told that it is the most amazing thing to witness. I guess you could think of it as a big Catholic wedding, except the "bride" is the amazing men who have devoted their lives to the priesthood, and the "groom" is the church. So cool!

By the time we got to the cathedral, parking was kinda sketchy. So we parked in some random parking lot that didn't have any signs or anything saying that you couldn't park there. Shelley put the Magnificat on the dash just in case, so that if anyone tried to give us a parking violation would have sympathy lol.

The ordination mass was just incredible. I almost teared up at one point, and to those of you who know me best, that's saying a lot.

Afterwards, we headed over to the reception, where you could receive a blessing from the newly ordained. We of course had to sneak in some self portraits. Just so you know, there were two cameras involved. I was just looking at the wrong one.

After a quick lunch at Papa Haydn, which has out-of-this-world desserts by the way, a little bit of shopping, and the mandatory stop at Mrs. Beesley's for their yummy burgers, we headed back home. Thomas had a great time too. He's in this phase where he loves to eat his toes. Its pretty funny. I'm glad that it was a good day for Shelley. Her precious little angel, Viper, went missing last week and it is quite possible that she will never be found. I dug up this pic that was taken at their annual Christmas tree shindig back in 2007, wearing the fleece thingy I made for her. She was always so excited to see me. It sucks big time to lose a pet.

We miss you, Viper.

Well I'm no one's wife...

2009-06-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

......a line from "All that Jazz" from the fabulous Broadway musical, "Chicago". Lindsay sang it at her bachelorette bash, and I thought it was funny, seeing that come June 27, that statement will not longer be true about her.

Had a fun filled weekend with good friends. Met up with Shelley and tagged along with her to a photo shoot she was doing, so I could keep an eye on little Thomas. I think he's not so scared of me, even though I am pretty scary.

Then we headed over to Lindsay's bridal shower. I have no clue what she's doing with those spatulas I got her.

Baby Thomas even survived the shower, without a peep. He must be like this all the time!

Shelley's birthday was on June 1, so we went out for dinner to celebrate, and were joined by Paige and Liz. I got to capture one of my favorite looks that Thomas has on his face sometimes.

The marathon continuted later on in the evening, with Lindsay's bachelorette bash. I am seriously too old for these shenanigans. Actually, I'm don't think I'm too old, I just wanted an excuse to say "shenanigans".

And as if Saturday wasn't enough, Sunday was our annual Lifeteen Summer Kickoff. Maryelyn had this genius idea to have a High School Musical theme. After much blood, sweat, and tears, Brita and I "choreographed" - I use that term very loosely, a modified version of this gem -

I've heard vicious rumors that our performance is going to be on Youtube. Good luck finding it!

Here comes the sun!

2009-05-28T23:46:00.001-07:00

Ok that title has nothing to do with this post, but since its been sunny out I thought I would relish in the moment.

Oh, the many humorous things I run into while I am making sales calls. This one was particularly noteworthy. I didn't open it.

Had a lovely outdoor lunch down at the Ski farm, and of course, had to get some pics of the little munchkin. Thomas loves to grab his mama's hair.

For some reason, I suspect I had more fun doing this than he did.

G Pity is town for a bit, so we met up for lunch on Sunday. Amy, if you're reading this, you need to update your blog!

My sister dragged me to the Folklife Festival on Monday. I have absolutely no idea what message this guy was trying to get across. I asked what his deal was, and he just shrugged. Oh that reminds me, I need to download that song on iTunes!

Now I see mullets all the time, but on this day, I spotted the elusive "femullet." Crime Scene Investigation? Yeah, I'd say this is a crime.

Me pointing at my sunglasses AND short sleeves. Could it be? Its warm enough that I needed BOTH?

I need a spray tan sooooo bad.

Weekend warrior

2009-05-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

Here's what I did...

M's game Friday night against the Red Sox. Yeah, betrayal, I know. But, I've always liked the Sox (any team who hates the Yanks is fine with me), and, I got a good deal on it at Costco. The Mariners won anyway, so there.

Saturday - I volunteered at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Level 10 Championships at the Puyallup fairgrounds. This meet is actually kind of a big deal . Level 10 is right before Elite level, which is what you see at the Olympics, etc. Colleges usually recruit mostly Level 10 and Elite gymnasts, so all the schools that have gymnsastics teams were there. In case you can't see it very well, the sign says "Kintucky", and the "y" is backwards. Hmm....

And to think I didn't have to wear this suit again until the fall...

Sunday morn, my friend Becky and I ran the annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge 10K run, to benfit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We're both running in the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in June and its always good to run a few races before the main event. It starts at Husky Stadium and you have about 25 minutes to run 2 miles, at which point they raise the University Bridge. We crossed it in plenty of time, but I wish we had run the 5 miles in less time that we did. Must. Train. Harder. Blech.

...and after. Wearing two layers of Dri Fit was a stupid idea, not only because it was shockingly warm that day, but it makes me look like I have the shoulders of a football player.

And lastly, congrats to Liz, who just graduated with her doctorate in Physical Therapy! Here we are at her open house. I am crushing Shelley's hand in this pic because she is trying to tickle me. Grace under fire, its what I'm all about.

Back to the daily grind...

Together, together, together everyone!

2009-05-11T22:09:00.001-07:00

Random recent happenings -

Spent a couple of days in Edmonton, Alberta last week for a big show at University of Alberta. I think the highlight of the trip was being told that I kind of look like this actress, Jaime Murray -

She plays Dexter's psychotic arsonist girlfriend in Season 2 on the show "Dexter". How fitting.
Last week I was on my regular 4 mile run. The route I take goes right through a park in Woodinville. As I ran past the playground, I noticed some people staring at me and I think I heard them yell my name. I've been a bit wary lately because of some jerk on a bike a while ago who grabbed my arm and told me to get out of the way, so I ran past them. I was almost near my turnaround point anyway, so on my way back I slowed down and turned off my iPod. It turned out that it was some good friends from college and their 4 kids. After I sheepishly apologized for acting like a paranoid freak, we spent a few minutes catching up. I'm a weirdo.
For the first time, I got to put my "real or fake" designer jeans skills to the test. My friend got a hold of 2 pairs of "supposedly real" designer jeans and I had to break the news to him. They were fake. I brought a pair of mine to prove it. I had plenty to pick from.
This last pic is what a night of staying up until 4:30AM watching High School Musical and generally goofing off, followed by another night of watching HSM 2 and HSM3 back to back will do to you. The reason why, you'll find out later. This is mine and Brita's best effort at "jazz hands".

I need to get out more.

All dressed up and a long way to go...

2009-04-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

So my running obsession hasn't really ceased, in fact, its gotten worse. I am in week 4 of my 12 week training program for the sold out Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon on June 27. Then, the week of July 26, I will start week 1 of the 18 week training program for the Seattle Marathon on November 29.

Usually I indulge a little and spend some of my tax return on something totally superficial and trivial, but this year I decided to go a little practical...

Brand new running shoes, just in time to be broken in for the big day in June. These are the Asics Gel Evolution 4, which are supposed to offer the maximum support possible for overpronators such as myself. Thank you, whoever I have in my family to thank for my flat-as-a-pancake feet. That cute little lavender pouch is for my Nike+ sensor.

And my new favorite toy, the iPod Nano, in purple, of course, in my dorky armband. The only reason the headphone cord isn't purple is because they didn't have them in purple.
Not pictured - 2 pairs of Nike Dri Fit shorts that i scored at the Nike outlet, in purple of course. Now if I could just find a purple tank top....

And lastly, I really don't want to buy this thing because it is unimaginably dorky, but I think I might have to. When it gets hot (and it actually might, eventually) I can't run 3 miles without needing to down some gatorade. I'm going to try and hold out for as long as I can...but I have a feeling that resistance will turn out to be futile.

*sigh* Can't they at least offer them in purple?

A new day. A new way.

2009-04-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

Its the Mariners slogan for 2009. I kinda like it.

So, um, yeah its been a while. I seem to start every post saying this. Hmm...

Random happenings lately -

So I went out with the girls a couple of weekends ago. We ended up at this, um, establishment in Kent, no less. I'm glad I keep my camera in my purse, so I can capture things such as this.

I won't be going back.

Last week I was at happy hour with some fellow sales reps at BOKA, which is right next to Hotel 1000. A swanky looking tour bus pulled up in front and people started gradually lingering around with cameras. We asked some girls what the ruckus was all about, and were told that Britney Spears was staying at the hotel and that the bus was there to take her to her concert that night. I can't believe I would ever in my life stoop to this level, but I became "that girl that tries to get a pic."
She's a lot tinier in person.

And the highlight of this week - Opening Day!

Um, yeah. The season just started. Isn't it a bit early to be saying stuff like this? I'll laugh if this guy ends up being the stolen base leader at the end of the season.

So I'm sitting there contemplating how cold it was, when all of a sudden people started standing up and clapping and cheering and stuff. I was like, huh? What's the big deal?

It was Griffey's first at bat. I guess I should occasionally pay attention to the game.

The flags are arranged in order of the standings. Yes, it is early in the season, but I had to capture the fact that the Mariners flag is in the first position. There's no telling where that will end up at the end of September.

