Even Numbers, Dr. Drew & Sunny Days

01. The sunshine made me happy today.
02. Sometimes all a heart needs is blue skies.
03. I now drive on the 520 Bridge with all the Microsofties going to Redmond on Wednesday mornings.
04. It makes me feel like a true Seattlite.
05. Although I am drinking a smoothie instead of Starbucks.
06. I really like those yoplait triple berry smoothies from Costco.

07. Only 140 calories in the whole pouch. Nice.
07 1/2. Plus, it doesn't take much effort for me in the morning.
07 3/4. Which is good because I am a last minute morning person.
07 7/8. But I do love the night time. Hence the time of this posting (well and most of my post).
08. On most Wednesday mornings, always in the same place, I see a bald eagle sitting on those weird metallic artwork structures in Lake Washington, just off the bridge.
09. Does anyone even know what those structures are?
09 1/2. We've searched all over google for the back story on them to no avail.
10. Seeing the bald eagle as I drive over the bridge warms my little heart and makes me love the northwest.
11. While I float over the water, I make up a story about the eagle and his bald family and how he owns that weird metallic structure that sits in the water just off the bridge.
12. I got to go to the Nordstrom corporate building on Tuesday.
13. I felt very fancy when they buzzed me in.
14. The ladies were super nice so then I wasn't nervous anymore. Phew.
15. Pen Thai is the best thai in Seattle.
16. This continues to be reconfirmed to me everytime I go.
17. This wasn't supposed to be the point of my rambles.
18. But I got sidetracked with smoothies and floating bridges.
19. So here it is.
20. Scott and I have a deal (you might remember) that if we get a chance to makeout with our top celebrity crush that we can't get mad at each other.
21. Well tonight on Conan, it was confirmed in my heart that Dr. Drew Pinksy is on my top 3 for sure.

22. He is so sexy to me.
23. Therapy savy.
24. Respectable and emotionally grounded.
25. Delicious.
26. I daydream that he will call me someday to be his co-therapist at his fancy addiction clinics.
27. What a nerdy thing to daydream about.
28. Speaking of late night - I really like Jimmy Fallon. Especially when he laughs at himself.
29. He seems like the kid in high school that everyone loved.
30. I know this because I stay up late.
31. And Scott has to fall asleep with the tv on.
32. So I watch Jimmy, and blog, and listen to Scott sleeping next to me.
33. Now I will go read Catching Fire because when I am not thinking about anything I am thinking about these books.
34. I hope this finds you well.
35. Let's catch up soon.
36. I want to end on an even number. Sorry, Lisa.

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An Apology of Sorts or My Thank You Card

beautiful picture of Kenmore here

 Dear Kenmore City or shall I say WADOT,

I know that I have said many things about you in the past but despite what I might have said, I wanted to say that you are looking pretty, pretty, pretty good.

When I drive through your little town I am pleased. Good work.

Glad we are finally seeing some progress... after we have moved.

Sincerely,

Me

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Repost: How to Get to Sesame Street…

In honor of the 40th Anniversary today, I thought it only appropriate to repost this guest rambling from the one and only, Seasame Street lovin', kid at heart, Scott Heffernan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SEASAME STREET! 

Thanks for raising us.

: : :

Today's Guest Rambler: Scott Heffernan

Relation to Aimee: Hubby

Notes from Aimee: Love being married to a kid at heart. Enjoy.

Best kids show…ever! Can I get an “amen!”? The show has been going for 38 seasons. 4,160 episodes. It has shown in 180 different countries. And it has won 109 Emmy Awards, more than any other television series. Holy Smokes! Lets be honest, Sesame Street is brilliant.

(For this post I would like to ignore the present state of the show, namely that education and quality entertainment seem to be taking a back seat to marketing—Elmo has lost touch with “the people” and has totally sold out.)

Let us remember the good old days...Who didn’t get down to the Pinball Number Count? Who didn’t love trash along with Oscar? And who didn’t want to visit (but not live on) the moon with Ernie. Aaron Neville’s (pre facial tattoo) duet with Ernie on this one truly touches my heart. And, I’ve got to be honest here, I desperately wanted to join the ladybugs at their picnic.

