Almost Happily Ever After

This morning was interesting.
As I was coffee deprived, I sat and tried to zone out the "Curves" conversation of cohabiting before you are married. Again, I was trying to zone out but when you get words like, not married...four years......and something about free milk, my eyes and ears started to follow the direction of conversation.

As they looked down on this couple who was cohabiting, and not wanting to marry I couldn't help but make it about me. I wanted to yell...Um...hi, I'm that person! I felt like they were telling my story. Yeah so I'm a little hungry for marriage. I'm a little hungry for lots of things and that topic is one of them. But it doesn't make it wrong or anything that should be frowned upon.

Oh but they continued....... about how it is just a "different era, and why would someone stay with a person, live with them, share their life if they have clearly stated they will never marry that person. In my day, you courted, married and then lived together." Yeah, well.....

My era things have changed!

We live in a world where women are successful, work their ass off, support their family and make time to cook, clean, taxi and socialize which gives new name to "House Wife."

We live in a world where two people (even of the same sex), live in a partnership, share life together and expenses. Even have children.

We live in a world where people spend the rest of their lives utterly alone due to early life decisions.

We live in a world where men and women stay in marriages for the children. When a part of them has been chipped away and when they look in the mirror, they don't recognize the reflection.

We live in a world where MARRIAGE is viewed as good and bad.
If you asked me: I would have to say...I'm 100% scared and 100% believer in marriage. How do you like them apples...eh!

So what if this couple that these ladies were talking about was still uncertain about their future? Wouldn't we say they were doing the responsible thing by "testing" the waters before they take the plunge? What if the guy in this relationship is apprehensive of marriage because he was hurt or had a bad experience? What if the girl doesn't feel he is the right one, but they still care about each other so they stay in the relationship, because it really is pretty good, they have a lot of fun together and it just works for the time being, even though there is no plan to marry.

I don't believe in Happily ever after...I do believe in Almost happily ever after which is pretty damn good. As humans we make mistakes, say things out of emotion, chemicals and hormones infest our bodies that cause us to do things, make decisions, and react in unexplainable ways. Almost happily ever after leaves room for those variables. Things are not perfect! Life is not fair! And it is all what you make of it. If for some reason you feel that the predicament you have gotten your self into is not working....then re-evaluate (favorite thing to do) and decide. Decide if what you are doing in your life, whether it is a relationship, job, responsibility or friendship, is the right thing and if it is making you happy. Because Happily Ever After is never going to happen. You decide your own fate and destiny in this world. You have that control. You can not wait for someone else to do it for you.

So...back to that "living in Sin, never marring", cohabited couple of urban Seattle, you don't know what the situation is. And before making judgement, maybe re-evaluate! There are two sides to every story and perhaps they are happy in their Almost Happily Ever After life.

My message for the day...

"Suffering produces enduracne, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts throuh the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5.

Marcus Visits and Raul turns 32, two months of memories!

October 25th was Raul's 32nd birthday. I got the troops together and we went to a Brazilian Grill called Ipenema. It was sooooo goood!!!! Meat on a stick, how can you go wrong.


I was such the fat kid and couldn't stop eating!

Hope you had a great B-day Raul!

Mid August, my brother Marcus came to visit Seattle. It was so nice to have him up here. He was lots of fun and helped us out tramendously! Thanks Marcus.

We took a Ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island, it was a beautiful sunny day. We ate lunch over at a small bar and grill on the water and walked around the marina and picked out a few boats that we wanted to buy...in our dreams. I think there was a paddle boat docked that was more our price range.

He was amazed with how big the city was and the greenery.

As if I had any hope anyway

The pressure of school and work may take a toll on some, however, I embrace it...and some days I just get through it.

Here is a typical day for me (Which can be very entertaining):
5 am: Alarm....wakes me up with the most annoying buzzing I've ever heard, so what do I do...I slap it in the face and nine minutes later it screams at me again.
5:20: "Alright alarm! I'm up."

Dressed, teeth clean, some sort of breakfast in a bowl a cup of tea and I'm out the door by 5:40. I only have about five or so minutes of mirror time which usually consists of a pony and some sort of head band to hide the crazy morning bangs. The makeup travels with me to work, sometimes it makes an appearance and sometimes (like this morning) doesn't have a chance with my face. Which is too bad, I like makeup.

At Work (Job 1), "Its great to be at Curves!" I listen to all the women. Its pretty interesting hearing stories and complaints. Most these women are the intelligent-stepford-wives type with careers and hobbies and overpower their husband's intelligent. They have me realize that we don't need men around. Women could rule the world, but because of that little necessity of a swimmer to procreate we need you men around. Feministic? Maybe...

Once the sun has come up and my coffee or tea has kicked in (which is an exuberant feeling), I'm off to my next adventure. Here is where it gets fun....and ya'll can sit back and say, "What the hell are you doing Audra?"

Obviously depending on the day of the week, but I either hop my little butt off to Home health care(Job 2), personal training (Job 3), or school! My home health care has been an interesting experience. I basically act as a house cleaner. We joke at our house saying, "How was cleaning?" I seriously clean this man's house for a whopping $12 an hour. NOT a bad deal huh?! I look at it this way, I need the hours for nursing school. Which doesn't really make sense does it? How does house cleaning relate to nursing?

Not sure but, It is what it is. What a great sentence by the way. I believe it is now the most over used sentence for 2009!...But, it is what it is right?!

After scrubbing stoves and floors, or taking my client through a workout, or listening to my psychology teacher...who I will get back to in a minute, lecture on the how we view the world, I drive "In SeAtTlE TRAFFIC" to coach at UW. I'm a volunteer coach for them now and I'm working closely with the multi events....God love 'em!

Oh but wait....it is still going.....now again, depending on the day of the week my evening is devoted to either Physiology class with a lab or Volleyball. Um...can anyone say, crazy? I'll say it: CRRRRRRRRRAZY!

But yet again, It is what it is. I know I'm doing these things for a reason. When I am old I can tell the children, "When I was going to school, I worked four jobs, walked barefoot in the "rain."

When I get home anywhere between 7:30-11 pm, I start making dinner. I try at least.
Well that's it in a nutshell. So where do I find time to study, blog, check my email, facebook a bit, and workout? Not really sure, it just happens. I seem to get it all done.


With these long days and nights, I do a lot of people watching and have many pensive moments. However I don't write much about it bc I'd rather sleep and eat. It is that whole survival thing that takes over. But I can't help but bring up the topic of ADULTHOOD.

To add insult to injury, my instructor for Life Span Psychology told us, Development in Adulthood is so subjective and not canalized, that is why psychologist do not like to study adult development and like to observe the predictable child.

As a child, we do things so systematically. By four months we are beginning to seek attention through promoting our caregiver, by 18 months we are aware of our surrounding and begging to seek proximity in our caregiver that has become our main source of where we receive our food and comfort. In the preschool stages we develop attachment, Freud comes into play here...which will lead to another interesting post that may strike some of you. But I love it. Freudian's are very few and far between but bring up pretty interesting points!

