Saturday Celebration

Next up for your viewing and reading pleasure is Saturday in review.

After being up until the wee hours of the AM working on the organizing project, I woke around 1:00 PM to the sound of my new phone ringing.

It was none other than Ace calling to discuss the evening's plans.

After he called me lazy and told me to make sure I finished the project, even if this meant my space would be a mess, I got up and got to business.

Funny me. I thought I could get it all done.

Anywho, he arrived and I wasn't ready. Shocker I know. I was in a towel with hot rollers in my hair and finishing my makeup.

It could have been worse. I could have just gotten out of the shower. But I still don't think I am going to hear the end of this one for at least a month or so.

I finished getting ready and we headed out to Seattle. To celebrate his birthday early with some of his friends.

First up, finding a spot to park, which is not so easy to do in Seattle, at night, on the weekend but we managed to find a lot only a few blocks from our destination.

We walked toward Pike Place Market in the bitter cold with wind gusts coming off of the water to boot. Promptly we arrived at Pike Place Bar and Grill to eat some grub and warm our bones.

Lurch, our waiter, gave us some of the slowest service eva' but boy oh boy, he poured a mean Goose and cranberry with a lime wedge.


Ace and I both had . It was yummy.

Dave met us for . Oh yes we did. Double chocolate cake of some sort and carrot cake. Mmmmm, mmmmm good.

From there, we made our way down into the market, past the Gum Wall to see an Improv comedy show, and met up with some more friends.

You may be asking what the Gum Wall is. It is exactly what it sounds like. A wall in which anyone can put a used piece of gum on. Look at all the pretty colors. See the ciggie butt in the piece of gum? Apparently this is called "The Art Effect". Just goes to show anything can be art if displayed in a certain manner.

The show was good and many laughs were had. At intermission, Spanky made his appearance. Y'all knew he was there with us right?

After the show was over we headed across the street to a bar called The Green Room. It is attached to music venue, the Showbox, with quite the history you can read about here if desired.
This etched glass ledger of past Showbox artists is a wall betweeen the Showbox and The Green Room. It is a pretty nifty idea for a divider. Not only does it serve that purpose, it is decorative, is a memory jogger, and conversation piece too.

Here is a listing of artists who have performed there and are on the wall:

