So, I'm not sure what is with people these days, but I think the full moon and heat are getting to people.  This week, my sister Isabel and I were driving along, making our way to Uwajimaya (my fav Asian grocery store!) in downtown Seattle and were victims of a somewhat scary roadrage incident involving an older man in a red jeep, with his mom in the passenger seat, and a handicapped slip hanging from the rearview. 

I was in a single left turn lane, and turned left onto a two-lane road.  I got into the right lane and this guy flew by me on my left.  He then merged half way into my lane, break-checked me, and then sped up.  I had to veer off to the right to get to where I needed to go, so put on my blinker to turn right down a small, one-lane/one-way street connecting the street I was on to another street.  He saw my blinker on and also veered to the right down this street.  He then proceeded to stop his car and GET OUT OF IT! 

At this point, my sister and I were like WTF? Is he going to smash our brains in?  What if he has a weapon?  Where would we go?  Would we have to ram him with our car?  We had our windows up (it was hot and we had the A/C on), so we ouldn't hear what he was ranting about.  For a few minutes he proceeded to rant and point and gesture all over the place.  I can only imagine how fast his poor old man heart was beating at this point. 

I couldn't go anywhere because the only street I could turn onto from where I was stopped was a dead-end.  Or I could back out onto a busy street.  Luckily he didn't walk toward our car, so I didn't have to make that decision, but we were definately looking around for what we could do.  We just sat in the car, shrugging our shoulders at him since we couldn't hear what he was saying anyway (w/ the A/C on and music playing).  What a dumbass to think we'd like actually roll down our windows so we could pay attention to him.  Finally he got back in his car and drove away.  I secretly hope he got lost makign that detour, and had to spend double the time finding his way back to the freeway.  That will serve him right, dumb man. 

Anyway, I was amazed by this as I had NEVER experienced road rage where someone was pissed off to the point they'd stop their car and actually get out.  Poor old man...he'll probably die an early death, he's so stressed out.  Road rage is sucky. Sure, we all get upset at drivers we think are obnoxious or bad drivers, but seriously, why would you ever waste the time to get out of your car to yell at people?  Really?  Get a freakin' life old man!

-Willa

I went to the tulip festival yesterday with a coworker adn friend, Annie.  It was great fun, albeit chilly.  We left early and hit the Roozengaard display garden and some fields before the masses came (they were right on our tail though!).  It was a snowy drive up there, as it had snowed in the convergence zone north of Seattle the night before.  It was crazy to drive through the areas where the trees were just covered in snow and there was snow all over the ground.  Like inches of it!  It didn't snow at all in Seattle, but it did hail a little. 

Today I'm heading downtown to meet a friend for a little shopping.  It will be good to spend time together. 

Oh and before I forget, I have to say, I HEART CUT COPY!! I've been listening to them pretty much non stop lately.  Well, them and the new Snoop Dogg.  But anyway, Cut Copy are totally cool.  Great music good for working out, reading, working, just listening.  I love them.  I am SOOOO sad that I'll be in Jamaica when they play in Seattle.  I hope they come back. 

That's all for now :-)

I'm going to the Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon tomorrow and am way excited.  I know, they're just flowers, but they are so pretty and there are so many varieties.  I realized that I don't actually have a camera to take(unless I take my film camera), so that's kind of a bummer.  But, my friend and coworker, Annie, who is coming with me, is bringing her camera and I've made her promise to share her pictures with me. 

I should also mention that today it hailed here...like cold, freezing pellets of water...no snow (yet), but I hear it's due to fall in the low lying hills.  I have mixed feelings about this mixed bag of weather we're getting.  I'm happy on one hand that it's still cold since we're leaving for a warm, tropical island in a week. But on the other hand, where the hell is spring already?!  And those poor plants that have started blooming and now are gonna be all confused and their pretty little flower buds will die. 

So, I am okay with this weather, as long as spring arrives before May 4th.  If it's still cold when we return from vacation, I'm going to be seriously annoyed :-)

Well, it was a sad day today...had to see Nick off to the airport for his trip to China.  He's there for work for the next 10 days.  They're 15 hours ahead of us, so I'm not really sure when I"ll get to talk to him, but thank goodness for IM and email :-) 

Needless to say, I've got a packed schedule already...this weekend I'm running a few errands for our Jamaica trip, then am off to B'ham Saturday afternoon.  Mari's turning 18 next week and so the fam is throwing her a b-day party on Sunday.  I figured coming up a day early would give me the opportunity to visit with a few B'ham friends, as well as stuff my face with my favorite sushi from Osakas!!! 

Next week I'm planning ot have dinner with my friend Megan on Monday, run with Maleah on Tuesday, go to the gym on Wednesday, dinner with my friend Kelvin on Thursday, go to the gym on Friday, the tulip festival in Mt. Vernon with a coworker on Saturday, and hang out with Kyle and Maleah on Sunday (and possibly Sully sometime on Sunday too).  Then Nick comes home on Monday and we leave for Jamaica about 3 days later.

