The Rehearsal; obsessed with the dark

The lighting was dim in the church for the wedding rehearsal. These are a few photos I liked (realizing, I could be the only one) from the rehearsal.

Excuse the brief interruption

More on Europe to come. We pause for a brief station identification? The coffee hasn't kicked my "cleverness" into gear which is disappointing, but I hope we'll all survive somehow :)

Abby picked us up from the airport late Thursday night (Dec. 11th), I worked Friday and the bachelorette party was Saturday night/Sunday morning. Phew! So here's a few memories of the party (minus a few hilarious moments).

Time to catch up!

Much has happened since the last time I posted (surprise, surprise). November 27-December 11th I enjoyed two weeks in Europe on vacation with two of my close friends. Further details on our many (mis)adventures to follow. But first, the itinerary...


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Precious Memories

Photo by Sarah Craig at Silas & Anna's Wedding (Fall 2008)

More on politics later, a great quote for now

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

~John Quincy Adams

6th President of these United States of America

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

Recycled Dress

I've owned this dress since early college days (please, don't make me do the math).  Still not sure if I like it.  However, I desperately wanted to wear a new pair of shoes that didn't go with anything else.  Shoes won; I wore the dress.

(Picture by Alicia H; Tembi & Amanda - Vision Banquet, Sept. 14)

Random Playlist

These songs have found their way onto my playlist quite frequently in the past couple of weeks.

• Havana - Jesse Cook (Frontiers)
• Revelation Song - Gateway Worship (Living for You)
• Warchild - Emmanuel Jal (Warchild)
• Time of Your Song - Matisyahu (Youth)
• Patzivota - Cirque Du Soleil (Varekai)
• Open Up the Sky (Live) - Deluge (Bethany Presents Deluge-Live)
• The Alchemist - Russell Watson (Amore Musica)
• The Stairs - Jan A.P. Kaczmarek (Finding Neverland Soundtrack)
• Walking on Air - Kerli (Love Is Dead)

Restoring Sanity (tips for insanely busy, but responsible adults)

If you're anything like me, your life is extraordinarily busy and full of responsibilities (don't you just love being an adult!).  My search for sanity and order usually involves making lists, a habit that started in grade school (Type A tendencies?).  Recently, I've been looking for a replacement to post it notes and one of my good friends (via his iPhone-list making-guru friend) sent me to Zenbe Lists.  

I've tried a few options/systems for keeping track of all those pesky "to dos".  It's not easy!  I wanted to find technology that's useful online and on my iPhone...why was that so hard to do?  Zenbe Lists are practical, easy-to-use, sync with the iPhone and come with a few extra perks (like sharing lists with friends).  

Just to give you a snapshot of the insanity--between now and the end of December I have: 

• future sister-in-law's bridal & personal shower
• future sister-in-law's bachelorette party
• brother/future sister-in-law's wedding (did I mention I'm a bridesmaid)
• numerous YP events I help with (+ other church responsibilities)
• sister's bridal & personal shower
• sister's bachelorette party
• sister/future brother-in-law's wedding (did I mention I'm the maid of honor)
• family events-unrelated to weddings
• friend gatherings (birthdays, random, etc..)
• national holidays
• 2 week vacation in Europe (right between the two weddings)  

That's just the social "stuff".  I also have a full-time job that I love and occasionally I attempt to get a few hours of sleep.  All this to say, if I don't have my life organized and easy to access everywhere I go--I'll be lost and stressed.  So try it out!  See how much easier your life can get with Zenbe Lists :-) 

Exciting News!

http://shelfari.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/shelfari-joins-the-amazoncom-family.html

CALL+RESPONSE Trailer

I mentioned this film in a previous post, but now there's a handy little widget to show off the preview.

Guilty Pleasures, Part II

I'm a girl. Now hopefully, that's not too big of a shock to anyone. My best friend started wearing make-up in the 4th grade and you'd think I would have wanted to do the same. Maybe I did, but I don't remember. Considering I used to hide my mother's horde of make-up (mascara & blush) so that she wouldn't be "fake", I doubt I was too envious of my best friend. All that to say, I didn't start experimenting with make-up until I was 17. That's when the obsession began.

