<3

Girlfriend got herself a diamond ring...and a double tall caramel soy
latte. :)

John proposed to me on Christmas! I don't have any of the 5 W's right
now. But I'll keep everyone updated as we finalize details.

Here's a fun fact: my engagement ring is a family heirloom. It's my
Great Grandmother's wedding ring.

Senior moments...

My mother once had blonde hair, and as she grew into her twenties it slowly turned brown. I didn't realize that until I was looking through some of my grandmother's photo albums and saw Mom with...well, my hair. People always asked me "Where does the blonde come from?" And I'd go...well, my Aunt Terri has blonde hair. Obviously I got it from those darn Levengoods. (Much to my dismay) my hair is getting darker. From blonde, to dirty blonde, to really dirty blonde. I do have a token white blonde streak underneath (I always thought that was pretty hard rock of me). I'll fight to the bitter end, but I might just be a brunette in five years. If this is the story, then WHY, dear God, am I getting so damn spacey. Everytime I get in my car I've forgotten something vital to my daily tasks. My work keys. My lunch. My work phone. My deoderant (had to wear my Dad's all weekend). My iPhone (this was the last straw).

Somebody help.

:)

How to Drive in Snow Chicago Style

For all of my Seattle-ites - I found this especially appropriate for our Winter Storm Watch 2008.

CWF Top Tips for how to go Driving in the Snow this Winter:

1. Front wheel drive cars are better for snow than rear wheel drive cars. I know some people love their rear wheel drive cars for performance but it just isn’t as controllable in the snow. 4 wheel drive is the best but not available on many 4 door cars. If you are a truck or SUV owner you have already probably considered the snow in your purchase decision. It’s mostly the sports cars and tiny cars that loose the snow battle. (I wonder how the smart car fortwo will fare this winter? how many of the mentos-commercial-guys do you need to lift it out?)

2. Automatic transmissions are better in the snow than stick shift. I know this may not be something people want to believe but not having a “crawl” speed where you are not giving the car any gas and just let your foot off the brake is one of the ways to get yourself out of many sticky snow situations.

3. Heavy cars are better than light ones in the snow because if you don’t have enough weight over the wheels giving the power you just spin in place.

4. If you have a heavy front wheel drive car with an automatic transmission you have won half of the battle. (usually some kind of front wheel drive sedan) Congratulations on your astute snow car buying skills. Now put a small shovel, flashlight, ice scraper and bag of driveway/road salt in the trunk. This is going to help you out a lot this winter. (some jumper cables and a portable battery jump starter are also wise additions since batteries only last from 2-5 years in the cold Chicago gets and you never know when they will die) All these things do make a good car kit gift for Christmas too, if you know someone that needs them.

5. Allow extra travel time for driving in the snow. Pretty much anywhere you have to go will take double the travel time in the snow. Just allow for it and you will be less likely to try something like passing cars or fast turns that lead to a crash.

6. In general when you are driving in the snow you have to slow way down. Try and be 5 mph below the speed limit and be careful not to expect your car to perform the same way it does on dry pavement. (sometimes only driving 10 mph if its is snowing at that moment and there is no salt on the roads) This is usually most apparent in how long it takes you to stop at a stoplight or accelerate away from one. Double your stopping distance so you start braking twice as far away from the light than you usually need in good weather. Also let the car crawl away from the stoplight on its own a bit before giving it any gas or your wheels will spin.

7. When driving in the snow you also should take corners very slowly. Brake way before you get to the corner, (while still going straight, and not during the corner) and make sure you are pretty much at crawl speed (5mph) through the turn and then slowly accelerate after the corner again. Too much speed into the corner or acceleration during the corner will either cause your car to fishtail or loose traction and slide because of the snow. So many mailboxes get hit because of this. Some people believe that if you add power in a slide you can control it but I do not. I have found that if you turn into the direction of the slide with your steering wheel and let off the gas you will regain control of the car almost immediatley. It’s like a return to default settings way to get out of an uncontrolled slide.

8. If you have to pull out of a parking spot that has been covered with a foot or two of snow first uncover your car. Next use the shovel to clear snow from around the wheels and a few feet in whatever direction you are going to pull out in. (the idea is to get enough traction to get up to 5 mph momentum which will continue to pull you through the rest of the deep snow) You can try and pull out then using the crawl method or letting it crawl and then giving it a little gas in the rocking back and forth method, but if that doesn’t work spread the salt chunks on the snow in the pathyou are pulling out in for more traction. This should work. Sand can help sometimes too but the large chunks of salt generally work better for grip. (this is more necessary if there is a sheet of ice under the snow) Once you get moving your momentum will help you through the rest. If the snow is actually covering your bumper or higher than the bottom of your car this may not be much help. Best to leave the car and cross country ski or snowshoe to the store then. (most snows in Chicago are 1 inch or less though, so this process of getting out of deep snow should not be necessary all that often unless we have another winter like last year.)

