Where to start, where to start?

Wow. Just looked at the date of my last post; I've been gone awhile! I'm back now and hopefully I'll be able to keep this up on a more regular basis. Let's see, what's been going on for the last few weeks.....


I've been spending a lot of time out in the yard these days (when the crappy PNW "summer" weather allows.) The vegetable garden is doing great this year, considering. I just harvested a second round of sugar and snow peas yesterday. I filled up two gallon ziplock bags! We're having a stir fry for dinner tonight and Marvin's been chowing down on them, but I'm going to have to give a lot of them away. The zucchini just started producing and the green beans are going nuts. Looks like we'll be eating a TON of veggies this summer and fall. The rest of the yard is looking mighty fabulous this year too. My plethora of lilies and daylilies are exploding with blooms. I have several varieties of lilies that are over eight feet tall right now and just set buds - that show is going to be amazing!!

We did Warrior Dash last weekend. I was SO stressed out leading up to the event. I was just worried that I wouldn't be able to run it or I wouldn't be able to do all of the obstacles and just end up a big loser. I knew I couldn't back out either because my whole group of friends were doing it and that would make me a loser too. Damn it. Well, I ended up doing it and actually had a friggin' blast!! It was hard, but I did every single obstacle and finished the race. That was really my main goal. We started off jogging, but my lungs have been all buggered up since I got sick, so we ended up speed walking the majority of it. That worked out pretty well; about 1/3 of each wave walked it. The end of the race was tough - 3 obstacles right in a row. First we had to climb a giant cargo net wall, then leap over two fires and finally, slog through a mud pit under barbed wire. The mud was SO heavy; it was like cement. That last little bit pushed me over the edge and I threw up at the finish line. Awesome. We're going to do it again next year and we're dressing up!

Mario and I took a day trip to the coast last week to pick up another danger bike. It was a good excuse to hit the ocean. We had a great time flying kites and wandering around barefoot. I don't think we'd been to the ocean in at least 6 years before that. I'd love to do it more often, but it's such a long drive! We found an excellent little burger joint in Hoquiam on the way back. Al's Humdinger = amazing burgers!

We've also been doing a lot of shooting the past couple of weekends with our friends, Josh and Missy. We pack up all the guns, a cooler with snacks and the danger bikes and hit the woods. We took Wendi out a couple of weekends ago and Mario taught her how to shoot. She's now in love with the .45! I'm more of a .22 kind of girl, but I'm starting to warm up to my .380. That little guy packs a serious punch. The boys have been having a good time picking off targets on one ridge from another. We got bored watching them do that last weekend, so Missy and I took our danger bikes out and went pretty far up on a forest service road. We stopped for a minute and it occurred to me that we'd be screwed if anything happened to us out there. It was a situation that made me think, "this is how people go missing." Even with our cell phones, it made me uneasy. The solution to that problem is carrying my .380 in a shoulder holster when I ride from now on. Kind of sad that you have to think about stuff like that these days.

News Article/Current Event -

• What the f*ck is wrong with teens these days?! - These kinds of stories are becoming all to common.
• "I made the wrong decision" - The prison system must be full of ignorant morons like this.
• Ironic, no? - Who'd have thought?
• Lamebook.... - Everything lame and funny, courtesy of Facebook.
• Lose a leg, gain a wheel! - Animals are so resilient!

Current Obsession - I'm not really obsessed with anything this week. I do need to schedule my small tattoo soon though. Once I had the idea, it's all I've been able to think about! I'm getting a small owl behind my left ear. Why? Because I want to. :P

Makeup Haul of the Week - I haven't added anything new to my collection other than a new razor comb. It's pretty awesome! I am currently on the hunt for the new Urban Decay 15th Anniversary eye shadow palette. I absolutely NEED it in my life, but it's sold out everywhere. It sold out only hours after it was released. Boo.

