Chelan

Chelan, Washington.

Population 3,995, known for it's unparalleled combination of breathtaking scenery, vineyards, wineries, orchards, golf, hiking trails, boating and fishing, and hometown of good friend, Jake from University of Montana.

Chelan is not too far from my new residence in Seattle. So when I got wind that Jake and oldest college friend, Eric were going to be in Chelan for the weekend. I had to make a small road trip to go see my friends.

I fell in love with Chelan. Located at the very end of Lake Chelan, the little town sits right in the heart of Washington wine country. The hills around the lake stretched with vineyards of grapes and apples. Jake’s family actually owns one of the largest apple orchards in Chelan.

Upon my arrival in Chelan, we went on a wine tour. Started on one side of the lake and made our way around the hillside. We went to about three different wineries. Smelling, twirling, and sipping, I learned a little about wine.

We than painted the town (apple) red. Small local bars with a few mirco brews lead to a series of bad kareokee tunes, and equally impressive dance moves. Special thanks to good friends, Eric and Jake, for showing me everything Chelan has to offer.

Black Friday

Black Friday. Why do they call it "black" Friday? Is it because it is still dark outside when the stores open? Is it because you black out and spend more money than you ever wanted/expected to? Or is it because it turns people's souls black as they compete to get the best deals?

After my first ever Black Friday experience, I think it is a combination of all three. I popped my black Friday cherry this year when I went out with cousin/roommate Heidi and her mother. Our first, and most important stop, was Target/Best Buy. I wasn’t really out shopping for anything particular so I was there as more of an assistant to the die-hards.

My given task was to get a 6’ prelite Christmas tree for a screaming deal of $25. After waiting in line for about 40 minutes, the workers of Target opened the doors. The doors opening to target was like opening Pandora’s box. Pure pandonem broke lose. People began pushing and crowding, so of course I joined in. I raced with my chart to the back and luckily snagged one of the said trees. Fewww. I didn’t let the team down. Not gonna lie, it was quite the rush. I can see why people get consumed it that initial thrill.

We continued to do some shopping at the mall, but the lines and all the people were kind of getting us anxious to get home and go back to bed. We had a few Zzzz's to catch up on. By 9 we had already put in some serious shopping!

Thanksgiving

To give thanks. I am thankful for my family. This year was the first that I did not get to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I unfortunately was unable to afford the time off and plane ticket home for T-giving. However, the holiday wasn’t all lost.

Roommate, Heidi, had her mother come to Seattle for Thanksgiving. I didn’t refuse because Marilana is not only a good time, but she is an amazing cook. So for a holiday that is mostly based on eating with good company, of course she was welcome.

We had a delicious meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, Giardelli rolls, asparagus, and of course pumpkin pie for desert. I always overdo it on Thanksgiving. Helping after helping, till I am so full it hurts. But I feel as though it is kind of exempt on Thanksgiving. Plus it will all get consumed eventually via leftovers for the next week!

After dinner we played Scategories, which was hilarious. Our family is a little competitive and when we get playing games, things get serious. Sometimes we even chant taunting cheers to our components.

As the turkey coma slowly set in, it was off to bed early for an exciting morning of shopping, Black Friday style. It was a good Thanksgiving. Pretty low key and calm. However, I did miss my family like crazy. Next year, I will work it out so I can be with them.

Here Kitty Kitty

One day a year I love second to most next to Christmas is the beloved Cat/Griz game. Falling usually at the third weekend in November, the University of Montana Grizzlies take on the the Montana State Bobcats.This is the biggest rivalry game in the entire big sky conference. It is completely bad blooded as well. Once a Griz, always a Griz. Once a Bobcat, always a pussy.

This was the first year I was not able to watch the game in person. I did however attend a Satellite "party" of the game. In Seattle, it is held at a bar in downtown called Sluggers. I went with fellow alum, Heidi and Dooooonielle. We then meet up with a few of the other "recent grads" Deidre, Britney, and Katy.

The Griz beat the Cats!!! Woot woot. Not really a shocker. They have been playing 1897! the Cats have won 35 times. The Griz, however, have won a whooping 69 times! (*5 times they never played each other).

All and all, it was a GRIZ/cat weekend for the books. GO GRIZ!!!

Ring-a-ding

My dear phone finally bit the big one. It has gone to the greater place in the sky. All cell phones go to heaven. And so I would like to take a moment of silence and remember the time I shared with my beloved LG Voyager.

....

It didn't take long for me to move on, as I am now in a committed relationship with a new celluar device. I am a proud owner of the Blackberry Pearl Flip.