2 Live Crew - The 5-6-7-8's - Aesop Rock - Afghan Whigs - AFI - Afrika Bambaataa - Afro Celt Sound System - Aimee Mann - Al Jolson - Alanis Morrisette - Alkaline Trio - And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - Ann And Nancy Wilson - Arrested Development - At The Drive-In - Atmosphere - The Avengers - Bad Boy Bill - Badly Drawn Boy - Basement Jaxx - Bebel Gilberto - Ben Folds - Ben Kweller - Ben Lee - The Beta Band - Better Than Ezra - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Big Black - Big Star - Billy Idol - The Black Crowes - Black Eyed Peas - Black Flag - Black Heart Procession - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Blonde Redhead - Blondie - The Blood Brothers - Blur - Bo Diddley - Bob Geldof - Bone, Thugs & Harmony - Boss Hog - Botch - Brad - The Breeders - Brian Setzer - Bright Eyes - Built To Spill - Burning Spear - Busta Rhymes - The Buzzcocks - Cake - Calexico - Candlebox - Captain Beefheart - Carbon Leaf - Cat Power - Catherine Wheel - Charlatans U.K. - Cheap Trick - Chemical Brothers - Circle Jerks - Citizen Cope - Clinic - Coldplay - Common - Concrete Blonde - Cornershop - Corrosion of Conformity - Cowboy Mouth - Cracker - Cradle of Filth - The Cramps - The Creatures - Crystal Method - Cubanismo! - Cypress Hill - D12 - Daft Punk - The Damned - Dandy Warhols - Dark Star Orchestra - Dashboard Confessional - Dave Matthews - David Byrne - David Cross - De La Soul - Dead Kennedys - Death Cab For Cutie - The Decemberits - Del the Funky Homosapien - Devo - Dimmu Borgir - Dire Straits - Dirty Three - Dirty Vegas - Dita Von Teese - Dizzy Gillespie - DJ Dan - DJ Icey - DJ Krush - DJ Sasha - DJ Shadow - DJ Skribble - DJ Spooky - Donald Glaude - Donavon Frankenreiter - The Donnas - The Doobie Brothers - Doves - Drive-By Truckers - Duke Ellington - Echo And The Bunnymen - EELS - El Vez - Elliott Smith - Elvis Costello - Eminem - Eric Clapton - Erykah Badu - Everclear - The Fabulous Wailers - The Faint - Fantomas - The Fastbacks - Fatboy Slim - Filter - Fischerspooner - Flaming Lips - Flogging Molly - Frank Black - Frank Sinatra - Franz Ferdinand - The Fugees - Fun Lovin' Criminals - G. Love & Special Sauce - Galactic - Gang of Four - George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars - The Get Up Kids - Girls Against Boys - Gloria Steinem - Goldie - Gomez - Gov't Mult - Grand Master Flash - Grandaddy - Grant Lee Buffalo - Groove Armada - Guided By Voices - Guster - GWAR - Gypsy Rose Lee - Handsome Boy Modeling School - Hank Williams III - Hanson - The Heat(er)s - Hell's Bells - The Hives - Hoobastank - Hot Hot Heat - The Icarus Line - Iggy Pop - In Flames - Indigo Girls - The (International) Noise Conspiracy - Interpol - J. Mascis - Jack Johnson - Jaguares - The Jam - Jam Master Jay - Jamiroquai - Jason Mraz - Jay Farrar - The Jayhawks - Jesus And Mary Chain - Jello Biafra - Jim Rose Circus - Jimmy Durante - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Joe Jackson - Joe Satriani - John Lee Hooker - John Wesley Harding - John Zorn - Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Jonathan Richman - Jurassic 5 - Kanye West - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe - Keane - Keller Williams - Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Kid Koala - Killing Joke - The King Cobra - King Crimson - The Kingsmen - The Lashes - LCD Soundsystem - Le Tigre - Left Hand Smoke - Leftover Salmon - Legendary Pink Dots - Les Claypool - Les Savy Fav - Less Than Jake - Liars - Linkin Park - Lisa Loeb - Living Colour - Living Legends - Liz Phair - Lloyd Banks - The Locust - The Long Winters - Los Lobos - Los Straitjackets - Louis Armstrong - Love And Rockets - Love As Laughter - Ludacris - Luna - Luscious Jackson - M.I.A. - Maceo Parker - Macy Gray - Mae West - Magazine - Maktub - Marc Broussard - Mark Lanegan - Maroon5 - The Mars Volta - Martin Sexton - Mary Lou Lord - Master Musicians Of Jajouka - Master P - Matthew Sweet - Me'shell N'degeocello - Meat Beat Manifesto - Medeski, Martin & Wood - Melvins - Mercury Rev - Michelle Shocked - Midnight Oil - Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Mindless Self Indulgence - The Misfits - Mix Master Mike - Modest Mouse - moe. - Mogwai - Morbid Angel - Morcheeba - Morphine - Motorhead - Mouse on Mars - Mudhoney - Mum - Murder City Devils - Musiq - MXPX - My Morning Jacket - N*E*R*D - Nada Surf - Nashville Pussy - Nat King Cole - Neil Finn - Neko Case - Nelly Furtado - New Found Glory - New Pornographers - Nickelback - Nina Hagen - NOFX - NRBQ - Old 97's - Orgy - Outkast - Ozomatli - P. Diddy - Panjabi MC - Papa Roach - Paperboys - Pat Green - Paul Oakenfold - Paul Van Dyk - Paul Westerberg - Peaches - Pearl Jam - Pedro The Lion - Peggy Lee - Pennywise - Pete Yorn - Peter Murphy - Pharcyde - Pinback - Pink Martini - Pizzicato 5 - PJ Harvey - Pleaseeasaur - The Police - The Polyphonic Spree - The Posies - Presidents of the U.S.A. - Pretty Girls Make Graves - Psychedelic Furs - Psychic TV - Public Image Ltd. - Puffy AmiYumi - Quasi - Queen Ida - Queens Of The Stone Age - Queensryche - R.L. Burnside - Rally Go! - The Rapture - Ratdog - Red House Painters - Reel Big Fish - The Residents - Reverend Horton Heat - Rhett Miller - Richard Thomspon - Rickie Lee Jones - Rilo Kiley - Robert Randolph - Robin Williams - Rocket From The Crypt - The Rockfords - Rollins Band - Roni Size -Ronnie James Dio - The Roots - Sage Francis - Salt n' Pepa - Sarah Vaughn - Saul Williams - Saves The Day - Scissor Sisters - Screaming Trees - The Sea & Cake - Seaweed - Sebadoh - Semisonic - Shaggy - Shane MacGowan & The Popes - Shellac - The Shins - Silkworm - Siouxsie & The Banshees - Sir Mixalot - Skinny Puppy - Sky Cries Mary - Slayer - Sleater-Kinney - Slightly Stoopid - Slint - Smash Mouth - Smoosh - Sneaker Pimps - Snoop Dogg - Snow Patrol - Social Distortion - Son Volt - Sonia Dada - Sonic Youth - Soul Coughing - Soulfly - Soulive - Soundgarden - Southern Culture On The Skids - Sparklehorse - Sparta - Spearhead - The Specials - Spiritualized - Spoon - Squarepusher - Squeeze - St. Germain - Starsailor - Static X - Stereolab - Steven Lynch - Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Stereolab - Stereophonics - Steve Earle & The Dukes - Steve Kimock Band - Steve Vai - String Cheese Incident - Subhumans - Sugar Hill Gang - Sunny Day Real Estate - Super Diamond - Super Furry Animals - Superchunk - Supergrass - Supersuckers - Switchfoot - Tad - Talib Kweli - Tenacious D - The The - Thee Headcoats - They Might Be Giants - Thievery Corporation - Thin Lizzy - Thrice - Throwing Muses - Thursday - Tiesto - Tim Reynolds - Tindersticks - Tomahawk - Tommy Lee - Tone Loc - Tony Curtis - Toots & The Maytals - Tortoise - The Tragically Hip - Travis - Tricky - TV On The Radio - Twilight Singers - Type O Negative - Umphrey's McGee - Underworld - Unexpected Arrival - Unified Theory - Unwound - The Used - Vanessa Carlton - Vendetta Red - The Verve - The Village People - Visqueen - VNV Nation - Vonda Shepard - The Wallflowers - Warren G - Ween - Weezer - Whiskeytown - Wilco - Will Oldham - Wire - Wyclef Jean - X - XTC - Xzibit - The Yardbirds - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Yellowcard - Yo La Tengo - Yonder Mountain String Band - Youssou N'Dour - Zap Mama - Zero 7 - Z-Trip

