Never Gonna Be Alone (Nickelback)

There's a line from this song that instantly came to mind when I was just looking at my last blog post... from 13 months ago!!

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪

Time is going by

so much faster than I

and I'm starting to regret

not spending all of it with you

Time has gone by & I don't even know where to begin on updating this blog.

Let's see... Last March, I went to Disneyland with Joanna:
It had been a super long time since I'd been there last (at least 10 years). California Adventure was new to me. Several of the rides have been renovated/updated (CARS, Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, e.g.).

We had a good time, but let me tell you, my feet were SO tired & sore. I think they're finally getting back to 'normal'.


I participated in a fundraiser with some folks from my company for the Tukwila Food Bank.

This was my team - Steve, Aimee, Lise & me

Since the popularity of social network sites, I was able to reconnect with several folks from my past. In April, my old girl scout troop got together for a potluck / reunion. It's been roughly 20 years since seeing some of these girls & their mothers.

In May, I went Walking with the Dinosaurs at Key Arena. It was dark & my camera isn't the best. Much of my photos were blurry.

In May, I also participated in my annual fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Kinda sad that Trina wasn't there to walk with me (she's my MoD partner), but she was living in Las Vegas at the time.

I went on my first (& only) meetup group in June - a "hike" in Maple Valley. I say "hike" in quotations because it was more of a leisurely walk - on a paved/flat "trail". It was a very dog-friendly meetup group.

On July 4th, I trekked over to Eastern WA (Toppenish) for a mini-family reunion with my dad & sister. It was nice to see some family that I haven't seen since the last funeral (about 4 years ago)

In July, I Rode the Duck with Jeff, Michelle & Brett, his sister & niece. It's something I had wanted to try/do since the Duck fleet came to Seattle awhile back. It just looked fun. And it was. I really enjoyed myself.

The Link Light Rail project from near SeaTac airport to downtown Seattle was completed in July & I rode the inaugural weekend. Even got a sticker to prove it. I have been on it twice since then - both times was to get to downtown for a musical (Wicked & Sound of Music sing-a-long).

In July, I was also invited to go on a sailing/camping trip with Jaime & her family to Saddlebag Island. Even though I stayed for just one night, I REALLY enjoyed this trip (until I got stung by a bee). It was really cool to sail to our destination.

In August, Jeff & I attempted a hike up Mt. Si with Michelle. I had completed this hike back in 1993 with my high school's hiking club & I remember it being very difficult. I had forgotten, apperently, JUST how difficult it was. We got a bit up the mountain & decided not to continue (Michelle did go back up a week or so later & finished). On the way back down, I got bit twice by a horsefly or something with fangs. That sucker took a bite & would not let go. OUCH! I swore on that mountain that day.

For my sister's birthday, I took her out (for lunch & stuff) & she wanted to stop by our mom's gravesite. I don't find it necessary or rewarding to visit the cemetary, but I did bring my camera with me to take a few pictures from that day. Hope you're R'ingIP, Momma Lou.

September brought the 3rd annual Girls Night Out at the Melting Pot. A bit of a bummer that Airi wasn't able to make it, but Mickey joined us this time. Yay! I love my girls & my cheese!!

Jeff purchased his 16th car - a 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit. Stay tuned for his 17th. Not sure what or when, but inevitably, it's coming.

Jeff & I had talked about moving & if we did, that meant fixing up our home to get it ready for selling. Over Christmas break, we painted our tall wall, rearranged the living room furniture, repaired the bathroom wallpaper, hung up some picture frames & clock, finished painting the fireplace & hung up a rod in the closet in the den (a.k.a. office). After all this was completed, we kinda both thought, "I actually kinda like this... let's stay."

I've kinda been slacking on photos as of lately, but here's a rundown of other things that have been going on:

• Jeff received his layoff notice. After 10+ years of employment, April 23rd will be Jeff's last day with The Boeing Co.
• We are going to Maui for 10 days in July for my sister-in-law's wedding
• I bought a wii last spring & am now ready to sell it (yeah, that didn't last too long).
• I bought a laptop last November. I like it, but wish I had an actual mouse to use for navigation.
• Jeff & I finally caved (after many hours of research - primarily on his end) & bought smart phones. We gave up T-Mobile for Sprint. It just made sense for us financially, especially because we weren't sure when Jeff's job was going to end.
• Joanna & I had talked about going back to Disneyland. In fact, had we gone, we would be there right now. For financial reasons, we chose to stay home
• As of January 31st, I am no longer a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Community

2. Continued employment

3. Facebook

4. My slippers

5. Boyshorts

Reunited (Peaches & Herb)

February 2nd came & went & aside from being Superbowl Sunday, Kim was in town & we had a small gathering at our home before she left. Regardless of the reason, it's always fun to get together with friends & this time was no exception. This was the first time Tialen, Ann & Nicholas were over at the McCarthy home.

