Wednesday, December 31, 2008

I **heart** Etsy

Here are some gorgeous things I just found on Etsy. I love this site!!
















Goodbye 2008



Actually, I won't!  2008 has been one heck of a year!  Gess was pretty sick, I got sick and had my gallbladder removed, and Beauty was diagnosed with cancer! And that was only in the first 3 months!!  I has been a hard year all around and I must say that I am happy to be starting a new one.  

To be fair, it hasn't been all bad.  I have met some great people, took a great vacation to Belize, started an MBA program, and have made some good personal gains.  So, I am thankful for those things and am going to put those on my list of what happened in 2008 instead of those crappy things!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Sleep or Taste?

My new sleep medication leaves a gross taste in my mouth.  My old sleep med makes me forgetful.  No sleep medication means I am exhausted all of the time.  What a group of choices!  

I am starting sleep classes in January, so there could be a chance of no sleeping pills....but until then, I guess the taste is hear.  Hey, who knows, maybe it will make chocolate and french fries taste gross so I won't even want to eat them!  That might work :)

So good in theory...


I recently became obsessed with funky vinyl decals for walls and found this huge chandelier one at Joanns.  I finally put it up and loved it...but nearly immediately I noticed that it was coming off of the wall, and by the end of the day it was completely off :(  I am so disappointed that it didn't work out and peeved that I wasted my money!!

Now I have to find something else fun and amazing to put in that space (I have a painting there now that is fine, I just want a change).

Monday, December 29, 2008

He did good this year!


My husband got me something that I have been asking for a long time...diamond stud earrings.  I am such a lucky girl!!

Handmade Holiday

I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org

I decided to either make or buy most of my holiday gifts this year and I feel like I was pretty successful!!  Of course, this also spawned an obsession with Etsy, so my husband may wonder whether this was a good thing :)

Here are some of the items that I made this year.

A bunch of personalized cards:


    

 A couple of coffee cozies...

A painting for Clane:

A painting for my husband:

A painting for my MIL
For my nieces:

The "Warhols" (they look great framed!)





Reflection Post

I found this over on I'm Not Really A Diva, and decided that I would use it as an end-of year post...not sure if it will be the only one, but a good way to start the reflection :)

1. what was the best thing that happened to you personally in 2008?

Wow, this is a tough one...why is it always easier to think of the bad things that have happened rather than the good?? So...I was able to take an amazing vacation to Belize this year. It was so much fun and a great experience. Vacation is always a good thing!

2. what was the worst thing that happened to you personally in 2008?

I got sick and had to have my gallbladder removed on an emergency basis--it was a horrible few weeks. I am fine now, but man, was I miserable then!


3. what was the best thing to happen to all of us in 2008?

The election of Barack Obama--people seem so much more hopeful now. Change is here!


4. what was the worst thing to happen to all of us in 2008?

The tanking of the economy, we are all effected, and frankly it sucks.

5. what was the best gift you received during the ’08 holidays?

Diamond stud earrings from the hubby...how can you compete with that?

6. what was the best gift (most appropriate or best received) you gave during the ’08 holidays?

I painted a picture for a good friend and he seemed genuinely happy and touched.

7. do you have any regrets about what you did in 2008?

I tend to focus on the negative, and did a lot of that this year.

8. do you have any regrets about what you didn’t do in 2008?

I did lose weight. blah.

9. did you meet anyone that became important to you in 2008?

Clane! I was just thinking about how random our meeting was and how he has so quickly become a staple part of our life.

Marathon, marathon, marathon

I have a feeling that marathon is going to be the subject of a lot of my blog postings over the next 6 months. I thought about starting a separate, marathon-specific blog, but that is too much work.  I already have 2 blogs (this one and one that is more focused on CF), and I just don't want to add another one.  So...I guess I am breaking the cardinal rule of blogging by not having a defined and specific focus.  Except that this is all about me and the things that I like, including my creative pursuits and my marathon training!

So...I finished another book on marathon training today.  It was really good and funny. It is called The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais.  I loved it.  Dais decided to run a marathon to raise money for stroke research in honor of her grandfather.  She documents the journey with much humor.  It is a good reminder to not take yourself too seriously!

I also found a training group/coach, which is going to be very helpful for me I think. I need the extra push and accountability.  

Then, I had dinner with my good friend Dana (who is training for her first Ironman in August).  We are so similar it is not even funny!  We even have the exact same gym bag, with the same plastic thingy that held the price tag hanging from the zipper after years :)  She is going to be one of my key cheerleaders during the process and I am going to do that for her as much as I can.  It is so important to have cheerleaders in life--and especially in training for events.  I left dinner with her feeling excited about the training.  

