Halloween 2006

So, I didn't get to go as a stick of gum. Mara decided people wouldn't understand, and I agreed (reluctantly, but agreed). So, she helped me chose to be a housewife. It was fun. We went to the dollar store, and got slippers, a frying pan, and some curlers. Then headed to Goodwill and found a housecoat. It was teal with ruffles, and
fit me perfect. It was like it was waiting for me to buy it. The whole costume was $8. Can't beat that. See pictures below.

Other than that, had a great time in Spokane visiting Mara. I also got a chance to see my boyfriend, Jeff. I hardly get to see him, so it was nice to be able to spend some time with him again.

Got into town on Fri night, headed to Kimmie's birthday party at a bar. Basically had
some fun bar time. I was the designated DD. I always am, and I like to be. I hate when my friends get drunk, and have to drive home...so I get to do the driving!! :) After I dropped off Mara at her house...I headed over to see Jeff. :)

Saturday, I spent all day with Mara. We went shopping, and got all the Halloween stuff. We had dinner at home, then headed to the Halloween party. It was fun. However, we didn't stay very long. Left at about 12:30 am to lacey/Jeremey's house. We just hung out and talked. Most of us didn't drink that night, so it ended up being an early night.

Sunday I got to spend with Jeff. Except for a few hours when Mara and I went to a play. It was called "Isn't it Romantic". It is about two girls living in NY (or somewhere close), and their lives. It was really good. Reminded me how much I miss theatre. I will need to see more plays around here too.

Afterwards, Jeff and I went to dinner and a movie. We went and saw the new Robin Williams movie "Man of the Year". It was classic Robin...hilarious. It was fun. Monday morning, I had to head back home. Boohoo! I hated leaving. I wish I could have stayed a week. Oh well.

So, I am home now. Nothing too exciting. I need to go running tonight, but I find myself being lazy again. Now it has been over a week since I have ran at all. If I don't get my butt in gear, I will be really upset!! I will run tonight. I WILL!!

Heading home to the TC next weekend. I will be there for sure Friday. May be heading back to Spokane on Fri night, but I don't know for sure right now. If not, I will hang out with my family. Yeah!!

Mara and Brent as a sexy bat, and a pornstar/construction worker :)


This is Tabby and Dave as Thing 1 and Thing 2. They are so creative!! Tabby just had her wisdom teeth pulled the day before, so didn't stay out long. I don't blame her. I was in bed for days after mine were pulled. Way to go Tabby!!


Lacey and Reanna.


This is Chris dressed as a gypsy. He looked better than some of the girls there!


Mara as a bat...in motion! Watch out everyone!


This is my whole costume. I am a housewife. Aren't I cute?


This is a closer look at me...now you can't deny how cute I am...I know you can't!!


The four of us. Meagan and Lacey were fairies, and Mara and me.

Seattle

Turns out, I just don't have the self-motivation to keep running all the long distances right now. I have been struggling to get anything longer than 5 miles in. I know that I did a 7 miler once, but I just don't get out there.

So, I guess I will not be running the Seattle Marathon, but I will definetely do the Seattle Half marathon. I am really excited to go and to run a race again. I think I will try to find a Half marathon at least every couple months...just to keep me out there.

Other than that, I am still running (except this week, I have been REALLY lazy), and still enjoying it. I will try to keep getting faster this winter, so maybe next year, I can plan to run a marathon in...say...5 hours 15 mins. Maybe that will be a stretch, but I can try!

Weight loss has been slow, but still losing. I have been eating really bad lately. Matter of fact, just ordered a damn pizza for tonight...because I can...so I did. Oh well. Gotta live life!! I try to make healthier choices most of the time, just not as hard as I was trying before. I really do not want to plateau right now, so I am gonna try extra hard from here on out. Well, after tonight's pizza...since I did pay for it. It would be bad to just throw it out, and not eat it!

