Shawna's Journal

The cruise did not leave port until Saturday and Andy & I flew in Thursday. So we had all of Friday to hang out with friends. Andy went with Tom to College Park to check out the old office and Erica picked me up and toured me around. First we went to Great Sage and had a delicious lunch. I had a great curried lentil soup (which had a bit of a kick to it) and veggi wrap.

Next we walked a labyrinth and peace park.




And an old graveyard. I do not have any good photos of the gravestones, they are all washed out. We did come across this crazy plant with what appears to be Nerds candy growing on its branches.


Our last stop was Starbucks. I desperately needed a drink because I was becoming hoarse. Both Erica and I have an admitted dislike of talking on the phone so we bunched all our conversations from the past 10-11 months into a few hours. It was so great to be with her in person. We were able to pick right back up and it does my soul good to have this friendship.

Andy and I met back up at Tom’s house and got some subs for dinner. If you read this Mike and Joanna, sorry we did not call for games. By the time we were settled it was 10pm and probably too late. For awhile we just sat in the living room chatting. It was really relaxing and great because Katie more chatty than usual. When Katie went to bed the rest of us watched a Japanese film, Shinobi. I liked it, though it was tragic. Think Romeo & Juliet mixed up with less sophisticated Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.

This weekend Andy and I went through piles of paperwork and miscellaneous junk on the desk in the bedroom. I came across the unsent thank you cards from our wedding. Andy made me throw them away. I was secretly going to retrieve them. Andy beat me to it and they are now in the dumpster. For the past few hours I have been considering dumpster diving. Andy keeps telling me I need to let it go. People go to jail for less time and for worse crimes than not sending thank yous. He thinks it is time to stop punishing myself and revisiting my guilt.

Edit: I can no longer retrieve the cards. The dump truck came and went. They were written, just never sent. With them was the list of who got cards and who didn’t. They were my second batch. Will I feel guilt for throwing them away? Or will this successfully be a release since they can no long pop up and haunt me.

Today was my first day back to work. What a novelty it was to have minimal jitters. Any unease I did have was washed away once in the office. I have a better understanding of the project. The statement of work was vague and I kinda went in blind. I have not worked with the women heading up the project. From what I have heard she is one of the most knowledgeable people on the system and can be very demanding. She was pleasant today. As long as I stay on top of things everything should be okay. I did see some familiar faces and they were all happy to see me as well. A bonus is that I ate in the cafeteria and was over exuberant with the salad bar. It will be nice to have a cafeteria next door especially since there are lots of healthy choices if I ever forget to pack my lunch.

My last few days before work began continued to be awesome. I went to lunch with Andy twice. To Tat’s (I love you cheese steak!) and Salumi (of Batali family fame), both which are closed on the weekends so this was my only chance to indulged. I also finally saw the water garden near Pioneer Square. It is so well hidden! Andy and I ate our cheese steaks there. I have photos of the place and me eating my cheese steak (I so rarely get them so it is exciting) but this post would be delayed if I included those pics because at the moment I can not be bothered to get up and find the camera.

I also continued my shopping streak the rest of the week. I decided to buy the teal jacket as well and I now wear it all the time. I hit up the thrift store; got some cheap décor items for around the house and a terrifying black cat for Andy’s social event at work which was on Friday the 13th. In addition, I finally spent all my Amazon gift cards. A puzzle ring, hair stick, purse organizer, air mattress (we have a full house for Thanksgiving and I feel bad having Matt sleep on a death couch full of fur or the bean bags), and a set of towels because some of ours are frayed. I was going to put them on my Christmas list but they are insanely cheap at the moment. Really, if any one needs towels Amazon has an Egyptian Cotton set for $22, regularly $130. That is over $100 savings!!!!! Crazy. Since I did not know how long the deal would last I just went head and forked over the 20+ bucks.

This weekend I got to spend time with Katherine. We starting at a coffee shop, walked around Fremont popping into stores (many I have never been do despite my proximity), and ended at another coffee shop. We both had lots to tell one another. I also played the PS3 by myself by choice. I am a little shocked by how much I like the game station

No vacation post today because I have been too busy enjoying my time off. I went to a yoga class IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. I have not done that since last June. My gym’s best yoga classes are in the middle of the day. I loved it even though I had a rough start. My favorite instructor is no longer with the gym. I was 2 minutes late because I had to circle for parking. I have never had to go to the 5th parking option before. All the mats were taken :(.  Since I was not the only one without a mat (making due with a towel) the teacher asked those whole doubled up to share. Take that greedy yogists - who probably needed the extra padding for their knees. But once we got into the flow of things it was all good.

