Birthday Review.

I have to admit that my birthday went pretty well... I managed to make it through the seminar and got back to work where birthday coffeecake and cookies were waiting for me. I also got truffles from one of the copy/tech support reps. I was taken out to lunch as well. All around it was really swell.

My momma gave me the wii game Town Crossing City Folk. I ended up staying up until 11:20 trying to figure it out... it could be interesting.

Hightlights of my day?

I got to talk to a lot of my friends via email and phone.

I ran into the most beautiful UPS man in the world and he gave me a hug.

I went to the gym and saw Mr. Arms from afar - didn't talk to him but I did manage to find out what his car looks like (two door sedan - silverish Mazda) A sensible car if you ask me.

Not too bad to kick off the first day of my 42nd year... is that it? or is it the first day of my 43rd year - I think that's it.

Okay - on to today! I get to go back to the Doctor and have my elbow checked again... it's hurting. Hopefully I'll get another shot and won't have to resort to therapy just yet.

I guess I should get going... I'm bummed to see that my favorite airline (Alaska) has decided to start charging for their passengers first checked bag. Boooo!

It's my birthday! (so why am I up at 4:30???)

Happy birthday to me! Okay, I really should be asleep right now but I have to be at work at 6:30ish. I think I might crash tonight at 5:30. I'm guessing that will be the case...

I got home last night around 10:10... the meeting wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I still feel like a dunce sometimes though... maybe someday I won't feel that way...

I am going out to lunch today and then I think I will go to the gym after I'm done with work... Provided I don't crash too hard.

I am having a heck of a time this morning... I'll give myself 10 minutes before I start getting ready. The seminar I have to check in people for is going to be at the WAC. You never know, I meet my future husband there... I have to look cute!

Waaaa? I'm feeling sort of like I used to when I was a regular at the Today show... very tired and wanting not to REALLY get up.

http://www.voom.com/whats-on/artstar This is a link to a promo I found for Artstar last week... they were having a marathon... I don't know if they were actually showing the episodes of the second season or the first... the description was for the first season - the promo is for the second season... who knows if we'll ever get to see it.

Okay, I better get going... I'll try to check back in later

Party On!

I survived Red Robin...

I think I ate my weight in french fries and onion rings...

Here's a recap... Matt and Miriam... what a cute couple...



My birthday sundae....



Steve and I celebrating with our birthday sundaes .



Our waitress Ebony - she was very cute.



It was fun... I'm suffering from the effects of too many onion rings though... if you've ever had a blooming onion you know what I mean...

On a side note I would like you to see what I accomplished yesterday on the wii fit.



I had to take a picture to prove it... perfectly centered. yee haw.

In addition to all the birthday celebrations yesterday I also adjusted my goal at ww and lost enough that I didn't have to pay. I just have to keep my act together and stay within my weight range. It sucks to have a high BMI and low percentage of body fat.... that's what you get when you're fit. If I could just do anything it would be to get rid of some of the excess skin around my belly and underarms... Oh well, it can't be a perfect world.

Today I have no idea what I'm doing with the exception of going to cycle this morning. I may dig stuff up out of the garage for my studio... maybe I should plan what I'm going to wear for my birthday on Wednesday. The posiblities are limitless.

Good Morning.

I woke up this morning and had that feeling that I had to go to work... luckily I came to my senses and remembered that it's Saturday. WHAT A RELIEF...

This weekend I have to start getting things organized to move them into my studio... Maybe I'll start a list and then go through the garage and see what I can transfer from in there. It will be nice to have someplace to go do things.

I'm trying to think of titles for my show - I won't divulge yet... I've got my official punctuation checkers at work.

Today I think I am going to work on my studio packing and then tonight my friend Matt and his family will help me celebrate my upcoming birthday at Red Robin. Every year I get a coupon for a free burger and last year I started a new tradition of going out with them. It's kind of fun... makes me feel like I have another family. I may have to work out extra long in order to have french fries! Yummy!

After that I have another friend who is playing at Third Place Books tonight... I haven't seen him in a while so I might swing by... it is right down the street so I have no excuse.

Okay - I should get ready to go weigh in... I think I should be down - I only had a little bit of sugar yesterday - I think that's the key...

Talk to you later.

I used to be funny....

