Weekly Challenge #44

See that picture to the left?

It is from my hallway.

I'm outing myself and letting all of you know my baseboards are in need of some cleaning. They need some loving. Cat hair, dust, and pretty much whatever else wants to land on 'em does and has.

I honestly don't recall the last time I took a sponge and wiped them down. You can bet this week I will be though.

With that being said, guess what the weekly challenge is?

Go on now. Get on your hands and knees and join me in a cleaning extravaganza.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Sushi with the Girls

Thursday was one of those nights where the stars aligned. Where the laughter and love was large and in charge.

I say it all the time, but truly I am blessed to have great people in my life who love me and I love. Family by choice, which is so very important to me, especially considering my brothers and sister are hundreds of miles away.

After work I met Fiwa, Mars and Drea for sushi. I have to get that weekly fix in dontcha' know!

I was a tad disappointed Mars and Drea forgot their chopsticks but Fiwa and I remembered ours. Just doing our part to keep it green because it is how we roll.
One of those days I am going to master using chopsticks without the helpers. I just know I will.

This particular night I was having quite a bit of trouble using them and ended up making a mess. Those little helpers kept flying off. Here. There. Anywhere they wanted to go, they went. It made for laughs at my expense, which is all good.

The joint added pictures with descriptions of what is coming toward you on the conveyor belt and for this, we were all thankful. Now at least we will know what we're eating and this is always a good thing isn't it?
Mars and I braved the heat and tried this. It is called fire phoenix roll. A fitting name indeed.

Post eating it our lips were on FIRE. Normally she and I are the ones eating jalapeños straight from the nachos, from the jar, and adding them to pretty much anything we consume. What I am saying here is we are no strangers to jalapeños but these babies? These babies did us right.

Eating this roll also allowed me the opportunity to share the history of ring of fire with Fiwa. I am glad you didn't run for the hills screaming "Get me away from these freaks!" girl. Like I said, you're on the list now and going forward there is nothing but more craziness, laughter, and love to come your way, if you want it that is.

Drea wanted something sweet and selected this. I believe it is a bean curd something or other. She was having no part of it. Mars and I picked up the slack and found it tasty, with a mesmerizing texture we couldn't quite put our finger on. It is a good thing they had a creme puff for her to get or else we might have been in a bit of trouble.

We parted ways but not before we took a picture. Everyone put your right foot in. We did not do the hokey pokey but I was tempted to break out in song and dance, for a moment that is.

Can you guess who is who?
To make it interesting, the first person to get it right, a gift certificate is yours for the taking. Sorry Drea, Mars, and Fiwa, you can't play but you can sit back and watch the guesses come in. Voting closes at 10:00 PM PST Tuesday night, September 2.

For ease of the vote, go with the counter clockwise method and use these descriptions:
Rounded bow
Square bow
Pointed
Mary Jane

Later on this long weekend I'll talk about the rest of the night post sushi and the last 24 hours of football. For now, I'm spent. Tired. Ready to hit the hay.

It was a late night last night and an early morning today. I've been on the go with lots of cheering and all of it has been fueled by adrenaline, Red Bull, and the company of some great friends.

Now I am worn out.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Fiwa's Friday Shuffle

It is that time of the week.

What time?

Fiwa's Friday shuffle of course!

This week, for your listening and viewing pleasure, DJ iPod shuffle selected

1. Realize by Colbie Calliat

2. Boyfriend/Girlfriend by C Side feat Keyshia Cole

3. Notorious by Duran Duran

4. Touch My Body by Mariah Carey

5. Don't Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston

6. One More Chance by the Notorious B.I.G

7. More Love by Dixie Chicks

8. Believe by Lenny Kravitz

9. You Had Me by Joss Stone

10. Bartender Song (aka Sittin' at a Bar) by Rehab

Didya' play? Didya?

Peace and Love Peeps

Good Times

After a somewhat challenging day yesterday I was fortunate enough to have previously scheduled some time with some of my favorite peeps.

Kyla, Mars, and I met for dinner. The romantic ambiance of the restaurant was somewhat lost on us and made taking pictures of dinner difficult.