2009 marks the 15th year since I've been in high school. Since so many of us are now on social networking sites (i.e. MySpace & Facebook), a few of us thought it would be fun to catch up face-to-face. There was somewhere around 25 or so alumni that gathered at a local bar. But I want more.... So I am going to help plan another 15 year reunion that shall take place later this summer. It probably will be semi-comparable to our 10 year reunion.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Chili & Rice
2. Facebook
3. Sale-A-Brations
4. Thank You's!
5. FREE Starbucks coffee & hot cocoa

A Change Will Do You Good (Cheryl Crow)

Can I just say WAHOO?!?!!? I am SO incredibly super excited to have a new president living in the White House. I'm not much into politics, but I think this election had me paying more attention than I ever have in the past. I just hope that Obama can fulfill his many hopes & goals he campaigned about.

Last Monday, Martin Luther King Jr holiday, I spent the day with Kat. We had a great time. After driving around for what seemed an eternity, we finally settled on where to go for lunch - Greek food at Costas Opa. We both agreed that next time, we need to try the thing they light on fire (a few tables around us had it & it looked delish!).

After lunch, we went driving around some more, this time to Fred Meyer so I could find some slippers that Tubbs so lovingly destroyed. I had no luck in finding slippers, but I found a pair of sunglasses that I wish I hadn't bought.

The afternoon was still young & so after Fred Meyer, we drove out to Golden Gardens for about 10 minutes. It was a gorgeous day outside, but frikkin' freezin'. Kat snapped a few photos, but we were eager to get back into the car. Sorry Amish guitar player. We'll have to watch ya next time.

What better way to spend a cold afternoon than enjoying some ice cream? I had Salty Caramel ice cream while Kat enjoyed some Honey Lavendar. We definitely wanna go back & check out some of the other awesome flavours Molly Moon's had to offer.

Finally, it was time to call it a day. Kat dropped me off at my car in Factoria where I proceeded to attempt some last minute shopping on the way home (still wanted to find some slippers). Once again, no luck.

I did, however, stop at Joanna's on the way home (there was too much rush-hour traffic on the 167 & the backroads took me right by her place). I had two pieces of business to take care of with her - 1. drop off something she had ordered through me before Christmas & 2. plan our trip to DISNEYLAND!!

Today, I am thankful for:

1. Travel deals
2. Free popcorn
3. Lie to Me
4. Suze Orman
5. Love You Much Bundle

Bad (Michael Jackson)

I've been really bad lately about taking pictures... though some might disagree! This is the only picture I've taken in awhile!

Trina came up for a few days & we all got together for some yummy Chutney's brunch. I love me some tikka masala! And wherever there's bacon, you'll find Steve.

I hosted a game night this past Saturday, but for one reason or another, the majority of people who were invited didn't want to come. It ended up being a small crowd w/just 5 ladies. I, along with my friends who came, had a good time. Since we started around dinnertime, I suggested a potluck. I made Shepherd's Pie, Debbie brought a tasty (albeit garlicky) pasta dish, Aimee & Tracy brought some little breads & cucumber & cucumber dip (tastefully simple is always tasty!!) & Kathy brought a wonderful caesar salad, complete with my fave: avocado. We played Scattergories & Balderdash, of which, I rule! Maybe that's why others didn't want to come - they knew I'd kick their butts!

Sunday night, I babysat my train friend Amy's son, Derik. At 8 months old, he's still such a good baby. He likes to play with his noise-making toys, jump in his bouncy-toy & eat his sweet stars. Oh, and he really doesn't like being on his back (for a diaper change). I hope his diaper stayed on... it's a bit of a challenge diapering a baby from behind. Heh.

Today, I am thankful for:

1. No floods in our home
2. Store-bought grated carrots
3. American Idol starting up tomorrow
4. Haute Couture
5. People who want to buy my cards!