I can openly say that I love my Blackberry. I know understand why they called it a crack berry. Our first few days together we were inseparable. Blackberry and I went everywhere, always letting me know as they happen Facebook notifications, Twitter updates, BBM (Blackberry Messenger), oh and of course phone calls.

But the real story in this post is my bizzaro trip to the Verizon store.

It started out normal. I went into the Verizon store in downtown Seattle, got my name on the list to be seen by a service representative, and took a seat to wait my turn. Thats when it went down hill. As I was sitting, clearly taking up a two seated bench with my purse and bags, a man asked if I would scoot over for him to sit down. All while there was a completely open available bench just across the room. I shifted over allowing him to sit. He then began to ask me about my religion, politics, and the end of the world. And this all ties together because, according to this man, Obama wants to kill all the christians and this was the end of the world. Right.... I was just praying that they would call my name to be next! I couldn't even fake text, because I had no working phone.

Finally they called my name. I went up to the counter to purchase my new love. There at the counter was a mother (50-ish), "son" (25-ish), and a younger girl. The lady while waiting for her new phone to be programmed began to roll her own cigarettes on the counter! Seriously? I don't know much on rolling cigarettes, but I would dare to say it's not that public of an activity. Then between telling her life story about moving to Seattle from Ohio, she would turn to her, what I thought was her son, and start almost violently making out with him. This lady/family/whatever was a real work of art.

I was very glad to finally leave the Verizon shop, new phone in hand, in one living-christian-inbreed-free, piece.

Halloweenie

This year for the festive season, I traveled all the way across the great state of Washington, through the town of Pullman, crossed the boarded into the gem state, and arrived at the foot of Vandal county. Yes, I drove 4.5 hours to see my little brother in Moscow, ID.

The night before Halloween, if falling close enough to the weekend has unofficially become a day to dress up and celebrate the holiday. So, Friday Nathan and I headed to a small house party near his Fraternity. I kind of love the greek system in Moscow.

I dressed up as a boy scout. I found the shirt for this costume at a local Goodwill. I was from Berkley Heights troop in New Jersey. And later Nate informed me that I was a Weebalo (spelling?) Nate went as a sailor, but not just any sailor, an OLD sailor (pulled off with a gray mustachio).

Next on the agenda was U of I's homecoming game. I must say, I am very impressed with how the Vandals "get into" there homecoming activities and spirit. We went to some tailgates then into the beautiful Kibby Dome to watch them take the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. It was a very exciting game. The Vandal's won by one point in the final seconds of the game. GO VANDALS!

Saturday night (actual Halloween) I dressed up as Minnie Mouse and Nate dressed up as an hombre, ole! The night was filled with crowed frats, "guess my costume", a certain game played on a ping pong table, and many memories. HAPPY HALLOWEENIE!

It was very good to see my brother and a few of his close friends that I have come to adore! I just simply love my hermano!

Working for the Weekend

This post is quite dated, but I felt it necessary to let you know this story. On October 11 I took a day off of work to go to where I work. Confused? I went to the Seahawks versus Jacksonville Jaguars football game at Qwest Field. Normally I would have been working the event, but I really wanted to experience a Seahawk home game.

I went with roomie Heidi, Danielle, Christina, and Christina’s sister Nicole. We started the day with Bloody Mary’s and breakfast at Buckley’s. We caught the bus and rode down to Seahawk nation.

After entering the stadium, we immediately got a few beers, which were sooooo expensive. Then we located our seats. They were on the third row! Ok, just kidding, they were more like three rows from the top. However, it was a pretty cool view. You could see the city skyscrapers if you looked one way and the Puget Sound if you looked another way, oh and you could see the game too!

The game was amazing! We won, but not only did we just win, it was a shut out. Poor Jaguars didn’t even score a point. It was actually their first time ever playing in Seattle. Better luck next time.

It was so interesting to be on the other side of the event as a guest. I of course was looking for our security people to see how good of a job we were doing; quite top notch I might add. It felt great to take a day off and enjoy great company and good football.

Go Seahawks!

Pumpkins

With the changing of the seasons comes a few traditions that I love to uphold. These include dressing up for Halloween, attending football games, and carving pumpkins.

My roomie/cousin Heidi, our friends Danielle, Christina, and Sarah, and myself carved pumpkins. Heidi and I went for the "cinderella" pumpkin, an actual type of pumpkin. We cleaned, gutted, cut, and sculpted our masterpieces.

As a child, we would actually go to a pumpkin patch and search for at least an hour till we found the perfect pumpkin. Much time and "practice sketches" were done before the final product was put into action. Gutting the pumpkin was always the grossest part to me, still is.

