Sunday, 04.06.08

Seattle's Public Market Center as seen from my lens.

Dinner at the Crab Pot.
A sight I can say I didn't see growing up in Texas but seen pretty much everywhere around these parts.
Flat Stanley at the ferry dock with Qwest and Safeco field in the background. Qwest is home to our Seattle Seahawks (football). Safeco is the home of our Seattle Mariners (baseball).

The crew in Post Alley.
The Market can be a challenge to maneuver but definitely worth it.
I believe this is Seattle's most memorable landmark.
Husbands for hire (inside joke) at the Seattle Center's fountain.

The original Starbucks. One of the street performers you'll see as you're walking throughout the Market area. This guy can hula hoop like none other. He was gracious enough to pose with Flat Stanley.

The quintessential Pike Place Fish Market shot.
Random street scene by the Market as taken from Post Alley.

We had a great day wandering around. Truly I am blessed to have such wonderful friends, family by choice, to spend my time with.

Love You. Mean it.

For Teener

In an offhand way this lovely tagged me for the following meme.

I feel honored to have been "chosen" and honestly, it's been awhile since I did one so I figured what the heck?

1. Do you like blue cheese?
Normally no but I am developing a taste for it, especially with hot wings and in some salads.

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
Not a day in my life.

3. Do you own a gun?
No.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink?
If anything at all, bring on the lime or lemon.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
It depends on the nature of the appointment.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Nothing much compares to a dog straight from the ball park on a summer day.

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
Does Rudolph count?

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Juice and/or chai tea with light soy milk.

9. Can you do push ups?
It is not pretty but yes.

10. Are you thinking about someone right now?
Yep.

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
If you go with what I wear the most, it would be my sterling silver hoops. If we're going for sentimental value, it would be one my mom's pieces from when she was a little girl.

12. Favorite hobbies?
Stamping, reading, and taking pictures.

13. Phrase you use most often?
I'm not sure. I'm gonna' have to ask my peeps or pay closer attention to what I am saying.

14. Do you have A.D.D.?
I don't think so but I do tend to get distracted easily.

15. What's one trait you hate about yourself?
Hate is a strong word. One thing I do dislike is that I tend to run about fifteen minutes behind in my personal life. My business world/life is a whole other story; schedule, schedule, schedule!

16. Middle name?
Nunya.

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:
1. Jasmine hush.
2. Is Jackie ok?
3. I shouldn't have eaten so late.

18. Name 4 things you bought yesterday?
1. Gas
2. Sirloin burger for Maricel and I
3. Tacos for J
4. Root Beer

19. Next vacation?
Undecided

20. Current worry?
Will Jasmine and Princess's labs turn out ok?

21. Current hate right now?
Again with the hate? I dislike my current level of inactivity.

22. Favorite place to be?
With my friends and family.

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
NYE: Creating
NYD: Working, watching football, and at a BBQ

24. What’d you get for your birthday?
Love.

25. Name three people who will complete this?
I'd like to see Ace, Brad, and Cheryl complete it.

26. Do you own slippers?
Yep.

27. What shirt are you wearing?
A burnt orange New Jersey T.

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Heck no. They make me sweat.

29. Can you whistle?
Not very well.

30. Favorite colors?
Cranberry. In crafty endeavors, I dig on all colors with dark chocolate brown.

31. Would you be a pirate?
Arrrrrrgh.

32. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Whatever is playing in the background or in my head.

33. Favorite girl's name?
I am sad to say I really don't have one.

34. Favorite boy's name?
Preston.

35. What's in your pocket right now?
I don't have any pockets on my lounging pants.

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
A drunk text I received from a work peep.

37. Best bed sheets as a child?
Um, I honestly don't recall.

38. Worst injury you've ever had?
My left knee. It's been operated on twice.

39. Do you love where you live?
I like my personal space and the state has so much to offer so I would say yep.

40. How many tvs do you have in your house?
2

41. Who is the loudest friend you have?
I have the loudest laugh. When we all get together, it's pretty darn noisy fo' sho'.

