In the life of Sarah

better together- jack johnson

2011-01-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

DoubleDay 2009

2009-07-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

DoubleDay 2009 was a great success... with lots of family and friends.

The weather was beautiful and HOT.... it rained (and thundered!) at night, and got to about 90-95 during the day. Whew!

We were at a new (larger) location this year - Mt. Vernon High School. It was great... and we had (drum roll please) 320 riders and raised $110,000 day of!
Mom and Jim Walker

Me and Mark

Rachel and Kristina

There were family friends everywhere! Below: Mike Wilson (aka Big Willy), Casey, and Steve Wilson (aka Little Brother).

They are the behind the scenes men that deliver all of the rest stop supplies, put up all of the signage... go have lunch and a beer at the brewery... and then drive the route again and pick everything up. The ride wouldn't happen without them.

MaryBeth Falkner (aka Bizz) came up for the ride this year so I had a partner to ride around with!

Bizz was really great and let me drive her "Lady Liberty"... we had fun! We also found a few interesting items along the way:

Our favorite police officers (Officer Chris on the left and Sargent Paul on the right) were FANTASTIC. They blocked streets, held traffic, and just were pleasant and really nice. Last year, Cindy Wilson even got to sit on the bike!

They give great hugs and always make me giggle.

Then we were off! (Josh talking to the cyclists about single file, helmet wearing, sunscreen, etc.)... or as Jose-Luis calls it (with the accent), sun scream.

At the end of Day 1 came the Pasta for Pals dinner... and Carina came in time for the Conway Tavern and Day 2!

Mom and Bizz

Angela Ter Louw

My Mom and Rosie Mae Ter Louw

Jose-Luis (Josh's roommate from India) even came in to town from Spain! It was great to practice my Spanish. (i.e. Mayamo Sarah) (yeah... hmmm... not so much)

Day 2... more fun...

Kristina, Mom, Cindy, and Carina

Walker/Liljengren family pic

And then we were done... and ready for the "after-party" at Mom's house.

Here is Team Rhino 2009:

We had fun "wind-down" time at Mom's on Sunday night, and Jose-Luis and Josh spent the night before heading back to Tacoma for a week of adventures.

I'm now off to the Cascade Mountains!

Seattle 2009 - Day 1 to 4

2009-07-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am lucky to fly around the country for my job and as I flew back to Houston from Denver on Friday night...

I couldn't wait to go home, re-pack, and head to Seattle the following morning on a flight that was distant from work!

Claudia was wonderful (getting up at 430am to get me to the airport) and I was off! I took a short tour of the Las Vegas airport. I got off the airplane and heard "ding-ding-dada-dingdingding" - Did I win?! No. But it was fun to be around for a bit.

As I navigated the airport to my new terminal, I stopped to ask a police officer how to get to my new gate without leaving security. This is where the "You know you're in Vegas when..." story is applied.

You know you're in Vegas when you ask a police officer for directions and they include "take a right at the Chippendales sign".

Excuse me sir, did you just mention male dancers?

The following Sunday morning the family headed to Greenlake to hangout with old friends. When I got to thinking about it, I couldn't believe I've known these people for almost 30 years!

We got to play frisbee, badminton, put toes in the water, and people watch ALL DAY LONG. It was fantastic.

Some of you may know Bizz - she made her way thru Houston about a year ago. She's also known as my little Sis.

Playing on the grass...

My flips... takin a break.

Down to the water to put my toes in and take pics of people diving in...

The cooler had a picture of our families 20 years ago...

Then it was time to recreate the moment (of course)

Joshie and Bizz

Monday was pretty relaxed... my mom's sisters and the families got to hang out in the sunshine. It's always interesting when we get together!

On Tuesday Josh and I headed to the Goodwill to handoff the items we couldn't sell on craigslist... and although Josh got lost following me to the store (2.3 miles from Mom's house) (he was jammin' out to music) - we had a great time and ended up with some true treasures!

