Does anyone have a spare wheelchair?

I could really use a wheelchair today. I feel like my legs are about to pop off. I'm so exhausted from moving this weekend, I just want to curl up and sleep under my desk. I think people might notice though... I could start a new trend. Mid-day naps at work. I miss nap time.

The Condo is coming together nicely. I prefer to continue calling it a condo considering it's probably the biggest place I've ever lived in, and doesn't feel much like an apartment. Especially with the new paint we slapped on Friday. We have eaten like complete shit for the last couple days. Time constraints have made us rationalize eating at Jack in the Crack twice, a mexican place near our house TWICE, and has given Jen a reason to devour half a bag of tortilla chips with some Cheetos on the side. Ick. We need to get back on track!

The Evite has gone out for the house warming party! I'm so excited. We're making lists of things to buy (mixers, snacks & such) But it's bring your own booze, so I hope people come prepared!

As tired as I am, I'm really looking forward to painting our bathroom, and getting the rest of our stuff unpacked. I just want to be at home, completely!

I hope everybody had a good New Years Eve, Jen and I were so pooped from hauling boxes all day, we were passed out by 10pm. Exciting, I KNOW!

Hotel Motel No More!

Thank Baby Jesus! We found a new place! I'm hesitating to call it an apartment, considering it feels like a Condo with it's HUGE living room, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, washer & dryer (in the unit), deck and keyless entry! We met our landlord last night and discussed his philosophy on renting, and within minutes we signed a lease. He was very eager to rent the place and waived the standard fees, and deposits, I was completely amazed. Jen and I are super excited to finally be moving into a place that will feel like a home.

More fun stuff and pictures to come.

TOMORROW: Choosing paint from Home Depot!!

Picture Post

As promised...


Beene and her new toy...


Harper & Beene checking out the goods...


Me and the Mama...


Happy New Year's everybody!

Happy Over Commercialized Holiday

Ya I said it. It came. It went. I'm glad. I'm not by any means a fan of the "holiday" season. Personally, I feel like "Christmas" is just an excuse for children and spoiled adults to demand gifts from their families and friends. My point of view, it's a rip off.

Maybe Christmas would mean more to me if I was uber-religious, even semi-religious. I think people have forgotten the history of Christmas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
and have just latched onto this over commercialized version, and are now passing it off as the real deal. Sorry professional Christians, your day of celebrating the birth of baby Jesus is now just another excuse for some spoiled ass rich kid to get that motorized Escalade from Toys R Us. Greed breeds all other nasty attitudes, thus I've chosen to not celebrate Christmas. Plain and simple, I'm boycotting. I refuse to get sucked into the obligation of buying people crap A. They don't NEED and B. I can't afford. So, I've taken the guess work out of it for my people, don't get me anything. Save your money, better yet, surprise me with something later in the year. Why does it take a faux-holiday to get people to do nice things for eachother? Again, its bullshit.

... end rant...

We decided since Christmas Eve is just like any other night to us, we'd go out and get smashed. We walked along 1st Ave looking for open bars, and spent a little time in Del Rey before being served a horrible Redheaded Slut w/ Crown Royal in it, BLAH! I talked Jen into walking to Sonya's for a proper drink, and we proceeded to get all kinds of tispy drinking perfect Cosmos. Yum. After getting good and liquored up, Jen made a necessary pit stop at McDonald's while I passed out in the passenger seat. Nursing a hangover, we gave our pups some new toys to tear apart. (Pictures soon) And went to eat a non-holiday related dinner... in a bar. Haha, we rule.

Mulleady's in Magnolia has got some of the best Stella Artois I've ever had. Try it.

I'm back at work today, a little bored, but spending my time removing decorations from around our office. Getting things cleaned up, and presentable again. I've got 2 more days of work before ANOTHER 4 day weekend. I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting trashed on New Year's Eve.

I do hope everyone was safe, did what they wanted, and got a good buzz on this last weekend. If not for the true meaning of the holiday, I guess for the sheer notoriety of it.

Loosen those belts..

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and I can honestly say the lack of bird this year isnt that big of a deal! We've got a spectacular menu planned, and I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. I'm not much of a cook normally, but when there is a big kitchen available, and a reason, I'll roll up my sleeves and whip something up. Neither Jen or I are very big on Holidays, but I'm really looking forward to spending winters with her. I love this woman more everyday. Laying in our bed, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the blue lights we hung in our bedroom, she is gorgeous. I have a renewed feeling of dedication, and adoration for her, the more things we go through and experience. Relationships aren't easy, it's the hard ones that test you and your love for one another. And I love her enough to work hard at this, and never throw in the towel.

Yesterday, we went shopping in the U Village. We went with the intention of sniffing perfumes and grabbing a few items at QFC. We walked away 2 1/2 hours later with bags from Bartell's, Sephora, Barnes & Noble, QFC and a little tree from Ravenna Gardens we've aptly named Henry. It was an expensive little trip. I walked away with a new Stella Mccartney perfume, makeup bag from Sephora, a scale, birthday cards, a new 2007 planner, and a "George W. Bush Out of Office Countdown" Calendar, by far my best purchase of the day.


