After church we decided to bust out the Christmas decor. We turned on a holiday CD and hauled all the boxed up from the garage.
We started with the tree...and ended with the tree. We set it up, but had to redo the lights as I was a little to generous with them and did not have enough to finish. While we were un-stringing and re-stringing, I heard a snap and grabbed the tree as it started to fall over. The crappy plastic stand had given out.
What felt like 5 hours later, we were down one tree and my Christmas spirit had turned into Christmas crank. We chucked the tree in the garbage, hung up my giant wreath and called it a night.
Anyone want to make a trip to Target tomorrow for a Christmas tree?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving and Brandi Carlile...what more does a girl need
It's been a great couple of days. SO great that I am dreading going into work tomorrow.
I had a great time with the family. It was fun to see the little munchkins again.
They are growing up so fast but are still cute as ever. Check out my family blog to see better pictures thanks to my brother Jared.
We were going to run the 5k Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning, but we bailed the night before as we were super tired and the forecast was for snow. I did however, still run that day. It was only about 2.5 miles, but it was in the snow and half of it on my own. It felt great to run again since I've slacked on the gym this week.
Thanksgiving dinner consisted of great food, a few timeouts, and lots of dishes. We met up with our family friends for dessert and later that night went to the movies. Aside from not getting a nap or having the Clays there, it was the perfect day.
Saturday morning Steph and I jumped in the car and drove back to Seattle to catch the Brandi Carlile performance with the Seattle Symphony. This concert was AMAZING. I can't even describe it. Hearing her sing my favorite songs with a full live orchestra was a once in a lifetime event. She truly is an amazing performer. She inspires me to keep playing the guitar. Her performance of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah with the orchestra was a spiritual experience never to be forgotten.
She started out the show playing acoustic with her band for 30 minutes before the intermission. The orchestra came out with her for the second half and played along with her. She even performed a new song, Oh Dear, for the first time that will be on her new album! As if this was not enough, Brandi said they were recording the show and will be releasing the performance. Add another chapter to my Brandi Carlile concert obsession book.
Picture from parhelion77
I had a great time with the family. It was fun to see the little munchkins again.
They are growing up so fast but are still cute as ever. Check out my family blog to see better pictures thanks to my brother Jared.
We were going to run the 5k Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning, but we bailed the night before as we were super tired and the forecast was for snow. I did however, still run that day. It was only about 2.5 miles, but it was in the snow and half of it on my own. It felt great to run again since I've slacked on the gym this week.
Thanksgiving dinner consisted of great food, a few timeouts, and lots of dishes. We met up with our family friends for dessert and later that night went to the movies. Aside from not getting a nap or having the Clays there, it was the perfect day.
Saturday morning Steph and I jumped in the car and drove back to Seattle to catch the Brandi Carlile performance with the Seattle Symphony. This concert was AMAZING. I can't even describe it. Hearing her sing my favorite songs with a full live orchestra was a once in a lifetime event. She truly is an amazing performer. She inspires me to keep playing the guitar. Her performance of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah with the orchestra was a spiritual experience never to be forgotten.
She started out the show playing acoustic with her band for 30 minutes before the intermission. The orchestra came out with her for the second half and played along with her. She even performed a new song, Oh Dear, for the first time that will be on her new album! As if this was not enough, Brandi said they were recording the show and will be releasing the performance. Add another chapter to my Brandi Carlile concert obsession book.
Picture from parhelion77
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Holbrook Boys and Then Some
This weekend was all about catching up and while I did not get to everything on my list, I made a pretty good dent.
Growing up I was, and still am, good friends with the Holbrook family. They are an amazing bunch. Colin and John came to Seattle for the weekend and brought the soon to be new Holbrook addition Rachel. She's great! Such a nice person, honest, and very strong in all aspects of her life. (Good pick John, I totally approve by the way)
Friday we met up with the boys from high school which was crazy because some of them I have not seen in over 9 years and yet we are all still very much the same.
Saturday we ventured downtown to see the city and go to Pike's. Valerie (whom we all know from Spokane) came along. Great to catch up with you Val. We need to get together again soon.
Colin, whom I called dibs on years ago, was the perfect "date" all weekend. We could not let John and Rachel out do us.
