This past weekend was Valentines day. Ours was a little different, but we had a great weekend. For starters, we had planned on having Valentines dinner and all that next weekend, so that we could help Nick’s parents move this weekend, then they changed it to the following weekend and thus began the crazy turn of events. We had already planned on having my mom watch Mackenzie for the weekend (while we were helping move) so it ended up that we had time to ourselves and no real Valentines plans. That’s OK because we made the most of our free time (starting with our trip to Seattle to see Avatar as I’ve already mentioned). On Friday night we went out to a local bar that features a pretty decent selection of beer and has a really cool wine-on-tap bar. I guess they use nitrogen and it keeps it fresh and also gives the tap the pressure it needs to serve the wine up. Pretty neat. They also had live music and lots of board games. This is definitely becoming one of my favorite spots here in Everett and the hummus is delish!
After that we watched the incredibly boring Opening Ceremonies. I’m sorry, even if Beijing hadn’t been the show to beat, that would have still been a terrible ceremony. I did like the whales, but the whole idea was just appallingly slow to develop and I’d dare say….over-played? We get it that there are native tribes, and that there was ice, then melting, blah blah blah. Is that all Canada has to show for itself?
Okay enough of my soap box. On Saturday Nick and I went on a coffee date in the morning and met up with my mom and Mackenzie at Starbucks. Its becoming a habit of Mackenzie and I to get hot chocolate and a red cupcake when we are there (God only knows what we’ll do when its not cupcake season). After that it was off to a birthday party for some friends of ours son. Xander was turning two, so it was nice for Mackenzie to get to play with some kids his age (yes, he did get to have a second cupcake for the day) and they even played pin the tale (-shaped sticker) on the donkey. Good times.
We decided to do a little shopping and I got some great deals on some clothes for work and a new husky sweatshirt!! After the shopping we went back home and did some cleaning. I completely did over the guest bedroom downstairs, I had had enough! When we were all worn out and sick of the cleaning efforts, Nick and I got ready (somewhat) and went out to dinner, Terracotta Red followed by drinks at Prohibition. Lovely, lovely. I had the empress chowmein once again, and at Prohibition I got a fun drink that “tasted like a bubble bath.” Seriously, it was frothy and peachy deliciousness. MMMmmm.
Sunday was a LAZZZZZzzzy start. Literally, we got up, lounged around, took showers, and none of us were ready to go anywhere until one. Not my intentions at all, but I enjoyed it all the same. We did some family style grocery shopping, which is the ONLY way Nick and I go grocery shopping, but grandma came along for the trip. We also drove by the house that Gary and Criss are moving to on the first. It is an extremely bright teal, but an amazing location on the beach just north of Everett. Sweet.
At home we cleaned some more and then we rented the movie Couples Retreat. I have to tell you that I was really hoping to get some bucket margaritas going on, but I couldn’t find the bucket mix anywhere, so we ended up having wine and valentine cookies during the movie. Good, but not the same.
So it was a good weekend. We haven’t really hung out with any of our friends for a few days, but it has been nice getting to enjoy our house and be there as a family, we don’t have that always.
This week I am working on getting my procurement letters out to collect some cakes for the dessert dash. I’m also meeting with my website client to get going on the content of his site, I have the format and design done, which is exciting. If I didn’t tell you, the site is for a clean and sober housing group. I really like the guy but our schedules are pretty different, which makes things a bit tougher.
I’m trying to get another design project going though as well. I’d like to have a strong portfolio before I really start any advertising. I also want to get a better grasp on techniques and time involvement. I did get asked by SCYPN to help out with the “user-side” of development, a HUGE compliment since they actually have a web design firm who JUST did their site, but they want a little more user friendliness. So that’s cool.
I’ve been good about going to the gym on my lunch breaks and even though I don’t feel very good today, I put in 100% effort and got a really good workout in. Crazy girls at the gym though, whoa baby! Drama, drama. I feel like after listening to that for thirty minutes, I may as well have watched three months of reality tv. I’m going to have to stop going on Tuesdays. This is the second time I’ve sat through their crazy chatter.
