It's Too Loud, so, Yeah, I'm Old.

Big stuff happened last week – including Zach moving out of the house and in with Tristan.  As we then proceeded to see him every day since then for showers or meals, I *should* be sarcastic when I say, “I miss him, already.”  But, I do kinda already miss him. 

Here is my very well trained dog, not at all bothering Zach while he ate. Zach: He’s like a goat.

Last week, I was talking to Kelly over IM.

Kelly: Maggie is coming to visit next week and we’re going to get tattoos.

Me: Oh yeah? Of what?

Kelly: Not sure, but I have been sporting this temp Dinosaur tattoo lately, and it’s pretty cool.

On Monday, Kelly sent a picture of her tattoo to Shana saying, “Look! Now I’m a bad ass like, you!”  I think Shana’s response was, “Come back to me after 7 hours of a tattoo, but yeah, that’s adorbs.”

On Tuesday, I met up with Kelly for happy hour, which was nice, b/c that’s really the only time I get to see my co-workers. J  Plus, Matty joined in on the fun!  When Kelly showed off her dino tat, no one believed her that it was real until they very closely examined it.  The drawbacks of being a temporary tattoo aficionado.

We took a couple of lovely walks in the morning with the pups, and I tried very hard to get a good shot of the amazing Blue Heron that are in abundance at Marymoor.

I was able to make an appointment to chat with someone about my 5 year plan last week.  Her advice was awesome, even if I did cry a little out of panic because I have never had a 5 year plan.  Anyone who has spent any time at all with me, will not be surprised by this, but still, I felt super embarrassed about it.  Which is also why I don’t know why I’m telling you about it.  :P

On Friday, Sandy made dinner for me, Dawne and Zach.  It was such an incredibly kind thing for her to do.  I don’t know what it is about someone recognizing that you’re stressed out and magically figuring out a way to make an hour of your week lovely.  I guess because it is such a rare thing, that I was just incredibly appreciative.  She went all out to make something that we all liked, and Pete made us really delightful coffee that we enjoyed with homemade cookies.  And then, when plans changed and we had to leave 5 minutes after a text from Lucas, they weren’t insulted or upset and it was just super.  We made it to Luke’s performance at Ground Zero.  When we walked in, it was obnoxiously loud, but Lucas was right there with earplugs to save the evening!  We might be old, but we still have our hearing!

Later that evening, Dawne and I played some Skip-Bo, even though Percy was not pleased about it.

Other than that, we packed some stuff up, cleaned some things, lots of stuff got painted and installed and fixed.  We also went to Home Depot twice, Bed Bath & Beyond three times, Good Will twice, four furniture stores, a carpet warehouse and a couple stops at Target, Fred Meyer, Michael's.  Typical weekend shenanigans.

Zach: So 12 PM is like lunch?

Lucas: Yeah.  It’s so weird.

True story.

These Boots Were Made For Running

Happy Belated St. Patrick’s Day!

Don’t freak out (like I am), but nothing fun happened last week.  Dawne was pretty stoked that the counter tops in the brown house arrived, which is exciting, but the kitchen isn’t done yet, so… it’s just a mini-achievement.   Bigger achievements include the many rooms in the yellow house were painted, the outside of the house & roof were power washed, and a bunch of extensive and necessary fixes were made on the house. 

I got a letter in the mail from my parents, that I really needed, that had some bonus sweet words on the outside, which I also appreciated. 

Dawne and I got a couple glorious morning walks in.  The sunrise, and fog, and just epic calm and beauty that can be found in the morning makes me wonder why I’m not more of a morning person. 

Oh! So on Tuesday, Jordan went to drop off Percy and Nala at PetCo in Kirkland for some grooming.  Dawne doesn’t like the PetCo in Crossroads, b/c they don’t blow dry Nala’s hair and she ends up looking like she has a tutu b/c her hair is so poofy.  However, PetCo in Kirkland said they were going to shave Percy, so I said I would pick him up and bring him to Crossroads.  I wasn’t really sure what to do with him though, b/c it was the middle of my work day.  I picked him up from Jordan’s office, and brought him over to my co-worker Christy’s house.  She was kind enough to invite Percy over for a play date with her pup Sparky.  When we introduced them, they seemed to hit it off, and after some minor safety (of Christy’s belongings) precautions, we went back to work.  At the end of the day, Christy headed home, and I told her I would finish something and be there in 3 min minutes.  This is where I made a crucial mistake.  When I got to Christy’s, her front door was ajar, her purse and jacket had been thrown to the ground, and neither human nor canine were in sight.  I grabbed some treats from the car and started walking along the street.  I saw Christy, out of breath, in boots, and carrying Sparky, saying something a kin to, “He’s so fast!  I opened the door an inch and they both went running… Percy stayed right on the double yellow line!” Yeah, that sounds like my boy.  I thought I took it pretty well considering how many busy street are in Kirkland, and how much distance he can cover in 5 minutes.  Luckily, I walked down the road calling his name, and he ran right back to me.  Christy had taken her car around to look, and when she found me she said, “Oh good.  Now I can cry.”  When she picked up her 6 year old son Asher from school, she related the story.  He was very upset saying, “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD PUPPY ADVENTURES WITHOUT ME!!”  Post Script: The following day, when we were moving things into the car, Nala and Casper ran out into the driveway to check things out.  Percy sat down and waiting inside the open door for me to return.  Here’s Percy with his “You talkin’ bout me, Willis?” face.

