Let's Play Tag!

Hey ya'll! I was tagged to play a question and answer game, so here I am playing along. I'll be tagging a few peeps at the end so pay attention in case your name is called!

Here we go!

Food: Is this asking if I like food or if I have a favorite? I'll answer both. Yes, I LOVE food. And if someone were to put a gun to my head and asked what I wanted to eat most...I would say Thai food. It's delish! I guess the food item I like best is bread. All kinds - croissant, chibatta, french, sour dough, bagels, focaccia....(okay, I am getting a craving now).


Color: Hmmm...I like red, turquoise, and black. But not really together.

Animal: Dog.

Dessert: Foul Temptress! You know I have a wicked sweet tooth! I suppose that would be any kind of baked good. Cake, cookies, brownies...that kind of thing.

Artist: Honestly I don't really have a favorite. I am really random with what I like.


Pair of Shoes: I like flip flops and wedge sandals.
Outfit: I don't have a specific outfit, but I like brightly colored shirts and jeans. I have also taken to wearing scarves to accessorize.

Skinny Jeans: Not with this body type yo! The hips don't lie.

Brand: I guess Coach?

Perfume: Princess by Vera Wang, but I am silly and don't own it.


Accessory: My wedding ring.

City: New Orleans.

Hobby: Photography, blogging, movies, & reading.

Beauty Product: mascara/eye make-up.
Holiday: Christmas. Is that even fair really?

Snack: pretzels or trail mix


Movie: Wow, you really went there! I suppose that would be Moulin Rouge.

Song: This question is just wrong on so many levels. I'm just throwing a song out there that makes my butt shake....Right Round - Flo Rida.


Guilty Pleasure: Pedicures, Nerd candy, & competition reality shows.

Next up to be tagged is...drum roll please!
 
Nikki
 
Ashley
 
Leah
 
Maranda
 
Happy weekend everyone!

Good Times And Good Friends

I have been a slacker. Blogging has not been my priority lately, but I think it probably shouldn't be anyway.

I mean, we should all be trying to reach out to people in 'real life' before spending our evenings online right? I think so, thus less blog posts.

This past weekend, Mike and I had a few friends up from Vancouver, WA. They are close friends who we were really excited to see and spend time with. Yay for T, Pete, & Heidi!

Besides playing Rock Band and chatting with them, we also hosted a Wine, Cheese, & Trivia Party on Saturday night. And let me tell you, it was SO much fun! We ended up with about 20 people over to our little 2 bedroom duplex and everyone brought food and drink. Mike and I had a blast quizzing the 4 teams on topics that ranged from Entertainment and Pop Culture to Science and Literature.

A big shout out to the winning team Zombie Ninjas! 

As amazing as it was, I have some ideas for our second W/C/T party. Hi-Jack someone else's house (for more space) and get a microphone. Boy it can get loud during trivia!

All in all, it was a great success and we definitely plan on doing it again soon.

In other news, we are going out to dinner to celebrate Mike Sr.'s retirement tomorrow evening! It's been anxiously awaited and it's finally here, so we are excited to be able to celebrate with his family. I believe Sushi is on the menu!

I think it's a perfect time to insert another 'food I am learning to love' - raw sushi. I will try a couple different kinds and see if I can adjust to the texture. I already eat my fair share of sushi (seared) and rolls but have a resistance to the uncooked kinds. Here's hoping to change that and that it goes better than the eggplant did!

Oh! And I also spent some girl time with Heidi shopping for a new Coach purse over at the outlet mall! We found a steal and each got a little something to croon over. I got a 'satchel' type purse that will be perfect for shopping, vacations, and well anytime I want my hands free basically. Heidi got an adorable lime and white handbag and wallet!

And all of this goodness was after I spent some time with my new hairdresser updating my color and getting a trim. She was fabulous and spent way more time on me than I paid for. I will definitely be going back! Thanks Taylor!

For now, that's all I've got!

To Hogwarts and Back Again

I had a fun and productive weekend.

Except now my back is sore as all get out. Not sure when I injured it, but my upper back/neck is killing me. I remember it starting on Thursday or Friday...hmm....

Anyhow, on to better things!

Friday evening Mike and I decided to venture into Seattle, which we rarely do (rain, traffic, one way streets and yucky parking...) and picked up our tickets to the Harry Potter Exhibition. I had  been wanting to go for a while and it seemed the perfect evening to indulge in the pricey tickets and parking.

It was pretty interactive with TV screens, music, staff acting the part, and a couple areas where you could play Quidditch or pull up a screaming Mandrake Root. There were artifacts from all 7 movies/books as well as actual outfits worn by the actors. None of which you can touch or take a photo of. Lame.

Since I wasn't able to take photos (people are watching you CLOSELY), I found a few on the net to post so you can see for yourself what a fun experience it is!

Now extended through February 13th!