42. How many dogs do you have?
0 unless you count my nephews

43. Does someone have a crush on you?
Yep.

44. What is your favorite book(s)?
The Bible, The Four Agreements

45. What is your favorite candy?
Snickers, Mr. Goodbar or Red Hots

46. Favorite Sports Team?
Longhorns and Cowboys

47. What song do you want played at your funeral?
I'll get back to you on this one.

48.What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Driving down I-5 with Maricel

49. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
Seriously? I'm off today. Why am I waking up so freaking early?

Weekly Challenge #29

Do you take advantage of what your area has to offer?

What I mean by this is do you treat your city, your town, your state as if you were a tourist on vacation?

Reflect on this for a minute.

Are there places you would like to go to but just haven't found the time to do so?

Are there attractions you'd like to visit but haven't?

I challenge you to do so this week.

Grab a group of friends, the family, or just yourself and GO.

It can be local. It can a mini road trip. Just do it!

My peeps (T, Snookums, Maricel, and J) try to do what I like to refer to as an adult field trip on a regular basis.

Earlier this month we spent a Sunday with Flat Stanley in Seattle. I know, I know. Bad Mo. I need to post those pictures and write about the day.

Today we are going here.

What are some of the attractions, places, etc. you could visit?

I'm Deserving

If Brad and Fiwa feel this way.

I was supposed to meet them for lunch today.

It was to be our first meeting.

And I stood them up.

As I write this they are most likely enjoying the glorious Seattle spring day, great company, and some good grub.

Here I sit, on my couch, drinking a pear, strawberry, apple juice feeling like the world's worst blogger friend.

I boycotted my email yesterday afternoon and night in order to get my analysis and presentation deadlines completed. I didn't see the email with the details until after they were already meeting.

I hope they can forgive me and give me a do-over.

I understand if they don't but I hope they do because I would really like to meet both of 'em.

My Day

But at least I have my health and a job causing me to feel like this.

In Case You Were Wondering...

Ace and Murphy (his dog) made it to Nevada safe and sound this afternoon.

They, along with his buddy Mike, made amazing time in my opinion.

I asked if he was peeing in a cup at the rate of progress they were making throughout the day.

He told me they stopped. I'll believe him only because I know how he feels about that kind of stuff and how he likes to keep the inside of his car.

He said the temps there are 76. Here we are a lovely 49.

He said, via text, "Somebody call a doctor. I think I'm having heat stroke."

I told him to just wait until summer. His reply? Simply "LOL".

He has no idea what he is in for.

So my dear friend, I leave with you the picture of the Space Needle. While you are burning up in the dry, desert heat, think of us lovingly while you take multiple cold showers. We'll be the ones dressed in layers...

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

Kimmy, Summer, and Brad would like to know more about the man. And where Ace is going too.

Ace is embarking upon civilian life and leaving the Navy. Departing the state of Washington. Moving to Sin City. You know the one right? The one called Las Vegas.

It's not good-bye for us. I know our paths will continue to cross but I would not be telling the truth if I didn't say I am going to miss him something fierce. He no longer is just a mini road trip away.

No more shopping. No more sharing a plate of fried chicken and Cajun catfish. No more early morning knocks at the door or late at night phone calls with sing alongs.

You will be missed. I love you and wish you all the best.

If you'd like to send wishes his way, visit him here. He assures me he's going to keep the blog up and running from Vegas.

As for the man. It's too soon to tell you much. He's someone from my past in which circumstances prevented us from pursuing a mutual interest before.

We had a few hit and miss dates before and never could seem to be in sync, mostly on my part.

We both decided to go out on a limb recently. The universe agreed it was time to bring us together this go around.

We're enjoying each other. Our schedules are both hectic so it has been a challenge to physically see one another but we connect as much as we can via phone calls and texts.

He makes me happy. He understands and appreciates me for who I am, quirks and all. And he challenges me.

Hopefully more will continue to develop because I'm liking where things are so far.

