Dear UofO, So Sorry to hear of your loss

Boy... U of O.. that was a sucky way to end.. on a field goal..  
War Eagles beat you!!  But hey, many of us OSU die hards are not shedding any tears.    Better luck next time.  Oh, and next time, consult your uniform designer once more before taking the field.   Neon green socks?  Weird textured helmets?  Feathers on your shoulders?   Odd indeed...

My Birthday Night Out

Although my birthday was Monday, Jan 3rd, it was easier to plan a night out for the 8th, b/c the previous Saturday would likely have resulted in hungover friends, or friends who were burnt out from the holidays.  So, I was happy to have the 7 day break. 
A group of us headed to Cuscina Spinasse in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle.  This little, and I mean tiny, restaurant is just blocks from my old apartment on Cap Hill.  As much as I love West Seattle, I do really love my old 'hood of Cap Hill. 
The food was amazing, excellent service, and I would for sure go back!!
The plan was to go to my fav wine bar, Poco Wine Room, but they were PACKED when we got there.  Good for them, sad for us.  We walked back over to the area Spinasse is in to try another tiny bar, Meza.  They were packed as well.  Sadly, Aydan and her lovely mom were tired and wanted to head home.
I love them for coming out to celebrate and so much look forward to getting to know her mom more in the next few months.
Me, Lisa, Lori and Susan stayed at Meza for some Sangria and a birthday dessert.  One fun unexpected thing of the night was that Meza is so tiny, the entire restaurant sang Happy Birthday to me!  HAAA!  Made my night! 
It was a wonderful night and I appreciate those who made it out.  I have several close friends who had confilcts and could not make it, and I will celebrate with them soon!   Enjoy the pics to follow this post!

2011 - a Year of Highlights coming up

This is is going to be good!!!  I am dertermined to make it so.   Last year had highlights, yet had some VERY low lights, esp the loss of our sweet girl Janni...

2011 brings new promise.  My nephew is turning 1 on Jan 14th, and his dad (my brother) will be 26!  Very exciting stuff!  My aunt will be having a birthday on Jan 15th, but her age is now disclosed.  It's 29!
January 15th brings the celebration of my wonderful friend Roberta's 50th Birthday!  It's a 50's sock hop themed party w/ a DJ, Food, Cocktails and Fab people, so I'm excited.  I've got an outfit in the works, so of course, pics to follow!
The following Saturday is our friend Lisa's birthday - dinner and drinks at a yet to be determined fab location.
And then the following week AFTER that is yet another wonderful friend's birthday, Vonna Wright!!  YEAH!    January is really a celebration!!!

Early February I am off to Portland to shop with my mom for wedding attire for my brother's wedding.  Hoping to drop a few pounds by then, but with these January Bithday's, do not see that happening. 
I think I know what I have in mind for myself, yet my mom is open to anything, so we are checking all over for possibilities. Who know, maybe we both will have our dresses handmade!   This same weekend we will do a family dinner to celebrate the new year and my birthday.  Very much looking forward to being with my mom, dad, Joe and Suz.

Who knows what spring will bring.  March 21, Rob will be 42.  Not sure he wants me to call that out! HA
Basically I see a run up to my brother's wedding with lots of details coming together. 
I for sure will be back to CA w/ my friends down there in early May.  Then it will be bridal and bachelorette time for my soon to be new sister, Suzanne!  Can't wait for the plans to come together!

Birthday Night Out Pics - Jan 8, 2011

Aydan and her mom, who is visiting from Turkey for a few months

Aydan and I

Lisa and I

Susan (L) and Lori (R)

Ohhh, Lisa... enjoy that mystery cocktail! HA

The first sip!!!

Amazing Spinasse food!

Lemon Drop, to replace the cocktail Lisa was not enjoying....

My attempt at 3 drinks... white, red and a glass of sparking to celebrate!

Rabbit Meatballs!  Delicious!

Aydan and I in our finest Stella & Dot jewelry!

location #2 of the night, Meza, next door to Spinasse.  Sharing a pitcher of Sangria!! Yikes!  Thank god I am cabbing it!

Birthday flan came with birthday wishes!

Finally, Lori, Susan and I our dancing for a bit to end the night in style!

Happy New Year from Seattle!!

Opps!  This is about 5 days late

Here's to a wonderful 2011 to everyone in my life!! 

I have high hopes that this will be a better year than the last