So basically what I'm saying is, as a child we are predictable...this is accepted world wide. We develop language in the same sequence whether we live in Japan or Chile. It has been inscribed in our DNA, through adaptive characteristics. We've got it made as a child. We are cared for, pampered, nurtured, and supported. And then one day, Society decides..."That's enough! You are on your own now! What ever you do has a consequence and it is up to you to decipher right from wrong." If not, you break the social norm....bad, bad, bad.

Holy Shit...does that mean I have to provide for myself? Does that mean I have to work four different jobs in order to survive? Does that mean I have to get a job that in one of the most competitive fields? This sucks!

Society says, "Hey, it is what it is!"

Here is where it completely depletes my hope. Our teacher starts out with, "ADULTHOOD IS MESSY!" Ya think? Adults are so unpredictable and that is why studies have been done about marriage and that so many couple's have one year of happiness and after that it becomes a complete struggle.

What??? So you mean all the love stories and couples that portray a life of sweet bliss in the movies don't model the real love stories and couples? NOPE! 70% or something insane like that result in couple's not making it after the 7th year. Hmmm...so that sucks. Erickson, your intimacy vs isolation was a great idea...thanks a lot.

Now the great thing about this is that you control your own fate and your own destiny. I had a friend just celebrate her 9th year of marriage. So I do believe that the potential of a successful marriage is possible however statistics are an underlining of great ammunition. And also, this is all based on studies for certain groups. Because adults are not as canalized there is so much variation and subjectivity that leaves possibilities for anything to happen. ANYTHING!

So thanks BOB for the great introduction to Adulthood, as if I was gonna have a chance anyway.

Margo...I love you!

Since I’m going home in two weeks, I wanted to borrow Margo’s sick of studying-take it back a few years-hs memories! This is for you little Margo:

1. DID YOU DATE SOMEONE FROM YOUR SCHOOL? Yes...Cleve!
2. WHAT KIND OF CAR DID YOU DRIVE? Hot pink and blue Geo Tracker.
3. DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST YOUR FIRST TRY? Yes but I didn’t get my license until I was a Junior (August baby!).
4. WERE YOU A PARTY ANIMAL? Not really…that came in college…hahaha
5. WERE YOU CONSIDERED A FLIRT? Yep…oh well.6. WERE YOU IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, OR CHOIR? Nope, that was just not the “cool” thing to do, hey Margo, didn’t Brock play Trupet?!
7. WERE YOU A NERD? A cool nerd with Margo, remember physics and chemistry?
8. WERE YOU ON ANY VARSITY TEAMS? Volleyball, Track, and basketball…State Champs, 2002 for Track and Bball!
9. DID YOU EVER GET SUSPENDED/EXPELLED? No, but I did get a detention for wearing a sleeveless dress…I’m such a rebel!11. WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS? SQUIRES.
12. WHERE DID YOU SIT FOR LUNCH? Freshman year: Jennifer Brown’s and Luke’s (El Charro) and Mini Market! Rest of the years went home….Thanks Mom!
13. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S FULL NAME? Pima High School...
14. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S MASCOT AND COLORS? Roughriders...blue and gold.
16. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN WOULD YOU? Naaa, but it was fun.
17. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT GRADUATION? Right before we walked, I looked at Denise and we both had a tear moment. Oh and Jared Thatcher and Jacob Bryce sprayed silly string everywhere.
18. WHERE DID YOU GO SENIOR SKIP DAY? Not sure, can’t remember! Margo? Help?
19. WERE YOU IN ANY CLUBS? Advisory council and I played Club Volleyball (if that counts)20. HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT SINCE THEN? I think I got taller? My guns are bigger….haaahaaa!
21. WHO WAS YOUR PROM DATE? F: Waylon Smith, S: Brock Brown J & S: Cleve. However I wanted to go with Jacob Bryce that year…but he wouldn’t ask me…I was pretty bummed out, so I had to ask Cleve. LAME!
22. ARE YOU PLANNING ON GOING TO YOUR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION? Yes, can’t wait to see what Margo has planned.
23. DID YOU HAVE A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL? DQ baby
24. WERE YOU AN HONOR STUDENT? No
25. DID YOU TAKE SEMINARY? Um no, but I did get treats from friends who had to bring them for seminary. Margo’s lemon squares…yum.
26. WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR MOST FUN TIME? Winning State in Basketball and driving home from a football game in Duncan in Margo’s mustang….I’m sworn to secrecy for the rest of the story.
27. WERE YOU CONSIDERED SHY OR OUTGOING? LOUD

Protection from the back

I just want a little protection, is that so much to ask? Yes, I'm talking to you, toilet seat protector! Why can't you just stay on the seat? Why can't you stay in one piece when I try to detach the middle. Instead you fall into the still water and ruin your one soul purpose in this world, that is to protect me. Why do you rip in half when I try to open you? I wish you and I could cooperate toilet seat cover. If it is my fault I will work on being more sensitive. But I need some help on yourside. Just stay on the seat, just stay in once piece, just give me some protection from the back.

Until we meet again....

Dawg Dash

Sunday, I ran in the Dawg Dash at the University of Washington. I ran with the head coach's wife Kristin. It was a 5k and I ran 24:28 averaged 7:53 per mile, got 149/1040 particpants. Finished 7th out of my age group M/F, 25/641 females. I'm really proud of myself for running that fast (usually I run about 9:30 min miles).

I have had lots of visitors: Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Sara. If I can, I will post some pictures of them.

What We Should do for Ourselves!

I have a few minutes before I need to buckle down and study, just letting you all know it is 6:30 am. I wanted to throw a curve ball to y'all. I'm sure lots of you do so many things for others and by the days end you have done two things for yourself, put a bra on and brushed your teeth. Especially you mom's out there or the working girl who is attending college for the fourth time in hopes and determination to recreate her career identity....I think that every woman should do a few things for herself. Mini self indulgences, quiet time, bubble bath, or small gifts are simple yet meaningful pats on the back for simply being you and acknowledging all your hard work. I love flowers and I don't think I should depend on my boyfriend to get me flowers. He is very sweet and showers me with other special gifts like a rock'n pair of Nike's with the super awesome Nike Plus! So back to the flowers...I was looking at them this morning (the purple and gold ones I got at the Market a few days ago) and I couldn't help but feel a certain happiness. That was it, just a small gift but it gave me such joy this morning.

So my advice to anyone who feels overwhelmed and can't remember the last time you took a T.O. for yourself, take a moment and decide what will bring you joy for you. Give yourself a small gift. You have to take the time for yourself in order to get a better grasp of what you want and need to all work in this thing we call life.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Two things: Fall and Dreams

See it, Smell it, Taste it....yep, That's Fall!
Oh crap! Goodbye sunshine, warm earth, dry grass, tanks and flops..."Hellooooo" sweaters, scarfs, mittens, jeans, boots and more boots, wet roads, chilly nights, and cold noses. FALL is back! Don't get me wrong, it is such a beautiful time of year followed by a long grey streak that prevents vitamin D from settling into your bones causing a ridiculous amount of coffee consumption. I anticipate that I will fall into this category again this fall/winter and I'm willing to accept that. Last year we moved here around this time. We left sunshine and sweetness to live in a mysterious grey yet hopeful climate and I thought I wasn't going to make it. Poor Raul had to deal with my craziness and irrational behavior almost to the point where depression was setting in. I wouldn't get out of bed, I wouldn't get dressed. I would bundle up, drink a POT of coffee and hunt for employment while Raul went to work. I'm sure Raul including my dogs pray that I will not be that way again.