What I'm Looking Forward to in the Week Ahead - Not too sure what Friday and Sunday hold, but the plan for Saturday is a leisurely lunch at Snohomish Beer & Wine. They're having their 2nd grand opening and will be featuring a menu planned by our friend, Chris. It'll be a perfect day for outdoor seating seeing as the forecast calls for a high of 77! Of course, by the time Saturday actually rolls around, the forecast will have changed to rain and a high of 63. Stupid Washington weather - I HATE YOU!!

I just got a call from the City of Kirkland - looks like I'll be going in for an interview on the 27th. Hopefully I'll be a better interview this time around! I really, REALLY want this job!! Great pay and awesome benefits. Fingers crossed!

Weight Update - Unemployment is not doing a whole hell of a lot for my weight loss. In fact, I've gained 7 pounds. Time to get my fat ass back on the treadmill. No excuse, I'm home all day. Watching daytime TV and snacking is not the best plan.

Neato Quote of the Week - I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Texts From Last Night "Text of the Week" -

(315) Grilled cheese and whiskey for lunch is why I should NEVER be a housewife.

And Finally, My Gripe - No gripes this week besides the weather! I never, ever get tired of bitching about the weather around here. Oh, San Diego, you're looking better everyday.

Camping and a job interview!

First thing - I have a job interview on Thursday with Evergreen Hospital! Super cool! Excellent benefits and what sounds like a pretty low key job. Nice!

AND.....

Memorial Day camping was AWESOME!!!! We had the best time! What, with a sexy chip eating contest, danger bikes, an epic marshmallow fight, ladder ball, amazing food, plenty o' booze and just a little bit of vomit; how could it not be?! You can see all of the pics over on Facebook, but here are some of the highlights.....

Could we be cooler? Or hotter? I think not.

Wendi LOVES Joe!

I censored this for your protection. You're welcome!

Bitches on bikes - SUCK IT!

It's probably beer. Yeah, it's definitely beer. Definitely.

Jefe was a victim of our marshmallow fury.

The boys getting ready for another ride.

News Article/Current Event -

• The world is getting warmer?! - It's certainly not getting any warmer in this neck of the woods.
• "The Lord fooled him and sent two" - Heart failure is just a nicer term for a broken heart, I think.
• Right on Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond! - Thumbs up to Senator Donald McEachlin and a big f*ck off to Delegate Bob Marshall and Bishop Gerald Glenn. You should have bigger things to worry about than a flag. 
• Freedom remembers - And she'll give you an avian hug.

Current Obsession - This week is song; a 4am dance party kind of song. Shinedown's Simple Man. I love, love, love his voice. I super love listening to Justin Hale's Band singing this around the bonfire. But, since you most likely don't get to dig on the bonfire version, here's the Shinedown version. Enjoy!

Makeup Haul of the Week - I didn't buy ANYTHING this week!! I know, I can't believe it either. I am going to hit the beauty supply store this weekend though. I'm going to pick up a razor comb and some hair color and take a crack at doing my own hair. We'll see how this pans out!

What I'm Looking Forward to in the Week Ahead - Well, tonight is Friday night and we're heading up to Chris and Wendi's to celebrate Josh's birthday. It's supposed to be a nice night weather wise, so we're busting out the grill, having a bonfire and riding danger bikes. Gonna be a good time!!

Saturday and Sunday are going to be exercise/yard work days since it's going to be near 80 degrees here. I can't wait!! I need some friggin' sunshine! I'm gonna try to spend both days outside in as little clothing as possible and work on my tan. Don't worry, as little clothing as possible means shorts and a tank top. Why'd you have to go straight for spandex and a tube top?! Not cool. One of those days I fully intend to get a couple loads of bark and get the beds all finished up. The weather sucked so much ass last year that I was never able to get around to it. Shoveling bark in the sunshine serves as both yard work and exercise. If it doesn't sound like it to you, you've obviously never done it. : P Think I might walk the lake both nights as well. We'll see how the days pan out.

