Let's get together, what do you say? We can have a swinging time.

Over President's Day weekend, we celebrated Michelle's Birthday over in Seattle. It was her 30th, so I knew we had to make it special. Plans for her birthday had gone from a cruise to vegas to Seattle, due to time and money, so I had to make it cool.  I planned the whole weekend, with the stipulation that Michelle could know nothing that was going to happen and we had to do things that we hadn't done before.  It was so much fun!  

(I made Michelle this shirt)

Saturday morning we dropped off Q with Vikki 

and headed over to the Westside.  Our first stop...Snoqualmie Casino. I figured since one of the original ideas was Vegas, that it would be appropriate that we hit up a casino. We had Michelle blindfolded since the pass, and Emily helped her walk into the casino for the big reveal. Her reaction was fabulous. We hit up the buffet, and did some damage. 

yeah. let's just say the diet was put on hold for the weekend...and I was punished for it on the scales. Oh, it was so worth it. 

Then we hit up the slots. None of us are gamblers, but we like things that light up, and make us feel like winners...even if it's only a couple dollars. I am sad that the machine's don't have the lever anymore. It's all buttons now. Not cool. I'm sure the serious gamblers were not amused by our antics, but I didn't care. 

I did want to try roulette just once. We found an empty table and had that guy show us how to play. They we found a working table and split up my last 5$ (from my 20$ budget) onto 5 numbers.  

(true story: pictures at the tables are not allowed...whoops...awkward)

After we were done here, we did some quick shopping to kill time, then checked into our hotel room. Here, Michelle got her second surprise, our friends Nick and Robert had decided to join us. How fun. 

Nick wanted to "get fancy" for the night out, which I thought was a great idea.  

That night, lookin good, we headed out to dinner at Marrakesh, a Moroccan restaurant my friend Liz had told me about. It's a 5 course feast, that starts and ends with a hand washing over a bath. 

The food was all so delicious, and it was fun sitting on floor, eating with your hands, talking, and enjoying the entertainment. 

The dancer brought Emily up to show her some moves..it was entertaining...

Then this little girl got up..it was entertaining as well..until she wouldn't sit down, and got up to dance whenever the belly dancer was even close to her table. Annoying kid. 

True story: There was a table of a couple parents and a bunch of kids, mostly boys around 10 years old. Apparently the parents thought it was totally appropriate to give these little boys dollar bills to stuff into the dancers skirt. NO JOKE!! Even Robert and Nick, grown men, felt uncomfortable doing it. 

Afterwards we headed up to Capitol Hill for the main event of the weekend. 

The drag show!

Of course we had to get dessert first. 

I chose the naughty and nice cupcakes

and the chocolate covered bacon (which was good, but rich. one or two bites was enough)

(yeah, I do realize it looks like poo....but it tasted delilcious)

I'm sure many of you, have no desuire to ever attend a drag show, but that is not the case with us. I find it fascinating, and we knew it was one thing we had to do. 

Oh the drag show was everything I thought it would be. 

The performers were quite impressive, and we had an amazing time. 

Check that one off the bucket list!

Nick wasn't too happy about sitting on the aisle, but I think he screamed "hetero" cause they left him alone. 

 The MC: Busty Mcgee

 Cher

 Pink

 Liza

Ke$ha

 Britney

 Gaga

 MJ

The next day, we headed back into Seattle to RIDE THE DUCKS.

The weather was sunny, but cold, but that didn't stop us from being obnoxious, loud, hilarious, and entertaining. I am a tour lover. I love everything about them. I love getting into it, being super friendly to those around me, and waving hi to passerbyes on the street. Basically, I love making a fool out of myself. 

The duck tour is a land and water tour, and it was so fun and even informative. Plus we got to see some sites in movies like the sleepless in seattle house, and gas works park and under bridge troll shown in 10 things i hate about you. you know i'm a sucker for pop culture references.

After this, the boys went home and we headed over to ride the monorail, something Michelle has never done. 

