I'm just saying...

Letter to the editor at the Chicago Tribune:

On my way to lunch recently, I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama; I need the money." I laughed. In a restaurant my server had on an "Obama 08" tie. Again I laughed. Just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came, I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Barack-Obama-redistribution-of-wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need—the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment, I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

At least we're all laughing

Wedding rehearsal. 

(Photo by Dad, October 24, 2008)

They grow up so fast

Tonight is the rehearsal for my not-so-little brother's wedding.  Can you believe it?  I've been taking a journey down memory lane leading up to this weekend.  This picture was taken when we stopped at Disneyland on the way home from our first trip out of the U.S.   I'm wearing my favorite dresses (yes, if I could find it in grown-up sizes, I'd buy it!).  And aren't we just *purses lips* "soooo cute".  Guess we all have to grow up sometime.  I'll leave that task to him for now :-)

(Photo taken at Disneyland, Summer 1986)

View from the top

The 19th floor isn't technically the top, but it seems pretty high.  We moved office buildings this week from a Pioneer Square hole-in-the-wall building (please don't read that as derogatory) to the 19th floor of a 76 floor skyscraper.  The upside of a 76 floor skyscraper?  

• Mt. Rainer is visible from our office.  
• Checking traffic on I-5 is as easy as looking out the window.  
• There are at least 3 different coffee shops inside.  
• A health insurance covered eye doctor is in the building.  
• I randomly run into friends I know in the elevator & lobby.   
  
• Cubicles are set up like mazes, so I'll never get bored.
• I'm pretty sure we'll be above the clouds come December ;)

I'm off to fill up my water bottle.  I think the kitchenette was...that way?

The Big Day (just days away!)

Anna & Silas - All Smiles

(photo by Amanda, October 2008)

Preserve the Art

Nate & Abby - Engagement Photo's

(by Amanda, 2008)

Blue *shiny* shoes

When I saw these shoes I had to try them on.  Then I had to buy them.   Now I love to wear them :-)

"I remember his insistence that before religious faith can make more than superficial sense, you have to take seriously the shattering questions arising out of human existence to which religious faith claims to have answers."

~Frederick Buechner

(from his memoir Now & Then)

Mom's Garden

Someone's playing a practical joke on Santa Claus

October 1st. Decorated Christmas trees spotted in downtown Seattle.

(iPhoto by Amanda, quality not great, look closely)

Seattle's Best Book Sale!

It's that time of year again!  The bi-annual Friends of the Seattle Public Library book sale begins tonight, with a preview sale for their members.  The sale is open to the public Saturday-Sunday.  A yearly membership costs $15 and I decided it was worth it when I went to the Spring sale in April (less people, more books=happy shopper).  Here's a little blurb from their website:

2008 Fall Book Sale dates: September 26-28.

The Friends Book Sales are held each April and September. The next Book Sale is scheduled for September 26-28, 2008.  Book Sale hours are Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The member preview sale is Friday, September 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m., with memberships sold at the door.  Please bring your own boxes or bags.

The Book Sale is held in Building #30 at Warren G. Magnuson Park, Seattle.

More info, click here.

Words from Sir Winston

“In war: resolution

 In defeat: defiance

 In victory: magnanimity

 In peace: goodwill”

________________________________________

 "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."

________________________________________

"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is."

~Sir Winston Churchill

Everyone's favorite 'Big Brother'

September 2--Google launched their browser, Chrome.  I've been testing it for the past 20 days and gladly left IE, Safari & Firefox behind.  It's fast, doesn't slow down my PC (huge problem with other browsers), and easy to use.  The only drawback is that Google now has even more access to every bit of information pertaining to you and your internet habits.  If you feel that 'Big Brother' over your shoulder you can use Chrome in Incognito mode (CTRL+SHIFT+N).

Try out Chrome.

Five years is too long to wait!

February 2003 was the last time I made it across the Atlantic to Europe.  I've been fortunate to use my passport in a few places since then, but it's time to make the trip again!  The $250 difference between a "good ticket" from '03 is galling (sigh),  but I'll get over it :-)   

Likely, I'll be adding The Netherlands and Belgium to my "countries I've visited" list (in addition to revisiting a few favorite locations).  Any tips, ideas or must see destinations in these countries would be appreciated.  

Off to pick out an outfit for the first fashion show I'll be to attending (promise, I'll be finding more substantive things to post....soon).

(Picture: Patty & Amanda, Notre Dame - Paris, France '03.  Side note: how fitting is the couple in the background on the right?)

Vision Banquet - The Look

Primer: Tarte Clean Slate Primer

Foundation: Cargo Liquid oil-free Foundation in F-40 mixed with Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Diffuse

Concealer: Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer in Moderately Fair

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Benefit Cream Shadow in R.S.V.P., Smashbox Eyeshadow Quad in Socialite, Paula Dorf Transformer, Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Black

Powder: Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup in Supernatural

Cheeks: Lorac Blush/Bronzer duo in Hot Flash

Lips: Smashbox Lip Gloss in Soiree