Weight Update - Camping did not go well for me and Cheetos are NOT my friend. I gained 5 pounds in three days. Chris warned me that camping would be a Weight Watchers free weekend; boy, was he right! Holy crap!! We had deep fried turkey with mashed potatoes, breakfast casserole, lasagna with garlic bread, chorizo breakfast burritos, smoked brisket sandwiches with corn/coleslaw and, finally, french toast with bacon. Take all of that, then smatter in hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, candy and a TON of booze. There ya go; 5 pounds!!

Neato Quote of the Week - It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity. - Frederick Phillips

Texts From Last Night "Text of the Week" -

(563) I have sand in every orifice, there are bruises everywhere, and I smell like a distillery. I love summer.

And Finally, My Gripe - Slow people in the fast lane!!! WHY DO THEY DO THAT?!?! It's called the fast lane, if you're not doing at least 10 over the speed limit, then get the hell out of the way. Seriously. If Mario would let me have a battering ram thing on the front of my truck and jail didn't look like such an icky place, I would totally start ramming anyone NOT doing 70.

Funemployment, Danger bikes, Camping and Shenanigans!

WOW, I've been away for a long time!! I'm back now though and ready to party! There's been a lot going on since the last time I posted, so let's get started.......

Ugh.

I got laid off (super long story and it involved my attorney), which turned out to be a pretty good thing. I was already looking to move on because I hated my unethical boss and the daily bore that is a dental office. I'm now on the hunt for a "city" job, so I'm being kind of picky with potential job offers. Been enjoying sleeping in everyday and taking care of the house and yard. "Funemployment" has been MUCH less stressful than working, so bonus there! I've also been taking care of Mario and helping out with The Dub Shop - I learned how to solder! 

Some of last year's lilies

The weather finally dried out enough for me to get my vegetable garden planted. Only a month late. This year I planted two varieties of zucchini, summer squash, butternut squash, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, snow peas, two varieties of beans, three varieties of tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, wheatgrass and green onions. There's a ton of herbs that weathered over from the last few years in pots on the deck too. I also managed to get my three hanging baskets up, add several new varieties of lilies to the beds and stuff some petunias into the naked spots. It's going to be another busy summer of watering! Now all that's left to do is lay down fresh bark in the front and back beds. That's going to have to wait for a really nice weekend because I'm not shoveling water logged bark in the rain.

My danger bike with booze/snack attachment

Let's move onto danger bikes. HA! Mario and I picked a couple of danger bikes last month. Mario is really, really into rallying with the boys on these things. Mine just stays clean and hauls booze and snacks!

A few Saturdays ago everyone got together to celebrate a couple of birthdays and the gorgeous weather. The danger bikes came out and the bonfire got started! We had a great time and the injuries were minimal. ;) Speaking of danger bikes.....

Danger bikes ready for action

Mario jamming in the mud

Dirt sandwich for Evan!

Tomorrow, we're leaving for some super awesome Memorial Day camping. SO EXCITED!!! We're sticking fairly close to home this year, only by shear luck. The property that we camped at last year in Concrete was being re-purposed this year, but luckily a friend of a friend has 40 acres on the river in the next town over. The danger bikes and quads are ready, the big cooler is already packed with booze and mixers and is ready to rock!! YES! I posted some highlight shots from last year's shenanigans - Enjoy!

Pete trying to charge his glow-in-the-dark boxers

Tif trying to lick giant marshmallow off her face

Potato gun time! Don't let the drunk girl hold the trigger

Oh Pete!

Tif and I getting ready to rally!

Shenanigans!

Ruby found a seat

Our sweet camp and toys

News Article/Current Event -

• Everyone loves flowers, right? - A crappy speller AND a thief! "Thnx for ur money." Man, talk about adding insult to injury.
• Rationalizing with him isn't an option. Pepper spray is! - This little psychopath had it coming. Mom needs to stop making excuses for this little demon spawn and get it figured out before he murders her in her sleep. The police don't need "special training" in dealing with this child, mom does. 
• Awwwwwwww! - Love doesn't care what species you are. Love is love.