Halloween

I have decided to be a stick of gum. I hadn't thought of too many good ideas, so DeAnn at work helped me think of some easy to do, costumes.

I am gonna try to find a pink sweatpant/sweatshirt combo, and maybe get letters that say EXTRA or BUBBLEYUM, something good.

So there you have it. I am gonna be a stick of gum!!

I couldn't resist

I think this is so true...for those who know me well..

What Makes You ...
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Brooks and Dunn Update!!

That was an awesome concert. First off...Jack Ingram (spelling?) was ok. I wasn't too impressed, but then again, he is new, and I only knew a few songs. then again, that is about all he is allowed to sing.

Sugarland rocked. Jennifer Nettles was amazing. I was totally impressed, makes me want to go buy their CD. I may do that tomorrow. It really was great. Every song they sang was a great song!

Brooks and Dunn...well they were...words cannot describe how cool they were. They sang every song I could think of that I wanted to hear. They had the coolest stage show. I was very pleased. Worth every penny I spent...on....well i didn't buy tickets, so worth every penny I spent on food!!

Yup! I went to the concert, and decided to buy food. I figure, you can't go to the fair and not buy fair food. So, I did. My dad and I each got a hotdog, a drink, and that totaled $20! Oh well, it was fun. Free tickets...the least I could do was buy something! So I did!

Overall....one of the best concerts I have been to. And, I have been to many!!

7 miles...its a start

Today I decided to get off the couch, and get a longer-than-3-mile run in. Okay, it was after Jeff encouraged me to go, so I have to thank him. Don't worry...I did.

So, anyway...I got off the couch, and ran. It was great. It reminded me how much I love distance running. You see, with shorter distances, the whole run is a push. 30-40 mins of puching and convincing myself I don't need to stop and walk. But once you get past that point, it just feels great, and you just keep going.

So, that is where I was...running, feeling great, and glad I got off the couch today!

Next up...13 miles tomorrow!!

Long Run

So, I am having difficulty getting motivated to do these long runs. I know that if I don't get out there soon, I will not be ready for the marathon in Seattle. I am not sure if I am slacking, because I allowed myself an out. I told myself I can always just run the half if I decide to. I think I need to get my butt in gear, and just run. I have been getting lots of good shorter runs in during the week, and it feels great. I just haven't wanted to get up and do 13 miles (which is what I had scheduled for today).

My attitude needs to change.

I had a bad dream last night, that I couldn't find my clothes, and I drove all over looking for them, and was an hour late starting the race, and I just couldn't get in the motion of running. It was weird.

Do dreams try to tell you something? Is it telling me, I don't really want to run the full marathon? Is it telling me....hmmm....what could it be telling me?

Mood: aaah

I just feel weird today. It has been raining, so maybe that is why. Normally the weather doesn't bother me. Today, I just have not been motivated to do anything. I want to get out for a run, but I feel my energy is being drained! Grrr

BTN Run

BTN run means "better than nothing" run.

I headed out tonight for a short 3 mile jaunt. I knew I needed to get a good run in tonight, so I was planning on booking it.

Well, I guess because I sat watching tv and eating (alot of) M&M's, I didn't have a good run. I felt sick part way through. So I slowed down...that didn't help. I walked a bit thinking I needed to just give myself a little rest...that didn't help.

So, even though I did get out, and it was a crappy run/walk....I can still count it as a run day...just a BTN run!

Brooks and Dunn

Only a few more days, and my Dad and I are off to see the Brooks & Dunn conert at the Rose Garden!

I am not a huge fan of B&D, but since I got free tickets, I might as well be excited about it. I think they have many good songs. I just probably would have never paid to go see them in concert.

So, Sunday night is the concert, and my parents are coming into town Sunday morning. My mom gets to stay at home with Charlie. I think they will watch a movie or something like that. She doesn't get to go, because the tickets were won off the radio, and I only got two. She doesn't care though.

So, Monday I will update you all on how the concert was.