My favorite fact on the calendar thus far is: November 2, 2004 Bush is reelected for a second term, He recieves 59,054,087 votes and, as was the case in 2000, a single state determinded the election result. The electoral margin is 286-252. The following day, The Daily Mirror, a British publication, asks on its cover: "How can 59,054,087 American's be so dumb?"

Since the overturning of the House and Senate to Dems in the November elections, Bush seems to be scrambling to save his ass, and the very few approval points he has left. He's been kissing Nancy Pelosi's ass for weeks now, and it sounds like he's bringing his pops around for some needed face-saving PR. It's sad he's come to a point where he has to exploit the efforts of his one- foot- in- the- grave father. Within the last few weeks, he started taking ideas on Iraq, knowing that once the flop happens and Dems take control he's going to want to be in a decent standing with the majority. I said it this morning on the way to work, I think the one positive to have come out of this incapable man's presidency is the fact that political dialogue is now an almost daily occurance in households and work places. It's forcing the American population to recognize the fact we entrusted a complete ass-puppet with our safety, security and MONEY for the last 6+ years. It begs the question to be asked again, How can 59,054,087 American's be so dumb? Hopefully, we'll realize the err of our ways, and pull our collective head out of our ass before the next Presidential Election.

October in Review

October has been a crazy busy month around here. Work is continuing to kick my ass. But I'm slowly turning it around to work in my favor.

DESK JOCKEY QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Shit rolls down hill folks and I'm not at the bottom anymore. Enjoy.

Jen and I headed out to the cabin for my best birthday ever and we spent the weekend tasting wine, and enjoying the final crush festivities. Pictures are included below and there are more to come. It was so fun! We slept in, and ate well. I finally got her to watch the Godfather with me. Ah, I love her for putting up with me. :)

Our Second Home:



Us at Benson Vineyard:

The Vineyard:

YES, that is MY girl holding up the "fruits" of her labor after
participating in a grape stomp!!!


On the way back we made a brief stop in Leavenworth, and ducked into Uncle Uli's tavern for some brautwurst, chili, and football. We were struck by a down pour, and it cut our tourist activities down to a quick run into the local Bavarian Bakery for struddel. YUM!!


Here's a few of the kids for the road.

We call this one "Hotel ScHMarps"

Beenes in her *NEW* bed. Fancy!

Sweet Home Alabama

Mmm, the 5 Spot's "Sweet Home Alabama" themed menu last night was awesome!

Jen and I decided last minute that we deserved a dinner out, and I treated her to some good eats and drinks. The 5 Spot was nice and noisy, just like I like it. Put me in a quiet, snooty restaurant and I'll probably pass out in my salad. I chose a few glasses of a good Viognier to get a buzz going, and had the Cornbread & Cranberry Stuffed Chicken w/ collard greens and baby red potatoes. Jen went with the vegetarian option, and some of the best Cosmo's I've ever tasted! I was really impressed that the 5 Spot has a Juice Press, so the limes were freshly squeeze and it really made a difference in the final taste of the drink. I think it ever bar had one of those I'd turn into more of a lush than I already am.

Jen and I grab dinner out a lot, but going and having a sit down at a restaurant is alot different for us. It gives us a chance to sit, and have a full conversation, really enjoy the food, and enjoy eachother's company. I love sitting across from her, and watching her talk, and laugh. I fall more and more in love with her everyday. She lights up when she has a good meal, and I love that about her. She has a passion and hunger for good food just as much as I do. Luckily for her, it doesnt mean her ass will gain 5lbs just by smelling something, unlike mine.

We've been back at the gym for about 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm sure it will eventually begin to pay off again like it had before. At least it better. Its hard falling off the horse and then trying to get back on again. Especially when the horse kicks you in the back of the head and then laughs when you get back on. Thats about how it feels at this point. We slowed down to the point where we didnt even think about going. I think in a week or so we'll be back up to full speed again, and we'll be feeling good about it. Either that or I'll turn the proverbial horse into glue. Ah the choices!

We have a full couple weeks coming up, but what's new? We're house sitting this weekend, with plans to play some put-put so I can humiliate myself, and our Mariner's game is Sunday!!! I love going to games, a lota beer with a little baseball on the side. Next weekend we are house sitting AGAIN, and I'm (im)patiently waiting for our trip to Chelan for my birthday. The biggest debate for the trip is whether to drink gin and tonic, or screw driver's. I love it. :D


Desk Jockey Gripe of the Day: TURN ON YOUR DAMN CELL PHONE. I dont want to spend the better part of my morning trying to track you down. Either be at your desk, or answer your cell phone. A deadline is a deadline buddy. If you don't pick up, you miss the boat. And it AINT my fault.