These Boots Are Made For Walking (Nancy Sinatra)

After our (not so) wonderful cold & snowy weather the past couple weeks, my co-worker decided (& I agreed!!) that it was time I picked up some winter-y boots. This is what I got. Sorta. Mine are black/stone color. It's a Sorel Carabou boot, rated to -40°. My friend says this is what they wear in AK. They oughta keep my piggies nice & toasty (& dry!) next time there's any snowfall in these parts.

Summer (Alien Ant Farm)

I am SO ready for summer to be here. For about a week prior to Christmas, I was staying at my dad's house. I figured it would be easier getting to work if I walked to the bus stop vs. driving down a potentially icy road. It just kinda sucked not being in my own home (sleeping in my own bed, using my own bathroom, etc). But, on the other hand, it was quite nice to have my dad there, making me breakfast (waffles & bacon) & dinner (pork chops & potatoes, fried rice) everyday.

Work was only closed for half a day (on the first day of snow), but nobody from my dept came in that day. We didn't want to risk the treacherous roads. Really, do you blame us?

Christmas was to be a low-key day. There was minimal gift giving - I gave Jeff pajama pants & an ornament - two things I give every year. His mom couldn't not give us anything & so from Cost Plus/World Market, she gave us some guacamole stuff (just add avocado), chocolate/peanut butter covered pretzels, soup mix, a beer for Jeff & some shower stuff for me, an Amazon.com gift certificate & tix to a M's game next year.

I bought my own Christmas gifts this year - two sweaters & a pair of black corduroy pants from Eddie Bauer - all on sale, of course. I also picked up a pair of (snow) boots from Nordstroms, albeit a little bit too late for the snow we just had. Oh well, they ought to last me quite some time & I'm sure this isn't the last of the snow in W. Wa.

Next year, we're trying to figure out a way to go to Hawaii for the holidays. Originally, I wanted to go for Christmas (while Jeff already had the days off work), but that may not happen now because his mom can't get the time off her work. Bah!

I'm really looking forward to some new shows starting up again in January - Biggest Loser, American Idol & then Survivor in February. Three of my favorite shows.


Today, I am thankful for:

1. no snow in the forecast
2. 2008 is almost over
3. fried rice recipes
4. installed camera software
5. 4 wheel drive

Merry Christmas!!

All For You (Sister Hazel)

I'm not quite sure what I did to deserve this, but I'm SO VERY THANKFUL that the light was on & that I looked at my slippers before putting them on when I got home tonight. Thanks, Tubbs. I love you, too.

Friday, I was driving along & flipping through the radio stations & came across 106.9 playing their Christmas music already. The DJ guy came on & said they had been playing since 3pm. Sheesh! It's not even Thanksgiving! What's next year going to bring? Christmas music from Halloween forward (I hear the Christian station was playing Christmas music on Halloween night [only] for a more "positive" sound).

Saturday, I hosted my annual Stamp-a-Stack. Lots of folks making lots of Christmas cards. The Christmas Music station came in handy to get folks in the mood. Bonnie even broke out in song. It was awesome! Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do for my Christmas cards. Ugh!

Oh, but one cool thing I did was catalog all my old/retired stamp sets. I now have a binder full (well, not full, but you know...) of all my stamps. I can page through and say, I want to make a card with a flower & then go through & find all my flower stamps. Awesome. Organization is cool.

Sunday was a lazy day, really. Randy came over & the boys watched the Seahawks lose. Big surprise there. But first, we got lunch from good ol' Taco Bell. And, then I had to go back to TB & give them a piece of my mind after they shorted us nearly half our order. Seriously, I realize that counting to 12 requires more than 2 hands, but take your shoes off & count w/your toes if you have to. Cripes. And yes, I also realize that I may have ate some other bodily fluids while enjoying my 7-layer burrito, but it was worth the rant at that restaurant. Go, Jen go.

Sunday night, Kat & I (et al.) spent a couple o' hours at the Supermall for their Night of Giving. Most stores offered some kind of sale - 10 - 30% off, BOGOs, etc. I'd say the best deal I got was a pair of tennis shoes from Naturalizer that were originally $69 that I paid $18 & change for. Score one for me.


Today, I am thankful for:

1. Time off work
2. Games
3. Food Savers
4. Health
5. Disposable slippers.

I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)

I'm kinda sad about it, but my 5 day weekend is quickly coming to an end. I had a busy weekend, for sure. I think that's why it seemed to go by so quick.