After some good conversation, more laughs, and closing the joint down, we called it a night.

Cheers Peeps!

Friday Fun

Can you guess a little bit of what Friday afternoon consisted of?

Before we get to the fun part of the day, just know I did more rearranging before Chris and I made the trip to Ikea to pick up the unit.

And I am going to call myself out. I was out and about in a hoodie, lounging pants, and sneakers.

Yes y'all. I was one of those people I have spoken of before. My hair was in a ponytail and I was wearing makeup but my outfit was all comfort.

I felt very self conscious but I went with it.

Where exactly did I go in it? I went to Ikea, to Office Depot, the pharmacy, the bowling alley, and Office Maxx.

You know why I was at Ikea. The pharmacy is self explanatory I believe. Same for the bowling alley. I went to the office supply stores to find a filing cabinet to match my desk and fax machine stand. I currently have a white metal one picked up in desperation years ago. The time to change was now as it sticks out like a sore thumb.

So, Chris headed over early and we hit it. I called Pete in for reinforcements to help move the monster up the 25 steps/3 flights. That didn't work out too well as he was running late and Chris had somewhere he needed to be.

Yep. Chris and I moved it up the stairs ourselves. God Bless him. He did most of the work.

To my new neighbor: Thank you for letting me know on day one what kind of person you are. I love how you worked really hard at not making eye contact and chose not to lend a helping hand. You will not be getting a "welcome to the unit" package of goodies. Punk Ass.