And I leave you with this gem. Catholics especially, watch this. Its priceless.

Booyah!

2009-03-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

Yeah this is a little late, but a week ago last Saturday the wonderful Sprouffskes and I met up at Anthony's for lunch to celebrate my birthday. Since my camera sucks compared to Shelley's Canon whatever-the-model-is, I am using hers pics...

I am the best auntie ever!

Shelley and Jonathan got me the most awesome birthday present - a Nike plus for iPod! You put this thing in your shoe and it "talks" to your iPod while you go running, so can track your distance/pace/etc. I will no longer have to use the primitive method of using the mile markers on the running trail and checking the clock in my car lol.

Speaking of running, Sunday was the big event - the Whidbey Island Half Marathon that I've been training for since, oh, I can't even remember. I even bought some actual workout clothes for the big day.

My sister, who tagged along for moral support, apparently thinks that I look better when I'm not facing the camera. After all, what are sisters for?

Just before the start, and yes I am wearing makeup. Despite the fact that it appears to be sunny, it was frigid cold. I couldn't believe all the people I saw wearing shorts.

The run itself went really well, I think. I didn't have to stop and I (think) my final time was something like 2 hours and 16 minutes, which is a 10.46 minute mile. My goal was a 1o minute mile, so pretty close. I'd like to blame this on the fact that my iPod shuffle gave out on me with 3 miles to go (I am a moron and forgot to charge it the night before), but I think I'm just slow ha ha. The full marathon started 30 minutes before the half marathon, and even then, the male winner of the full marathon had crossed the finish line 6 minutes before I did!

Proof that I actually did it!!! The medal is facing the other way, they really didn't just give out blank medals.

On the way back I got some pics of the beautiful view from the Deception Pass bridge. The bridge is part of the route for the full marathon, but not the half. Motivation to run the full next year? Perhaps.

I am still sore as heck. There is a bottle of bubble bath and a ziploc bag of epsom salts calling my name...then I will start training for the next big thing. Perhaps the Rock n' Roll in June?

And Lindsay, if you're reading this, not to worry. The race starts at 7 am, plenty of time to make it to your wedding!

Happy Birthday to Me, Redux

2009-03-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this is a little late, but I couldn't not blog about my fabulous birthday celebration on Saturday night! Once again, I am reminded that I have the best friends in the world.

We started off with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I might add that you would never know that we are in a recession by seeing that place on a Saturday night. I wondered if I was at the zoo instead.

Then we headed off to where we went last year, Fado. I figured that even though it was the Saturday before St. Pat's, it might not be that packed. I was wrong. We still had a good time though!
The Vegas vixens (minus Amanda).

There's a rugby game playing in the TV behind us. It has now become the most fascinating thing I have seen. I still have yet to learn what a "scrum" is.

Adam can always be counted on...

No clue what I was talking to Kili about. I looked rather fired up though. Big surprise.

Weird pic, but I think its the best I looked all night.

Can't wait to celebrate again on Saturday with the Skis!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-03-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

I turned 34 today, and as Jonathan reminded me, only got 23 hours to celebrate. No matter, I still feel very loved by all my friends who wished me Happy Birthday.

I gave myself a little early birthday present to myself on Friday...my second tatoo...

Yeah it looks lopsided, but its really not. It looks cool actually.

Is it bad that I want a few more tats? Hmm....

Progress

2009-02-21T00:58:00.001-08:00

I've made some progress on my condo lately. I finally got around to hanging up my "wall stuff", which is pretty huge, surprisingly. I made a vow that I would not put stuff on the wall until I was satisfied with whatever room it was going to be in, to kind of "motivate" myself to get organized. I finally got a storage unit for all of my samples for work, so my living room is no longer overtaken with tips, tubes, and the like.

This is the hallway. I really like Degas ballet paintings.

This is what you see as soon as you come inside. I scoured each gift shop in Hawaii for one of these and finally decided on this one. I'm Asian, go figure.

This is in the living room. I was going to put it over the fireplace but its too long.

Also in the living room.

The dining room, appropriately.

*Sigh*, now all I need to do is tile the kitchen and entryway, tile and paint both bathrooms, and replace the toilets, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cabinets.

You can laugh now.

I. Am. So. Dang. Old.

2009-02-19T23:25:00.000-08:00

It was Memorial Day Weekend. I lived in a Christian house in college and every year we would have this thing called Beach Bash, where we would go somewhere for the weekend that involved sun and water. So there we were, at Potholes State Park in Eastern WA, listening to the Mariners game on the radio. It had already happened when we started listening, but Ken Griffey Jr. had broken his wrist by slamming into the outfield wall after making an amazing catch. And it was only May. I distinctly remember my friend Brent saying something like, "Eh well, might as well write off the M's for the rest of the season. Too bad, they would have been good this year." I was pretty bummed too.

The year was 1995. Only true Mariners fans would know the irony of that. For those of you who don't, well, that's what Wikipedia is for.

When I found out that Griffey signed with the Mariners again, I started reminiscing back to that magical season of 1995, and then I also realized that I am so dang old. That was 14 years ago!

Man I love baseball.

More caffeine!

2009-02-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

Well, another high school gymnastics season has come to an end. I judged my last meet on Saturday, and the first pic is pretty much illustrates what I was feeling by the end.

I've been camera shy lately, so here's two pics of me just for good measure.

Yeah its the same pic pretty much. I did have another one that night - Becky and I celebrated our long day by catching the Dudley Manlove Valentine's Day love fest at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard. Huh, it was Valentine's Day? Anyway, we both looked awful in the pic I took, so here's one of me looking halfway decent. No really, I look like this all the time.
Tootaloo!

No words can describe. Just watch.

2009-02-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

The long road to insanity

2009-02-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

It all started back in October. I was at a product show in Portland, chatting with a fellow sales rep, and somehow the subject of running came up. I've been a runner off and on, and at the time, I had been sort of running on a regular basis. He mentioned that he was planning on running the Whidbey Island Marathon/Half Marathon at the end of March and said that I should too.

I immediately said I would. I have wanted to run a marathon or half marathon for the longest time, but just never got around to training for one on a regular basis. Among other things such as going skydiving, visiting Area 51, and living to see the Mariners win the World Series, its on my "bucket list".

Then in December, I saw the same guy at another product show(go figure) and he told me that he was now going to run the full marathon. My first reaction was to say, "Ha, good luck dude, you're insane. I'll just run the half by myself."

Then I thought, which was my first mistake. I thought, hmm....would I have time to train for the full marathon? It wouldn't be that bad, would it?

Which brings us to the present. So far, I am still training to run the full marathon come March 29, but I'm just going to run the half after all. I'm only training for the full marathon just so I can say, "Well, I could have run it if I really wanted to."

I am surprised at how my body has held up, despite the beating it has taken from me lately. The long runs can be brutal. I ran 13 this past Saturday, for example. I was not feeling too great after that one.

Its the best feeling in the world to be able to fit into all of your jeans. And for me, that is no small feat. But I'll never tell you how many pairs I have!

Auntie Stella!

2009-01-23T00:17:00.000-08:00

Been light on the blogging lately. 2009 got off to a roaring start and I haven't had time to breathe! I did get to meander on down to the farm to visit with Shelley and brand-new-to-this-world Thomas! I think he likes me...either that or he just likes to sleep a lot.

Shelley is all about the self-portraits. Thomas better get used it it!

There's a new man in Shelley's life!

2009-01-12T23:41:00.000-08:00

Well I had a great time in Cali last week. Granted, I am still recovering from a week of eating out and having no time to exercise, but it was more than worth it. This is the only time of the year that all of the reps in my company get to see each other all at once, so its a mad week of catching up on things and sharing ideas.

My only regret is that I was not able to be there for the birth of Shelley and Jonathan's little angel, baby Thomas. Check out their blog for updates, and please keep him and their amazing parents in your prayers!

I'm here....

2009-01-07T21:35:00.001-08:00

In Cali for my annual sales meeting for work. Crazy busy! More later...

Happy happy joy joy!

2008-12-29T02:36:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is over and New Year's is approaching. This past weekend was a nice end to the holiday. Vickie, Shelley and I got together the day after Christmas for our annual gift exchange. As usual, I scored. Vickie got me the official "Stuff White People Like" book. The funny thing is that I'm already a fan of the website which the book is based on, which Vickie did not know. She just saw the book and thought I would find it funny.

Shelley got me some bath and body treats and two awesome cards with two of my most favorite things to say on them - "Suck It" and "Douchebag". Think I'm mean? Spend a day in my shoes.

Saturday was the lovely wedding of Jeni and Jeremy. I have to admit, my favorite part of the ceremony was when Father Tom hit Maureen on the head with the gospel book, no less, right before she was about to pass out. It was awesome.

Vickie and I. She seriously needs to move back to "The Coast". Apparently that is what Easter Washingtonians call the rest of us.

The beautiful bride. Ain't she gorgeous?

Me and my "fake" spouse, the notorious Mike G.

I think I'll learn the tango to dance at my wedding. Any takers?

The token "girl shot".

Onto New Year's!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2008-12-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm going for a run, yes, a run. On Christmas Day. In the snow. Wish me luck.

Let it snow...not.

