The Seahawks Post

Ok. So I'm going to weigh in.  Not on facebook, but on my own personal blog.  For a few reasons.  One, I get as long as a post/rant as I want. Two, no one really comments on this page, so I won't have to deal with certain annoying football fanatics having a fit over a GAME.

Let me just start out by saying this: I'm no Sporty Spice.  I'm just a girl who has enjoyed watching the Seattle Seahawks for the last 5+ years with Hottie Hubs. I don't give a flyin penalty flag about the other teams.  Couldn't care less actually.  I've had some great Sundays with close friends watching this ONE team through their ups and their downs.  A few years ago, it was hard to watch them, but we did.  We supported them with their dumb QB and their stupid mistakes.  Then last year, we saw something really awesome.  We saw a team that was starting to get it together and actually win.  A team that was fun to watch again.  A QB that ran the ball (and wasn't too shabby to look at either) and a group of other guys they now call the Legion of Boom.  A great kicker and a not too shabby offensive team.  Plus, a guy named Zach Miller.  Really?  Zach's my brother and Miller is his dog (well technically he's my parents dog now) so obviously I gotta like that guy too.

Do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?  Cause I don't.  Thats how much I don't care about football.  Just because I was a stat girl does not make me an expert ;)

And thats just fine with me.  Because its JUST A GAME.

When we went to Seattle a few years ago during pre-season, we went to a Seahawks-Raiders game.  I admit, I may have had a few too many pre-funk beers, and along the route to the stadium, I was giving out "knuckles" to EVERYONE.  Literally everyone that my knuckle could touch.  I would run up to people, strangers if you will, and with a cute smile yell, "Seahawk Knuckles!!!!"  And everyone would give them back to me.  I even ran up to an obvious Raiders fan and gave them "Raider Knuckles".  Why?  Because its JUST A GAME.  And games are meant to be fun.  No one plays Tic Tac Toe and chooses Os just because they hate Xs.  

And as anyone (not living under a rock) on FB could tell, Sunday night extending to the present has been blown up with whiney crybabies that are upset with the Seahawks.  Why?  Because your team didn't make it?  Because a trash talking player was given a chance on the microphone?  Because we've sucked in the past and couldn't possibly have earned this trip to the Super Bowl? Seriously, every single day its another reason to hate on the Seahawks. Today it's the clothesline seen around the world. Tomorrow, it'll be the fake dread extensions that whipped someone in the face "accidentally" (I made that one up but you see where I'm going) The Seahawks consist of some strong personalities.  Those personalities are the ones that make waves.  This is not a new concept.

I honestly don't remember FB blowing up over a game before this, but then again, I couldn't care less about any other NFL (or MLB, NBA, NHL) team.  But for some reason, the Seattle Seahawks success this season has gotten more (negative) coverage than I've ever seen.   And its extremely annoying.  As if your comment is going to change anyone's mind, or the outcome of the game.  All its doing is creating a wedge between you and your "friends" online.  I actually found myself a little mad at a friend because of something they posted about MY team. Duh.  There's a lot more going on in this world that could use some passionate ranting posts. 

Another topic: Bandwagoners.  For some reason, it upsets people that others might want to start rooting for the Seahawks now that the've pulled their heads outta their butts.  So what?  What's the bother?  Because the 12th man is getting bigger, stronger, louder?  Is this whole thing about the 12th man?  Why hate on a community of people supporting something positive?  The 12th man WAS HERE when they're weren't doing their best.  But of course, fans get louder the better a team plays, right?  So why is it so surprising that when we're doing awesome, the 12th man is at it loudest? 

Its like we can't win. Except we are.  We're winning.  And for once, no one can take that away from us.  We're on top this year.  Deal with it.  Next year might be your team's turn.

Besides, ITS JUST A GAME.  Isn't the Super Bowl more about the commercials anyway? ;)











Now, who doesn't love a good photo montage of how much FUN it is to be a Seahawks fan?!?!?!

Here's the infamous custom made jersey

We may have lost that game, but we're still happy!

That one time I was there. 

Not to toot my own horn, but HONK HONK. 

Isn't my dad hilarious? 

Isn't my mom the cutest?

Hottie Hubs and "the finger"

Roselynn sportin the beardie

In Cali watchin the game. KNUCKLES.

At home, rootin for our team! 