Hilarious

As I was reading all my friend's blogs, I ran across my friend Brandi's blog. She has this posted, so I watched it. It is hilarious. It is 6 mins long, but worth every minute!

Enjoy

One last hike for the year

There is this new girl at work. Her name is Heather, and we made instant friends. We decided to head out to the gorge to go hiking. It was a ton of fun.

We hiked Eagle Creek all the way to Tunnel Falls. It is about a 13 mile round trip hike. A ton of fun, we had.

We started out pretty late. We weren't sure if we would make it all the way, but figured we could get out as far as we could. We barely made it all the way before we had to turn back. We started at 2. Figured 3 hours to get out, and 2 hours to get back. That is how long it took. We should have turned around about 1/2 hour before, but we were so close. Didn't want to miss the best part of that hike. We had to hike about 20 mins in the dark, and about 5 mins of pitch black. We started getting a little spooked at the very end, but we made it safe and sound to the car. After that, no problem.

We had a ton of fun. We have a lot in common, and talked about everything. She is just a few years older than I am. I got some ok pictures, nothing really good. But I will still post what I have. She took some good pictures of me.

I actually got to wear my hiking pants I bought this summer. When I bought them, they fit me, although were just a tad tighter than i would have liked for hiking. But not now. They fit me like a dream. They were very comfortable, and exactly what I had in mind when I bought them. I wish I could have gotten more use out of them this year, but I know I will get good use next year. I may even go one more time this year. I can keep going as long as the weather permits really.

So, here are a few pictures of the scenery, and a couple of me and Heather. Over all great day. I am hurting a little bit today in my hips, but nothing like after the marathon. I even got a 3 mile run in yesterday morning, and may try to get another 3 mile run in tonight. :)

Tunnel Falls


Part of the hiking trail. Most was dirt and leaves. There were quite a few areas that were very rocky. It was considered a moderate hike. I didn't think it was terrible. I thought the rocks/rough terrain made it tougher than the steepness. It wasn't bad at all, but it was 12-13 miles roundtrip!


Good photo of Heather.


Good photo of me!


I liked this picture of the creek. We got off the trail to get this photo! It was fun!


Hope you enjoyed these photos. Maybe I will get even one more good hike in this year.

Tendonitis

I think I may have a mild tendonitis. It is just an inflammation of the tendon on my right foot. I think I remmeber hurting vaguely before race day, but i just blew it off, said it would go away. I didn't think twice about it. I would have forgotten about it had I not mentioned it to Suzy, who reminded me that I had said that.

So, it has been bothering me the last few days. Nothing major, just a little sore on the top of my foot. But it is swollen, and red, and maybe a bit warm. So I need to watch it, rest it, ice it, and hopefully recover it.

I don't want to end up getting a major infection, because I didn't treat it while it was something small. So, I am going to baby it for a while. I really want to run, but I will resist.

I won't however, not play softball tonight. I probably shouldn't play, but I am going to. It is the last two games of the fallball season, and I want to play...so I am going to! Besides, after that, I can rest again for a few days, then try running again on Wednesday. I am sure it will be better by then!

More pictures!

Family Pic..thanks Zoe for the help with PS.

About mile 11...woohoo! Go Kathleen

Finish Line...here I come. Thanks Zoe for the great pic!

Another family pic. Aren't we a fun family?

Grason and Kaitlyn

I took a lot of pictures of both my kiddos. My nephew, Grason, is one year old now. My neice, Kaitlyn, is 6 months old.
Here is my favorite one of each of them.

Vacation Update!

I am back now. Actually I have been back in town since Saturday morning, but my vacation didn't really end until I went back to work yesterday.

It all started after work Thursday Sept. 21. I finished work at 7:30pm, and was ON VACATION!! Woohoo. I have never actually taken a week off of work, and used my vacation hours, so I am pretty excited about this. Even though, I wasn't going to some exotic location....it was still a vacation for me. My plan was to spend a few days in Spokane, then head home (TC) and spend the rest of the week seeing all my family and friends.