Rushed home and had time for a shower and leftovers before going to my eye exam. I prescription slightly changed. Ekk! Since I have so many glasses I asked if switching between glasses with different prescriptions will worsen my eyes. The optimist told me that the change is so slight that it will not be a problem. Whew! I did not want to replace all those lens. I am thinking of using the insurance coverage on a nice pair of polarized sunglasses since I can not get those on my fave cheapy website. I also plan on getting three new regular glasses at the cheapy website; rimless, brown, and funky with wide arm.

While I waited for my eyes to recover from dilation I went shopping. I bought ankle boots from DSW and a red winter coat from Nordstrom…on sale! I had wanted a green or teal jacket, then I wear could wear a baby blue scarf.  But the sales lady worked her magic on me and it really is a nice heavy coat. I feel good about her getting a commission from my purchase. Hey economy…I’m helping. There is a teal jacket I was considering at Target. It is too light for a winter coat, though it would be great for the current weather we are having and is only $30. I also like it because it goes to my waist and will be more casual.

For now I will keep some wiggle room for those glasses I want. I received a nice retention bonus for staying on and training my foreign replacement. Most of the money will be going to the nest egg but Andy and I are using some for frivolous spending…hence my new winter coat. Andy bought a Playstation 3. Which I am surprisingly excited about. One, streaming Netflix movies. You have all heard my woes about how Netflix will not work in Linux so our media PC is a no go. So I am excited about Netflix actually on the big screen without being slow and jumpy. Two, LocoRoco. Andy also tells me the PS3 will play Blu-ray but I will not start the switch over. I have never forgave Andy’s last Playsation for messing up our Spirited Away disc.

I am a little embarrassed that this turned out to be an ode to consumerism. Oh well, at least I did not sit on my butt and eat bon bons. Gotta save something for tomorrow *wink*

Andy and I had a fantastic vacation. Every part, Maryland and Bermuda, was wonderful. I hope I can do some mega posting today or through out the week.

Good news: I have a job and I start next Monday. I look forward to this week off. This job is just a temporary solution and ends in February. Even so, I am glad to keep working, especially in this economy, and the job description sounds more demanding/rewarding. The job is with my old team and is a short term project. I am crossing my fingers that I learn SQL this time around.

I ran out of time in so many ways. I have lots of pictures from this weekend and did not have time to post them, or even get them off my memory card. They are of more pumpkin carving and Thrill the World. Today was my last day of employment but I will worry about what to do after vacation. Leaving for Maryland tomorrow (today) and then continuing on to Bermuda.

I brought the dish of candy corn to the window sill planning to take a few macro shots in the natural light.

Rutherford is always interested when I am doing something out of routine.

Andy and I visited Joe and Jenni this weekend. And what did we do this weekend? ALL THINGS PUMPKIN! Visited a pumpkin patch, carved pumpkins, ate pumpkin bread (made from scratch!) and pumpkin seeds, drank pumpkin beer, pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin.

At Plumper Pumpkin Patch, what a great name.


I can not believe they willingly posed in the giant pumpkin


...neither can Andy


Looking for the perfect pumpkin


Andy found his! The top is so twisted.


We just started. Need to fill up that barrel!


The newly engaged couple.


I LOVE this shot


We bought many many pumpkins and squash


All the carved pumpkins


Andy's pumpkin is WAY spooky


That's all folks!

Monday I had a work dinner with the team (location: Spazzo in Redmond towncenter). Since we took photos I am posting a pic of all who attended. Dinner was a success and I had a good time. We were able to drop work from the conversation (most of the time) and shared a bunch of laughs. I never found this team as personable as my last group of coworkers but last night they proved me wrong. They were all friendly and interesting, there is just something stagnate or blocking about the work environment so we rarely engaged each other in friendly banter.



I am a week away from being unemployed and am getting moody about it. I have had several interested recruiters for specific job openings but I never advanced to the interview. *sigh* Andy is going to a recruiting fair tomorrow to represent his company. He actually received advice to be more interested in applicants that are currently employed. *double sigh* I worry once that I am no longer working that I will have an unsaid black mark and finding a job will be even more difficult. Most of the people I know or have acquainted with have been laid off. *triple sigh*

Last night for Andy and I’s four year wedding anniversary we went out to dinner at The Pink Door. Which is a hidden jewel box; gilded walls, chandeliers, rosy lighting, and the decorator successfully incorporated two giant gold cupids hanging from the ceiling. I have to say that I love being a “local” in a city. We parked right on the cobbled road of Pike Place for free. It was unusual to see the empty stalls that are usually packed with flowers, t-shirts, and tourist. The Pink Door is located on Post Alley and does not have a sign, just a pink door. When you walk in the restaurant opens up below you. It is a wonderful first impression. I could not stop grinning at the hostess as I descended the staircase, I felt like I was walking into another world.