When we were kids, my dad would take us to the Goodwill and give us $1 to spend on ANYTHING we wanted. It's fun to go back together and find treasures... although not as good as my 3 foot stuffed carrot.

Then... I was off to Fremont in Seattle! I got a pedicure, and treat for Max for house sitting...

I stopped by Dad Watson's (http://www.mcmenamins.com/), had a beer, and read The Stranger. I sat on the stoop...

I went to the Triangle... which very sadly has been converted to a new establishment called "9 Million in unmarked bills" - retarded.

Then headed to El Camino for happy hour.

Bizz came down and met me for a beer up at the Buckaroo, then we headed down to Nickerson for dinner (and to watch the bridge go up and down).

I'm heading to Tacoma tonight to hang with A&T (and Joshie) and then back to Everett Thursday to prepare for DoubleDay this weekend! (http://webwa.alsa.org/site/PageNavigator/WA_Bike_homepage)

Woo Hoo! Conroe here we come!

Long overdue, and totally worth it.

2009-06-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a while, and I will post past random pics soon, but today I'm here to tell you about the adventure that Claudia and I went on today.

It's a beautiful Saturday morning at 7am, I'm going to pick up Claudia and head to Huntsville State Park, about 60 miles north of Houston. I get my pack ready, including two bottles of iced coffee (and a power bar in case we're lost in the woods)...

I put on my cap and get ready to head out...

Just in case you needed to see me outfitted in 105 degree Houston adventure clothing...

As we made our way up north, we took a wrong exit at first... but we found a great mailbox. Where can I find a pink tractor mailbox? Would the home owner's association have an issue with this?

As we pull off the highway, a slight detour to the Sam Houston Statue. About a year ago (there's a blog) I passed this statue on the freeway and was frightened by A. the enormity of it and B. that there is a huge statue on the side of the highway.

It was too early, and the gift shop was closed... but just in case we needed to know (and this WAS tempting...).

On the short walk to the statue, there was this. It was slightly confusing, as it looked like it was some kind of performance area? There was what looked like a seating area, a large head statue, and an area in front of him for performances.

Huh?

You then walk up behind Mr. Houston. Claudia thought she might be able to see up his jacket...

There are bricks around the statue (I assume from folks that donated to help build it) and below is my wonderful, liberal friend, jumping on GB Sr's brick.

It really is on the side of the highway... no guardrail. And although it was nice to receive a few honks from the passing vehicles, it was still slightly unnerving.

I hope from this picture you can see the Mr. Houston is about 3 stories tall. (it's me in the foreground)

We are then off to Huntsville State Park. It was beautiful! We drove in, paid our $4 each for admission, and then saw:

The entire purpose of today's visit was that Claudia had found the park a week earlier, and saw that you could rent canoes. I've never been in a canoe, but I thought it would be a REALLY FUN adventure...

But "gators"??? And I can't feed them? What?? At this point, I think that if I fall in the water, isn't that feeding them, even though it's not intentional??

So, we pay $20 for an hour in a metal canoe. By the way - Claudia hasn't been in a canoe since camp at age 8... and we have no clue what we're doing. But we're excited!

It was an adventure just getting INTO the canoe... but once in, and the appropriate "we made it" pictures were taken, we were off.

As we try to figure out the paddling situation (I'm facing her in the canoe), and we continue to (literally) go in circles... we become more and more confused as to how this is supposed to work.

Then, as we watch the other canoers get in... we realize, I AM FACING THE WRONG DIRECTION IN THE BOAT.

I made the scary and (gator) death defying turn around in the canoe... and we were off!

We boated all around the lake... it was really pretty! Lilly pads, jumping fish, fathers and sons...

And us.... the city girls...

It was really great... and to my ULTIMATE surprise... we didn't fall in.

After making it 45 minutes on the lake, and truly becoming professional canoers (we even raced the 8 year old boy and his father in what we created was the race for the gold medal in canoe paddling).

As we pulled back to the dock, we realized that if we had actually known what we were doing - most of the fun we had would have been spoiled.