As Chris was leaving, Pete arrived. We managed to move my desk all the way over to its new location and decided it was time to go hunting for the new filing cabinet.

He tagged along. Somewhere between the stores and the pharmacy, we got in a few games of bowling. He beat me but I held my own with scores in the 120s.

I rounded out the night by getting down to more purging and organizing. In bed around 3:45 AM.

An ok way to spend the last official day of vacation 'eh?

Thursday Tales

By now you know I was on vacation a few days last week. Thursday T and I went to Ikea and ran a few other errands.

Ikea was needed because I was running low on tea lights. wanted to pick up some organizing boxes and see if I could find a lamp for my reading area.

This was before we hit the "As Is" section and I found the unit. The boxes were still needed and as a matter of fact, I need to go back for more. I should have seen that one coming.

I also picked up a picture frame, two pillowcases, a lamp, and wrapping paper. We also picked up Spanky's replacement for when the day comes he is no longer able to be with us.

And speaking of Spanky, he couldn't decide on which one he wanted to be his girlfriend. You knew he was a player didn't you? Yea, me too.

As is tradition, we indulged on the nitrates . Now the cafe has five meatballs for a dollar. With gravy. This may become the new indulgence on future visits.

After Ikea we headed over to Ulta. Spanky stayed in the purse. The excursion simply was too much for him to bear.

From there, I spotted a Sprint store and took the opportunity to get the new Big Red. I'm still getting used to it but I have definitely joined the age of smart phones and "Sprinted" ahead. Are you possibly wondering why the Purell bottle is behind him? Well, let me just say, one of the dudes at the store wanted in on the action of taking the picture. He thought we needed the bottle for scale. Yep, he actually said for scale.

I'd like to take this time to officially thank Ace for taking my phone call, doing the research on the spot, and helping me choose which phone to get.

You would think the associate helping me would be able to do this but nope, he was a tad useless in this department. I knew he was trying to steer me toward the phone which would result in the highest commission for him.

I don't blame him for this but um, when a question is asked and you are not able to share your knowledge with me, trust I will pick up the phone and call someone who can help me. I'm resourceful like that.

After a couple more delays, we headed out to pick up Snookums. From there, purchases were brought in, T and Snookums headed for home, and since it was Thursday night, I headed out for happy hour.

I would love to say we ruled over the pool table but I was out skilled for sure and since I arrived at happy hour so late, I had the chance to play one game only.

There will be another chance to redeem myself so I am not too worried but honestly, I do doubt my sober pool playing skills.

After confirming details for the pick up, I headed home and started the organizing project. Kind of a crappy way to end day two of vacation but it had to be done.

In bed by 2:00 AM was how the day finished.

Next up, day three of vaca/Friday.

Bet you are on pins and needles with anticipation aren't you?

Howdy

Spanky and some of the crew have been on quite a few adventures the last five days.

This would be why my project has not been completed.

But hey, living life and sharing in your friends' and family by choice special days comes first.

Special occasions don't come everyday but "chores" do. The organizing was there before. It is still there today and will continue to be here waiting for me to finish.

I'll fill ya' in on the adventures as the week progresses.

Allow me to start with Wednesday.

Wednesday was the first day of my vacation. I chose to let the day actually be a day of relaxation. First up? I slept in. Yep. Didn't get out of bed until 10:00 AM.

Uh huh. It was much needed and felt so very nice. Please don't hate.

Next up was a few quick errands and then we hit the streets.

Above is Spanky in front of Mount Rainier in the parking lot of a local movie theater. As Brad shared in one of his posts last week, don't let this fool you. It is, after all, an active stratovolcano, just like Mount St. Helens.

Regardless, last Wednesday was a beautiful sunny clear day worthy of the saying we locals like to say, "The mountain is out."

Pete and I went to see . The movie is deserving of the positive reviews it receives.

After the movie we headed over to Bed Bath & Beyond. I finally got my Aerolatte and more importantly, Ace's birthday present. He is now the proud owner of . Use it well and often my friend.

