Thanks!

Thanks Deb and James for having us over!

Home

We're home!!

Whoops

Sorry about that. I get confused with who's talking as I forget to look at the bottom of the post. Long underwear for me viv if the offers still up. Em, I'm pretty sure the car thing is set. It was pretty clear when I clicked ok but it never hurts to try. Brian and I are leaving Saturday morning. We should be back by Saturday afternoon. Did we get Debs address already? and is someone able to grab maps? Also, I asked debs if we will be able to do laundry there.

Debs, can you please recap what you will be providing and what we need to provide? Do we need to bring our own towels, blankets, and pillows? thanks.

Viv, thanks for the ideas for Owen. I thought that was great.

Alright, talk to you guys soon.

Underwear

Hey Serins, it's Viv that made the long underwear request, not me.

We wanted to pick up the car earlier so we can start driving earlier. It's not a big deal, we'll be driving overnight anyway but I will try and get it earlier when I come in. I'm coming in on Friday night at 8pm. Serina, when are you driving in? Viv, will you be working that night?

Viv, check this site out: http://www.aiasf.org/. You should sign up for their newsletter and go to their events.

Hi

Hi All,

Em, please put me down for long undies. thanks. yes, you can't change the time regarding the car rental. i got a really low rate because of this reason and i believe i mentioned it before I booked. no biggie though, we can just pick it up afterward. it's only a mile away.

Hey

I called Hertz but I can't change the dates or times of the car rental because it's through Hotwire. Sorry guys. I'm going to try and ask at the counter when I get in on Friday and see if I can pick it up earlier on Saturday.

We've got a tree!

albeit a second hand tree. Our neighbors left for Hawaii yesterday and left their Christmas tree on their porch for us. We had come to this agreement a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, we'll be having a real tree.

So we had a our inspection yesterday and there is quite a list of things for them to fix up. But they didn't say "nay", so that's good. We're still set to receive the keys this Friday. We're so excited. The house is nice..very nice. We can't wait to move-in! No more cramped living spaces. No more coming home to a freezing house. No more worrying about burning out the power if too many space heaters are on. No more typing on the computer while in bed and therefore getting a really cramped neck. Okay, enough complaining.

We're going to move out of our little rental space on Friday afternoon/evening. I might begin taping/painting right away. Saturday, our storage pods will be delivered in the morning. Some friends are coming by to help us empty them and bring the contents into the house. Our new bed and new w/d will be delivered Saturday as well.
Em was going to try to change the time you pick up the rental car, from 9pm to earlier. Serina, when do you arrive in SF? Viv gets off work at 3:30pm on Saturday. If you guys leave not too late after that, you should arrive in Seattle by Sunday morning. You guys can sleep/take a nap. We can go out for brunch or we'll make you some. If you guys are up for it, we can head to Pike's place market and downtown to walk around. Monday is Christmas Eve, we can go look at lights in the city/hotels or go ice-skating at the rinks; we can decide then. Christmas day: open presents in the morning and Christmas dinner at 3pm. We'll be having prime rib if there are no objections. We'll have salmon or some other fresh fish for mommy. Wine and sparkling cider for drinks. We may have some additional guests for dinner, but I'm not sure yet.
I've got Em's gift already. Serina and viv, I'm choosing something from your lists. I'll have to think more about Owen's gift with this new information. James says for his Christmas gift, he wants you guys to paint a mural on one of the walls (I don't know what he's talking about or what he has in his mind). Serina, James wants you to help him set up the stereo. Me, if you guys can help paint rooms (the regular way), I will be very happy. Like I said, you are welcome to each pick a room and decorate it, that includes you picking out the paint color.

Oh, viv, can you pick me up a couple bags of the Facenda coffee (whole beans) and bring it up? I think that's all I want from SF for now.

Okay, I really need to get out of this position now....

Long Underwear!

Hey guys,

Just wanted a show of hands of who wants long undies!!
they're more like warm tights.