Making Babies Update

I kinda had a moment last year where I felt like I needed to explain to the world WHY I don't have children yet.  I guess because soooo many people I encountered asked, prodded, and generally felt it was their business.  Honestly, I think majority of people (with kids) think that procreating is easy.  And that all you do is have sex and then a baby pops out 9 months later.  Then you decide you want another one, and so you have sex and wah-laa, another baby!  I also think majority of people (with kids) think that everyone else wants kids, so the logical thing would be to ask "WHEN are you guys gonna have kids?"

Its never (or rarely is) "Do you guys want kids?"

Which really would be the best way to approach this if you find yourself NEEDING to know if a friend or acquaintance wants to become a parent.  I think if people asked me that instead of asking WHEN, I could transition my answer quite nicely to say something like, "Well, we DO want kids, but we're in a slightly different situation which is not going to allow us to follow the normal path" (people seem to become uncomfortable with this answer, hopefully making them less likely to ask the next person the same question)

Instead, when I get, "When are you guys gonna have kids?"  (and by the way, when people ask this, they sound like they're 13 again with both eyebrows moving up and down repeatedly)  I find myself answering a few different ways, mostly "Oh sooner rather than later!" Or if I want to shut the person down immediately, I'll say, "We can't have kids." It works. Trust me.

I felt like my blog post was a way to get it out there to those that really know me without blasting it on facebook (although I do realize I posted the link on FB) and its my own space to feel safe.  So I was very surprised and thankful for the response I received, both from friends and strangers.  I felt like the reason behind us not having our own children is super personal, but at the same time, a way to get awareness out about HD.

So, now for the update.  Well, I will say we've tried a couple times to create a baby.  It was costly, but we had to try.  I also was made aware of something that was clinging onto the walls of my cervix that needed removed right away.  Scary, I know, but if we hadn't started this process, I'd still have it, and who knows what it could have turned into.

We will be trying again soon when funds are saved up enough to try multiple months in a row, because really, who gets pregnant the first time they try?  Oh wait. I can think of a few girls.  You suck by the way. ;)

The short and long answer is this:  We do want a family.  Sooner rather than later.  If that means we adopt, foster, or go medical routes to become pregnant, then so be it.  Until then, I will keep posting ridiculously adorable photos of Lola Rae to my instagram and FB accounts. 

***Oh, and by the way!!!!  Blake's Beanies now is on instagram, and when I reach 100 followers, one of those lucky followers will receive an item from my crazy stash!!!****

9 Years

Today marks 9 years married to my hottie hubs.

Did you know that marriage is super awesome and fun and exciting but also really hard at times?  It is.

We've been together long enough now that we've watched friends get married and unfortunately divorced, and it always brings us back to what works for us.  And the only thing that holds us together in trying times?  Our friendship.  Our bestfriendship. I'm sure I've blogged this before, but it remains true.  At the very core, at the very bottom, at the very top, is the undenying fact that we are best friends.

I met Rodney when I was about 11 or 12?  He came over with his cousins to my house (because his cousin was one of my blvd friends) and he was wearing this oversized Charlotte Hornets coat.

Not this exact jacket, but visuals always help, right?

I didn't think much of it, don't even recall thinking he was cute or a possibly suitor.  Probably bc I already had a bf, because duh, I always had a bf. 

Fast forward to my freshman year of high school at band camp.  Yes. I'll give you time to re-read that and let it sink in.  

The Harrington brothers were called Bones and Bones Jr. and I'm assuming if you're reading this, you probably know me, and them, and need no explanation as to where or why those nicknames came to fruition.  (they were a tad skinny)

Those guys were always full of life, energy and laughs.  They loved having fun and obviously were fun to be around.  Thats when our friendship started. 

It continued this way for another year.  During the summer, we hung out a lot and even discussed our current relationships like best friends would.  I got the juicy details and so did he.  Who doesn't like having a guy they can talk to and get their perspective on things?!?!  

Well, that winter, while we were still busy being best friends that sometimes made out, (now out of both our relationships) we went to Winter Ball together and while standing in line to get in, a girl in his class asked him to Prom. IN FRONT OF ME.  And what do you think he said?  If my memory serves me correctly, he didn't say No. Or yes.  He just kind of stood there.  Pshhh.  Awkward!

