Vacation

Hi All!

Just wanted to let you all know that I am on vacation in the TC. I will be gone until marathon time, so I will update then.

So far, had a great weekend in Spokane with Jeff. Now, I am off to the TC to see all my family and friends. Lots planned for this week. I can't wait!!

Have a great week, bloggerland!

Damn Yellow Lights!

I got pulled over....again, for running a yellow light.

What is it with this city. They feel you an't run yellow lights. It clearly states in the driver's manual that yellow means "caution".

Well, yesterday I was coming home from a long and hard day at work. I was car number 4 at a red light. It turned green, we started going. No sooner than it turned green, did it turn yellow again. so, I was strolling up to the line, thinking to myself that was way too short.

I had a decision to make. Go for it, or be good and stop.

Well...I made the wrong decision. I went for it. It turned red as I made it pass the intersection, but as I glanced behind me, there was a cop. Damn it. So, headed up to the next light, cop pulls behind me. Stroll to the next light, cop stays there. Not too close, just behind me like any other car. I think I have a chance.

Then I turn my blinker on to turn left to head home, so does the cop. Damn. I am getting pulled over.

As soon as the light turns green, and I turn, the lights come on. I am so close to home. I am on my street. But, I pull over. She...yes she, come up and asks if I know why.

"The yellow light"

"Yup!"

I told her I saw the light and had to make a decision, and it was a bad one none-the-less. She asked for my stuff, took it back to the car. Of course, not before asking about my plates... :)

Then came back, handed me my stuff and said have a good night. No warning, no nothing. I think she just wanted me to know what I did wrong...I did. So she was happy. She was very pleasant. We laughed about my plates. I think she saw that I was a nurse, coming home from an obviously long day at work.

So, NO ticket. Yeah!!

Can't Sleep

So last night, no matter what I tried, I just could not sleep. I laid there for hours it seemed. I went to bed at like 10 or 11, finally fell asleep at about 2 or 2:30am.

No joke.

So, I was listening to KUPL 98.7 fm last night. They started giving away Brooks & Dunn tickets at midnight. Every hour for 24 hours. All through today.

So, when the first hour offer was announced, I dialed the number, and all I got was busy tones. Oh well. I have never won anything over here. I used to win stuff at home all the time. Maybe less people trying, I don't know. But here, I have yet to win anything.

Then, at 1:30am, when the second hour offer was announced, I immediately started dialing again.

This time....ring...ring...

"KUPL, who's this?"

"This is Kathleen"

"You're caller number 9"

"Yes!"

So, yeah, I won tickets to the Brooks & Dunn concert on Oct 22. I didn't even know they were coming here. I am not even sure I like them that well. But free tickets. I will learn to like them.

So, I get to go pick up my free tickets next week. I have no clue if they will be good, bad, or somewhere in between seats. I don't care.

I asked my Dad to accompany me to the concert. He said that's a big "maybe".

No, he just has to make sure his schedule (golfing) is free. This will be the first time in a long time I will have spent time with just me and Dad. I am looking forward to it.

Not sure I can pull this one off...and play ball!

Your Haloween Costume Should Be

Candy Corn

What Should You Be For Halloween?

21miler

My 21 mile benchmark went great. I ran pretty much the whole thing, only walked a few times. It just hurts so much to walk, and then to start running again, so it is just easier to keep running.

So, anyway, it went great. I felt great the whole time, and only the last mile really sucked.

The course took us out to St. John's Bridge, which is part of the marathon course. It was nice to get to run that ahead of time, because they say that is the "big" hill on the race, and it is at mile 17. That makes me a little less anxious about a "big" hill, having ran it already. It really was pretty though. I ran up the whole thing without stopping. I am pretty proud of that. I am not sure I will have the same motivation during the marathon, but I am hoping I do. My running partner's theory is just walk up the hill, save the energy. I will have to see how I am feeling at mile 17 to decide. I am not sure either way yet.