Here's my Top 10 favorite make-up recommendations (in no particular order):

1. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
2. Benefit Cosmetic Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner (any color)

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

4. Tarte Cheekstains (any color)

5. Benefit Cosmetic You Rebel
6. Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Make-up

7. Paula Dorf Transformer

8. Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion (any color)

9. CARGO Eye Shadow Palette (Paradise Island)

10. Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer

11+ (other items I'd recommend): Stila Kajal Eye Liner, Tarte Lock & Roll, ShiSeido Cream Shadow, Smashbox Highlighter Quad, Tarte Clean Slate, NARS Eyeshadow (powder) Duo & Smashbox O-Glow

Coming soon: Fragrance, Hair, Skincare, Bath & Body

Guilty Pleasures

I'm not much for reality TV shows. Their brand of competition usually bores me. The "characters" are like actors in a Lifetime made-for-tv movie. *Not exactly my cup o'tea* (Yes, that was a British accent). That said, I'm enjoying my recent discovery--Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. Each episodes features a restaurant that's in dire straits (financial, managerial, food, etc...). Ramsay comes in as an expert chef and restaurateur to "whip them into shape". Quite amusing.

Lindsey

July 13, 2008--At Golden Garden's (Seattle) to celebrate a friend's birthday. I just love this picture of Lindsey...Full Disclosure: I took the pic ;-)

I have a confession...

I saw this movie twice (in 24 hours) during opening weekend.

Call of the 21st Century Abolitionist

It's difficult to find the right way to become involved in "solving the world's woes". Usually it feels like an insurmountable tasks, even knowing that God's heart breaks for the oppressed. A friend of mine has been working on a film that will be released in theaters this October about the plight of 27 million humans who are sold into slavery (prostitution, slave labor, child soldiers). Last week I was able to attend a private screening of the film, CALL+RESPONSE. To see my full review, click here.

I think the approach of providing numerous ways for audience to get involved in being a part of the solution is amazing. From being able to send a text to donate while viewing the movie in theaters (seriously!) to using whatever skills/talents you have to be a 21st Century Abolitionist--I want to be involved!

For more information: http://callandresponse.com/

CALL+RESPONSE Trailer

Save the date! (or, Get a Date)

July 16, 2008--Congrats Abby & Nate!

PS. I should clarify, Abby isn't married...yet. Silas & Anna are having a late Oct. wedding; Abby & Nate will be wedding shortly before Christmas.

Better late then never?

Let's hope so! I've been so busy with work, family, church & life that I have neglected my blog. I'll attempt to catch up a bit...at least the few things I can remember since I last posted in May. Yikes! Enjoy ;-)

*Speechless*

Saturday, May 24 2008--This crazy kid proposed to his girlfriend. Now another poor woman is taking on the impossible to spell/pronounce last name :) Hard to believe my (not-so-little) brother is getting married this year. Congratulations!!

YP Retreat

I spent Memorial Day weekend with a bunch (supposedly 200) of my fellow young professionals from church. Despite the fact that Seattle seemed warm & toasty in comparison to Portland, it was a great retreat. There are so many things I could include here in reflection (including humorous tales & antics, but those are better told with the appropriate hand motions, facial expressions & vocal inflections...there goes the OCD, rhyming on accident). Here are a couple of "things" I'm still chewing on:

• I am called to my job. Not just blessed to enjoy what I do and have a steady income, but purposed by God to be in the workplace that I'm in. This is an incredible responsibility as I realize how many people I'm in a place to effect. It's also freeing to remember that God's grace will cover me and His strength will make the impossible--possible. Take that 500 emails in the inbox!
• Our pastor made the statement that "the devil is only scared by the Word [of God] that's in you". I want the devil to be terrified by my saturation in the Word. This means I need to start memorizing Scripture again and posting note cards around my house :)
• God reminded me that my full obedience to Him requires exercising the gifts & talents He's given me. No surprises. I know exactly what I should be doing. God's not going to reveal the next step, until I've shown my obedience in these areas.

Busy, busy, busy...the eternal excuse of the 20-something

My life as a 20-something, the descriptive list:

• Sleep too often alludes me.
• My TBR pile would kill me in an earthquake.
• Every weekend is jam packed with social events (why would I bother to waste it catching up on the things I should be doing?).
• Text messaging is the only way I keep in touch with family.
• 40 hour work week--what's that?
• The thought of moving makes me want to throw away everything I own (books are freakin' heavy).
• My to-do list is always growing...one step forward, 11 steps back.
• Shopping online is the fastest way to buy the necessities of life (so what if I buy my toothpaste and deodorant from drugstore.com? It magically appears on my doorstep).
• Clean laundry sits in the basket for weeks until it becomes dirty again.