9. If you are driving in heavy wet snow or an ice storm stop every 1/2 hour or so (or whenever you need to) and uncover the windows and mirrors with the ice scraper to see better and clear the headlights, tail lights and the snow/ice which gets encrusted in the wheel wells. (also known as car boogers)

10. If you are driving on the highway in a lot of snow, or on any multi-lane road, follow the tracks of other drivers the best that you can. (without tailgating because it takes twice as long to stop!) These tracks have less snow in them and sometimes the compacted snow has more grip than the slippery stuff. Also slush is always better than snow for grip, so aim for that rather than making a new path. Changing lanes is also tricky if you have a snow drift in between lanes. Always change lanes slowly and try and keep the wheel as straight as possible even if it tries to drift when going over the new snow between lanes. If you feel spin, let go of the gas immediately, the automatic coast momentum will handle it until you find the new lane grooves.

Most of the time you will find that they plow the slow lane first (because it is the most in use) and work their way to the middle lane next as far as clearing snow goes. If you are following a snow plow truck be careful of the road salt they may be dumping behind them. The spray goes across all 3 lanes on the highway sometimes, and can dent your car if it is large chunks and you are close enough. So, following a snow plow is good in getting a cleared road but bad in that the salt may hit and dent your car.

11. Also it is widely known that the salt from all the roads will rust your car out from underneath so after the snow has melted or been plowed and it is safe to take a non-essential trip, go to the car wash and get it washed off and removed before it starts to corrode the fenders of the car like Swiss cheese in a few years. This may mean more expensive car washes in the winter but it helps extend the life of the car and protect your trade in value. If you have a garage kept car it is even more important to get the salt washed off regularly since your car sits inside a damp wet environment when all the snow melts off the car and sits in a pool on the floor of the garage. Rust always starts in the garage in the winter! (professional rust proofing spray underneath your car fenders can help but it only lasts so long and should be applied by the dealer or a professional)

12. I also thought I should mention snow tires. I have never bought “snow tires” so I can’t say how much of a difference they would make since I have never gotten completely stuck either. (I think it is a pain to own 2 sets of tires and switch them out every fall and spring) Most people in the midwest buy an all season tire that has a good toothy tread on the outside and a water channel through the center and is rated for all seasons. (dry, rain and snow) It is also important to note that using chains or metal spiked tires are illegal in Illinois since they rip up the pavement, so don’t buy or use those. Really the only tires you don’t want to own are slick or soft rubber performance racing type tires or the super cheapo tires that are made of hard slick plastic and have weak treads and grip. Again it is the sports cars and small cars that loose out here. If you buy a mid-priced all season tire and have a front wheel drive car you should be in good shape. If your tires are bald or near bald, getting new ones on at least the wheels that power the car before winter can be a great help.

Hopefully some of this information will be helpful to you and maybe help you get where you are going despite the bad weather and snowstorms we sometimes get. Best of luck in the snow!

Source: http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2008/12/01/how-to-drive-in-snow-and-ice-chicago-winter-blizzard-style-winter-driving-tips-saftey/

Wacked out.

I'm messing around with my blog layout tonight. It was time for a change. But please pardon the awkward stage it's in. I'll keep working on it, and will hopefully be happy soon.

edit//

Ok, I'm done. Peacocks are fun.

Duck the Halls!

Best Christmas card ever.

In Hiding

So, it's snowing outside. 8" and counting. We haven't seen snow like this in the Puget Sound region since 1990. It's kind of a big deal. Kind of. My parents are spending the weekend in Las Vegas with my aunts and uncles. And after careful consideration of several factors I evacuated Bainbridge Island (my current home) in favor of spending the duration of the storm with my brothers and sister in Poulsbo...where there is four wheel drive, a fire burning 24/7, a complete cable package, Wi-Fi, and other human beings to interact with.

Before settling into my dad's favorite chair I stopped through Kitsap's retail mecca to finish up my Christmas shopping and stock up on food stuffs. HOLY COW. Mission accomplished, but I don't know if it was worth fighting through the crowds. Mental note: Don't ever shop on the Saturday before Christmas.

I've been watching tv. Reading design/crafting/wedding trend blogs. Catching up on my email. Being in charge. And living the life of a house cat.

It doesn't look like I'll be going into work tomorrow. I'll give it a good Levengood try, but snow is the perfect excuse to take an un-planned day off. And so close to the Christmas, who really cares? We're all checked out mentally anyway.

A High School Favorite

<3

Caesar's Palace
Originally uploaded by valarie.levengood

Big Trouble in Little Chinatown

The newest episode of Adler and Zenith is up. You should watch it :)

Not so much is happening right now. The overcast sky is getting the best of me this morning. But let's see if I can give a decent re-cap of the last couple of weeks.

I spent Thanksgiving sipping on Lemon Drops with my mom and teasing dad about his poultry carving methods. I made pumpkin/sweet potato pie and cranberry clafoutis, both of which got the thumbs up from everyone but my Grandma. The next day she mentioned two or three times how she was disappointed with my desserts. :) Oh Grandma, what will I ever do with her? We all tried to watch Bottle Rocket, but didn't make it much more than an hour. Sorry, John. And we hastily took our family christmas card picture before I ran out the door to get John on a ferry.