Sesame Street gets the best guest appearances. From Johnny Cash to Norah Jones, Hilary Clinton to Kofi Annan, Natalie Portman to Conan O’Brien. Even Max Headroom took time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance or two. For a complete list, click here. (One day I will be on that list!)

Here is some Sesame Street Trivia you might not have known:

• Oscar the Grouch’s fur was orange in the first season. In the second season it was changed to green.
• The character of Oscar the Grouch was inspired by a nasty waiter that served Jim Henson at a restaurant called Oscar’s Tavern.
• The Count was born on 9 October 1,830,653 B.C.
• Sing a Song was originally slated to be the show's opening theme song.
• Before trying cookies for the first time, Cookie Monster’s name was originally Sid.
• This song was banned due to some questionable lyrics.
• Bert and Ernie are not gay. Nor have either of them been killed off. Click here to read more.

Now let these classic clips from America’s most beloved program wash over you. Bask in the fuzzy warmth and comforting memories that come flooding back as you absorb these nostalgic treasures…

How Crayons are Made


We All Sing with the Same Voice (My Name is You)


Madrigal Alphabet


Please comment and share with us some of your favorite Sesame Street moments, songs, characters, and memories. This post has been brought to you by the letters S and H, and the number 8.

-Scott Heffernan

* Original posting 11.13.2007

You might want to read the comment thread from the original post. It was pretty funny too.

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GIVEAWAY Winner

Lucky for her, Laina is the big winner! 

Laina, take your pick of one of the fun gift sets here and email me with the set of your choosing.

Unlucky friends: All is not lost. You can buy your holiday gifts here too.

Thanks for playing everyone!

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Indie Film Lover GIVEAWAY

Oh shoot! Two more gift packs have been added to the Official Best of Fest Website. Film for Dog Lovers and the Sampler Pack. Just two of the many great gift-sets on the website. Don't forget to check out the Personal Packs too. Who wouldn't love a Girls Night In gift-set?

Just a few more hours before the giveaway ends. Silent readers, have you entered?

If not, you better get crackin. It might be your lucky day.

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Fragile

How hilarious are these holiday cards from etsy artist 2nd Coming.

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Artsy Resumes

Scott sent me this link today of artistic and creative resumes. Most of them hurt your eyes but there are a few that are very fun. Next time I apply for a job I'll have to remember to step up my game and make it pretty.

Don't forget to comment on the giveaway post below. Your odds are way better than giveaways on Pioneer Woman's blog anyway!

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Official Best of Fest: GIVEAWAY!

Hello, November! The month of thankfulness.

With the thanks and blessings comes the dilemmas ideas around what to buy your favorite people for the big holiday season. Well friends, I have just the gift for you.

Rick Stevenson is an indie filmmaker here in the Seattle area (he also happens to be married to my employer). He is a passionate soul that believes in the transformational power of film. He talks often of the legacy of storytelling - the way in which we pass down values, rituals, and traditions to our future generations. Throughout history, stories have been passed down orally, through pictures and words, and now by film makers who create stories for the big screen that teach us about life, love, tragedy, and joys and sorrows regarding who we are on this little planet called earth.

Big budget studios have taken over the decision making power with which movies become accessible to see, or more correctly, what stories are told. And frankly, they are not always picking the best ones. Unfortunately, since I don't get invited to all the film festivals there are hundreds of great, magical, independent films getting made every year that I miss. Films that we - me and you blog friends - never even know exist.

It is Rick's passion to make sure that we (and the rest of the world) get to see these movies.

Enter: The Official Best of Fest: The Best Films We've Never Seen

A collection of various, hand-picked, independent movies that maintain high quality storytelling which, in the past, have not been accessible to the common folk like us. But don't take my word for it. I'll let him tell you about it here.

The DVD gift sets and packs are fun and have a theme for you and anyone on your holiday list.

Great themes, right?! All boxed up in indie love just for us.


THE GIVEAWAY: So here is where we all come in. Rick has offered one of you a box set of your choosing. Look at me being such an official blogger giving away stuff and all {smile}.