I am still hurting a little in my quads and my hips, but really haven't hurt that much. Matter of fact, started Fall softball last night with a double header. I got to play lots. Mostly outfield and catcher, but played 2nd base one time. That was fun, but didn't make any plays. Oh well. One girl hurt her hand, and another girl got hit in the face with the ball while running to the base, but she is ok. The first girl did break her fingers, but will be ok. Only a few games during fall ball, but it will be fun.

Also coming up....

Kickball Tournament. I think that will be fun. it is Saturday Sept 23. One day. I think we are guaranteed at least 4 games. So that is cool!

Halloween Softball Game. That is the w/e Mara is coming to visit, so she may play in it to, if the times workout ok. This game is softball, but we are required to wear a costume. Sounds like fun. I don't know what to dress up as. Anything related to softball is out. Any suggestions???

I can't help it...

I love these quizzes.

Your Seduction Style: Au Natural

You rank up there with your seduction skills, though you might not know it. That's because you're a natural at seduction. You don't realize your power! The root of your natural seduction power: your innocence and optimism. You're the type of person who happily plays around and creates a unique little world. Little do you know that your personal paradise is so appealing that it sucks people in. You find joy in everything - so is it any surprise that people find joy in you? You bring back the inner child in everyone you meet with your sincere and spontaneous ways. Your childlike (but not childish) behavior also inspires others to care for you. As a result, those who you befriend and date tend to be incredibly loyal to you.

What Kind of Seducer Are You?

A Visit to the Wetlands

Zoe and I, and the kids, all visited the Wetland Observatory yesterday. It was pretty cool. Ton of nature at its best. We didn't see too many creatures, but still had some fun. There were some really cool trails that brought us to some really picturesque places. I got some awesome pics.
This place is out in Hillsboro. I had no clue it was there. The waters were mostly dried up, and the bugs/animals were all hiding. It was pretty hot. There is this cool little area for learning at the beginning. It was fun. Got to play and learn a few things. Always fun!
Here are the pics we took.
I thought this was hilarious. Simple things amuse me I guess.


These are some good nature pics. I thought the area was really serene.






This is my favorite picture. I want to try to blow this one up. This is the first time I have liked a picture that I took enough to blow it up really big. I will have to see what it turns out like. If it still looks good big, maybe I can frame it and start my collection of my own pictures hanging in my home!


Xander
.
Zoe

Kathleen

Isaac (he brought his camera too, and was taking lots of good shots!)

Cool Birdhouses all over the place

Zoe, Xander, and Isaac walking on the trail.

Another one of my favorite shots.

Just a little into my personality...

So you think this is right??

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism. You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic. Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy. Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low. You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable. You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea. While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Concert was amazing!!

So headed off to the American Idol concert last night. Season 5, top 10 contestants all performed. I wanted to bring my camera but we were taking the MAX, and I wasn't sure on the policy, so I didn't want to get stuck with it if I wasn't allowed to bring it in. where would I put it? I couldn't miss the concert, so I decided it was best to leave it at home.

So we were off. Took the max, and got there right at 7pm. Not bad timing. They started late....as most concerts do. Looked at our tickets....entry at C18. Okay....where is C18....

Upstairs!

And upstairs some more....really long escalator. We passed like three floors. I was already feeling my nose starting to bleed. These tickets were supposed to be mid-priced...why am I going upstairs.

Oh well. We decided it wasn't so bad, we could look down and see everything. And that we did. The only problem was they were very small.

No big deal...I did what anyone else would do....borrow the neighbors binoculars. Hehee

I made instant friends with the lady sitting next to me. She was an older woman, there with her husband and adult daughter. I think her daughter would be about my age.

So, they were great. They just offered up the binoculars, and I accepted. It was cool. Then again, after looking at them through the binoculars....they were even smaller (it seemed) when I didn't have the extra pair of eyes.

To make matters worse...I am still wearing my pinks (MAC make-up), and I am still allergic to them. So, about half way through the concert...my eyes were doing the tearing/can't focus thing. I could feel them getting red. Is that weird?

