random musings on Frances.

I went to a U13 volleyball tournament yesterday and watched some of my last years' U12 girls playing in the big leagues of a 13 AND 14 tourney. Amongst the U13s they are ranked #2 out of 56 teams. Along with the fun of the game I also got to check in on how school is going, hear who is dating who and chat with all of the parents too.

Here's one reflection:

Lo: Philly's dating Frances now. After I dumped him.
Me: Philly, you took Lo's sloppy seconds?
Philly: yep.
Me: Sweet.

Me to Philly's mom: SOoooo, I heard some gossip. Philly's dating Frances now?
Philly's mom: Yeah, that's a new thing. He's such a nice kid.
Lo's mom: He's the sweetest! We've known him since he was born.
Philly's mom: I don't think they've kissed though. I think he was planning on doing it at a Halloween party but part of his costume was a 'grill' in his mouth, and he didn't want to hurt her. I asked Philly if really she thought he was just too shy to do it. She said she thought so.
Lo's mom: (laughing) Okay, gotta run. Text me the score of the game and who won. Bye!

Oh the joys of first boyfriends and first kisses. And the joys of being a parent watching it all happen.

do people really pee their pants from laughing?

I don't even know where to start. Or even where it all started. I mean, I met some pretty sweet people when I worked for Publicis here in Seattle but, it all sort of felt temporary and part of the experience. Where was my life going? Since I purchased my condo nearly four months ago to the day, I've been increasingly grateful for my little Seattle world. ...And really, for all things Andrea. I just returned home from my friend Josh's birthday outing. Once again I felt myself laughing - out loud with my gigantic obnoxious laugh - countless times. The month of January has been one of continuous laughter. From Lisa's posts to our Whistler trip to our girls' night the other night to the mixture of all of my friends from different worlds getting to know each other and exchanging stories. I don't know how its even possible that I have so many amazing friends and family in my life. My CSB girlfriends who are spread from here to MN to NYC are planning a trip, sans some babies, that will bring us all together for the first time since gathering for Mitch's wedding in July. My friends Doreen and Ann are flying in from MN and NYC also to go skiing and spend a weekend here in Seattle. Just last weekend Beth came up from Portland for some quality wine and banter. I spoke to both Jora and Kes this week and laughed so hard I thought my body was going to burst. Even Art's sweet annual phone call on his way to the OC open last weekend made my eyes sparkle. I feel such a connection to so many people in so many different ways that sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am. I'm across the country from where I spent 26.5 years of my 29 so far and my heart just bursts with gracious love and genuine laughter.

How is it possible I've landed here. Not just here in the literal sense, but here in who I have become. I grew up with great friends and amazingly supportive parents. I attended college and lived the dream for four years cultivating relationships I'm certain will last my lifetime. I've worked and moved and met even more people who have enriched my life in ways I could never, ever have dreamed of. Basically, in my two IPA consumption state, I'm a very happy camper. I'm so happy I think I understand the term, "i could burst". And though I know we will all experience Ups and Downs, its the Downs that truly make us understand and appreciate the Ups.

I'm very Up. Its fantastic!

MN

This is Lisa. She's a native WA lady but has a fascination and love for all people MN. Skip past her religious rant, down to her second post. Its a tribute to all the MN people she's met and loves. Lisa is hilarious. And a pretty darn funny writer. Oh and her religious rant is great too.

Click here: Lisa's blog

bethie!

Ms. B made the trip up from Portland to Seattle on Saturday. She rolled in and phoned me to say she was outside. I hadn't seen Beth since summer and my trip down to Portland. We have one of those friendships where I firmly believe we could not talk or see each other for an entire year, and the moment we saw each other we'd pick right up where we'd last left off. And when I went outside to greet her, we did just that. No hesitation. No awkwardness. Just great friends. Starting with a great lunch + cupcake at Volunteer Park Cafe; we had so much fun talking, laughing and catching up.



In total we: looked at pictures. made dinner. drank wine. walked her wiener dog, max. watched Paris. Je Taime. had coffee and crepes with my great friend, Lisa. shopped...bought the same coat. and finally, hugged.






Love ya, B! Thanks for the visit. You are quite the fantastic nugget of good stuff.

Tyson and sunny

Seattle has been surprisingly wintery, MN-y sunny. Its a nice change from the mostly cloudy and rainy days of typical Seattleness. I don't usually mind the Seattle winter, but having the sun reminds me a lot of home and the crisp air and blue skies are fantastic.





With sunshine comes great sunsets. Despite the cold, Tyson and I ventured out for a walk through Volunteer park and watched the sun set over the city on MLK day. I've been experimenting with different settings on my camera hence the "photoshoot". No, the band is not getting back together. {Joey wink}

Whistler round two.

Last year I tagged along with Haley and Josh for their trip to Whistler with Bess and Josh. I knew the weekend would be fun, but who could've predicted it would ignite a great Seattle friendship that would carry into 2008 and a whole new trip to Whistler.



Eleven people in three cars headed north for Canada on Friday. Not everyone knew each other. I knew them. Some coworkers. Some non-coworkers. Friends of friends. And a man from Aspen. I was nervous as the organizer, but once everyone arrived at the condo and the beers were cracked, laughter began. And didn't stop all weekend.








We road/skied all day Saturday. I was able to board with most everyone and was having a great day until I flew off a four foot drop and somersaulted. Luckily there was no pain or injury! -just a bit of fear until the sky cleared and visibility increased. The plan was to meet for Apre´Ski in the village = beers. There is nothing more satisfying than beers after skiing or snowboarding.





Then we headed back to the condo for chili, cornbread and tortellini. Some hot tub. And of course the always ALWAYS fun, Apples to Apples. And a few more beers. Josh and I reasoned in the hot tub as we looked up at the stars and out at the snow, that really, we had absolutely nothing to complain about. And it was true. What a great day.



Sunday some of us went back out to the slopes despite the 4 degree temperature. Then we headed back to Seattle and ended the trip with a great dinner at the Boundary Bay Brewery. I feel so lucky to have such a great group of people around me here in Seattle. If I'm going to be away from family and friends in MN, I couldn't ask for a better circle.

who needs a man!

Aside from grabbing some random old man on the street to come and remove my old car battery, -it was heavy! - I was able to put in a new battery and fire up the ole MINI all by myself! (And okay, a few calls to papa Franzen). It was so great! She fired right up and I cruised all over town. Here's me patting myself on the back.