Headed to TC on Friday afternoon. First having lunch with a new friend, Mark. I met him online, and we have been talking for some time now, just never met. So...we finally met at lunch. It was a good lunch. We had lunch at Red Robin, my favorite restaurant! Yumm! I like it because it is all-american, and it has lots of stuff to chose from. Enough about that. After lunch I was ready to go...car packed and everything. Even had Charlie waiting..I was literally ready to go. So, I went!

Got into town on Fri, and decided to stay with Jen. I was going to watch Grason that night so they could go play poker, or something like that. So Grason and I had a fun night at Nana and grandpa's. Went there for dinner...yum...salmon...freshly caught. :)

Saturday, headed up to Spokane to see Jeff. He had some games on Saturday, so I watched him ref football. It was ok, nothing too exciting! Had a great time with Jeff all weekend. Even got him to go running a little with me. That was a sight to see! Tried to go to Riverfront park to take some pictures, but, silly me, my camera needed to be charged. So, no pics. I was really bummed about that.

Sunday, he had to ump a couple softball (fastpitch) games, so I went along and watched. Those games, much more fun that football. Maybe because I like softball...I don't know! Any way, the second game I made friends with some of the moms on the winning team. We had a lot of fun talking, and watching the game.

Headed home Monday morning. Spent the rest of the week eating out, seeing friends, and hardly running. Monday night got to go out on the boat for a couple hours. I didn't get in the water, it was pretty cold. Joel had fun tubing, while I had Grason and played flag duty. Either way, it was a blast, and Jackie even got to join us for a little bit.

The rest of the week went by way to fast. Grason turned one year old on Wed Sept 27. So that was fun. I got some good pics of his party. I will try to post a slide show of all the pics I took while I was on vacation. (Update: see new slideshow to the right for some of the pics) I even played photographer, and got Grason 1 year pictures, and Kaitlyn 6 month pictures. Took a TON of pictures, and only about 50 or so was any good. Oh well. I am still new to the photography world. I hope to keep getting better. Even took family pictures. My family doesn't have any pictures of us all together (professional) since I was about 5 years old. We were in need of some family pictures. Got some good ones of those too!

I got to see all but just a couple people while I was in town, so I was very pleased with that. Even managed to make it to a CBC Health Careers dedication. There is a new building in Richland, and they were dedicating it. I really wanted to see all the teachers, so we decided to go. Why this is cool...well apparently, I am on the front page of the TC Herald. I was in one of the shots they took, and I thought it was funny.

Came home Saturday morning, so I could meet Suzy here (she came up to watch me run my marathon), and go to the expo (get race packet), and just relax. Well...didn't get much relaxing in, but i still had fun, nonetheless. My entire family came up too. There was Jen, Joel, Grason, Matt, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Mom, Dad, Uncle Jeff, Steve, and Suzy here cheering me on. Zoe, Jason, Isaac and Xander also came to see me finish! I am so blessed to have such great family/friends to come cheer me on! Thank you all!! You carried me through my marathon. Special thanks to Jen for running the last 7 miles with me! You are the best!

Marathon went great. I finished a LOT faster than I thought I even could. I finished 5:52:08. I was expecting a 6:30 marathon, praying I wasn't out there for 7 hours. I even beat my second marathon time, by about 14 minutes! Yeah! I felt great. The last 4 miles were really painful, but I made it through. I ran the whole way. Stopped to walk a few times, but only for about 10-15 seconds at at time. I think I walked one time for about 1 minute. It just hurt to walk, and hurt even more to start running again. But I had to run, and I knew that if I kept walking, I wouldn't start running again, so I limited my walking breaks.

The day was perfect for running. From beginning to end. It was sunny, but not too sunny. Warm, but not too warm. Just perfect I tell ya.