I did, however, manage to capture a picture of the bottle of wine we shared as the sun set behind us over Poverty Bay.

Pretty soon Ace will start to say he is tired of seeing sunset pictures. Or we'll make him long for the beauty of Washington so much he'll come for a visit. {gently nudging}

We went back and forth on whether we would get an appetizer. We were all pretty much famished at this point of the day. We opted for the bread basket, wine, great conversation, and to go straight into our dinner selections.
How adorable is that label? And yup, we toasted each other throughout the course of the evening. That is just how we do.

Kyla had lasagna with a house salad. Mars had penne pasta with prawns and Italian sausage in a creamy tomato sauce with a house salad. I opted for prawns and scallops with linguine and a side ceaser. Afterward we shared a delicious flourless chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache center (served heated) called Chocolate Oasis. Oasis indeed!

We entertain ourselves but the couple at the table behind us provided a distraction and additional entertainment as well. Poor Mars couldn't really see them but Kyla and I could. I tried not to listen in but the parts I did hear I couldn't help feel for the guy.

I'm not judging. I'm just saying. To each his own I say. Really.

After dinner, we hit up Albertsons. I had wine at my place but no Pinot Noir. Since we started with this, it seemed fitting to keep drinking the same instead of the Merlot, Cabernet, or Pinot Grigio I had on hand. Plus I needed to pick up a can of cat food.

Apparently, according to Kyla, you can't just pick up a can. So I got two.

This just screams single chick doesn't it?

And no the poor quality is not due to a buzz. I had the flash off and was laughing when I took the picture so we're just gonna' have to roll with it ok?

In case you are wondering, we still have the anorexia and bulimia action going on. The good news is both are active and Princess is eating more than before. Jasmine is bony skinny but as evidenced last night, feeling fine enough to play, join the party, and love on her Aunties.

Mars left us but Steph and Mel joined Kyla and I to watch the season finale of Shear Genius. For the record y'all, if you're going to say blonde, say brunette and not brown. Otherwise, say yellow instead of blonde. See the level of detail you get when watching such a show with three hairstylists?

I wish Daniel had won but Dee took the final honors, with her signature cut, including the duck butt. For the love all that is right and good, please do not let that become the cut of choice going forward.

When the show ended, Steph and Kyla headed out for karaoke. Mel and I hunkered down on the couch and caught up on life. On love. On the things that make us who we are.

Last night was a welcome mid week recharging of the batteries with my sistas by choice.

Love you. Mean it.

Tonight? More of the same. Sushi with Mars and Drea. Fiwa's coming too! Then Thirsty Thursday.

Tomorrow? Work followed by a trip to watch the football game live and in person with two of my favorite boys. Ok, technically they are men but boys sounds better for some reason.

Saturday? Come on now. You know it is the first official day of college ball so do you even need to ask?

Sunday? So far, nothing is concrete. I may try to get over to see T and Snookums if we can make that happen.

Monday? Open for the time being with tentative plans to catch up with the man Monday night. Yes, you read that correctly. The man. We're friends remember?

Good times y'all. Good times!

How about you? Big plans for the holiday weekend? Speak to me. I truly am interested so don't hold back.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Say It Isn't So

If you follow me on twitter, or look to your right, you know by now yesterday I was denied two of my favorite things.

No I am not talking about "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" or "bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens". Nor am I referring to "brown paper packages tied up with strings".

I'm talking about Pier 1's Island Orchard room spray and Trader Joe's chai tea latte powder mix.

Both stores were out. Out I say! Of stock last night that is.

Talk about a bummer. Buzz kill. Rain on my parade. Oh wait, it was raining when I was out last night.

In absence of the room spray, on a whim, and with skepticism, I picked up one of their reed diffusers.

So far, we are in business. It is putting out a nice scent, which is much appreciated considering Ms. Smoky next door is stinking it up.

For $12.00, I can see this being a repeat purchase, if they continue to be in business, and do work son! {Had to!}

Peace and Love Peeps.

Sneek Peak

Instead of sharing the frustrating parts of my day with ya', I thought you might like a glimpse of the conversations Ace and I have. Via text that is.

