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!!