Empire State Building Pride

This was an awesome picture I saw on another blog and had to snag and post here. We have the flag on top of the Space Needle, but this is just amazing how they used color and light.

Happy Father's Day

Coming Up On Half-Time

Often we look at half-time as being related to football or some other sport, but not baseball if you think about it. That has the 7th inning stretch. But I am getting so far off base that I need to come back around. I am referring to the middle of 2011. Yes, in two weeks we will be rolling into the 4th of July weekend and kissing the first half of the year good-bye. It is also when summer finally arrives in Seattle and not my favorite time of year. But you know what, I will get through it. So today and tomorrow are my days. The past month has been way too social and I am really glad to downshift and take the weekend for me. Now don't go getting crazy, all it means is that I am reading a backlog of magazines while doing the 3 or 4 loads of laundry. Add in the dishes and recycling plus I am going to make a tamale pie this weekend. Some of you might remember me sharing the recipe back in April when I went down to see Mom for Easter/Birthday/Mother's day.

But there are some of those projects that I want out of the way such as mailing packages long sitting in the dining area and finally sorting out all the papers and crap that have been sitting on my fabulous bench Lars made for me to clear that up. All these are things that will be tackled over the summer including saying good bye to more dishes in the kitchen. Transferring CD's to the binders and Helene will be taking the book shelf north soon. Thus begins the discussion of getting a Kindle. Dare I join those walking away from books. Pondering to be sure.

Oh and before I close for the day, I can tell you that I have had a successful week of being chip free and pasta free. Working at doing the salads and protein. Slowly getting all the veggies back on track and seeing some pounds shed. Just walking around with too many and the ankle is not doing good. Want to keep going and it is day by day. Heck, this day has been banana, oatmeal and coffee. Score! Lunch will likely be a sandwich and apple I think.

Did You Show Your Pride?

Yesterday was Flag Day and seriously, how many of us paused to honor the flag. I know I did not and for that I do show regret. We need to pause and respect all that is behind our flag, the men and women who serve so we may be free. But dang it, why is it that I lust for Canada's flag all the more? Hmmm...and don't get me started on the rainbow flag. Seriously, don't get me started on the $50,000 that the Space Needle is saying we need to donate to charity to see our flag on top of our unique icon. And we are walking...

Hello There, Been a While

Well folks, I've been in a funk and can't really tell you why? Not depressed, just fried. Is this my mid-life crisis? It is one of those things where I get home from 10-12 hour days and just can only sit dazed looking out the window or watching the news.

Lots of dinners that are salads and meat of the day plus I have gone backwards on the chips and pasta. So I step up and start anew every day. It is coffee, banana and oatmeal for breakfast and then I go from there. I sometimes make it and sometimes not.

Taking on a few projects for the summer in wanting to shed a few more things to get the apartment leaner and there in be a reflection of my life as well. I am trying to keep to my new eating routine and while I am not eating twigs and sticks, I am enjoying good food. Last night was a steak and salad and tonight I am enjoying turkey dogs and some pineapple.

This is my first step back and so it is not long, but thanks to all for their encouraging words of support. See you again soon. Cheers!

Weird & Weirder

Weird = Arrive home to find a plethora of Schilling spice tins and boxes in the kitchen left by Uncle Markie no doubt.

Weirder = The photo I was going to use was found on the Internet after I typed in "Schilling Spices" and what makes it so "weirder" is that it is a picture I took. Look carefully at posting on March 8th and you will see that is my TV cabinet I sit at to type this and the TV I watch. Oh my goodness! It is now a Google image.

So I shall get a photo and add but the camera is having an issue right now. Hope to have it fixed by tomorrow. Markie is coming over for Copper River Salmon again and would love to get a picture of it.

But now, time to enjoy some Thai chicken breasts for dinner. YUM!

The Day

5:15 AM - Awake

6:00 AM - Oatmeal, Banana & Coffee

6:25 AM - Shave, Shower & Shine

7:34AM - At my desk

9:25AM - First Break

11:00AM - Training session

1:00PM - Conversation w/ Curtis

2:08PM - Rip apart Ryan's calendar

3:39PM - Sit and chat with Lucy, new controller

4:23PM - Out the door after second break

5:07PM - Walk in apartment

7:23PM - Calls done and having dinner

Later = Good Night

Hello June...

The month kicked off with a tornado in Massachusetts and it is only the newest chapter in a spring of stunning weather. From extended cold and snow in the northwest to the earthquake in Japan and then all the tornadoes. One can only hope for the best to one and all, but yet, so much devastation. Quite scary. As for me, I just try and pause and appreciate all that I have. Took some time away from work and ventured to Las Vegas for a couple of conferences. One, I was able to present an interesting speech and an extended Q&A. Then came a weekend of socializing and meeting new people from all over the country. Who knew!? Interesting to be sure and I have to say, I think I am just a bit too old for some people. For me, I like chatting and socializing and enjoying a fine dinner. I found all too quick that Las Vegas for many is all about drinking, gambling and sex. Mind you, I am not being pious, but come on guys.

It was wonderful to get home Monday and begin getting the place back in shape. Work has just flattened me out the past two days so I am moving a bit slow. Finding balance is my goal right now. Taking it slow and steady. When I got home this evening it was all about getting the bathroom and kitchen back in order. That is done and done with laundry going and dishes running. Tomorrow I shall begin getting the living room caught up and by the weekend it should be ready for a good cleaning by dear Moonsong. He is amazing to be sure. Some socializing will be had and yet I plan to keep some alone time. It is really needed.

Hope all are keeping up with the change in seasons and know that I have now gotten to enjoy Copper River salmon three times = so very good. More to follow - Cheers!