Now fast forward to shortly before Prom.  By this time, we were officially dating and planning our prom night.  Well, this girl took his strange answer as a yes and was telling people she was going with my boyfriend to the prom.  Ummmm, really?  (btw, this girl had been absent from school for about 3 months, at rehab I'm guessing? yea she was a real winner) So I did what any good girlfriend would do, and demand that he set her straight, no matter how awkward that was going to be.  

A few days later I was on a band trip (nerd alert) and came back late to find a paper puzzle piece on my car seat, but the car was locked.  I saw it was in Rodney's handwriting so I knew something was up.  When I got home, on my bed, was a dozen roses with the rest of the puzzle waiting for me that when I put it together was a note asking me to prom.  And in little type, it said, and I'm paraphrasing, "I told that bitch I wasn't going with her" (Name changed to protect the crazy)

                               

How sweet is that?  

My camera ready Prom date

Awhile ago, I posted on FB that "marriage is like one big sleepover with your best friend" and it really does sum up how I feel about my HH.  He's my slumberparty partner in crime.  Thanks for everything you do for me and with me.  I love love love love love you and always will. 

My neck has gotten really strong kissing this tall drink of water

Things I'm Diggin

Wow. A lot has happened in the last couple weeks.  For one, the Hottie Hubs and I both turned another year older.  yay.  I'm just thrilled to be in the beginning stages of my thirties.  Is that excitement or sarcasm you're reading??

I went on an almost week long vaca for the first time in YEARS.  It was nice.  I spent it at my parents cabin on Coeur d'Alene lake and although the weather wasn't the greatest, I still achieved the relax I was going for.

Its my birthday and I'll lick every straw if I want to. 

Smily and Ducky

What.A.Blast

My Lola Rae has finally learned how to catch a frisbee mid-air.  Funny how I thought every border collie was born knowing this skill. Now if we can teach her not to destroy the frisbee's edge with her toofies. 

Speaking of amazing border collies, have you seen this video of Nana?  She's basically my Lola's hero. If I had more time and patience, I'd totally teach Lola more tricks.  That was my thought when we initially got Lola, but it just seemed like a lot of work (for me). 




OMG. I just ran across this video this last week.  I could totally see myself prancercising on my morning walks with Kelly Riddle.  Minus the cameltoe.  Well, maybe with.  It does add a little pizzazz.




I love a good youtube video.  In fact, we took turns this weekend picking videos to watch.  We watched a colorguard video (for Michele), a couple Squirrel Suit videos, including adding "fail" to the end, and the Bri-Wi (as Jimmy Fallon calls him) video.

But THIS video came to me Monday and I cannot get over how funny it is.  First off, we had a German foreign exchange student live with us for 9 months back in 1999 and I remember how often she would ask us to explain different english sayings that made NO SENSE to her.  I also remember her educating us on a few terms that translated funny.  Example: For a song that gets stuck in your head, she says, is "an ear worm" which is a really creepy visual.  Now, I know my mother does not appreciate when I mention poop in my blog, so I'm sorry Mom.  But c'mon. This is funny.  Real funny.




There's not many pages I "like" on Facebook, mainly because I'm bothered by the crazy # posts I could give two you know whats about. But if there's one page (besides Blake's Beanies of course) that I could only "like" it would be the Tosh.0 page.  They link to different blog posts on his website, and its not so much the post as it is the comments that I enjoy.  For example: He had this picture of someone's McChicken posted, and the first person's comment was very punny. 

And the top commenter wrote: "You will have to lettuce know when the wedding is. You better not chicken out! We can ketchup on everything. Is there a bun in the oven? Nevermind I don't really karat all."

***Disclaimer*** (for my mother really) THIS SITE IS NOT APPROPRIATE MOST OF THE TIME. ITS FUNNY, BUT NOT APPROPRIATE TO SHOW YOUR PARENTS/BOSSES. 

As far as TV shows, we've really had to get creative since the end of Survivor and The Following.  (holy crap. The Following's finale was cray cray)

Soooo,  we've been searching around our Roku and have found a couple pretty amazing shows.

1. Nathan For You

Think Sasha Baron Cohen with a side of Tom Green.  Basically he goes to businesses offering advice.  Really bad advice.  They take him 100% seriously, and he manages to keep a complete straight face the entire time.  I think we watched every single episode in one night.  And then watched them over just because they are that good.