That or bring my i-pod.
This weekend we will be in Portland and Vancouver. On Monday Nick is leaving me to spend a week in Anchorage. Boo! This is not cool because A) he will be gone for a week and it seems like he just got back from Ohio and B) Kennis is in Anchorage and I’m the one who should be going! Dang it!
On a side note, I’ve decided to start sharing the things that I am making for dinner, since sometimes people ask me how I make things or for different recipes. I’ll try to put some links in as well, so if you read something you like and then want to find it again, you can do so easily. Last night I made Caribbean Pork with Spicey Peach Sauce and Rice. I’ll get the recipe up tonight. And who knows whats for dinner tonight. Maybe pork chops?? We’ll see.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Recap of the Week
Its been an interesting week. I have to say, that people never cease to amaze me, in both negative and very positive ways. In an effort to not offend anyone, I’ll leave it at that. But seriously, I was blown away this week both by people’s relentless giving of themselves and also by people extreme selfishness. A reminder to see those things in ourselves and work on some sort of inner balance.
I joined a new gym last week. I have only been in twice, once to do the circuit training and once for a yoga class. I really like it so far. If you are a woman and looking for a gym in the Everett area, I highly recommend this place ( Women’s Wellness Center ). They offer a range of group classes, circuit training, and massage/spa services. It is a gorgeous facility and the women that work there are so kind. I also appreciate that it is a non-profit. They use the membership dues to provide medical services (mammograms, annuals, etc) to low-income women and those without insurance. If you sign up now, its only $14 a month, that’s right each and every month, until you decide to stop. No contracts. Plus its 10 classes for $10 right now.
So that’s my sales pitch for them.
Moving on. We went to the hockey game (go tips!) on Wednesday. They had a fourteen game win streak this season, Wednesdays game was a shut out. Always lots of fun. Mackenzie is really getting into the games and asking what is going on and what the different calls and sounds mean.
Last night Nick and I FINALLY got some time to ourselves. If you know anything about our lives you know that is a rare occasion. We decided to put our IMAX passes to good use and go see the movie Avatar. We got down to Seattle an hour before the movie started and it was already sold out. Damn that fandango! Oh well, a short drive up to capitol hill, along with some awesome parking spot jockeying by Nicholas, and we were at one of our old hole in the walls from when we used to live there. HaNA is great for crappy sushi and mediocre accommodations, you literally have to go outside to use the bathroom. But its always fun and super cheap. Gotta love that.
We stopped by Whole Foods to snatch a bottle of PARINGA (sparling shiraz), but they are out, as per usual. I guess the distributor is out and has been out for a while. Note to self to find out how to order this by the case and have it delivered. This is a wine worth having on hand. Anyway, we grabbed a bottle of cabernet merlot franc from a local winery and decided to give it a shot.
When we got home we settled in with a couple glass of wine and a few episodes of the office. All in all, a good night.
Here’s my words of wisdom from the day (and yes, I did get this from a church reader board): “Give Him what is right, not what is left.”
This is something Nick and I are really working on together. I know the church meant God, with that capitalized Him, but I think it is good advice for a marriage too. Its so easy to come home from work and get caught up in relaxing or taking time to ourselves, making dinner, playing with Mackenzie, etc. that by the time we get Mack down for bed, its time for us to go to bed and we’ve hardly connected. Its just a really good reminder to give each other 100% every night, even if its just for an hour or whatever, and not give each other our left-overs at the end of the day. I imagine, literally, handing Nick a dish of pig slop. It’s a good visual, because that’s not what I want from him, and it shouldn’t be what I give to him.
In other news, if you know anyone looking for a website, I’m trying to get some practice in and get a portfolio of work going, so send me some leads!! It’d be free design, just cost of hosting and domain name registration. Remember Attraversiamo Designs, it’s Italian for “Let’s Cross Over.”