Michelle is pretty terrified of heights, so she wasn't super excited being high up, but it was fun. We killed some time at the Westlake Center, then headed back.  We found this cute hat store in the mall, and pretty much hung out there for awhile. Don't know if the worker's thought we were funny or obnoxious...don't know if I care. 

As a little time filler we headed over to Kirkland for a drive, and walk around Marina Park. And of course we had to take pictures. 

After the park we headed up to Kirkland Parkplace to watch "the fighter"

and have some sushi. Just perfect.

True story:the bathrooms at the sushi place didn't have men and women on the door, but instead had japanese anime drawings on the door. good thing that eyelashes make something "female", otherwise that could have been pretty awkward. 

For dessert, cause no meal is complete without a sweet ending, we headed over to the Melting pot (per Kristy's suggestion), and feasted on cheesecake, brownies, strawberries, rice krispy treats, bananas, and marshmallows dipped in chocolate peanut butter goodness.

That night, we were pretty tired, so we just hung out in our hotel room, talking and laughing.

The next morning before heading home, we hit up brunch at Voula's offshore Cafe. A spot visited by Guy on diners, drive-ins, and dives. Oh my goodness it was goooooooodddddd.

 I got the smokey the salmon. Happiness in my mouth. 

After a quick stop at the outlet mall, we headed home. 

tired, full, and happy. 

Emily leaves this month for her mission and I leave next month for Utah, so this was our last getaway together. The three of us. It was a great weekend, but a bitter ending to a great era of good times. 

Q had a great weekend as well, and was completely spoiled. 

Talk about, pop musik Pop pop pop pop musik...

1. favorite album right now: Mumford and Sons. I am addicted. I fell in love with them on the Grammy's, and now listen to their album every day. I think have a budding fascination with the banjo.

2. Speaking of which, Emily and I have come up with out Top 5 coolest instruments:
     1. keytar

     2. theremin (look it up, I saw it on Yo Gabba Gabba)

     3. banjo

     4. harmonica (only when used with a neck strap)

     5. multi-neck guitar

3. I'm going to a Nelly concert next month. Don't think we haven't thought about rockin' band aids on our face.  Maybe, we'll just convince Emily to do it.

4. I, along with a majority of the public, was shocked when Arcade Fire won best album over Eminem at this years Grammy's. But probably not as shock as the millions of Beiber Fans, who had their king walk away with no awards.  Poor Beliebers.

5. This past weekend I went to Seattle for my friend Michelle's 30th birthday bash. In honor of the occasion we listened to a special "Michelle playlist" the whole trip. A playlist filled with songs that reminded us of Michelle, and our time as friends. Oh man, it was excellent. A playlist that had everything..GYm Class heroes to Annie (the musical)...from Jesse Mccartney to Jay-Z. I love how music brings back to many memories.

As time moves on I'm gonna be gone 'cause I'm movin' on...

I know many of you, including me, thought this day would never come...but I have finally decided to move out of Moses Lake. 

I've gone through many choices of destinations in my head. I was really considering a move to a warmer state, since Q and I are definitely not winter people, but it didn't feel quite right.

So I decided on Utah. 

Are you thinking...and Utah felt right? hahahaha. Let's face it, I haven't exactly been the biggest fan of Utah in the past, and to be honest I know it's not 100% right either, but it does have a lot of things that make me happy, so therefore it's the place I am going. 

It has family

It has friends

It has more social options

It has bigger cities, that bring better shopping, better eating, better opportunities for Q.

As far as details go...

I am open to living anywhere between Springville and Salt Lake, but think I would fit in better in the Salt Lake County area...don't you think? 

And now my timeline:

Around easter, Q and I will make a trip down to find a place to live, and hopefully get in some interviews that I would have set up for employment.

Then come back to Moses, pack up the house, and move down.

Officially living in Utah in early May.