Weekend Wrap Up and Weekly Challenge #28

I love the unexpected and that I have learned to go with the flow. To loosen up. To just feel it.

Y'all know I am a planner by nature but trust that I enjoy spontaneity too. For the most part my weekend was as outlined.

Summer is right when she says when I am home and everything is in sync my life plays out like a TV show. I often feel this way too.

I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel so very blessed to have the life I have, to be surrounded by great people, to have friends I love and that love me, and surrogate family. I try to live each day to the fullest. To never let an opportunity to laugh, to share love, and to make a memory go by.

That's my challenge to you this week. Live in the moment. Embrace life. Live. Love. Laugh. Make the most of what is put before you.

Here's how the weekend ended up playing out. Pictures will follow.

Friday: Work. Brows. Costco shopping and division of purchases. Sushi with Maricel, Jason, Maricel's brother, sister-in-law, and her sister.

Saturday: Princess vet appointment. Errands. Massage. Girls night in with 6 of my peeps. Pomegranate martinis. Lots of girl talk, laughter, sing and dance alongs. Carb overload in the form of hot and spicy wings, lasagna, and pizza. Attempted to watch SATC but experienced technical difficulty.

Sunday: Time with Maricel's parents, T, her mom, and Snookums. Farewell dinner with Ace, Maricel, and Jason. Finally physically connected with the man after 23 days of phone calls, text messages, and trying to coordinate schedules.

In a word, the weekend was yummy. But I am worn out. I'll be in bed early tonight.

Peace and Love Peeps.

On the Agenda

Being home always brings a sense of peace and happiness to my world.

And having my weekend look like this does too...

Friday: Work. Brows. Costco shopping, dinner, and movie in with Maricel and Jason.

Saturday: Princess vet appointment. Lunch with an old friend I haven't connected with in a while. Errands. Girls night in with 6 of my peeps; Sex in the City style complete with Cosmos and what I am is sure to be lots of girl talk and laughter.

Sunday: Day with T. Farewell dinner with Ace, Maricel, and Jason.

Tell me internets. What's on your agenda for the weekend?

Whatever it might be, I hope it brings you happiness and love too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Special Delivery

Early this morning there was a knock on my door.
Waiting for me on the other side was .

A special someone wanted to bring sunshine to my day.

Mission Accomplished!

I'm a very loved and lucky girl...

Look Into My Eye

And what would you see this morning?

Other than my iPod (Black Betty is playing), directly in front of me is my laptop complete with the work I am doing, a couple of bottles of water, an apple, an empty tea bottle, and my cell phone.

To my left is one team member snacking on a bag of Lays while doing his assessment of this week's audit.

Across the table is another team member with his iPod on, shaking his right leg, eating a bag of Cheetos, and completing his assessment too.

What would I see if I looked into your eye?

Fun in Traffic

My "boss" likes to say "I am not as unhinged as I appear to be" and "life with you is always an adventure".

Today he learned yet something new about me that had him laughing and shaking his head in what I would like to refer to as disbelief.

When I am stuck in traffic (Brad, Fiwa, Paolo, Ace and my other non blogging peeps can probably relate to Seattle, 405, etc. morning rush hour aggravation), I like to blow bubbles.

Yep, bubbles.

It's fun. It relaxes me. It allows me to take a moment and be still. To get in touch with my inner child and calm down when the road rage might set in.

Plus, if you're stuck in traffic and see a bubble or two come your way, wouldn't you smile? Maybe just a little bit? I'd like to think so.

So, for anyone hanging out in the Seattle metro area, if you see a bubble pass by your window when you're stuck in traffic, I just might be somewhere in the area. Sitting near, blowing my bubbles, spreading a bit of love and sunshine your way.

On the Road Again

Do you know what these images represent?

In your mind did you cue Willie?

Yep, Mo is on the road again. Home for the weekend and right back out I go.

I'm travelling relatively local but staying in a hotel because the days are going to be that long and the morning rush hour is horrible.