Saturday I played DJ for a wedding ceremony. That role is WAY more stressful than coordinating the processional. But it was fun to help the bride and groom out. Congrats, Charlie & Rosa!

Julie is back east, so I'm house sitting for her. It's just me and Braveheart until Friday. The McAfee's have the most extensive cable package you can buy. And I'm getting addicted to BAD reality TV and Oprah :) Has anyone else seen Ruby?

I've been busy at work holding down the fort. I have a reason to stretch myself every day. That's so cool.

Grandma says my eyes look dark today.

It might still be a little early. But I'm taking advantage of a quiet
night to decorate my Grandma's house for Christmas. I know she won't
do it just for herself. She's had this nativity scene for as long as I
can remember. Get ready for full time Christmas cheer!

Bingo Lady

Halloween practice. The actual costume was more extensive.

To get in the holiday spirit I've signed up to make Christmas Cards at Rubber Soul, the local rubber stamp shop. How exciting is that!

Yipi Bubble Tea has closed it's doors. And now my heart is broken. I'll need some time to recover.

Overnight Bag

On any given Monday night you'll find me with my iPod on sitting on
the ferry. Anxiously trying to pass the time until we're docked and I
can walk off the boat and pick up my other life where it left off a
week ago. Here's the view.

Build It Up

Are you ready for 7 random facts about moi? Jessie was kind enough to "tag" me. I love doing stuff like this. It's like filling out survey bulletins on myspace. Mmmm.

1. I name my stuff. Here are just a few examples. My car's name is Romy. My laptop's name is Bert. My iPhone's name is Ivanka. My purse's name is Vivian. Etc. Etc. I think it helps me remember to consciously take care of those few things I've really invested my moola in.

2. I am the oldest of 4 Levengood children. We live in the house with 8 cars in the driveway.

3. I've been to 93 weddings this year.

4. I am a pescaterian. Well...on most days ;)

5. I've been in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend for 4 years. Poulsbo to Eburg. Eburg to Vancouver BC. Poulsbo to Seattle.

6. I have developed the habit, over the last year or so, of closing one eye when I bite into an apple. Cute, huh.

7. I'm the type of person that has to get out of the house to feel productive. Like, I'll just get up and go for a drive if I don't have any place real to go. Yeah.

I don't know anyone who blogs anymore. How sad it is when we young adults become part of the real world and don't have time for the internet anymore.

Well, that was f un.

Try new things everyday

Like blogging from my phone. Here goes nothing.

X.

Sent from my iPhone

This stuff is amazing. I wish I had to get ready for bed twice a day just so I could use it more. It's lotion. It's water. What the heck?

I'm getting more high maintenance. I blame Joel.

Amateur Night

Last night was PG Ghost Walk 2. I took a camera along to keep myself busy. The results of my informal paranormal investigation are as follows. Orbs galore. You have to look closely in some of the pictures.






Walker Ames. The beautiful Victorian house that looms over the mill site. Traditionally home of the Mill Manager. Master bedroom. Yellowy orb in the middle of the shot.












Walker-Ames basement. Where the woman-hater lives. 2 orbs on the fuse box.











This is St. Paul's Church. Our beautiful chapel circa 1879. I sat in a middle pew, taking a series of pictures of the altar. They look blurry to me, but these orbs show up in 3 out of 5 pictures. And you can see their movement. Oh, and they also drained my battery.










Lots of ghost stories were told last night. Appropriate for this time of year, right? Skeptic or not, it's fun to play ghost hunter.

So, I haven't actually been able to use my new ING Direct Electric Orange checking account yet. I've been waiting weeks to get a PIN. (I want to spend my money, dangit!) But let me just say that I'm loving this bank more and more every day. I talked to them on the phone twice this afternoon. There was no automated menu to go through. I was connected to a rep immediately, both of whom were both charming and oh-so-helpful.

Two thumbs up.

This experience might even make up for the latest in roommate drama. It was that good!

I'm posting this for John. He always loves a good werewolf appearance. Oh. And I'm diggin' on the band.

I'm at work...and a little frustrated. I won't go into details. But I spent the first half of my day in a maintenance truck shleping ladders and tent sides. There should be someone here to help me with this kind of stuff on the weekends.

Does anyone else miss Savage Garden? Maybe I'm just a sugar pop addict. But, come on.

Sloppy Joes ala Joel

Last night Joel was in the mood for a family dinner, and, in honor of Fall, made a comfort food that I've only discovered as of late. Sloppy Joes. But not Manwich sloppy joes (which I happen to despise), Midwest-Wallgren sloppy joes. Ground beef, tomato paste, Velveeta, salt and pepper. All on a toasted bun. + Mean Girls = great night.

Anyway, we made a run to the store for a few things, where we found sea cucumbers in their natural habitat --- Central Market's seafood department. Ewww.

This is it.