2. Inside Amy Schumer.  Its another one on Comedy Central and she's pretty funny.  I think she's funniest when she's interviewing people, because then she's not trying too hard. But her sketch show has had some pretty funny skits.  One was about a school you send your older generation relatives to so they can learn how to be politically correct when they talk.  It hits home to me because my grandpa was born in 1915 (nuf said). 

3. The Ben Show with Ben Hoffman.  Something about a TV show about pretending to be completely serious but really majorly messing with people is and always will be hilarious to me. 

Basically I'm limited to what my Roku decides to store on it, so sometimes I have to fall back on the always dependable Law & Order: SVU or Lockdown.  

Movies:

Well, I finally saw The Mighty Ducks and Look Who's Talking.  Lets just say they were better in my mind, but I wasn't too disappointed. I mean, I had watched both before a few times, it'd just been awhile.  I guess what made me most sad was that Hottie Hubs wasn't as excited as me, and therefore didn't quite make it through either one.  Oh well.  Pick your battles.

-The Impossible.  It was great.  I cried a few times.

-Django Unchained.  It was amazing.  Even my own mother (who HATES the F word) liked it.  She liked it so much she watched it again with her friends.  Now thats a movie. 

-You've Been Trumped.  Can't remember if I finished it, but he's pretty much an asshat and only cares about himself.  Funniest part = one of the town folk describing what his hair looked like when the wind hit him just right. 

-Shelter Me. "Aiming to boost the adoption of shelter pets, this uplifting documentary focuses on the sucess stories, including dogs trained as service animals for the disabled and others who are helping returning war veterans with PTSD".  Pretty much amazing and a real boost for the facial tissue companies.

Food:

Not my steak pic, but this guy's who cooked his too long apparently.

Costco knows whats up when choosing which products to "sample".  We were there without a cart, specifically to get Rodney a new camera and I just HAD to snack on whatever they were sampling.  It was soo good, I immediately grabbed one and when the Sample Lady saw me, she offered us another sample.  She was nice. 

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS.  Since slappin this beast onto the BBQ, I've been eating it for every meal.  Just this morning I put a couple thin slices onto my egg sammy.  Since I've got less than 4oz left, I'm going to be heading back to get another one. Or two. Or eight. 

Farm Fresh Eggs.

I've heard they're the cats pjs, but I don't really know anyone willing to share their loot with me, so I've just stuck to the Kirkland Organic Browns.  Which were quickly pushed to the back of the fridge when our good ol' buddy Luke Jackson stopped by with these.  I didn't share ONE EGG WITH the hubs.  Oops.  They were just.that.good.  Not kidding, once you go farm fresh, you never go bock.  Get it?  haha. i'm funny.

Hey Luke. We need more. Thanks.

What are you guys diggin?  I'm always in need of some new shows, movies, food, youtube videos.  ALWAYS. 

Moves Like Jagger

Anyone that has a best friend (and I'm pretty sure that covers everyone?) can remember those moments in time where you're in the car and that song comes on the radio and you both turn into giddy 13yr olds and dance from the waist up.

A few months ago, back when Moves Like Jagger just started to get overplayed, my best friend and I found ourselves pulling into the driveway.  We sat there and moved like Jagger until the song was over.  Then we got out of the car, went inside and resumed our sweet little married lives.

Reason #542901 to marry your best friend.

Long Distance Relationships - B.C

B.C. = Before Cellphones

The day was 4/4/02.  11 years and 1 day ago. 

Rodney (before he was my Hottie Hubs) was living in California.  I was living in Spokane.  We had gotten back together and was having to make our long distance relationship work.  It was hard.  I knew I loved him and wanted to marry him.  We didn't have cell phones yet, so we were talking when I was in my dorm room, which wasn't that often, and I had to track him down by calling one of his friend's phones or houses.  It wasn't easy. But we had email.  Here's a couple emails I received.

i miss you every second of the day it's not right us being apart but it's only for a little bit longer. I Love You Very Much, You're Gonna Be With Me For A Very Long Time.

LoVe,
RoDnEy



How stinkin cute is that?!?!? 


That summer, he drove back to the valley to live.  He got a job at Northwest Children's Home, where he STILL works!  How awesome is that?!?!  Here's another message from  5/21/02:




I miss you soooo much and it feels awesome to know i'm gonna get to see you in a couple days. I have a lot of time to think about you on the road, everyone I pass probably wonders why I'm smiling so big. I love you. I love you.