Click here and let me know which set looks most interesting to you.  
Comment away. You know the rules. 

Giveaway closes on Monday night at 9pm PST. 

In the meantime, stock up on your stocking stuffers. Give the gift of great film!

Official Best of Fest Website

Deseret Book

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For Kenmore Voters:

Ballots are almost due and I just wanted to give my support to Cathy Swanson who is running for the Northshore School District No. 417. It is a nonpartisan office. I know that sometimes when I fill out a ballot I have no idea who the person is expect for what I read on the voter's pamphlets. It makes all the difference if I have met the person, seen them on tv, or have had someone speak for their character.

I can speak for her character. Cathy was in my program at SPU. She is an amazing advocate for education. If you are going to fill out your ballot and need a push on that box please remember her name and vote for Cathy Swanson. She will continue to do a great job for the district. I know it.

Here is her site if you want to know more.

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The Revolution

I thought this was fun/interesting/informative/eye-opening if you have a few minutes to watch.

We live in a new world.

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Hooked

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is recently consuming most of my idle thoughts. Anyone out there understand what I am talking about? For a book about a country sending kids off to kill each other, I am surprised by how fiercely I am enjoying this story.

If you are looking for a fun young adult read you might want to join the club and start reading. Let me know what ya'll think.

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With all your lies, you're still very lovable

Some a cappella for your listening pleasure. For Emma, Forever Ago might be on the top 3 albums of the year for me (technically it wasn't released this year but it was released to my heart this year). I won't speak too soon though. It is still only October and all...

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A Heavenly Celluar Vortex

The cell phone coverage in our new house is about as good as going into a deep, dark tunnel made of thick, heavy steal and trying to connect to the world. The radio even fuzzed out while driving into our neighborhood today. Welcome to the vortex that is our new residents.

So of course Google has the answer for me. Remember how I told you I was getting a Google number? Well, now this is when it really counts. Cell phone doesn't work? No problem. Just start having the dear ones call your Google number. Then you go into the settings in your Google voice account.... beep beep beep boop bop (those were computer noises if you didn't catch that)... and change the numbers in your settings so it rings your land line and cell phone and you got yourself a solution for when you are in the vortex. Worried about making long distance calls. No worries! You can dial any number and have it ring to any phone of your choosing without those long distance charges. Forgot the phone number? No worries! All your gmail contacts are in sync with your Google voice so it is just once click and you are calling.

Oh Google, you just know everything don't you!

This is the only semi-negative item about living in our new place because WE ARE IN HEAVEN. Spoiled rotten in fact. Everything from the cushy king sized bed to the beautiful kitchen sink to the pool table and arcade to the sports court reminds me daily that I am living in luxury and must enjoy every second. You know when things are finally settling down in your life and everything seems to be falling into place perfectly and this little voice in the back of your head tells you that something horrible must be waiting around the corner. Well, I had that thought for one second today and I told it to go sit in the corner and think about what kind of awful things it was saying to me. Then I honed everything Oprah had taught me about The Secret and Echart Tollie and thought about what Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz would say, took a deep breath, smiled... and went on my merry way.

So excuse me, now I must go see if that million dollar check I had told the Universe to bring me is waiting in my post box.

Google Voice, everyone. Google Voice.

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Getting Wild Tonight

We're very excited.

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The Unpacking

love this picture

Opening all my kitchen boxes that have been in storage for 2 years is almost as good as Christmas morning.

Almost.

Hello again, my favorite Pottery Barn studio collection.

Pictures of our new casa to come.

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Sunsets & Signings

Friday night was a lovely night.

It was a beautiful, fall evening and the sky was so amazing as Scott and I were driving into Seattle. We were talking and had an overwhelming sense of gratefulness as we thought about all the events that have fallen into place the last couple months - our employment (special thanks for everyone who helped in that area - emails, good energy, prayers, job leads, referrals, contract work, etc.), new housing (we move this week/weekend!), starting my practice, and the fact that we still really, really like and love each other (both are important I think). We have much to be thankful for and are very hopeful that as we start Phase II in Seattle that everything is going to be ok!