I have a new favorite movie. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. The soundtrack is already loaded on my ipod. And I spent the last hour looking for a place to watch it free (and illegally) online. No luck yet, by the way.

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday, remember? To celebrate she and a few friends went dancing at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino. By the time I got there, I worked until 10p, she was covered in pink boas, glowing medallion necklaces, and a happy birthday crown. Oh, and sloshed.

Two things: The casino crowd is very picture worthy. If I had a better camera you would be feasting on candid shots of Kitsap's finest grooving in gold sequined dresses, Carhartts, and turtle necks.

The band, called The Spazmatics (see photo :)), was a spectacular 80s cover band. Love Shack, Like a Virgin, Video Killed the Radio Star. Their repertoire covers the whole decade.

It was fun to see both of my parents dancing. It's a sight to be seen. Believe me.

Last night Risa, Carole, Joel and I went to the Global Bean in Silverdale. What a find. If you're looking for a unique cup of coffee (or tea) it's the place to be. They have a great euro-cafe atmosphere with live music 3-4 days a week. It was a nice change of pace to be home by 11pm on a Friday night. The rain put me right to sleep. But I had nightmares about coming to work this morning. These are the important details: I'm by myself in town (no Brian, no Julie, no Shana...I've been dreading being the only weekend staff again for weeks), there's a fire in the maintenance shop, and I have my first encounter with a PG ghost (I threw water in the air to make sure there were no ghosts in the hallway, and sure enough as the water fell it revealed the shape of one...holy cow.)

So here I am. It's pouring down rain. I've been here for an hour and I already look like a drowned rat. And the bride today is expected 80 guests over capacity, which means there will be people standing outside. It's going to be a rough day, I can already tell.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Mom!

Check it out.

Follow Your Lead

New Specs

John got new glasses last week. And it would be against everything I stand for if I didn't post a picture of him wearing them.

What a lady killer.

ROCK!

I was exhausted when I got home from Van. on Thursday. I was running on no sleep for 3 days in a row. But Hanson was awesome.

Seattle was a better show. They kept giving us a hard time about being such a tame crowd. And it's true, Seattle crowds are notoriously hard to please. But both bands were on their game Monday night. Jess and I had front row balcony seats...perfect. The ladies next to us had to be in their 50s, and during the stage change pulled out their iphones and perused QVC :)

Tuesday, I spent the day with John. We went kayaking with the gang, made Pina Coladas & Tacos, and played (drunk) pictionary. So fun.

I was less enthusiastic about the Van show on the whole. I was playing big sister/chaperone all day. Driving. Walking. I got coffee three times on Wednesday because I hadn't gotten any sleep. But the show started at 9.15. Up until then, while I was holding my spot at the front of the stage, I had a chance to talk Gordon, a 40something gay Vancouver native. It was his first Hanson show, and he was giddy. And so impressed that I had come up from Seattle for my 8th show. Very cute. Both bands seemed a little off...(or distracted maybe?) at this show. They didn't look like they were having any fun. I was squished in the front with drunk teeny boppers practically standing on top of me to get crappy pictures on their cell phones. The best song of the night was during the encore, when I went to the back of the ball room and finally had room to dance. After midnight, we left the Commodore, hit up McDonalds, and made it back to the homeland by 1.30am. LONG DAY. We got home at 2.00pm the next day after a huge IHOP breakfast. Whoever invented Cinnamon Roll French Toast deserves a million dollars.

Where am I?

Today has been the most relaxing day at work...ever. The sun is out, and I took full advantage of that while I sat at my Sunday Market registration post this morning. Reading When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris (Nate let me borrow his signed copy, such a nice guy), writing the occasional receipt, and BSing with Brian about my family's podunk tendencies. I even got a little sunburnt. That says something considering the weather we've had...all summer. I managed to get a few minutes of office work in while I ate lunch. Port Gamble will soon have it's very own cookbook, which I completed some important word processing for. Brian and I went on our weekly field trip, this time to pick blackberries at Babcock Farm. He showed me a few wild raspberry bushes, and we picked several tiny apples from the trees that litter PG.

There's a fabulous wedding going on. But as soon as they're hitched (4.30) I'm out of here. And off to NewLife Kitsap. So looking forward to that!

Hanson, show 1/2, TOMORROW!

A few friends, old and new, celebrated with Miss Amy for her 25th Birthday last night. The New Westfield Southcenter with Angelene and Josh. Galliano's and CPK(-izzle?) with the gang. There was SO much food. But isn't that always the story? :)

More pictures here.

Even in broad daylight, ghost stories give me a bad case of the heebie jeebies. But my curiosity always gets the best of me.

My first week working the Port Gamble I made the mistake of looking through all the ghost files. Almost every building there has some record of "paranormal" activity. There are a few weeks of summer left, but as it gets cooler and darker my level of paranoia goes up.
http://www.evergreenparanormal.com/PortGamble.html

This is what I get for watching crappy daytime ghost stories on the Discovery Channel. But come on, I know you watched Unsolved Mysteries when you were a kid.

