Happy Saturday!!!
Time for some yard work....

Okay...

I realize today last nights posting is a bit dramatic....but those tribute shows just really get ya every time, don't they?

I feel a bit ashamed...

Today when I learned that Tim Russert died I didn't realize who he was, and what exactly he meant to our country. We have been watching a tribute to him all night...he was the voice of politics that I feel I really could have connected to...and I feel ashamed that I didn't watch him while his talent was with us.

He asked the questions we wanted answers to, that many journalists wouldn't ask, all the while being the most gentlemanly person. And everyone has the abosolute BEST things to say about him!! I have been tearing up all night watching his tribute about the person he was. Honestly watching this show, makes him one of my hands down favorite newspeople. Some of my favorite quotes include: (sorry, I just typed them as quick as I could...I can't remember who said each of them)

-He adored his father Big Russ.

-"He appeared to be the father to his son that we all would be proud of. "

-"Always show up...always be prepared..always do your job" (quoting his father Big Russ)

"What a county!!" (Amazing...even when we don't understand all the decisions...to remember, WHAT A COUNTY WE HAVE! I love it!)

"He didn't preach....he just did his job," -Barbara Walters.

"He was the kind of guy you would want to sit down and watch a football game with and have a beer ..but then he's brilliant"

"All the good things you are hearing are actually true"

"Sharing of information....looking towards the team"

"A razor sharp intelliect"- Tom Brokaw

"Simple...I view Meet the Press as a National treasure, and I am a temporary custodian"

"Go Get 'em"

"Intelligent, persistent, fairminded journalist..."

"Everything you do...you can only hope that your children look at that and hope to be as true as you are to those words."

It seems that he was such a role model, a researcher, a family man... he helped the journalists know what was needed:
"He knew what the American people wanted to hear..and we have lost that now..."

I say a prayer for him, and for us, tonight.

Oh happy Friday...

Today...
-Slept in half hour
-work (kind of a frustrating day, but oh well...)
-kitty nap
-workout videos
-fabulous dinner made by my cutest husband...steaks, BBQ'd corn on the cob, wine
-listening to favorite music and reading news and blog posting while Nick sits next to me watching the Mariners...trying to explain to me who each player is...these are the sweet special times that make my heart happy.

BINGO!

Tonight was the monthly event that we (the SCCA Volunteers) put on at the Fred Hutch School- such fun! It never ceases to amaze me the strength and courage of the human spirit...and how necessary to healing laughter is. Our goal as volunteers is that we can, in some small way, help patients and families battling cancer have a "night off" and that we can bring them some of that laughter.

The children are always the ones who amaze me and touch me the most it seems. Tonight, there were these two most precious little girls who came who had been raised in Egypt! People literally come here from all over the world for treatment. The little girls were there on their own (ages 10 and 6 I'm guessing) because their parents were at the hospital at a treatment session. They were the most well mannered, sweetest, most precious little girls you have ever seen...I wanted to scoop them up and hug them for hours!

Sadly though, I have to report on one of the most appauling scenes I have seen as well. It is no secret...at our Bingo night, everyone is going to be a winner. Everyone gets a prize, usually multiple prizes. Well, everyone had won atleast once except for the youngest little girl who I was just describing. Earlier when she first arrived she mentioned that the only thing she wanted was this little camera from the prize station. Note: this camera is probably about $10 from Bartells.

Well, there was an older lady at Bingo Night as well...a caregiver of another patient who basically had a stand off with the camera and this little girl! One of the other volunteers had even HIDDEN the camera playfully to save for the little girl....but this older lady went and picked it as her own prize!! A volunteer friend of mine asked her very nicely if she would mind giving the camera up for the little girl since she so desperately wanted it...and was crying the hugest alligator tears for it. And do you know what she said? No, she wanted it. NO? Seriously? WHO DOES THAT?! I was just completely baffled.

But...rest assured, my volunteer friend went and bought her that camera from Bartells after Bingo was over tonight. So, it does have a happy ending.

Breakfast for Dinner

Though not at all glamorous...we had one of my fav dinners ever tonight: Breakfast for dinner! Complete with PJ's to the dinner table and all! Maybe it is because it reminds of childhood and my dad always making breakfast for dinner, but something about it is so comforting. Cutie in the Kitchen!

Gross.