I need something to get my thoughts off of the frustrations of the day and since most of you have gone over and checked him out, why not share a bit of us with you?

This is a running chat from the last day or so.

Ace = A M = Mo

Enjoy.

A: Green Light by John Legend
M: Is he dropping an album soon
A: I like the single
A: So What by Pink
M: I'll ck it out
A: Take You There by Donnie Klang
M: I want the rest of the story dammit
A: LOL. Get back to crunching numbers. After my nap.
M: Sheesh
A: Dropping a duece then a nap
M: LOL. Thanks for sharing
A: You bet
A: Working on that blog
M: Long ass nap
A: LOL. It's a long post. Thinking breaking it til tomorrow.
M: No you don't. You tease us too much the fans will run. Play for a little.
A: LOL. I'm trying to finish. I need a Jared break.
M: Oooh sammich sounds good.
A: LOL
M: Beer and steak would be better
A: It'll be up by 9
M: Ok
M: Green Light is the jam!
A: I know. That what I said. Watch the video too.
M: I am right now.
A: LOL
M: Andre looks goofy
A: LOL
M: Donnie is making the band right?
A: Yea
M: Diddy is all up this video
A: LOL. Yea he is
M: Both on itunes?
A: Yea. And Pink's So What
M: I've got downloading to do and jams I'm diggin on updates to do LOL
A: LOL. I like the Pink. That's my new workout tune. Takes a little to get into it
M: I want to start a fight
A: LOL
M: It's nine. I want my post
A: Still writing. Almost done
M: I'm going to bed. Got to get up at 5. Made me wait again. Pfft
A: LOL. Proofreading as we speak. 5 more minutes
A: Posted
M: Holy shit. A second date?
A: LOL. You just finished reading
M: I woke up for it LOL
A: LOL. Go to bed
M: I like her already. LOL
A: LOL. Jokes. Yea, I have to go back and edit I think. It's a lot of story.
M: It's a good one
A: LOL. Go to bed
M: K
A: I'm going to beat the shit out of this guy
M: What did he do now?
A: What didn't he do?
M: Leave the house. Go see your honey
A: LOL. Going to the gym in a little
M: LOL
M: Calm down yet?
A: I'm about to start blogging about it. I was and then I get here and he is doing the computer connection with his friend and the whole house can hear it
M: How many more days?
A: About XX
M: You can do it!
A: I can kick his ass!
M: I know you can but Tyrese needs to keep looking pretty
A: LOL. Jokes
M: Remember you're a lover not a fighter
A: Shid. Not when in Rome
M: LOL
A: He's a xxxxxx
M: Rise above it. Karma can be a bitch
A: Well call her and tell her to get her ass over here
M: Sending the vibe LOL
A: He just turned it up
M: Alone yet?
A: In peace
M: Thank god. Praise the lord. *doing my best church lady*
A: That's what I said
M: But did you do the church lady? You gotta do the church lady
A: LOL
M: Old school Magnum PI on TV. Cracking up. Make it stop!
A: Watching Making the Band
M: MTV?
A: Yea
M: I've got G's to Gents on MTV. WTF
A: I dvr
M: Should've known
M: Get me all excited and then...
A: LOL
M: Pick a color
A: Yellow
M: Ck the blog in a bit
A: Ok
M: I'll let you know
A: Ok

We're all over the place as you can see. The first text was at 12:45 PM 08/25 and the last one was at 10:30 tonight.

In between the texts there was one phone call when I was on my way to Trader Joe's.

One of the things I love best about our friendship is anything goes. I hope you have relationships like ours in your life too. They make life good.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Monday Night Montage

I arrive home with grand designs to hit the gym.

Then I remembered.

{groan}

I remembered I needed to put a report together I completely forgot about today. So much for focus 'eh?

If it's not on the task list with a little reminder popping up with a nasty alarm, I can forget such things. Hey, I never claimed to have the memory of an elephant. I'm organized out of necessity.

Anyhow, I take the laptop out of my briefcase, grab a glass of tea, and get down to business. I set up shop on my craft/dining room table.

See, Jasmine had herself firmly planted in my desk chair. I recognize the pecking order around these parts. She wants the chair. She gets the chair.