On Friday morning I awoke to a very very low tire.  I made it up the street to fill it with air, and then went to work.  By the time I got out of work, it was pretty low again, so I filled it up one more time and limped away to Le Schwab to see if they could repair my clown car sized tire.  I was seriously surprised to find that they could indeed fix my tire, and they did it all for a smile and promise that I would return.  YOU BETCHYA!

After dinner, we ran over to 5^th avenue theater to see Jordan’s niece Rosie perform in Spamalot.  I had never seen the play before, but I seriously had a hard time believing that these performers were in High School.  So amazing.  As a bonus, we got to see Jordan’s parents and sister there as well. 

Saturday was more moving fun.  I bought a new bedframe to reduce the footprint of the bed, and then took an hour of Dawne’s time repositioning said frame only to end up putting the room back in the exact same configuration that I had it before.  I then tried to move some of my stuff back into my room, but without the doors back in, it was kind of useless.  We did get the other bedroom set up though, and then met Jordan’s parents for a birthday lunch for Zach.  Some more moving and organizing, followed by Dawne & Jordan going out for a fun belated birthday evening, and Zach having friends over for a scavenger hunt/pool party.  This is how I wished Zach Happy Birthday, on FB, so he would notice it. J Then I bought him toilet paper for his new apartment.  I’m super helpful.

Meanwhile Saturday night and Sunday, I cleared out the craft room and most of the exercise room so that they could be painted on Monday.  The fam went down to Portland on Sunday to Monday which I heard was just okay sans good stories.  With them out of the house though, I did find the energy to make my green banana nut muffins – pretty much the only festive thing that I did for St. Patrick’s Day.  

Unless you count going to get a corned beef sandwich and spilling a diet coke on myself during lunch.  Thank goodness for layers. 

Movin' on Up

My cousin Erin had showed me her gourmet breakfast and threatened to tag me in all of her daily cooking adventures. Naturally, I thought it was most appropriate to send her my breakfast Tuesday morning, after three hours of sleep.

While I was in Florida, I got out of a weekend of hard work around the house.  Clearing out the first floor for painting meant that we no longer had chairs.  I think this was done on purpose so that any time we thought about sitting down, we’d decide to clean and pack instead.  Lucas, ever resourceful, found a loophole in the plan.

We all went to Red Robin to celebrate Nate’s birthday, in his absence. Happy Birthday, Nater!  We had piled into Zach’s car.

Zach: You know what Kate, after me driving her around for a year and half, said to me? 

Me: What?

Zach: “Has any one ever told you that you’re not very good at driving?”

I had been telling folks at dinner about how I like highlight people’s names in an email when I really need them to pay attention at work.  Zach added that he often just reads the subject line of emails and if it looks important, then he’ll read it.  When he told his teacher this, the professor retaliated with ending all of his emails for the rest of the semester with, “Someone remind Zach to read this email.”

I also received this instructional guide from Erika in the mail.  I guess I need to step it up? And be sweeter? Maybe you could just pick one or the other? :P

Not sure if other parents/pet owners do this with their babies, but I like to spend my last 45 min every day completely and totally riling up my pup until he falls asleep from exhaustion.  The other night I decided to take some pics of how pleased my pup is when we’re playing so I could share with all of you. Yw.

Mister curious also jumped in the flower pot this week.  I think he makes a perfect Percy plant, what do you think?

While I was the only one at mass on Wednesday, I did get Dawne and Lucas to agree to give up something for lent.  I also promised to observe Passover, but that’s WEEKS away.  J

On Saturday morning, Jordan, the birthday boy, walked into the kitchen wearing a cookie monster shirt.

Lucas: I only like sugar and simple carbs

Jordan: You or Cookie Monster?

Lucas: Me.  I started the morning with marshmallows. 