Busy times for sure, but I can't wait to be on the beach chillin with a Red Stripe or a Dirty Bannana in hand...yummmm!!

On an entirely seperate note, I noticed something the other day while riding hte bus home from work.  Now, it had been a long day, and I was tired, so that could have impacted my thinking.  Anyway, I always follow this sort of self-made bus rule where if I'm sitting by someone on the bus and a seat becomes free somewehre else on the bus where I wouldn't have to be sitting by someone, I generally move to that more open seat.  Not that I'm a germaphobe or anything, or hate people, I just like my personal space, and dont' like to have to be squished in next to a smelly man who probably likes the fact that his arm is touching me... I was in this situation recently where there were tons of empty seats and the man who was sitting next to me (I was on the inside seat, he was on the aisle) would just simply not move to another seat.  I nearly got up and moved to another seat b/c he was making me so uncomfortable.  He wasn't beign gross or anythign, just all up in my grill, reading his newspaper fully stretched out which clearly there is not enough room for if you're sitting next to someone.  However, if he were to have moved to an empty seat, he could have stretched that paper out as wide as he wanted... I just don't get why he wouldn't get up!  Hello!?!  Anyway, it was just annoying and I wanted to cut him in half... :-) 

-Willa

I guess this blog post falls into the category of food and restaurants since it has to do with beer.  We went to the cask beer fest this past weekend at the Seattle center.  It was a ton of fun, and we were fortunate to have our good friend Scott able to join us. 

We booked the earlier of the two sessions, and it took some time to get mentally prepared to be drinking strong beers at noon, but eventually I warmed up to the idea.  The session lasted from noon-4pm, and I have to say I had a really good time.  They should totally serve more food in that place, but the beers were delicious (most anyway). 

This week is off to a busier start.  I need to get seriously crackin’ on some work projects, which I’ll start tomorrow.  It’s still pretty busy at work, and even when it calms down more, those times don’t seem to last.  But I’m still really enjoying work, so that is a definate plus. 

My sweet husband informed me that he has a date night planned for Fridya, and I welcome the break from our normal Friday evening gym "date".  It’s still a surprise, but I’m definately looking forward to it. 

On another note, there’s all sorts of girl friend drama in my life these days.  Feelings of hatred directed toward me by a friend’s girlfriend (who I spent all of 12 hours with before she made this decision!), a friend dealing with a tense family situation, and discussion with a male friend about one of my female "friends" who has not returned my call since October.  I can’t seem to figure out what’s up.  Ah, well, you can’t please everybody I guess.  Sometimes you just  have to sit back and let some of these things play out, ’cause what else can you do?? 

Enough on that.  All in all things are swell.  Looking forward to the start of the Mariner’s season!!  Opening day is this coming Monday.  Loving running outside more (although not when it’s rainy).  Wanting to infuse my album collection with a little Elliot Smith.  Wishing I had every single color of Butter London nail polishes.  Going shopping this weekend for 3 sisters’ b-days.  Hanging with friends in Queen Anne this weekend.  And last but not least, hopefully closing in on the completion of the "Spring Cleaning 2008" project.  All that’s left now are hte closets... :-)

So, we're heading back to Jamaica this April/May, and will be there to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary.  This year we'll be joined by 3, maybe 4 friends.  Definately our friends Chris Sullivan (aka Sully), Candice, and Shannon.  There is still the possibility of Scott coming (I think anyway).  He may end up going to Paris for a few weeks with his girlfriend Sarah instead though.  Can't blame him - that would be dope too - but Jamaica!  How can you pass that up?! 

Anyway, it's bound to be a ton of fun.  I just hooked up some cheap swimwear from Old Navy.  I thought I might as well get it before it's totally picked over.  I got a black bikini from there last year, and it was cheap and worked well.  One thing I can never figure out about that store is, why do they leave their cheap ass, icky hangers on the clothes you buy there??  Like I want to have to deal with your yucky hangers?! 

I also got some basic ribbed tank tops from the same place for $5 each.  I always seem to never be able to find the basic ribbed tanks during the seasons I'd actually need them.  so annoying.  So I was forced to get one now. 

Basically all there is left to get is a bottle of sunscreen, underwater disposable camera and a noodle (swim toy) or mattress floaty toy.  Maybe a pair of shorts, maybe some after sun lotion, maybe some aqua socks.  I think we're set on the snorkeling gear too.

Anyway, we're all very excited to be going back to such a fun place.  The people are friendly and kind, the atmosphere is colorful and warm, and the mood is relaxed and casual.  What could be better than that for a true vacation. 

Happy New Year friends! 

I sit here during my last hour of work, bored out of my gourd (can I go home yet?!), knowing that everything will still be there for me to work on when I am in again on Wednesday.

Anyway, Nick and I spent Christmas in Wyoming this year visiting with his Dad, Phil, and stepmom, Charlene.  We had a really nice time, and enjoyed getting to sleep in, eat good food, watch tv shows we hadn't seen in years, play ping pong, darts and do puzzles!  We even got to check out some local history about the "Daddy of 'Em All" the Frontier Days.  Also got to see a fine selection of cowboy boots, attire and hats at Wrangler, where people come from far and wide to purchase all things Western. 