After shopping dinner was in order. We did Chinese takeout and came home to the warmth of my home. We shared shrimp fried rice, prawns with lobster sauce, General Tao's chicken, and egg rolls followed by vanilla ice cream with chocolate and caramel sauce for me.

Not a bad way to spend the first day of vacation huh?

Weekly Challenge #17

Y'all might have seen this one coming considering the project I am working on.

This week's challenge is to take a drawer, or many, and organize to your heart's content.

I bet you have one somewhere in your house driving you batty because it is a mess.

This is the week to show it some love.

Grab a trash bag, the shredder, whatever you may need and get busy!

I found a cd I misplaced months ago and even though I am only halfway done with my tasks at hand, I feel so much betta' already.

Happy organizing y'all!

Might be MIA

I might be MIA for the weekend.

Why you might be wondering.

It is nothing earth shattering. Everyone is good. Thank God.

I am embarking upon a project I hoped would be done by now. Due to events outside of my control, I am only now starting on the tasks at hand. After two and a half days of vacation.

It all started with the idea of organizing my filing cabinet, desk, and craft area before my arse starts traveling all over the Northwest. I just do better, am more efficient, etc. when stuff is organized. Ya' feel me?

So Thursday, after a stop at , T and I hit the road. Unfortunately we encountered a bit of traffic along the way. But hey, when you are with one of your best friends, you have Starbucks, the sun, and a free afternoon, life is good. Even when you are stuck in traffic.

We made our way to Ikea. Lady luck was on my side. I found the unit I wanted. Pre-built. Discounted for sale in the "as is" section. You can bet I snatched that bad boy. On the spot.

Getting it home was not as easy as plunking down the cabbage. We tried to get it to fit into my car but no such luck. It stands 6'3. My little friend is not that big.

After making a few calls it was determined Chris and I would pick it up Friday afternoon.

This is when the fun begins.

Moving this into my space meant moving everything around. Y'all, I mean everything.

Silly me. I thought it would just slide in nicely. Um, not so much.

So now, I am forced into redoing the entire area. Cleaning. Organizing. Purging.

I am going to be happy when it is all done but holy hell, right now it is a mess.

And in my spare time, when I need a break and normally would jump on the internet, I will be getting to know the new Big Red . Oh yes y'all. I finally did it.

I upgraded. It was time. Especially when the previous Big Red wouldn't hold a charge anymore. I was down to less than twenty minutes talk time. This just doesn't fly in my world.

More to come on that excursion but as you can see, I've got my work cut out for me.

I hope you and yours are good. Wish me luck to get it all done before Monday morning.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Dance Magic

Who: Maricel, Drea, Mo, and the Kids (Rusty, Scooter, Ginger, and Bogie)

What: Girl's Day In

When: Monday, January 21

Where: Maricel's

We took advantage of the day, as we all had the day off, and had a girl's day in.

When the group of us went to the comedy competition back in November, one of the comedians, who ultimately won the entire competition, did a bit about David Bowie in Labyrinth.

He made reference to David's junk bouncing around in um, a way you couldn't help notice as an adult but totally didn't pay attention to as a child watching the flick.

I present this to you as evidence.

Now before you go on thinking I drew the circle on the picture, I DID NOT. I did a Google image search and this popped up.

Apparently someone else had the same idea as Marcus the comedian does. And he was right. It is something better seen through the innocence of a child's eye.

Dance magic. Uh huh.

We also watched after a delicious lunch and gab session.

The yummy shredded chicken Maricel prepared for tacos.

It still counts as a girl's day in if Spanky is in attendance right?

That is the spot momma'. Yea, right there. Keep on scratchin'. It feels soooooo good.My name is Scooter. Scoot to my Aunt Mo. I give the best hugs and puppy kisses.

Introducing *drumroll* Bogie.

And Ginger.

Spanky is the protector of Port and pie. Mmmmmm, pie...

Having the pie was a perfect compliment to the movie. The movie is all about pie so I am pretty sure if there hadn't been any for us to indulge in, I would have suggested a trip to the store or somewhere for a piece.

Good times y'all. Good times.

Meet Spanky

Meet the newest member of the crew.

His name is Spanky.

Doesn't he look like he can spank some serious arse if he had to?