Jasmine is off to her other home this morning. I'm beginning to think she might feel like the vet's office is her first home and this one is the one she visits. It took almost a full three days before she was giving love kitty kisses.

Princess knows what is up. Thank god her Aunt Maricel spends time with her or I'd probably be snubbed by her too.

I hope y'all have a great Monday and the rest of the week is great too.

I plan on catching up but I'm not sure how much spare time the first half of the week is going to allow me to have.

Peace and Love Peeps.

My Neck of the Woods

Peek into my corner of the world here.

Is your city/area represented too? If so, let me know and I'll look ya' up.

Weekly Challenge #27

First, Happy Sunday everyone.

It's been very busy in my world lately, personally and professionally.

I hope all is well with you and yours.

With that being said, it is onward to this week's challenge.

I challenge you to find at least one area in your home you would like to declutter; grab a trash bag and get down to it.

Just one area.

A drawer. One shelf. An area under the sink. A magazine rack.

There is most likely something you haven't used, touched, or thought about in six months that is taking up space in your world.

Grab a trash bag and purge to your heart's content.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Comedy of Errors

The last few days have been reminders to go with the flow.

To not push things.

That laughter can be the best option of all.

See, it all started with changing my flight from Monday to Tuesday.

I should have seen the writing on the wall from the get go.

The booking agent/engine we are required to use was unable to assign me a seat when the reservation was changed.

Then, the night before I was scheduled to fly out, I was unable to check in via the web.

I figured it had something to do with the changes made.

I had a horrible time getting up Tuesday morning. I bet you would too if you hadn't gone to bed until after 1:00 AM and the alarm went ring a ling at 3:30 AM. For the record, 6:15 AM flights are not my friend.

I finally dragged myself out of bed, jumped in the shower, got ready, and took off for the airport. I arrived at my local offsite parking and flagged down my usual early morning shuttle driver Nick. He was on the way out of the parking lot and there was no way I was going to wait around for the next van if I didn't have to.

I received some funny looks when Nick and I greeted each other like old friends, which by this stage of the game, we are.

I usually fly a certain airline and my new flight showed it was with them so I jumped off the van at the location closest to where I would be able to check in. I proceeded to the kiosk and attempted to check in.

No such luck. The reservation was not found. I went to stand in line to speak with an agent and start thinking I am cutting it pretty close, especially since the airport is full of spring breakers. I hand her my license and she proceeds to tell me there is no such reservation for me.

Uh oh.

I reach into my briefcase. I pull out my revised itinerary. I read the details. I notice I am at the wrong airline.

In my defense the airline I was at did show as being part of the revised flight info.

I smile in embarrassment, thank her, wish her a good day, and book it, and I mean book it, down the airport to the kiosk I was supposed to be checking in at.

Way down at the other end of the airport by the way. For those of you familiar with SeaTac I was at the Alaska terminal and needed to be at Delta.

I stand in the craziest kiosk check in madhouse I've seen in a very long time and finally get the correct check in process started.

It can't find my reservation by the flight number. I think to myself, "Oh lord please help me now. I have about thirty minutes to get checked in and get to the gate."

I take a deep breath and enter in my last name. Score. The system finds me and I see the beautiful words, "Checking you in...".

Then, an agent for this airline calls my name. He's holding my luggage sticky tag. The screen still says "Checking you in..." with no boarding pass being printed.

I charge up to the counter and tell him I didn't get a boarding pass. He looks at me like I have three heads and proceeds to tell me that is impossible.

I look right back at him, with a smile, and tell him, it is possible. He scrunches his face up and furiously starts to type. Then, as if on cue, says "I've never seen this before."

Great. Just great. Now we are down to twenty minutes and counting for take off.

Finally, after consultation with his co-worker, I get a boarding pass and have my bag checked.

I make a mad dash to the security check point. Thankfully, I have this down to a science.

As if I didn't need more aggravation, I realize my gate is all the way on the other side of the terminal.

Uh oh.

