Coughing, sneezing, dripping, oozing.

Still not able to squash this cold/flu bug. And throw a horrific menstrual cycle into the mix and you've got one hot seeping mess. "Seeping in Seattle" the sequel, starring: ME. I've decided I'm only going to buy red underwear from now on.

Next subject!

I ate a whole entire pack of Rolos in one sitting. For breakfast. I know that's not healthy but it's what I do while losing quarts of blood at the speed of light. I'm doubling up on the iron pills this month even though it makes everything tastes like rust. Except for Rolos.

The snow is gone and it's now raining and soooo dark and gray. I really miss the beauty and the brightness of the snow. Even on the dark cloudy days, the snow seemed to light up the sky. I took close to a hundred pictures of snowy scenes the last 2 weeks. No wonder I'm still sick. I was out in it as much as I could be, because I knew it wasn't going to last. Right now, it's raining sideways.

Someone left a comment on a previous post about our spinning Christmas tree and yes it spun...for about 3 days. The spinner thing broke so now it just sits. Of course it broke on a not so great side of the tree so I'm stuck looking at ugly ass ornaments. By the way I forgot to mention that when I came back from California a couple weeks ago Tom had surprised me by buying and decorating the Christmas tree. It was so sweet.

Here's a pic:


We haven't had garbage or recycling pick up for 2 weeks because our street was snowed in. They are supposed to come on Wednesday. THANK GOD. Speaking of God, SUN BReAK!!! Gotta run.

Will post more snow pics later...

I'm gonna go out on a limb here...

and predict that there's a slight chance we may just possibly have a white Christmas after all.

What do you think?


I just ate the traditional Christmas eve dinner: a cheese sandwich with hot sauce. Tom's working, so it's just me and the animals. Our plans to stay at friends tonight in the 'burbs were hampered by weather. I'm still working on Tom's Christmas present which may turn into his birthday present if it's not finished tonight. It's not like I wait til the last minute to get things done or anything.

more snow (1st installment)

I can't stop taking pics and video of this snow!

It snowed again ALL day yesterday. Here are some pics from my short walk with Wrigs earlier this afternoon. I'm still not over this sickness, have been in bed the last 3 days but needed to get poor Wrigs out for some exercise.








And for those of you in need of some snowy scenes, here is some video:

Our quick walk into town:


And then our walk home:








I have a bunch more photos to post that were taken from inside our house. I'll start to upload those now.

some news clips for my friends/family in CA

(and for Rebecca in Chicago. Oh how I wish you were here watching this with me! We would for sure pee our pants!)

The sliding cars make me laugh so hard (as long as no one is hurt of course):


And here's a clip in West Seattle:


It stopped for about 2 hours and now it's starting again. I duck walked/slid to the mailbox to drop off the last batch of Christmas cards and forgot how difficult it is to stomp through thick unshoveled snow drifts. Now I'm curled up on the couch watching Life is Beautiful shoving those damn gingerman cookies into my gob. I don't feel so hot.

Thunder snow???

At 5:30 this morning Tom and I were jolted out of bed by a loud bang. I thought for sure it was a big rolling earthquake and the ground was cracking beneath us, about to swallow us whole. Then, a blinding bolt of lightning. We flipped on the news and realized it was just Thunder snow. WHAT???? We've officially seen it all.

We're getting slammed with more snow and it's so unbelievably beautiful. Tom actually jogged into work today and said many cars and buses were left stuck on the hilly streets. People are even abandoning their cars on the freeways and it looks like night of the living dead with all these people wandering around aimlessly. OMG I love it so much!!! Ok funny news lady just said rather emphatically, "There's no reason for anyone to be outside unless it's to build a snowman!" They are now showing people slipping and sliding.

Here are some pics:








I'm having trouble uploading pics. I'll add more later when I figure out what is going on. HOLY F*CK! Bird just hit window

Back in Seattle

*Update* more snowy pics, taken the morning after the snow storm:










So much to download, upload, inload, outload.

But for now, it's snowing and it's pretty fricking amazing.

Here's a little clip from tonight's news:


And Wrig's reaction to seeing snow for the first time:


After our midnight stroll around the neighborhood, Tom had a genius idea:
(Since we don't own a sled, we used the lid from an underbed storage bin. Worked great!)





It was so much fun. Neighbors came out of their houses with cameras and kids in tow. Oh and dogs too.




There's something magical about the first snowfall especially when you're sharing it with the ones you love (minus the Blackberry)

Let it Rain

Thanks to Lizzibelle's delicious tea infused vodka, I'm now in the holiday spirit. I wrote Tom a little diddy to get him into the spirit too. It's sung to the melody of "Let it Snow."