I LOVE YOU!
RoDnEy





Zach, Katie, me and my love, and Josh

#flashbackfriday

Delirium, Carnage and Laughter

So last night my brain decided to "storm" and not rest, so I went along with it and laid awake. all.night.long.  Now, many I'm sure are skeptical when I say all night long, and by many, I mostly mean my husband.  He chooses not to believe that I didn't sleep for one second.  I'm not sure why. He likes to try and convince me that I really did catch some shut eye and also because if he gets up in the middle of the night, I pretend I'm asleep so I don't have to go through the same convo that always occurs:

Me:  "I haven't slept one wink yet"
HH: "Babe, you know thats not true. You've been sleeping. I heard you."
Me: "Hmmm. Heard me what, snore? Cause I KNOW thats not what you heard."  
HH: "ZZzzzzzz"

He's so freakin quick at falling asleep.  Its quite aggravating when I've been laying there doing my "sleep tricks" which I will spell out (literally) for you.  

First, I try and get comfortable. Duh.  When I'm finally comfortable, I will yawn, meaning that I could fall asleep in this position.  See, I have this theory that if I'm laying there NOT yawning, then sleep will not arrive. If I find a position and immediately yawn, then I'll stay in that position until I either fall asleep or go to my 2nd "trick".  Thats where I try and concentrate on my feet, imagining them sinking into the bed.  I will concentrate then on my calves, thighs, butt, belly, arms, etc. etc.  If this does not work, then I move onto #3.  This is similar to "counting sheep" where I envision the word SLEEP.  I will spell it, say it slow in my mind, repeat.  If this does not work, I will move onto a more elaborate word game involving the entire alphabet and thinking of animals that start with that letter.  I try not to get this far in the sleep game, because once I'm to M (Monkey obviously) I'm more awake than ever and not yawning.  

Last night was a litte different.  I had this strange vision, and the best way I can describe it, is one of those scanner boxes you use your smart phone with.  Except instead of black and white, it was blue and white.....So, during the brain"storm", I decided I would do just that because at work, I'm needing to brainstorm ideas for commercials, so I figured that was the perfect time.  And it worked.  I thought of 3 commercial ideas, which led to mainly one once I got to work.  

I also have this thing where I will NOT look at the time.  Its kind of like weighing yourself.  I try not to, even though I do have a scale.  I will every once in awhile, but I really don't want/need to know how much I weigh every couple hours.  For some reason, my husband does like to know what time it is at 2am or 3am or 4am.  I feel like thats just torture. I use things like the traffic outside my window to determine the time.  Last night, HH wanted to know what time it was, and since I was still awake, I saw him check his phone.  But I did not ask him what he found out. I just like to pretend its still midnight and I have 5 hours of sleep left, even when I know its really 4:45am because the traffic just picked up. I did speak up though. I said to my Hottie, "Wanna know a secret? I haven't fallen asleep yet" I'm pretty sure he didn't believe me.  

My parents have one of those clocks that shines on the ceiling and that machine is my ultimate nemesis.  Whenever I sleep over in their bed (when they're gone people), I wake up and open my eyes and my brain is just READING IT WITHOUT MY CONSENT.  Grrr.

I finally broke down and checked the time. 5:05am.  Awesome. My alarm was going to be going off at 5:16 so that I can get up and go workout with my two biffs.  This brought about a whole nutha convo that started in my brain.  "Should I even GO to workout class since I haven't slept?" "Should I just sleep?"  "No, Blake, you're not going to fall asleep NOW, and if you DO, you'll be WAY sleepier than if you just get your arse up and into those stretch pants." 

But here it is, the end of the day, and I feel great. Which could mean a couple of things.  Either I really did sleep last night and just dreamt about smart phone scanner boxes, or I'm living on pure caffeine and adrenaline. 

Either way, I found this video to be hilarious.  Cross country skiing is easy because its usually on flat ground, but once you get to a hill, you better hope those ankles of yours are holdin strong. 

A stark reminder

Seeing all this snow in the valley reminds me of a night I will never forget. 

I'm writing this not only to tell those who have not yet heard this story, but to have it documented so I will never forget the details of this night. Also, to be able to tell my grandchildren, and to use as a lifelong reminder so it won't happen again.

It all began one snowy night in Lewiston, Idaho. Huge, beautiful snowflakes were coming down and the sky was being lit up by the white ground making the night one to remember....