The food is Italian; one step up from typical but a step down from amazing. There is live entertainment there almost every day. We were just leaving when the old world guitar guy was setting up. On more adventurous nights their entertainment also includes acts with burlesque and aerial/trapeze artists. If I had bothered to look at the event schedule I would have reserved our dinner for Monday night. Then I maybe I could have seen a modern day Evelyn Nesbit.

Andy and I had a great time…but we always do.

This is a great photo. It makes me think of France (not like I have ever been there). Notice the giant cupids in the top right hand corner.

I just got the signal to leave early for the day. Sadly the first shuttle does not arrived until 3:30. While I wait I decided to write. I also have reservations at 6:30 for dinner downtown so there might not be any point in going home. I am thinking about shopping. Maybe Old Navy is having a sale.

Work has been intense this week. Daily training calls to Singapore. A coworker fired. And a neighboring team is working frantically to get everything ready for the first Microsoft store. This week they had lunch catered everyday and a full time barista serving free coffees. Luckily for me they generously share. 

This is also unluckly for my waistline; eating scones everyday and no time for afternoon walks.  I am just fattening up for a possibly lean winter.

I have been posting random videos since October 2007. With a few skipped weeks this is my 100th post of UVWs. I used the videos as a way to increase my posting. They served as a markers. When I first started weeks would go by without a post. The UVWs forced me to post at least weekly and spurred me to fill in the remaining days with something so videos were not back to back. I do not know if I will continue as regularly now that I have got the hang of online journaling. Never fear, there will always be something on YouTube I will want to share from time to time. Compilations...

We didn't start the viral



Weezer's Pork and Beans



Another random compilation

Friday

• I finally signed up for Skype and talked to Tenley in England. I had a blast. There was so much we had to tell one another.
• Andy brought two more new games with the money we made selling the bike rack (etc). We played Hive which is a two player game sorta like chess. Each insect has a specific move, like jumping over any number of tiles in one direction, or moving three spaces along the outside. The goal is to completely surround your opponent’s queen bee. I really liked the game tiles which were thick and heavy. They also come in a plastic zip pouch. This will be a great travel game and we will probably pack it for the cruise. By the way, I won. *wink*
• Tried a new pizza place, Northlake tavern. It is a bar under I-5 that draws in college sports fans. Their claim to fame is that they make deep dish pizzas loaded with toppings. On the menu they even state that there is not an option for extra cheese because they already put on all the cheese a pizza can possible hold. It was pretty good. I liked the sauce and taste of the crust but it was not a doughy/chewy as I was expecting.
• Andy and I watched Ben Hur. What a loooong movie. I was worried when the intro was the birth of Christ. I was wondering if we had received the correct movie. But we did, all two discs.

Saturday

• Went to the gym. Actually did some toning exercises, such as squats and crunches. My legs are still sore. I rarely work on toning. Maybe once a month if I am good. I hate it but should do such exercises more.
• Lunch at Elysian Fields. Two thumbs up for this restaurant. It is down near the stadium. The décor is fun and it has huge windows to let in light. The windows are actually garage doors and Andy says they open them in the summer. The food was delicious, as was the pumpkin ale. (Just so I remember - we split a mussel appetizer and I had the lamb burger.) I would love Elysian Fields happy hour just for the back room which has black chandeliers, leather settees, and aquariums.
• Visited the Experience Music Project. We quickly passed through many of the exhibits but played with all the instruments. Fun ones of note are the theremin and mixing table.
• dropped of stuff we did not sell to good will
• homeless guy searching through our trash, it was very awkward

Sunday

• Made banana ‘ice cream’. The consistency turned out well and it was really easy. I love the idea but I think bananas are better in bread. I did mix one serving with peanut butter and refroze it. The dessert is better with the peanut butter but that adds fat and calories I would want to avoid by making this.
• I spent the afternoon roving Capitol Hill with Katherine. Andy and I live opposite Capitol Hill on Queen Anne Hill and we rarely (never) visit the other hill. We walked up and down Broadway and did a lot of window shopping. There were so many Halloween items out. I also visited Cal Anderson Park for the first time. It is cute and has a nice water feature. We ended our afternoon out with tea at Joe’s Bar. I also had a molasses ginger cookie. It tasted like fall.