We got back to Baby Truck and realized it was time for brunch... and THE place to go when you're "out of town" is Cracker Barrel!

With the farm decorations and amazing home cooked food, we were in heaven.

We even got in a game of checkers after lunch. I am not sure it gets better than this.

My best friend is a Fireman

2009-05-02T08:28:00.001-07:00

My best friend is a Fireman, so I get to dress up in the outfit.

Marissa came over Friday and we got to hang out - I just love our time together! We did the quarterly cleaning out of my closet, traded clothes, reorg'd (4 bags of clothes and shoes for donation!), and then we were off to a fantastic sushi dinner.

As Marissa was about to leave, I spotted....

Neighbors drove by, I waved... Cats to be rescued - I'm there! I felt like a professional, except without the training.

I even got to do an airplane!

Watch out - maybe you'll see me on Halloween:

Geez - Texas storms stink.

2009-04-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Flood Advisory -- Harris County
FLOOD ADVISORY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX

112 AM CDT TUE APR 28 2009

HARRIS TX- 112 AM CDT TUE APR 28 2009 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LEAGUE CITY HAS ISSUED AN * URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR... NORTHWESTERN HARRIS COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS... * UNTIL 215 AM CDT * AT 109 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED ANOTHER CLUSTER OF STORMS DEVELOPING ACROSS NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY. SOME AREAS IN THE ADVISORY AREA (me) RECEIVED BETWEEN 3 AND 6 INCHES OF RAINFALL EARLIER TONIGHT. ADDITIONAL HEAVY RAIN WILL QUICKLY RUNOFF AND PRODUCE STREET FLOODING. AN ADDITIONAL LOCALIZED 2 INCH ACCUMULATIONS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH 215 AM. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL MAY CAUSE ELEVATED WATER LEVELS ON SMALL CREEKS...STREAMS...AND BAYOUS. ADDITIONALLY...PONDING OF WATER WILL OCCUR ON HIGHWAYS...STREETS...AND UNDERPASSES AS WELL AS OTHER POOR DRAINAGE AREAS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE...TURN AROUND...DONT DROWN. PLEASE REPORT FLOODING TO THE COUNTY SHERIFF...LOCAL POLICE...OR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND ASK THEM TO RELAY YOUR REPORT TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

Yeah - so it stormed today. And now - it's 125am and it's started again. Just to give you some perspective, the below "zoom" is of where I live (between the big red parts).

Here are pics from the sunset tonight, it was pumpkin orange thru the entire sky - I've never seen anything like it.

At least there was a big rainbow.

By the way - it's now 146am. I actually (ha ha) have to get up at 6am to go to work (I know - it's rare but I am driving to a client in the morning) - and IT IS STILL LIGHTENING AND THUNDERING.

GRRRRRRR - I'm going to the garage to video it.

College Station

2009-04-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

I headed to College Station last week - it was a great adventure for the day!
Early in the morning... wonderful work day... then a fun ride home. I even found this:

They're street legal!

I went to San Antonio for the rest of the week, and missed all of the crazy Houston weather and flooding on my way home.

Once home, it's been BEAUTIFUL weather - open windows beautiful.

The house is coming together...

Happy Spring!

30 Minutes with my Brother

2009-04-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Josh flew thru Houston today on his way to Bogota, Columbia (just a fun trip with his GF Courtney). It was so fun to see him!! I don't think they'd seen the sunshine in the 80's since 2008 DoubleDay.

I just love my Joshie!

It never seems to end the way that I look up to my brother... confused.

This is how 28 year old twins look! Yeeaaahhhh.....

See ya in a couple months!

Rock Climbing in Austin

2009-03-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

I found a few rock climbing groups online, and met up with two climbers in Austin. In order to meet up at 9am, I left my house about 6am...

The drive was BEAUTIFUL.

It has been in the mid-80's for the last few weeks, but when I walked out to my car... yes Baby Truck... it was 38. YIKES!