So, I am still considering running Seattle Marathon on Nov 26. I am definetely doing the Half marathon, but really think I can do the full thing. I am not making any final decisions until Oct 15 (when I need to register before the price goes up). So share your thoughts!!

Weight loss update: Doing great! 35 pounds total since the beginning of the year. I reached my marathon goal, and now I am ready to start the second half of my journey to make it to my New Year goal! I know that I can do this!

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????

American Idol here I come

So, the American Idol Season 5 concert is coming up on Friday!! Woohoo! I cannot wait. Zoe has said that she will go with me, so it will be a blast.

It is at the Rose Garden on friday Sept 1, 7pm. I am gonna be the biggest fan there. Not the biggest, but the #1 fan.

Few that I am looking forward to seeing is Katharine McPhee, Ace Young, Chris Forgothis last name, and surprisingly...Bucky Covington. I actually started to like him at the end. Weird. He can sing some pretty good country songs, just not that good at everything. I hope he finds a niche and goes with it.

Also, Season 6 auditions are Sept 15th in Seattle. I have always said I would go try out. Now I know I would get kicked off after about 2 notes, but I thought it would be hilarious to make it sound as if I thought I was the best ever. How could they think I was horrible. I should make it to Hollywood.

And, if by the Grace of God, I did make it to Hollywood, I already have several people voting for me whether I am good or not!! :)

Nothing

Nothing to report. I haven't forgotten about blogland, there just isn't much going on right now.
Work=great. As always. I love my job. The last few days were sit on my butt read newspapers type days. Most days are so busy we can barely think, so everyone says to treasure these days! Either way, I get paid! Woohoo.
Softball=starting again soon. Fall ball start Sept. 10th. Yeah, can't wait! Also gonne be doing a Kickball tournament and a Halloween costume ball game. Those both sound like a TON of fun. Mara has even agreed to play at the Halloween costume game, since she will be here that weekend.
Running=good. Marathon is coming up. Count down is about 33 days left (or somewhere in that area). I have also decided to (think about) do Seattle. I will definetely do the half marathon, but am seriously considering just running the full marathon. Half is $70, and the full is $85. 70 is just pretty steep for a half, so that is what motivated me. Plus it will keep me running, so I can continnue to lose weight. I haven't decided for sure though. Also thinking of going to cisit my friend, Kajsa, in Arizone for my birthday, and running Rock'n'Roll Half marathon in Phoenix. Lots of fun races lined up. Maybe I can go home and run the Cable Bridge Run with Jen and mom. That will be fun too. Depends on the holiday schedule at work!
Weight=losing. Working really hard to eat healthy, and keep running. My short term goal is 9lbs by marathon time. I think I can totally do it. I have every weekend off until the marathon, so I won't have to miss any more long runs! :)
Boy=none. Still haven't found the man of my dreams. I have lots of friends but no prospects for a serious relationship. I am ok with that, but I still am hoping to meet someone new, get swept off my feet, and fall madly in love! I know, I know....wake up Kathleen!
So those are all my updates. Reminder to everyone who cares...I will be coming home Sept 23-30th. So, if you want to see me...make it a priority and schedule something with me. I don't have any definite plans yet, but want to see as many people as I can when I am home!!

Are we going back to posting only these fun little quizzes again?

Remember a few months back, when we all jumped on the bandwagon, and all we posted was fun quizzes??
I remember it well. I don't want that to happen again, but these quizzes sure are fun sometimes. I love sharing my results!!
So, here you go...another damn quiz!

You Are 16% Fake

Fake doesn't even come close to describing you. You're totally natural, and proud of who you really are!

How Fake Are You?

I like fun quizzes

You Are Most Like Charlotte!

You are the ultimate romantic idealist You've been hurt before, but that hasn't caused you to give up on love. If anything, your resolve to fall in love is stronger than ever. And it's this feminine optimism that men find most appealing about you. Romantic prediction: That guy you are seeing (or crushing on)? Could be very serious - if you play your cards right!