And the cute couple who give the rest of us hope in love.
Saturday night Colin and I decided to flatten his hair before he went to a dance recital. It was a cross between Yanni, a lion, some punk emo kid.
I love these guys and can't wait to spend more time with them next week in Spokane, but next time they need to bring Justin and Kate with them.
Growing up I was, and still am, good friends with the Holbrook family. They are an amazing bunch. Colin and John came to Seattle for the weekend and brought the soon to be new Holbrook addition Rachel. She's great! Such a nice person, honest, and very strong in all aspects of her life. (Good pick John, I totally approve by the way)
Friday we met up with the boys from high school which was crazy because some of them I have not seen in over 9 years and yet we are all still very much the same.
Saturday we ventured downtown to see the city and go to Pike's. Valerie (whom we all know from Spokane) came along. Great to catch up with you Val. We need to get together again soon.
Colin, whom I called dibs on years ago, was the perfect "date" all weekend. We could not let John and Rachel out do us.
And the cute couple who give the rest of us hope in love.
Saturday night Colin and I decided to flatten his hair before he went to a dance recital. It was a cross between Yanni, a lion, some punk emo kid.
I love these guys and can't wait to spend more time with them next week in Spokane, but next time they need to bring Justin and Kate with them.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Convo of the day
While watching Grey's Anatomy:
Me: How do you have sex with a ghost?
Steph: I don't know. I've never done it.
Me: How do you have sex with a ghost?
Steph: I don't know. I've never done it.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
What A Weekend
I can't even put it all into words so you get the quick recap. And if you want details, you are going to have to track me down.
- James Bond with my brother
- A new trainer that actually does his job and kicked my trash
- $268 at Costco
- Dinner with some of the greatest ladies ever. I miss our daily chats and was glad to see them happy
- Skipped a concert because I was too tired
- Church and church meeting from 10:30-8:30
- A Sunday to be remember and one that has reshaped the next year of my life.
- James Bond with my brother
- A new trainer that actually does his job and kicked my trash
- $268 at Costco
- Dinner with some of the greatest ladies ever. I miss our daily chats and was glad to see them happy
- Skipped a concert because I was too tired
- Church and church meeting from 10:30-8:30
- A Sunday to be remember and one that has reshaped the next year of my life.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ingrid
Ingrid Michaelson is funny and down to earth. Some artists are very awkward and uncomfortable to watch on stage, but you can tell she feeds off of performing live.
She did a free mini set at my favorite record store Easy Street. I felt about 10 years to old and the teen crowd did not respond very well to her, but it was fun to see her non the less.
This is her performing one of my favorite songs Far Away.
We headed over to Neumos to see her full concert and it was another great night of music.
This guy, Newton Faulkner opened for him and WOW. This guy does things with the guitar that I did not think were possible. Check out a YouTube video of his song I Need Something and watch for yourself. He is the real life August Rush. I think the best word to describe him is DOPE!
Here is a shot of Ingrid and Ali, her guitar player and back up singer. I decided Ali is Ingrid's Gayle (Oprah's friend) and that when I grow up I want to be "The Ali." You get to perform on stage and live your dreams, but not deal with the crap of being a celebrity.
I had the chance to meet Ingrid after the show. Don't we look like best friends. I think we would get along great.
And for those of you sick of reading my concert recaps, you are going to want to skip my upcoming Saturday post as it will be my 3rd concert this week. As I went to grab the Ingrid tickets from my stash, I got a little sad because there are not many tickets left. I have a feeling that come the new year that will not be an issue, but you never know.
She did a free mini set at my favorite record store Easy Street. I felt about 10 years to old and the teen crowd did not respond very well to her, but it was fun to see her non the less.
This is her performing one of my favorite songs Far Away.
We headed over to Neumos to see her full concert and it was another great night of music.
This guy, Newton Faulkner opened for him and WOW. This guy does things with the guitar that I did not think were possible. Check out a YouTube video of his song I Need Something and watch for yourself. He is the real life August Rush. I think the best word to describe him is DOPE!
Here is a shot of Ingrid and Ali, her guitar player and back up singer. I decided Ali is Ingrid's Gayle (Oprah's friend) and that when I grow up I want to be "The Ali." You get to perform on stage and live your dreams, but not deal with the crap of being a celebrity.