2008-12-15T22:25:00.000-08:00

I find the snow to be rather annoying. Therefore, I do not allow it to get in my way, which came in handy this past weekend as it went non-stop.

Friday night I took a yoga class. This gal I work with teaches at the studio that the class was at and I have been meaning to try it out. Well, little did I know that this was the advanced class. Shelley uses the term "Fake it till you make it" sometimes. For some reason I kept telling myself that in the midst of headstands, crow positions, and happy babies (yes that is a yoga position). It was awesome and I'll be doing it again, and I highly recommend it to anyone!

Saturday I had a marathon travel day/gymnastics meet in Port Angeles, and then I went to a Christmas party with my sis. And what do you know, I ran into the lovely Becky, not having any idea she would be there! I just love it when that happens.

As if that wasn't enough, I managed to haul myself out of bed early Sunday morning for the annual Seattle Jingle Bell Run, a breezy 5K (3.1 miles). The last time I did this run was when a group of us dressed up as the nativity to kind of make a departure from the ubiquitous elves, santa hats, and blah blah blah. Man that was a while ago!

This year I didn't dress up, but I did wear my Juicy sweatpants in purple, what else. It is Advent, after all. I've decided that I look horrid in the morning after not much sleep, so I declined from including my self-portraits.

Christmas is coming soon! Make the most of it!

No time like the present, right?

2008-12-11T23:08:00.000-08:00

I have been sleepwalking through this Christmas season. I don't know what it is, I've been swamped for the past few months and it just won't stop. Enough excuses.

Just to prove how much of a slacker I've been, these pics were from last week. I headed up to Banff, AB for a meeting with my distributor reps. I was only there for less than 24 hours, but I wish I could have stayed longer. Banff is gorgeous! And I got to stay here!

When I win the lottery, I'm staying here for a month. That's after I live in Vegas for a month or two.
Yep, it was as cold as it looks.

Now this is the kind of snow I can get used to.

Last Saturday I headed down to Rainier for Shelley and Jonathan's annual Christmas tree open house/extravaganza/all-around catching up with people thing. Vickie, Maureen, and I didn't get a tree, so we passed the time taking cute pics.

Taken by Shelley....

...and Shelley's hubby. They are the funniest couple ever to be around.

We are so awesome.

Its almost the weekend and I still have a ton to do! All I want for Christmas is my sanity!

'Tis the season!

2008-12-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

A few highlights from the past few days...

Thanksgiving got off to a lovely start with the baptism of baby Dylan after mass on Thanksgiving day. That's Dylan's grandpa, Deacon Juan, doing the honors.

Thanksgiving dinner with the fam was business as usual. My dad and I went to see Quantum of Solace, but not before I tried not to laugh when I said "one senior and one adult, please" while buying the tickets. I'm such a wonderful daughter.

I actually did go shopping on Black Friday, but only because I needed to get some stuff that had nothing to do with Christmas. We live in a sad world when you have to show your ID to buy Dust Off. What ever happened to good clean fun?

As if Friday wasn't enough, I got bored on Saturday night and hit up Bellevue Square with my friend Becky. True to my nature, I just had to get a pic in front of the brand new Seven for all Mankind store! Ironically, I was wearing Paige. And in case you're wondering, no I didn't buy anything. That's what Nordstrom Rack and Ebay are for!

Sunday's Lifeteen mass was the installation mass for Father Bill, where he officially became the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul. I've been a Catholic almost all my life and I still learn a new term for the crazy stuff we do! That's Bishop Tyson in the purple hat. Speaking of which, its Advent! Which means only one thing...purple!!!

More purple! (and pink too, but mostly purple)

And one last tidbit..got a haircut tonight downtown. I just had to get a pic of this as proof - I actually found a parking spot on the street, smack dab on 6th Ave. right in front of H&M, and a stone's throw away from Nordstrom and Pacific Place. Those of you who know the horror that is parking in downtown Seattle can appreciate this. I know I did.

Back to work!

It's a Roy!

2008-11-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

If you read Shelley's blog too, you'll know that Vickie, Lindsay, Kristine, and I threw her a fabulous baby shower for her on Saturday. Did I mention that it was fabulous? While we were planning this thing, I realized that Shelley's baby shower fell on the same day (well not the exact date) as her wedding shower a year ago - the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Crazy, huh?

The famous "Design a diaper out of toilet paper" game, a take on the "Design a wedding dress out of of toilet paper" game, seen so often at wedding showers. The beautiful Crystal is modeling her creation. Baby #4 is due in April!
Even Avila joined in on the fun. Baby Ski is going to have so much fun with his cousin!
I don't mean to too our own horn, but we all did a pretty sweet job with the food.

Lindsay brought yummy mini-cupcakes and a cake that, if you looked at it in a certain way, said "Its a Roy" instead of "Its a Boy." Oh how I adore her. Liz also made some fabulous gluten-free treats!

So who's next?

I'm so happy for you Shelley! You and Jonathan are in for the time of your lives, or so I've heard!

Going once, going twice...

2008-11-19T23:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I am all settled in for the night in my hotel room in Spokompton, in my Strawberry Shortcake pajamas, almost caught up on everything. Its been a busy last few weeks and its only going to get worse. I guess life wouldn't be exciting if there was nothing to do, right?

As I mentioned before, it has always been a dream of mine to learn some ballroom dance. Well, my wish finally (sort of) came true on Friday night when Travis and I tried our hand at tango at Century Ballroom. It was only a half hour class, so we just danced the few steps we had just learned and then enviously watched everyone else who actually knew what they were doing. Eh well, it was a start!

What's a tango without the red rose?

On Saturday I went to St. Vinnie's first ever Mission Trek Auction, to raise money for the high school and middle school mission trips next summer. It was a smashing success, and the food was pretty good too. You can't beat Filipino cuisine!

Danny and Nate were fabulous auctioneers. Here they are during their "Blues Brothers" dance.

We even had our own table reserved for us!

One of the "hot" items for the auction was a gourmet dinner for 6 at Maryelyn's house. When Father Bill heard about this, decided to throw his hat in the ring and auction off dinner at his house for 6 as well. His dinner went for more, but not by much! Their "dialogue" was pretty funny.

For dessert, each table put however much money they wanted in an envelope, and they got to pick which dessert they wanted, in order of how much money each table had donated. When our table was announced, we got up, went to the dessert table, and picked out a delicious looking rum cake. Then the table that got called after us grabbed the cake that we were going to take and walked off with a snooty "You snooze, you lose." It was a deacon's wife, who also heads up the marriage prep course at the parish. What a lovely example.

Other than that, it was a great time! Mission Trek raised almost $10,000 dollars!

And the lemon cake we picked out was delish.

Its way past my bedtime.

Back in business

2008-11-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

My graphics card finally breathed its last breath on Friday, so I've been without a computer since then. I finally got a new motherboard today, right before I had to drive over to Pullman (yes, its true) for work. This is the third post in a row where I complain that I am swamped, which even I admit is getting kind of old. High school gymnastis season is starting up soon, Shelley's baby shower is on Saturday, I have to make a huge batch of mashed potatoes by Sunday, and I have a ton of work to catch up on. Argh!!!!!

One pic, more later. Travis and I went tango dancing on Friday night. It was so fun, and the best part is, when you dance tango, you're actually supposed to look pissed off. This dance was made for me!

Blogging light

2008-11-10T01:03:00.000-08:00

I've been light on the blogging lately. I've had a nasty cold that's now almost gone thankfully, and I've just been plain busy and stressed out with life in general. On Saturday I went to Jeni's bridal shower. In true fashion, I showed up a tad late (just a tad), and then had to leave after only about an hour because I had a gymnastics meet. I heard it was a good time though.

I only got a couple of lame-o pics...

The beautiful bride-to-be, holding her cousin's baby ( I think?)

I just love the look on Moe's face...

Alright, back to the million things I have to do. Calgon take me away!!!!

Funny for the day...

2008-11-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

Swamped

2008-11-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished my costume in the nick of time, and yet I still feel like I have a million things to do. The holidays are coming up and this means it will only get worse. Gah!!!!

Friday night Miss Becky and I headed over to a Halloween party before the Dudley show. The newly engaged Lindsay was there, along with her fiance Bill, so I had to congratulate them!
The happy couple!

Then Becky and I headed over to the Dudley show, where they played the 10 Worst Songs of all Time, as voted on by Dudley fans. I'm sad to say that the show was kind of disappointing. The songs they played were kind of odd, I guess. The people watching factor made it all worth it though. Apparently, 80's aerobics attire was popular this year. At one point Becky said, "You know, there's too many people wearing aerobics clothes that actually need to do some aerobics themselves." I laughed. Hard.

I'm pretty satisfied with my costume this year, which is rather shocking. I only have to make a few changes to it, as opposed to ripping it apart and starting all over like I normally do. I'm growing as a person I guess.

As if Halloween wasn't taxing enough, I had to be up bright and early Saturday morning for the youth convention that our Lifeteen kiddos go to every year. It was a jam-packed weekend full of singing, awesome speakers, sack lunches, and thousands of screaming teenagers. I am too old for this.

Here I am with Karl, karaoke host extraordinaire.

Art got to play keyboard with the band. I told him I would post this pic as proof to his wife Kristina that he really was busy this weekend!