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Hehe....Boobs

Apparently I have a celebrity boob twin....can you guess who it is...

Pamela Anderson. I am thinking mine don't look anything like hers, but.....whatever! So, I did it again and came out with Carmen Electra. I think that is more like it!

Your Celebrity Boob Twin:

Carmen Electra

Who's Your Celebrity Boob Twin?

Grason

Grason was here this weekend. Almost as soon as he came in the door...I was shooting my camera, taking pics. I love this little guy to death. He is so adorable.

3rd Place

Our softball team, the Unknowns, had our play-off game today. we played JMI Eliminators. They qualified for play-off's during the first half of the season, then went up into the C league. We remained in the D league.

Then we dominated the D league. We were first in our league going into play-offs. Well, JMI didn't make C league play-offs, so they got to come back down to D league, and play us.

They kicked our butts. Home runs, major hits, good running. They did it all. We didn't really seem to start playing until about 4th inning. By then, it was too late.

Oh well. We lost at 13-8. Not that bad. We placed 3rd overall in our league since we lost that game. Even got a cool trophy, and I have it at my house. I am not sure if I have to rotate it through the players, but no one seemed to want it, so I took it home!

Next week gonna start a fall ball league with the unknowns. I can't wait. Also, may play a kickball tournament, and a Halloween costume game. Sounds like fun!

I am glad I joined the team. Oh, I even brought my camera this game and got some cool pics.

Here they are...

Size Matters

Yeah.

I have lost about 24 lbs since the beginning of this year, and my jeans were starting to show it. So I decided to head to the store to go try and see if the next size down would fit me....and it did.

I bought two pairs of new jeans, one size smaller. I am on the way to "skinny Kathleen". I cannot wait.

Goal is 10 more lbs before marathon time, which is about 6 weeks away. I cannot believe it is so close, but I am totally excited about it.

So, wish me luck. I am trying really hard to eat healthier, and to continue to keep running! I am so excited!!

Marathon

Wohoo.

I did it.

I registered for the Portland Marathon.

I am bib number 4543. Make sure you all come to Portland on October 1, 2006, and look for me running. I will be the slow one in the last part of the pack.

My sister has said she will run part of it with me, so I am looking forward to that. I am hoping for ten miles, but may only be about 6. Either way, I will get what I can.

So, that is my post. I registered. In my head, it sounded like a much longer, cooler post...but I guess it isn't. Oh well!

Tell Her

Silverwood Rocks

So, had a great weekend in Spokane with my friends. Went up there Fri night, and Jeff picked me up from the airport. Stopped at Red Robin for a little chowdown. I had just ate in the airport, so I wasn't hungry...but guys always are! :)

After that, headed to Mara's. It was late, so didn't do too much that night. Saturday was fun. Went and saw Talladega Nights. That was hilarious!!!! You should all go see it. Classic Will Ferrell.

My friend Jeff is looking at buying a house in Spokane, so we went and saw the one he wants to buy. It is a small little house built in 1906, everything redone in 2006. Pretty cute house, I liked it.

Mara's husband was having a bachelor poker night, so us girls had to leave. So, we went to the karaoke bar...of course. I played pool and darts with Jeff, and Mara found some friends and sang a few songs. Jeff refused to sing....that is until he got enough drinks in him. But, by that time it was closing time, so no luck on the singing. Oh well, that would have been hilarious.

Late night for us all. I got to sleep some time around 4:30-5 am. Brent stayed up till 7am. So, the next day...Silverwood...well, it didn't get started as early as we had hoped for.

We got there about 12. It was cool though, park doesn't even open until 11. Had a blast. Was a bit nervous about the coasters...mostly the first drop, but I did great.
Jeff was paste white and had a death grip during the first big roller coaster ride (Tremors), I don't think he really liked it much. That was his first experience of a roller coaster larger than kid size. Hehee, he said he had fun though.