I had the chance to meet Ingrid after the show. Don't we look like best friends. I think we would get along great.
And for those of you sick of reading my concert recaps, you are going to want to skip my upcoming Saturday post as it will be my 3rd concert this week. As I went to grab the Ingrid tickets from my stash, I got a little sad because there are not many tickets left. I have a feeling that come the new year that will not be an issue, but you never know.
Ray
Steph picked me up from the airport and we headed downtown to see Ray Lamontagne in concert. Our seats were further back then we are use to, but it was nice for a change. Usually I am watching the artists fingers on their guitar and soaking in their musical energy, but sitting farther back made me close my eyes and only listen to the raw music. Ray is AMAZING live. I can not even put it into words.
I was impressed with his stage setup. Ray had his entire band in a half circle and stood on the end giving everyone equal stage presence. I contrast this to Kanye West who performed his entire set as the only person on stage while hiding his band and backup singers under the stage. It's nice to see artists with amazing talent that has not let their ego get the best of them.
I had the choice of seeing Jason Mraz or Ray and I did NOT make the wrong choice. He is someone I will continue to see live at every chance. If you do not know his songs, YouTube his song "Trouble" and try telling me it does not give you the chills.
I was impressed with his stage setup. Ray had his entire band in a half circle and stood on the end giving everyone equal stage presence. I contrast this to Kanye West who performed his entire set as the only person on stage while hiding his band and backup singers under the stage. It's nice to see artists with amazing talent that has not let their ego get the best of them.
I had the choice of seeing Jason Mraz or Ray and I did NOT make the wrong choice. He is someone I will continue to see live at every chance. If you do not know his songs, YouTube his song "Trouble" and try telling me it does not give you the chills.
Tony, Tony, Tony
I was so tired after my fun filled weekend and was looking forward to sleeping the entire plane ride back to Seattle, but Tony had other plans for me.
I was settled into my seat and playing the "if you don't make eye contact, they will not sit by you game," but I failed. Tony came and sat right next to me....in the middle seat....even though the aisle seat was vacant.
He started the small talk and asked what I did for a living. I gave him the brush off answer hoping he would catch my hint. Nope. He proceeded to tell me he thought I was a hand model. (Nice pickup line dude) I looked at my crusty hands and said, "Me? No. My hands are all calloused from playing the guitar, but thanks."
For the rest of the plane ride, Tony talked and talked and talked to me about guitars, how he plays football still, how it's amazing we are exactly the same age, how he beat my High School football team at state our senior year, how he teaches guitar, his time in Afghanistan, and a bunch of other things I don't remember.
He was a nice guy, but I was just so tired. I did all sorts of things trying to get him to stop talking and let me sleep, but he was onto my fake sleeping tricks.
We landed and I headed into the restroom, but don't you worry. He was waiting for me right outside of the security area. He was disappointed his ride was there by the time our luggage showed, but I saw it as a blessing.
Tony, thanks for treating me like a lady, but next time a girl needs her beauty sleep.
I was settled into my seat and playing the "if you don't make eye contact, they will not sit by you game," but I failed. Tony came and sat right next to me....in the middle seat....even though the aisle seat was vacant.
He started the small talk and asked what I did for a living. I gave him the brush off answer hoping he would catch my hint. Nope. He proceeded to tell me he thought I was a hand model. (Nice pickup line dude) I looked at my crusty hands and said, "Me? No. My hands are all calloused from playing the guitar, but thanks."
For the rest of the plane ride, Tony talked and talked and talked to me about guitars, how he plays football still, how it's amazing we are exactly the same age, how he beat my High School football team at state our senior year, how he teaches guitar, his time in Afghanistan, and a bunch of other things I don't remember.
He was a nice guy, but I was just so tired. I did all sorts of things trying to get him to stop talking and let me sleep, but he was onto my fake sleeping tricks.
We landed and I headed into the restroom, but don't you worry. He was waiting for me right outside of the security area. He was disappointed his ride was there by the time our luggage showed, but I saw it as a blessing.
Tony, thanks for treating me like a lady, but next time a girl needs her beauty sleep.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Weekend Getaway
This weekend I made a quick trip to SLC to spend time with a few friends and help out others that needed a little TLC. There were A LOT of people I did not have time to visit, but next time.