Snowy nights are rare in these parts, so Hottie Hubs and I decided to make the most of it. No, we didn't make naked snow angels, but close. We decided to go skinny dipping in my parents' hot tub. They were somewhere on the Kona Coast enjoying the opposite climate and we were plant watering/showering Miller on that fateful Sunday. It was a spur of the moment decision and we didn't have our swimsuits. But we're married yo! (thank goodness, because this story would have had a drastically different ending)

You see, the hot tub sits on its own balcony about 15 feet or so up (at the time I would have sworn it was 30 feet high), with no stairs leading down. And of course, there's just the one door off of the master bedroom leading to the balcony. I grabbed a towel right before we opened the door so our feet wouldn't freeze to the ground after we got stepped out of the tub. And immediately after shutting the door behind me, I knew. I knew that the door I just shut behind me was locked. And that every other door to my parents house was locked as well. And that we were standing there naked as jay birds about to get into a very hot relaxing tub. Exit romance, enter comedy.  So as fast as two bareskinned people can think in freezing, snowing weather, my hubs dangled my bare buns over the balcony railing and dropped me into the snow. Then threw the one towel over.  I distinctly remember as I landed (on my two feet thank God) seeing deer tracks in the snow right next to where I landed. 

Where am I going at 10pm with no clothes on?  And what is Rodney doing while I'm out being naked in the streets? Both great questions with equally great answers.

Thank thee dear Lord I knew the neighbors (of course, its Lewiston for cryin out loud). So when they heard a knock and saw me standing there with only a towel on, they let me in. Coincidentally they've been in a similar predicament.  And by similar I mean they have a deck with the same dumb locking door.  I'm pretty sure their story didn't involve winter or nudity (but I didn't ask for details).  MEANWHILE......Rodney's relaxing in the hot tub, because what else was he to do?!?!?

I needed the house key. My 95 year old grandpa and my (out of town at the time) sister were the only ones in this town with one. Awesome.  I called my uncle hoping he had a key, but he didn't. But he DID ask why I needed one right this instant and why it couldn't wait until the morning to get Papa's copy. I'm pretty sure I left some private parts out of the story.

For some reason my sister wasn't answering her phone.  I think she may have just been getting back into town.  So I called my mom, told her the situation briefly, and said I needed to get to a key asap.  I will never forget her response.  "Are you naked?????" 

Was I getting punk'd?  Was this some sort of sick joke? Did someone see my naked ass dangling from the balcony and got to my mom before I had a chance to???? Would Batman and Robin get the joker?

No, she's just a mom and has crazy mom intuition. I said, "Well, as a matter of fact I am, how did you know?"  I must of had a sense of naked urgency to my voice. 

So she suggested that I either drive to my sisters house unannounced (because she figured she just wasn't answering her phone at this time of night) or go wake up Papa.  Since now I was wearing a fancy bath robe courtesy of Ms. Neighbor, I decided to try my sisters rather than waltz into an old folks home after hours.  I remember the akward drive to my sisters house with the Mr. Neighbor, just praying that she was going to be home. She opened the door laughing at my robe. What are sisters for?  I quickly told her the story, knowing I would go into more fascinating details in the morning. Off with the key and off to get that (even more now) needed soak in the hot tub!!

BUUUT when I got back to the house and out to the hot tub balcony of shame, Hottie Hubs was now a prune and was more than ready to get out and said something to the effect of "I've seen this on '1001 Ways to Die', I gotta get OUT!" 

(Can I ask why a doornob would "feel" unlocked from the inside but truly be locked from the outside? And why the doorknob needed to be locked in the first place? That's what deadbolts are for!)

 I love to think about the "what ifs" of that story.  What if I didn't know any neighbors?  What if we had no towel? What if we had no key? What if the hot tub was cold? What if I didn't land on two feet? 

2013=Year of the Wifey

Do you remember my 2011 resolution?  It was a crazy one. I decided to do or not do a particular thing each month.  For example, January I abstained from alcohol. February - No cable TV, March - No meat. I actually stuck to it each month, which is a first in terms of New Years Resolutions for me.  I really wanted to do it in 2012, but at the same time, I needed a break from the constant focus needed to succeed. I thought about doing a video blog everyday of 2013, but thought about how extremely boring that would be for any viewer.  I also thought about journaling everyday, but then I realized thats kind of what this blog is, and I don't have to stick with the everyday thing.  So, after finally getting a chance to look around my house (instead of looking down at a ball of yarn I'm about to turn into a beard) I have figured out what 2013 has in store for me.