I still love this fall activity. Something about putting a smile on a pumpkin, brings one to my face.

Go Griz!

Football season is among us, and I am greatly missing the Griz games. However, this weekend I found a close second to being at the Washington-Grizzly Stadium cheering on the boys. A small dive bar in Kirkland.

The Alumni Association has the game on Satellite there for every game the griz play. I went and watched the game with a few fellow alumni/friends. It was refreshing to be surrounded by Griz diehards. The whole bar was packed with maroon!

On top of all that, the Griz won, in overtime.

GO GRIZ!

Dining Table

If a dining table could talk... can you imagine all the stories it would tell?

So much more than just sitting down to eat happens at our dining tables. Its a place to catch up on your company's day, break good news to another, and sometimes report sad news. Its a place of sharing and conversation, laughing and listening.

Some big moments in my life have happened at the dining table. My littlest brother, Sean was announced at the dining table. College brochures and pamphlets were spread across the dining table when I was decided where to attend. Many birthday cakes, thanksgiving turkeys, and Sunday Roasts were shared with my family.

At home, my family plays a game every night at the dinner table, "High-low". The way High-Low works is someone starts by saying what the high of their day was and what the low was and then passes it on to someone else at the table till everyone has shared. Sounds cheesy, but its fun and a good way to share your day.

The next time you sit down to share a meal with your family or your friends, be thankful for that four-legged piece of furniture that brings you together.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest - a sixteen-day festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September and running to early October.

I wish I was reporting that since my last post I traveled to Germany, drank brew from a stein, and ate brat wurst with the locals. This isn't quite the case. I did however attend Fremont's Oktoberfest.

There was a beer garden with 70 Microbrews for tasting (*Don't worry, I didn't try them all). There was also live music, plenty of crazy outfits, lots of people, and an impromptu game of "Red Rover" initiated by my friends and I. 

Highlights of my time at Oktoberfest include, my delicious creepy (my pronunciation of crepe), tall Australian in a sobreo, getting away with not paying for a few of my adult beverages, eating a pretzel to help a man win a competition, still knowing every word to Coolio's "Gangster's Paradise", and meeting new friends in a long line for the port-o-potty.

Despite the rain (I'm still getting used to it here), its was a wonderful festival and I plan to attend next year, perhaps even dressed as a beer maiden.

Cheers.

Relationship Status

I have a love/hate relationship with the "S" word.

Single.

At times the word single is independent, strong, and free. Other times the word can be one, alone, and lonely. My recent complex with the "single", is how much people judge this two syllable word. Because all of the social websites ask what your relationship status is, you are forced to define whether you are taken or up for grabs. If any of you have had relationships like mine in the past, you will agree that sometimes its not quite that black and white. Since when did a relationship only become truly official if it is in writing on someone's Facebook profile. This is like having a public DTR (define the relationship) for everyone to evaluate. I'm not complaining, just simply stating a fact. For my grandparents "going steady" meant wearing his letterman's jacket; for my generations its "In a Relationship with George Glass" on Facebook.

My current status says single, but I prefer eligible.

Potatoes to the City

I never thought I would see two of my favorite things together. Potatoes and designer clothes?

Today while walking to work, I couldn't help but notice in the display windows of the Barneys New York were hundreds of Mr. Potato Heads. This instantly made me miss home. Blackfoot, Idaho with its prestitious title of "Potato Capitol of the World". My childhood friend and, in a sense, my roots have followed me to Seattle.

You can take the girl out of potato land but you can't take potatoes out of the city?

Labor Day Weekend 09

The long weekend the symbolizes many things. The end of summer, first weekend of college football, no work on Monday, and of course the Labor Union Movement. My Labor Day Weekend 09 was one for the books. This weekend my dearest brother Nate came to visit me in Seattle!

Nate and his good friends, Dara and Bobby, drove over from Moscow, Idaho on Friday. The weather in Seattle was very typical and standard; it rained their entire trip. I was however able to take them to some prime tourist spots. This included Pike's Place Market, Starbucks, Lake Union, Lake Washington, sushi dinner, downtown shopping, UW (self guided) tour, and more.

It was so great to see and catch up with Nate. We could talk for hours. He and I have been very close for a long time. He is one of my best friends. After he left Monday morning I had this huge letdown, because I already missed him. Come back soon!

You shook me all night long...

Where else can you find light up devil horns, 40+ year olds acting 20 something, and way too many air guitars to even count? Answer. An AC/DC concert.