Okay- I know this is rude, but for some reason Ina Garten, otherwise known as our good friend "The Barefoot Contessa", and her husband Jeffrey gross me out!! Today at the gym I was lucky enough to get one of the machines with the T.V. right in front of you...so naturally I turned it to the Food Network. It's the only thing I work out to! I am usually really excited when The Barefoot Contessa is on, but they were seriously making out, saying really annoying comments the whole time....bleh. And maybe it's irritating because it all seems so fake??

Who knows, but I know Jamie shares my annoyance with me on this one. Thanks girl.

Desperately Seeking...

No, not Susan...but THURSDAY! Why, you might ask?! Because it is actually supposed to be somewhat nice here...68 degrees. That might not sound like a lot to some of you out there...but to these Seattle-ites, it's the best we've seen in awhile here...and heavens knows we need it!! Hurry hurry summer come to me! (a little Paula Abdul reference never hurt anyone)

Happy "Biggest Loser" Moment

So...it was a sad day last week when I had my last workout session with Ryan my trainer. As most of you know, I felt I could justify the cost when I was getting in shape for the wedding...but now, it just seems like too much money to spend.

That being said...I don't want to digress on the progress I have made with him. But IT.IS.HARD!! I've always been able to get myself to go running, or get on the elliptical...but strength training?! It is just such pure torture that I've never really stuck with it.

Today though, I felt like I could hear Trainer Bob (from The Biggest Loser) cheering me on! They always say that the show is giving the contestants the tools necessary for success after they leave the show, and that is exactly how I felt today! Ryan gave me a very detailed outline of a workout to follow...and I am happy to report, I was able to torture myself with the weights today....total "Go Me!" moment! YAY!

Now if only I didn't eat that package of Peanut M&M's earlier today..... ah well!

Final Concert!

Tonight is our last concert of the '07-'08 season! I like the pieces we are doing this time, so I'm pretty excited about it. Though, there are still parts that I continue to get tongue-tied on with the German when it starts going really fast- yikes! Cute George at rehearsal yesterday....the picture is kind of dark but just wanted to post how darn cute he is!! He is one of the funniest people I have ever met...has the wittiest comments ever! It is a joy to sing with him and the OSSCS!

Go Big Brown!

Today for the Belmont Stakes, we went over to AJ and Angie's to watch the big race! I have never really been into horse racing, but I kind of fell in love with Big Brown. He won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, and was favored to win the Belmont...making him the first triple crown winner in like 30 years or something (how is that for some fun fact info!). Since AJ is the HR Manager at UPS, we had Big Brown buttons to support our guy! I did accidentally keep saying "Go Big Blue" though....those high school cheerleading days are just ingrained in me I guess! Sadly, Big Brown did not win....he actually got last place. I think he was really sad about it...you could kind of just tell. We later headed to Ivar's Salmon House....and then the Roanoke, a cutie little bar near Eastlake. Nick and I were tired Coffee Hour hosts this morning at church!!

"What you bloggin' about Willis?"- Nick to me this a.m., pretty pleased with his funny!

It arrived!!

Our bedroom furniture was delivered yesterday-- YAY!! I've never had a complete matching bedroom set, so I am feeling pretty darn happy about it. Thankfully, Paulie was here yesterday to let the movers in...they did find a surprise of a dust bunny the size of a football under our bed when they had to move the furniture! Those guys just come out of nowhere! I mean, we all know how I love my Swiffer?

Anyways, pics here...mostly so mom can see it!

Paulie is here!

Paul flew in last night for a bachelor party he is going to this weekend, so Nick picked him up at the airport and he stayed with us last night in "his" room. It's funny...whoever happens to be staying with us, the guest room becomes their room. It's "Paul's Room" or "Terry's Room" or "Nelson's Room"....just depending on the guest! I love it!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Paul at our wedding:

I love all of the girls' faces in this picture!

Yes...that is Paul singing on the dance floor...and enjoying it!
And yes...that is Paul with two glasses of champagne in his outstetched hands!

One Month as a Mrs!

And LOVING it!! Can't believe it has already been one month since Nick and I got married! Don't worry...I won't be posting a monthiversary comment every month...but the first month is big!!

Auntie gave us a wedding gift and card last night, and I just loved the words on the card:

"As partners and friends
May you share each other's dreams

Ease each other's burdens

and be in love all the days of your life."

This is my hope and my goal for our lives together. Love you hubby!