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!

World Leader

This weekend was the Husky Classic. Over 1,100 athletes participated in this indoor track meet. Among the amazing athletes was Jordan Boase, Raul's 400m All-American. To make a long meet-short, Jordan opened up his 400 m dash in a phenomenal time of 46.15 which as of this weekend is the fastest time in the WORLD....college and elite. It was an amazing race and I am so proud of Raul. Even though Jordan was the one who ran, Raul has been working really hard to develop his athletes into well respected sprinters and this weekend paid off. Good job Raul and hats off to Jordan.


This picture is or was taken at one of the cross country meets. He is in coaching action with the multi's/jumps coach-Pat Licari.

In the flesh!!! Jordan Boase kicking serious butt. Go DAWGS.

Painted Bathroom

I decided that it had been too long and our bathroom was just too boring. I decided to paint the bathroom. It only took about an hour to do. I wanted to surprise Raul when he came home. I love the color. It is a soft yellow. The pictures don't do it justice but I am so happy that there is something other than white on the walls. Just wanted to show y'all.

My Best Friend

In about 24 hours one of my most favorite people in the world will be embarking on a new adventure to Santiago, Chile and then on to Valparaiso, Chile. Kelly and I met at Royal Palm Junior High in seventh grade. We were in the same house, which meant most of our classes were the same or we had the same teachers. We had PE and History together. That seventh grade year Kelly and I became inseparable. We did everything together: dances, parties, sports, etc. We developed a friendship that has held strong for over 13 years. Our stories and experiences together are endless. We have been through so much together with relocation, college, boyfriends, family, hardships, injuries and vacations.

Kelly has played a huge role in my life and I wish nothing but the best for her as she approaches this new chapter in her life. She has worked so hard for this opportunity and I hope she know how proud we all are of her. Kelly I will miss you so much but I know that this is only the beginning for what is in store for the rest of your life. Good Luck and I love you.

Kelly is also a new member of the blogging world and will be posting things about her trip.

Cardiac Cards!

I just wanted to post and wish the Cards lots of Luck today. I use to be a HUGE fan before I moved to Idaho. I was in love with Jake Plummer and watched every game. And for my seventeenth birthday I got tickets to watch them play. They lost to the Atlanta Falcons and Michael Vick was their QB. That was when he was good and not hurting dogs for money...stupid man! Anyway. GO Cards.

It was so neat to see a sea of red in Tempe after the marathon. We went and watched the game at the Library. The whole bar was cheering for the little birds. I am super excited today. We are going to Renton (a few miles south) to some friend's house for a little party, Kelly and Brandon's. Brandon (the husbando) is from Arizona. So I have friends! Plus they both went to ASU. Have a great day!