Last night I was looking over posts from a year ago and I think I've lost my funny-ness. Maybe it's just changed... I think working full time has taken the funny from my life.

Happy tax day everyone. I did my taxes online a few weeks ago and the money I did get back is gone. I have to spend money on my teeth - I need new shocks - I need a down payment for the studio... yes, I think I'm going to take the studio. I have to figure out what I need to cut back on. I hate to cut back on my waxing regimen but it's the only thing that keeps me living at the moment - the thought of clean legs, brows and lips...

Today is my friend Shirley's last day at work. I'm going to miss her but I'll be alright. I've worked without her before - and I'll work without her once again. I think I said once before that I would detail her car if she asked me to... and it's not because I'm a suck up - it's because when you respect someone like that you trust them and you don't really question what they ask.... you know they have your best interests at heart and they wouldn't do anything to throw you under the bus.

So - a week from today is my birthday... here's my list (for family and close friends who feel the need to get me a present!).

Heartrate Monitor (preferable one without a chest strap - my last one broke).
Running Shoes
Teeth Fixed
New Shocks
Microwave and Minifridge for my studio.
Table for my studio (a long one)
Manicure / Pedicure

Or you could always take me to lunch....

There you go.

Is it over yet?

I have survived my birthday.... I met some of my friends after work for happy hour at Palomino. It was fun but no boys showed up.... I've got to get me some single boy type friends.

I did take pictures but I can't track down the cord for my camera to get them off my camera... I promise some day I will get it all put together.

I did have a good time seeing all my friends.

Today I have to get my filing into shape before I leave so people can find things while I'm gone. I am being taken out to lunch to Oceanaire for my birthday today... Tomorrow it's off to Chicago.

I think it might be strange to actually be in Chicago and have money while I'm there. The first time I went to visit the school I had money but I didn't know anyplace to go or how to get there... I didn't even ride the el the first time I went. How lame is that?

Do you know what they do have in Chicago??? H&M - my favorite cheap store. It's like the Ikea of clothing... I hope I don't run out of time before I run out of things I want to do.

Four score and forty one years ago....

The heavens brought forth a beautiful baby girl weighing only 4 pounds and look what became of her....



Yes, she's a celebrity stalker.

Who knew this would happen?

Well, I'm pretty sure my family knew I was destined for greatness.

Today is going to be fun (with the exception of the actual aspect of working...)... momma made pie for me to take to work, I'm going to lunch with my lovely assistant Kristen and then after work we're going to Palomino for Happy Hour... feel free to stop by if you're in the area. I should probably start thinking about what I'm going to wear... I might meet my future benefactor/life partner today and I want to look good!


Did you happen to know that it is National Jelly Bean Day and Earth Day as well???

So what if I didn't actually run a marathon before I was 41... there's always next year...

Well, I better start getting ready for my big day!

How much food can one shove in their face?

Well actually it's quite a bit. Last night I went to Red Robin for dinner... I had some onion rings, a burger, half a milk shake, a birthday sundae... it was all good and I ate too much. I was burping and tooting all night!

I talked to Karolina yesterday. Things are all set for my visit. I am very excited to see all my friends and catch up. I am also going to go to Art Chicago to see art. I'm sure it will be much more enjoyable than Miami was last December. I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy Miami, but it was under peculiar circumstances and I won't have such a tight schedule this weekend.

I'm easing into my birthday week pretty well... I don't want to overindulge too much... I am almost middle aged an I need to be practical.

I'd like to report that the fit flops are working... ouch.

Tonight I am heading out to West Seattle to have dinner with my friend Debbie... her birthday was last week. April babies rule. Did you know that the Pope is an April baby? Well, now you do.

OH! I ALMOST FORGOT!
I got a message from Maria on Saturday... I finally got paid by the Art Institute for working National Portfolio Day. It's only seven months after the fact and it was sent to my New York address! At least it ended up in the hands of someone I know... too bad they couldn't have gotten it to me when I really needed it. Oh well, I guess I just don't have good luck when it comes to getting paid in a timely fashion. (Remember the Weight Watchers fiasco???).

I am driving into work today so I can spare a few extra minutes with you all... I might also be able to catch a bit of the Today Show... I wonder if Ann is working or if she's taking some time off since her father died.... I guess I'll have to look and see...

I guess that's it for now... take it easy out there...

In the name of ?