Deb's is there anything you want us to buy down here that they don't have in Seattle?

O for Christmas!!!!

Hi guys!
So if you're looking for good presents for Owen, I believe he is starting to learn how to play the drums!!! I think he's a book worm too because he's read all the books in the house, including Wicked. He's really into Asian movies and manga, so those might be an option.

He's also cooking, believe it or not. He cooked some really good rice yesterday and Mommy almost ate the whole bowl (it was a big bowl).

Also I'm going to correct my last statement. You guys are all getting store bought gifts because I'm a little burnt out on making things, so send me you're lists, or repost in a group please!!!

COUNT DOWN TO CHRISTMAS!!!

11 MORE DAYS!

Ho Ho Ho

Hey all,

How's it going? I attended my holiday party last night. (I sort of had to since I'm part of the committee). It was pretty fun. There was a casino so I spent a lot of time playing blackjack. :-D

I remember I read a bit of "Into the Wild" when I was at home. It seemed pretty interesting. I haven't looked for it at the library yet but hope to. I'm previously browsed through the Perricone book and just recently finished "Plum Lovin'". I'm also listening to "Garlic and Sapphires" on CD which is pretty interesting (interesting listening to someone read the book and the book itself).

Debs, you don't need to buy me slippers as I will bring my own pair. I believe we have an economy car (ford focus and the like), but I guess we'll see. Em, can you send me the email listing the car rental details? I'm sure it won't help but I'd like a copy. Alright, not sure if I missed anything but heading to bed for now. ttyl!

I'll read that next

HI GUYS,

yeah debs mentioned that book to me too. It is on my list. I just finished INTO THE WILD. It's a really really good book. I plan to watch the movie when it comes out on dvd (i'm not sure if its still in theatres). I just started the THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG AT NIGHTTIME or something along that line. I always confuse the title. Did you know he just wrote another book em? It looks interesting too. Its on my list. It's called A SPOT OF BOTHER. Also for your info Deb's, Paul Coehlo just wrote a new book.

I studied a little bit about the chicago World's Fair and it's really interesting. Tell me if you find anymore info on it. Also a biography of Frank Lloyd Wright came out and I've been meaning to read that because his life is really interesting. One of the guys that work at Compass also works for Charles Eames as a side job, or at least what's left of his company so I've been learning a lot about the Eames family.

My last day at Compass is the 22nd of December, but let's hope I can last that long because really I'm pretty sick of that job. I also did get a new phone but it was sent to Serina'a place so You'll probably see it when I see it. It's a motorola (although I usually love samsung).

I just had my final review, which was killer but they liked my project, but I never got to the point where I could finish my model. I got really gross afterward though (still al ittle bit now). I look like a lobster with a disease, people keep asking me if I'm sick and my sleep pattern is waaaaaay off. I plan to be a hermit for the next few days.

Sorry work's frustrating you EM. Maybe you should accidentally drop all the files and reorganize them to your taste.

I'm also curious about what kind of car we're getting too.

I read that book too...

Devil in the White City is a great book! After I read it, I tried to look up pictures on the web regarding the Chicago World Fair. I had told viv about the book already, but I don't think she ever picked it up. Btw, the book had just showed up on my bookshelf (sf or seattle, I don't remember), but I didn't purchase that book. Maybe one of you guys had?
I think those boots are mine. I vaguely remember orange lining. Yes, please bring them up with you. All of us can use them here in Rain city.

I'm sorry that you both are having a difficult time at work. I just had my yearly review and it went well, but the current medical assistant just quit so I'm taking over a lot of her stuff. She wasn't very organized and like you said, Em, paperwork is in shambles. It has been and will continue to be very busy for the next month or more, but overall I still enjoy work. Do you at least like the job that you do, Em? What exactly do you do?