To be continued...

Happy Mother's Day!

http://shelfari.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/happy-mothers-d.html

Style notes from: The Sartorialist

I love this site: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

This is a bizarre thing to post...or is it?

My senior year of college, I took a class focused on integrating faith into all aspects of life. What role does my faith play in my career? How do I interact with society in a meaningful way and maintain my beliefs? These were just some of the questions we had to ask ourselves that semester. Recently I was cleaning out my computer and I came across an interesting assignment. Writing our own epitaph as we want it to read. It's been nearly 6 years since I wrote my epitaph (that's weird to say) and I'm challenged to rethink how I'm living my life.

Amanda ********
Faith Integration
Dr. Hobson
October 17, 2002

Epitaph

We put to rest the remains of an individual whose strength, passion for living and learning, joyful spirit, and ability to see beyond the possible are an inspiration to us all. Amanda was constantly discovering the truth and beauty of being alive. Her closest friends admire her ability to make the most of every situation; learning something applicable to another part of life.

Amanda is highly respected for her professional skill as well as her ability to connect with individuals from all backgrounds. She was always open to learning any skill necessary to perform her job to the best of her abilities. This desire to learn and improve carried over into her ministry, family, and community involvement. Her attitude towards people is another remarkable aspect of this unique individual. She truly understood the command of Christ to love God and love people. In every situation involving people, Amanda displayed a genuine love, care, and concern for each person she came in contact with. It is this aspect of her character that sets her apart from the many others who have also been deemed successful in their career, family, church, and community. Her talent as an effective communicator sprang from this ability and desire to make a personal connection with individuals. The lasting legacy that she leaves behind is the influence that she has had on every person she’s touched with her unconditional love.

Making it through Monday

It's Monday morning, again. After a busy, "interesting" weekend (I'm still fighting an irritating cold) it's hard to find the energy to get through the day. I keep hitting repeat on my iPod to Paul Baloche's worship song "God Most High". The song is a beautiful reminder that God is greater then my life, my questions, and my stress. In fact, He's just plain bigger then "me". (What a relief!) I especially love the chorus:

Great are You, Lord
Let the heavens sing for joy
All the earth will rise to join
The chorus of our God Most High

copyrighted by Paul Baloche

The Art of Manliness in 2008

http://artofmanliness.com/wp-content/free_ebook.PDF

For Ladies Over 25

Check out this posting I wrote for our work blog about Doree Lewak's The Panic Years: A Guide to Surviving Smug Married Friends, Bad Taffeta, and Life on the Wrong Side of 25 Without a Ring. This book sounds quite amusing!

Now Playing

So they aren't new releases, but I just added a few CD's to my music collection. I had to give them their own playlist on my iPod & iPhone (I'm an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of gal). Here's what I've been listening to this morning:

1. "The Best of the Three Tenors" (Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo & Jose Carerras)
2. "La Boheme" (The Dream Cast)
3. "All of the Above" (Hillsong United)
4. "Our God Saves" (Paul Baloche)
5. "Under the Iron Sea" (Keanne)
6. "My Generation-The Very Best of The Who" (The Who)

Amusing Antics: Boys

My office is located in Pioneer Square (Seattle). Enough said? The comments I receive while passing by the "regulars" range from strange to hysterical. Today I was given this verbal gift:

Man: (yelling out after I passed by) "Nice hair cut. (pause) Actually, you have a really nice shaped head".

First, how did he know I recently got my hair cut? Second, "nice shaped head"--is that supposed to mean I'm pretty or just look better when I'm leaving? Third, thank you to whoever you were for giving me a little Friday afternoon laugh. I was (and still am) quite amused.

My Achilles Heel: Follow-Up

Ha! Thought I'd amuse myself with some popcorn personality tests (courtesy of Tickle).

My Music Match: Smooth Soul Singer
Like your music match Alicia Keys sings, "Some people want it all. But everything means nothing if I ain't got you." While you may come across as cool, you've got depths that run deeper than most. Sure material possessions are nice, but you know there's more to life than diamonds, fancy cars, and big houses. It's about connecting and sharing a deeper bond with others. And having someone to share those nice things with.Maybe you're a romantic who's got a way with words. Maybe you're just more expressive than other folks. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure — you've got soul.