I take a deep breath and get to power walking. I arrive at the gate, sweaty, but in time to board.

I discover I am sandwiched, and I mean sandwiched, between two large men. The only saving grace was both men were fellow road warriors so once we settled in, there was no need for small talk. Respect was given across the board. At some point we all fell into twilight sleep.

Upon arrival to my destination things took a turn for the good. I did start dragging as the day progressed but pushed through like a champ. What choice do I have?

I slept ok, once I finally was able to shut things down for the night.

Thinking the hotel, like all the others from the same chain I stay at has at least a treadmill, the alarms went off nice and early. I got dressed, grabbed my iPod, and headed down to the lobby. Never once did I think to check the night before as to where the gym is.

Y'all want to guess what happens next?

Yep, no gym on site. I can get a pass for a local gym about ten minutes away. Um, no thank you. I know there is no way my co-worker is up at the ungodly hour to get the rental car keys from so I head back to the room and decide to go back to sleep.

Once I am up and about and about to put the finishing touches on my hair I realize I didn't pack hairspray. I call my co-worker and luckily he has some I can borrow.

Yes, I said he. He was on another floor so I made the trek to his floor, quickly grabbed the bottle from outside of his door, and did my thing.

But not before I got some strange looks for riding the elevator with curlers in hair and no shoes on.

I finished getting ready and went for breakfast. I pop the top off of my yogurt and splat! Yogurt all over my wool sweater.

Oh yea boys and girls. We are off to a great start aren't we?

We head to the office and luckily it was smooth sailing. Until I arrive back at the hotel that is. I have a really bad habit of demagnetizing my key cards. Today was no exception.

I head downstairs. The front desk clerk reactivates the key card. I make my way back to my room.

Denied.

I head back down and request it be reactivated. At this point, I'm getting that crazy stink eye look.

I head back up and I guess what they say about the third time being the charm is true because the light goes green and in I walk.

I am on pins and needles to see what tomorrow has in store for me...

Shake Your Groove Thing

Below is my current Wake Up playlist. It gets me moving, especially for 4:30 AM treadmill activity.

I don't necessarily agree with the lyrics from some of these songs but I am totally diggin' on the hooks, the beats, the sounds the artists' are laying down.

Enjoy!

Low by Flo Rida (feat. T-Pain)
Elevator by Flo Rida (feat. Timbaland)
Love In This Club by Usher (feat. Young Jeezy)
Sensual Seduction by Snoop Dogg
Independent by Webbie (feat. Lil' Boosie & Lil' Phat)
Touch My Body by Mariah Carey
Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna
Just Fine by Mary J. Blige
Damaged by Danity Kane
Break the Ice by Britney Spears
Ching-a-Ling by Missy Elliott
Shawty Get Loose by Lil Mama (feat. T-Pain & Chris Brown)
Flashing Lights by Kanye West
Sexy Can I by Ray J (feat. Yung Berg)
4 Minutes by Madonna (feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
Kiss Kiss by Chris Brown (feat. T-Pain)
Feedback by Janet Jackson
Cyclone by Baby Bash (feat. T-Pain)
What Is It by Baby Bash
Killa by Cherish (feat. Yung Joc)
Hypnotized by Plies (feat. Akon)
What You Got by Colby O'Donis
Stronger by Kanye West
Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston
The Way I Are by Timbaland (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E.)
Party People by Nelly (feat. Fergie)
The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
Take You There by Sean Kingston
Piece of Me by Britney Spears
He Said She Said by Ashley Tisdale
Love Song by Sara Bareilles
Love Is Free by Sheryl Crow
See You Again by Miley Cyrus
Clumsy by Fergie
Gimme More by Britney Spears
No One by Alicia Keys

There are other songs I rock out to as well but I thought this would be the list you'd be most interested in.

I am always up for new songs and recommendations so please tell me what you're listening to these days.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Going to Be One of Those Weeks...

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Happy Monday to you and yours.

I'm going to do my best to update and visit this week. However, with how I believe the week is going to develop, it may be easier said than done.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #26

There seems to be a lot of this happening in the world right now.