Last night I worked this event at the Tacoma dome. What an amazing show! Brian Johnson was screaming all the familiar lyrics, but I was most impressed with lead guitar Angus Young. That man (and not to sound too cliche) can rock. I have never considered myself a hardcore AC/DC fan, but last night hit after hit kept playing. I didn't realize how many of there songs I like! A few of my favs I was slightly rocking out to last night (keeping in mind that I was actually at work) are as follows...

(Click to listen and refresh your AC/DC love)

Black in Black

Thunderstruck

You Shook Me All Night Long

TNT

Highway to Hell

Hells Bells

Dirty Deeds Done Dirty Cheap

The concert was very entertaining, everything from the crowd to lengthy guitar solos. I mean when else is a tie, blazer, shorts, white socks, and a flat cap hat ever been a more perfect outfit.

So, for those that rocked last night, I salute you!

Go Mariners!!!

Friday I went to my first Mariners baseball game. It was a blast. My good friend Jessica was in town and invite me and our other friend Britney to come along.

I purchased the cheapest ticket I could find, $7. The seat was located way up in the top section out in center field. I never actually made it to my seat. In fact that entire section was empty. I would have been the lone fan up there. Instead, I watched the majority of the game from the first come first serve beer garden located left field, fairly close to the field. Not bad seats for $7, haha.

Feeling a bit hungry around the 5th inning, we made a trip outside the stadium to get a hot dog. In Seattle, they put cream cheese on their dogs, which is the fat kid in me's dream come true. So delicious. We paid a bum $1 to play us a song on the buckets that he was banging on while we enjoyed our meal. Then caught a ride back to the stadium on a bicycle rickshaw. "Free rides for pretty ladies" who could turn that offer down.

The night was very fun. Beer, hot dog, cute boys, and to top it all off, the Mariners beat the KC Royals! We than celebrated with a few drinks at a fun little bar in Queen Anne called Pesos. 

No More School

There is a buzz in the air that is alerting everyone that summer has come to an end and its time to go back to school. Oh wait, not me.

It is a bittersweet feeling to be completely done (for now) with school. For as long as I can remember, the end of August meant the end of freedom. For the last four years it meant, buying expensive books, figuring out which professors I had and who had all their notes from that class previously. It also meant everyone was back from their summer vacations, football season was starting (GO GRIZ!), and I would be seeing familiar faces again at GBB High (aka Gallagher Business Building).

This fall however doesn't not include lectures, but rather work schedules. It doesn't mean getting a coffee at the Biz Buzz, but instead fighting the crowd to get a drink at one of the 500 Starbucks in Seattle. There is no longer a legitimate excuse to get drunk before noon on a Saturday anymore (assuming a home Griz game was legit enough). No more papers, projects, or presentations, instead pay periods.

I won't miss late night test cramming and early morning paper writing. Nor will I miss 14 hour days on campus, bicycles that think they are cars, or the Mansfield Library study lounges.

I will miss the atmosphere on campus, my classmates, the football games, Iron Horse 2 for 1's, Rimini Court, Biz Buzz with Marcy, GBB, and of course all my friends I grew so close to over the last four years.

For those of you returning to school, for what seems like the umpteenth time, cherish it! 

Happy Anniversary

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary to my parents! Today, mom and dad have spent the last 30 years happily married to each other. 

Danette, a junior cheerleader at Blackfoot High School, couldn't help but notice a tall Snake River basketball player entering the Broncos' gym in a "Tootsie Roll" hat for the cross county rival game that night. She whispered to a fellow cheerleader, "He's cute" and it was in a sense, love at first sight.

The two dated the remainder of their junior year and senior year of high school. It was a forbidden love, or at least I like to think so (much more romantic). The cheerleader and the star athlete from opposing schools... together.

After two years of serious dating after high school, the two decided to spend the rest of their lives together and tied the knot on August 25, 1979! They have since been blessed with 3 children (including yours truly). They have lost loved ones, sent kids to college, traveled, had work promotions, been to countless sporting events as the number one fan of their all star children, and been there for each other when times were hard.

I have never seen a couple more in love and happy, even after 30+ years, than my parents. They are each other's best friends and are so excited to spend each day with each other. I hope to have the kind of relationship that they have one day with my future husband. I have asked them what the key to a good relationship such as theirs is. Communication and trust.

Congratulations Mom and Dad! I am so happy for you!

Working World

This last week I worked, a lot. I actually haven't had a day off in 17 days. But work is good. I am not complaining. A month ago I was broke and unemployed. Now, I'm still kinda broke, but very employed.

Job 1 - I am working for a company, titled Staff Pro Inc. They are an event staffing company. The Seattle branch's headquarters are in Qwest Field, although we work events at all the surrounding venues. I am helping the in office during the week getting the logistics of the event staff set up and organized. I am loving it! I also get to work the events, some pretty cool ones I might add. This last week was the Seattle Sounders vs Barcelona soccer game.

