Alicia and the Burg

Congratulations Mike & Alicia!! Alicia - you make pregnant look good. Look how glowing and angelic you look. And so very G....ha!

So when Marketa & I (above) were making plans to drive to the Yak for Alicia's baby shower we asked ourselves: If the shower is at 2pm do we have time to hike The Book for the bazillioneth time? It took us 30 seconds to determine heck yes we do. Sure we had to get up at 6:30am but it was well worth it.

Smell that sweet, sweet Ellensburg air? With just a touch of cowpie mixed in! There is something about Ellensburg that makes for instant relaxation. Anyway - picture at the parking lot of The Book and we were pumped. Woot!



I love that they provide complimentary ski poles at the trailhead now - circa 1973. I grabbed one to help out with all the mud and ice on the way to the trail. Of course Marketa is old school hardcore and refuses to use a pole. I'm glad that she trusts that I can carry her and her broken tailbone down the long trail. Friends like us are hard to find.

And here is the fearless and beautiful Marketa rehydrating. We just got done tackling the b*tch part of the trail. At this point were working a good cold sweat which would ensure we'd be the stinkiest ones at Alicia's baby shower.

With just a touch of cowpie included as well.

View at the top. I just love the memorials that people put up here. (Mt. Stewart in the background). If I ever die a glorious death I'd like my own little spot up here too. And what's my idea of a glorious death? I'll write about that another time!

Moving on - we have done this trail SOOOOO many times. When we were in college I remember doing this hike with Marketa, Alicia and many other poor souls. Being at the summit provides a barrage of good memories - or fuzzy memories at that. We can't remember half of our experiences in college - not sure why but we do still try....I'm a poet and didn't know it.

Moving on - I decided to show you summer and winter pictures of the same trail - check it out:

Marketa heading up the steep trail....

Self-portrait at the top....

Marketa signing the book...

And me posing with the book! We love consistency!

So we made pretty good time and neither one of us fell or broke our tailbone - pretty sweet. Big thanks to the Conoco bathroom (above). A nice clean outdoor bathroom where Marketa and I could change into our baby shower clothes. Deodarant, water, lotion - check and ready!

It really was a pleasant surprise because I always think of movies like Dumb and Dumber and The Sweetest Thing where outdoor gas station bathrooms are an absolute pit of fear.

Were changed, Marketa has food and were on our way!

This is my first official baby shower picture of Alicia. Just look at how happy and glowing she is! I know, I know it's a typical thing to say but she absolutely radiated. I should of taken more pictures of her family - she has the most loving, laid-back and wonderful family ever. I really am trying to find out if there's anyway I can apply for her family to consider to adopt me.

This was my favorite gift she got - so perfect! A camo onesie with ruffles on it. God certainly did meant for little girls from Prosser to wear camo, be supreme hunters and perfect at the art of fishing.

And one last picture of the three of us - it's supposed to be a heart were making... I absolutely heart these girls. Alicia and I bonded during Summer Semester at CWU with our numerous hikes - we went everywhere and it was awesome. This chick is fun & down for anything - which is also the first thing she told me when she first met her husband "He's really cool - he's down for anything." People like that are meant to be loved.

Oh, and her cooking afterwards is the cherry on top.

Oh wait, did you just ask how Marketa and I became friends too? Oh, it was when she threatened to kick my a$$ in the dorms. True story. I liked her INSTANTLY. She was feisty, charming and sweet with her apology regarding the mistaken identity. Just don't take her pen.

But we absolutely could *not* leave the 509 area code without eating at The Tav.

Barney Burger, Texas Toothpicks and cold beer. Almost a perfect end to a perfect day.

Ok - now it's the perfect end to the perfect day! Shout out to D&M coffee - Starbucks has no business in your town man!

Congratulations again Mike and Alicia - I am *soooo* stinking excited to watch Abigal Annette grow up. I'm sure Mike is completely right in his prediction that she'll be driving a boat by the age of 4. If not 3.

Birthdays and Oscars

OK - I'm gonna shake off my work concerns so here I go:

This weekend we celebrated Schmuck and Rambo's birthdays. And I may be biased but I don't think I've ever met an Aquarius that I didn't absolutely love.

(Me with Schmuck and Rambo - and she's smiling! yay!)

The funny thing about both these gals is that we didn't love each other RIGHT away. With Schmuck I met her in college but dated a guy on her end of the hall. Not a big deal since she was already in a loving relationship with her now husband. But the guy's ex lived next to Schmuck. And one day I thought I was being funny - no, I *was* very funny. I can't tell you what's so funny because it'd give you the wrong impression about me but let's just say I had to win Schmuck over at another time.....