Oh the weather outside is frightful
Though it's noon, it looks like nightfall.
And since we're all going insane
Let it rain. Let it rain. Let it rain.

No it doesn't show signs of stopping
So I've got some pills for popping.
My sun lamp is causing eye strain
Let it rain. Let it rain. Let it rain.

When we finally kiss goodnight
You'll poke out your eye on my umbrella.
But if you really hold me tight
We'll get through this together, my fella!

The fire is slowly dying
But my dear, our clothes are not drying.
So get used to hearing me complain
Did I mention how much I HATE RAIN!?!?!

Happy start of the holiday season. I know it's not yet Thanksgiving but what the f*ck. I'm feeling Christmasy.

question

What the hell does it mean when the head up his ass weatherman says, "Rain turning to showers by late afternoon." What's the difference?

There's also sprinkles, drizzle, buckets, cats and dogs, etc. but this I'm not so sure about.

FYI, I would prefer it to really rain cats and dogs (instead of this nasty wet stuff) but only if they landed on their feet.

Wrigley Ramblings

I walked Wrigs this morning and this woman randomly stops us on the street (which is not unusual) and begins to shower Wrigs with kisses and pets, which he willingly accepts. We're casually making small talk and then she starts to massage Wrigs back and hind quarters. I'm thinking this is kind of getting weird and the woman says, "He eats too many Cheerios." I said jokingly, "Well that's why we're on our walk." And then she says, "Someone needs a diet!" Seriously? Did you just call my dog fat? If we're gonna start throwing insults then you need to get your teeth fixed. And you know what else??? Maybe if it didn't RAIN 14 DAYS STRAIGHT we'd all be out getting more exercise you crazy toothless RAIN LOVER!!! I didn't say any of that of course, I just smiled pleasantly and thanked her for her unsolicited observation on my dog. Crazy bitch.

Then while on the same walk just a few blocks later this woman comes up and greets Wrigs all excited and animated so he starts to jump up on her. I say, "No jump!" She looks at me and says all teacher like, "Instead of saying 'No Jump' tell him 'Good Sit' when he sits. Use positive reinforcement when training a dog." WTF are we in Pet Smart??? And how the hell did I make it past 30 without this KNOW IT ALL in my life?? Next time, don't run up to my dog like you've just won the f*cking lottery and perhaps he will "GOOD SIT" for you.

What's with all the Dog Whisperers in this town???

Here's another sad Wrigs pic from the other day, while watching the rain drops fall. His chin is resting on the window ledge. He knows how to play the pathetic card a bit too well.

Sunny day 2

UPDATE:

Stupid shit for brains head up his ass weatherman lied this morning. There was not a SPECK of sun to be found today. It wasn't nearly as dark as it had been the other days but still, NO sun whatsoever. I take back all my hallelujahs from this morning and replace them with a shaking fist to the sky! Sons of bitches!!!!

---------------------------------------

Tom and I just watched the weather report and it's supposed to be partly sunny/no rain all thru the weekend! We both broke out into song:

"Haaaaaa-llelujah!! Haaaaaa-llelujah!!"

"Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"

"Halleeeeeeluuuuujah."

Wrigs turned his head to look at us mid song, and had that WTF? expression written all over his face. Soon he'll be rejoicing right along with us when we go for our 10.2 mile walk. Have to make up for lost time.

Did anyone see the story about the balloon ride crash in Yuma, Arizona? Scary indeed and thankfully no one was injured, but our crash 5 years ago was WAAAAAY worse. If we caught it on film we so would have made it on the Today Show.

They also showed the giant Christmas tree hauled in on a flat bed to Rockefeller Center. The tree was 80 years old and it was so sad to see it lying dead on the truck. I really think the city should construct an artificial one. If one can make a giant penis I'm sure it can be done.

My day in Seattle...

Was surprisingly pleasant for a change. Just when I hit the bottom of my vortex of doom, a flicker of light shines at the tunnel's end. That light? The sun.

Our friend Darin is a pilot and had a lay over in Seattle for the day. We met at Pikes and had lunch at Serious Pie (know why it's called Serious Pie? because it is SERIOUSLY the best pizza on earth!) Then, we explored the city. All I can say is, this place looks and feels 100,000,000 times better in the sunshine.

Here's some video of a piano player on Pike Street and the incredible sky. It ended up clouding over at about 2, BUT it was nothing like the last 14 days. There was still a lot of brightness to the sky and the contrast was pretty amazing. I even got to see shadows again! The guy in the orange sweater and cap is Darin.