Once she figured out I was home and sitting down, she demanded attention. I know my place. Let her do her thing and the meows are kept to a minimum. However, doing so makes for an inefficient work flow.

Yeah, put your arms around her and attempt to cut, copy, paste, and type at the speed of light. It is not going to happen y'all. No matter how hard you try. The pace is going to be slow but it is all good because it is good to be loved and how stinking cute is she?

Smart girl. She did switch positions when I turned the TV on. She's not gonna miss one bit of the action either.

I need to pause for a moment and let my inner man come out.

Tonight? It is Monday night football baby! Preseason yes but Monday night football nonetheless. The gym is definitely out of the equation now.

Now if someone would come over with ice cold beer, bring meat (steak preferred) and rub my lower back, I'd really be happy.

I said let my inner man come out remember?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #43

This week's challenge is internal. Reflective.

I recognize the need for focus. In all areas of my life.

Focus helps keep me centered and on the track of doing what I do.

Daily I formulate a plan of action and get going.

I make movement toward it.

Whatever it may be.

Some days there is more action than other days but there is movement regardless.

Is there something you've been meaning to accomplish? Something you keep telling yourself you are going to do but haven't yet?

Is there something weighing on your mind you'd rather not have there?

Is there a transformation you'd like to make?

Change your thoughts. Make moves toward another outcome. Block out the noise and distractions. Put one foot in front of the other and watch it flow.

I challenge you to .

Peace and Love Peeps.

So Far

After work yesterday I had dinner with a friend, ran into a few more (seems to happen at my Cheers) and watched the football game.

The Cowboys won. By one point. It is still preseason but a win is a win.

Afterward I called it an early night, curled into bed with the kitties, and read. A great way to end the day.

This morning I woke up at the butt crack of dawn. No alarm needed. 5:30 AM. Hello.

I fought it. I rolled back over. Pulled the sheet over my head. Willed myself to fall back asleep.

My body was having no part of it. Time to rise and shine.

I made myself a pineapple, mango, peach yogurt with OJ smoothie. Yummy! Just for the record, these pictures were taken in July but what you're seeing is a total representation from this morning. I tend to not stray from the norm once I find a smoothie combo I like.

I've fed the kitties. I've thrown a load of laundry in. I watched a few DVR'ed shows.

Next up? I'm heading out for a walk on the boardwalk.

With cardio out of the way, I'll more than likely head to the gym to lift. I've been not so happy with my present level of physical fitness, or lack thereof I should say, so I'm stepping up my game.

If the babies were eating more I would be heading up to Mount Rainier for a hike with T and Snookums. I was supposed to be camping there this weekend but the babies come first.

Whatcha' got going on today? Anything exciting? Chilling? Talk to me. I am interested.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Fiwa's Friday Shuffle

Can y'all believe it is Friday already?

Friday has come to mean the music shuffle.

This week includes a mix, as any good shuffle should represent:

1. Hypnotized by Plies feat. Akon

2. Lost by Michael Buble

3. A View to A Kill by Duran Duran

4. Stand by My Woman by Lenny Kravitz

5. Because of Your Love by Kenny Chesney

6. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson

7. Our Song by Taylor Swift

8. Everybody Got Their Something by Nikka Costa

9. Work It by Nelly feat. Justin Timberlake

10. Unbelievable by EMF

One of the songs that popped up was I Would Die 4 U by Prince and the Revolution. When I couldn't find a proper you tube link, I replaced it.

How fitting it would be the song by Nikka Costa. Everybody, including Prince's choice to not let his videos be out there for the world to see, has their something.

Didya' play? Didya'?


Ace, I'm getting my payback from my comment to you last week. Country came up this week for me; not Brad Paisley but country nonetheless. Before you hate, I could have bypassed those now couldn't I?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Waving the White Flag

It is official. Finally. About freaking time.

Whatever choice of words you find fitting for the occasion.

I surrendered my Texas driver's license today.

My last tangible tie to Texas is gone.

*Poof* I am now an official resident of the state I live in.

I am certain this happened when I registered to vote years ago but now my license shows another state on it. It's odd for me to see this.

Why now considering I've been in this state for 8 years?