Interestingly enough, I would suspect that based on my personality traits I would be sorted into the same house as, you guessed it, Cedric Diggory (aka Rob Pattinson). Although I am biased toward Gryffindor, since that is the house of Harry P and friends, I do not really feel particularly "brave" as you might need to be for that selection. Nor do I feel necessarily brainy (Ravenclaw) or cunning (Slytherin).

This picture shows the outfit/robes I was tempted (by my hubby) to try to touch. Not that I did! I am usually good at following rules but the nerdy temptation to touch the costumes worn by the actors was pretty compelling. I am sure I would have been escorted promptly out of the exhibit by two large guards if I had attempted such a feat.

Anyhow, that's that for the HP Exhibition!

Saturday Mike and I tackled the house and garage. This is one day I am proud to say we accomplished much and when I probably made my back worse.

Here is our list of finished chores: (you know I like lists!)

Painted the bathroom and dining room ceiling
Cleaned the bathroom
Organized and cleaned the garage
Organized and cleaned out our filing cabinet
Dishes
& Grocery shopping (at three different stores)!

Still some things to do, but I supposed that can wait until spring.

Sunday I spent with a good gal-pal Katie. We went to see Black Swan, which was mighty disturbing I might add, and grabbed some delicious Thai food. It was a fun and relaxing day that was just what the doctor ordered. Oh, and I need to also mention that we squeezed in a viewing of the movie Willow as well. We are the best movie buddies, she and I.

Well, there you have it!

Tis' The Season

Today I am Thankful.

I am thankful for so many things and so many people.

I'm thankful for my wonderful family. With them in my life, everything is better and brighter. My mom and my sister are my rocks and two of my most favorite people in the world.

Baby Bennett makes me smile like no one ever has and I couldn't love him more. I am also grateful for his daddy (my brother-in-law), who has become such a good friend and integral part of our family.

I am thankful for my amazing husband who is a constant source of love, support, joy, and entertainment.

I am grateful for my in-laws. They are such a great bunch of people and I couldn't have lucked out more.

I am thankful for my doggie Charlie. He's the best little Chihuahua and I love him to death.

I am grateful for friends who continue to care and make me laugh. It's wonderful to have people in your life who know you inside and out.

I am thankful for a cozy place to live and the means to do many of the things I want in life.

Tonight...I will be thankful for all of that and maybe a little thankful for Cheesecake too.

Greatful

A photo I just love and wanted to post for a challenge this week:

Eyes ~ Simplicity

This is my good friend's cat Tatum. Her eyes were so piercing I HAD to take a quick picture. I don't think  she was very happy with me however. ;)

My dear friend Katie has really been there for me this past year. She is someone I was close with back when I worked for the bank and I sorta kept in touch with her over the last few years. This past year or two however, she has really stepped up and shown me that people can really BE there.

As you get older, one tends to find that many of the friends she once had are not quite "there" anymore. Whether it be because you have grown apart, are in different stages in life, or have just changed. Some people you never really believed you would end up close to at this point in life, end up surprising you. They really show you that even in a bleek moment, they can be exactly what you need. And beyond that, they can listen and try to understand even when they don't - they can put themselves in your shoes and really feel what you are going through.

This same person may not be in your life later...life changes...happens...but, I can be greatful for having her in my life right now. Be greatful that I have an unexpected confidant and comedic relief. Thank you to Katie D for being available to become someone important to me.

An Ashley & Elan day

As you may have read on here before, one of my good friends from my Western days was engaged to be married. Well, he and his lady were married on September 25th!
Mike, myself, and our other great Western pal, T (aka Taylor) loaded up the Subie to head out to the islands for a good time. Armed with snazzy outfits, we drove up north, hopped on a ferry and jetted out to Orcas Island. It was a beautiful day and we got out there early enough to go on a drive up to Mt. Constitution, where the views were spectacular.
After our drive, we had a drink or two and then set out to the wedding. It was so nice to see our friends happy and healthy and surrounded by their favorite people. It reminded me of our wedding day and how wonderful it was to have the love and support of all the people who were important in our lives. And I just love weddings! :)
The ceremony was beautiful and personal, with the groom's father playing a song on the guitar for the couple and a friend singing for them. The reception followed and everyone had a great time mingling and catching up. We got to see some old friends and get our dance on, which is always sweet times. Mike and I got in a slow dance or two, which...really...when do you ever get to do with your spouse? After the traditional cake cutting, bouquet tossing, first dances and dinner, the not so traditional Keg stands commensed! Michael and I did NOT participate as this would have rendered us uninteligable and much too drunk so we just watched. Most of the ladies declined, due to the thought of their dress over their head, but this obviously would not stop the guys (which included the Groom & Bride's fathers)!
The rain began falling near the end of the night, which was perfect timing, and we ended up with a beautiful and fun evening. I won't mention the shenanigans of trying to get back to the mainland, I will just say we did a LOT of waiting.

Here are a few more pics to capture our weekend.