Don't worry guys, I've got my shit together, finally, and I'm way too busy to let depression or grey set in. I promise!

With Fall comes Fall Quarter. I am surrounded by 18 year old young bucks! It is so interesting how their world is viewed in comparison to someone who has somewhat of a life experience, a degree, and the lack of financial support from mommy and daddy....I'm more envious then judgemental. I just think to myself...."Self, why did it take you so long to get your shit together to decide to go to Nursing school?! If you would have taken some of these classes a little more seriously like pulling something higher than a C in Psychology, you wouldn't have to re-take this motha!" (Sigh)

Lets get to that dream shall we?!

This morning I had a very uncomfortable dream. I was in this setting of a home, not really sure if I was at my parents or mine and I was reuniting with loved ones and as usual I wasn't going to be able to stay very long so I was in a sense saying goodbye. Well...all of a sudden I see a red book (which some people will totally get) and a date of August 9th and once I saw that date I realized that I had died and I was in the present as a ghost saying goodbye. Once I realized this an instantaneous rush of panic set in, my superficial heart started beating harder and I began screaming to my mom, "I don't want to be put into the ground, I don't want to be buried!" Pleading for my "spiritual" life to not begin to my mother was unbearable to the point that I woke up one minute before my alarm clock went off......WTF!

How great will it be when you can say....I was there!

Oh yeah, I was there and it was crazy!

For those of you who don't follow college football and just watch the last 4 minutes like my mother, you would have caught one of the greatest upsets in UW history. Going from an 0-12 team to a team of hope and enthusiasm has made it fun to be a Husky. All around Seattle, you can hear people say, "The Huskies are back!" Its a pretty exciting time and even though I am an Idaho State Bengal for life, I feel that I've got a little husky in me by default. Thanks Raul!


As Huskies, our rainy morning started off in West Seattle at the season open Cross Country race where we stood in the woods watching the 2008 national cross country championship women's team dominate the wetlands of Seattle. As we cheered in wet clothes and soaked Fuggs, we couldn't help but anticipate a potential ugly showing of USC and the Dawgs. After, what looked like a cattle shoot in the Dodge Circuit finals rodeo, we watched the the runners including Emry slip and slide down across the finish line in the least graceful way possible. Then it was off to the football game.

As the Dawgs stormed out of the tunnel and Planes soared and roared over Husky Stadium our hearts pumped with excitement and adrenaline...and optimism. And just like that...the Trojans made an effortless drive to score the first touch down and just like that... our excitement went from being like Leo on the bow of the Titanic cheering "I'm the King of the world" to "This might hurt a little."

But then........(drum roll please) the Huskies answered and caused fumbles and never let USC get passed a third down conversion. When the score was 10-10 at the start of the second half the entire stadium was on their feet with HOPE and Hollers! With high fives all around every opportunity possible we watched the University of Washington, this 0-12 "Back Row" schmuck team beat the number three team in the Nation. Once the field goal was kicked and the clock ran down, I looked over to see Raul (who jumped around like a monkey the entire game) teary eyed as the mass of purple covered the field like grape jam on toast.

It was a great moment to witness. Great job to the Dawgs, and like the Crazy UW Sprite Fan said, "How great will it be when you can say, I was there," really means something now!

Keeping up with the Jones's

Happy Friday everyone. Ready for a great weekend??? I am. I crave that Saturday morning "sleep in" time. Every morning when I wake up around five I think..."Ah, Saturday will be here soon and then your slumber will not be interrupted by the obnoxious alarm clock that if you let it keep ringing will scream louder and louder until you slap the snooze only to have a repeat 9 minutes later.

Our weekend is going to be jam packed. Raul's college buddies are coming to visit, I'm finishing my clinical hours this weekend and we are going to go watch the "hopeful" Huskies play the big boys of USC. My dad said, "Pray that no one gets hurt...USC has some big tough athletes." We also will be going to the XCountry meet b/f the game and I'm planning a 10 mile morning run . I'm not sure where my "sleep in" time is going to come into play. Hmmmm.....

Raul's family visited over Labor day weekend. We had a blast. We saw Wicked, watched the football game, BBQ'd, and played with Hendrix. Hope they can come back real soon.

Things are pretty exciting around the Smith/Sheen house: Raul is approaching fall track practice and school starting and I am getting geared up for fall quarter at SCC(only two classes left of pre-reqs for nursing) and finishing up my CNA. Wilson and Sugar have been keeping busy too....just wish they would do more chores around the house.

When we get busy our house and laundry suffer. The laundry monster is asleep on a bench near my dresser and he will stay silent if you continue to feed him clothes. Lately he has been craving socks and sports bras. He just keeps growing.

My mom, dad, and grandma will be visiting the second weekend in October....super busy. Anyway, just wanted to give you an update. Have a great weekend and enjoy your sleep!

I Have Nothing To Wear

I’m a thrift store junkie. I get my highs from searching frantically from rack to rack with one goal in mind: Finding the “Perfect Basic.” I am fortunate in Seattle to have accessibility right at my fingertips.

Trends and different styles swarm the streets of Seattle and there are days when I look in my closet and say the infamous line, “I have nothing to wear.” Well, actually, ya you do, but it might be old or not fitting that well this month, or not appropriate for the occasion. For example, a see-through top that makes your boobs look like two big valleys and that super cute skirt that you still want to wear one day but you didn’t shave, you don’t feel like doing the cover the front and the back move if you drop your keys. You keep skimming and as you flip through you say, “no, no, no, oh God NO, no, too hot, too cold, is this even mine?, nope, there’s that see-through top again!”

I go through this a lot. Ladies, I have a solution. It is called “Back to Basics” not to get confused with the Food Network TV show, Barefoot Contessa…Back to Basics (Which I love). If you have these simple things in your closet then you should be able to go to when ever you need and the “I have nothing to wear” cry won’t happen as often.