Aint' we precious...

Gotta go now, too much stuff to do!!!!!!

This silly "tagged" thing....

2008-10-25T12:34:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I've been "tagged" by my friend Becky, which means that I have to write 6 things about myself that people may or may not know about me. Its the blogging equivalent of when people email you those little surveys about themselves and then you have to write back with your own answers. Normally I just read them, laugh, and move on, but since I'm in a giving mood I'll bite...

I hate the cream filling in Oreos. When I was a kid I used to scrape it off and just eat the cookie part.
I have these really cool Frye boots that lace up that really should be worn with jeans tucked into them, but I can't work up the nerve to do it.
There is nothing that drives me more nuts than women (uusally a female cashier and female customer) who just like to gab and gab and GAB at the register while I'm waiting in line just trying to pay for my stupid groceries. Shut up already.

Whenever I stay in a hotel, I always leave the Do not Disturb sign on the door. I just think its silly to make housekeeping clean up after me, and I don't really need fresh towels each day.

Besides for purple clothes, I also love clothes that have cherries on them, and I have no idea why.

I have never worn flip flops to mass, and I never will, unless its an accident. Maybe on my wedding day, but that's it.

I'm supposed to tag other people, but I won't. Since when do I follow the rules?

Wow. Just, wow.

2008-10-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

You know, its the funniest thing. The emails that I have gotten that are the most interesting and noteworthy have been read from my cell phone, when I am bored and have nothing else to do. So there I was, waiting for the ferry to take me over to Victoria (hello again, Canada), and I read this, sent to me by my dad.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB122459881115754133-lMyQjAxMDI4MjI0MjUyOTI4Wj.html

And then I found this, from the Seattle Times -

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008298060_webrosetta22.html

For those of you don't know, or remember, Rosetta is where worked at for six years, before being let go two years ago.

When my dad sends me news articles, sometimes he adds his own personal note. This is what he said -

"Stella, looks like more our(sic) your ole buddies at Rosetta will be hitting the road soon. Good thing you went early. Love, Dad"

I love my dad.

Unstoppable

2008-10-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, St. Vincent de Paul Lifeteen had their annual fall retreat, "Unstoppable". The retreat theme was centered around the life of the great apostle Paul and how he was an "unstoppable" force in spreading the Gospel back in his day. Since Paul made many pilgrimages in his time, we made a little pilgrimage ourselves. On Saturday we headed up to Our Lady Star of the Sea parish in Bremerton and were warmly welcomed by the youth ministry folks for a wonderful afternoon of reflection. Then we hopped on the ferry and ended up at the mother ship, St. James Cathedral, where we stayed until heading back to St. Vinnie's on Sunday.

It was an awesome weekend. Sometimes I wonder if the work that the Core team does is really making any difference, and its weekends like this that remind me that the Catholic church has a bright future in its youth.

I'm bummed that I didn't really get any pics, but here are the ones I have. This is us practicing the retreat theme song, "Shine Like the Son" by none other than the fabulous Matt Maher. The guy at the piano is our new, unbelievably talented Lifeteen music minister James. We are so lucky to have him!

And of course, the hand motions.
God rocks.

Spent

2008-10-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

I'm back at home after a long and exhausting weekend. It really is the simple things in life, like sleeping in your own bed. I'm way behind on everything, have a ton of stuff to do, and no motivation to do it. So, I'll make this short.

Miss Becky and I, in between what seemed like a million sessions of learning about flips, twists, giants, Healys, Weiler kips, Jaegers, Tkatchevs, Giengers, and how to tell how they're done wrong. I'm rocking the free bag they gave us. Who needs Louis Vuitton?
The congress was held at the Multomah Athletic Club, which is a pretty nice place. Check out the dress code.
On a positive note, I tried on some of my "problem children" jeans last night (ie the ones that don't fit), and most of them fit now. Booyah!

Well, at least it was tax free

2008-10-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

So I'm in Portland for work and a gymnastics judging conference. Leslie, Becky, and I are all settled in for the night, ready for a long day tomorrow. Guess who's suitcase is the biggest?

Mine.

And yet, I still managed to forget my sensible black shoes, that were supposed to go with my black pants I was going to wear at my product show today. So I had to buy some pants at Banana Republic that would go better with the shoes I did bring. I did have a 20% off coupon though.

Then, as I was getting ready to work out this morning, I realized I packed my workout T-shirt, but not my sweatpants. So, I wore my Strawberry Shortcake flannel pajama pants instead, like the idiot that I am. Then I had to buy a pair of cheapo shorts or sweatpants to last me the rest of the weekend, and decided on a weird, random "skort" thing I found at Target for $4.98.

How have I even made it this far in life?

Even more randoms

2008-10-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy week. Here's what I've been up to....

Last week my manager and I went to a regional sales meeting held in Seaside, Oregon. After a very, very, long day of talking nonstop about sales growth, the wonders of plastic, and putting the competition to shame, we were all ready to decompress.

Miss Katie and I at the beach bonfire. She's way cool.

A bunch of people retired to the hotel lounge after the bonfire for some karaoke. This may shock all of you, but I did not participate. My manager, however, sang SEVERAL songs, including "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Just don't ask.

Saturday I met up with my old roommate Amy for coffee in my old neighborhood in Seattle. It was kind of surreal taking the route I had taken so many times to get home. The Tully's we met at is right near Murphy's Irish pub, which is where my friend Trina (the first roommate I had at that same place) and I went to celebrate our new pad with a pint of cider. Amy had some mail for me, several of which I found quite amusing. Included were - my tabs renewal for this year (which is strange because last year's went to my current address, stupid DOL), a eucharistic minister schedule from 2007, a letter from the now retired Father Tom from 2005, a Valentine's day card from Lindsay for this year, and a thank you card, also from Lindsay, for planning her birthday party back in April. Um, Lindsay, if you're reading this, I've been living in Kirkland for almost 3 years!

Later on I went to Daniel's 2nd birthday party at Charity and Jacob's. He's so cute its ridiculous.

Lifeteen has started back up again, and this week we had a clothing drive. We collected over 3,000 pounds of clothes! And no, not all of it was mine.

I just realized I'm going to Oregon 2 more times this month. Huh?

Randoms

2008-09-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

Randoms from this week...

Irony at its best.

My friends in the south end hardly ever visit me because Kirkland seems soooooo far to them. Imagine my surprise when The Brown Clown and his sidekick Karl happened to be in my neck of the woods and called me to join them for some wings.
And lastly, this is my selection for Halloween this year. I made a Snow White costume a few years ago but this one is much better, so I'm revamping the old one. Anyone want to join me for the Dudley show?

Viva las Vegas!

2008-09-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well my laptop still isn't working properly, but I guess that's what "safe mode" is for. It think its my graphics card, but who knows. Anyway, onto Jeni's bachelorette bash in Vegas!

Flew in on Friday and met up with Jeni's sis Amanda at the airport. We shuttled over the hotel - Amanda totally got the hookup - we got to stay at the Venetian for free! It was super pimp.

Jeni and Moe didn't get in for a couple of hours so Amanda and I just wandered around for a bit.

We ran into these guys in front of the Bellagio. This place must be a treehugger's worst nightmare. I say sweet.
We headed back to the hotel and waited for Jeni and Moe. This is the hallway from the lobby to the casino. Its a great place to people watch. I've never seen so many dresses disguised as long shirts in my life.

We went back to the room and the staff had turned down the bed and left chocolates! I ate them. Yes, I did.

We got a bite to eat at the Cheesecake Factory of course, because you can't eat there in Washington, and then wandered around some more. This is in front of Caesar's Palace.

Saturday morning we got off to a grueling start by hanging out at the pool. When you go to Vegas, make sure to bring plenty of cash. I paid 5 bucks for that latte and 3 for the Mountain Dew. Sheesh! Then it was time for shopping and sightseeing on the strip.

We just HAD to go to the Mirace Mile shops at Planet Hollywood. Is it any wonder why? The Coca Cola store. You could get an international soda sampler for 7 bucks. Needless to say, we didn't finish.

Goofing off at the M&M store.

I doubt this is how they really make M&Ms. Then we headed over to the MGM to get on the VIP list for Studio 54. The lions were hanging out. It was cool. New York New York. Moe and I paid 14 bucks to ride the rollercoaster. I won't repeat was said during the ride.

We headed back to the hotel and just about passed out from all the walking we had done. Jeni and Amanda decided to go to Cirque du Soleil Mystere at Treasure Island, Moe and I decided to hit the town and meet up with them later.

Back at the MGM. We never made it to Studio 54, but we did get to crash a bachelor party.

After getting some deliciously greasy pizza at New York New York, we headed over to Mandalay Bay, which is way on the other end of the strip. Moe wanted to walk and my shoes were killing me by the time we got there. Next time we're taking the tram!

There's a girl dancing in a cage behind me. Only in Vegas.

We met back up with Jeni and Amanda at the hotel and wandered around the casino to play some slots before calling it a night. This was right before we left the hotel the next morning. So sad! Thanks Jeni, for a great weekend. I can't wait for the big day in December! Now, who's coming with me for Vegas Part 2?

I'm back...