30 Never Looked....

hmmm....how to finish that?... So good? So scary? I'm not quite sure how I feel about being placed in the next decade of my life. I guess I feel placed, I mean I wasn't shoved or dragged or anything. I suppose it sort of snuck up on me slowly.
I am hopeful for my 30's; to be able to accomplish some things I have wanted for a while and be an "adult". But sometimes I wonder if I should already have some of those things accomplished by now. I won't linger on that too long and simply make the most of it. I did marry a younger man.... :) If he doesn't keep me feeling young, I'm not sure what will.

I had a great birthday weekend filled with lots of friends and family. I did dinners and had a few people over for drinks as well as had a girls night and treated myself to a massage. It's nice to have a weekend to spend with your favorite people and eat good food. I am a lucky girl and can't wait to see what this year has in store!


{Alissa, Bennett & Mandy on October 4th}

Derek & Leah's Wedding

Who: Derek & Leah
What: A wedding
When: July 24th - 3pm
Where: The Valleroy Backyard Garden
why: To Tie the Knot!

Mike and I were happy to witness two longtime friends get hitched this past weekend. This couple is what you would call "made for each other". They had been dating for many years (like me and Mike) and finally made it down the isle. What made it ever more special was that it was so personal. The wedding and reception was thrown in the Groom's parent's backyard and it was beautiful! Friends and family all helped make their day perfect by lending a helping hand in almost all areas. Mike played classical guitar for the ceremony, which consisted of both classics and beatles songs. He was wonderful, of course.
My part was getting to the house early and prepping the bride! Luckily that just entailed hair and make-up! The bridal party did most of the work arranging and providing the much needed bloody mary's.
The ceremony was heartfelt and the couple's vows were perfectly personal. I had a great time and feel so happy to have been a part of the beginning of their new life together as a married couple.
Here are a few pictures of the Derek and Leah and the best man, Taylor. (Also, one of our best friends).
Congratulations to Derek & Leah Valleroy!

Missing the old days ~

There's been a reoccurring theme in my subconcious recently. There have been a couple of dreams, some mind-wandering and some heaviness of heart over the last month or so.

When I get down to the bottom of it all, I find that the theme always leads me to someone in my past. Most of whom I don't get to see much of or talking is rare. There has been a string of people really, all seeming to come to mind when i am not expecting it. Erin, Josh, Kerry, Ryan (Bubba), and my cousin Lindsay, just to name a few. It's obvious that these people, for the most part, are out of state so it would seem likely that I would miss them the most. But the difference here is that normally I have to actively think about them or the past to miss them, whereas in this situation it's coming to me without my seeking out those feelings and memories. I am dreaming about them or missing them all of a sudden in the middle of doing or thinking something else.

All of these people are or were someone important in my life and I have to believe that I am bringing them all about for a reason. Maybe I feel detached from those in my past and feeling the loss? Maybe I am reaching out for someone to fill the holes that they left? Maybe I am feeling that certain kinds of friendships are missing for me at this point in my life and I am bringing about memories of some strong relationships that I wish were still available to me...

It's not to say that I don't have friendships with any of the people that I have been thinking about or that there aren't others who I consider important to me...because that's not exactly right. It's more that I share(d) a bond with certain people in my past and for different reasons they are distant for me. Either by physical space, lack of communication, or from change.

I feel I have done a lot to keep some people close and have been lacking with a few others. I know that friendships change and people grow apart naturally and I accept that. Sometimes though, I recognize that hole in my life where someone once overflowed it. These are not run-of-the-mill bonds I am talking about, but very large and unique ones. Bonds that can't always be replaced.

I like to envision it like a heart with dozens of holes. People in your life fill these holes and mold that hole to their body so that only they can fit in it. When they leave that hole (either temporarily or indefinately) it stays empty. No one else can fit into that personalized hole. It would be like trying to shove a square object into the space for a rectangle. New people in your life make their own hole since they can't fit into the open ones. So even if you have more filled holes than empty ones, those few empty holes might be the most important or impressive. I guess I am saying that many of my most impressive holes are vacant. And I didn't notice until recently that it was affecting me.

I think what is most bothering me is that even if I was able to get those people back into their proper hole, they may not fit into it anymore. And this would mean that the hole would remain empty - that the friendship that I used to have and that meant so much to me would be changed or gone.

This is just some musing on my part, trying to work out some feelings I am having. Trying to reconcile my past with my present and future. Trying to figure out, at this point in my life, if I were to pick up the phone who could I count on to answer? Who would remember to return my call if I left a message? And most importantly, who would make time to call me first?

Good Friends~

Mike and I went up to Bellingham last weekend to visit with our good friends Elan and Ashley. Elan has been a wonderful friend of ours for about 10 years now. We met my Sophomore year at Western and have stayed close ever since. A few years ago, he met Ashley. I loved her right away and she seemed perfect for him.

We had a great time visiting with them and celebrating Elan's birthday. I took the opportunity to take some engagement photos of the cute couple while I was there. We decided on Western's campus, which I thought was perfect since that is where we all met.
Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding dear ones! I love you very much and can't wait to see you get married.

Elan and Ashley ~
To be wed on Orcas Island, September 25th 2010!