Let me tell you, it gets harder and harder to come up with titles for posts every day.

I am such a bad stalker... I didn't even know that Ann Curry was in town last weekend to interview the Dali Lama. I think I should have my stalking license revoked. I guess that just proves the point that I wasn't really a stalker - just an admirer from up close.

On a sad note, Ann's Father passed away over the weekend.

Okay, let's get off the bad news and onto the good.

First off, my lovely assistant Kristen and I got manicures and pedicures last night after work. I chose to go the natural route and just have my nails buffed. My toenails look a bit funny but that's just because I have the Hamilton family feet (and toenails). I'll slap some polish on them soon and take a photo for you. My fingernails are beautiful though, short, filed and buffed.

What else can I tell you all??? Less than a week until my birthday - start shopping now. You know I like shoes, manicures, pedicures, massages and beer. I am the perfect woman I think...

At work the new receptionist has been out sick the past two days.... hopefully she will be back today because I am falling behind on my filing... and you know how I love filing.

So... let's all think good vibes for the weather to change... for those of you not in Seattle it has been unusually cold this spring. I might as well have stayed in Chicago if I wanted this sort of weather.

Welcome to my birthday month!

It is once again April... bunnies hopping around, chicks being hatched, flowers blooming AND MY BIRTDHAY MONTH!

This year I don't have any great plans for the day but I will be going to Chicago for the weekend after. Last year I said during a run that I would do a marathon by the time I was 41. Well, I don't think that's going to happen... I am going to sign up for the beat the bridge run in May though.

Today phase two of my hair transformation will be done... (that means color)... whew! It's beginning to look sketchy.

Okay, all of you April babies get ready to celebrate.

Post number 1000. It's all about my momma!

Today is my mom's birthday - she's 29. I think I've said it before but she is the best Mom in the world.

I got Ann Curry to sign her birthday card for her. That's about the only thing I can afford right now... but when I become rich and famous I will pay her back everything I've ever borrowed (or at least I'll try to).

My sign for today's show said happy birthday... I'll do a complete post later. Right now I need to go buy some drain cleaner - our bathtub is clogged and I think I need professional help.

If you see my mom today be sure to wish her a good one.

The Party's Over...

And nobody got hurt. Here are a few choice photos for you all.






Hilary had some official photos taken for her first birthday here is one of those...



Today I need to work off some of those cupcakes I ate yesterday...... they were yummy though...

Still iffy...

This is one of my Birthday presents from Karolina. It's a fully compactable and transportable piece... the chopsticks holding up the sign are not included though...

My computer is working for now... but I'm using Firefox... Safari was having some problems.

On a good note, I got my replacement u-pass and I might actually be able to get most of my piece put in tomorrow. My friend Elisabeth is going to send me some business card samples tonight so I can go ahead and order them.

Now only if they weren't doing construction on the bathrooms on our floor in the studio...

four - oh!

Here are some photos from my birthday breakfast.

Overall I had a good day.... food, flowers, cake, walking, shopping at Target and phone calls and emails from all my friends. I was thinking the only thing that would make it better would be if I could have sex... but then I though that sex has the potential to be disappointing so I guessed it was the best day possible.

The only bad thing that happened was that I stubbed my second toe on my left foot... it's one of those extra long toes that just seem to get in the way. It's a bit sore but I don't think it's broken... It happened last summer as well, no blood (but there might be some under the toenail). I'll keep you updated as to my toe health.

I got really pretty flowers... I'll post pictures later.

Hello 40.

I must say I don't feel much different. My knee still hurts although not as much. There's supposed to be a high of 80 degrees today (yippee!)...

I sat in bed this morning and opened my cards and presents. Mom gave me the DVD of Charlotte's Web - I do like a good pig movie. I also got some money so I can order business cards. Katie sent me a gift card from Target, she knows how to shop for her auntie.. I also got a card from Melissa Victor Max and Leo... Nothing from Dad though, I'm sure something will come (I hope)... he called on Friday so I know he's still alive and he talked about my birthday so I'm sure I'll get a call.

Today after breakfast (brunch) I may go to the studio and figure out the spacing of my piece. I may have to take one of the pieces out in order to conserve space... I also have to go to Home Depot and pick up some hardware.

If there's time left I'll go to Target and look at what's on sale. I'll look at the ad and see if they have any cute skirts.