2008-09-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

Vegas was a BLAST. Right about now I should be eagerly downloading my pics and deciding which ones to post on my blog/myspace/facebook. Unfortunately, my laptop has a case of the Blue Screen of Death. It sucks. Bigtime.

Until I get this all sorted out, my dear friends will have to wait. Suffice to say, Moe, Amanda, Jeni and I had loads of fun. A quick rundown - freakin' hot, rode the rollercoaster at New York New York, saw tons of stores I will never afford, ate too much, walked too much, only gambled 5 bucks, never did make it to Studio 54 but did get on the VIP list, almost got lost on the way to Mandalay Bay thanks to Moe, never tipped so much in my life, already wondering when's the next time I can go.

More later. Stupid computers!!!!!

Random Wednesday musings....

2008-09-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

You know you're an obsessed sales rep when, anytime you see a news report or scene on a TV show that has anything to do with a lab, you immediately try to see if you can spot the brand that you sell in the background. I've been doing that ever since I was told that my product is in "I Am Legend".

My new fab website - www.surfthechannel.com Perfect for when you miss your fav TV show and can't get to your TiVo!

I am not a fan driving through the streets of Vancouver, BC. At all. And I pity the fools who have to figure it all out before the 2010 Winter Olympics.

In less than 48 hours, I will be PARTYING IN VEGAS!

The problem with sewing...

2008-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

...is that you don't really know how if what you're making is going to fit until its kind of too late. That's why its always better to go up a few sizes, because you can always make something smaller.

Well evidently, either my 4 mile runs have been paying off or I'm just an idiot at measuring myself, because this dress is like, several sizes too big. I'm inclined to think its the latter. *sigh*. So, now I'm off to finish this thing (to be unveiled Saturday night in Vegas!), and a million other things I have to do...

Seven years ago today.

2008-09-11T00:39:00.001-07:00

Never forget.

In search of the perfect corndog...

2008-09-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

So I love corndogs. Don't ask why, I just do. I make a beeline for the nearest Krusty Pup stand whenever I go to the Puyallup Fair. Problem is, they're so bad for you, so I've been obsessed with finding a way to make a healthy version. Morningstar Farms has some good ones but they're kinda spendy. A true corndog is dipped in batter and then fried. The healthy alternative to frying is of course, baking, but if you were to dip a hot dog in batter and then bake it, you would end up with a pool of cornbread and a crusty hot dog.

Enter the wonderful Twinkies bake set. Ain't Ebay grand?

I got this idea from this gal, who is very creative in making fun vegan meals for her son and herself.

Before...

...and after.

The verdict - it was a decent start. The cornbread-to-hot dog ratio was too high. Next time I will use way less batter.

I made these in between watching the season premiere of Fringe. Its supposed to be the "New X Files". My dad even sent me this email today...

"Stella,

Might want to watch TV show “Fringe” tonight on ch 13 from 8 to 9:35, it will be something like x-files was.\\

Love, Dad"

I laughed.

Sew fun!

2008-09-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Random stuffs from this week -

So, I'll use any excuse I can to buy clothes. Take my upcoming bachelorette bash in Vegas, for instance. Maureen and I want to go to Studio 54 at the MGM, so I've decided that now would be a good time to get a cute, going-out dress. Well, after looking at dress after dress online, I've found something I don't like with every one of them, and the rest, well, I don't feel like spending an arm and a leg on. Now I have come up with the brilliant idea to make a dress with this fabric....
....and this pattern, the circled halter dress, all in record time. Why do I do this to myself?

We won at trivia night again! Granted, seeing that the pot was 23 bucks, we didn't have a whole lot of competition.

Saturday I went to a Lifeteen Core training and then headed over to Art's birthday party. I attempted to go to the Woodinville Target to get Art a present but, as usual, I took the wrong turn and ended up at the winery. Ironically, I wrote on Art's birthday card, "Are we really this old?"

I love the candid "pic before the pic" shots.

The Bond Girl pose was Charity's idea, and I was too confused to argue. The cute little girl covered by the purple oval is Art and Kristina's daughter. I forgot to ask permission to post her pic on my blog, and you all know I follow the rules.

I just can't get over how exciting my life is.

Prayers please

2008-09-04T01:26:00.000-07:00

I received some very sad news from my good friend Mike G today. His cousin's son was shot and killed Tuesday night.

Please keep Joshua's family in your prayers, and for an end to senseless violence such as this.

Team Zeb!

2008-08-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend Erin, Moe, and I made the trek out to Ellensburg for Rodeo Weekend, and it did not disappoint. Aside from the fact that I will need to go into food detox for the next few days for all the "its the weekend, why the heck not" cuisine I managed to consume in 2 days, I had a great time with the girls!

Friday night we went to the "Behind the Chutes" watering hole right behind the rodeo arena. We ended up chatting with this nice guy named Zeb who was a going to be competing in the Xtreme Bulls event that we were going to Saturday night.

Saturday morning we hit up the Rodeo Parade. Leading the way were two Ellensburg police officers on horseback, with a third horse with no rider in honor of the tragic death of Officer Nelson Ng. Unfortunately, I did not get a pic.

Maureen actually went to high school with the people in the "cage". What are the odds?

Roughin' it.

Just for you, Shelley.

Some of the "beauty queen" floats even had their pageant waves in sync. It was borderline Stepford Wives-ish.

After the parade and lunch, we headed back to Vickie's for a bit. Then we headed over to the fair. Um, authentic Juicy Couture at the fair? I don't think so.

I also had Maureen take a pic of me holding my REAL Coach in front of the "Replica Handbag" booth, but I look stupid as usual, so it didn't make the cut.

Vic and I both look deceptively chipper here, but in reality we are FREEZING COLD. Stupid Kittitas Valley wind. Stupid end of summer. Stupid.

Out of all the brands I own, there was really only one choice to wear for Rodeo Weekend - the True Religion signature horseshoe, of course. I'm wearing these. Vickie is wearing Joeys as well. And if you clicked on the link, no, that is not what I paid for them. I love jeans but not that much! And, I have a pair of Sevens that Maureen just bought that I need to hem. I am a horrible influence.

The main event - XTreme Bulls. Aw, them cowboys are so cute!

As it turned out, our friend Zeb that we met the night before was in FIRST PLACE after the first round! The top 12 out of the 40 contestants that go in the first round, go again in the final round. You have to stay on the bull for at least 8 seconds in order to even get a score (which is determined by combining the bull's performance and the rider's performance). Unfortunately, 11 out of the 12 contestants (including Zeb) were bucked off before the 8 seconds. The guy that stayed on won the competition, but our buddy Zeb still got second!

This is the bull that bucked him off. Boy was he mad.

Yep, still freezing. We made a mad dash to the car and went straight to Starbucks for hot chocolate.

After closing down Lilly's Cantina, we got some totally nutritionally unnecessary, but oh-so-good greasy breakfast at the local truckstop diner before heading back to Vic's.

Thanks again Vickie, for letting us stay at your house and for being a great host as always. Can't wait for Rodeo Weekend 2009!!!

And who said scientists can't have fun?

2008-08-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not a scientist, but my customers are, so close enough. I'm in Oregon again, this time in Eugene for a product show outside in the beautiful sun. One of the other sales reps has these cool stuffed "Giant Microbes" on his product show table. I got kind of antsy towards the end of the show so I decided to get all the critters together for a group shot.

The rod shaped thing is Mad Cow Disease (get it?), the black round thing is HIV (mine to keep!), the round turquoise one is the common cold, and the stringy thing is E Coli. There are many more on their website! Perfect for your loved ones.

And, its official - I'm going to Vegas for Jeni's bachelorette bash!!!!!!

"You give love a bad name"

2008-08-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ah, good old Bon Jovi. Takes me back to a more innocent time. Why the DJ chose this song to play first to officially "open up" the dance floor after the first dance, father-daughter dance, etc., is beyond me, but it was funny nonetheless.

Saturday I took a little road trip over to Prosser for the nuptials of Liz and Joe. Liz is a former member of the infamous Estrogen Militia and I was so glad to be a part of this special day. The first time I had heard about Joe was an EM gathering at Kili's a long while back. They had just barely started seeing each other, but we could all tell she was crazy about him!

The ceremony was a full mass - awesome. The bride and groom even brought up the gifts, something I haven't seen before.

Lindsay and Bill, aw....

There's limos in Prosser?

Lindsay decided it would be cute to do a "Shelley self portrait". I didn't get the signature "I'm as cheesy as can be" smile quite right. Lindsay did.

The token "let's get the old EM together for a pic for old time's sake" photo.

The only reason it looks like there is light in this pic is because of the flash. The weather was perfect for an outdoor reception, however, the wedding was at 6, so by the time dinner was served it was pretty dark. Lindsay thought it was funny that I had to use my cell for light. She's always laughing at me.

The best part of maid of honor Rachael's toast was when she said, "Joe, you should know that Liz and I are a package deal."

You know, I really do have other dresses to wear. I was just too lazy to fix my J Crew dress. It was a shame, because it was purple.

Conrats to Liz and Joe! Now, who's next?

We should just go back to smoke signals.