Here's a list of the events I've worked thus far...

Sounders vs. Chicago

Kenny Chesney Concert

Sounders vs. Barcelona

Depeche Mode Concert

Events I will be working in the near future...

More Sounders games

All the Seahawks games (including preseason home games starting next week)

AC/DC Concert

Pink

WSU vs Hawaii game (big enough to need it in Qwest Field)

Job 2 - I also got another job to help support myself and the expensive living in Seattle. I got a serving job at Fox Sports Grill in downtown Seattle. Its an "upscale causal sports bar". I've been enjoying work there as well. On busy nights I have made some good money via tips.

Two really busy nights so far...

Seagals Calendar Unveiling

UFC Fights (standing room only it was packed)

Overall, it feels good to be working. I do miss my job back at UM Foundation, but its good to experience new jobs. It helps you understand what you are good at, what you like and don't like, and also gives lets you meet people in the industry that can come in very handy in the future.

Thus far...

An update on this last week in Seattle...

Its been unbearably hot here. Last week it reached record breaking temperatures. It was the hottest day in Seattle EVER on this last Wednesday. 

The apartment was a little miserable, with no air conditioning. I was kind of looking forward to the mild weather of Seattle, but I can't complain. Its only rained once for about 5 minutes. I powered through the heat and things seem to be cooling off (knock on wood).

This weekend was Seafair, a festival that is kinda a big deal in Seattle. They have the "Blue Angels" come out and do a show in the 

air, hydroplane races across Lake Washington, plenty of partying on the water, and much much more. I was working for most of the weekend. I did however get to see some of the blue angels when they came out to play. Heidi and I were laying out at the Madison Park Beach and saw a few of the boats. Everyone who had a boat, had it out this weekend! Kind of wish I could have been out there on the water, but I've got "big city girl" bills to pay

 now. Funemployment has come to an end. (Note -the sweet floating dock with diving boards. We both went off the highest one!)

Speaking of work, I worked a rather large gig this Saturday. It was the Kenny Chesney Concert. It was held at Qwest Field. It was AMAZING! The lineup was Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, and finally Kenny! Soooo many people were 

there for the show. The best part is with my sweet work badge I was able to walk right up to the stage and glance at the man in a section where seats costed upwards of $300. The country music really made me miss my roots! I got to hear my two favorite KC songs, Young and Don't Happen Twice. Such good tunes, especially live.

Its back to the grind again this week. Loving my two jobs. More on these later, promise. Seattle sweetheart signing off!

The Bachelorette Finale

Warning - FINALE SPOILER (If you for some reason haven't watched it yet).

I have a confession to make. I am completely and utterly addicted to a television show. I sold my soul to ABC’s The Bachelorette (and The Bachelor). Tonight was the season finale, which I have been counting down the weeks till this night for months now.

For those of you not familiar with the show, the pick a Bachelorette (or Bachelor) and then eligible men for her to pick from and in the end hopefully get purposed to. Sounds unrealistic and cheesy, but I’m hopelessly devoted to this show.

Tonight Jillian (the bachelorette) had the competition narrowed down to her top two men. Ed and Kiptyn. On a very romantic set in Hawaii, she had to go out on absolutely beautiful dates with both men and the end of the episode pick the one that she wanted to marry, sounds tough right?

After sadly telling Kiptyn that she did not want to be with him, Jillian was then surprised by Reid the man that she let go last episode (i.e. third place). He came back to tell her how stupid he was for not letting her know how much he loved her when he had the chance. I was heartbroken when after he purposed to her, she still had to say no luck and send him away AGAIN. I was a real big fan of Reid.

Finally Ed arrived and she had decided to accept his proposal for marriage! It showed the two “happily in love” and then roll credits.

Now, here are my thoughts on the show… I love the idea that this is real, but there is no way the situation that they put these people into is real life at all. I think that the feeling that they develop are real, but the situation of falling in love and marrying someone in a matter of two months, all while dating other guys at the same time is just unrealistic. Plus all these dates that they go on are what normal people have to work years in advance to go on. However, I would gladly accept an invitation to be the next Bachelorette (if you are reading this ABC).

With the right setting, the right amount of alcohol, and the competitive drive anyone can fall in love. I do wish the best for them though, don’t get me wrong. Do I think they’ll last, eh… no. But prove this naysayer wrong please. I also feel that the show is genuine in its efforts to find the Bachelor or Bachelorette their true love.

For those of you out there that also share this obsession, your thoughts please!