Current Obsession - This week it's a cookie. I've never been a really great baker, so I only make cookies if I absolutely have to. For some reason, I got the urge to bake cookies at 11:30pm on a Tuesday night. I picked this cookie recipe at random - Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies. Holy crap, they are AMAZING!! They combine the best of three cookie worlds; chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal. I've made them twice now, once with creamy peanut butter, once with crunchy peanut butter. I loved them both, but my pick would be with the crunchy. Mario preferred the creamy. He took a batch to work and they were gone by 9am. Apparently, they're also good for breakfast!

Makeup Haul of the Week - 

• Kat Von D palette in Angeles
• Buxom Fashion lip gloss set
• Lancome Teint Miracle foundation
• Urban Decay eyeliner pencils in Deviant & Flipside
• Tweezerman tweezer set
• Sephora angled eyeliner brush

What I'm Looking Forward to in the Week Ahead - Memorial Day!! It's going to be AWESOME!! Mario is off for the rest of that next week, so who knows what we'll end up doing. Maybe catch a matinee of The Hangover 2, hit the Redmond Value Village for some clothes that actually fit us or do dinner with friends at the new Italian place in town. 

Weight Update - Finally broke through the 50lb plateau I've been stuck on! Unfortunately, I've been hovering there ever since. Wendi and I walked the lake one evening last week when the weather was actually decent. It felt awesome! Hopefully the weather will continue to cooperate so I can get outside and get active again.

Neato Quote of the Week - Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. - Mary Anne Radmacher

Texts From Last Night "Text of the Week" -

(850) We couldn't get our shit together to go to the bar, so we're getting drunk and facebook stalking all the girls who have gotten fat since high school. Any names you wanna throw out? 

And Finally, My Gripe - No real gripes this week besides the crappy weather and the spring/summer we're getting screwed out of YET again!!

I've got a bird on my foot!

Yes, you read that right. There is indeed a bird on my foot. I got my tattoo done on the 19th and it looks fantastic! I did, however, find out that I'm allergic to A&D ointment a few days later. That sucked. My foot swelled up horribly, broke out into hives and turned an angry, painful shade of red. Petroleum based products are not my friend evidently. I stayed doped up on Benedryl all weekend (i.e. I slept) and switched my lotion to Cetaphil and things have calmed down. I still have a few hives hanging around, but nothing I can't deal with. We're going back down to the shop on the 9th for Wendi's consult and another session on Tif's sleeve. I think I might make a consult appointment to start expanding my back tattoo while we're there. These damn things are addicting! It's not the greatest photo, but there it is - 

Hmmmmm, what else has happened since the last time I posted? We had Hotluck, which went great! My Korean chicken drummies were a hit! Looks like I'll have to make them more often. Justin Hale's Band was playing last weekend at J.R. Phinickey's and it was awesome as usual. We also hit up a new restaurant that just opened in town called Adam's. It's gotten fairly good reviews, but I wasn't particularly impressed with the entrée I chose. I sampled a bite of Evan's smoked chicken and Mario's pasta bake. Both were pretty decent, so I'll give it another go and see how it fares next time. And finally, I had my cousin's baby shower on Sunday. What can I say about this? It was a baby shower; I think they're pretty much all the same. Pregnant lady, food, presents and cake. Yep, that about sums it up.



News Article/Current Event -

• Pole dancing for Jesus! - YUP! It's an actual thing, thought up by devout, church-going women. Apparently, Christian music is perfect for pole dancing to!
• A lot can happen in 3 days - Gov. Dennis Daugaard stated "I hope that women who are considering an abortion will use this three-day period to make good choices." Really?! Sometimes it's not about "choice", but someone with a penis might not understand that. South Dakota is being governed by an ignorant moron.
• Granny's got a gun! - It's not like she was asking for tongue or anything! Well, maybe she was, who knows?! Don't mess with her; she'll cap yo ass.
• Rebecca Black: The Most Hated Person on YouTube - I can't imagine why.... must be all the people with bleeding eardrums.