Now, this is where you, my loyal readers come in,

Employment: Oh the dreaded job search!! They say it's not what you know, but who you know, and I'm hoping I know someone who can help. So if any of you know of any jobs let me know!  I am an awesome employee. Although, my expertise is in anything involving office work, I am willing to learn new skills, so let me know! I look on the internet on a daily basis, and I am hopeful that I can find something that I am excited about. Man...looking for a new job is the worst!

well, I guess second to my next subject...

Moving: Packing and Moving is the worst! I know, I've done a lot of it in my lifetime. What's even worse, is helping someone move. You do all the work with none of the benefits. So while I hate asking people for help, let alone help with moving, I'm gonna need some strong helpers on both ends of this move. I promise to be super organized and supportive, and completely appreciative of your help. So let me know if you can spare a couple hours (when I get the dates set, I will make sure it will be on the weekends), to help this girl in need.

Then once I find a job and a place to live I'll have to find child care. Oh man, maybe moving isn't the best idea...

Just kidding. 

Change, although I have seen a lot of it in my life, is always a little scary and intimidating, but I know this is what I need to do. 

We got spirit, yes we do, we got spirit, how bout you?

This week was "spirit week" at Qiana's daycare. I know it sounds totally cheesy for 4 kids under 3 to have a spirit week, but I found myself really getting into it. Plus Q was really feeling each outfit. It was super cute. 

The first day, Monday (Valentine's Day), was wear red. Well, I had already put together her Valentine's day outfit (complete with t-shirt and sparkly hot pink converse given to her from Vikki and her family)...so I stuck a red ribbon in her hair, and made that work. Q, is in love with these shoes...it's quite funny actually. 

Tuesday was pajama day. Q already had a pair of pj's with glittery ballerinas on them, so I stuck her pink tutu on with it, and she was ready to go. 

Wednesday was princess/superhero (there is one boy) day.  True story, Q kept reminding me that she needed her necklace for this outfit. Apparently the pearls make the outfit?

Thursday was favorite color. This was a little more difficult. Q does not have a favorite color. In fact, she is having a difficult time learning her colors (I have had multiple freak outs and done research regarding the possibility that she is color blind...but that's a different story, and apparently you can't really tell until after 3). but anyway, I chose to go with pink, since that is the color that she most commonly calls out when asked what color something is, so I am assuming it's her favorite. 

(the mark on the pockets, is just water..in case you were wondering if I sent her off in a dirty outfit)

I can't wait for many more years of this stuff...

As long as I know how to live, I know I'll stay alive...

My thoughts on Survivor:

1. I feel like Rob has a good alliance going. I just wish he had a stronger team, cause I think they may be heading to tribal council a lot!

2. Philip is crazy. Like mentally unstable. Something tells me that "former special agent" means, he probably got fired, or forced into retirement.  Although his craziness worked well for Rob this first episode.

3. Russell's new sidekick reminds me of a chick who writes serial killers in prison, hoping to be one of their next preys or wives. I'm glad the rest of his tribe is on to his games, and will hopefully vote him out the first chance they get. 

4. My favorite line of the night "that is most impressive man sweater I have ever seen". Excellent.

5. Speaking of man sweater, it looks like that Farmer may give Russell a run for his money at camp...kind of liking that.

6. When Rob told Kristina he knew she was looking for the idol...that smile on his face...priceless. Man, I love that guy. 

7. Not sad to see Francesca go (for now), although I will miss hearing Philip messing up her name and her correcting him over  and over...and over. Comedic gold.

8. Philip and his dry mouth. oh man, he is crazier than Coach.

9.  Oh my gosh when Rob asked to see the idol, and then told her to give it to him and she would be safe. Bold. Awesome. That girl is going soon...

10. Oh Survivor, you're like the mafia...just when I think it's out, you pull me back in. Well Played!

darling can't you hear me S.O.S...

Potty training...It's never an easy decision, and an even more difficult process. And I'm torn.

Here's the situation...and you tell me what you think...