My Theme Song: I Will Survive
The fiery confidence you normally keep under wraps blazes in your eyes every time your theme song turns on the table. People stand back and wait to be impressed by you—whether leading a project team, or firing up for a girls' night out. You mean business and people look to your leadership because you're so sure of yourself. So whether you're looking fine in the latest styles or throwing a bone to your 70's polyester double-knit blouse, this disco anthem always reminds you that you are true to yourself and are one of the lucky few who recognize that change starts first on the inside. Whether you're in your car, at a party, or on a date, you feel more resilient than John Travolta's acting career when your song comes throbbing through the speakers. Your friends dig you because you've learned to say what's on your mind. Life's too sweet to feel hurt and misunderstood. Yes indeed, with this as your theme song, you don't have to worry about surviving. You're well on your way to succeeding.

My Achilles Heel

(IM: 3/13/08)
Coworker: who are you singing lullaby's to?
Amanda: sorry....my mind thinks in music sometimes....I do it without even realizing...it manifests itself in more frightening ways at home that I try not to subject my co-workers to :)


It's dreadfully foolish to offer ones weakness up for general consumption. The only reason I feel safe publicizing to the world (there's an ego, thinking "They're" ALL hanging on my every word), has to do with the nature of my suggestible trait: Music. Nonsense or fact? I live in a constant state of music suggestibility. It's not that I'm a weak-willed individual. But this is one area of life where I am unable to stay in control.

I welcome you inside my head for just a minute. I'd extend the invitation, but I can barely hear all the voices as it is and I'm afraid you might become frightened, or bored (which is even worse). It's possible that you also share in my torment. If so, you will quickly recognize these signs...

How to know if you suffer from Music Suggestibility:

1. You've gotten used to your co-workers, friends, family (or the bus full of fellow commuters) attempting to appear unshaken as they watch you out of their peripheral vision. You question their strange behavior as you sing or hum quite loudly.
2. You struggle to find your "own words" to express how you feel, but can think of a million Broadway tunes that perfectly explain your inner turmoil.
3. The people you have truly enjoyed living with (spouses, roommates, family members, etc...) are the ones that have a song for every occasion, sunrise to sunset (ala, Fiddler on the Roof).
4. You have entire "conversations" composed of a medley of original tunes, sung in harmony (yes, you don't know what the next word or note will be, but it's sung in harmony) and you think: what an enlightening discussion.
5. A soundtrack follows you wherever you go, enjoying a musical background to each moment of the day.
6. TV ads, Retail stores, and websites with music share one (sometimes horrendous) quality. You can't get the music out of your head!
7. You have a theme song. And your friends know what it is.
8. You once had "Yellow Submarine" (as sung by the Beatles) stuck in your head for an entire year, prior to that it was "I Feel Good" (as sung by James Brown) for 2 straight years.
9. At any given moment you find a song in place of thoughts. This is complicated by the fact that songs are even more difficult to from spilling out the lips.
10. You have used actual minutes of your life thinking about how awesome it would be to split your vocal chords, so that you can harmonize with yourself.

You might think I'm crazy, maybe I am. At least I've taken this opportunity to remind others who share my affliction that they are not alone. A fair exchange methinks ;)

On the bright side...

STARTING today you can add a cool Shelfari app to your MySpace page. Strangely enough, it's only properly viewable in Firefox (MySpace's issue, not ours). To be one of the first to add the application: http://www.myspace.com/shelfaribooks.

Uggh!

MySpace. Only because of work (which I love, MySpace I do not). I've been avoiding the inevitable quite successfully for years. Alas: http://www.myspace.com/regalruffian

Bad Amanda, Naughty Amanda!

It's true. I did it. I said I wouldn't go--promised myself I was stronger, more disciplined and above that kind of activity. I lied. Do we ever truly know the monster inside? That raging beast that fills my mind with deceptive dreams and uncontrollable urges. I didn’t mean to go; I don’t know how I got there. It started innocently enough. I just needed to stretch my legs and enjoy the Seattle sunshine (rare in March, who can resist?). Where am I going? Why this direction? Relax Amanda. Perhaps it’s the sun, merrily lighting up the afternoon sky. That’s it…it’s just the sun. What’s this? The doors graciously open and I find myself surrounded by their glorious, heart-warming spines. It’s impossible to contain the smile. Ahh…I’m home. Forget the promise I’ve made and lose myself amongst the shelves. Run my fingers gently over the beautiful, intriguing covers and admit the truth. My name is Amanda (pause) and I’m a bibliophile*.

