May the Fourth Be With You

Haha.

I love being a nerd.

Today is Star Wars Day, and for some reason this is the first time I've even heard of it. I have a couple of friends that are huge fans that are holding a viewing tonight complete with Star Wars themed food...costumes are not discouraged.

I've never been a super fan, but it's hard not to like Star Wars. And you have to admit that John Williams is a brilliant composer! We played the Imperial March in marching band, and then in Wind Ensemble we performed the piece that influenced Williams' composition--Gustav Holst's Mars, Bringer of War, from his Planets (brilliant piece, by the way).

And I thought about Star Wars every single day I lived in Taiwan. Fact. Remember how I taught twins that were named Luke and Leia? Well, they were never told why they were given those English names. They had no idea. Towards the end of my second stint teaching there, I felt like I had to let them in on it. We watehed a clip in class, and they thought it was the coolest thing ever. (Oh, the Taiwanese and their English names!!!)

And Star Wars loosely reminds me of this video by the Beastie Boys:


Beastie Boys - Intergalactic by BeastieBoys-Official

The Beastie Boys have always been a favorite. So many memories in junior/high school involve their songs (in particular, cruising to Brass Monkey, and Girls with my best friend's older brother and his friend on a particular New Year's Eve). Intergalactic was one of my absolute favorite songs my 9th grade year. I still remember a heated conversation with one of guy friends over it (even then I was a music snob).

As you may already know, Adam Yauch--aka MCA--passed away today from cancer. It's a tragedy that the world has lost such a talented performer, filmmaker, and philanthropist (he's the one who directed the above video.) The Beasties have forever influenced the music world, and for that I am grateful to have lived in such a time.

So simply, here's to MCA!

Sunny Days in Seattle

The past couple of days have been absolutely beautiful--a rarity this time of year. Monday smelled like summer! I set out on a walk as soon as I got home from work with objectives in mind. One, to see if I could handle going on a long walk in a maxi skirt--I plan on wearing them all the time this summer. Two, to take pictures--I'm seriously lacking in this department of late. Three, to stretch out my legs and get a spot of exercise.

I loved seeing people out and about taking in the evening sun--families with kids on bikes with training wheels, moms power walking, kids playing baseball.

Walks in the suburbs may not be incredibly inspiring such as those in the city, but they are more peaceful. Less cars, less crouds, but also less material for photos. But there are more smiles and salutations exchanged. The air is fresher with scents of flowering trees, and on this particular evening, the clink of softballs hitting metal bats.

Walking by a little league game in the nearby park brought back so many memories of my youth. I remember the try-outs, the smell of the grass, the hope that I would be chosen for the best team. I remember the sunflower seeds, the cheers from the dug-out, and the joy of getting a really good hit.

I loved playing softball, and I was proud of my arm. I had a really good one you see. I could throw long distances, and sometimes could out-throw my brother--that really was something to be proud of (he's one of those irritating, natural-born athletes that is awesome at anything he touches). And I was great at bat. There was a certain satisfaction knowing that the other teams recognized me as a power hitter, and would always back up as I came to the plate.

Some of my greatest friendships came from playing softball. I met one of my very best friends, Ilene, when her dad was our softball coach in 4th grade. We stayed friends throughout junior high and high school. We were close through college and often went on walks, played catch, or volleyball. And I'm so grateful that we continue to be friends as we've entered the real world, meeting up for dinner or dropping by her workplace for lovely chats.

Who knew that one lovely evening walk would trigger such nostalgia? Then again, it is me we're talking about.

Hears to memories, friendships, and spring/summer in Seattle!

P.S. Still undecided about the whole 

going-on-walks-in-maxi-skirts thing...

I'll keep you updated. 

A few favorites of the moment

I know, it's been a while, huh?

Of late, I often have those moments when I sit down at my computer with full intentions to write,and then...nothing.. Inspiration gone.

 I don't know what's happening to me. It's not like I don't have things to write about. I do. Life has become immensely more interesting over the past couple of months. New Year's resolutions have actually come to fruition (sadly, not the one for lipstick)!

But all I can really think about is how much I want it to be summer right now. In the Northwest. Mr. Weather is such a tease. Giving us sun one moment and torrential down pours and wind the next. Oh, well. I'm just impatient is all. This is really becoming apparent in my life of late.