Two Things

Two books, really.

Acquisition #1. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. I'm only 2 chapters in, but this selection from the Young Adult shelves could be my new fave. If it weren't for the RNC, which I stumbled upon this evening, I would be reading it now.

The movie comes out in October. It's all very exciting.










Acquisition #2. Frommer's Las Vegas 2007. I'm gearing up for the off season, which means Val finally gets to go on VACATION! Although a year out of date, this guide is sure to make for 3 days of magic in LV. Two musts: The Liberace Museum and Fremont Street. Suggestions from those who've frequented the glitz and glamour are welcome.

I'm currently on the prowl for a fabulous dress to wear out on the town.

Everybody Else

Hanson in 2 weeks :)

John and I have a nasty habit of, well, sleeping all the time. We finally have a few days together and all we do is nap. So it's my "Sunday" night. And I am incredibly rested, dreading the thought of having to be up before 10am.

I'm also putting together an 8 week running plan. I'm feeling fairly motivated at the moment. We'll see what happens. Life tends to get in the way of stuff like this.

I was told yesterday that this is THE book to read right now. All I know is I like it.

Last weekend was KILLER in Port Gamble. Not good killer. More like drunken-hot-mess-killer. I'm still recovering. 08-08-08's bride lost her great-grandmother's 1 carat diamond cocktail ring, after her groomsmen puked all over the place, the caterers partied with the guests instead of doing their job, and I got to clean it all up. I'm blessed to have a boss and staff that will always back me up. I don't know how many times Julie's given me that "I'll help out on the weekends talk." After this I'm going to take her up on the offer.

John and I went to The Tribe on Monday, a small group through NewLife Kitsap. I'd been corresponding with the group leader through email for two weeks, which gave me a pretty good feeling about the whole thing. John and I both had a great time. It's my new home group, for sure. Other details include, Port Townsend Adventure, The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia! with my mother, Spaced on DVD, swimming, my first Costco card!, and too many naps.

I'm leaving the office early today. That's all there is to it.

<3>

Last Night's Festivities

The Suquamish Clearwater Casino is the place to be on a Hot Summer night. Last night was an awesome Salsa band.

Like Father, like daughter.

My Aunt Patty and Uncle Brad. I love these people. They've been in Seattle for about 2 months now. They live in Bethesda and we rarely see them. But the more I do see them the more I want to be like them. I'm finding myself itching to grow my hair out, get rid of my purse...go a little urban bohemian...just like my aunt. Can anyone else smell a twenty something identity crisis, maybe?

This is my catch up day for the week. Two days in Seattle with John. One day at home to sleep in and do laundry. Tomorrow work. Julie called me today asking if I had resolved the scheduling issue for a wedding rehearsal today. I didn't. Which means that she had to run it for me this afternoon. I feel like such a ditz.

I went to Golden Gardens on Tuesday night. It was the first time I'd been to the beach all summer. And summer is almost over. Who wants to experience the great outdoors with me?

What I wouldn't give to be a grown up. The journey's important...blah blah blah...but I get so tired of being patient, or impatient as some might say.

I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in
If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
I miss the sound of your voice
Loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet
Perfect words that you said
If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
I miss the pull of your heart
I tasted the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God, when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Sing sha la la la
Sing sha la la la la
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love
It's all wrong, it's all wrong
It's all wrong, it's so right
So come on, get higher
So come on and get higher
'Cause everything works, love
Everything works when you're on

"Come on Get Higher" Matt Nathanson

I've worked 26 hours this weekend. I'm exhausted.

Ok, Ok. Just one more. This will complete the Gustav Suite posted below. Check out Movement 4. Fantasia of the Dargason. It's magical!

Band Geek

A brass band played this Second Suite in F by Gustav Holst in Port Gamble today. And I totally geeked out over it. The least I could do is find it on YouTube. So enjoy.

I've walked into a pretty stressful weekend at work. We have an Arts and Crafts festival set up, streets blocked, vendors everywhere. And a very unhappy mother of the bride. The bride hasn't showed up yet, who knows what she's going to say. Everyone is just...tense.

Anyhoo, I went to the Suquamish Clearwater Casino last night. They have a free outdoor series every Thursday night during the Summer. And believe me, in Kitsap county this kind of community event is much appreciated. There were about 1000 people in attendance to see Hell's Belles, an all girls AC/DC cover band. That just about blew my mind. We were stuck in traffic on the 2 lane highway trying to get to the casino for 30 minutes. And then there was no place to park. My parents were there, and I did get a kick out of seeing them acting out of the mom/dad box. They seemed so clean cut compared to some of the first generation rockers in the crowd. My dad, in his khaki carhartts and cotton-short-sleeved-plaid shirt drinking a Coca-Cola. :)

The whole time I kept thinking, how do I get people to come out to Port Gamble? What can the casino teach me?

So, who wants to go next week?

Tofutti?

Still Skinny, but Now They Can Cook
The authors of "Skinny Bitch," one of the hottest-selling vegan books ever published, are back with a cookbook.