That dying mongoose you hear in the background is a violin player and I use the term "player" loosely. More like violin mutilator. I highly recommend that you remove all sharp objects from reach before listening to this next clip.




And some photos - click to enlarge.

Crazy balloon man (aka my future BFF, he just doesn't know it yet)

Check out the lovers in the bottom right of this pic. I wanted to yell "GET A ROOM!" but somehow controlled the urge to do so.


Some more amazing sky pics...






While walking over to Nordstrom we almost got kicked in the face by some nutjob doing cartwheels on the sidewalk. Best part about this, nutjob was wearing a business suit! I bet that's what Tom does to blow off steam during the day. Seems like an effective stress reliever. Next time I see him I may have to join in on the fun. Synhronized cartwheeling has definite Olympic potential. Just you watch.

Who does Depression Hurt?

Everyone.

Including the Dog.

Poor Wrigs is miserable. He refuses to go outside unless I walk/drag him which is not a very good idea considering how slick it is from this nonstop rain. He misses going to the park, chasing his balls and romping around in the dry grass with his pals. And sure as sh*t,
So. Do. I.

But it makes me more upset to see him sad.


He just sits by the window and watches the rain...


I walked away from the computer for a while and when I came back this was playing. Looks like Wrigs needs the silly pills too.

DANG!

I tried to sneak some video footage of Tom doing his golf swing but I was too late. Poor guy hasn't golfed in almost 2 months and I think it's really getting to him. He and I aren't the only ones going bonkers. Chumley has decided that his new favorite thing to play with is...a pen.

Poor little cat is losing his marbles. He loves batting around this pen and then throwing it up in the air and pouncing on it. I tried to get footage of him doing this but it was too dark.

I did however get some footage of Wrigs after he stole the pen out of Chumley's grip and ran around the house. It's still dark but you can see Wrigs being his usual goofy self.



We had planned to take Wrigs on a nice long walk this morning but as I was getting my shoes on, of course it starts pouring rain. We are starting to get cabin fever from being holed up inside this place. Wasn't the Unibomber from Seattle? Yet another day in paradise.

Bold Faced Lie

This weather ticker says that it is partly cloudy and even shows a bit of sun. Really???? Where??? I'd like to know because I'll get in my car right now and go there! There is no break in the clouds whatsoever. It's dark and gloomy and it feels like night time 24 hours a day.

MY SUN BOX IS HERE! MY SUN BOX IS HERE!

My BOX o' SUN has ARRIVED!!!

HALLELUJIAH AMEN NAMASTE BONJOUR TELETUBBIE JOY TO THE WORLD GLORY BE! (you're right Lizziebelle, teletubbie is quite fitting when one is this excited.)

In just a few short hours I will be as happy as the sun box lady!!!

Look at her - chatting away on the phone, all happy like, sipping her mimosa while enjoying a nice warm bowl of oatmeal! That will be me!!!


Who am I kidding.

That bitch probably lives in Laguna Beach.

pack it up, pack it in

where do I begin
this weather is a sin
I'd rather live in ho chi minh

That's my little ditty for today.

I'm swapping out my cute summery dresses, tanks and flip flops:



for this unflattering, unisex crap:


I look like a frickin' lumberjack heading into town. "No really, I'm not here to chop down your trees, I'd just like a cup of coffee." Though I hear plaid is making a comeback.

But I'd much rather be wearing this right now:



This made me laugh today:



Now I want to make a sock monkey.

A Letter to the Sun

Dear Sun,

We need to talk.

It seems like we don't see each other as much as we used to and I'd like to go back to the way we used to be. Is that possible? Are you willing to be more present in our relationship? I can't be the only one reaching out. You must make more of an effort to come out and see me. I'm always ready, willing and waiting, day after day, but...

you're never there.

We used to see each other over 320 days a year and now, all of the sudden you just disappear?? Why? It's not fair.

I'm not sure what happened yesterday. It seemed like you were making an effort, but then, as soon as I ran home to change my clothes and grab your glasses you went away. Why must you tease me so? Even at 4.5 billion years old, you still act immature at times.

I know back in California there may have been some days where I took you for granted. But it was only a few weekend mornings here and there in a midst of a hangover. Sometimes your bright rays would beam me in the eyes and on occasion, I may have even shouted at you and for that I do apologize. Please don't hold that over my head now. Or wait, please do. I don't know, either way, will you please just hang over my head???

I miss your warmth, I miss your beauty, I miss your energy. I miss you.