Yes peeps. 8 years.

Simple.

It will expire this year on my birthday.

So off I went today to make sure I would pass the tests and give myself enough time to study, get new contacts, and practice parallel parking if needed.

I arrived at the local Department of Licensing office; that is what they call it here. I'm used to hearing the DMV but hey, I'm not in the South anymore am I?

About 60 of my fellow residents were in da' house too. I get my little number, experience a small flashback to my Navy wife days, look around to find a seat, and plop myself down in a row of chairs against the window.

It was a dang good thing I grabbed my laptop on the way out of the office. My number was 160. 129 was being called. Uh huh. I immediately start praying the battery will last long enough. Thankfully, it did.

I thought I would have a loooooong wait ahead of me. In actuality it only took about 35 minutes.

35 minutes of which I used to finish a report I needed to by close of business today.

As a matter of fact when the numbers started to fly by, I silently thought to myself, "Slow down. I'm almost done with this file." Weird I know but this is how I roll.

160 is called. I grab my purse, briefcase, and step up to the counter. The DOL dude takes my stuff and is impressed I came prepared. Yea buddy, I researched this about a year ago and again two weeks ago. I've had 8 years to prepare too.

Here, take my TX license.

Here is my electric bill showing you my proof of residence.

Here's my social security card with my second grade signature for your research.

Yes, I am already a registered voter and please do put me down as an organ donor.

Do you really need to know my weight? Fine. I provided a somewhat accurate number. *snicker*

Oh now you want me to put my forehead against the machine and tell you what I see?

Ok, deep breath. You can do this Mo. Read the letters.

Um, y'all...the first two boxes I could see just fine. The third box? It was kind of fuzzy. I pulled back from the machine, squinted my eyes and was about to go for it again when he asked me to look at line A.

Line A is where you determine what colors the circles are (green, yellow, red).

Thank you, thank you, thank you DOL dude. I think you may have gone easy on me for the vision test and I appreciate it.

After I looked at some blinking lights and paid my $45.00, I took a seat and waited to be called up to get the dreaded picture taken.

The three people in front of me did not smile. All I could think was their pictures were going to come out looking like a mug shot.

Me? I'll take my chances and be the goofy girl with the big ole smile.

I step up, toed the line, and prepared for the camera.

I smiled pretty.

I smiled big.

I asked the guy how many people smile or don't and his reply was 50-50. He said mine came out very nice and if he were a law enforcement officer looking at my picture, he'd smile and let me go because I look so very happy in my shot.

Mmmmkay. What I look like is a laughing hyena. My eyes are squinty and my cheeks are puffed out from the cheesy smile.

Yea, that's me. Laughing all the way, bringing the party where ever I go, including the DMV/DOL, and being a little less than truthful about my current weight.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Thankfully

First, Happy Hump Day.

This week is flying by. There is a part of me appreciating this and another part SCREAMING, "Wait! I need it to be Monday again. There is so much to be done this week!!!"

I'd like to give a huge (or as T will say I say it - uge) shout out to Mother Nature for bringing the rain, wind, and cooler temps this way.

Last night was a slice of heaven on earth. This morning too.

I was butt tired and went to bed before 10:00 last night. Pick your jaws up y'all. I do go to bed early some days.

I left the window open and snoozed away.

The gentle sound of rain falling in the evergreen outside my window lulled me to sleep.

Love kitty? Only once. 1:14 AM. 3 meows, not even a howl, and she retreated to her spot on my office chair.

I woke up refreshed and ready to take on the day, which is a good thing as it is going to be an insanely busy one.

Sis and Mom, thanks for the visit in my slumber. I am not sure where we were going or coming but at least the flight was good and we were together. I'm not hating on the fact you found the perfect pair of slipper socks at the store. The Red Sox slippers playing take me out to the ballpark suit me just fine. (I know, WTF?) Welcome to the world of Bare Minerals makeup. Sorry I knocked it all over the Sephora look alike store.

Dreams can be freaky can't they? I just appreciate the visit from my Mom, being able to spend some time with her and my sister, even if it is only in my subconscious.

I hope things are good in your part of the world too.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Check Him Out

Most all of ya' know 'bout my boy Ace.