Serina, are still sick of work or have you found something you like about it yet? How do you get 20% off of apply products? Does the 20% apply to all apple products or just accessories? James' father has been wanting the new os. We're thinking about getting that for him, depending on how much it costs. If I have to budget my spendings for Christmas, then so does he.

I think I will get Owen an Old navy gift card. Then he could go pick out what he wants. Do you think he'll have fun shopping? Em, has he been asking for a watch? What kind are you going to get him?

Thank you for offering to unpack boxes. I think I'll take you up on it. Why don't each of you pick a room and decorate it? Of course you'll have to share your idea on decorating with all of us before actually executing it. It's not that I don't trust your style--well.... we'll make sure that it blends with the rest of the house. I'm planning to paint the master bedroom a light turquoise and the guest bedroom a light green. The rest of the house I'm open to ideas.

Regarding planning for the trip: I have lots of Seattle city touring ideas, so don't worry about that. As for your roadtrip, just take I-5 straight up. US101 is suppose to be really scenic but that will add 3 hours to your trip. What date do you guys plan to start driving? If it's the 22nd then that means that you won't get here till the 23rd. It's a 12 hr trip with just bathroom stops and 16 hr trip if you stop for meals and shopping. Did I tell you that the state of Oregon has no sales tax? Portland, OR is only 3 hrs from Seattle. What size car did you get again? Serina said economy but I think you'll need at least a mid-size for comfort. I do have some coupons from the Entertainment book for free upgrades depending on what company you booked with. Are you sure you still want to drive. Tickets from SFO-SEA are still $218 with Alaskaair, I think...

Lighten up with the holidays

Hi All,

How's it going? Em I don't really have a favorite color at the moment. I guess dark colors for sweaters would be nice cuz I feel chunky and they're supposed to be slimming. I don't think I want dresses although you've picked out some really nice ones for me in the past. I'll be wearing one you gave me for the holiday party this weekend. :) Debs, Owen likes Old Navy & Gamestop. I feel like you can't go wrong with Target either but that's just me.

I've been under a lot of stress lately so I'm really just trying not to bum out. I'm busy which keeps me moving but I'm just getting so sick of stuff. Alright, tty'all later.

They are Land's End

They're Land's End boots - they're black and have an orange lining. Maybe they're Mommy's? How horrible. I think I stole Mommy's boots from her. I'll bring them back just in case.

I am looking forward to this trip as well, though to be honest, I haven't had time to do as much research and planning as I'd like. I'm coping with a slump too and I waver between wallowing in it fully and just trying to get through. Work is hectic and I get frustrated because I can't seem to communicate with the people I work with. I am too straightforward and impatient and I feel, unfortunately, that these are not qualities that the women I work with appreciate. Also the woman that I worked with had her baby and left everything in a-shambles so I cannot make heads or tails out of any of her "files," though "mounds of paper piled on top of her desk like anthills but without the order" would be a more appropriate descripton. Sadly, I really like everyone else I work with but my work style is completely different. Sometimes I feel like I'm working with a colony of ADD sufferers.

We can help you unpack your boxes. That'll be our Christmas present - free labor. I think I'm going to get Owen a watch for Christmas. And maybe a pair of shoes. Serins, I'm really into sweater dresses right now so maybe I can find a cute one for you. Deb, don't worry about getting me a gift card - it shouldn't be about how much you spend. Just feed us good food while we're there and I'll be happy. I have my own slippers that I will bring. Viv, did you pick your new cell phone yet? I'm really happy that you're moving on from Compass. When is your last day? I'm reading this book that I think you'll like called, Devil in the White City. It's set in Chicago and follows the stories of two men during the construction of the World's Fair, one the lead architect and the other a serial killer. It's based on true facts. The architecture part is really interesting and the mystery is good so far. How is the house looking? Is Mommy still on a cleaning spree? What's the news?

Ugh. Just ate some tv dinner mac and cheese. My second dinner. Going to bed now. Night all.

what rain boots?