2008-08-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

I'm in lovely Alberta this week. People often ask me, "so do you get to do any sightseeing when you travel for work?" The answer is, not really. After seeing customers all day, I just really want to get some takeout, (sometimes room service if I'm really lazy), retreat to my hotel room, and be a slave to my computer for the rest of the evening, while hoping that I can still get NBC in Canada.

I actually did do a little sightseeing this time though. I took a little detour to Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, site of some of the events from the '88 Winter Olympics. This is from the top of the ski jump.

Its a great spot to throw my laptop from. Not the one I'm using right now, but my older, personal laptop. It went kaputz on last week. Now I have an expired warranty, $352.93 that needs to be refunded back to me for an extended warranty that I never got, and an iPod shuffle that has all the songs erased from it.

Plus, I went to the famous West Edmonton Mall today. Not for fun, but to get a Canadian SIM card for my phone. I don't even want to get into this story because it will make my textbook-perfect blood pressure go sky high. Suffice to say, don't be surprised if I cut you off short when you try to call me when I'm in Canada. Unless you want to pay for my roaming fees.

I did get an Old Navy cami for way cheap though, even when you factor in the dismal exchange rate. Oh, and they do have Mountain Dew in Canada!

And, there is a good chance that I'm going somewhere next month that I've always wanted to go! I won't jinx it though...

Fun in the Sun!

2008-08-17T23:33:00.001-07:00

Summer won't last much longer, especially here in Seattle. I took advantage of the nice weather yesterday and took a walk down to Myrtle Edwards Park before dinner on the waterfront. And wouldn't you know it, I had to walk through Hemp Fest before getting to this lovely photo op spot. It was interesting, to say the least.

My Olympics addiction continues as well. For those of you who watched the women's gymnastics vault final , I'd like to clarify something that Tim and Elfie failed to mention. This is from my rule books. Granted, the international rules are different, but trust me, this rule is universal, international or not.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B.

In all honesty, I couldn't tell if Cheng Fei landed knees first, but it was defnitely questionable. Had she done so, Alicia Sacramone (who definitely landed both vaults feet first) would have a bronze medal around her neck.

Time for beddy-bye!

Don't bother me, I'm watching the Olympics.

2008-08-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been watching the Olympics since they've started, but there is one night every quadrennium that I am unavailable, for anything. Its the women's gymnastics all around final of the Olympics. This time, I got together with my fellow gymnastics judging buddies Leslie and Becky at Leslie's house for dinner and rooting for Team USA. There are no two better people to watch it with. We like to "pretend judge" the routines ourselves, and you should hear the comments we make. You might even think that I'm not nice.

Overheard this evening -

"I would so not give that. It was nowhere near to handstand."

"Ew, that was ugly."

"I would so not connect that. That wasn't even close!"

"I don't believe for a second that those girls are at least 16."

"What's with all the sissones?"

And, the way we see it -

The lovely '70s royal blue judges' blazers - Ick.
GOLD MEDALIST Nastia Liukin's (WOO WOO!!!) hot pink leo - Wha???
This stupid, ridiculous, video replay thing - Stupid and ridiculous.
The new rules/code of points in general - see above
Team USA's leos - unimpressive
Team China's leos - impressive
Bela Karolyi - Still can't understand half of what he says, and he's looking more and more like Colonel Sanders
Alicia Sacramone getting flack from the media for her performance in the team finals - Do the math, idiots. Even if she hadn't fallen twice Team USA still would have gotten the silver.

Gah, I'm so glad the suspense is over. Now I can get back to LIFE.

One year

2008-08-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, on June 20, 2006, I was about to get into the elevator on what was my last day at my place of employment. I had been laid off about 7 hours ago and was leaving the building for the last time. A fellow coworker was walking to the elevator at the same time and said to me, "Stella, don't look at this as a setback, look at this as an opportunity."

He was right.

As fate would have it, I ran into a guy I used to work with a long time ago at the UW. He had also been recently laid off from his job and we ended up at the same employment workshop. He ended up getting a job in sales (which is what I really wanted to go into), with a company that is owned by another company, that was also looking for a sales rep. One lunch interview and a quick little daytrip to California for an all day interview later, I still hadn't heard anything.

I had almost given up. It was now over a year after I had been laid off and I was going through all those emotions that one goes through - fear, despair, impatience, anxiety, nervousness. I had been doing some temp work here and there, but nothing that I really enjoyed.

Then, out of the blue, I was looking at shoes at the Alderwood Macy's (or was it Old Navy?, I dunno) with my friend Britt and I got a phone call from the guy that I had my first interview with. He happened to be in Seattle and wanted to meet with me the next day to discuss something with me.

We met at the same place we met for my first interview, and he (who is now my manager) offered me the job.

My official start date was a year ago today, August 13. I can honestly say that I have never been happier, career-wise. I am learning something new everyday, constantly being challenged, and have had the opportunity to work with and meet all different kinds of people. I never in a million years would have thought that things would end up the way they did! I had lunch a while ago with this gal that also used to work at the same company I was let go from, who also works in sales. We both agreed that we lucked out.

This picture has nothing to do with this post, but since most of my posts have pics, I had to include one anyway. I had dinner with my friend Becky last night and my Bento box was so pretty I had to take a pic. Of course, it wasn't pretty enough not to eat. You all know me better than that.
Thank you Lord, for not giving up on me and blessing me in so many ways!

"Full of dreams to last the years...

2008-08-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

...in Seattle!"

My friend and fellow East-sider Becky headed over to Fremont on Friday night for dinner at El Camino and a Dudley Manlove Quartet show at the High Dive. Aside from the fact that there is a new lead singer, it was a good time. I also heard one of the most bizarre songs ever, "Seattle" by Perry Como. You can listen to it here. I told Becky while they were playing it, "I'm going to Google this when I get home, because I can't believe someone would write something this cheesy."

Well sure enough, someone did. Here's a little snippet from this fine gem -

"The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle
And the hills the greenest green, in Seattle
Like a beautiful child, growing up, free an' wild
Full of hopes an' full of fears, full of laughter, full of tears
Full of dreams to last the years, in Seattle
. . . in Seattle!"

Saturday I met up with Rachael at the newly remodeled, a-ton-of-stores-added-that-makes-this-mall-more-of-a-zoo-than-it-already-was Southcenter. Rachael is the little sis of my blog buddies Becky, Hannah, and Abby, and probably the most sassy of the Melhorn girls, which is probably why we get along so well. Here we are at the brand new H&M store. Guess I don't have to wait for the downtown Seattle store to open! I bought a top that I didn't need, but only because it was purple.
Later that night my sister and I went to dinner and to see "Mamma Mia". Well actually, she went to go see The Mummy Tomb of the Dragon something-or-other because she already saw it. It was ok I guess. I think the live musical is way better. The movie even left out some of the original musical numbers, sacrilege!

Oh and just for you Catholics - Saturday afternoon I went to confession at Blessed Sacrament in Seattle. A wedding had just gotten out, and when I walked into the church the little confession room in the foyer was wide open with kids toys strewn all about. I was like, huh? Then I realized it must have been used as a kids "distraction room" for the ceremony. Confessions were being heard in the main part of the church, and when I thought to go back and take a pic someone had already cleaned up. That would have been funny.

Crazy Catholics!

Showed OUT

2008-08-07T21:17:00.001-07:00

Egad. This week my distributor hosted their annual week of product shows. After gallavanting around Seattle from hospitals to biotechs all week talking to customers about the wonderful world of polypropylene, I am ready to CHILL OUT.

I can't even believe I mustered up the energy to make it to trivia night on Wednesday. I went to a wine and cheese reception with all the other sales reps earlier that evening and was just going to head home after all that socializing and schmoozing, but then I thought, eh, what the heck.

And wouldn't you know it, team "Its Gravy Baby" won, all 31 buckaroos. I seriously thought it was a joke, as it seemed we got soooo many wrong. Jeni if you are reading this, you will cringe that we got this wrong - What rank did Luke Skywalker attain in "The Empire Strikes Back?"

I am, however, quite proud of the fact that I correctly identified the mug shots of Timothy McVeigh, Lee Harvey Oswald, and Bill Gates (yes, the Bill Gates, he was quite young at the time).

Sheesh. Is it the weekend yet?

I figured out why they call it Mystic Tan.

2008-08-05T21:08:00.001-07:00

Its because emerging from that blue booth with a perfect, streak-free tan remains a mystery.

This is one of the many bizarre dihydroxyacetone amoebas on my body. I call this one "slug shadow".

I try to be a responsible adult and get a UV free tan, and this is what I get??!!!!

1-for-4

2008-08-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

I have been to a total of 4 Mariners games this year, and so far they have only won one of them, Opening Day. And yet, I'm always up for catching a game, especially if it means I get to hang out with the Sprouffskes! Shelley and Jonathan were in town and had some extra tix for Saturday's game. It as fun to catch up on life and stuff, including all the fun (and not-so-fun) nuances of having a bun in the oven. Please keep Shelley and Jonathan in your prayers for a healthy pregnancy!

Oh and if my blog layout looks weird, it should. I tried to re-format it and it got all messed up and I don't know how to fix it. Argh!!!!

What love the MOST about summer...

2008-07-31T23:09:00.001-07:00

As much as I love movies about ex-FBI agents, superheroes, and a hit musical complete with "Dancing Queen", or an awesome weekend floating the river with girlfriends, or even the floundering Mariners, there's still one thing that I am looking forward to this summer the most.