Jeans and Pants:
Dress pants: 1 pair of khaki, black slacks, and perhaps a dressy Capri or gaucho.
Jeans: 2-3 pairs of jeans make sure that one of them can be dressed up or dressed down.
Skinny jeans
Suit…to land that job to pay for all this stuff.
Shirts and Tops:
Long sleeved T’s in basic colors: white, black, gray, cream or brown.
A classic fitted white t-shirt, that is fitted and sophisticated.
Sweater and a cardigan in a basic neutral color.
A fun going out top that makes you feel sexy but comfortable.
Tank tops: a black and white
White button down shirt
Turtle neck
Plaid long sleeve (I'm on the hunt for it right now)
Fleece vest
Skirt and Dresses:
A colorful evening dress with your own personal style
Simple little black dress
Two day or sun dresses that keep you in style but casual and comfortable
Pencil Skirt and a pleated skirt (knee length)
Coats and Jackets:
Denim jacket
Pea Coat
Rain Coat
Dress Coat
Light Jacket or Cropped Jacket
Cashmere wrap
Shoes and purses:
Basic Black heel
2 pairs of boots
Running shoes/tennis shoes
Flip flops
Ballet shoes or some sort of basic flat
Accessories:
Silver hoops, fake diamond studs, chunky necklace, vintage bracelets whatever you can do to show your personal style.

Golden stores for the Go Getter or Go Saver:
Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill, Target, and Forever 21.

I’m sure we all have lots of these things in our wardrobe. I know I have missed some things but this is a great way to get started. Clean out the old stuff and start fresh. Change is good and if you feel that you are like me and look in your closet and moan “I have nothing to wear” then I challenge you to go back to basics.

Please let me know if there is anything on the list that you want to add!

Coffee in the Morning and Wine at night

This is how I start and end my day. These things have very significant meaning to me.

Coffee, the addictive caffeine sucks you in like a vacuum trying to catch a dust bunny underneath the bed; it takes a second to catch it but once it does you're hooked! Wine is the "wine" down, the closing of each chapter of my day. The red symbolizes peace and relaxation. The white (only consumed on occasion) plays a sort of "last call" role.

However between the coffee and wine is a whole day of life. A whole day of breathing and living. The coffee is the ON button and the wine is the OFF. You may have something else, for example your on button might be a hot shower with your favorite lavender body wash and your off might be a berry smoothie and a good book. Either way we all have them. The important thing is really not which button we have for ON and OFF it is what we do between that "shift" that is meaningful and important.

Look back at your yesterday. What things happened to you that were good and bad that you can reflect on by either cherishing or learning from? For me there were a few. Do we honestly stop and soak in the shift as we sip our OFF button of red wine? I don't always. Last night I did. Although, my off button was a tall glass of water, I thought of the smile and new CD I received from a friend in class, the wonderful feeling of knowing I was going to see family in a matter of hours, the way it felt to get 100% on my CPR-Health Care Provider test, the way my heart jumped when I saw Raul surprising us by the water and was greeted by a hug...I could go on and on. I also learned that my actions to reactions need to be more controlled. I didn't figure out how to tackle and fix it but I did identify it. With all these reflections came positivity.

The Coffees in the morning and the wines at night often pass in a blink of an eye. Take time each day as you are turning in from your shift of life and find some moments of your day that you are thankful for or that touched you in some way. Humanity and its energy is a phenomenal thing and the way another human can make you feel is unbelievable. You could have the worst shift in the world but there is always something positive that apply to each of our days. Today I challenge you to do that.

Best!

This is 4:00 am can do to you

I woke up this morning at 4. Tossing, turning, and planning my day, my week, my life. All this planning! It consumes us. I have lists of lists hidden all over the house, some are completed and some are not. Life has been a series of lists for me; a check of list of accomplishments or objectives: School…check, workout…check, eat….check, check. Degree….check, job….check, love life….check. Anyway, you get the point.

So you think, “So what Audra, we all have lists, and goals, and stuff we want to do.” Well for me, if something on that list doesn’t get completed in the time that I WANT it to, I am completely devastated and in a panic…almost to the point where I feel lost. I feel as though my world is crashing down and I have to start from scratch. Literally start from the beginning. Why is that you say? Well a few things that have been said to me from boyfriend, mom, and friends in the last six months have made really think about the way that I am about my planning and lists:

“Be Patient Audra!”
“That is your problem; you are not patient about anything.”
“Don’t force it!”

These things may be true, however if I look back, I have tried. I’m not a bad person for wanting things in my life and making plans. It works for me. It helps me day to day, week to week, and month to month. I literally had to re-invent myself this past year. And I want to continue to move forward but how can I not let my impatience get the best of me. Why do I have to be the one to change or wait for society to decide? Why can’t it be on my terms? Maybe that just isn’t how the world works.

I look at my bank account and my day to day lifestyle and I am completely devastated and when I get home I am drained from driving, working, scheduling, training, studying and then I make dinner. Everyday is a long day….for what? So hell ya, I am impatient! I put in my time; I did the things I was supposed to do. I didn’t party and screw off in college. I got through my checklist. I’m ready to start that career I am so passionate about.

While we are on the subject of me venting, I’m not trying to force anything but I watched a sweet innocent girl burry her boyfriend who she wanted to plan the rest of her life with. It haunts me every day. I see her face in my thoughts as a final prayer was said and I watched her go through her “never going to happen life in an instant.” I don’t want my boyfriend to die. There I said it! I don’t want to go through life and not experience the things that I want and are so dear to my heart. So hell ya, I am impatient! I’m so sorry Kirsten, I think of you all the time. I think of what could have been for you and then I portray it to my own life and it scares me. Scares me. So please forgive me for wanting to “force something.” There is a place inside of me that can not help it.

Usually I post events of visits or tags. I never really get down to the personal things. Mostly because I keep things in. I feel that I can deal with them, I just put them on the check list. Deal with issue…check. Seriously, I was told by someone that I never let anyone in. Yeah, that may be true so here you go. I’m letting you in on some feelings. Welcome. So there is a method to my madness. There is a reason why I act the way I do and want the things I want. Hopefully this post doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass.

So this is what 4 am does to you. Life is just life. It really isn’t a checklist. But in my world I have a method and it works for me. It keeps me stable….just a little impatient. Would it be double standard if I asked the world to be patient with my impatientness?

Erin's trip finally posted

It has taken about a month and a half for Erin to send me pictures from her trip to Seattle which was in the middle of July.
Just some highlights:

Adventuring to Molly Moons: Erin, A, Raul, & Will


After a fun workout at the Dempsy we jammed over to Husky Stadium to snag a quick photo.

Ivars for HH: Me, Pat Lacari, Reedus, Will, Raul, Erin


Trip to Pike Place

I love this picture.

I had salty caramel...yum....notice to smoochers in the background.

Anyway, It was a fun trip. We did lots of stuff, wine tasting, goodwill shopping, pike place venturing, Ivars, BBQ at the house. Love you Tink.

I'm never eating again!

I'm planning on bettering my time in the PF Chang's R&R Marathon but in order to do that I guess you need to run. Lately my workout regiment has been....hmmmm every fourth day, jog. Basically I'm saying: "Audra cut the crap, and get a hold of yourself, put your shoes on, double your sports bra, and get your ass out there!" Ok, ok, ok....that is what I did yesterday but ten minutes prior I had a nice turkey salad sandwich full of carbs and oil. Literally 11 min into my run, the food that had turned into, bolus, then chyme sat at the fundus section of my stomach and inched its way back up to my throat. I have never felt so uncomfortable running...well at the moment it felt like hell. After twenty minutes of pain, agony and "kill me now" thoughts, I layed down on the living room floor where I was malled by Sugar and moaned, "I'm never eating again!"