Current Obsession - This week it's a food item; Cabbage Crunch Salad. It sounds weird but it is SO good!! I had a taste of this salad at my cousin's baby shower last weekend and have been thoroughly obsessed ever since. I scoured the internet for a recipe and found the one above. It was pretty much exactly the same thing, but I changed some things to suit my tastes and to be Weight Watchers friendly. I made a big batch and have been eating it for lunch throughout this week. Veggies and a little bit of protein make for a filling lunch. I think I might add snow peas to the mix next time I make a batch of this. This salad will be perfect for those summer dinners outside on the deck. Try it and you'll love it - I promise!

Cabbage Crunch Salad

'Crunchies'

1 tbsp sesame seeds

½ cup sliced almonds

1 package Top Ramen Noodles; uncooked & broken (any flavor will work; discard seasoning packet)

'Salad'

1 large head green cabbage; shredded

1 cup matchstick carrots  

8 green onions; chopped

2 grilled chicken breasts; chopped

'Dressing'

3 packets of Sun Crystals

1/4 cup vegetable oil (I use slightly less)

1 tbsp sesame oil

1/4 rice wine vinegar

2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Directions:

Spread the sesame seeds, almonds and raw ramen noodles on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with Pam and bake at 350˚ until golden brown (watch closely). This can be done ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the dressing ingredients together and stir well. Before serving, toss the dressing into the salad, mixing well, and top with the crunchies. If you plan to make the salad in advance, don’t add the crunchies until just before serving, otherwise, they will get soggy.

Makeup Haul of the Week - 

• Lancome Lipstick in Wannabe
• Buxom Lip Gloss in Dominque & Lena

What I'm Looking Forward to in the Week Ahead - 

We're heading up to Chris and Wendi's again on Friday night for carne asada and booze sorbet. That combo pretty much guarantees a good time! I love our Friday night get togethers! Low key, but always a hoot. 

Other than that, I think we might have a free weekend. What?! It probably won't end up that way, but I'm going with it for now.

My girlfriend, Leah is doing the Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk this year. Her mom passed away at age 42 from breast cancer, so this is a very important event for her. She needs to raise $2,400 in order to walk, so if you're feeling generous and would like to help out, click here. Thanks!!

Weight Update - Well, the new tattoo has put quite the kink in my weight loss. I haven't been able to put shoes yet so no working out for me. :( I haven't gained any though; still just hovering right around 50lbs lost. Hopefully, my foot will heal quickly and I'll be back to losing next week.

Neato Quote of the Week - Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. - Mary Anne Radmacher

Texts From Last Night "Text of the Week" -

(910) Had dinner with my ex husband. The box of wine is gone and I'm laying on the floor in my wedding dress. Where are you?!

And Finally, My Gripe - This week it's the weather. It's seriously NEVER going to stop raining here. EVER!! I still haven't gotten the garden rototilled or my peas planted. UGH. I'm glad it's spring finally, just wish I could get outside and enjoy it.

Sick People are EVERYWHERE!

Not too much to report on from the last couple of weeks. I spent the weekend before last taking care of a very sick Mario and then he turned around and spent last weekend taking care of a mildly sick me. He's now convinced that I've given the sickness back to him. Ugh. As a result of our combined illness and non-stop Jersey Shore watching, our house was a disaster and we had no clean laundry. Spent the week cleaning, sanitizing and doing laundry. I also dedicated quite a bit of time last week to bargain shopping at Value Village. I love, love, love it!! I found some pretty awesome everyday clothing as well as the most AMAZING outfit for our upcoming 80's party. We're going to head to the costume shop this weekend and get all the accessories for the finishing touch. Pictures coming soon!

Last Friday I managed to get out of the house and met up with Stacy at The Cheesecake Factory in Bellevue. I finally got to meet Tyler! He's so cute; you know, if you're into chubby guys that drool. And he's surprisingly quiet; just the way I like my babies. Ha! We had a great time just catching up and we'll definitely have to do it more often. She took a picture of me holding Tyler as proof that I like babies. I'm not convinced. LOL! I'm surprised I could even see him over all of my double chins. 