The 5 of us spend the weekend packing up rooms and clearing them out for the move.  Jordan was working on his action figures, and making it very clear that he had to work on his birthday.  Dawne consistently responded with, “I don’t feel guilty!” I wouldn’t either if had been working every day, non-stop, to empty the house.  Actually, I haven’t been working that hard, and I still didn’t feel guilty. :P  Lucas and I tackled the music room.  Back in 2008, Zach and his friends, during a party, spray painted this room.  And then, we covered in egg crates to sound proof it for Luke. With the last box moved, I took a quick picture.  No staging needed.  Love what you did with the place.  J

Then, I went upstairs to help clear Zach’s room.  He had a tighter deadline b/c people were coming in on Monday to tear out the ceiling and fix some damage.  When they took the couches out, they lowered them from the balcony to the deck.  I wasn’t there, but I heard that it was a much faster processes then was expected when the rope slipped and couch fell to the next level.  Luckily, no one was hurt, and the couch lives on.  Becky also stopped by on Saturday.  I realized when we were looking for matching sheets for the neighbor’s son, I had forgotten to clear out an entire dresser of clothing.  Realizing that much of it was too small (sad face) I packed it all up for Becky who has been looking very skinny lately.  Then, because there were no seats, I brought Becky down to see the brown house progress, we moved some furniture, broke something, then cleaned it up, and then it was about ready for Becky to skedaddle.  J

Me: Do you take Baths?

Becky: Seems kind of a personal question, but I’m an over sharer.  ;) Why yes, I appreciate a hot bath now and then.

And that’s how she got a box full of bubbles and bath salts. 

On Saturday evening, we took baby Harper out to her first restaurant – Tu Casa (of course.)  We shared one last meal with Dawne’s Aunt Elizabeth, along with Matty, Jason & Diana.  It was a super nice way to end her trip here.  On Sunday, I went to brunch with Shana, Laina & Dr. Rach, followed by a pedicure.  It was super nice to see everyone, and especially nice to get a move break.  J

Percy boy is obsessed with leather.  It’s weird, but true.  He found this wallet, buried in the bottom of a box and spent the last couple of days “hiding” it, staring at where he hid it, and then moving it again.  At least someone is enjoying the move.  My mother, on the other hand, was very disappointed that he found an empty wallet.   Who knew I was supposed to encourage stealing?

I hope you all are doing well, keeping strong on your Lenten promises, and staying positive.  J

Gypsy C's

I've been really distracted, so if this email is fractured, that's probably why.  My brother made a comment about it being "good to be reminded." I wasn't sure about that when he said it, but now I realize that it is good to be reminded.  Reminded of how important family is.  Reminded about what's important in life.  And reminded to be grateful for the good things that are going on in your life, while you can.   Like living near Mt. Ranier.

I'm not sure where to begin.  I made the last minute decision to fly down to Florida last weekend.  I received word that my cousin Theresa was in the hospice and was fading fast.  I met my parents and brother down there, and my cousin Colleen was gracious enough to let us stay with her.  I got to stay in her daughter's bedroom (who is currently away at college.)  While the circumstances were sad, finding this taped to her shower wall, was not.

Sean was staying in Anthony's room.  Anthony and his brother Brendan had spent a couple of summers with Sean and Stacey, while they interned at the NYSE.  On Saturday morning, Sean FaceTime’d with Stacey and the girls. 

Sean: Colleen must have bought trophies for Anthony because there's no way he earned all of those.   And I'm not sure but I think he painted his room to match our guest room because he missed us so much.

Jackie then proceeded to tell us all about how she was busy making a birthday wish list. 

Sean: You're birthday planning already?

Jackie: It's hardly a month away.

Me: Actually is 5 weeks away.

Jackie: EXACTLY

Me: Maybe you should take some time and think about what you're going to get me for my birthday. 

An hour later I got this email from Jackie:

Hey it is Jackie!!! Here is your Birthday List! I hope you have the time to look up all the items you are asking for because they ROCK!
 

Tiffany’s Birthday Wish List...

  ~  A Bedazzled Toilet Plunger

 ~   “A Big Mouth Toilet Mug”, a mug that looks like a toilet!

 ~   A Morning Mug (color changing)

 

   ~ Accoutrements Emergency Underwear Dispenser

  ~  Ez  Drinker 6 Pack Redneck Beer and Soda Can Holster Belt, Camo Camouflage Design

  ~  Bacon Shaped and Themed Bandages

   ~ Fred 12-Ounce Pick Your Nose Paper Cups, Pack of 24 (cups with noses on them!)