I know I shouldn't wear my make-up anymore, but I think I look so good with it on, so I don't mind getting red eyes. Funny thing about it....when we were riding the Max back home, people were staring at me like I was stoned. This one lady was like "Your eyes are so red". When I got home they weren't as bad as I had seen them. Matter of fact, they weren't even as bad as when I woke up this morning. I didn't have any white left to my eyes. Just put a few drops in them, and I was off to my run (9 miles).

Okay, okay. I know I am getting off the concert track.

So...the concert was amazing.

Mandisa was first, she did really good. I think she has even lost some weight since the show. Way to go Mandisa.

Next up was Ace Young. He did really good, but I think he has done way better. It all comes down to song choice. Each person did 2 songs on their own and a duet with the next person (or the previous person).

After Ace was Paris. I was NOT impressed with Paris. And I really liked her on the show...until the end....I stopped liking her. I think she is good, but just doesn't have what it takes. She did more hopping around, touching the crowd and talking during the songs...than actually singing. All of her songs were upbeat. I think she was used to get the crowd motivated.

Bucky was next. He did really good. I was very pleased with his performance. I actually liked it. Matter of fact, I was starting to like Bucky before the show ended. Now, I never thought he was AI worthy, but never-the-less, did start to like him.

Then came Kelly Pickler. Now after AI, Kelly went and choopped of her long blonde locks. AI was not happy about that (there may have even been a lawsuit-Simon owns teh top 12 for one year after the show), so she sported extensions. I dont' think it looked good in any way. Her and Bucky did a cute little rendition of "You're the one that I want". You know the John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John Grease song. I know you know what I am talking about. I think it was pretty good. however, I am not really a fan of Pickler. She did good, but wasn't my favorite.

After Kelly...I think there was an intermission after Kelly...Let me think. Nope. Lisa Tucker. I forgot Lisa. She wasn't right before the break.. I don't remember exactly where she was. I think before Paris...Yes...right before Paris, because they did a duet, and she introduced Paris as her best friend. Lisa was good. I like Lisa. She did a great job. Sang a few songs and played the piano while doing it. She is really talented.

*************************INTERMISSION*******************************

I know this post is getting long. So get something to eat/drink, and come back. We will resume shortly!

After the break was Chris, Elliot, Katharine, and (of course) Taylor. I think they all did amazing. During Elliot's time on stage, all four guys came out and sang a song...it was good.

Katharine (my favorite) did amazing of course. She sang the Cherry poppin song. I don't know the name of it. The one where she sang twice and was sitting on the ground for. I really liked it. Also, sang "Over the Rainbow" pretty much her signature song at this point. Then...She also sang "Think". She was awesome. She made the whole concert. I just wish she could sing more than three songs.

Oh, I forgot Chris. I like Chris, but I am not a fan of his music style. I still think he does really good, and I thought he would win for the longest time...I don't like his music. But that is ok.

Taylor was...well, Taylor. He did his little diddy on stage and was ok. I am not a Taylor fan. I think he is ok, but there are others that should have won. Oh well, can't win them all!

Of course, he left the stage, then came back for an encore. Then all ten of them sang a couple songs together. I would have been really dissapointed if they didn't do stuff with all of them together. What was I thinking, of course they would have.

So...overall a great night. I had a blast. Zoe went with me, btw, just in case I hadn't mentioned that before. Next to her was a couple old grandma's. They were plugging their ears during all the cheering...so what did I do? CHEER LOUDER!!!! I am mean, I know! It is a gift that I have! One was even doing her nails, and applying lotion during Chris's performance. Kind of funny, if you ask me!

Would I do it all over again?

HELL YEAH!! Even if people made fun of me, I don't care. I had fun, and that was all that mattered!!

Oh yeah...one more thing to add. I had been singing and the lady in front of me looked back. I told them that I was trying out on Spet 15th for next season AI. I think she thought I was good. She asked my name, and said they would think of me, and look for me when the new season started. Maybe they were humoring me, I don't know. Seriously though...Sept 15th in Seattle. AI Season 6 auditions...Who wants to go with me????