And it's not just me. The undersigned would like to see you again too and each wrote a personal message:

1) Tom - "Uh hello??? GOLF???"
2) Wrigley - "Mommy says my wet fur stinks and that hurts my feelings."
3) Chumley - "I could give a rat's ass if I ever see you again."
4) Our convertibles - "It's only a matter of time before we're up on craigslist."
5) The plant - "Help."

We used to have a lot of fun together, Sun. I'll never forget all the good times and I just want some more. I don't think that's too much to ask. You know where I live, so please, stop by and see me.

Oh, one last thing. I wasn't going to tell you this, but you leave me no choice. In your absence I have to resort to this. I don't mean to make you jealous because NO ONE can take your place. It's just that I'm starting to go a little cRaZy.

Until then...

A little song for you

Love,

Your #1 Worshipper

Depressing

Above is the American Heritage Dictionary's definition of Depressing. They could not be more accurate. So what's the definition for "10 days of rainy depressing weather?"

And of course I have to torture myself and check the forecast back home.

My friend sent me this link highlighting point #2.

And it's true. I will never, ever understand.

I told Tom that companies who relocate people out here should provide them with a welcome packet containing the name of a therapist and a bottle of prozac. Or a noose. Not sure which one I'd opt for right now.

=(

I want my meat and potatoes...

NOW!

When talking with people who have lived here for a while there is a common theme. Everyone says, "Just wait til July when it really warms up. It stays warm through September!" When I do the math, that's only 3 months of warmth. Now I understand the cold rainy weather that is upon us for the next several months will definitely make me appreciate those 3 months of warmth, but why wait when one could have that 365 days a year!?!? I'm just starting to freak out a bit because I'm really cold all the time and I don't think I'm going to last until July.

To me that's like sticking a nice juicy plate of succulent prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes in front of someone and saying, "Just wait til next Spring to take a bite."


Maybe I should become a Vegetarian. I have a feeling I'm going to be a vegetable for the next 9 months anyway, so what the hell.

frozen tid bits

I'm sorting through my box of unmentionables and I leave the bedroom for a few minutes and return to this:

That would be my strapless bra insert inside of Wrig's mouth. He now has a new toy. I'll throw some granny panties for Chum to play with so he's not left out.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon touring Open Houses in Queen Anne. One thing I noticed upon entering each home was that they were soooo warm! I couldn't believe how nice it felt to walk into a home and actually be able to take off your hat, scarf, gloves, etc. I made this comment to one of the showing agents and explained to him that the house we are renting is FREEZING all the time. He asked where it was and I told him and he knew exactly the house we were in and said that it's been on the market for about a year and he has shown it to several clients and that has been the biggest complaint! He said even in the warmer months, the house was still uncomfortably cold. As I type this right now my hands are are starting to tingle. For shits and giggles I took a photograph of the heater that I carry around with me that registers room temperature. He is the temp in the bathroom:


And here is the temp in what was going to be my Craft room/Guest room but decided that it's too uncomfortable for any human or beast to spend more than 7 seconds in here:


Wrigs has been so cold that he lets me bundle him up in his blanket.

He says, "Welcome back KBL!!"

And now for some warmth...

We spent Saturday afternoon with Karen, Gregg and David. We had such a great time and they were fantastic hosts and showed us their adorable, picturesque town. Wrigs even got a glimpse of Latte, their big fuzzy outdoor cat, but Latte was not as keen to make friends right away. He had to be pried from the deck and put inside. Poor guy! But it was quite entertaining to watch Gregg carry Latte like a sack of potatoes into the house. I'm sure many of you have seen the beautiful pictures Karen has posted of her neighborhood and views. They are even more breathtaking in person. Truly a house filled with and surrounded by love and warmth!!!

And for those of you who have been reading blogs for a while, do you know who I saw outside a coffee shop??? Liz from As The Tumor Turns. Crazy thing, this blogging world isn't it?

Karen and I went into this cute little bakery to get some dog treats for Wrigs and we both had a moment of hysterics. Here was their "Fresh Fruit" display at the bakery:


What do you think? Fail blog worthy???

Last night my girlfriend and I were WWW (webcamming with wine) and this is what happened as a result:

Her showing me some yoga poses because Tom told us we were going to get hunch backs from the way we were sitting. Her screen froze on this pose and it made me laugh soooo hard:


Then I was telling her how dirty my hair is (what riveting conversations!) and that I could pull out strands and they would just stick straight out. And here's exhibit A:


She was telling me to "phone home" after this.

Ok, the room has now warmed up to a balmy 58 degrees so I'm going to attempt a shower and a shampoo! Too bad these heaters aren't waterproof.