Visitation

I haven't seen my cousin Blair for a longgggg time.  Upwards of 10 years, maybe longer.  So I was so thrilled when his lovely wife Sue contacted me through facebook and asked if we would like a visit!

Last Friday they arrived at Seatac and they stayed for 4 days, it was so great to catch up with them both.  I took a million pictures, but I really tried to not be in their face like i usually would be with the rest of you.  I think its a bit overwhelming at the best of times, but when you haven't had the "pleasure of my company" for a while it would be just plain weird.

Friday night was fun.  Mr Big and I went straight from work down to the airport to pick them up.  Only trouble was

A.  I didn't have Sue or Blairs phone number

B. We didn't have a pre arranged meeting spottage

C. Seatac Airport has a bazillion possible arrival ports......

so I decided to wait by their baggage carousel instead.  I felt bad, it wasn't really a welcome.  It would have been better to run at them arms outstretched singing their name as they came out of the arrival gate...but again, that would have been weird (for them, not for me, that's the typical way I greet visitors).  Luckily they found me first.  We had planned to go to the Highway 99 Blues Club but the club pushed their show from 9pm to 8pm and decided everyone had to be "seated" 30 minutes prior to the rockabilly show starting.  BOOOOOOO to you.  Not knowing the cousins so well we decided to leave the choice du jour to them.  We ended up starting by driving to Kerry Park and looking at a perfect Seattle View:

(Photo courtesy of http://www.stacymunn.com/) I don't take good night photos

Then we headed up to Capitol Hill for dinner and frosty adult beverages at Cucina Cantina, coincidentally the first restaurant Mr Big took me too when we first met.  By the time we finished up there it was time to head to Everett town and bed.

Next day started with rain.  Because everyone has this expectation that it rains constantly in Seattle the cousins weren't surprised by it at all but I was bummed because it doesn't rain here all the time.  Nevertheless we were brave souls and headed out into it PLUS as an added bonus Tadpole joined us.

First stop Bubblegum Wall in Post Alley

thanks to Tadpole we were all chomping liniment flavored gum AKA Artic Ice

Miss Sue was grossed out with the overwhelming sweet smell of saliva and hubba bubba...I have to agree, its pretty disgusting and yet strangely alluring...

time for Pike Place Market!

Tadpole found the cutest hat that he totally should have purchased, as you can see, its a piglywigly - what you cant see is the delightful curly tail at the back!

we were famished by the time we walked the market - so next it was Dim Sum at the House of Hong

then it was back up the road so we could enjoy the EMP (Experience Music Project) - who knew, cousin Blair is a guitar player (and really great at it too) - he looked like a total natural playing in the soundbooth

Here is Blair and Sue looking for the Space Needle ...Guy's, you're warm...

Blair outside the fantastic EMP building.  This is a Frank Gehry building.  Frank...I loves ya baby, you did an AWESOME job on this building...though I really don't see a "broken guitar" represented.

Me and Blair.  I know what you are thinking and don't worry - I'm on it, these jeans are not faded in flattering places.

Tadpole, you are sooo cute (see the space needle reflected in the EMP)

After rocking out at the EMP we raced home to down a couple of glasses of wine then it was time for shuffleboard,  beer, hot wings and jello shots at the Corner Tavern in Bow.

they really are the best wings in the world

we had QUITE a lot to drink and sent a drunk picture to our friend Angela while we were waiting for her to join us

I think my teeth look quite nice in this photo.  (PS if you are looking for a nice dentist to go to you really should call Norm http://www.goodwindds.com/ hes a delight (and ask for Fergie as your hygienist)...anyhoo, back to the cousins.  After the Corner there was no other place to go but to the Reservation (casino) and play Cosmic Glow in the Dark Bingo.  Blair got called up for the game show that they play at intermissions and had a dance off ( that boy can shake it, its a family thing) and not surprisingly Blair was awarded money for his prize.

Next day we were up a little later - went to Snoqualmie Falls (freezingly magnificent) saw Sally at the Spa (wow that place is beautiful) and had hot chocolate in the restaurant before heading to Monroe to Eddies Trackside for delicious burgers and a not so fabulous concert from Roger Fisher and Band.  I had had high hopes for this so was a bit sad that it wasn't better - but then it all turned around when a scary dude in a flannel shirt and grey hoodie came in.  He caught mine and Sues eye and we both looked at each other and vulcan mind-melded the message "CREEPER ALERT" - gentleman X was a source of amusement for us for the rest of the evening as we tried to avert eye contact.

