Yoga. Never has an hour of working out (and yes, it IS working out, ya gym rats) felt this great. Who says that you've got to kick box, run for days, or climb a million stairs to do something good for your body? Try doing (and holding) "the wheel" and you will be humbled. I yoga with girls from work every Wednesday at lunch time. Our instructor is a 60 year old rubber band with a soft and soothing voice. It's great to feel the burn, to hold "plank" for longer you ever thought you could and to settle into "dead man" at the very end to rest after all that work. Namaste.
Starbucks Verona Blend. Worth mentioning as I am currently on 3rd cup of day. Not new to this girl blogger, but a longtime friend. A go-to and often the highlight of a Saturday morning on Alki. No blend is better. And believe me. I have searched high and low and tried and tried. Wish I could say that "X" blend of "X" mom and pop local coffee shop wins for best brew the world over, but I'm not there yet. Go Verona. So smooth, bold.
Indoor Herb Garden. I don't know about you fellow gardeners. But it is mid-March and still well below freezing. This week it was a balmy 27 degrees in Seattle. I had to scrape ice. I dream of planting and flowers growing and herbs taking over. But the way things are going that won't be happening until early July. Until then, I discovered (economic, even) indoor alternative: little herbs in a cup! Where did I find these? Yup, that's right. Your local neighborhood dealer for fine Swedish furnishings. IKEA. You get a little cup with a little brown tablet and packet inside. You add 4 oz of water to tablet and LIKE MAGIC real live dirt instantly fills cup. You sprinkle seeds and just days later you see little green curls of herb. I will have chive and basil. Hopefully.
My job. Where I work. We've had a tough run these past few weeks and months. We moved, which wasn't great but turned out okay. Our budget took a big hit and we lost some GREAT people, which really wasn't okay. And still isn't okay. But the dust settles and spring comes and plans are made and we all move on. A winning team hasn't hurt. Neither has a stock market that has finished well the last 4 days. And Husky mascot puppy "Dubs" is darn cute. Yes, folks. This just might be the start of an upswing. After a long and dark winter of worry, we are ready and it is time.
Sense and Sensibility. Who doesn't love a good social commentary? Funny how well you can relate to scribbles from centuries ago. Poetry, really. A fan of finding new books, new stories to absorb and share, but oh. A re-read. Like visiting with an old friend who hasn't changed at all but whose same soft (but SHARP!) words mean something new. The Emma Thompson adaptation is fantastic as well. For once you are not dumbing yourself down if you opt for film over book.
Mom's recipes. Merilee Hill, the sweetest, has been "learning the computer" and typin up the recipes I grew up loving. Thank God for computer classes and email because NOW I can whip up all the great ones in my very own kitchen. It's true. Moms have the touch. And my pastitsio will never taste JUST like hers, but that is just fine. My finished product is close enough to remember easier, simpler, (tastier) younger days.
Adele! Well gosh. How has it been this long and I have yet to mention Adele!?!? Aka the voice of the year, the non-cracked out talent that is honey through even the crackliest of radios, the British gal whose "19" could serenade any given mood on any given day. Notable, chilling (in a good way my friends) tracks include "Chasing Pavements", cover "Make You Feel My Love" and current favorite "Right as Rain". i Tunes? Ready, GO.
On with the running shoes, out the door to sunny(ish) day I go! And just a word... don't forget to do your taxes! Say no to prison.
Also, shoutout to Grampa Cliff in Bend, OR! See?? I don't write about Obama ALL the time. Love you and miss you!
Oh.. next blog: Planning Your '09 Summer Vacay!