{Phew}
I was worried there for a minute.

We were in such good spirits... and then the night got even better. We were able to go listen to a reading and q&a with the author Nick Horby (High Fidelity, About A Boy) who is one of Scott's favorite authors. When I read he was coming I knew we had to go. So off to the Seattle Library we went. I so enjoyed listening to him read from his book, talk about his passion, and share a bit of himself with the audience. He was so interesting, and funny, and had a wonderful British accent. The whole night inspired me and I'm not even a writer. His new book is called Juliet, Naked and it sounds hilarious. Can't wait to start reading.

And of course I was nerdy enough to ask for a picture as he signed our books. I can take one for the team. How many times in your life will you get to be in a picture with Nick Hornby? When opportunity knocks you walk through the door, my friends, even if it means being the annoying one asking for a picture. He was so nice though and could not have been more gracious.

(Rik is in this picture in spirit. He was there but had to leave.)

New Resolution: Go to more book signings & read another Nick Hornby book.

::

"It's no good pretending that any relationship has a future
if your record collections disagree violently or
if your favorite films wouldn't even speak to each other if they met at a party."
— Nick Hornby

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Hair Straighteners & Heartbreaks

I got a call from a very old friend today. Not old in age, but old as in history together. She knew me when I still wore Dr. Martins and didn't own a hair straightener. She jokingly asked me if I even loved her since there were no pictures of us on Facebook together. Please note: This is coming from a person who doesn't even have a Facebook account??

I told her that if pictures in my Facebook picture albums were a measure of true friendship love than I was in pretty deep trouble with the world. In a couple moments of boredom, I have spent a total of 7.58 minutes uploading pictures onto Facebook. Remember, I am not the best at doing the recaps or uploading current pictures. I let others do it for me.

We ended up talking for over an hour about all the joys, insecurities, frustrations, and life dreams that are going on in the last year of our second decade. I hung up feeling seen and heard and important. Renewed even. These feelings have been constants in our friendship for almost 15 years now, feelings that I think are vital in healthy give and take relationships.

So as I was laying here tonight, I started thinking about old friends. I am lucky enough to have a good handful of people that qualify now as "old friends". And although I love, love, love meeting new people and making new friends, there is just something wonderful about talking to someone who knew you when Super Mario Brothers was the ideal past time together.

Or when you started getting zits.
Or was there when your parents told you that you would be moving your whole life as you knew it to another state that rained 9 months out of the year.
Or who metaphorically wiped the tears from your eyes and reminded you how lovable you really were when you were lost inside because of your first major heartbreak and couldn't clear the fog to see yourself clearly.
Or who believed that you could do anything you wanted in life and continue to cheer you on.

People where there is no clarifying about who this person is or who that person is in your history. People that know your life timeline, series of events, order of boyfriends, hair color changes, cars you drove, etc., because they were there living it right with you (or at least a phone call away). Exactly like that Ani quote says.

So this is a little tribute to all my old friends out there. You know who you are.

Thank you for loving me through all these years
and being such wonderful characters in my story.

Point of this Post: Call an old friend.

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Laced With Cocaine? Perhaps.

This post is for my Mom and Uncle Mark Janke who kindly brought her over a huge bag of popcorn so she could enjoy her famous caramel corn again. We transported the goods all the way through 4 states.

With the help of Lee, tonight our family got to enjoy the love that is this popping corn.


It is a wonderful recipe friends. In honor of many years my mom made this for friends and family alike I will share it with you all so when you get an itch to make something tasty you can remember this and make your mouths happy. I don't mean to brag but I think it might be the best caramel popcorn recipe I've ever tasted.

WARNING FOR POPCORN LOVERS BLOG WIDE: This corn is highly addictive. Eat at your own risk.

:: Marilyn's Famous Caramel Corn ::

Prep:
Put 6 quarts of popcorn in brown paper grocery bags (1 quart = 4 cups).