I've been saying for months I was going to get my very own traveling gnome. I just never got around to it.

I was trying to decide on a little stuffed monkey or a doll when this dude presented himself in the form of a toy from Ace's happy meal Sunday night.

As long as he is "alive and kicking" you are going to see more and more of him than you probably want or need to.

There he is sitting atop the candy machines at the movie theater. Looks pretty darn fierce doesn't he?

Now you might be wondering how he ended up at the movie theater and what he went to see.

Ace and I went to see after the games and a pit stop at Maricel's. So of course we got down to business and starting the random pictures of Spanky doing his thing with us.

The movie, by the way, was good but oh so predictable. Ace literally knew what was going to happen before it happened and called it. Almost play by play. Scene by scene.

If I had to give a recommendation I would say matinee or wait for the DVD.

I gotta' go for now. I'm hungry, still at the office, and without food (only snackies) so off I go.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Edited Post Brad's question/comment: You can read all about Spanky here. His real name is White Pantera. Spanky suits him more I think.

Chillaxin Sunday

When: Sunday, January 20th

Where: Our Cheers

Who: Kyla, Stephanie, Nicki, Chris, Ace, Melissa, and Me (not all at the same time mind ya')

Why: Football Playoffs Baby

How: Chillin'+Kickin It = Chillaxin

Can you guess which team our table was rooting for?

The game prior we really wanted the Chargers to win. Sadly, it was not meant to be.

Wings anyone? Chris mugging for the camera.
Is there anyone who doesn't like a loaded tater skin?
You gotta' have beer with the wings and football. You just gotta'.
Stephanie had to let Ace know who was boss. He was rooting for the *ahem* other team.

She's got mad muscles under the fleece yo!

As the day wore on, Vitamin Cs were needed to keep the energy going for some.

Pizza is always good to calm the nerves.

At some point the girls decided to compare the lip glosses we had with us. Stephanie wins hands down.

Mine are right in front (4). To the left is Stephanie's stock (8). Next is Nicki's supply (3). Finally to your right is Kyla's stash (5).

Kyla and I goofing during a slow moment in the game.

By now, you probably know the Packers lost.

In overtime. By a field goal. A field goal stats indicated never should have been good.

Can't win 'em all 'eh?

Weekly Challenge #16

This week's challenge deals with the "ICE" aspect of our lives.

God forbid anyone ever needs to use our "In Case of Emergency" contacts.

But should the need arise, wouldn't it give you and your loved ones peace of mind to know the list is up to date and the information is easily accessible?

My phone has an "ICE" entry but that is about it right now.

I need to update my work "ICE"(immediate manager and HR), my home "ICE" (landlord), put an "ICE" list in my car, in my briefcase, my suitcases, my palm pilot, my purse, get "ICE" lists from my closest peeps, and make sure they have mine.

You may consider the above overkill but as a girl scout I was taught to be prepared and as a frequent traveler, I feel the need to keep such information close at hand.

I encourage you to take the steps too. We just never know when this might be needed.

In Review

Arriving home from a day trip down South Wednesday night, I found Princess helping her momma out.

She has a bit of organizational OCD too.

She likes to put her mouse toy in her food bowl when she is done playing with it for the day.

If you're over and see that in a food bowl, no need to panic. Trust it is not a real mouse.

Took another day trip Thursday to facilitate a meeting and check things out in one of our facilities.

Lunch was beef, beef from a cow, and a tater. Y'all know this is one of my favorite meals so even though the day was long and cold, the meeting was a success and lunch cooked on the grill was superb.

Finished Thursday night with a pit stop with the boys at the local Cheers. The day called for one ice cold beer and a few laughs before I put in another three hours of work.

Friday, after a lovely day of work in the office and a brow wax, I met Kyla for dinner.

We shared an order of chicken and steak fajitas. Yum-O!

Today I slept in and it felt oh so good. I went for an adjustment, browsed Hallmark for a bit and picked up a few things, and then headed over to Barnes and Noble.

Three books in hand, I came back home, watched a few shows I DVR'ed this week, and took a nice long nap with the kitties.

A lazy day but good for this girl's soul.