Just to show how full of crap I am, I had clams and fries and a soda (which is soooo rare for me)...I'm such a fat kid.

Hopefully today is better for my run. I hope to do thirty min. and this time I will try to stay away from eating ten minutes prior. Isn't working out fun?!

Moving on

Thank you to all of the great posts and prayers for our Great loss.

Now after the tears and the reuniting of old friends and family will reality set in. Today we pick ourselves up and move on, just like Jed would want. But in the midst of all this chaos of work, bills, traffic, groceries, laundry, and many other responsibilities, we can't forget how important it is to keep the ones we love close. This experience has reminded me of how important friends and family are in my life and if I can take anything from this travesty, I will cherish the people that have touched my life, the friends who have guided me through and the family that has showed unconditional love.

Today we move on. Today we pick up the pieces and continue to step forward, even if we have to do it one day at a time. Today we embrace our lives for what they really are: A glorious opportunity to breath, laugh, love, cry, yell, run, eat, pray, and experience this very short life we are blessed with. Thank you so much for your support and love.

Raul and Kirsten, this post is for you

For those who do not know, Raul’s best friend Jed along with his dad and brother were killed in a plane accident this weekend on their way to a father and son’s fishing trip. They crashed into a side of a mountain and they were discovered and recovered a few days ago. We heard of the news Monday night. Raul had called Kirsten because he had heard Jed’s plane was missing and only after a few hours of a slight glimpse of hope that there were survivors was crushed with the confirmation of the unexpected loss. Jed has had his pilot’s license for over ten years with millions of flight hours logged so it was not as if he was reckless or inexperienced which leaves the question of “how could this have happened? What went wrong?” I had posted about Jed and his girlfriend Kirsten three months ago when they came to visit and we went to the Mariner’s game and Motocross where Jed was the truck driver for one of the motorcycle company/sponsors.

In June Jed came out to Seattle to meet up with Kirsten over in Wenatchee. He came a day earlier and Jed and I pretty much spent the entire day together and I just wanted to share some of the things that were said and what had happened while the memory is ever so fresh in my mind.

That day:
When I got home from work at 10:00, Jed was just on his way back from a run with Wilson and Sugar. I had about a million things planned that day and because Raul could not be around, Jed tagged along. Jed and I went over and he bought me lunch and we sat and chatted about Kirsten and Raul and how proud we were of them. Jed had told me, Kir is perfect for me. She is the kind of girl that I need. She is so independent and I never have to worry about her. He also elaborated on how well Raul was doing in his career. I remember him saying, “He did it;” you could hear the proud tone in his voice.” Jed along with Raul are quiet and humble people and they don’t express their feelings or open up very often so it was a really special moment for me to be apart of Jed’s proud moment.

As our day continued, we went to get my hair cut and Jed sat there patiently scamming a People magazine while I chatted away with the lady and frequently including Jed in our random conversations.

Then it was off to workout. We road our bikes down to the track to do a workout before I had to take him to the train station. We ran some repeat 200’s and I was pretty impressed that he kept up. Jed is a pretty tough guy and has no problem with enduring a little pain. On our way back we were going up a little hill and Jed switched gears on Raul’s bike and for some reason part of the chain broke. This lead to me pulling Jed all the way home on my bike while he held on to my backpack and coasted. When we pulled into the drive way, I told him, “I bet you never do that kind of workout with any of your other best friend’s girlfriends.” As we drove to the train station we chatted about Kirsten and how amazing of a person she is and he expressed how wonderful a writer and photographer she is. Never have I seen Jed talk like that. You could tell that he found his true love and was finally at peace with it.

With a quick hug, genuine thank you and goodbyes Jed headed toward the station in downtown Seattle on his way to see his girl. If knowing that would have been the last time I saw Jed, I would have told him how much of he meant to us, meant to Raul. I would have told him how much Raul loves him and cherish his friendship and thinks of him as a brother who always has the answers and if not gives the advice of “You’ll figure it out….it build’s character.” What will we do without you Jed? I can’t wrap my head around this. I can’t imagine what his mom is going through, Jordan’s wife and children, or Kirsten. I’m so very sorry. Raul, I’m so sorry that you have lost the person who was the constant in your life.

This is my last memory of Jed and I wanted to share it with you, it’s not anything extravagant or exciting but it was a perfect memory. I don’t understand why these things happen. Jed was one of the good ones. He loved his family, his friends and Kirsten. He was the guy who would take the shirt off of his own back for you. We love you Jed and will forever keep the wonderful memories that you have given us in this life. Thank you for being Raul’s number one. I am so grateful and honored to know you. I pray for Kirsten and the Mingo family in hopes that in some tiny way, it will help coping with this awful tragedy that has now taken our world by surprise.

Just for Fun

This will help me wake up this morning, Kirsten you’re a blessing sent from above!

What is your current obsession? Extra Virgin Olive Oil and The Food Network. I have about an hour out of my day to spare and I spend it on the couch trying to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to cooking and almost everything involves “EVOO” as Rachel Ray would say. In a round about way, cooking is now my obsession, I think about going to the grocery store and having a beautiful kitchen to master glorious meals. I will go to three different grocery stores just to get A, the best deals, and B, for variety. I’m definitely my dad’s daughter.
What do you hate the most that everybody else seems to love? I hate the AC being on at work at 6:00 am and the people who come into the club are just in heaven.
What are you wearing today? Summer skirt, knit top and a cute hair bandana…oh no that is what I would be wearing if I was in Greece, I am just wearing an ISU sweatshirt (in August) and the usual black yoga pants! BORING.
What's for dinner? Hopefully fresh cheese raviolis, arugala, tomatoes and fresh parmesan cheese and some red wine.
What would you eat for your last meal? Feta Cheese with a nice pita or French bread
What's the last thing you bought? This lovely coffee that has helped me through this tough morning.
What are you listening to right now? Ladies talking about the journalists who came back from Korea…thanks Bill C. Yesterday was discussion about taxing or charging for plastic bags at the grocery store. Washington is such a GREEN state.
What do you think of the person that tagged you? I met Kirsten a few months ago when her and her Reboyfriend (my boyfriend’s childhood best friend) came to visit for motocross madness. She was so sweet sitting there in my living room with Raul and Jed waiting for me to come home so we could go have dinner. I knew immediately we would be buds and I thanked the lord above that Jed finally found his lobster! She is pretty talented; she is a great writer, unique photographer and has a witty sense of humor. I can’t wait until we see each other again…miss you Kir.
If you could have a house, fully paid for, and totally furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? Tuscany. I always wanted to pack up a portion of my life (try to fit in two bags max) and move to Tuscany, eat Italian food, drink wine, live in an old house and experience a new adventure. Just think of it, a little house at the top of a rolling hill, out looking a glorious view with the sun setting and lots of flowers. What a perfect place to start over…..totally inspired by under the Tuscan sun.
What is one of your hobbies? Exercising!!!! I am trying to only take one day off a week. I feel like a “fattyboombalaty” (Katie Eckardt). So even though I consider it a hobby, it might be more of an necessity. I am looking for another hobby. Who knows what it will be.
What are 3 things that annoy you most? 1. People that make that leugy sound from left over mucous that is sitting in their sinuses or throat…..sorry Raul 2. Toppers…people who always have to top you, “I have pants”…”Well my dad invented pants.” Throw the flag 3. People who repeat a certain word in lectures or presentations….i.e.: MMMKAAAY, or um, or like. I sometimes find myself doing it and when I notice it with other people I can only focus on how many times they say that certain word. One time I spent an entire class period counting a teacher that said, “Make sense.”
What is your favorite color? I really like red but I like the green and white combo. It is so zen. Red is my hot and sexy side and green is my simple, no makeup, and sports bra side.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? My new purple ghosts, Brooks shoes. I love them. And my seven’s jeans.