I joined a new gym last week. I have only been in twice, once to do the circuit training and once for a yoga class. I really like it so far. If you are a woman and looking for a gym in the Everett area, I highly recommend this place ( Women’s Wellness Center ). They offer a range of group classes, circuit training, and massage/spa services. It is a gorgeous facility and the women that work there are so kind. I also appreciate that it is a non-profit. They use the membership dues to provide medical services (mammograms, annuals, etc) to low-income women and those without insurance. If you sign up now, its only $14 a month, that’s right each and every month, until you decide to stop. No contracts. Plus its 10 classes for $10 right now.
So that’s my sales pitch for them.
Moving on. We went to the hockey game (go tips!) on Wednesday. They had a fourteen game win streak this season, Wednesdays game was a shut out. Always lots of fun. Mackenzie is really getting into the games and asking what is going on and what the different calls and sounds mean.
Last night Nick and I FINALLY got some time to ourselves. If you know anything about our lives you know that is a rare occasion. We decided to put our IMAX passes to good use and go see the movie Avatar. We got down to Seattle an hour before the movie started and it was already sold out. Damn that fandango! Oh well, a short drive up to capitol hill, along with some awesome parking spot jockeying by Nicholas, and we were at one of our old hole in the walls from when we used to live there. HaNA is great for crappy sushi and mediocre accommodations, you literally have to go outside to use the bathroom. But its always fun and super cheap. Gotta love that.
We stopped by Whole Foods to snatch a bottle of PARINGA (sparling shiraz), but they are out, as per usual. I guess the distributor is out and has been out for a while. Note to self to find out how to order this by the case and have it delivered. This is a wine worth having on hand. Anyway, we grabbed a bottle of cabernet merlot franc from a local winery and decided to give it a shot.
When we got home we settled in with a couple glass of wine and a few episodes of the office. All in all, a good night.
Here’s my words of wisdom from the day (and yes, I did get this from a church reader board): “Give Him what is right, not what is left.”
This is something Nick and I are really working on together. I know the church meant God, with that capitalized Him, but I think it is good advice for a marriage too. Its so easy to come home from work and get caught up in relaxing or taking time to ourselves, making dinner, playing with Mackenzie, etc. that by the time we get Mack down for bed, its time for us to go to bed and we’ve hardly connected. Its just a really good reminder to give each other 100% every night, even if its just for an hour or whatever, and not give each other our left-overs at the end of the day. I imagine, literally, handing Nick a dish of pig slop. It’s a good visual, because that’s not what I want from him, and it shouldn’t be what I give to him.
In other news, if you know anyone looking for a website, I’m trying to get some practice in and get a portfolio of work going, so send me some leads!! It’d be free design, just cost of hosting and domain name registration. Remember Attraversiamo Designs, it’s Italian for “Let’s Cross Over.”
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Getting Started
I’ve decided to start a blog of my own, so that I can practice my writing again and also so that all these thoughts in my head can get out somehow.
If you don’t know me, I’m a wife, still learning how to play that role, and a mommy, something that comes naturally at times and is challenging at others. Our son is two and a half, just a joy to be around. He keeps us busy but he also keeps us laughing. Although I spent four years at the University of Washington (go huskies!!) I still have not managed to actually attain my degree because I missing one requirement: a foreign language. Basically I am trying to teach myself Italian (shout out to Rosetta Stone) and hopefully can test out of this requirement at some point. It’d be a lot easier if I actually put in the time, but this really is the LAST thing on my priority list right now.
I currently work at an architecture firm as a marketing/administrative assistant (and everything that doesn’t fall under “architect”). Its definitely been a learning curve seeing as I was hired here to be the receptionist. But I love my job and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. Before this, I worked at Starbucks and loved my job there. I was ready for something more though and sick of the corporate blah blah blah. To be fair, I still think Starbucks on a corporate level is a great company, I just think the ideals and goals get a little confused at the store level.
Another work thing I have going on is web design. I fell into this, literally. My boss asked if I could design a new website, and not knowing the slightest thing about it, decided “sure, I’ll give it a go.” Luckily, Microsoft has an excellent program for new-be designers (Website Spark) and I was able to get all the software and help I needed without paying anything. I also took some online courses and made lots of mistakes. BUT I’m happy to say that my first website is up and running, you can check it out at www.bnharch.com. I realize it is in no way some spectacular masterpiece but I am very proud of writing all of the code for each and every aspect of that site, no templates, no code generators. I am also happy to say that I have since then, obtained my business license and registered my domain name to start my own web design business. I figure, if this is going to be a hobby I may as well make a little money doing it, and help out some smaller businesses who can’t afford the people who do the “spectacular masterpieces.”