My long weekend started on Thursday night when I met up with Kat, Aimee, Desiree & Tracy for Girls Night Out at the Melting Pot. For only $24 per person, we enjoyed some mighty tasty cheese fondue, salad & chocolate fondue. Yes, I was just there, but oh, it was SO worth it to go back!

Friday was busy day full of errands to the dentist (no cavities, but I got a cool little [I mean little] toothbrush), the hairstylist (just a trim, kids) & the doctor (to get a couple [yes, two!!] inhalers.

Saturday morning was a blur. Saturday evening, I met up with Kat in Factoria (where I purchased my long-awaited Food Saver) & we went to my holiday dinner at Salty's. Some of our holiday parties have been boring or the entertainment was no good. Not this time, though; I had a blast! There was an incredible buffet, a live band, a game of limbo. Oh and lets not forget about the wonderful prizes, of which I didn't win (boo).

Sunday night, Jeff & I met up with my friend Jen to watch another co-worker in her first Improv performance. It was her 201 class just doing a bunch of games. Some were better than others, but ALL were better than I'd ever be. After the 201 class performed, the 301 class performed a bunch of games. Afterwards, Jeff & I headed to one of our favorite northend places for some Happy Hour dinner. Yum.

The only thing planned for Monday was to see Jason Mraz at the Paramount Theatre. I didn't realize this, but I only know two JM songs - You & I Both (which was performed MUCH slower than I was accustomed) & I'm Yours (one of 5 songs he did as part of his encore). It was a pretty good show, even though I didn't know most of his music. The best part had to be when two girls stood up & were dancing to some song & an usher came & told them to sit down. Many people (myself included) clapped when they finally did sit.

Tuesday was reserved for stamping & I wanted to do a little cooking. I finished prepping for my Christmas card stamp-a-stack scheduled for this upcoming weekend & I made 4 cards that I sold to a co-worker. I have to admit, it took a little bit longer than I had anticipated. I only had time to cook one thing today - a Rachael Ray version of Shepherd's Pie recipe, w/a couple of adjustments based on some of the reviews. It was FAN-TAS-TIC! Definitely going in my recipe box for future dinners.

Happy (Sister Hazel)

This was me doing the HAPPY DANCE tonight as Barack Obama was announced as the President-Elect:

Yeee!!

The Gift (Jim Brickman)

Last week, I get an email from Jeff that said my gift has just arrived. When I got home from work, I didn't see anything unusual laying around. So, I asked him (in between his calls) if my "gift" was from one of the kitties. He says no. Thank goodness. The last thing I wanted to do was clean up some puke piles.

So, after he was done working, he leads me down into the dining room where my new KitchenAid stand mixer was. Yeee!!! I've been wanting one of these for a long time, if for no other reason, they just look cool. And now, I have to figure out what I'm going to do with it (I don't bake, I cook).

Do you have any suggestions? Please, let me know.

Home (Daughtry)

Yesterday, I was up in the Northend and, on my way home, thought I'd stop at the hospital to see how my dad was doing. He was to have been discharged from the hospital today. As I walked up to his room, that wasn't my dad in the bed. Thank goodness, I didn't go all the way into the room before I realized that it wasn't him.

The gal at the nurse's station said he was discharged earlier in the afternoon. So, I went to my dad's house & sure enough, he was there. He was quite a bit more coherent than the first time I saw him (the day after his surgery). He was still moving around like he was in pain, saying he was only going to be traveling from his bedroom to the bathroom to the living room chair & that it hurt to spend much time on his feet.

He said that the surgeons had to move his diaphragm & so now he is constantly hiccuping. While, physically, he may have been in pain, vocally, he didn't show any signs as he went on & on about the life my sister has chosen for herself.

Today, I brought him a lasagna to Food Save & freeze for future eats as he's not able to eat much right now. He was up on his feet for a good 15 minutes (at least) while we took care of the lasagna.

I think he's well on his way to a good recovery.

Doctor Doctor (Thompson Twins)

Yesterday, my dad had bypass surgery & an aneurysm repaired. Today, after work, my sister & I went up to the hospital to see how he was doing.

We only got to spend maybe 10 minutes with him because about 2 minutes after we got there, the nurse came in & gave him a shot to put him to sleep. He conked out relatively quick after the shot.