What is your dream job? Working for the CDC in women’s health mostly breast cancer awareness but living in Seattle instead of HOTLANTA.
Describe your personal style. Sporty with a hint of flare. T’s with some worn designer jeans and flip flops with hair straight….what a hotty huh? That is where the red comes in handy, sometimes I splurge and show some cleavage.
What are you going to do after this? Get out my Nutrition book and finish my homework. Then, start my study guide for my Anatomy final.
What is your favorite "happy hour" at Sonic? Strawberry limeade. You can’t beat the ice full of strawberry parts at the bottom.
What inspires you? Talking to women who have survived cancer, Public Health officials, music, my grandma and Kelly Tiller.
Who was the last person you kissed? Raul. But I did have a weird dream where I had a different boyfriend and we were playing soccer and I might have kissed him. He was blonde (which is soooo not my type and either is soccer). Reminded me of Tony Comb (a little round guy from elementary school), not really sure who he was suppose to be and why I was playing soccer. Maybe my friend Erin can figure it out in her dream book which will probably say Sexually frustrated….that is what is said for every dream. Haven’t you heard that comedy bit?What are you currently reading? The Time Traveler’s Wife, I am desperately seeking a good love story right now.
What delighted you most today? My coffee. It was sweet to see little Wilson snuggled with his pillow.
By what criteria do you judge a person? I see if a person looks at me in the eye when I talk to them. I also am interested in people who have passion. It is great to get into a conversation with someone who shares the same passion as you, like track or health.

The rules: 1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.

I pick Margo, Kasey, Michele P., Kathay, Marcie and Emma to respond.

Start the Music....I'm back!

Alrighty! My excuse: Anatomy!

July....oh wait, June, was great! We (me, Raul and his Mom) went to USA nationals. They were in Eugene. We saw anyone who is anyone in the track and field world. I got me a cute running shirt and an autograph picture of Galen Rupp (University of Oregon's All American/Olympian). When I came back and showed Raul and Pat (Pole Vault Coach at UW) they were disgusted b.c. UO and UW have a true hate for one another. That is why I didn't bring anything that was too purple just in case I got jumped in Eugene. I've been told that people will yell &$@% the Huskies. We stayed in a great hotel where most of the USA Track peeps were staying. It was fun to wake up and go down to breakfast to only see Sanya Richards (400m) munchin on some eggs and bacon.

Mary's stay was fun. It was nice to have her here. She was a great study buddy, especially on the drive to Eugene and back. She along with the rest of the Idaho family will be here in September. Can't wait! It seems like Raul and I talk about it every day. Our conversations usually start out "When my/your parents come....."

Erin "Tinker" Bell came to visit me. We did lots of Seattle fun stuff like take the bus downtown, shop at the best goodwill in the world (they sell 7's jeans), eat ice cream at Molly Moons, workout, and hit up Ivars for a delightful happy hour with the coaching staff. Thanks Erin for coming.

Then July came......and went but in the middle of it, I went and competed at USA Club Nationals for Track and Field in NY. It was AWESOME. I ran my personal best from college in the hurdles, threw a fantastic shot put, and scored in the jav. We saw some really great things in NY, to name a few: Empire state building (sat at the top), Rockefeller Plaza to see where my friend's Matt, Meredeth, Ann, and Al work, Central Park (my favorite), ate at the first ever pizza place in the US-Lombardi's, saw ground zero, Trinity church where the treasure was buried in National Treasure, St. Patrick's church, rode the subway (EVERYWHERE), went to Soho, "Saw" statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Battery Park, saw the big stock Market Bull, um....pretty much saw it all. Just like the T-shirt says, I LOVE NY. oh and I got a key chain.

The rest of July has been studying the human body. Going back to school has been very difficult, hats off to Margo for pushing through. Two more weeks left of this bad boy and I will be home free....next will be CNA class, August 10th.

August is going to be busy as well....not only am I starting my CNA course, Marcus (my bro) is coming to visit, and Raul's Friend Casey and Sofie are now are house mates until they find a cozy spot to live in Seattle. And Sara Jo is coming the 8th I am looking forward to lots of fun, food and friends. I hope to post some pictures but I didn't want August to fly by without any sort of update.

Day 1

Hello everyone! I decided to take the plunge and join facebook and I have not been doing my blog but big news....We are at day one of the USA National Track and Field Championships!!! I am so excited....First timer! We will be at Hayward Field all day today....we are in Eugene, Or. More posts and stories to come.

Lifetime Accomplishment

Last Wednesday I threw the shot put and had a lifetime personal best of 38 feet 7 inches. My previous PR was 36'7" set back in 2007. I can't tell you how excited I was. Every Wednesday, the club that I run for hosts a track meet. I threw jav and obviously shot. I am planning to compete in New York for our Club Nationals in July where I will be running the 100m H and 200m, throwing the shot put, javelin and high jumping. I am trying to qualify this Saturday in the 200m and hoping to continue to better my shot. Hope all goes well. I wish Raul was going to be there but he is at NCAA Nationals with the University of Washington making a huge presence as a Husky! Good Job Raul, you have had a great season and it really isn't over yet!!! USA's baby!

Tune in for Saturday updates!

My Project

I have been itching to paint my plain Jane kitchen. The kitchen/house is a remake of 1970's Brady Bunch. With wood paneling and linoleum flooring you are almost taken back in time when peace signs, cannabis and orange shag carpet were the talk of the town. I did a lot of research on what I wanted to do in the kitchen. Update the hardware, paint the cabinets and bring life back to the white washed walls. So I spent all Memorial day weekend PAINTING!!!!! Dark colors do not take as well as lighter paints so I had to put on a few coats for the cabinets. But wait until you see the difference.


Yuck!



This is me cleaning the walls. I think one night Raul and the spaghetti sauce got in a fight and I had missed some remains from the sauce. Gross!





So excited to get rid of the white.



I love you painted Kitchen!

And look who I found taking a break in the bedroom!!!!

This project was lots of work but I am so happy with the result.

I'm In!