He's making *ahem* more of an effort to blog these days.

If you haven't stopped by to see him yet, please do.

Today's entry gives you a peek into his world and one of the many reasons I lurve him. He speaks as he writes.

I think you'll find him entertaining and I'm pretty sure he'll leave you wanting more.

Stop by and say howdy. He is here.

Peace and Love Peeps.

My Guilty Pleasure

My guilty pleasure returns to the airwaves this evening. Season 4

10:00 PM EST/PST

MTV

Anyone else gonna' be watching too?

Kitty Updates

Thanks for asking about my babies y'all.

Princess

Jasmine

All in all they are doing well and being as active as the heat will allow them to be.

You know from the last few posts Jasmine has been waking me up in the middle of the night. She has not done this in a very long time and boy howdy, I wish she'd stop. Soon.

Used to be she would jump on the step stool by the bed, come sit by me, howl, and paw me to heart's content. These days she sits on the floor between the bed and bookshelf, stares at me, yells, waits until I pick her up, put her on the bed, love on her, and then she proceeds to sit on the pillow above my head and let her yells fall directly in my ear. In the wee freaking hours of the morning.

She's back to losing weight. I hope it is simply because it has been too hot and not symptomatic of something else. Even with her appetite stimulant pill she is not eating that much.

The running joke, although it really is not funny, is she is anorexic and her sister Princess is bulimic.

Why would I say this? Princess too is losing weight. She'll eat and then go find somewhere to throw up very soon thereafter. It's not pleasant to watch and speaking of watching, I'm constantly on the lookout for the next "landmine".

Even with all that going on they are both relatively playful and active. Princess more so than Jasmine. And Princess has taken to her Superfly Snuka "I'm gonna kick your butt until you shut up" routine lately too.

And um yes, I encourage this because she is doing it out of love and she lays just enough smack down for Jasmine to know she should stop the incessant meowing.

If they don't start eating more and holding the food in upon the arrival of the cooler temps, guess who is going to go back to the vet's office for checkups?

If you're inclined to do so, will you put the vibes out there and say a kitty prayer this won't be needed? Please and thank you.

For now, lunch break is over and back to the Monday grind I go.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #42

For me, this week's challenge is a daunting one.

It seems easy enough. However, the thought of executing it leaves a lot to be desired in my mind.

I need to do it. I know I should do it. I simply don't want to.

But this is what a challenge is all about right?

From the school of thought for every new item you buy, you should remove an old one.

There is another line of thought if you haven't worn an article of clothing in six months, you don't need to keep it.

I don't know about you but I'm not the best at removing an item when a new one is purchased or cleaning out my closet for items not worn in six months or more.

Have you caught on to this week's challenge?

Lets go y'all. To our closets that is. It's time to clean 'em out.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Today

It is already smokin' hot up 'round here.

Good thing I'm taking to being near the water today.

Heading north for some time in the sun with friends and family by choice.

We'll be partaking in

I am sure the crab the boys catch in the pots won't be this big and Kayak Point isn't Deadliest Catch territory but I am pretty sure it's going to be tasty and a good time.

The races last night were a blast. More to come on that later. For now I need to go pack a bag, grab a cooler, and get my arse in gear.

I hope whatever you are doing today brings you a bit of joy.

To my fellow Washingtonians who are on fire in this little heat wave of ours, I hear it's going to break soon. Stay cool!

Peace and Love Peeps.

PSA: Project Playlist

If you hear or see something on my tunes that doesn't look quite right, I apologize.

I have no idea why some of the songs have changed. I didn't make the changes and when I go to the web page and look at my play list, what I previously selected is there but here on the blog, some are different.

I don't have the time to dig into this further so for now, please accept an apology and send the vibes out there it will right itself.

Tonight

Tonight we're gonna' brave the heat at the races and watch
How about you? What do you have planned? I hope something fun!

Peace and Love Peeps.

Fiwa's Friday Shuffle

I learned yesterday I am a week ahead on Fiwa's shuffle game.

It makes sense after I think about it. How could I be posting my "entry" for this Friday's game today? Uh yea duh Mo, there's your sign.