One of my favorite people, Stephanie K, is having a baby any day now. I was so glad to see her all cute and pregnant, but also can't wait to meet little baby K. Now get that baby out!
One of the great women that taught me how to be successful at work while laughing along the way was at the baby shower as well. I miss Michelle's random comments and daily lunch with all of the ladies.
Carlee and I had many great adventures working and traveling together. I was so glad I had the change to see her AMAZING new house and catch up on life. Carlee, I want to be a spiritual giant like you. Thanks for being a great example.
No trip would be complete without a visit to my concert sisters Emily and Chelsea. Life is not easy and about to changes for the better with them, but I miss these girls more then they know.
And then there is the amazing Angela. We laughed, we cried, and I even had my first couples massage with her! It was so funny yelling at the other one to not look. I feel so lucky to have her as a friend. Her hospitality was beyond amazing and her crazy family makes me feel right at home. Ang, thanks for being the amazing person that you are. I admire all that you do and how much you have grown over the last few years. Now buy your ticket to Seattle!
One of my favorite people, Stephanie K, is having a baby any day now. I was so glad to see her all cute and pregnant, but also can't wait to meet little baby K. Now get that baby out!
One of the great women that taught me how to be successful at work while laughing along the way was at the baby shower as well. I miss Michelle's random comments and daily lunch with all of the ladies.
Carlee and I had many great adventures working and traveling together. I was so glad I had the change to see her AMAZING new house and catch up on life. Carlee, I want to be a spiritual giant like you. Thanks for being a great example.
No trip would be complete without a visit to my concert sisters Emily and Chelsea. Life is not easy and about to changes for the better with them, but I miss these girls more then they know.
And then there is the amazing Angela. We laughed, we cried, and I even had my first couples massage with her! It was so funny yelling at the other one to not look. I feel so lucky to have her as a friend. Her hospitality was beyond amazing and her crazy family makes me feel right at home. Ang, thanks for being the amazing person that you are. I admire all that you do and how much you have grown over the last few years. Now buy your ticket to Seattle!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Things I Learned This Week
1. Max likes red fruit loops. Well, really he likes the sugary outer coating on the red fruit loops.
2. If you hire someone to clean out your chimney, they will not come dressed like Burt from Mary Poppins and they use a vacuum, not a metal brush. Very disappointing.
3. Starting a sewing project at 10:30 on a Wednesday night is not a good idea.
4. My trainer is gassy.
2. If you hire someone to clean out your chimney, they will not come dressed like Burt from Mary Poppins and they use a vacuum, not a metal brush. Very disappointing.
3. Starting a sewing project at 10:30 on a Wednesday night is not a good idea.
4. My trainer is gassy.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Dear Ellen
Dear Ellen DeGeneres,
Remember when you went on national television in a bit of hysterics over a dog? Ya us too because...it was a DOG and while I love animals, come on.
Please hold it together while this proposition 8 stuff goes down. I don't want to remove you from my Tivo, but I like watching your show for laughs and gigles, not to watch you cry and make things awkward. I will give you one episode of mourning, but after that....back to work.
Loves,
Linds
Remember when you went on national television in a bit of hysterics over a dog? Ya us too because...it was a DOG and while I love animals, come on.
Please hold it together while this proposition 8 stuff goes down. I don't want to remove you from my Tivo, but I like watching your show for laughs and gigles, not to watch you cry and make things awkward. I will give you one episode of mourning, but after that....back to work.
Loves,
Linds
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Joshua and Missy Concert
This show pulled such a big audience they had to move to a bigger venue. I knew it was going to be good and I was not disappointed. The line to get in wrapped around the block, but randomly a friend that just moved to town came walked past with her dog so the time past quickly.
Joshua Radin's performance keep the audience captivated and in silence. Love him!
Missy Higgins was amazing life and funny. I love hearing her swear in her Australian accent.
And then Josh loved us back.
Joshua Radin's performance keep the audience captivated and in silence. Love him!
Missy Higgins was amazing life and funny. I love hearing her swear in her Australian accent.
And then Josh loved us back.