I had a half a day off for study and once I had had all I could handle of insurance text books we saddled up for another road trip, this time our destination was fisherman's terminal in the fair city of Ballard.  This is the place where the crab fishing and other commercial fishing boats are, and its also home to Chinooks (good call Carrie) where we enjoyed clam chowder and fried halibut for a late munch.

Just look at this pretty boat

Magnolia is just a short drive from here and...THE SUN CAME OUT - so what prettier place to see the sound right?

this is the view they were looking at

Theo's was just around the corner, and who doesn't like a sweet treat?  Luckily they were still open so we could sample all the goodies.  With a scooch of sunshine hours left we decided to drive down to the Ballard locks.  Sue was so thrilled to see the sun again

with all the rain that we had there was a tonne of water spilling from the lake to the sound - but only one lonely baby fish in the fish ladder.  Sue thought it was a Chinook

Its such a nice spot there and everything was blooming - just look at these love birds

Blair and Sue with the railroad bridge in the background looking up the Puget Sound

and what trip to Seattle is complete WITHOUT a trip so see the troll??

It was so wicked catching up with you guys and getting to know you again.  Thanks for visiting!

WINNER WINNER potato dinner

I admit, it was pretty darn hilarious to wear a Christmas shirt on St Pat's day - but who knew my warped sense of humor would land me as a BIG WINNER.  Yes!!!

Look at my awesome booty (no not that, my prize you silly sausage)

Shenanigan's aplenty to be sure

The day dawned with sun streaming in the window - weird, because of late its been such bad weather Mr Big and I have been considering gathering pairs of animals and building an ark.  SO. MUCH. RAIN.  So Mr Sunshine, you are welcome, welcome to fill our hearts and minds this St Pats day.

We embraced the green at the office today, there is one corner of the office decorated beautifully AND we have treats.  Let me show you around:
First off, I only have one green shirt - but I think it was just perfect for the occasion, specially when you bare in mind that it is a scant 282 days till the big day

here is some of the other celebratory outfits - my neighbor Kristen

my neighbors neighbor Miss Robin

Brumfield went all out with a manklace

Hailey AKA Unnamed friend kinda rocked the show with everything Irish including her shoesies

Here she is Irish dancing and then being her normal self.  Riverdance, here you come

Janet had really fabulous Irish nails.  Let me say - not many people can rock the green nail, but she did.

Speaking of rocking - Kristin made an INcredible shamrock rice krispie and marshmallow forest

and I made traditional s-rolls.  For some reason they didn't really turn out their usual fantasmick self, but they were still good

Kristin and I did a turn about the office and found some other lovely things

and two of our beautiful (inside and out) co-workers, Miss Crystal (blonde haired blue eyed beauty) and Miss Susan (raven haired lovely lady).  I wish I could spend more time with these too, they are such sparkly soul sisters.  We work in different departments so we dont see each other very much sadly....

Care Package

Yesterday I wasn't having the most stellar of days....I had no sleep the night before, I hadn't showered, the hair was everywhere and I was in my jammas when something awful happened.  There was a knock at the door.  Shiza....do I freeze in spot and keep quiet and hope that the caller goes away?  Or do I scare the crap out of them and answer the door looking like kaka?  I chose to answer the door.  Fortunately there was no one there but I could see the postie skipping down our path on to their next delivery.  I looked down to the front door mat and saw a giant box which I scooped immediately quickly shutting the door to the world.  PACKAGE, for me, from sissy.  OH GLORY friends, I love a package...and to get it from NZ is all the more fantabulous.  I unpacked it and look what I got

Many of these delicacies may seem foreign to you.  That's because they are.  Everything here is kiwi.  The chips are cheese and bacon flavored corn puffs AKA HEAVEN...some of our Jewish friends tried these at one of our Christmas parties a year or so ago and went crazy for them even though they had bacon essence in them.  Curt and Amy, I have a few saved for you!!  Also there is the greatest easter eggies - marshmallow eggs WITH colored yolk.  I shared these with Mr Big of course, friend Tadpole and the super cousins who all enjoyed them greatly - strangely they actually are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of freshly brewed tea.  These are a staple in any kiwi Easter basket.  Also this year a newcomer to NZ Easter is the pineapple lump (pineapple flavored chewy candy covered in milk chocolate) fashioned into a egg.  Unnamed friend...I have to pause at this time and offer an apology.  You know I love you, and I know you love things pineapple (and coconut) and in ordinary situations I would have saved you one.  I remembered this about 5 eggs into my eggfesta....and I had to save one for Mr Big....sooooo sorry HH.