I'm not that into interior decorating.  Obviously for those who have entered the Harrington House.  But that doesn't mean I can't get into it.  Its just that normally my time at home after work is spent on crocheting.  And watching *Catfish the TV show (or insert any show, really).

My biff Jenny is super into interior decorating, as obvious to those who have entered the Purington House. Or those even driving by.  So, when she had a party for her 3 year old a couple weeks ago, Hottie Hubs noticed how awesome her house looked/felt.  And he let it be known to Jenny that I needed help.  Well duh, I already knew this.  Didn't hurt my feelings at all when she told me what he said to her in private, because I know this about myself.  And I'm ready to take this project on.

I think of it like I think of my wardrobe.  Back in the day, I didn't have a "wardrobe".  I had clothes that fit.  And kept me warm.  That was about the extent of my thinking for what clothes meant to me.  Now, I have aquired quite the closet, complete with accessories.  Now it takes me longer to get ready, but I get compliments on how I look, and that makes me feel good!  It took practice and time, but now I like getting dressed for work and choosing the best earrings for the day.

I'm going to take 2013 on as a interior decorating year.  And I will showcase the Befores and Afters in all their glory right here, in my little blognest.

Pretty much every room needs work. When we moved in, we did a little painting, and remodeled the kitchen (which needed it asap), put carpet in the basement and called er a day.  It's kind of embarrasing really, to think that I'm 30 and still haven't put my "womanly touch" (a term I've heard thrown in my house around a few times) on my house.  I love that Pinterest is a thing now, because I've already stolen  many ideas for what I'm going to do! I plan on DIY-ing most of it because, well, I can DIM.

Here's my list:

(in no particular order in which work will be completed)

• Living room:  I would like to paint the fireplace, make the mantle bigger, change out the carpet, add more pictures
• Hallway:  Paint and add pictures
• Bathroom 1: Floors, paint, new sink, possibly new tub, possibly paint tub
• Bathroom 2: Add pictures as its been remodeled already
• Master Bedroom: Pictures, new curtains
• Rodney's Man Room: Curtains
• Blake's Craft room: Paint, organize, pictures
• Basement storage room: Paint floor, organize
• Basement bathroom: add shower, mild remodel
• Laundry room: Add pictures, shelves possibly, paint floor
• Outside Backyard: Possibly add deck??? 

Pretty much gonna make this house a home after 8 years. Bout ding dang time Blake.



*Have YOU SEEN this show?!?! Wowie. Its a gem. Just when I was needing something new on my Roku to watch, here came Catfish the TV show. I promise you won't want that hour of your life back. Its that good. 

Cah-ray-zee Cro-shay-zee

Does your memory only remember the good things? And forget the bad times/memories? Mine does. I remember my brother and I getting along like peaches and cream growing up. My other siblings and parents will tell you that was not the case.  We were, according to them, constantly bickering and fighting.  But somehow I've managed to forget all those bad times he made me feel like an annoying little sis.  

My brain has also apparently forgotten how insanely busy I was last year at this time.  I mean, I remember crocheting up until December 24th for people's Christmas orders, but I don't remember having to sacrifice so much of my time.  The past two nights, I've woken up in the middle of the night to crochet.  Last night, I woke up at 3am and crocheted until 5am and then went back to bed.  Thank goodness for Roku, because nothing is on bunny ears TV at that hour. *Side note: I may have watched Elf too many times last Christmas season, because this year, I don't really feel the need to watch it 20 times (or even once through) between Thanksgiving and New Years. Sad.

As of today, all my out of town orders are done (except for the etsy order that came in at 6am this morning).  Now, I just have 17 beards to make between now and Friday.  A co-worker ordered 10, and she's going to give one to each family member....so awesome!  The big seller has been the beards, but I've also sold quite a few pairs of fingerless gloves.  One pair, I sent to CT on December 8th using USPS and the buyer emailed me Sunday to let me know she JUST received them, and that the package was ripped open and all that made it was one DIRTY glove. Awesome. (But she did say the one glove looked lovely) Oh, and that she needed another pair by Friday. Have you BEEN to the post office or UPS store this week? I spent my entire hour lunch break there yesterday, and paid double the price of the fingerless gloves to ensure they make it to CT by Friday. 