The Olympics.

I'm obsessed.

My favorites to watch? The usual suspects, the same stuff everyone else likes - swimming, track and field, diving, yada yada. But mostly, women's gymnastics, duh. Team USA has an awesome shot at winning the team gold. My favorite is Nastia Liukin. I'm rooting for her.

I'll be glued to the TV for most of the games. But then again, when am I not?

I wanted to believe...

2008-07-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

...that the X Files movie would be better the second time around, and while some things made more sense because I wasn't paying attention the first time, the truth remains out there.

Why did I see it again? Because I'm a pathetic nerd. I REALLY wanted to see it the night it came out, but my friends Art and Kristina (they will be referred to Artina from now on) and Charity couldn't see it until Saturday, so of course I had to see it again with them. But not before I went to a wedding at St. V's...

I had to get a pic with Erin in it to document a rare occasion - she had her hair down, was wearing a dress, and MAKEUP! Ain't she purty...
Plus, I was pleasantly surprised to see Liz, with brand new baby boy Dylan, and sis Susan, visiting from Utah.
Closeup of Dylan's "faux hawk". He's ready to be on Top Chef or Project Runway, maybe even Shear Genius.

Later on at the theater before the movie started, I told Artina and Charity, "Ok just so you know, this is pretty much a two hour episode, and a mediocre one at that." I knew it was a bad sign when 20 minutes into the movie, Charity exclaimed out loud, "This is so dumb!" When it was over, we all just sat there speechless. I broke the tension by saying "Hey, I warned you guys."

Apology is policy. Its an X Files thing.

I should just drive. To everything.

2008-07-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the X Files movie, and as much of a diehard fan I am, I must say it could have been waaaaaaay better. Oh well, you can't expect much of Hollywood these days, eh?

Speaking of "eh", got back from Canada today after a week in Saskatoon, SK. Yes, there actually is business out there. But I digress. Having travelled quite a bit for this job, I consider myself a seasoned veteran and would like to take this opportunity to impart my wisdom.

There's this thing called the news. Check up on it every once in a while.

ONE BAG. 5O POUNDS OR LESS.

What does that mean? It means that when you fly, you are now allowed only one checked bag per passenger and it must weigh 50 pounds or less. If you want to check a second bag, or if any of those bags weigh more than 50 pounds, you have to pay extra, anywhere from $25 to $100. Now, some airlines are still allowing two checked bags free of charge, and then some even charge you for one checked bag, but you get the gist.

So, don't be an inconsiderate nimrod and try to check your 70 pound suitcase, act all surprised that you will be charged extra for it, then proceed to take 10+ minutes redistributing your clothes while the line behind you is growing.

Second, if you are an airline and you have that stupid "Executive Class/VIP Club/I-have-more-money-than-you" line to check in, then have someone designated to check those people in. I mean really, I don't mind at all people cutting in front of me so you can help them, even though I have been waiting in line longer than they have, just because you're too cheap to have an extra person working the counter.

That said, if YOU are one of those "Executive Class/VIP Club/I-have-more-money-than-you" people, don't be a jerk and come up to the counter while I'M trying to check my well-under-the-weight-limit-baggage and say "Um excuse me, is someone going to help me in the VIP line?", when it is CLEARLY OBVIOUS that every single person in the other line has been waiting much longer than you have, and that there is no one working your precious upper-crust line.

I'm Stella Clarke and I approve this message.

T Minus Thirteen Hours....

2008-07-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

...until I see the new X Files Movie!!!!!!

I have read mixed reviews so far. Word on the street is that it is a stand-alone, no-alien-conspiracy-stuff-involved two hour episode disguised as a movie. Who cares though!

Fun in the sun!

2008-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

The annual Girls River Float weekend was, as always, a great time had by all. What could be better than lazily floating down the Yakima River on a scorching hot day, taking in all the beautiful scenery? Can't think of it at the moment. This year we decided to float on both Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday, so it was double the fun, double the sunburn. I got to Ellensburg on Thursday night and was joined by Christy, a friend of Vic's. Maureen and Jeni got there on Friday morning and off we went...

Instead of two rafts, we rented just one and Vic bought this fine gem at Costco. It worked out pretty well, and I foresee it being used many more times. It was tough to steer though...

My Juicy sunglasses rock.
As with every year, we do have a few mishaps along the way. This year we went by this huge log right in the middle of the river and and into the water I went. It was no big deal, Jeni and Maureen pulled me in real quick. I do have a beautiful merlot-colored souvenier on my hip the size of a hockey puck. As Christy would say, "Its awesome."

We also had two separate "Oh my gosh there goes the oar, we have to get that back or we'll have to pay for it" incidents. Moe was the trimphant hero in the first one. The second one was a group effort.

As always, Vickie was a wonderful host and cooked us an amazing breakfast on Saturday morning, which we enjoyed "al fresco". Jeni took this opportunity to orchestrate some amazing optical illusions with her camera. For all you non-Catholics, that's Mary and St. Francis of Assisi kickin' it old school in Vickie's yard.

No really, he was sitting right on my shoulder.

I have come to the conclusion that my pasty body should not be seen by the light of day by anyone. My future husband, maybe.

Five hours and a lot of sunscreen later, we got cleaned up, BBQ'd at Vickie's with some more of her friends, and hit the local watering holes of Ellensburg.

This might have been the best pic ever. This random guy came over to our table, chatted with us for a bit and then took a pic of us. Self portraits are the best.

And of course, what night out isn't complete without an after-closing time street dog? Now why are these so much more expensive in Seattle??? I actually didn't have one, but they sure sounded good.

Sunday morn I drove down to Yak for Roc's birthday party. I'm sure he was thrilled.
Thanks again Vickie for taking such good care of us and letting us invade your home. Looking forward to River Float 2o09!

River Float weekend is here!

2008-07-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

I'm off to E-Burg for the girls river float weekend. I promise to post back with lots of pics. Until then, please enjoy the following vids. I found out about these little gems from my fellow sales rep colleagues. If you don't work in science you might not get it, but if you do, I hope you have as good a laugh as I did.

First up - the wonders of PCR. I just love the chorus -

"PCR, when you need to detect mutation,
PCR, when you need to recombine,
PCR, when you need to find out who the daddy is (who's your daddy?)
PCR, when you need to solve a crime..."

Then, its time to AU-TO-MATE

And finally, this just speaks for itself.

I would like to add that while all 3 of these companies are in my industry, I do not work for any of them.

One last hurrah!

2008-07-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Pics from Liz's bachelorette bash on Saturday. I met Liz through Rachael of Estrogen Militia fame, I guess you could say she was an honorary member. She is way cool and I am so happy for her!

We started off the night at Boundary Bay Brewery. It was a "suprise bachelorette bash". She thought she was just meeting her friend in the black shirt for a casual drink, and had no idea otherwise. It was nice to see her so surprised!

Just for you lame EM gals who couldn't make it, that is Joe, her fiance, standing next to Rachael. He was spared the estrogen explosion that ensued and left shortly afterwards.

More hugs. I even let her hug me too.

We hit a total of 4 establishments after the brewery. Yikes. This was at Casa Que Pasa, Bellingham's famous burrito joint. Someone needs to remind Liz that its salt, not black pepper, that you use for Tequila shots.

Shots for everyone, except me. I was driving.

On our way to the Beaver Inn. (I'm not making this up). They had good popcorn, but that was about it.

After a brief stop at the Callaloo, we closed out the night at the Fairhaven. They had a live band that was pretty good, they even played "Low". Oh yes, they did.

Can't wait for the wedding next month! Oh yeah Becky can I stay at your place? The wedding's in Prosser...

What is wrong with this picture?

2008-07-13T19:36:00.001-07:00

Taken back on June 6, at dinner for Shelley's birthday celebration. Now, why on earth would she not partake as Vickie and I did?

Well?

The answer can be found here.

The Sprouffskes are knocked up!

Where's the holy water? I can't find it.

2008-07-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

Quick post before I head off to a bachelorette bash. My pics from my little pilgrimage to the Salt Lake Temple. It really is a beautifully landscaped and impressive place. This is the best pic I could get of it, as it is surrounded on all sides (I think) by walls of some sort. I am not even sure how those who are allowed to, gain entrance. And of course, I had to represent. I'm standing at the bottom of the temple. This didn't really turn out as cool as I had hoped, because my ridiculously long hair is covering my t-shirt, but whatever. Shelley should accompany me on these things because she's the pro photographer/master photo composer.

And just for you Lindsay, you nerdy choir teacher - the Tabernacle, home of the Mormon Taberncle Choir.

Oh and one more humorous thing. People have warned me, including my own manager whose arm who can kind of see in this pic, that Utah's state liquor laws dictate that only one ounce of liquor can be served at a time, so sometimes you'll order a martini and its like, a quarter full. We had an absolutely lovely dinner the other night at the Blue Boar Inn, which was right near the quaint Swiss-themed resort we were staying at. I ordered a Cosmo, and I was pleased to see it "normal sized".

I'm off to the Hammer for girls night out!

On the road again.