Moving away from the food content there was also a wonderful sand art piece in my favorite interior color (blanco) - this is a rendering of a pohutukawa blossom.  Pohutukawa trees are native to NZ and are gorgeous coastal trees. Here's a picture of some

Pohutukawa and its cousin rata also hold a prominent place in Maori tradition. Legends tell of Tawhaki, a young Maori warrior, who attempted to find heaven to seek help in avenging the death of his father. He fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood.....nice.

Also in the box 'o fabulousness was some NZ smellies.  She topped the whole thing off with a POP UP card (who doesn't love a pop up?) that had a high heel on it, she knows me soooo well.

Everyone should be so lucky to have a sissy like mine.  Thanks Shona!  Here's a picture of us from my last visit home in 2009.

The official day of awesomeness

http://dayofawesomeness.com/
Check it out!

Wedding photos and more!

We had a very productive weekend, FINALLY switched out the tired white frames for lovely black with a white mat.  I love how this looks in our bedroom.  $8.00 for all three to be developed - incredible value, thanks Costco!

We also put up the fabulous find from the vintage flea market.  I think its in the perfect place (the breakfast nook).  As you can see this is an old window (complete with tiny spider) and some clever pixie thought it would be a wonderful canvas for a vinyl decal of a chair.  You cant see it so well in this photo but the vinyl actually has the image of old classified ads - its very cool

I also squeezed in time to color/cut the hair - this is about the shortest I have had it in a while but I kind of love it....here's another crazy picture of myself to show you

How was your weekend?

40

I dont know if you are aware of this dear reader, but this kiwi is turning 40 this year.  I've decided what I would like for my birthday and here it is:

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Very excited for the hubs.  He just won a gianormic award at work.  This is great news for him and his career (he's one of only 4 people in the whole company to receive this award - and they have almost 300,000 employees). ***QUEUE APPLAUSE*** .....but who would ever have thought that his mail order bride would benefit from said award?   SO EXCITED that part of the award is a all expenses paid trip for 4 days to Terranea Resort and Spa in Palos Verdes California!!!!!  Check this out:

Its situated on a penninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean...and the suites are quite lovely

here is where I am hoping to spend the majority of my time when Mr Big is in meetings with the executive team, thank God I am only 5ft 2in, this tub looks big enough for a gnat



they have all manner of spa treatments available :

Invigorating ritual to promote circulation and relaxation. A warm mineral bath increases body temperature followed by a vigorous body brush and cold-water rinse to exhilarate. An energetic hot oil massage and Swiss shower completes this pampering treatment

Not for me, I dont want my bod to be vigorously "brushed" and then shocked with cold water

Accelerating cleansing and detoxification, this ritual uses a heated body wrap, cooling ice friction scrub and Swiss shower to promote deep cleansing. A sea clay application and cold water revitalization are the finishing touch

Again..."cooling ice friction"?  I think not

Utilizing the power of the ocean, this treatment begins with a seaweed wrap and saltwater bath, followed by a rhythmic massage and oils derived from the ocean to mimic the relaxing melody of the Pacific

Yip, this sounds nice.  120 minutes of this, glory.

(All photos borrowed from http://www.terranea.com/ - cant wait to be there)

Hello Pretty Lady!!

As all of you know, I'm effing beautiful.  So it came as so surprise to me today when I caught a gentleman's eye pulling into the Panera Bakery parking lot to get a bagel and coffee.  I stepped out of my car and here's how the convo went
HIM: "Hey pretty lady"
ME: "Good Morning!"
HIM: "Wanna swap rides for the weekend" He said, motioning to his garbage cart..and looking at the toaster..
ME: queue hair flip and girlie laugh "hahahahaha"
Yes, I was being flirted with by a hobo/garbage picker upper - but still....you got's to get your compliments when you can.

Breathe in, Breathe out

Thank you Aurajoon, this is just beautiful and the perfect thing to be reminded about in this moment

Sunday

OMG - Really, Sunday, where did you go?