Anyway, this week I've decided to link the songs to you tube. I've included the actual music video if I was able to locate it. Otherwise, the song and someone's creation is linked for your viewing and auditory pleasure.

Enjoy!

1. A'int No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

2. Sweetest Thing by U2

3. Toes by Norah Jones

4. Clumsy by Fergie

5. Hell Wit Ya by Pink

6. Train Wreck by Sarah McLachlan

7. I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time by Mariah Carey

8. Better Together by Jack Johnson

9. Best of My Love by The Emotions

10. Cater 2 U by Destiny's Child

Didya' play? Didya'?

And is it just me but when you see or hear the song title for #7 does "me love you long time" enter your thoughts {cue Full Metal Jacket and 2 Live Crew}?

I totally just aged myself didn't I?

Peace and Love Peeps.

I'll Take Cheese with My Whine

I may have woken up with an attitude this morning.

This usually happens when I have insomnia and don't get more than a few hours of sleep.

Then the sleep I do get is interrupted by the love kitty wanting to give and get love. In the wee hours of the morning of which I am already fitfully sleeping.

Do y'all remember last month when I complained about my water delivery being early for the second month in a row? You can go here for a reminder if desired.

Imagine my reaction when I opened the door this morning and found a fresh bottle waiting for me.

My provided schedule said a service delivery would be on the 15th.

I thought I was ahead of the game putting the empties out this morning. When I saw the new bottle staring me straight in the face at 7:30 this morning I am certain you can imagine my reaction.

I was all set to call and get on this when something said check the website. Make sure the delivery is indeed for the 15th.

So I did just that. Lo and behold the schedule changed. I was supposed to get it yesterday.

So instead of being a day early, it was a day late.

I guess I am going to have to start checking the website at the beginning of each month to determine the schedule and plan accordingly.

If I wasn't attached to my water service I would up and cancel. Oh yes I would.

Simply put, I am annoyed. Please excuse me while I go get right with myself.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Am I Alone?

Most everyone I know is watching the Olympics.

I can't seem to sit still long enough to do so this year.

Don't get me wrong. I'm keeping an eye on the news. I'm paying attention to the medal count.

Yet I am not compelled to watch the athletes in action.

I prefer the summer games to the winter ones and yet, nothing.

Am I alone in this?

Are you watching the games? Are you blogging about them? Twitter is a flutter with updates too.

Maybe I truly am marching to the beat of my very own drum more so than not these days.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Girls Night Out

When: Saturday, August 2, 2008

Where: Seattle (Pier 57, Belltown, and Pioneer Square)

Why: Peeps in Town and really do we need a reason?

Who: Hope, Diane, Kyla, Maricel, and Mo

Before we go further, allow me to apologize for the poor quality of the pictures. It was dark and the drinks consumed added to on the fly snap shots.

Second, for those of you who do not like seafood let alone seafood pictures, there are some later on in the post. Consider yourself warned.

Third, this is gonna be a long one. Sit down and settle in for the story.

Fourth, if the spacing is off, I blame blogger and me still not making 100% nice.

Here is the crew for the night. I believe you know Kyla, Maricel, and me by now. The other two lovely ladies are some of my visiting friends from the Big D, Hope and Diane, in town for the night before heading out for an Alaskan cruise. The night, or rather I should say late afternoon, began by picking them up from the airport. I am sure they didn't like their delay but we appreciated the extra time. As is we were heading out for a night on the town earlier than we're accustomed to.

As they checked in and freshened up, we took to the bar.

Once Kyla spotted the Hangar One Raspberry vodka behind the bar, it was on. We mixed it with soda and of course added a lime. Can you say perfection? And who knew the raspberries they use in making the vodka are purchased from Washington state? We were keeping it local y'all and didn't even know it!

After round two we decided a couple orders of sexy fries were needed. Ours were from their hotel, the W in downtown Seattle.

If you ever have the chance to try these, do! Yummy doesn't even begin to do them justice.

After we finished another round of drinks and received a compliment from some random dude in the bar, we paid our bill and hailed a cab.

While we are on the subject of cabs, did you know you're not supposed to fit five passengers in a regular size cab, even if four fit comfortably in the back?