2008-07-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in Idaho and Utah this week for work. Its been a good week so far. I had some time to kill at Seatac before my flight left on Tuesday so I decided to splurge on an airport manicure at Butter London. My Korean mother would be mortified. Normally my do-it-yourself manis last a total of 10 hours, but this one is still going strong. And, I got to use my brand new PURPLE luggage, thanks Overstock! Ah, its the simple things.

And of course, what trip to Salt Lake isn't complete without a little jaunt to Temple Square? I got one of the tour guides to take a pic of me in front of the Salt Lake Temple. I was wearing this -

This isn't the actual pic (duh), but I didn't bring my camera cord so I had to make do. More later.

What I love about summer, part 3 - Girls just Wanna have Fun!

2008-07-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well the original Estrogen Militia may be a thing of the past, but the gals still get together every once in a while to catch up on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. This summer we will continue the tradition with our fourth annual float down the Yakima river...
This is from the first year that we did the float, except its the sunburned aftermath. The annual Jazz in the Valley festival in E-Burg was going on that night so we hit the town. I can't believe that I am smiling and Shelley is not.
The second. Again, I am the pastiest person in the photo.
The third, from last year, also known as the"stolen raft" incident. We will never know who took it, but if I see that raft this year, I just might forget that I am Catholic. Maybe.

And just for good measure, Vic and I at the Ellensburg Rodeo from last year. Can't wait to go again!

Why can't summer last all year????

Random Stuffs

2008-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

A few of my recent favorite websites to visit -

http://www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/

http://www.stuffnobodylikes.com/

http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/

"An Athletic Crass Killer" is an anagram of my full name. Go figure. I'll give you a buck if you can figure out my middle name from that.

The number one song on the day I was born was "Have you Never Been Mellow" by Olivia Newton John. Another go figure.

That's it for now.

We are here on this earth to learn how to love.

2008-06-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Father Tom's last day as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. His last mass of the day was the 5:00 Lifeteen mass.

Maryelyn and Father Tom. I told them to just "act natural".

His last homily. He told us the top ten things he wanted us to remember. Number one is the title of this post.

The Lifeteen Core Team brought up the gifts.

Right before the closing procession, Maryelyn goes up to the ambo to give the youth ministry announcements. It usually ends up being this "friendly banter" with her talking and Father Tom politely urging her to wrap things up. It had become quite humorous over the years. So, true to Maryelyn fashion, Father Tom was presented with this lovely picture.

The closing procession.

The quilt. This would have taken me forev.

Happy retirement, Pastor Emeritus!

What I love about summer, part 2 - BASEBALL!

2008-06-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am well aware that the Mariners suck big time this year. Who cares? I still love baseball. Its the perfect game to watch during the summer, especially when its a nice day and the roof at Safeco is open. A little known fact about me is that I used to work for the Mariners back in the day. It was nothing glamorous, I was just a guest servies person - I worked at the games and basically told people where the bathrooms were, where to buy nachos, and that no they can't just go into the clubhouse and get some autographs. Its a wonder I ever made it out alive. Here's a little trip down memory lane...

Back in '97 Mariners celebrated their 20th anniversary with "Turn back the Clock Night". Here I am with my fellow coworkers in the beloved Kingdome. My gosh the that place reminded me of a glorified prison. I am still bitter to this day that the dress I'm wearing got stolen from my car. I even added these purple chiffon streamer things to the arms and everything.

Here I am at the very first game at Safeco Field, July 15, 1999. It was awesome.

All Star Game, July 10, 2001. I didn't work for the M's anymore but I still got to go the game - a friend of mine had some connections, woo woo! Cal Ripken won MVP.

I have to admit, I'm not as much of a fan as I used to be. I'll be lucky to make it to a handful of games a season. But I will always be a diehard M's fan, no matter how much they let me down!

Tragic.

2008-06-26T00:46:00.000-07:00

When I was checking into the hotel in Victoria, BC Tuesday night, the front desk guy noticed my can of Diet Mountain Dew and said "Hey, did you get that in the States? I never see Mountain Dew up here."

How? Why?

Well hello, summer.

2008-06-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

Summer got off to a roarin' start this weekend. Jeni, Maureen, and I hit up Seattle for the annual Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade. I only saw a few minutes of the parade, and we ended up just walking around for couple of hours taking in the sights and sounds.
For those of you who have never been to or even heard of the Fremont Fair, its a "slight" departure from your typical country fair with scones and rodeos. I just had to get a pic of this.

Hee hee. Shelley you would have loved it.
The Solstice parade is known around the country for its infamous naked painted cyclists. They even have their own Wikipedia entry. Unfortunately, the celebration of nudity does not end with the parade.

And of course, what mass crowd event is complete without these guys?

I have driven by this thing so many times. Now I finally have a pic to show for it.

This was Maureen and Jeni's idea. I think.

On Sunday I went to G Pity's (aka Amy) birthday BBQ. Here we are demonstrating her signature move, "awkward broken starfish." Its a G Pity thing. I can't even explain it to you if I tried.

Funniest quote I've heard in a while, seen on a church billboard - "Summer's coming, only God knows when."

I love summer!

2008-06-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Now that the summer solstice is less than a day away, here is part 1 of several installments of "Things I'm looking forward to for Summer 2008". Today we will talk about movies.

Mamma Mia - the Movie - based on the musical inspired by the songs of ABBA. The synopsis is simple. "On a tiny Greek island, a wedding is about to take place. Act One - the day before the wedding. Act Two - the day of the wedding." I love ABBA, and I love musicals - I've seen it twice in the theater. This musical was made just for me. Opens July 18.

The X Files - I Want to Believe Back in the fall of 1993, I was home for the weekend during my freshman year of college. My dad was watching a show on TV and was like, "Hey Stella, you gotta watch this. Its about the FBI and aliens and stuff." In this particular episode, some FBI agent named Dana Scully was kidnapped by some crazy dude who claimed he had been abducted by aliens. I rolled my eyes and said something like, "Whatever, Dad. This is stupid", much like I always do when he tells me about his kooky ideas. Well, a decade and a half later - I have every episode on DVD, my email address is derived from Special Agent Fox Mulder, the license plate frame on my car says "The Truth is Out There", and I hope to someday master the song "David Duchovny" by Bree Sharp. I can't believe I just admitted to all of that. Opens July 25. Three guesses on what I'll be doing that day. First two don't count.

Honorable mention - The Dark Knight. Maybe Hulk if I'm feeling ambitious.

And on another note, we won for the second time at trivia night at the Ram on Wednesday! Woo woo! Our team name that night was "Happy Birthday Dameon." Its Claire's beau's middle name, whose birthday was the next day. This almost makes me feel smart.

In the Lord's service...

2008-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Father Tom, the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul for 25 years, announced earlier this year that he is retiring. His last day as pastor of St. Vinnie's will be Sunday June 29, and so his last mass will be the 5:00 Lifeteen mass. Word on the street is that the Lifeteen band has something special put together, so we will see. Anyway, the parish put on a musical tribute in his honor last night, and they did a wonderful job. The evening consisted of musical numbers and presentations put on by the choir and various key members of the parish. The pics I took are kinda lame cuz I was far away, and I was sitting next to an elderly dude and I didn't want to annoy him by getting in and out of the pew. See, I'm considerate.

Maryelyn loves to have the microphone. This is only the second time I have ever seen the sanctuary with the altar not there. The first time, we had to move it because we hosted a Matt Maher concert (he's an awesome Catholic singer/songwriter). You have to get permission from the Archbishop to move it. Those crazy Catholics.

Our own Lifeteen dance group, Trinity, had the honor of performing. It was the first and probably only time I have ever heard Fergie inside the church.

To conclude the evening, the parish presented Father Tom with a photo album, a beautiful quilt, and a check for $25,000 to help fix up his condo.

And of course, Father Tom closed the festivities by singing "I'll be Seeing You."

There was a wine and cheese reception afterwards in the church hall, and I managed to get the Lifeteen members in attendance together for a photo op.

Wow, its going to be weird not having him around. I've been going to St. Vinnie's since 1990! He did say he would still officiate my wedding though. Let's just hope he doesn't forget!

I love being Catholic.

Blahnik, Gucci, Prada, oh my!

2008-06-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

Wistful window shopping at the designer shoes section at Nordstrom - free of charge

Asian chicken salad and Cosmo for dinner - $25.00

"Sex and the City", 7:45 showing at the Meridian - $10.25

Enjoying a great movie with a great friend, who totally agrees with me that every woman should buy at least one pair of $400+ shoes in her lifetime - Priceless

Mama G

2008-06-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Shelley turned another year older, wiser is debatable, on June 1 and Vickie, myself and the birthday girl celebrated with a low key dinner and catching-up session at BluWater Bistro. Then we walked the 50 feet to the Woodmark and passed out for the night. This is my new favorite hotel because they have free late night snacks!

The next morning we all got massages at the hotel's spa and then headed down to St. Vinnie's for Mama G's memorial mass. She passed away a year ago Saturday and many of her loved ones were in attendance in celebration of her life.

This pic was taken in December 2006. It was the last time I saw her.
The table in front of the room where the reception after the mass was held.

Becker, Vickie, the Brown Clown, Shel, and yours truly.

We miss you Mama G. Pray for us, we need it!