I hadn't plan on potty training Qiana until around 3. From what I gathered around family, friends, and blogs is that by 3 it's an easier process, as they are able to comprehend better. I am already completely freaked out about potty training, and the inevitable messes, and would like to do whatever I can to limit the yuckiness.

Well.... Qiana, has become slightly interested in the idea, feeling uncomfortable in dirty diapers and sitting on her potty while mommy is in the bathroom.  And more importantly I have a daycare provider who is ready and willing to help potty train, which would make the process a little easier right?

But wait...there's more...
I have been reluctant in changing anything in her routine, such as taking away the binky, potty training, or moving into a toddler bed, because we are planning on moving in a couple months, and I know that a big change like that often affects children and they regress a little. I would hate for her, and especially me, to get to used to no diapers, no binky, etc...and have her act out later and want all those things back.

So what do I do?

Signed, sealed, delivered...I'm yours.

I always wanted to be friends with a wise Asian woman, or older black lady because when they speak, it always sounds like some great knowledge that was written by poets or philosophers. 

Then I began to read Jane Payne's blog. 

Jane Payne is, in theory, my wise Asian, old neighborly black woman, who spouts interesting, creative, reverent, comical, endearing thoughts all the time. 

She is kind, concerned, helpful, smart, and friendly, and her blog is full of fascinating tidbits on families, religion, secular education, cooking, crafts, etc. 

I read her blog as if it's the wise older woman passing down deep philosophical thoughts.

And when I get a glimpse of that awesomeness in real life I am touched. 

A while back, when she was in the Singles Ward, she had stopped by to give Emily a visiting teaching lesson and teach her how to make bread. Emily was gone, and instead of just leaving the message, she asked to come in and show me how to make bread. Oh it was awesome. I enjoyed that day immensely. 

Then came tonight....

what a glorious evening. 

Q and I just went to get the mail, and look what was inside!

Oh I wish I I had been able to capture the moment she saw it, because it was the loudest "Cuuuuttttteeee", that came out of her little mouth!

A little package, delicately put together, filled with candy, bubbles, and love. 

This is what a generous, kind, woman does.

She passes the love around. 

And tonight, Q and I were lucky to receive it. 

Thank you Sister Payne. It was a hit!

All the flowers that you planted, mama, in the back yard, All died when you went away

This craft project has been a long time in the making. I don't know why I put it off so long. I kept making excuses. I couldn't find my glue gun, I didn't want to mess it up, I couldn't find inspiration, etc. etc. But yesterday, while I had the glue gun trying to repair a broken princess crown I decided to jump in and get this project done.

My aunt Becky and Daishan had taken some of the flower arrangements from my mother's funeral to dry for us. A few months later, she gave me a large box of gorgeous flowers. Flowers my mom would have loved. Flowers that I was going to use as some sort of decoration.

A month later I found a sale on shadow boxes at a craft store and decided I would design little arrangements in the boxes and hang them on the wall.

A year in half later, and the box of flowers and shadowboxes were still sitting in my closet.

But now it is done.

The shadowboxes are filled with my mom's flowers. Hanging on my wall. The beauty and simplicity reminding me of my mother.

I got an icebox where my heart used to be...

Today, I am thankful for my socks.

The heat in my house does not evenly distribute. So in order to keep Q's room (the coldest in the house) decently warm I have to turn the heat way up. I've tried to keep it to the point of warmth for Q, but not too high for monetary reasons.....

But then, I got last month's PUD bill. Sure we have two other people in the house, and that means a lot of hot showers, laundry, etc...but the amount on the bill made me throw up a little in my mouth. So, we are on a serious lockdown of the heat. 

I purchased a space heater for Q's room, which is keeping it toasty and perfect for her, and the rest of the house is on it's own. It's pretty much as cold as my mom used to have it...I know that only a small amount of people will understand that reference, but I'm sure those people just shivered a little. I keep the house heat above hypothermia, but below comfort...so we layer with sweatshirts and buddle up in blankets, but my feet get extra cold so these warm and cuddly socks are my new favorite accessory!

Man....I am so ready for winter to be over!!