Hey ya'll! Just wanted to let you know that I am officially a student again. I am registered, "back to school....got my shoes tied tight....hope I don't get in a fight!"

I am taking Anatomy and refreshing on a Nutrition class.....Homework, tests....here I come!

HGTV Seattle Style

When the weather is nice in Seattle, people come from out of nowhere. It is like a holiday b/c we are so sun deprived. Raul and I had this great idea to build a seating area for our back patio. We also wanted to dress up the backyard a bit with some bigger bushes. So hope you enjoy some of our HOME improvements.

Me, digging a trench for the lattice. Notice I still have my sweatshirt on....Its May!

Ah....so pretty and clean. In the corner we planted a honeysuckle vine that is doing really well and the purple plant is a salvia. She is cute!

About the first of May we went to a plant sale and got a strawberry plant(Sally) and a tomato plant (Tommy). We were keeping them safe and warm until we could figure out what we wanted to do with them. Raul suggested planting Tommy upside down. Doesn't he look healthy?

All the blood is rushing to his head.

Backyard before Raul went to work on it.

Preparing the planter box.

Planting some flowers.

So close!

Instead of helping, Wilson decided he was going to sit in the car and watch out the front window. I came back twenty minutes later only to find him snoozing.

Obviously our biggest helper....Suggie.


Masterpiece! Great job Raul. We have a few more finishing touches but I would say we are about 75% complete.

Three weeks due

Gosh, it has been three weeks since I last posted....where has the time gone? We have had lots of adventures since.

(April 26th) It was a nice Sunday afternoon and Raul and I wanted to go buy a lawn mower and get some Mexican food. As we are traveling through Seattle laughing and enjoying each other's company the Avalanche starts acting up and dies in the middle of the road...on a HILL! Keep in mind the we lose power steering and power breaks...on a HILL, with Traffic. Some how Raul maneuvers the truck to almost fit on the side of the road out of the way. We start trouble shooting the situation and all of our options. After four hours, hungry tummies and a new oil filter, the truck still doesn't start. We called Will to see if he could help. Luckily him and his wife have AAA. So they came and picked us up and took us to the house for further investigation of the broken truck. During those four hours I did a lot of car watching...which is even more fun than just people watching b/c you have both....but I kept thinking, as all these junker cars drove by, "Why are these cars making it up the hill and ours wont even start?"...sigh....belly rumbling. So that Sunday was fun! NOT.


Two days later Raul, Reedus and Will got the truck back in ship top shape. The fuel pump had gone out. Raul and Will were amazing, along with their super electric sarcasm, they had that truck revived in two hours. To contribute, I made dinner and muffins.


(Saturday 5/2) The following weekend, I had my first Junior High Track meet. For those who don't know, I coach at Seattle Country Day School....a school for super smart kids...GIFTED as they like to call themselves. I have about 12 kids on the team and they are tonz of fun. Anyway, of course the weather was typical Sea-Town, Rainy! But my kids were troopers. The meet was pretty big, there were over 600 kids that participated in the meet...from grades 4th-8th. Lots of munchkins running around. The concession stand was a huge line for the entire meet. I guess sugar keeps the little people going.

(Sunday 5/3) We went to the Vault/Multi coach's house and played beach volleyball in his back yard. Now when I pictured Pat's house I thought a little net, in the grass by the BBQ with the net doubling as a badminton net. Boy was I wrong. This was the King of King's court. They had sand brought over from the OR coast, tons of AVP balls, a super awesome net and it was surrounded by a batting cage net so if balls flew, they didn't fly far. It was a blast! We played for about 3 hours and then roasted "Healthy" hot dogs and s'mores on the fire. I felt like I was back with the Girl Scouts.


(Sometime in the last two weeks) I decided that I was going to do something nice and surprise Raul by mowing the lawn. I walked over to my neighbors house and borrowed his mower well it was super low on gas. I went and got a gallon of gas and started filling it up...only to notice that I was not putting the gas in the right hole...I was putting it into the OIL....crap! So as I frantically start running around the neighborhood like a crazy lady "Screaming, I broke Micheal's mower" my neighbors (three of them) come over to help me. We dumped the mower upside down and drained it, put new oil in it, gas in the gas tank and the mower worked like a champ and my lawn was nice and short. What an idiot. Raul was golfing so when I called and told him I'm sure he thought to himself.."How has my girlfriend made it through life this far?" I just think it builds character. Lots of it! So....that was fun! NOT.


And yesterday I had my first track meet....for those who don't know, I am competing again. I ran hurdles and did high jump. It was a great day. The sun was shinning, I made it through ten hurdles (I was really nervous about that, its been two years) and I cleared 5'1" and had great jumps at 5'3" from a short approach. Plus I got a bunch of new gear from Club Northwest (the team that I am on) and sported it at the meet. My next meet is going to be May 27th....that is the start of the 47th annual All-Comers Meets.


I was waiting to post some pictures with this but I have to get it up...sorry. Just use your imagination.

Bangs and Cutting the Habit

Bangs:
Do you remember Ben Stiller's Heartbreak Kid? One of my favorite parts on the movie is when Mac (the wife controlled "cool" best friend) talks about why he grew out the "bangs." Now that I am working, I have to go downtown for one of my jobs and I do a lot of people watching while I am sitting in traffic. The one thing that I have noticed on white middle aged men are bangs like Mac's. What is that about? It is like the lone island up there with lots of breathing room. So keep your eye out for those Bald Bangs. It is my new favorite thing to look for.

Cutting the Habit:
For those of you who don't know, I love coffee and flavored creamer. When we go to Idaho we always have a nice supply. I usually have about two- three cups of coffee every morning. About a month ago, Raul gave up drinking coffee every day because of the negative health benefits and his back just wasn't feeling too good but I persevered and kept on drinking pretty much for the both of us. This was actually not helping me out. I would drink six cups or so during the morning and if I skipped a day, I would go through some pretty nasty with drawls...headaches mostly. So for the past two weeks, I have been on mostly coffee. I bought some vanilla chai tea and I have been drinking that every morning. We did this last summer and it worked out pretty well. We usually try to cut back when it warms up. I did cheat last weekend when we went out for breakfast, but we had company so it was ok. It was like a special treat along with the very unhealthy breakfast to go along with it. I have to be at work at 6:30 so it is super convenient to pop some water in the microwave and tea it up with a touch of skim milk and a tsp of sugar...just to get me going. There is no caffeine in the tea so I need some kind of jolt. I can honestly say, I feel better and have no problem getting up at 5 to go to work. Thanks Raul for being my motivation.

SHOUT OUT!

I just wanted to give a shout out to my boy Wilson. He is five today! Happy Birthday garbage head.

Supercross and Safeco

This weekend was pretty exciting. Raul's best friend from high school, Jed, came to visit with his girlfriend Kirsten...my new favorite buddy:). Jed drives a semi for some of the super cross riders and travels with them all over the country. Lucky for us they were in Seattle for weekend and we got to go watch them race. I will have to say I really enjoyed it. It was in Quest Field where the Seahawks play, which is a pretty nice stadium btw. It was also pretty fun People watching. Seattle was full of Moto heads, monster energy drinks and boobs.