Just last week I met with my first client and that project is underway. This is especially exciting because they are using their own graphics designer. I am really enjoying learning more about that side of developing and to see the things that he creates. I’ll be sure to post links when that site is up and running.
And just because having a two year old, working full time and starting my own business doesn’t keep me busy enough, I also volunteer with Snohomish County Domestic Violence Services and am helping co-chair their upcoming chocolate lover’s event here in Everett. I am really excited about being a part of that event and also to start working with the women and children affected by domestic violence. I start my training for the counseling portion in April.
I also just joined the Snohomish County Young Professionals Network (SCYPN) and am excited to see where this will take me. I’ve only been to one meeting but I’ve already received some excellent advice and made some great contacts with people in the Everett area. I am thinking about joining the advisory board and helping coordinate the monthly events.
I intend to use this blog as an avenue of sharing the projects I’m working on, new places I find, groups I want to support, and as a place to vent about my day. I hope that you enjoy reading and will contribute comments or advice. Thanks.
If you don’t know me, I’m a wife, still learning how to play that role, and a mommy, something that comes naturally at times and is challenging at others. Our son is two and a half, just a joy to be around. He keeps us busy but he also keeps us laughing. Although I spent four years at the University of Washington (go huskies!!) I still have not managed to actually attain my degree because I missing one requirement: a foreign language. Basically I am trying to teach myself Italian (shout out to Rosetta Stone) and hopefully can test out of this requirement at some point. It’d be a lot easier if I actually put in the time, but this really is the LAST thing on my priority list right now.
I currently work at an architecture firm as a marketing/administrative assistant (and everything that doesn’t fall under “architect”). Its definitely been a learning curve seeing as I was hired here to be the receptionist. But I love my job and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. Before this, I worked at Starbucks and loved my job there. I was ready for something more though and sick of the corporate blah blah blah. To be fair, I still think Starbucks on a corporate level is a great company, I just think the ideals and goals get a little confused at the store level.
Another work thing I have going on is web design. I fell into this, literally. My boss asked if I could design a new website, and not knowing the slightest thing about it, decided “sure, I’ll give it a go.” Luckily, Microsoft has an excellent program for new-be designers (Website Spark) and I was able to get all the software and help I needed without paying anything. I also took some online courses and made lots of mistakes. BUT I’m happy to say that my first website is up and running, you can check it out at www.bnharch.com. I realize it is in no way some spectacular masterpiece but I am very proud of writing all of the code for each and every aspect of that site, no templates, no code generators. I am also happy to say that I have since then, obtained my business license and registered my domain name to start my own web design business. I figure, if this is going to be a hobby I may as well make a little money doing it, and help out some smaller businesses who can’t afford the people who do the “spectacular masterpieces.”
Just last week I met with my first client and that project is underway. This is especially exciting because they are using their own graphics designer. I am really enjoying learning more about that side of developing and to see the things that he creates. I’ll be sure to post links when that site is up and running.
And just because having a two year old, working full time and starting my own business doesn’t keep me busy enough, I also volunteer with Snohomish County Domestic Violence Services and am helping co-chair their upcoming chocolate lover’s event here in Everett. I am really excited about being a part of that event and also to start working with the women and children affected by domestic violence. I start my training for the counseling portion in April.
I also just joined the Snohomish County Young Professionals Network (SCYPN) and am excited to see where this will take me. I’ve only been to one meeting but I’ve already received some excellent advice and made some great contacts with people in the Everett area. I am thinking about joining the advisory board and helping coordinate the monthly events.
I intend to use this blog as an avenue of sharing the projects I’m working on, new places I find, groups I want to support, and as a place to vent about my day. I hope that you enjoy reading and will contribute comments or advice. Thanks.
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