road rage

I will admit it. I get road anger (although it’s not bad enough to classify it as “rage”). I’m easily aggravated by the traffic. The congestion. The buses. The bicyclists. (Just to clarify, I fully support cyclists – I think that cities and urban planners need to provide better solutions so cars and bikes can safely coexist). I’m frequently frustrated by elderly drivers and absent minded people. FYI – It’s not acceptable to be driving, smoking a cigarette, talking on a cell phone and holding your dog in your lap all at the same time. Really? You really think that’s safe? The point is I understand that driving can be stressful and unpleasant. That being said, I have never, EVER, been so upset that I’ve wanted to get violent. I do not understand that.

Over the weekend, there was a stabbing in my building. Apparently it started as a dispute over who would be the first to exit the parking lot and escalated into a 50 person brawl where a woman was stabbed in the stomach. THAT, is rage. And completely insane.

camping – silver falls

Last weekend (on the summer solstice) Derek and I went camping – it was our seven year anniversary. Can you believe it?!? We’ve been celebrating our anniversary by camping for the last four years. We really enjoy camping together- it’s kind of our thing. Some couples snowboard. Or go to the theater. Well, we camp. In fact, we have a book that highlights the best camping in Washington State and our goal is to camp at every place in the book. It’s a lofty goal and will likely take many years, but it will be fun trying!

We prefer small, remote campsites with no RVs and no generators. Generally, I like car camping because I like packing board games, wine and other luxuries that would be impractical to hike-in with. We enjoy making and eating big, delicious meals while we are camping – why not?!

Last year we implemented the “bin system”. As you know, camping can be kind of an ordeal. There is a lot of equipment and it can be a bit cumbersome to pack. To help minimize the work, we bought a “camping” set of everything (utensils, plates, salt & pepper, cups, etc.) and also bought several large plastic bins. We put ALL of our camping gear in them. Now, when it’s time to go camping, we only need to pack our clothes and food. All the equipment is already packed – we just throw the bins in the truck. It’s amazing and it really helps with the short weekend camping trips. I highly recommend the bin system for anyone who likes to camp. I also have created a master list that we reference each time we camp (I’d be happy to share it – just let me know).

Last weekend we camped at Silver Falls, which is in the Central Cascades (about 45 minutes outside of Entiat, WA). It was a great little campsite. The highlights of the weekend include a spectacular waterfall, coffee in the mornings on our private riverside landing, many great meals and several games of cribbage.

Me next to the falls

what’s this feeling?

Oh, it’s contentment. Simple and pure. I’m not overly stressed or anxious. I’m not lonely. I’m not worrying about the future – I’m happy and satisfied now.  I’m content – and it feels nice.

a few of my favorite things

This weekend has been one of the best in awhile – here are a few of the highlights.

The Sun Came Out – Just when I was ready to lose all hope – the sun came out in full force.  It was wonderful and made my weekend.

Cooking for Friends – Sara and Nate came over for dinner on Friday night. This was our first “double date” with them and I’d say it was a success. While I think it’s invaluable for couples to each have their own friends, I also think it’s important to have “couple” friends. Other couples who you have good chemistry with and enjoy being around. The evening consisted of tons of food, several rounds of drinks and many, many stories.

Saturday Morning Laziness – Derek and laid around Saturday morning and basked in the glory of not having any immediate plans. In a world where everyone is overbooked – no plans is a luxury.  We decided breakfast was definitely in order and we invited Derek’s brother Gabe over to join us. Eggs, hash browns and bacon – delish.

Coffee in the Park – After breakfast, the three of us set out to the top of Queen Anne for a coffee at Peet’s and then Derek took us to Marshall Park. I had never been there – it was gorgeous. What a great day to sit out at the park!

Reading in the Sun – On Saturday afternoon when I opened my book, I was 17 pages into it. Now, I’m finished. I sat out on my balcony and read-away most of the weekend. To some of you, this might seem like a waste – but to me, it was perfect. I was reading Atonement by Ian McEwean. I liked it. I didn’t LOVE it, but I liked it.

All in all, I’d say this has been a pretty fantastic weekend. I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the sun.

fruits of my labor

suggestions please

I’m looking to expand my weekday dinner routine. You know, the staple dinners. The dinners you make on week nights when you don’t have a ton of time or a ton of patience. My standard meals are getting a little old, and now that Derek is living here – I feel like I need to mix-it-up.

Please leave a comment and tell me what your staples are. Yes, I’m talking to you. As a reader, I usually ask nothing of you. I’m asking now, please leave a comment and tell me your weekday favorites. I’m going to have really hurt feelings if nobody comments – and then I’ll probably be embarrassed and want to pull down this post – but I won’t because I want my blog to be as uncensored as possible. See? Just leave a freakin’ comment.

sushi

If I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, I’d choose sushi. I just can’t get enough of the stuff -Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Crab, Shrimp – yum! Friday, Derek and I attempted to roll sushi for the very first time. We had heard that making the rice was the hardest part, so we cheated and bought rice from the sushi bar at Whole Foods. I’m glad we did.

All in all, it was a lot of fun. It’s harder than it looks, but I think it turned out good for our first time. See for yourself!

viva las vegas

Last weekend we held the Stacy Freedom Fest in Las Vegas – tons of fun! Here are few pics.

all nerves

Tomorrow I start my new job and I’m SO excited and nervous! I wasn’t nearly this nervous for my last job, but I think it’s because I knew what to expect – it was the same job, just a different advertising agency. This is a new industry and a very different role. I feel like it’s the first day of kindergarten – I know it’s going to be awesome – but I’m not exactly sure what to expect.

I hope I can sleep tonight. Wish me luck!