Didn't get to do the white water raft ride, that is my favorite. The lines were just too long, and we only had limited time at the park. I didn't get to do the train ride either. Mara and Brent did though, while Jeff and I played at Boulder Beach (water park at Silverwood).

I don't have nearly as many pics as I had wanted, but I will post a few. Mostly of just the four of us, and Mara/Brent took some pics of the train ride.

Overall, the best weekend ever. This morning's flight was an early one (got up at 3:45am), but I get to sleep all day, so I am cool with that.

Enjoy!

Couple pics of the "robbery" on the train. Man, I can't believe I missed it.



Jeff took this pic of me...I am so cute! :)


Mara and I


Mara and Brent


Jeff, and I (with Brent in the background)


Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I wish I had more pics, but this is all. Mara and I did have fun with my new lens. I got some cool shots of her, and her of me as well. Check out Mara's blog for a couple of shots.

Airports

So, I am headed off to Spokane today! I am so excited.

What I am not excited about is....the airport. Now that security is hihg alert, apparently they are doing all kind of extra precautions. I think the security was just fine, now they are making all sorts of ridiculous searches and requirements.

Well, I guess it is for my own protection. I will comply. I will get there two hours earlier than my scheduled departure (which will probably be late anyhow, it is Southwest).

Luckily, it is just a one hour flight. I really hate flying, but I better get used to it if I want to go visit my friends (especially those moving farthur than driving distance...uh hmm).

Well, I head to Zoe's to drop off Charlie at 4:45pm. They are taking me to the MAX station, which will depart at 5:03, to arrive at the airport terminal at 6:39pm. Which is 2 hours before my plane leaves. However, when I come back...my plane leaves at 6:10am....I do not want to be there at 4am. Grrr. I will have to see how it goes today, and then decide when I come back Monday morning!

Weather forecast: Scattered Thunderstorms in Silverwood for Saturday. Grrr. We may have to go Sunday, but I am cool with that. My friend Jeff is also going with us, so that will be fun!!

Okay, see you all on Monday! I will write a great report, and hopefully have some great pics. I got my new lens (50mm/1.8) today. I am so excited to start using it!! :)

30k

Marathon training continues.

Today was 30k, which is equal to 18.6 miles. We actually ran 18.8. WOW!

I hurt so bad by the end. We had to walk at some points, but then it hurt so bad to start running again, but we knew we needed to run, or we would be out there forever.

It took us 4:45 as it was. Way too long, but then again, I am a lot slower than I used to, and I am carrying a lot of extra weight I didn't have before!

I have lost about 10 lbs, but That is still way more than I had both times before.

So, just in case any of you haven't kept up, or are new...I am training for the Portland Marathon. I have wanted to do this run since I started running. The first year I decided to run the same marathon Jen (my sister) was running, so we went to Victoria, BC (2002). That was an awesome marathon.

Then, I trained with a friend from nursing school who really wanted to do a spring marathon, so we chose and ran Whidbey Island Marathon (2004). It was beautiful, but boy was it hilly. Lots of hills...up and down and up and down...okay you get the point!

Years in between, and since I have always wanted to, but for one reason or another, never made it. This year...I am training with Portland Fit, a branch of usafit.com and I love it! I have a running partner, her name is Darla. She is the same speed as me, and it just works great. I don't know her outside of running, but she is awesome. She has pushed me a many runs. I am sure I have as well for her.

Occasionally she will run ahead, or I will run ahead, but for the most part...we walk when the other does, and run with the other. It is great to have someone at my speed. I think she may be just a bit faster at times, which is good, because I get pushed a little...which I need at times to get better and faster!

Don't worry Zoe, I haven't forgot about you. Zoe is great too, she helps me get my weekday runs in. She doesn't run with me all the time, but I am grateful for her as well.