If you didn't, now you do. Let me just say we had a few run ins with some cabbies. Comical and frustrating; some details to follow if you continue to read.

Luckily we found a cabby willing to break the rules and headed down to the waterfront. One of the things Hope wanted was crab while she was in town. Crab she got. We tend to forget how fortunate we are to have quality seafood available to us anytime desired. She shared with us the meat from one of the claws was more meat than she has been able to get from Texas' version of a dungeness crab.

If I move away from here, I'm gonna miss meaty crab and sharing a round of oyster shooters with my girls for sure.

This is our usual menu selection, the Westport. It includes dungeness crab, snow crab, shrimp in the shell, steamed clams, pacific mussels, andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes in their jackets.

You can't eat food like that with utensils nor without a bib. These FTBs wear 'em well and manage to make them look good.

From here, we hit the streets to hail down another cab to take us to the first place of the night. While we were being turned down by one cab after another, a brave soul driving a pedicab offered to take us part of the way to Belltown. For free.

Now remember a cab won't take five peeps but this guy was willing. You might be asking yourself how did five of us fit in there? Hope jumped in the basket. Diane and I sat in the "cab" while Kyla and Maricel sat on our laps.

It might not have been the smartest of moves, especially considering the events to follow later in the week, but we made it safe and sound. Horn blaring. Laughs a plenty. And yes, we did pay him.

From there we hiked, and I mean hiked, up a couple flight of stairs and some Seattle hills. I brought up the rear and was the only one having trouble keeping up with the group. I swear I thought my heart was going to leap the eff out of my chest.

Navigating Seattle hills can be tricky but in heels and being out of shape, it is a whole 'other story in itself. Guess who will be upping their cardio?

Let me just say by the time we arrived at Tia Lou's I was done. Spent. Buzz gone. All I wanted to do was sit down and enjoy an ice cold water.

The rest of the crew got their drink on, which was all good. Maricel and Hope hit the dance floor after Hope lost a bet with the outdoors deck bartender. Kyla and Diane hung with me on the sidelines.

We decided to depart Tia Lou's as the music wasn't all that great. We stepped outside and should have gone to Amber but the line was long and I thought they would enjoy the music better at Twilight.

We attempted to hail down a cab. Promptly we were denied due to the party of 5. One cabbie stopped, we piled in, told him our destination and he went ballistic. Vein popping out the side of his head, urging us to get out of his cab, insisting he couldn't stop in the middle of a street to pick up a fare, and the place we wanted to go to was right down the street. So, in a word, get out!

Um buddy chill. I honestly thought at one point he was going to bow up on us. If needed, we can hold our own. And dude, we wanted Twilight, not Twist.

After hailing down some more cabs and being denied, we finally found a cabbie willing to take the five of us. We arrived at Twilight. Better music. Crowded. And hot as all get out.

A round of drinks and some dancing ensued. When the boys with the hideous cologne arrived in a group and took up residence near us, we jetted to Pioneer Square and hit up Trinity.

Finding a cab this go around was a bit easier but still it took until the third one willing to take us.

I promise not every club in Seattle starts with a T. We were just hitting up those spots this particular night.

Trinity was our final destination and fortunately we didn't have to fight our way in the crowds. We ended the night in their VIP section, chillin', watching the mass amount of people trying to shake their groove thing from the balcony.

Before we headed out, to find yet another cab, we encouraged Hope and Diane to partake in a local scooby snack. If you're not going to hit up Queen Anne for a scooby snack at Mecca, you have to partake in a hot dog slathered with onions and creme cheese outside the club.

Don't knock it until you try it. Maybe it's the booze. Maybe it's the simplicity of eating a hot hot dog straight from the grill in Pioneer Square after hours. Maybe it is the sharing of one with your friend. Whatever it is, there is something mighty delicious about an onion creme cheese dog that hits the spot.

Post scooby snacking, we hailed the final cab of the evening and headed back to their hotel. I'm so very proud of Hope and Diane for hanging as long as they did. It was dang near 4:30 AM their time when we dropped them off.

Good times y'all. Good times.

Peace and Love Peeps.