You started with a delightful delightful luncheon with Team Sheets (Doug and Dianna) at The Cheesecake Factory.  Ok, I'm ashamed at this confession dear reader.  But I love The Cheesecake Factory.  Yes there are creepy neo-egyptian faces and weird paintings, yes its awkward that you can scarf down an entire platter of their goodies and borderline disgusting that you still order a slice of cheesecake "to go" (aka to eat in the car as soon as I get in it).  But oh, the glory.  That's why I am sad to report that though the coffee and cheesecake (A happy union of carrot cake and cheesecake) was wonderous, the Baja Chicken Hash sucked eggs....but the hubs meal choice (Monte Cristo Sandwich) looked other wordly good AND we got to see two lovely friends.  I made them have a photo even though it was positively artic outside.  Who needs a wind machine and a lighting crew when you are in Renton, in the wintertime?  I think Doug's hair looks utterly glamorous

A recap

HI FRIENDS!! As you no doubt know AkeeweeGirl has been under the weather - but glory of glories, I am better.  In fact, the betterness train started on Friday afternoon, just in time for an awesome weekend. 

I think it all started when I wanted to make my tootsies a little cozier and donned the only pair of socks I currently own -

Depending on your level of awesomeness you may or may not recognize these stylin socks as SANTA Socks (PS - only 298 sleeps till Christmas).  Even Miss Lucy wouldn't come anywhere near me with these on.  But mission accomplished.  My tootsies were warm.  But this was the beginning of everything good - next stop was the discovery of yankee style snifters.  Snifters are up there with Jaffas as a New Zealand Iconic candy, sadly no longer produced...anyhoo, if you want to taste a snifter run, don't walk, to Trader Joes and buy yourself some of these sweet treats.

Also on Friday we heard the INCREDIBLE news that Adele (whose sold out in 30 minutes for Showbox) actually moved the show to the Paramont Theatre which meant KABOOM more tickets.  Rather than waiting in the warmth of Castle Allen we decided to drive 45 minutes to the Paramont Theatre and wait in tropical weather (27 degrees with windchill) for an hour with 100 of our closest friends. 

Imagine our surprise after an hour of waiting in line for the box office to open when an employee popped out to advise "Folks..see the sign, the box office isn't open on Saturdays" queue collective groan.  He recommended scooting around the corner to the "kiosk" aka automated ticket booth - which we all did, just in time for the tickets to go officially onsale.  We had Tadpole on the phone at the same time trying to get tickets online and wouldn't you know it.  After an additional 27 minutes in line, and 27 minutes after the official sale opened, she was sold out. SOLD OUT.  There was nothing else for it - down the hill to the House of Hong we went.

Here is Mr Big with some of our favorite dumplings, shrimp balls, hum bow, and shu mai with hot chili sauce.  Hot Dog I love me some dim sum.

Plus, what a positive message!  Thank you cookie fairy!

After lunch it was time to go pick up our new car.  In the snow.  Good times

Ain't she perty?

We were no sooner home than it was time to head north to friends Tadpole and Ronnie, once they were scooped up it was off to a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner - I was quite excited about this because I'd never been to one before.  If you have never been to Teppenyaki before you should think about going, the food is delicious and the show is very fun.  This is an action shot of Paul doing his "grand finale" with the salt and peppershaker.  His right hand actually doesn't look like a hand in this photo, more like a hoof...

Click on this link for a little movie of what we saw...http://kyotobellingham.com/

Paul says you can ask for him, Gary and I were a little sad we didn't have a Japanese Chef, but Ronnie and Tadpole were glad we had Paul because he was quite a little sugarlump.

This is where you might think our adventure would stop.  No.  Still more to come.  Next stop was Mt Baker Theater http://www.mountbakertheatre.com/venues/main-stage to see "I love you, you're perfect, now change".  The hubs and I had low expectations set for this but we were blown away - hilarious comedy, wonderful singing and the venue was phenom.

The lobby, first - wow.  Its filled with all manner of antiques which Mr Ronnie was quite reverent about

and look how regal my lil beauty looks

There were pictures of the hubs and I too -  - I don't know why but I must have forgotten to hit save.  Let me tell you if they were here you would be just aghast with how beautiful I looked and how much of a sexy studmuffin I am married too.

Moving on.

Time for.

THE CASINO.

Honestly, after 4 days of lock down and mucusville I was ready for a smoke filled room (not).  I didn't think I would last long...and I was right.  Only long enough to win $300!!  Tadpole did good too!

Wow - a great night had by all!