It was funny though.

With Rambo we knew each other in grade school but got to know each other better in 5th grade. We had more than one heated discussion that year over who deserved Joey McIntyre's heart!! Fast forward to 20 years later and I inadvertently set her up with her now husband. So that feud was put to rest thankfully.

And since I already mentioned them above is Mr. Schmuck and Mr. Rambo with their sons. How stinking cute is that? Both those boys love their Daddies! But obviously they find their Dad's pretty boring *zzzzzzzzzz*
Ok - no really, Mr. Schmuck and Mr. Rambo are two of the most happy, good-natured and funny guys I know. And how could they not be? Their wives are fierce, smart, driven, loving, compassionate, giving and good friends with me. The biggest perk of their marriage to these wonderful women is having the opportunity to hang out with me. Lucky guys indeed.



So I want to take this opportunity to thank Melanie and Derek for hosting Oscar night at their house. Derek has been working on his media room ever since they bought their house and it's stinking amazing! I remember Derek telling me his dream of having his media room completed and hosting an Oscar party. I'm so glad you got to realize your dream Derek. That's why when you were *soooooo* adament that all guests show up dressed for the red carpet I took it seriously.

(See above Princess Big D and Me with makeup galore)

Anyway, imagine our surprise when we showed up and everyone was comfortable in their jeans! Except for another poor couple that Derek failed to alert that the "dress-up" portion was canceled. I still had fun Derek. I still had fun indeed. But my feet hurt now from those dang heels. Not that I'm blaming you...but I'm just saying. Jerk.

And I forgot to take a picture of Derek & Melanie but here's an old one above. Look at that, they're wearing jeans in this photo too! (OK, you can't see that but trust me they are).

Oh and THANK YOU Melody for sharing the recipe! I made the Avacado Corn Salsa Dip and it worked! People said it was good - I mean, look at all those hands in the dip!
Special thanks to the very handsome produce boy at Safeway that showed me what cilantro was...and also talked me out of thinking I should use the stems over the leaves.

Devastated

At the risk of sounding dramatic I am devastated. I have a personal rule to never write about my job on here but I will say that I am devastated. No details, no stories, no background to be told except to say that I am spewing with devastation.

I would like to go into details but again, I can't break a personal rule. I also can't vent about it and sound funny and light-hearted at the same time. So I will stop right here only to say that I am devastated and bursting.

And on another devastating note: Check out my latest race picture! I look like I have major coffee bloat and wonk eye. And I can't even find Shannon's photo anywhere - I think she was blocked by the running heart. Two people in one heart - they had to stop themselves and turn sideways to go between the trees at one point during the race. Shannon was stuck behind them - ha!

On a lighter note - I'm celebrating some birthdays this evening with my two favorite gals. I'm also going to try out Melody's Avacado Corn Salsa recipe. Cross your fingers!

And somewhere along the line I'm going to kick devastation's a$$ and somehow find a way to move on with my focus and optimism in check. Wish me luck.

Signing off,

In battle of becoming just another disgruntled government worker.

Motivation List

So today I did a little run in Seattle with my Dawg Shannon - who graciously took Jenny's place at the last minute. Hope you're feeling better Jenny! I can't wait to do the redemption run with you.

So, as usual, I broke one the race rules. I started off fast and overconfident. And I blame it on The Nookie. By Limp Bizkit. That song just makes me feel punk and makes me want to speed thru the crowd. I seriously could not run without music. I can barely run with music!

Therefore I have put together some of my top motivating running songs. I really like taking the time to browse the web to see what songs motivate others when they run. It's all about beat and attitude of the song for me. And unfortunately I am not cultured in music like Wohnster is - I'm a generic radio song girl myself. Unless it was on a soundtrack. I usually only buy soundtracks so I can experience a new variety of music. Ok...I'm getting off track. Here it goes!

• Nookie - Limp Bizkit. Pure punk attitude takes over my legs and makes me pass people!


• Down - 311.


• Sure Looks Good To Me - Alicia Keys. It just feels like a triumphant song.


• I Have Decided - Amy Grant. It's motivated me off and on since I listened to her record at age 6. A higher power is pushing me along! Woot!

• Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers. I consider it more of a message to me. No walking Krista, keep moving.


• Single Ladies - Beyonce. A new song but just picturing that video keeps me inspired. I mean, she works it.


• D*mmit - Blink 182.


• Circus - Britney Spears. I'm not ashamed of this at all. Thanks for keeping me going Britney. Glad to see you again. You're like a firecracker...


• Crazy B*tch - Buckcherry.


• Clocks - Coldplay. The rhythm really does hypnotize me and helps block out the pain...