I laughed at Cassandra when I saw this book in her apartment a few months ago. And that I bought it yesterday at Target, impulsively, would be very typical of me.

So far I've test two of the recipes. This is a HUGE step for the girl who never cooks. I didn't know that it's a vegan cookbook. But that's just a small step from my dietary status. I've been making the same (3ish :) ) vegetarian recipes for months. And this book has renewed my excitement about what I (can or cannot) eat. Last night was spaghetti squash with spicy braised greens, raisins, and pine nuts. Tonight is French Lentil Salad.

I went to the library today in hopes of checking out their first book, Skinny Bitch. I meekly went up to the librarian, a grey haired sexogenarian, handed her a note, and asked if she "...could look up a book for me, it's called Skinny Bitch." She didn't even blink. There were 26 holds on that title. I guess I'll have to catch up on the theory behind the lifestyle later on.

Restless Weekends

I've just realized, after another sleepless night, that I don't let my body rest during my wedding marathon weekends. Friday, Saturday, and Sundays are rough. Always going. Always on call. I guess it must make me a little anxious, hence the lack of rest and chemical dependence on caffeine that I'm fighting off. It reminds me of my first quarter as an R.A. I went 2 or 3 weeks without a wink of sleep. And it made me miserable.

Anyway, I suppose this is the first step to recovery...admitting I have a problem, right?

John made me a movie. He made it as part of the 48 Hour Film Contest in Seattle last weekend, and it showed at The Neptune Theater on Thursday night. On the big screen. They didn't quite get it in under deadline which disqualified it from the national contest (4 minutes late), but it was the only one (of the 8 movies shown) that actually felt like a real movie. The rest were just...crews screwing around. No plot. No adherence to their genre. And I'm not just saying that.
After his crew reworks the audio I'll post it. Because it's awesome. And the sweetest thing he's ever done for me.

Good News.

I am going to see Hanson. Twice.

<3

That makes it four years, today.

Claim to Fame

I went strawberry pick with Mom and Aunt Patty this morning. Mitch (my 4 month old cousin) came with us. Amidst the baby talk it was revealed to me that Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Denny on Grey's Anatomy!) held me when I was a baby. But only briefly. Dad didn't like him (apparently he was too artsy fartsy for my conservative-country-boy-father), and quickly asked to have his baby girl back.

The flasher on Reno 911 also met tiny Val.

Ok, I'm done. But I should hang out with my family more often. These little tidbits are priceless.

Extravaganza.

Nate and I put together a 4th of July party. The theme was American cheese, literally and figuratively. Joel was kind enough to burn a cd of Sousa marches and Copeland suites (AKA the beef song). We rocked out to Americana in decorated visors surrounded by red, white, and blue streamers and ate corn dogs and apple pie. We played Twister, Old Maid, and Pictionary. It ended up being just a few of us. But it was a lot of fun. I'm glad no one I know takes themselves too seriously.

I didn't come in to the office until...just a few minutes ago. My morning was spent just hanging out with myself. And it was awesome.

La Pausa

Joel has educated me on a whole new world of...paradise. It's called Chanel's Les Exclusifs. In due time I will be the proud owner of La Pausa. Class in a bottle. And surprisingly enough, Seattle is one of the few places they sell this line of fragrances.

A few more.

Grandma, Mom, Aunt Kathy, and (my newest cousin) Cami.

A few pictures.

Family Tradition

It's Bainbridge Island Rotary Auction Day. If you've never been, imagine an entire school campus size garage sale with cars, boats, furniture, and anything else someone might want to get rid of. This day is marked on my mother's calendar every year. A Morgan girl tradition since the 70's, my aunt's still come into town just for it. And I'm not there. :pouts: The worst part is I just realized Julie WAS going to work this morning for me. And I told her not to. But, the auction has been open for 2 hours, and all of the really good stuff is gone by now. And Mom did get me a bike. Woo!

Moving Day

I helped John move on Tuesday. Nick was a nice little brother and let me borrow his pick-up truck. And Dad showed me how to tie things down with the mexican tie off, and sailor knots, etc. Monday we packed all day. Tuesday...seemed to never end. Here are a frew highlights. The landlord was late. The room was dirty and furnished (un-benownst to us). The futon wouldn't fit out the door. John lost his wallet. The crazy-burnt-out lady from downstairs come up to complain about noise twice. We had to re-assemble the futon three times. And we got yelled at for parking in the loading zone at his old house.

But it's done!

I'm planning an All-American Independence Day Extravaganza. Red, white, and blue everything. Lots of Sousa Marches. And a few typical american BBQ menu items. All are welcome.

A moment of silence.

I used to live here. So sad.

Interesting.

http://annabroadway.blogspot.com/2006/02/emotional-chastity.html

Strange dreams.

My head is all over the place.

Meh.

Very overcast today. Which meant only one thing for me this morning, that I should stay in my pajamas all day.

Wednesday's accomplishments:

1. Finished BBC's The Office (complete series)
2. Put a letter in the mail.
3. Worked out.
4. Made my bed.

Yes!