I told myself this year's goal was to have a cut off date for orders, and to not still be crocheting on December 24th.  I'm guessing I'll make that goal by a whopping 2 days. The main reason I cannot say no? I love the idea of my stuff being given as presents, and being worn around proudly.  That and I'm a yes woman.  

I don't want to complain about getting orders and being busy because I love crocheting, and the money is going into a savings account for a very important reason.  But I've sacrificed a few things that I'm not proud of.  I've been so busy (crocheting before and after work until bedtime) that I haven't had the chance to spend time with friends, and specifically my parents.  They recently let me know how much they've missed me and it broke my heart.  I would do anything to be able to hang out with them. After all, I am their baby.  But I've stretched myself a little thin lately and really needed their reminder to pull me back in.  

I told Hottie Hubs last night that I will be taking a month off of crocheting in January.  But thats like Santa saying he's going to take all of December off.  The cold months in the year are when I get all my orders.  I don't get beard requests in July.  So I probably won't be taking January off, but I'm not going to be crocheting at 3am, this I know for shore.

I will leave this post with our Christmas card.  Since I work at NW Media Productions, I have access to an amazing photographer, Patrick Brown-Hayes and an amazing graphic designer (and one of my bffs) Jenny Purington. Put that together with the cutest most amazing dog in the world, and the outcome is this: 

*Picture was cropped quickly, so its not showing like the real card, but just know Jenny did an amazing and perfect job :)

8 years and counting

Today I celebrate the 8th anniversary of being married to my best friend.

I read something in the Readers Digest this morning (I won't tell you where I was, but maybe I just did) that was advice from mothers to their children, and one of them was how to stay married.  It said just one thing: marry someone that makes you laugh.  To me, that is a best friend.  They are there with/for you through all the good and the bad, but they are the ones you have fun with, laugh with, and enjoy the most out of life with.

I'm not saying our relationship has been perfect. We, just as all married couples, have fought, cried, and mean mugged.  But those times really have been overshadowed by all of the times we've laughed.  And loved.  And snowboarded, fished, camped, Seahawk knuckled, snuggled, etc etc.

Remember this post about the 14 page love letter I found, written for my college freshman boyfriend?   When reading it, I felt those old feelings of missing him while he was away and thinking of the future when I got to spend every day and night with him. It seemed like such a far off event.  Being married, being one.  That was 13 years ago.  Crazytown.  I really did feel such strong feelings for this man and I knew they were for reals. But to say that out loud as a 17 year old sounds kinda silly because how can you know at that age that your choice in "the one" is really going to turn out to be "the one"???  Sometimes it just works out that way.

 

Us @ Prom 2000

He asked my parents for my hand in marriage in May of 2004.  I was a couple months from graduating and I knew I wanted to get married that summer.  However, he hadn't asked me yet and the summer was in full swing. (I was thisclose to asking him myself)  On July 9th we went camping on a beach up river and the next morning as the sun came up he asked me.  He got down on one knee and professed his love for me and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He cried, I cried.  And of course I said yes.  Three months later, we were married :) We had a fabulous wedding.  It was on my parents front lawn of their Coeur d'Alene lakefront cabin.  The reception was aboard the resort's cruise ship,  The Mish-an-Nock.  It was October 2, 2004. We were crazy, crazy young, and crazy young in love.

 

 Thanks Lyndee for the pics I stole from your FB page :)

We did not live together before we got married.  So even though we'd already been together for about 5 years, there was still something very exciting to look forward to.  I knew most of his habits, and he mine, but there was a sense of newness to the relationship that made it all that more exciting.  It was the beginning of the longest slumber party I've ever had. I remember not being able to sleep very well with someone RIGHT THERE.  (We had a queen bed and if you don't know, Hottie Hubs is 6'7").  Now when he's not there I can't sleep very well.

We still hide behind corners and scare each other.  We have been known to dump a cup of cold water over the shower curtain, and most recently he got me with the ol' rubber band around the kitchen sprayer.  We are each others best audiences, laughing at our duuuumb jokes. (Most recent: his impression of playing a giant violin during opening credits of Walking Dead)

Thanks to you my love, for finding my jokes still funny, my face still beautiful, and for keeping my heart fluttering.