Sunday, December 28, 2008

8 Things

Eight Shows I watch:
1. Project Runway
2. Top Chef
3. Greys Anatomy
4.  House
5.  The New Adventures of Old Christine
6.  Desperate Housewives
7.  Law & Order
8.  Private Practice

Eight Favorite Restaurants:
1. Tulio (Italian restaurant in downtown Seattle)
2. Dahlia Lounge (one of Tom Douglas's restaurants)
3.  Wild Mountain Cafe (in Ballard--yummy brunch)
4.  Chef Liao (Chinese delivery)
5.  Stacia's (local pizza delivery)
6.  Pasta Bella (just down the street from where I live)
7.  Red Robin (but the hubby hates it so we never go)
8.  Fisherman's (for the crab feast!)

Eight Things that Happened to Me Today: Sunday
1. Slept it
2. Had breakfast at IHop
3. Went to JoAnn's
4. Baked cookies
5. Cleaned the kitchen
6. Took a nap
7. Thought about work tomorrow
8. Worked on a website for my trainer

Eight Things I Look Forward to:
1. Finishing a marathon!
2. The end of 2008!
3. Going to the spa
4.  Giving Gess his anniversary gifts
5.  Having portraits taken
6.  Getting better sleep
7.  Spending more time sewing
8.  Learning to snowboard

Eight Things I am Thankful for:
1. My health
2. My husband
3.  My sweet dog
4.  My education
5.  A stable job
6.  Good friends
7.  Chocolate
8.  Coffee :)

Eight Things I Wish:
1.  That CF was cured
2.  A new house or condo
3.  A closet full of cute shoes
4.  A family that wasn't such a nightmare
5.  More time to do things that I like
6.  More time with my husband
7.  That chocolate didn't have calories :)
8.  Happiness all around

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Marathon Training

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.--Lao-tzu.

I am not embarking on 1000 miles, but I am guessing that some time during the training it will feel like 1000 miles. I am getting ready to start my training. Right now I am in the pre-training stage and reading a bunch on running and marathons, looking into running programs, teams, and coaches, and letting the enormity of it sink in. My immediate goals are to start building my running "base" and setting up my training program. First steps.

The Snow is gone...

Just like that!  Fine by me :)  

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

P.S. I Love You

I can't sleep, so I am up at 2:27 am watching P.S. I Love You, for the 2nd time this week.  I made the mistake of watching this movie the first time at the theater alone and I cried the entire time.  The people around me must have thought that I was a blubbering idiot, but the movie just hits home with me. 

The first scene with the fight reminds me so much of me and my husband.  We have had the discussion about the size of our house, etc., so many times.  And I have thought so many times how I can't wait for our life to start.  But this is it.  This is life.  And you know what, it scares the crap out of me.

Of course, the dying husband part is not good for me to watch either.  It makes me sad and worry about that day, and what I am going to do.  Will I lock myself at home and not come out?  And probably more importantly, will there be people that are there to come and lure me out?  I think that is what I am most afraid of, of being alone and no one even noticing.  

Man, this is the reason that I don't blog in the middle of the night!

Stationery

I was in full gift making mode today (I know, I'm late), and made some personalized stationery.  Here are some of the designs:

This one is for a guy:




My favorite


For my SIL




Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Mission Aborted

So I have been stuck at home for what seems like an eternity!  Gess left on Friday and the snow has buried my car.  I walked to the bakery and store on Saturday, but besides that I have been in my house with only the dog.  And normally I would welcome this sort of opportunity for quiet and time alone...but I am going stir crazy!   

My grand plan was to go to work today.  I can't drive because my car is on the steep "hill" that is my driveway, but the buses are semi-running.  So...I get up, shower, dress, and head out to the bus.  I wait there in the cold for an hour and there is no bus in sight!  If it took that long before a bus even appeared, I was worried about getting into work and then getting stuck there.  So...I decided to just forget it and came back home!

Ughhhhh....so.....it's just me and Beauty again.  I need to get out my crafts!

Monday, December 22, 2008

I couldn't resist

After posting about all of the neato calendars out there...I of course had to start making my own.  I did January using photoshop.  Nothing too fancy, but a start.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Hotel for $5 a night?

The hubby is on a road trip with a friend and on their way to Reno today they called to see if I could get them a cheap hotel in Reno.  They said, "You should be able to find something for $30."  Well...I topped that!  I found one for $4.87!!  Can you believe it?  And it is right there in the middle of town and a hotel I have heard of (The Sands).  I had to book it because I couldn't believe it.  The guys say that it is fine...I hope that they take pictures because I need to see what $5 can get you in Reno.  $5, seriously.  If I hadn't made the reservations myself I wouldn't believe it.  

More Snow!

It has been snowing all day--it seriously is crazy.  Seattle is not used to this sort of snow--we get it maybe every other year!