Yesterday during my run I found that my clip on microphone wasn't working (grr).. so I had to hold the recorder in my hand and record that way. It was inconvenient to do this so I would put the recorder in my pocket for periods of time. Later on I will edit in music for people to run to as they listen to the podcast instead of listening to my recorder in the pocket.

The computer seems to be working as long as I don't open word (okay, I haven't tried yet)... but it hasn't crashed.

Happy Earth Day.

Ouch.

I did it but I am wounded... I don't think I'd be as sore if I hadn't walked home from the studio this afternoon with many detours. Here's the pedometer count.40,408 steps, 18.49 miles... 13 activity points.... that's going to be my breakfast tomorrow morning (although I shouldn't carry them over but hey, it's my birthday!

My left knee feels as though it's out of joint (could be..). It's my left side in general - hip, knee etc... it hasn't been the same since I slipped in the snow a few months ago. Oh well, I'll just pound the advil and thera-gesic rub. Tonight I'm going to take care of it and get to bed early so I can enjoy my day tomorrow!

When I got home I got birthday cards galore... I had to keep myself from opening them! Maybe I'll wake up at midnight and open them (okay who am I kidding? - I'll be asleep). I also got a letter from my friend Anne at Crawl Space (see link at the right) I applied to be a member and they have invited me to set up a studio visit with them when I return to Seattle. Since I don't have a studio maybe I'll just invite them over for dinner and show them my work.

My computer hasn't frozen this evening (yet)... I'm trying to only run one thing at a time. It seems that when I try to open up word documents is when it it dying. Maybe I'll investigate - If I had the energy and could go to Trader Todd's and check out the karaoke for next week... But since I can't really walk it probably won't happen.

It wasn't a present.

It was business card samples... but they are nice so it's almost like a present....
Okay, who am I trying to fool???

Oh well, I must say I was in top form giving the tour today. I seem to have my pep back. Good thing, I was tired of being cranky.

Coffee doesn't taste the same anymore.

Yesterday morning I had a bit of trauma when I was getting ready for work. I have a towel bar in my shower that I place my coffee cup and big glass of water on while I'm showering. I have to finish the glass of water before I can get out (some people think it's weird, but it works for me)... well, I was reaching past the cups yesterday and my "Office" coffee cup that said "worlds best boss" on it went crashing into the bathtub. I must say if you are going to drop a cup of coffee the best place to do it is in the bathtub - but I lost one of my favorite cups. It said Dunder Miflin on the reverse side... I bought it at the NBC store when I was in New York.

I was surfing the classified online yesterday and saw that one of the private schools in Seattle is going to be hiring a ceramics/sculpture teacher. I am going to apply - even if I don't get an interview it will be good for me to go through the process. That's one thing I have to do today, get the resume and application out.

I'm also going to wait for my package! Watch, it will be stuff from WW... nothing too exciting. But it could be a new computer! (okay, maybe that's wishing for too much).

Has J Lo lost her appeal?

I think so... you know it must be bad when she's appearing on American Idol. It seems as though it all went down the tubes when she married Mark Anthony. She used to be so interesting in a Britney Spears sort of way but not so much anymore.

When I got home today there was a notice from UPS that they tried to deliver a package to me. Maybe it's a birthday present! They're going to try and re-deliver tomorrow before 10:30 so I guess that means I'll be hanging out in the morning for a while. Tomorrow night is space claim... My number is towards the end so I guess I"ll just take what I can get.

I guess the mood is getting better. I walked home with KG tonight so I got in some exercise which is good... and I did get some things done today... I can't be in a bad mood on my Birthday can I?

Computer problems...

So I have my computer back and the display is really nice... but it keeps shutting down on me... or kicking me out of applications. I've already been dumped out of Safari twice this morning. I will go get it checked out.

Today I am going to work on writing my backstory for my MFA piece and get some resumes sent off to people. I was offered a WW job in Seattle but I'm not sure if I want to commit to it yet. It's on Monday nights. Today I will also pick up my race packet for Saturday.

Yesterday an email was sent out to the MFA grads inviting us to a reception for the Art Chicago VIP's at our show on the 28th. That's the same day as my birthday party... how inconvenient. The desire to schmooze and the desire to karaoke are about equal.

My mood has been better - but not much. It is supposed to be in the 70's this weekend so that's something to look forward to.