People are making efforts to be healthy.

It seemed fitting for this week's challenge to be centered around the action, the word, the belief, the lifestyle of HEALTHY.

Healthy, to me, can be emotional, mental, spiritual, and/or physical.

I challenge you to think, believe, act, choose to be HEALTHY.

Do something in this arena at least once a day.

Do it for you. Do it for your family.

As far as we know, we only live this life once so the time to act is now.

Some of the healthy things I do, and plan to continue to do this week while traveling, are to get enough rest, to eat natural and organic whenever possible, to take my vitamins, to make time for exercise and reflection, to surround myself with the people and things that are good for my soul.

What about you? What actions might you do in the spirit of this challenge?

Let Us Remember

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

A life cut too short in my opinion.

I spent some time this morning in reflection.

Reading through this earlier I realized, like most great speeches of our time, the words are as powerful and on point today as they were 45 years ago.

We've come a long way but there is still more to overcome.

If not for his life's work, I wouldn't have the rainbow of friends I have.

For that, today as well as each day, I am thankful.

Today: Edited Post Lunch

Upon waking it felt as if today is going to be one of those days.

A great one.

I'm choosing to make it one regardless of what may come my way.

The sun is shining.

Temps are forecasted to be 57-59.

Jasmine did her business overnight.

I'm having dinner with two friends, one of which I have not seen in quite some time.

My packed lunch is a salmon burger patty and steamed asparagus. Breakfast was my own version of V8 juice and a fruit smoothie. Packed snacks include an apple and steamed broccoli.

I downloaded a few new tunes yesterday I will be jamming to throughout the day.

It is going to be one of those rockin' kind of days in my world.

I hope you experience the same level of joy, love, and blessings too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Edited post lunch:

Maricel picked up sushi for us from H-Mart.

I love that great sushi is so close a last minute run can be made for spur of the moment lunch plans.

While we gabbed and ate, the kitties took advantage of the sun.

Contentment on so many levels...

Supa Sunday, 03.30.08

The details of my life, in addition to my natural tendencies, lend to planning weeks in advance.

Lately I have had last minute changes more than not.

Some good. Some not so much.

Regardless, each change has presented opportunities and the chances I spoke of earlier so all in all, it is all good.

Sunday was such a day.

I was supposed to have a brunch date. Instead, after some calls here and there, I ended up enjoying the day by going for a walk on the boardwalk with Maricel, her hubby, and my nephews.
Remember a few days ago we had snow, hail, wind, and bitter cold temps? Hopefully Sunday and the last few days are indicators spring is on the way in. Sunday was absolutely gorgeous!

After the walk we headed over to PetSmart. Kitty litter for me. Food for them.

Next up? A trip to Costco.

We shared a basket. Did you honestly think all that was for me?

Not only did we share a basket but we also split some items too; taters, onions, and pears to be exact.

We went in for spinach, maters, and flowers for me. Maricel and J were going to pick up a few items too.

Obviously, as is usually the case, we walked out with more. A lot more.

My final loot/purchases were red potatoes, broccoli, roma tomatoes, blueberries, asparagus, fresh spinach, honey jalapeno shrimp (fully cooked, tails on), edamame bowls, watermelons (two seedless), wild Alaskan halibut fillets, and fresh french green beans.

Maricel and J's purchases were very similar. No blueberries, shrimp, or halibut. They picked mahi mahi instead, bought the pears, onions, sweet peppers, and some organic spinach perfect for a side salad.

Did I forget anything Maricel? :)

There were no white flowers to choose from so I'm fresh flowerless so far this week.

Afterward we were famished and went for Thai. Maricel and I both ordered this, 4 star spicy style. Absolutely delicious spinach, prawns, red peppers, and steamed rice.

J bucked the table's trend and got something different.

Our waitress completely understood Spanky. She can hang with us anytime.

I rounded out the night by doing some work and doing basic preparation for the week.

Good times. Good times Y'all.