The Creative Brain: The Science of Genius by Nancy C. Andreasen


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was recommended to me by Katherine. A researcher who has been studying how creativity manifests itself in the brain wrote the book. It is not thick with scientific lingo but still interesting enough. I have not been reading enough nonfiction but this book has made me determine to do so. Now that I do not have cable I no longer stumble on interesting documentaries while channel surfing. So now I need to go back to non fiction reading for those fun odd facts.



The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book despite two big turnoffs. 1) I am not usually a mystery fan. 2) There are graphic scenes of sexual violence, incest, and murder that make me wish for early on-set alzheimer's just to get the images out of my head. What kept me reading were the characters. I got swepted up in their lives and their thoughts; I had to know what they would do or think next.

Free latte guy is back and this time he brought all things decadent: donuts, muffins, cakey breads, and scones. I was going to eat a healthy breakfast of yogurt and fruit but there is one kind of sweet I cannot say no to….the free kind. I will be leaving Microsoft one month from now and plan to enjoy the perks (and all things percolated) while I can.

Milkman vs Mailman

Twice, while berry picking, I spotted this snake. There was a sunny spot he laid in during my lunchtime, when I would go picking. I usually roll my eyes when girls squeal in fake delight and say that snakes are cute in an attempt to distance themselves from feminine stereotypes. But…this snake was actually pretty cute to me. He was so wittle. I have never had the urge to pick up a snake until that day. Instead I researched. He is a garter snake, possibly a northwest garter snake. The genus name Thamnophis means pretty snake, so I cannot be condemned for thinking the snake cute —- even science agrees!





In the diet section on Wikipedia slugs are listed first. There are an abundance of slugs in his immediate area. Slugs were often motoring across the steps leading up to the office.


I don’t remember slugs looking like this. The slugs from my childhood were smooth, gray, and sometimes spotted. These slugs are so textured. I will not go so far to say the slug is cute…but there an appeal to those antennas.

Autumn has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. On the first day of fall it was over 80 degrees, summer still had a strong hold. This week the temperature has cooled. I had to close our windows for the first time since June. Yesterday it rained. Also I am grieving the shortened daylight. So before summer is only a memory I want to post some summery photos. There was one perk to the old job and that was the woods in the back. I went blackberry picking several times. This is now my spot. It will be a bit of a drive next summer but I never came across anyone else picking.  My own person berry mine.

Look at them all


Close up


The unattainable. To get this photo I had to stretch my arms and stand on my tip toes. I hope the birds appreciated these tasty jewels.


Here is my first bounty. A third were snacked on and the rest went into a smoothie. I have more in the freezer from another round of picking. I am planning to use them in a cobbler sometime this winter.

Friday

• Tried a new restaurant – maple leaf café – tasty but a little pricey.  The service was not good that night either.  I had clams and the spinach salad. It is also right by Judy Fu’s Snappy Dragon, our favorite Chinese restaurant. So when Andy and I are in that part of town Judy Fu’s would always win.

Saturday

• Up before 9. Got new tires for the car.
• Crabby - I pulled a muscle in my upper back/shoulder
• Took a walk – beautiful day
• Katherine came over for the first time of significant time. She is allergic and the cat did not kill her. We looked at pictures of Chris’s birthday surprise trip. They rode horses to three different wineries. We also flipped through photo’s from Andy and I’s wedding.
• Watched Baby Mama. It was cute.
• Ate strawberries and angel food cake

Sunday

• Up before 9 again. *sigh* no sleeping in this weekend. But I did have naps.
• Went to the gym. Andy had a racquetball game. I watched Monk and barely worked out.
• Breakfast at Wild Mountain Café. Sweet sweet cinnamon roll.
• Reorganized the appliances in the pantry. Found places for everything cluttering the floor.
• Played catch at Greenlake. It was great. The evening was chilly and I could see the city lights and Rainier peeping above the tree line.
• Watched the season premiere of House while eating Mexican.

Back on the market….Job market that is. Earlier this month my team was informed that our contract will be ending Oct 31st and that our jobs are moving to Singapore. Currently there are three teams (Redmond, Dublin, and Singapore) that mange each region of our world (Americas, Europe, and Asia). In fact, I have previously posted about my contact with joint foreign offices. All work will soon be consolidated to one region. I am neither upset nor surprised. Microsoft has already had 2 rounds of layoffs for the full-time employees and a 3rd is still yet to come. Not including the mass of contractor lay-offs. After reading that older post it is probably a blessing on disguise. When I told Andy he did not know if he should feel bad for me or congratulate me. The commute has been demanding and wearing. Even before the announcement I have been lightly applying to jobs and now I just need to up the job search. Hopefully, this time around I will find a job I love or at least one with less of a commute.