News Article/Current Event -

• No ears, but tons of charisma! - Animals are so resilient. I'm glad someone was able to help this little guy out! Here's an update to the story - he's going to a good home!
• Is there anything that you can't put advertising on? - Apparently not. I'm not sure how effective this particular form of advertising is however... 
• You just can't make this stuff up - I'm sure a lawsuit will be following shortly!
• Thinking about an abortion? Do it and go to jail - Ridiculous!!! 

Current Obsession - JERSEY SHORE!!!!! I'm hooked. I friggin' hate the state of New Jersey with a passion, but I love this show!! It's a train wreck and I can't look away! Mario and I have now spent two FULL weekends watching this garbage and have now started working the lingo into our everyday conversations. And now we have the tivo set to record every episode. Will the Ronnie and Sam domestic violence saga ever end? Will Snooki ever find a juicehead gorilla to take home and smush? When will Pauly and Mike realize that their beer goggles are terrible and stop bringing home grenades and land mines?! So sad. 

Makeup Haul of the Week - 

• Japonesque Eyelash Curler
• Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Eyeliner Set
• Z Palettes x 2
• Sleek Eyeshadow Palettes - Storm, Bad Girl & Sunset
• Sleek Rose Gold Blush
• MAC Kohl Smolder Eyeliner & Pro Longwear Concealer
• Revlon Lip Stain in Passion, Flame, Crave & Gothic

What I'm Looking Forward to in the Week Ahead - 

We're heading up to Chris and Wendi's tonight (Friday) for hotluck! Hotluck is an annual event where every guest brings a spicy or "nicely seasoned" dish. Think jambalaya, bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers, spicy curry chicken divan and cheesecake with a raspberry-chipotle sauce. Beer and creamsicles are handy to cool the burn. I'm making this - Dae Ji Bool Gogi; except I'm using chicken drumsticks instead of pork roast. I think it'll be easier for people to eat that way. Going to be a great time as usual!

Saturday is shaping up to be an awesome day!! Andrea from Slave to the Needle called last weekend to let me know that she had a cancellation for Saturday. When I made the appointment she was booked so far out that I ended up with July 22nd. I took the opening and I'll be getting my leg/foot tattoo at noon! So excited!! After this one is done, I think I might have her start adding onto my back tattoo. I eventually want it to spread out across both shoulder blades. Tif and Wendi have taken to calling it my "upper back tramp stamp". Great. :)

Saturday night we're heading over to J R Phinickey's here in Monroe to see Justin Hale's Band play. I've never been to this bar, but I've heard things... should be camo and mullets as far as the eye can see! Sadly, we'll probably be the classiest ladies in that joint. 

Not sure what is going on Sunday yet. Mario has his VW XXX meet at 10am, but I'm not sure if I want to go to that with him or head out and work in the yard. It's supposed to be dry and as we all know around here, you have to take advantage of it! I managed to catch a break in the rain today and got the vegetable garden weeded and laid down steer manure and fertilizer. I wanted to get that all rototilled in, but the weather didn't want to cooperate. So, hopefully on Sunday I can get that done and the peas planted. 

Weight Update - The workout room is up and running, but I've just been holding steady for the past couple of weeks. I think between being sick and having so many evening errands to run, I just didn't work out enough to put a dent in it. On the bright side though, Tif joined Weight Watchers this week! I have a partner in crime! So excited!! We also have a top secret WW group on Facebook with a few of our other friends - we have meetings without actually having to go to a meeting. I love it!

Neato Quote of the Week - Many a person has held close, throughout their entire lives, two friends that always remained strange to one another, because one of them attracted by virtue of similarity, the other by difference. - Emil Ludwig

Texts From Last Night "Text of the Week" -

(573) I found them on a couch next to the sidewalk screaming at cars with a megaphone. Kevin chased the mailman with a jello shot.

And Finally, My Gripe - Nothing to gripe about this week!! Woohoo! Since I don't have a gripe this week, I'll post a highlight.
My sweet, sweet baby bird, Marvin. He's a momma's boy and I love him to pieces! Even though he's mostly a gremlin. How could you not love that face (a face covered in sloppy oatmeal)?!