Anyhow, on to my favorites of the moment:

Lemons--I'm slightly obsessed. Always have been, really, but it seems to come out a bit more when spring has sprung. I'm addicted to Dreyer's (or Edy's on the East Coast) Lemonade popsicles. A-Mazing! I pretty much love all forms of lemonade, but my favorite right this second is blackberry lemonade. Yup, it's as delicious as its sounds.

Pretzels--this week I learned how to make pretzels with a dear friend from high school, and they were sooo good that I had to try out the recipe myself tonight. And they were pretty good, I must admit. A new favorite.

Jane By Design--a new favorite show (and I may have started and finished the first season this week(. It was on netflix, and I needed a show in the background as I was doing other things. And it's pretty amazing.

Chicago--I think it's my new favorite city. I had the change to visit earlier in the month, and loved everything about it. I mean, it doesn't get better than a city on a lake with beaches, right? Maybe Miami could compare, maybe? I felt like it had the best of the West mixed with what I loved in the East. Loved it.

Ellie Goulding--she's just amazing. Her sound Lights, is one of my favorites. I came across this little video earlier today, and had to share. It's sooo good. Ellie normally is all electronic, so it's really neat to be able to hear her go acoustic.

Please enjoy! (I was just there, too!!!)

In the Open: Ellie Goulding - Guns and Horses from In the Open on Vimeo.

A DC reunion of sorts

I've been away from DC for a significant amount of time now. It's a bit strange to thing that in two months I will have been in Seattle for a year. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. Fortunately, I've been able to keep in touch with the wonderful people there. This past summer a bunch of them came out for a wedding, and a couple of weeks ago I found out that my friend Kim was to be in town. The last time she was here we were't able to get together, so this time around I made sure we did.

It was so good to see her and to catch up! We ended up going to a story telling event at this really cool coffee shop on Capital Hill, called Roy Street Coffee and Tea (I wanted to give her an authentic Seattle experience). The ambiance was most excellent as were the stories this time around. And as always, the food was amazing!

Yum!

 Kim, come back! We'll have to do this again sometime!

P.S. If anyone else wants to come visit me, 

I won't be opposed!!!

San Francisco

Kelsey is one of my most favorite people.

We grew up in the same neighborhood.

We were in the same major at BYU.

We both love art and foreign films and can talk for hours about both.

This summer, when I moved back to Seattle, Kelsey was here on summer break. We went boating and karaoking. And pretty much had a rocking time.

And then...she went back to school.
In San Francisco. 

But it was ok!
She came back!
For a whole month! 

All was right in the world again.

When she had to go back to school after Christmas, we had the marvelous idea that I should accompany her.

So that is how one epic road trip slash vacation began pour moi.

 All in all, it was an amazing trip. Thanks Kels, for letting me tag along, and for being the best hostess! Can't wait to see you again this summer! (It will be epic!)

Then and Now...

Weight-loss is something I've always hated talking about. Probably because it was something I always struggled with. But, now I'm down 70lbs! Woohoo! I haven't seen this poundage since I was actively playing volleyball and basketball in school. Even now it's strange to look back at pictures from DC, and to see the transformation.

Here is the progression, as promised:

A trip to Annapolis last spring.

Over Memorial Day.

In August.

Trip to pumpkin patch in October.

Ugly Sweater Party in December.

From trip to San Francisco in January (we were at a military fort).

And there you have it! The progression of weight-loss. 

 For those of you wanting to know how I've done it, it's all due to Weight Watchers. They have an amazing program that they reinvented the start of 2011, and further revamped it for 2012. I couldn't recommend it more.

What the Water Gave Me

Confession...

I went to karaoke two times in two nights. I may need an intervention.

On the one hand,
I love to sing and it relieves stress.

On the other, 

I stay up much too late, 

which makes me mighty tired for work the next day.

A different, yet kind of related note (haha), I bought more music this week! 

Hoorah! I love new music!

Florence Welch is one of my very favorite artists. Her lyrics are introspective and deep, and really say something. She sings of spirituality, and has a lot of religious imagery in her videos. I recently watched an interview with her, and she said that music is the means that she can fully communicate her true self. And I feel like I understand what she's saying.

I have to admit that some of her videos creep me out a bit--that's the main reason why I don't post more of her music on my blog. This song is one of favorites from her new album, Ceremonials, and it's not creepy.

Please enjoy.