Combine in pan over medium-high heat:
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 2 sticks of butter
• 1/4 t. salt if popcorn is presalted, if no use 1/2 t.
• 1/2 cup white Karo syrup
• 1/4 t. cream of tartar

Cook above ingredients to hard ball stage (240˚).
Take off heat and add 3/4 t. baking soda.
Stir as it foams up.
Pour mixture over popcorn in brown paper bags.
Stir mixture in with wooden spoon so it coats all the popcorn.
Interesting tidbit: the hot caramel doesn't melt through or stick to the bag?! Go figure?!
Spread popcorn out on two large cooking pans.
Bake at 150˚ for 45-60 minutes, tossing about twice during the hour.

Eat with friends or while watching a scary Halloween movie.


Any family friends out there that remembers Mar's caramel popcorn?

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Where I’m From

I am from alphabetical, tree-lined, Sugarhouse streets with a laundry shoot we would slide down.
I am from a magical, imaginative, scraped-knee childhood
where lemonade was not sold on the neighborhood corner
but given away for free.
I am from non-conforming, non-judgmental, passionate parents.
I am molded from two older sisters and
we molded one little brother.
I am from the fiercely loyal extended family and the 4th member of the Original 5
where fort building and couch-to-mini-trampoline-back-to-couch moves were mastered.
I am from California summers, Paul Simon, and Joni Mitchell
with messy hair, sun kissed cheeks and sand in my toes.
I am from built-in waterbeds and lilac bushes, where I would breath in deeply
and realize the scent of safety.
I am from a family who is open with conflict, emotions, verbal affection, and sexuality.
I am from a school bus on Wasatch Boulevard, August and Everything After,
millions of friends hanging at our house, and canyon drives.
I am from tears to Seattle that eventually dried up
as new friends were made.
I am from walks in St. Edwards where the sacred words spoken remain there,
hang from the leaves
and greet me every time I enter.
I am from conversations, matters of the heart, and relationship over sleep.
I am from rainy walks home in Bellingham, the YMCA,
Joey Potter and Felicity Porter.
I am from snowy winters on a bike in Japan, warm toilet seats,
letters from home and Ecuador.
I am from falling in love on a couch on Hermosa’s back porch,
most embarrassing moment,
and “yes, yes, yes’s”.
I am from a new family who loves me for me and are good, honest people.
I am from the Northwest where the earth smells healthy
and a cracked window makes for the perfect sleeping temperature.
I am from extroversion, late night productivity, and life organization.
I am from growing pains from change, forgetfulness that people are more private than myself,
and an unhealthy paranoia about making mistakes.
I am from the school that being a good friend is vital for a happy life -
this applies to all my relationships.
I am from the belief that at the end of my life the main thing that will matter is if I was kind.

Writing style stolen from one of my favorite bloggers that was based on this poem.
image from this fun contest.

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Monday Eye Candy

It has a clear glass mixing and measuring bowl with a pour spout.

Why did it take 90 years to make this beautiful invention happen?
I am in love.
Puts my Bosch mixer to shame.
Kitchenaid, please make one soon in PISTACHIO GREEN.

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Road Trips, Liberals & Mac 'n Cheese

Ferris wheel by Scott

Oh dear Blog, can we still be friends? I have neglected you so. In all my months of blogging, the last two have been a pathetic attempt at giving you the attention you deserve. I am the first to admit it, although I appreciate all of the hints from friends on the issue {wink}. I'll try and step it up because I do love this place.

Wanna a peak inside my brain for the last couple weeks? Here goes the randomness:

01. I have lots of thoughts about road trips.
02. That is what 25 hours in the driver seat will do to a girl.
03. Road trips are good in 6 hours doses if you are carrying cargo that are shorter than 3 feet or in a wheelchair.
04. Any longer is pushing your luck.
05. Not sure how some drivers have missed the road rules about moving out of the left lane when the car behind you is going faster.
06. When people fail at abiding by this rule I question if their DNA should really continue in the human gene pool.
07. Karma, I don't mean to kill all those bugs. Please don't take it personal.
08. The best bummer sticker I saw in Idaho was: Annoy a Liberal. Work. Succeed. Be Happy.
09. It made me laugh.
10. I thought of a few ways to annoy him.
11. I even tried driving slow in the left lane in front of his jeep.
12. No, I didn't. That would be crossing a line.
13. Driving the open road elicits a spectrum of emotions.
14. Couple it with good road trip music and you got yourself a cocktail for lots of thoughts and reflection.
15. Like the fact that I hate MS.
16. It gets me teary on the open road while listening to reflective music.
17. Speaking of MS, I get to facilitate a group on intimacy at the yearly MS Couple's Retreat they do up here in Seattle.
18. I am excited and nervous.
19. But mostly excited.
20. We move into our new place next week.
21. And I am mostly excited.
22. My to-be kitchen is so dreamy I might want to sleep in it.
23. Or maybe just cook lots of new recipes.
24. And fall delights like homemade chili and breadsticks.
25. You can come over if you want.
26. I will make you fall treats.
27. Or homemade Mac & Cheese because it should be eaten in the fall.
28. And all seasons for that matter.
29. If someone thinks their Mac & Cheese recipe is the coolest please email it to me.
30. I am looking for really good Mac & Cheese.
31. Because we are moving out, David, my brother took my parent's big tv we use in our den up to Bellingham because that is how he rolls in college.
32. We put our much smaller tv from our room in the den.
33. Watching Curb tonight was not the same.
34. I suggested we push the tv up closer.
35. Because the whole Sinfeld cast looked really small.
36. Change is hard.
37. But good for the soul.
38. Like blogging.
39. And old friends.
40. And sisters who stay up until 2:45 am with you because you can't stop talking since it has been so long since you've shared a room and it is just like old times and you are thankful so much for this person that might be one of few people who hates MS as much as you do (among other things).
41. But I planned to end on 42 because I prefer even to odd numbers and like the number 42 for some reason.
42. So I guess that means I am ending now. See you soon.

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Wild Rumpus

Unfortunately, Scott did not win the Where the Wild Things are contest but was featured twice on the blog which made me excited for him. The main winner wasn't that great but I did like the directors pick here. Subtle. Very subtle.

Scott submitted a bunch for the contest but here are a few of my favorites:

Speaking of a wild rumpus, I had a grand time this week at one of my closest cousin's wedding in Salt Lake. I was reminded that there is an abundance of love in this little world of ours.

More on that when my brain is working better. Twenty-five hours of driving in less than a week, while making sure my mom didn't die while in my care is enough to make this girl go to sleep before midnight.

Miracles do happen.

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Protect Insurance Executives

I'm sorry. I just couldn't not share it.

And I love double negatives.

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

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Go to Poulsbo, Seattle Friends

We took a trip with Scott's family in August to this delightful house near Poulsbo (yes, I have yet to write a real post on our going-ons - bad Aimee) and today I was looking through some pictures and was reminded of one of the many highlights of the trip: The Poulsbo Bakery or officially called Sluys Bakery. Delicious! It was fun just looking at all the treats behind the window.

Poulsbo was much more charming than I ever imagined. I couldn't believe I had lived in the Seattle area for almost 15 years and had never made a trip over there. If anyone is looking for a day trip I would highly recommend taking one of the ferries over and spending the afternoon walking around the little city. Be sure to stop in the bakery too. Cream puffs and chocolate donuts. Yum.

Emma waiting patiently... for a minute...

Any others out there going to back up my Poulsbo love?

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Google Reader: The Way It Should Be Used

Over at Sherbert Blossom there is a tutorial on how to read blogs via Google Reader in a way that allows you to actually be on the actual websites or "home base" of your favorite blogs and click through your unread messages!

You know I love Google Reader dearly for my daily fix on blogs but a complaint in using Reader was that you are less likely to comment and actually go to people's blog page which is a huge part of the personality/experience of reading a blog, right?

Well, today it is my new favorite internet trick. Again go here for the tutorial. It is super easy. If you are still not using Google Reader, well then, I just don't know what to do with you anymore.

When I went through all my unread post using this fancy new trick, this is the message I got:

Ok, I get it! :)

Oh yes, and did you see that this blog has finally been update?! It was a tough vote for me....

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