This was in my backyard--look at how much is on top of the aquarium my husband left out (don't worry--no animals inside)!


There is a pot over there--but nearly completely covered!


The snow buildup on the recycling bin:


A chair...


Tree :)


Beauty is trying to walk in the stuff--and struggling.  The snow is as deep as her legs are long!!




This is out the front...



Saturday, December 20, 2008

I **heart** Shazam


I was watching TV and a song came on that I like, but I couldn't remember the name.  So, I grab my iPhone, hit the Shazam button and voila! the song artist and title!  I wasn't sure it would work since the actors were talking during the song, but it did--I love this application!

Snow Seattle Style

It has been snowing in Seattle and Seattle-ites do not deal well with snow! I know that you "snow people" will laugh at us, but the roads are really icy! Today I finally ventured out and Beauty loves it. Thankfully our favorite French bakery was open so I was able to get some coffee and a pan a chocolat. Yummm!  Here's a video of Beauty playing in the snow.  She was being much cuter before, but as soon as I pull out the camera she gets shy :)

Calendars Everywhere!

As 2008 comes to a close and I prepare for 2009, I have been looking at all of the gorgeous calendars out there.  Of course, Etsy is full of some amazing ones! Here are some great ones I found just this morning!  Choices, choices, choices.  


Me and Santa...

Go way back!



This picture was actually taken a couple of years ago.  Gess surprised me with a night at our favorite Seattle hotel, the W.  We were in their great lobby having a drink when he saw Santa come in.  Gess excused himself and went up to the Santa offering him $20 if he would go up to me and ask me what I wanted for Christmas.  Gess bought a disposable camera from the front desk and watched as I was completely surprised to have Santa approach me and make me sit on his lap!  It was pretty funny.  And we had a great rest of our stay at the W!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Beauty

Here are a couple of picture of Beauty hanging out with me yesterday. She is so cute :)

DSC01099

DSC01100

Flying Solo

My husband and our friend Clane left this morning for a photo-taking road trip.  It is just the guys, so I am left at home with Beauty...and really looking forward to the time alone!!  On tap for the week--cleaning (this place is a mess!), getting Christmas gifts out (I know, I am late), doing some crafts, taking a voice lesson, and relaxing!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I hate the voice of reason...

Especially when it comes from the mouth of my husband!  As you may or may not know, I love to look at pretty things, and I have a thing for paper...and I play around with logos and photoshop.  So, I came up with this design I love for a calling card for myself.  I decided on a little 2 x 2 square design to be different.  Awesome!  As I was looking for someone to print it for me, the voice of reason spoke and reminded me that I really don't need these things.  And, he is right.  So...for now I will just look at my gorgeous creation!


Monday, December 15, 2008

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

I won


So, awhile back I won my very first blog contest and I have been remiss for not posting.  I won from Modern Vintage Design .  I won these fabulous address labels from Kootie's Closet.  Make sure to visit her shop over at Etsy.  I love them!  Thanks!!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

It's Official



I signed up for the Seattle Rock-n-Roll Marathon today. Honestly, I am scared :) But, I will be okay. It should be a good experience--or at least let's hope it is!!

This is the inaugural event for the Rock-n-Roll Marathon series in Seattle--so it should be fun to be part of that.  

Join me!!  Check it out here!

Friday, December 05, 2008

Blog Award


I received my very first blog award--well actually two on the same day!! I got them from Piper and Amy. You girls are great and I always love to read your blogs!
The rules of this award are that you must pass it on to 5 other bloggers (and then they pass it on), so I am going to share the love.
Paul: You aren't blogging anymore, but I wish that you would.

No Excuses: Your blog is so informative! You ROCK!!

Clane: My buddy...awesome pictures. I like that you are doing more "you" on the blog too. Keep it up!

Shannon: I love to read your blog. Your honesty and frankness are amazing.

Carrie and Danielle: I love your blog, it is so inspiring. I have your book on my shelf and can't wait to delve into the process!!

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser

Tonight we participated in the 20th Annual StairClimb to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  This was our first year participating and we had a great turn out. We had 7 climbers (thanks Russ, Tasha, Leena, Clane, and Michael) and our team raised close to $2900!!! We all climbed 56 floors (0r 112 flights!) of stairs!!  You guys rock!!

I am not sure of the final number that the event raised, but the last number listed was around $160,000.  I am sure that the number is going to be much higher after they get in all of the donations and tally everything up from tonight.

Here's a picture of our team--Team Breathe!  Tasha designed the t-shirts--thanks Ta!!


Clane volunteered to take portraits of the campaigners and this sign was in the stairwell!


The event sold out this year!!  Here is one shot of the lobby after the climb.


And the highlight of my night--okay, my year!!