The surgery went well, but my dad said it wasn't as expected. I don't know if he meant that something happened in the surgery itself or if the healing process is different than what he expected. He wasn't 100% coherent, so it was hard to hold a real conversation. But he kept saying that he was either really, really hot or really, really cold & he appeared to be in pain & the only pain meds he was being given (I think) was an epidural.

But, here's Dad giving his thumbs up that he survived the surgery. There's still a LOT of recoverin' left to do.

Finally Found (The Honeyz)

A couple weeks ago, we replaced Jeff's wedding band with a new titanium band, with the thought of as soon as we replace it, the old one will show up again. Guess what showed up again? The ring.

So, which ring is he wearing now? He isn't.

Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash)

Last night, Amy, Derik, Aimee, Nicole & I went to Auburn's 4th annual S'mores Than You Imagine event held at Game Farm Park. There was S'mores (of course), Starbucks provided some warm beverages (coffee, cider & hot chocolate), face painting, a bon fire & ghost stories.

It was kinda a neat family event (read LOTS of kids running around). The night was perfect - no rain, full moon & thank goodness I had that blanket in my car to put on the metal bench.

Though, we didn't stay for the whole thing, I would go back next year (as long as it wasn't raining). I'd be sure to wear much warmer socks, too. Oh, and I'd get in line as soon as the Starbucks arrived. Good times!

Ring Around the Rosie (Various)

Jeff lost his ring sometime around the time we went camping back in August. We've looked just about everywhere for the darn thing & couldn't find it. So.... Last Saturday, we went back to the Shane Co. & bought a new ring for him.

The original ring was a simple white gold band. To get the same ring was going to be upwards of $500.

After trying on several titanium & tungsten rings, Jeff opted for the $70 titanium ring.

If he loses this one, we're not out a super-huge ton of moulah.

What's Going On (Marvin Gaye)

Man, it's been F-O-R-E-V-E-R since I've posted anything. I've been such a slacker! Or, maybe not a whole heckuva lot has been going on since I last wrote in my blog.

I did a vendor fair a couple weeks ago. I got a couple leads on that for stamp camps & made two sales. Yee!! Doesn't sound like much, but these vendor fairs typically aren't very successful anyways.

We did our annual Girls Night Out at the Melting Pot. Tasty as always & this time, there were 8 girls instead of last year's 6. Yee!! I only wish Amy & Kim could have been there. Next year, girls. Next year.

I'm getting over some sort of sinus deal. Not sure if it's an infection or what, but I'm glad it's nearly over. Unfortunately, because of it, I spent much of last weekend doing a whole lot of nothing, but fortunately, because of it, I got to spend much of the weekend doing a whole lot of nothing (read catching up on shows).

So, after chatting with Airi last Friday at our Goodbye Trina dinner, I realize that I watch FAR too much television. I'm just not entirely sure which shows to stop watching just yet. It's still early in the season and, well I'm a couch potato apparently.

This morning, the bank across the street from my work was robbed & a suspicious backpack was left behind. We had to evacuate my side of the building for about 25 minutes while the investigators were investigating.

Jeff's sister & her boyfriend purchased their first home down in P-town. We were invited for a bbq this past Sunday. It's a quaint (read TINY) little place, but it's so stinking cute! It's perfect for a pre-kid, first home. I gotta say though... DON'T TAKE DOWN THE RHODIES!!


Today, I am thankful for:
1. www.allrecipes.com
2. neti-pot
3. fast acting tylenol
4. in-home laundry facilities
5. HOT water

Somebody's Eyes (Karla Bonoff)

For the past several months, I've been a loyal lurker on Matt Logelin's blog & today, he just announced the launch of his online store, Garden of Awesome.

I encourage you to visit Matt's blog, read up on what an amazing father he is, then go buy as much cool stuff as you can to help support him and his beautiful baby, Madeline. You, too, can be a stranger friend.

Warning: You'll need lots of time & lots of tissues if you're going to read his blog (especially from the beginning) but it's worth every tear you shed.

You Can Run But You Can't Hide (Triple Image)

Tubbs & Shiggy aren't very good at playing Hide & Go Seek.
I found both of them & took their pictures.

After the Rain (Nelson)

Here's the before & the after of the house where the tree was struck by lightning.
It had to come down.

Now the house is... Bare. Exposed.

So weird to finally see this house after 5 years of living here.