We were also able to celebrate Charlene's birthday with her, which we did in style with crab legs, roasted garlic, asparagus and my Chocolate Stout Cake. It was a fun night, but we were completely stuffed we could barely move. 

The only downside to the trip was the fact that Nick's sister, Erin, got bit in the face by a family member's big dog, which put us in the ER for a few hours on Christmas Eve, and left Erin with 22 stitches on her lip.  Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/philnick/sets/72157603545452979/

Pictures from the rest of the trip should be up on Flickr soon.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun New Year's Eve.  We'll be celebrating with a low key party at our house.  Scott is visiting from NYC with his girlfriend Sarah, and our friends Kyle & Maleah will drop by later in the evening.  We're fixing a Jamaican meal of jeak pork tenderloin, rice & peas, and sweet potato rundown.  And of course a lot of Red Stripe to wash it down! 

Happy New Year!!

-Willa

You probably thought by PB&J I meant a kind of sandwich from when our moms used to pack our school lunch for us...nope, actually talkin about the group, Peter Bjorn & John.  I have to say that whenever I listen to them now, I am reminded of my Europe trip.  Maybe it was falling asleep listening to their cd, Writer's Block, one too many times on train rides when we had literally 3 hours of sleep the night before.  Who knows...I fell asleep to them a lot, and I think it sort of subconsciously ingrained their music into my mind...

Anyway, I just had to share :)

Ordered from Amazon Fresh recently and told you I'd report back.  I have to say, it was one of the better customer experiences I've had in awhile.  And totally beats going to the grocery store. 

It was 9:30pm when I placed my order.  Since I spent over $25 I got free "pre-dawn" delivery (before 6am).  When I woke up I actually forgot about it until after I got out of the shower.  I then opened my back door (where I specified they leave the items), and voila!  There were two plastic containers full of my goodies.  One of them contained a styrofoam cooler to keep the contents cool.  Inside was one small ice pack as well, since there were meats, produce, etc. inside.  I wonder if in the summer they put more ice packs in there, as I don't know if one would do it.  But it has been a bit chilly in the mornings now that it's fall, so it was definately fine how it came. 

The other bin had my non-perishable groceries in one bag and my household goods in a second bag, both within the plastic bins.  The bags were paper (good for the environment) and marked with the Amazon Fresh logo. 

I had selected the option to have my bins picked up, rather than wait and have them taken when my next order came (since I didn't know if I would order again).  They promised to pick them up no later than Thursday at 10pm (I had rec'd the order on Tuesday by 6am, for your reference).  I left the bins outside my back door on Wednesday as I went to work and they were already picked up when I got home!  This was great, as our apt building is really picky about stuff lying around our doors that is not "nice" looking. 

So, overall, it was a great service, and I'd use it again for sure.  Probably will be ordering tomorrow, for my groceries for next week.  The only downside is that if you are a coupon user, you can't really use them (I'm not, but a lot of people do).  Also, they do not yet carry beer/wine, they do not list nutrition facts, and you cannot compare products (I wished they had this feature as I searched through pages upon pages of bread choices).  I did contact their customer service to give feedback though.  I am happy to report that they are working on the necessary licenses to carry alcohol (which I'm sure they could verify your age based on your credit card information or something, right?), and they will also be providing the nutrition information for food products very soon.  As for the comparison feature, they are forwarding that suggestion onto their development team. 

I am very excited about this new service.  I know Safeway offers grocery delivery, but frankly, I am never too excited about their food.  And this will not totally replace my trips to the grocery store, but it will probably come close.  Very nice!

-Willa

So, tonight I tried for the very first time, Amazon's new grocery delivery service, AmazonFresh.  I ordered a variety of food (perishable and non-perishable) and household items (garbage bags, shaving supplies, etc).  Since I had spent over $25, I was eligible for FREE pre-dawn (6am) delivery!!  If I wanted free delivery during the day, I would need to spend $50.  I figrued, even better, have my groceries waiting for me on my doorstep when I woke up in the morning - how cool is that? Also, during their "introductory period" they are offering to pay any applicable sales tax.  Sweet deal if you order any non-food items.  Anyway, I can't wait to see how my arrives, and to experience this service (currently only available in Seattle). I will be sure to give them feedback.  Hopefully it will be wonderful. 

I have to say, so far I've been very pleased with Amazon and it's related sites' ordering/customer experiences.  Take for example endless.com, the shoe and handbag site.  For negative $5 (that's right, they actually deduct 5 bucks from your total), you get overnight shipping.  Not free, less than free!!  Sweet deal that you must take advantage of!  I figure it's some sort of introductory thing, but it's still available and the site has been around for a number of months now (at least...not sure exactly how long).  Anyway, I ordered a pair of shoes, they were too big, sent them back (also free return shipping and very easy to do), ordred a new pair that same day, got the new pair (which fit) the next day and voila! I was ready to rock and roll!! 

In the end, I'd just like to say that technology makes me happy. Whee for groceries in the am!