My recent “misadventures” resulted in the acquiring of:

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Novelties & Souvenirs: Collected Short Fiction by John Crowley
• The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million by Daniel Mendelsohn
• The Last of the Mohicans by J. Fenimore Cooper
• The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
• Book Lust by Nancy Pearl
• The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
• Atonement by Ian McEwan

*A person who collects or has a great love of books.

Exposing your Inner Geek (you can run, but you can't hide)

From: New York Times "Geek Love"

Self-Portrait: March 8, 2008

Saturday "How To" Tip

Question: How do you keep French pressed coffee warm for 2 hours*?
Answer: Foil, tightly wrapped around the French press.
(Bonus: Add boiling water to the mug to warm it up.)

*A little background: my roommate tends to sleep in later then me. If I make coffee, it's sometimes necessary for it to sit around before she gets up...potentially a serious problem, when the most important thing on a Saturday morning is coffee and breakfast :)

Now if I could just figure out how to sleep in on a Saturday....you'd think a 3am bedtime would have helped. grrrr!

I'm amused to have on my TBR list

• Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies: A Guide to Language for Fun and Spite by June Casagrande
• How to Build a Robot Army: Tips on Defending Planet Earth Against Alien Invaders, Ninjas, and Zombies by Daniel H. Wilson
• Smile When You're Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer by Chuck Thompson

What's in a Name

The Toys
As a kid, I named all my stuffed animals. Unfortunately, I had this short-term memory issue. With so many stuffed animals, I had to rename them each day. Mind you they were always organized and well dressed (including my teddy bear I got at 4 years old, determined it was a boy, somehow he always ended up dressed in drag...hmmm).
The Car
My first car was named Chadwick. I know, cars are "supposed" to be girls, believe me Chadwick was a boy.
The Camera
Then there was Ella, my beautiful photographic companion (Canon Digital Rebel XT). She is one of the things I would save in a fire. Seriously.
The Laptop
My work laptop received its special name as the result of a good friend's inspiration. It goes something like this:
Amanda: Today I got my laptop. It's cute!!!
Friend: does it have a name?
Amanda: Not yet--it almost has the Russian look to it...hmmm
Friend: tatiana the tiger that kills people?
Amanda: I like Tatiana!
Should I warn people about her?
Friend: --the tiger that kills people
yes
only if they ask, though
"does this laptop kill people?"
"yes, it is tatiana."
Amanda: I'll create a sign over my desk warning about the tiger on the loose....perhaps, Warning: Tiger on the Loose. Then if they ask about the death toll, I'll have to tell then it's simply to hard to keep track, but I'd be happy to add their picture to the wall if they find themselves victims of Tatiana's terrifying teeth
Friend: oooh, good, good.
The Phone
Now I need helping naming my iPhone. Suggestions?

What's getting me through Thursday

1. Opera (seriously, I've been on a kick for the past two days...I'm a moody music listener).
2. Knowing that my collection of The Office will be complete VERY soon (waiting for Amazon to deliver the 3rd season).
3. Coffee. It's Seattle, need I explain myself?
4. The fact that I have a "Humorous" folder in my work inbox. On a daily basis I get emails that cause spontaneous outbursts of laughter. It's always necessary to save those for a "rainy day" (please don't hate me if it rains tomorrow, not my intention at all).
5. Plans to hang out with two of my (favorite) brilliant friends tonight. I'm not quite sure what my place is between such intellectual ladies...comedic relief?

BONUS: Websites like this: http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/

All the cool kids are doing it

That must be the worst reason for starting a blog. On that resounding note of positivity, I've determined to start a personal blog. It would be for the one & only Amanda , however, my current count (results courtesy of Google) says there are 4 Amanda 's in the USA. All that to say, "Hello World!". For those of you NOT in a tech related field, just ignore the bad joke. I have a vague agenda for this piece of web real estate--life is an adventure. I try to find the joy in each moment and invite you to join me (when you have a chance).

"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think."

~Horace Walpole (English Author, 1717-1797)