Skadoosh.

I made it into work this morning way earlier than I thought I would. Last night Rachel, Nate, John, and I hit up a rock and roll show at the Paramount. Phantom Planet. The Hush Sound. Motion City Soundtrack. Panic at the Disco. I had no idea there would be so many opening acts. Phantom Planet was my fave. Any band that stage dives gets MAJOR brownie points with me.

We were in the 2nd Mezzanine. Lucky for us there are no bad seats in that house. The funniest group of 12 year old girls sat in front of us. All in matching P!ATD sweatshirts fresh from the merch booth and glow stick necklaces waving their cell phones in the air between texts. I remember being like that. ...I still am like that.

We BARELY missed the 11:15p out of Seattle and had the pleasure of waiting until 12:45a for the next boat. Late night delirium set in after McDonald's. It was all for the best.

John was here all weekend. Late night grocery shopping. Pancake breakfast. Kung Fu Panda. The Office. Dogfish Creek Park. Long face. BBQ & bejeweled cocktails. Mmmmm. I miss him dearly.

Thank you, Joel.

For showing me videos on youtube last night. Roommate bonding at it's finest.

I went to the Poulsbo Middle School Spring Band concert last night. It was so fun to see Mr. Adams. I missed the bad band jokes. But watching him glare without hesitation at his misbehaving students in the audience was enough. I miss band. What was I thinking when I let that part of myself go?

Oh. And 6th graders are TINY.

Drama Club

Yes. We cancelled Rachel's party 7 days before the event. We had reasons. And if everyone wasn't so apathetic about the whole thing while we were planning it, then it would still be happening. And that's all I have to say about that.

John found a place to live on the other side of 45th. The roommate thing didn't work out. And it sounds like, maybe, it's for the best.

Delivery!

I received the digital camera I won on eBay in the mail this afternoon. A red Samsung S630. It's a modest addition to my personal gadgets, but it'll get the job done. Expect a slough of pictures soon.

Also, cavity free is the way to be.

John and I walked down Front Street today to the bubble tea place. On the way back we decided that we're going to San Diego.

Guilty Pleasures

My dear friend, Nate, is infamous for his guilty pleasure music compilations. Full of bad Top 40/One hit wonders, these cds are absolutely irresistible. You...well I, can't help but sing along. So bad it's good is one of my favorite genres. I couldn't help myself.

Val's GP #1
Jesse McCartney

Beautiful Day

Port Gamble is almost...magical on a sunny day. It's such a fun place to be. And to work. Brian and I took a nice long lunch at a table outside of the general store this afternoon. 80 degrees. Soft breeze coming off Hood Canal. Vanilla ice cream. Perrrrrrrrrfect. Plus, I haven't had to do any actual work this weekend. Well, I lie. But no "wedding coordinating" = no stress. I pop in every couple of hours to say "How is everything?" and then come back to my office and catch up on administrative work. Or run home to eat my parents food :)

Julie was telling me, while we explored The Golf Club at Newcastle, that Eleanor Roosevelt once advised to do one thing that scares you, every day. Of course she said this to calm my nerves (and probably to calm hers, as well). We were just about to walk into a room full of Seattle wedding consultants to do some networking. One thing that I have no experience in. But, there is a certain value in that rule. Risk = growth. And so I talked to people. I had fun. Which is not what I thought the outcome would be. I met two great ladies, was treated to a fabulous 4 course dinner, and got to take in the spectacular views that the facility has to offer. And the idea of maybe one day being an actual wedding planner was re-planted.

Yesterday, I put my laptop away. And in it's place set up a sewing station. I bought 4 yards of a poly-cotton blend(?) with a large poppy design in blues, greens, and peaches. I don't have a pattern yet, but I'm envisioning a strapless dress. Mmmmm. The excitement is building.

Wide Eyed & Bushy Tailed

twitter.com/valaroo ...why not, right?

I was so excited to go to NewLife with Nate & Rachel last night. It was the first night of their Team Jesus series; we joined a small group in Poulsbo on Wednesday nights. That's some serious answered prayer. When I can't make church, because of weddings, I can definitely make small group. And I've really been itching to meet some new people in the Kitsap area. Yay God! Something that caught my attention. Pastor Wes said "You are an example of grace, so share your story." I've always felt like there's a line you have to cross, or a right of passage to go through before you're ready to start sharing what God's doing in your life. Huh, I was wrong. That's awesome. It reminds me of Becca Horton. She always used to say "God's rockin' in my life right now" when people asked how she was. Can I get an amen?

I bought a digital camera on ebay this weekend. My little Sony Cybershot died about 2 months ago. And I never thought it would be so difficult for me to live without one. It is. I've paid up. I hope she ships it out today.

The man in the office next store is...screaming? Hmmm.