On Sunday, we all headed to Safeco field for a Mariner's game. Raul got us pretty sweet seats. We were about ten rows up from right field where we saw cute little Ichiro. It was also exciting to see Griffey. Raul is so happy he is back. I was just excited to watch some baseball in Safeco....I was a first timer.

We spent a lot of time down town and the weather has been fantastic.....sunny in Seattle. Wait that doesn't sound right.....but it is!!!!! We had some great Tai food and lots of fish'n chips. It was a great weekend and I was happy to have Raul home instead of at a track meet....but now it is back to the grind.

The Missing Muffin Pan

For the past three weeks I have been obsessed with baking. I have been perfecting the muffin. I have made three batches now and pretty much have been responsible for their disappearance. Raul helps out once in a while. Since I am going to work early mornings, I wanted to make whole wheat (healthy) muffins to take with me as a snack. Well last night while Raul was making tacos, I wanted to make another batch of MUFFINS!!! I had everything set to jet, cranberries were in, eggs were beaten and the oven was warmin'. Then....No Muffin Pan. I searched high and low...asked Raul if he was hiding it, looked in drawers, under beds, outside in the back yard while avoiding doggie poops and NO MUFFIN PAN. On the second batch attempt a few days prior to the missing muffing pan, Wilson (my garbage salvaged eat anything he can puppy) got his mits on the muffin pan and I found it under the table. Well last night I just had a feeling that he was responsible for the missing MUFFIN PAN. After I hunted for the pan, I watched the office and pouted about this horrible situation....I was so so so so sad.

Then right before we went to bed, we looked one more time and I poked my head under the micro stand....guess what was there.....MUFFIN PAN!!!! Thanks Wilson for the scavenger muffin pan hunt. All is right with the world.

Life Update...BIG ONE

Some of my friends say that I always act like everything is perfect and my blog has this "Life is Grand, with no issues" feel. Well, things in Seattle have been tough but I wake up each morning with a positive attitude and I am always hopeful of good things happening (which they do).
I have been job hunting for the past six months, not counting the earlier months in California. It has been so so so frustrating. I have such a great education and in a perfect world I would have a job no problem but our nation is struggling therefore jobs are scarce and it is an employers market.
So big big BIG news!!! I am going back to school. It has been something that I have had in the back of my mind ever since I graduated with my Masters. I am going to apply for the Nursing program at SCC in the Spring. I have to take a few classes in order to meet the prerequisites needed. I know that five years down the road I will be so glad that I made this decision. It will be tough and challenging but I can do it! My best friend Katie is going to Med school at UA and my other good gal is going to school in Chile. If they can do it so can I.
I am excited but realistic of the challenges and financial issues to come.
Raul is really supportive and positive about this. I couldn't have asked for a better person to have in my life. The dogs are unaware of the decision right now. We haven't had a talk yet but it will come. So there you have it! My secret is out of the bag :).

Have a HAPPY EASTER.

Ten Grands

Last night, I was invited to go to a benefit concert for The Snowman Foundation. It was called Ten Grands, who's main performer was Michaeal Kaeshammer (A friend of Kate's Dad). It featured ten grand pianos all playing together. It was such an amazing performance. I was invited by Kate and Will Conwell (my good buddies in Seattle...yes I finally have friends). We went out to dinner at the Metropolitan Grill (really nice, FYI) and met another couple Brian and Lyrica, who are expecting their first baby..a little girl. The concert was full of classical, rag-time, contemporary and some jazz. I love going to live performances. They had kids do a couple solos also. I can not believe how talented these children are. The foundation's focus is putting the music arts in the school systems by providing scholarships and opportunities for young artists to pursue their dreams. There was a young boy who was blind who played a great version of "When the Saints go Marching In" and after his performance he was so happy to hear all of the applause. It brought tears to my eyes. So not only was it a spectacular performance but it was for a wonderful cause.

After the concert we went to a place called the Melting Pot where you order fondue. It was so so so good. Definitely not good for the waist line but what a treat. Seattle is pretty sweet when it wants to be. I had a great night and then woke up to SUNSHINE!!!

Flowers and Cougars

This weekend was full of ups and downs. It started out really sad. We were unable to make it to my good friend Amelia's wedding. I was pretty devistated and my bag is still packed in the bedroom. Anyway, the show must go on right. Raul was home and free for the first time since we moved here and it was nice to have him here to do stuff like planting flowers. We got up early, had breakfast at a new place, The Sunflour, and headed to HOME DEPOT (Raul's favorite store). We went crazy on flowers for the front yard and Raul picked out a climer for the back yard.

Later that afternoon, we went to Cougar Mountain for a nice hike with the dogs. The key thing about Cougar Mountain is that it is one of the largest wild animal lands....wild? wild cougars?....yes! I was so scared and we only hiked in about 3 miles or so but I started to think that things were watching me in the woods and Wilson started growling at stuff...which sometimes is nothing maybe a tree. None the less, we had a great time. I was happy to get out of the house and see a bit of Washington.

Visiting Seattle

Since I last posted, lots and lots of things have happened. We have had 3 sets of visitors which makes me really happy. It has snowed, rained and the flowers have begun to bloom outside our window. Spring is slowly shining through.

Four weekends ago, Katie from Long Beach came to visit. We had a good time. She is like the wise elder sister that I never had. Her advice is always sincere and to the point. We did the usual “Visiting Seattle” stuff. We went to Ivar’s for Happy Hour and had a beautiful view of down town, we went to a UW basketball game, toured the campus, went to an indoor meet at the Dempsey and toured the University Ave.

The following weekend, Raul’s parents came into town. Again, we watched a meet and I cooked for everybody (which I love doing). Tim and I got up one morning and went for a 3 mile run. I was so impressed, he was making me tired. I think the run inspired Tim to buy some new shoes. I always think that is a great way to treat your self to staying healthy. Good investment. Mary’s best friend Debbie Palazolo and sister also came up for the meet. Carla (the BF sis) lives on Fox Island (40 min away from our casa). We drove over there one morning. It was so pretty. They have a cute little house and a smart car that I got to ride in. I want one. It was fun to do the whole family thing.

Last weekend, Christina and Sara came up. They both had business/work stuff to take care of but they stayed with us. We were pretty busy, the first day Tina was in town we had to build a fence….another story that I wont get into right now. But when we were in Home Depot (Raul’s fav. Sotre) to get our supplies, I slipped and fell….Hard! It was really embarrassing. Don’t make jump-stop turns in Ug boots. We went and watched another track meet (Last Chance meet) where we met up with my old track coach and a few athletes. We all went out to dinner at the Crab Pot. OMG, the food was awesome. It was fun, downtown, by the water. The next day, Christina, Sara and I explored the same downtown at Pike Place Market, went in to the very first Starbucks, ate at Athenian Inn, and took lots of fun pictures.

It was a great month of family and friends which makes me so happy. Thanks guys for visiting!