a nice little Saturday (and Sunday)

For the last four weekends in a row I've either been out of town (three of'em) or hunkered down with my textbook. Though I had (and still have) homework to do, I didn't really have any set plans for this weekend. And therefore, I was able to freely enjoy all things Andrea. With no alarm, I woke Saturday and cleaned my whole condo before heading out for a six mile run around Greenlake in the SUNSHINE. Glorious. A quick stop to finally buy my herbs and then off to Lisa's soccer game. Ending Saturday in Ballard with friends and some PBRs.








Sunday and again no alarm. A ten o'clock tennis game turning into a grueling two and a half hour ass-kicking by Rob and Claude. 3 matches to zero. Then off to Cafe Ladro for a few hours of reading, grocery shopping, lifting at the gym and here I am. With a fridge full of yummy groceries and thirty more pages to ready tonight before I pop in a movie. In summation: seriously love weekends like this.

hive MODULAR

I've recently become a little obsessed with Hive Modular and their B-line Medium design. Ironically, they're located in Minneapolis, MN. The homeland.

Checkout these slideshows from their website from a site that is so obviously south Minneapolis. Its pretty amazing you just cruise down the street with a few pieces of your soon-to-be home and - depending on whether or not you excavate a basement or just have a mat slab - drop it into place with some cranes and BOOM a house. A sweet house.

Slideshow of setting the home here.
Slideshow of the exterior here.
Slideshow of the interior here.

studied.

I hope I did okay tonight. First exam. I already know things I made mistakes on. But at least I'm done. Classmates celebrated afterward. I had two IPAs. Oh IPAs. Prevailing as the greatest celebratory drink of all time.

girls weekend: numero dos.

We graduated from the College of St. Benedict in 2001. Even though I know we are all different women from different backgrounds, then, we were all surprisingly similar. Finishing up our undergraduate degrees. Having spent most of our time in the same two bars. Friends with all the same people. Lived together in the same places. Attended the same parties. Had felt a lot of the same feelings. And were headed out into the same world to carve out our futures.

The further we get from 2001 the more we grow and change into different people. Unique people. Ourselves. Our own paths.




And though our friendships are very different than they were in the walls of Corona M, the Endzone or the Villas, there is a sincere appreciation, respect and dedication there.

Due to stubborn MN weather, our Second Annual CSB Girls' weekend got off to a rocky start. After a "group meeting" we determined making the drive to Haley's parents' cabin wasn't going to happen. And it wasn't long before a trip was made to the liquor store, the snacks were out, the chatter was in full swing and games began. Aside from a Saturday afternoon movie in Uptown, we didn't really leave Kridi's house in Plymouth. We talked about marriages, babies, memories, jobs, celebs, future plans and how our kids could possibly afford the College of St. Benedict when its tuition has reached 37K just seven years after our own graduation. Just to be together in our sweatpants was rare and special.







I look forward to the 3rd annual and the 50th!

The Fam.

(minus Aimee in this photo!)
Its always a whirlwind and I squeeze as much as possible into my trips home. While in MN for the annual CSB girls weekend, I had breakfast with my family. They are such a great group and a giant twinkle is added to the mix with Mr. Matthew - my nephew. Everything he says is funny. Attempts are made to capture all actions. And I just wish I could spend more time with him. He knows who I am though, and when you ask him where I live he quickly spouts, "Seattle!". Awww.




Grandma P made the trip in crazy, terrible MN weather. Love her.


People took turns wearing Matthew's Spiderman sleeping bag.



And we had a great breakfast together. Even if just for a few hours, it was good to be home and with family. I miss them!




And if you want to laugh, just press PLAY. This video is the best...and an example of how kids can just make your day in an instant.

girls weekend : first of two.

I've written many times about a sincere and grateful abundance of meaningful friendships in my life. There is no better way to reinforce those friendships and create memories that last a lifetime, than to zip away for a Girls Weekend. Last Friday five of my girlfriends crammed into a rented minivan and headed south to Lake Cushman, WA. We had loose plans for going on a hike, visiting some wineries, and a possible stop at the Girls Cafe in town.



Friday night we arrived late and stayed up talking into the wee hours of morning. Nails were painted. And it only took three of us to light and keep the wood-burning stove aflame. Good stuff.



Saturday morning was more of the same. Then lunch at the Girls Cafe. We were dressed for a hike and even stopped by the ranger station for information. Alas, the rain fell and our ambitions were squashed. A quick stop at the local winery and we were back to the cabin for a movie and naps.

The rest of the evening can only be described as a beautiful display of why girlfriends are so cool. Accompanied by a glass of wine or a beer, we played Apples to Apples, Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary. Without even realizing, it was 2am and we found ourselves pretty drunk. Then we started singing Sinead O'Connor. At 3am the dance party started. Prince. Beyonce. And some kitchen countertop moves that rival Britney Spears. Finally we crawled into bed around 5am. Still laughing.



I had the most incredible time. It was so great to get out of the city and be around women who are not only smart and interesting but are hilarious, goofy and no how to have a good time.



I love girlfriends.

Tyson in Seattle

We did so many fun things. Unfortunately I didn't always exercise my camera. Oh well. Sometimes you just have to live the moment and not capture it.

March Madness and Rock Band with Rob, Claude, Lisa and Pete. Then tennis. Date night at Umi Sake House. Video games at Shorty's. Coffee and cribbage. Martini Happy Hour with Bess, Josh and Teresa. Take-away dinner with Bess and Josh from Pho Cyclo. Yum.







As usual, so much fun. I miss you already.