I <3 Hanson

We sit secure in time-honored traditions made
Never wondering where or when the sickle may come
If we don’t seek out knowledge to be greater men
When the rain starts falling gonna drown before we get our feet wet

We build our ivory towers to protect us from the flood
A fleet of vessels made of wood so they won’t rust
But can we see the bottom of the bottle when we start to drink
There’s fire on the mountain fire and it’s coming our way

Can we pick the pieces up
We’re mending Babylon
Tryin’ to right the wrong
Can we pick the pieces up
Live Learn Life Love Die Dust Gone

There’s fire on the mountain

Can we pick the pieces up
We’re mending Babylon
Tryin’ to right the wrong
Can we pick the pieces up
Live Learn Life Love Die Dust Gone

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
"In all things God works for the good of those who love him." Romans 8:28

Walking to my office from my Sunday Market post this morning there was a ruckus in The Bowl. Birds. I took a closer look and saw a crow beating up on a tiny swallow. He killed it. I watched. Just what I wanted to start my day with.



I don't have all the answers. And I don't claim to. But I can't just stand back and watch the carnage.

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle's wings. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to me. Exodus 19:4&5

Maybe Poulsbo isn't so bad after all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Psalm 31:30

The sun finally came out. And it makes me a happy girl. I got to sleep in, go to the gym, and stop at a coffee shop this morning. That's my all time favorite routine. After that I drove out to the Kingston Cemetery again. I scoured the entire property and can't find Grandpa. My dad, his youngest son, made his headstone. Can't find it. I'll keep going back until I do.

Stimulus check is in the bank! :) Money for Cabo and a new chariot.

Record highs

Project one. Complete.

I finished my first Stitchery project last night. My little green dress. I'll post pictures soon. Promise. It could use some adjustments. But I figure the first project doesn't have to be perfect. And Julie already said that she likes it. :)

In other news? Sierra has inspired me to renew my vegetarian vows. It's been 4 days. So far so good. Honestly, it helps me make much better decisions about how I eat. And that's why I do it.

And praying for wisdom.

When I've been at work for 12 hours, and there's still no end in sight, I tend to be grumpy. It's dark and stormy outside. I'm like...the only one in town, with exception to the party going on at the church. At 10PM it's all over. They have to turn off the music and show me that they're trying to leave. We've all got to play the bad guy sometimes.

Still trying to figure a few things out. These same issues keep coming back to haunt me...for a reason, I'm sure. The truth is, I'm kind of over it all. Ready to move on.

Monday Sierra & Johnny
Tuesday Johnny & Angelene
Wednesday Open for suggestions

I'm looking forward to catching up with some good friends. Oh, and my boyfriend.

God is good. All the time.

New developments.

I'm going to see this car tonight. With dad. I'm nervous. I'm excited. If I don't get it I know I'll be disappointed. If I do I know I'll be walking on eggshells over money. We'll see.

My mom's having a margarita party tonight. And I'm definitely going. What could be better than getting happy with my mama.

Party planning. Catching up with friends. Stitchery.

Crafty pants.

After a very disappointing fedex fake out (John sent me a present in the mail. It was quite the coincidence that a package addressed to a past resident was delivered for my apartment yesterday) I spent my evening with American Beauty, my treadmill, and Gaiam Yoga for Beginners. No social interaction at all until 8pm when my mom arrived with Grandma's sewing machine. This one works. You can bet your buns that I'm going to get as much of my first project done as I can this weekend. On my own. If I get stuck I'll have Joel to nudge me along.

I've been taking reservations for Iditarod Days all week. To be honest, I'm starting to get bitter about the whole thing. We're out of space for May 4. People are whiny. They want to bring one more person. Please? Give me a break. It's a free community presentation. Come to the next one. It's all very reminiscent of my days at The W. All of this reservation drama is why I quit the job in the first place.

P.G. Tipps is the strongest english breakfast tea I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. It's practically coffee.

Speaking of coffee, Cassandra is home for the weekend. And we're getting coffee tomorrow. Yay!

Back at the office...

Julie's been on vacation all week. And...I kind of love it. Granted it's hard when I don't have my boss around to answer my questions. And she left a couple of loose ends for me and Shana. But, I'm busy. And feeling productive. It's awesome.

I spent Tuesday in Seattle with John. We made a trip out to Ballard/Fremont to check out the kitsch. Archie McPhee's is super fun. Indiana Jones. Bubble tea. Super Mario Party 8. Nothing out of the ordinary. It's going to be so sad when Johnny has to move back to his own place. Capitol Hill is exciting.

Stitchery was last night. I thought I would finish my project. But we don't have enough sewing machines to go around, and I needed to let Melissa catch up.

In other news...HAIRCUT! Check it out.

I've been sick.

And it's ruined my weekend.

Niiiiicccce.

It's been quite the week for me. Lots of ups and downs. But it's Friday :) I had an early start this morning. I hit the gym, made myself a nice breakfast, stopped through Starbucks and made it to work ten minutes early.

I'm in the office all alone...again. 3 days in a row. :/ The thing is...I was going to leave early. And now...someone has to answer the phone. Oh well.

Say hello to our Maintenance Manager, Tom.