Today's run...it was long, hot, and exhausting, but I made it through. Now, I am trying to nap but Charlie won't let me. He wants to play. I don't blame him. I worked lots this week (60 hours). I just hurt all over, and I don't move around very fast. I am just glad I have today and tomorrow off to recover! :)

Harry Potter

Harry Potter is releasing next July. I so cannot wait. I love Harry Potter. I think the next book is supposed to be out about that same time too!
It all started when I heard KONA FM (105.3-Kennewick) were giving away free Harry Potter tickets. All you had to do was show up, get a number, and they would draw out 50 names, each one winning 4 free Harry Potter tickets, to a special showing, the day it was released, at like, 9 am. Only for those who won the tickets. Pretty cool.

So I figured, I was driving by, I had nothing better to do...so bam...I stopped. It was at Columbia Park in Kennewick. Got my number, and enjoyed the festivities, until they started drawing for winners.

So here I am with my number in hand...and no I don't remember my number. It was one of those 5 digit ticket numbers. Anyway, they called my number so I got the tickets. After the tickets were given away they also gave away free stuff too, so it was worth it to go to the park.

I had never heard of Harry Potter at the time, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew it was a kid's movie, but still excited to go. If they were gonna make a big spectacle over it, it must be huge!

I invited my brother and a couple friends along. Inviting someone to a free movie, is harder than you think. 1) It was at 9am on a Tuesday, or some weekday. That is hard for those worker bees out there. and 2) Apparently there was some Christians saying it was Satanism....I don't care. I think it was a good 2 hours of fun. But some chose not to go. Either way...it is up to them, and I respected that.

I had a blast, it was awesome. From then on, I was hooked.

So when movie two was released the next year, or two years later, I don't remember...when it was released KONA-FM gave away free tickets again. This time it wasn't a special showing...no wait, it was....I think it was at midnight? I don't remember that either.

This time, I had to stop at various places, and they pulled like ten names, and that was it....never won any tickets that way. However, Rusty, one of the DJ's really wanted a witch's pot. I remember it was after Halloween, because he had said he had tried to find them (they sold them all over that year, as a pot to hand out candy in) but couldn't, they were all gone. So, he made it a contest. He said the first one to walk in the studio with this pot, got two free HP tickets.

Now, at this point, I was at least a 20 min drive away. I was sure someone else would win. So I grabbed my mom's witches pot (I think I asked her first, told her she wouldn't be getting it back) and headed to Pasco. I listened the whole way there, sure that someone would win, and I would have made a wasted trip (then again, mom would have gotten her pot back though).

I pulled into the drive, walked in, and sure enough...no one had won. I was the first...and I am sure the only. He was ecstatic to see someone bring it in. He said it was exactly what he wanted. He pulled me on-air and chatted for a second or two (that was pretty cool, but weird at the same time).

I walked away potless, but had two Harry Potter 2 tickets! Yeah.

No more winning after that, from the on I have had to pay, but still cool. Point of this whole post.... Harry Potter 5 is releasing to theatres July 13, 2007 Woohoo! I am counting down the days!!

Silverwood

Silverwood Theme Park is the coolest. It is located in Northern Idaho.

Why I am telling you all this?

Because I am headed to Spokane to visit Mara next weekend, and we are totally going!

I so cannot wait. I haven't been in, I think, 3 years. Or if I didn't go this year, it owuld be three....something like that. Who cares? Either way, I haven't been in a long time, and I love to go!!

This is the first place I actually have rode roller coasters, and I love them. Now, if you know me...which most of you do...you know I hate roller coasters, and I get motion sickness. That's ok though, because once I get past the first drop, I'm good to go! (Taco bell reference there....think of me doing the hand thing...good to go!)

That first drop is the hardest, but after that, it is all fun and games!!

Woohoo...Silverwood here I come!!!

Superhero

I went to some website...don't remember which one it was, and I made my superhero. She's pretty cool. Click the link below...It will take you to my superhero and the website, so you can all create your own!
My Super Hero