Vince Mira Concert
This had to be one of the most 'entertaining' concerts I have ever been to. Vince Mira sounds exactly like Johnny Cash. He looks nothing like him so when he sings it is a little freaky but fun.
Vince kicked of the night with a few tunes and then it got a little crazy. It felt like they went down to Pike's Market, grabbed a few street performers, and put them on the stage.
One guy had on 2 hula hoops, played two guitars and the harmonica all at once. Wow!
This guy, Baby Gramps, was 86 year old, opened the Showbox and was CRAZY. I have never heard anyone "sing" in the style he sang in.
And then there were the Dusty 45's...and yes, that is his trumpet on FIRE!!!
And then Vince came back out and rocked it Johnny Cash style.
And then I freaked out when he gave a shout out to my girl Brandi and covered her song!
I had great company, a good show and I always love an excuse to wear my boots.
P.S. You would think all of the running and time at the gym would be harder on my calves then 5 hours in my boots, but you would be wrong. 3 days later my calves still hurt.
Vince kicked of the night with a few tunes and then it got a little crazy. It felt like they went down to Pike's Market, grabbed a few street performers, and put them on the stage.
One guy had on 2 hula hoops, played two guitars and the harmonica all at once. Wow!
This guy, Baby Gramps, was 86 year old, opened the Showbox and was CRAZY. I have never heard anyone "sing" in the style he sang in.
And then there were the Dusty 45's...and yes, that is his trumpet on FIRE!!!
And then Vince came back out and rocked it Johnny Cash style.
And then I freaked out when he gave a shout out to my girl Brandi and covered her song!
I had great company, a good show and I always love an excuse to wear my boots.
P.S. You would think all of the running and time at the gym would be harder on my calves then 5 hours in my boots, but you would be wrong. 3 days later my calves still hurt.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Halloween
I've had a rough week. Saturday morning I was trying to figure out why as nothing major had happened. It then dawned on me it was because I only made it to the gym once due to very late working meetings and a few other social outings. So I got out of bed and was on my way to the gym when the weekend took a turn from bad to worse.
Cars park on both sides of the street which turns almost every residential street into a one way. I turned down the street as another car pulled out towards me. I had an opening and I as made my attempt out of the way, I managed to scrap my car along the back corner of a parked car that was sticking out. Luckily my misjudgment did not cause that much damage and the owner of the car I hit was really nice, but at that point I was too upset to go the the gym.
On a more positive note, I went to two concerts this weekend, I got a sweet new phone for free, and Saturday some friends made me the best homemade brunch ever.
Let's back up a few days though. In my family Halloween means Birthdays as Ben's is the day before Halloween and Jody's is the day of Halloween. Jared and I met up with Ben and his friends at a fun restaurant in the international district.
After Ben's Birthday dinner, I hurried home to carve pumpkins with Breann and Stephanie. Not sure why I went with the dinosaur, but I liked it. The seeds were delicious and our Roloff Farm pumpkins turned out to be quite the masterpieces.
I am kind of anti Halloween because it is an excuse for people my age to stress like sluts and get extra drunk so Friday night I made chili, watched a movie and crashed on the couch around 10:30. It was my favorite kind of Halloween.
Cars park on both sides of the street which turns almost every residential street into a one way. I turned down the street as another car pulled out towards me. I had an opening and I as made my attempt out of the way, I managed to scrap my car along the back corner of a parked car that was sticking out. Luckily my misjudgment did not cause that much damage and the owner of the car I hit was really nice, but at that point I was too upset to go the the gym.
On a more positive note, I went to two concerts this weekend, I got a sweet new phone for free, and Saturday some friends made me the best homemade brunch ever.
Let's back up a few days though. In my family Halloween means Birthdays as Ben's is the day before Halloween and Jody's is the day of Halloween. Jared and I met up with Ben and his friends at a fun restaurant in the international district.
After Ben's Birthday dinner, I hurried home to carve pumpkins with Breann and Stephanie. Not sure why I went with the dinosaur, but I liked it. The seeds were delicious and our Roloff Farm pumpkins turned out to be quite the masterpieces.
I am kind of anti Halloween because it is an excuse for people my age to stress like sluts and get extra drunk so Friday night I made chili, watched a movie and crashed on the couch around 10:30. It was my favorite kind of Halloween.
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