• Insane in the Membrane - Cypress Hill. Word to your Moms, I came to drop bombs...


• Til I Collapse - Eminem. This is for raw, gritting your teeth up a hill motivation. Cuz I would never dream to talk back to Eminem either - thanks me intimidating me and keeping me going.


• American Boy - Estelle. Another new song but such a happy, bouncy rhythm.


• I Can't Get No Sleep/Insomniac - Faithless. It kinda gives me anxiety but really does speed me up.


• Gangsta Folk - Flight of the Conchords. Makes me laugh and I forget being tired.


• Welcome to the Jungle & Paradise City - Guns 'N Roses. This is beneficial when I'm bouncing back from a bad mile or something. Back in effect man!


• Rock Star - Hole.


• Dirt Off Your Shoulder - Jay Z.


• Get Right - Jennifer Lopez. Seriously, no joke. This is one of the best songs to run to - I think it's the sassy saxophone!


• Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne.


• Just Dance - Lady Gaga.


• LDN - Lily Allen.


• Love Today - Mika. Thanks for keeping me optimistic.


• Kerosene - Miranda Lambert. I love pissed off chicks.


• I Know I Can - Nas. Thanks for the encouragement Nas!


• If Everyone Card - Nickelback. I had a good experience with this song towards the end of a long race. I started crying out of joy. Thanks Nickelback - it was a good moment.


• Ex-Girlfriend - No Doubt.


• The Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera. Just try it.


• Stuck in the Middle with You - Stealers Wheel. Helps me relax. Plus, I love college memories and Mr. Blonde.


• B.O.B. - Outkast. Remember Dre running in this video?


• Passenger Seat - SheDaisy.


• Ain't No Fun - Snoop Dogg.


• Strongbad Freestyle - Strongbad.


• Jackie's Strength - Tori Amos. Surprised me too.


• Panama - Van Halen.


• I Get Around - 2Pac.


• Gimme That... - Eazy E. I almost feel bad but it works for me. Don't judge.


• Volcano Girls - Veruca Salt.


• Going On - Gnarls Barkley.

Sheesh...that's a long list. I feel like I just ran after writing this stinking post! Let's end with this picture:

So once TROY came out I was over my Orlando Bloom phase. But obviously he's filming a new movie and has this tree tattoo on his chest for it. And I'm enamored. Trees and shirtless boys are two of my favorite things and he combined them - SWOON!!

Puppy Bowl Weekend

So I couldn't find a promo pic for PUPPY BOWL V so PUPPY BOWL IV will have to do. A very exciting weekend and if it wasn't for the Puppy Bowl we would of gone to Big D's cabin but instead decided to do a day-snowshoeing trip the day before the Puppy Bowl. A little bit of working out in the fresh air before the spirits and gluttony that accompany PUPPY BOWL.

Above see the Snowshoe crew - Me, Andrea, Big Bro and Big D. Were quite colorful huh! And I love Andrea's hat....but I digress.

It was really cool to cross this bridge in the winter time - and quite scary too! This is a trail I usually do in the summer (and sometimes pitch black summer with the nocturnal animals) so it was quite bizarre to see so much snow on this bridge. But the water was stinking gorgeous - it was flowing among and around the ice that had formed on the rocks.

Big Bro took a picture of this water frozen up in time. Like Narnia. Right?



Anyway - I love how we all take a break on the trail and eat our trail mix, cookies, sandwiches and then Big D bust out some tupperware with some scrumptious vegetarian, gluten-free dish. She's obviously done this before.

Our trail intersected Iron Horse trail so we cruised on that for a bit until we encountered the washout. How stinking sad. I immediately realized this will alter some of my summer plans - the lesser known trails that are only accessible by Iron Horse - the geocaches - and then I thought of the bikers. I don't mountain bike (rock to forehead at a young age - traumatic) but this is a popular trail for bikers. I hope they fix it soon.

So after taking in the view (Granite Peak straight ahead) we decided to take our pit stop for some cocoa and peppermint Schnapps. Which, really, is the best part of winter outdoor excursions.



Picture taken courtesy of Big Bro. If it looks cold it's because it was cold. I ended up having two servings to ensure my warmth for the trip back.

And just so you folks would know how I felt this is my view from sitting in the snow, drinking my peppermint schnapps and cocoa and taking in the view. I love Washington. Even in the seasons where it covers my favorite hikes and restricts me from my summer runs.



And I big Congratulations to Matilda who was voted MVP for this year's PUPPY BOWL! I was fairly sure Eli would be taking it home but Eli was no match for Matilda's speed and endless energy. I'm looking forward to who takes it home next year for PUPPY BOWL VI!