  ~  Big Mouth Toys Prescription / Pill Bottle Drink Kooler

 ~   Instant Irish Accent Breath Spray

    ~Hand Cell Phone Holder

   ~ Anger Management Ceramic Mug

    ~Bacon Flavored Tooth paste

  ~  ~Christmas Story Nightlight Leg Lamp

~    Pink Light Up Shoe Laces

  ~  I Pooped Today Mug

  ~  Runny Nose Shower Gel Dispenser

I wrote her back.

Oh man, I hate to tell you this, but I already have half of these. Clearly you know me a little too well. :)

So, my cousin Theresa’s husband had a stroke a couple of years ago and sometimes needs some help dressing (apparently.)  I only know this because over drinks I heard Kristin say, “I haven't seen a penis in 20 years and then I had to see Toms.”  

Tom: I can’t find my milk.

Kristin: Are you accusing me of stealing your milk?

Tom: It didn’t just disappear!

Tom also, in a bit of a rage, called my cousins, “f***ing Gypsy see you next Tuesday.”  Again, that was not funny, but the fact that we proceeded to bandy about the term, “Gypsy C’s” for the rest of the weekend was very funny to me. 

On Friday night, we went out for a late dinner and drinks to Applebee’s. 

Waitress: Would any one like dessert?

(cousin) Tommy: I'll take the baked Alaska.

On Saturday, Frita and I went up to the hospice early to hang out with Theresa.  I got her to eat a little and drink a little, small victories is really all we had this weekend so I took what I could get.  Then we dropped her husband back home around 3 while the rest of the fam started showing up. OH! Wait, backing up.  Jen, Tommy and Curtis arrived at one point.  Then, I heard the emergency alarm go off.

Me: Jen, where’s Curtis.

Curtis (running into the room, sitting down like a guilty child): I was just checking to make sure it worked! And I didn’t see the big red sign…

Ironically, it was the door next to the other sign that said, “No talking; Quiet area.” 

Colleen: Theresa has good veins.

Kim: I noticed that too!

Theresa turned to me, and with her eyes only said to me, “Why are they looking at my veins?”  I didn’t know what to tell her.  I guess that’s what you get when you have two Nurse sisters. 

That evening we all went back to my cousin Colleen’s for some BBQ. There was a lot to talk about, but I think most of it should stay between fam.  Except…

Sean told us that he was going shopping and asked his girls to go with him, saying, “Come on! Kids love the furniture store!” And, because they are his kids, they DID love the furniture store.  They spent the whole time using the furniture as props for videos.  I can’t wait to see the results. 

Two stories were going on at the same time that included the following being said all within moments of each other.

Pat: He gave him a Bro Job.

Anthony: Come on! I’ve seen Pawn Stars. 

Frita: WHAT ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT!? 

Me: Um, they said BRO job and PAWN stars.

Frita: oh.  That’s not what I heard.  What is heck is that? 

Kim: I’m going to make one of these fancy cupcakes [from the magazine she had.]

Me: Oh really?  Did you just tell me you weren’t able to make Brookies?

Meanwhile, my cousin Erin makes waffles… from SCRATCH (no bisquick!)

Kim (to Sean as she was leaving): Have a safe trip and if you don't, remember the fun times we had.

I’m not sure if her husband, Ralph was intentionally funny, but we thought he was hilarious.  For example, Colleen baked coffeecake in the morning and then had to run to an appointment.

Ralph: You have to use a special knife for the coffee cake so you don’t scratch the pan.  I know because I've scratched it before.

While watching the Oscar’s, during one of the songs: This is like American idol; he's not going to make the cut.

And, when my cousin Tommy called on Sunday evening to tell us that he fell riding his bike and broke his hip, and everyone was asking about doctors, and prognosis, and how it happened, Ralph kept say, “but was it his left or right hip?”

Sean joked around about making sure he didn’t get any sun, even carrying an umbrella if necessary, as not to upset Stacey upon his return.  That was easy, but getting home was not.  He ended up having to take a couple trips to the airport before he finally was able to get a flight home.  (I drove twice on Sunday, joking about how I like to take some test runs, and then got lost going on Monday.  Doh.)

I didn’t get home until 2:30 am Monday night/ Tuesday morning, and sadly, Theresa passed away this morning (3/7).  I’m glad we were able to get down to Florida to see her, and spend some time with the fam.  Hug ‘em while you can people! (This, from the non-hugger, I know!)

Side note, Erika sent me a picture of herself (hair and neck) covered in vomit, which I will spare you from.  

Erika: Look whet your goddaughter did!

Me: That's gross.  You're disgusting. She's perfect.  You're disgusting.