Are you talking about the yellow ones, Em? I suppose so..I'm sure someone could use them while they're here.

I don't know if we'll get a tree or not. We talked to our new next door neighbors who have a tree up but will be leaving for Hawaii. James asked him if we could have it right before they leave. I don't know if that will go through or not, but we can go buy one once you guys arrive. They'll probably be on sale. We might not have deco for them though; depends on how fast we can find them among our boxes. We do have a fireplace though; we can hang up stockings.

I'm thinking I'll get Owen a giftcard. He loves cash. What store do you think he would like other than a video game store? I have a budget for your gifts this year because of the house: about $20/person, maybe $40 since I didn't get any of you guys birthday presents.

Serina, what materials do not bother your skin?
Em, where is your more detailed Christmas list?

Serina, I probably would prefer soaps: hand-made or French-milled. Something that smells really nice. Don't worry, I'll have some Dove soap for you guys to use as well as detergent for sensitive skin. If you must do chocolate, there is a store here in Seattle that I can show you.

Em, doesn't James prevent you from being a workaholic? Are you learning anything new at your job? Are you still getting us nice underwear or pjs? I'm looking forward to that.

Slippers anyone or will you bring your own? They have good sales. =)

Whoa!

What? You get 20% off all Apple products? How did I not know this? The disc drive in my laptop broke. I've been thinking about getting a new laptop.

Deb, do you want your rain boots back? I took them with me to New York thinking they fit me but after an hour of wearing them my circulation was cut off.

Work is okay, I don't like or dislike it; it's just sort of there, like my new bangs. I've been thinking of other ways to focus my energies. Of course, the temperature out here is dropping and with it goes my desire to do anything else. I think maybe another painting class would be fun. I've been spending 9-10 hour days at work and it's not necessary - just me falling into workaholic-mode again. I have to make a concerted effort not to make work my life.

I have no idea what to get Owen for Christmas. I know he wants a Wii but so do I. I want to get him something non-video game related. I'm still thinking on it. I think home-made gifts are a nice idea, maybe I will make him something.

The Richard Prince exhibit was cool. James and I got there just in time - 30 minutes before the museum closed. We almost ran down the spiral (the exhibit was at the Guggenheim, the building is a huge spiral).

Serins do you want dresses? Sweaters for work? Is yellow still your favorite color? I thought you were reading

Debbie, are you and James getting a tree? That would be awesome. We've never had a tree before.

'Tis the Season

Hello! Wow, I'm so surprised people started writing on this again. Too bad it doesn't give notifications whenever there's a new post. Anyway, I had a great Thanksgiving. There was so much food. Mommy was able to get a half turkey even though it was still about 10 lbs. The pumpkin pie was surprisingly good as I normally am not fond of pumpkin pie. :-D Thank you all for the Happy Birthday greetings, especially Debbie for leaving the message on some random person's voicemail. haha! I had a great birthday. My friends surprised me first by showing up (I was all ready to eat hot pot with just myself and Brian) and then with a cake and gifts. It was VERY nice. I missed all the phone calls because my phone was dead for most of the day but it was nice to hear the messages.

Well yay! for Christmas is coming! I am very excited with the upcoming holidays. Debbie what exactly are your favorite chocolates and cookies? :P Em what do you mean by photos? You just want a pic of me? lol! jk. Viv, I missed your bday gift so you get two. I have a few ideas for Owen's gift. It's video game related though. Another idea is maybe a book on Intro to handling finances?

My revised Xmas list (in no particular order):

Clothes, mainly nice warm sweaters for work (gotta be careful cuz a lot of materials make me itchy)
Starbuck's Gift card(I can't help it, I've become addicted to their fraps)
Gadgets
Organizer Stuff?
Interesting Books (how to? or good stories? Actually I'd really like a copy of "7 Habits of Highly Effective People")

Also, if anyone wants Apple Products let me know cuz I get 20% off on all their stuff.

New Number

650-815-6946