The cows were out...

The sun was rising...

And the bluebonnets were out. If you don't know about the Texas Bluebonnet, it means that Spring has arrived in Texas and Summer is on it's way. It's pretty incredible to see - they're beautiful.

I got this off the internet (as I was not one of the 1,000's of cars that stopped to take pictures of their family members sitting in them) but it looks just like this!!

I met up with my group and we headed to Reimers Ranch. It was beautiful, unlike any hiking/craging I've ever done. LOTS of limestone (below I have my picture in one of the overhangs). But this: is where we climbed!

We got there about 1030am, and it was perfect weather, about 65 - 70 and shady... until about 2pm then the sun came over the top of the rock.

We even made some new friends - who happened to have commuted out for the day from Houston as well. Nice to know I'm not the only one!

This is Vicky -

And this is Emily (mom) and Indigo (small person). It was pretty impressive that Emily carried Indigo on the trail and thru the pretty narly trail obsticles.

Both ladies were great to spend a day with!

The last treat of the day was when I got back to Baby Truck there was this red truck parked next to it. Can anyone tell why I was excited??

Yes!! The Washington plates!!! Yeeaaaahhhhhhhh

Giggle!!

2009-02-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCJ3Oz5JVKs&eurl=http://failblog.org/&feature=player_embedded

The Office... and other fun house pics

2009-01-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

I realize it's been a while, and I apologize. I hope this makes up for it!!

Here is the new rug that will greet you if you come to Houston to visit me!

If you make your way down the hallway, you'll reach my newly furnished office. It's pretty fun, since I get to work from home - I wanted it to make it the most like me.

I found this GREAT desk on craiglist for $50 and it came with a chair (matching and not shown). I'm sure it's worth some enormous amount and one day I will take it to the Antiques Road Show and find out it's about $1 million dollars.

Not really, but the coolest part is that it's really old (1950's?) and has a type-writer area!

When I sit at my desk, this is my view... (well both of them)

Yes.... I realize the picture below is odd, but I have a very needy kitty. She likes to lay on the desk while I work. This is taken the other day while she laid on her back, trying to get additional attention. PAAALLEEEZZZZEEE

Just in case you needed a reminder of Chuck... he was this tiny when he was just a baby. It doesn't matter what kind of animal you see baby pictures of... they are all cute!!

And finally... the new $20 rug in the living room and new breakfast table!

I have been looking for a black pedestal table for a while - woo hoo!

My new outside swing from Lance for Xmas - I love it!

My Cowboy....

2009-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is my cowboy and my mom:

This is what you do when you grow up in Texas and you get your picture taken professionally:

Overdue, but totally worth it

2008-12-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

My wonderful family came down to Houston for Thanksgiving - it was such a fun time, with so many adventures packed in.

Welcome to my house! (Day 1)

We went on walks every morning - and Joshie always brought the frisbee :)

We found equipment for Josh to jump off of:

Thanksgiving dinner (Day 2)

Day 3 was an adventure around Houston - we went down to a park and walked around.

My beautiful Momma

Joshie jumpin off more things

Day 3 at night - we went to a Honky Tonk!

My family of cowboys and girls

Momma learning to two-step with Lance

The gang (Mom, Marissa, Claudia, Joshie, and me)

http://www.blogger.com/video-play.mp4?contentId=a7c1f051f37aa593&type=video%2Fmp4

SO FUN!

Josh and his cowboy hat

Day 4 was a trip to the Gulf (Galveston to be more specific)

Joshie doin' fish lips

Getting our toes wet

Family picture for Christmas 2008

Then a tour of the devestation from Hurricane Ike in September:

I went to East Beach back in August of 2007:

Present:

Pretty crazy. Then off to the Kemah Boardwalk, beignets (french doughnuts from New Orleans - and not as good)

Day 5 they were off - thank you for helping me put up the Christmas lights out back!

Post Family update:

It snowed in Houston!

Kitties get a bath

2008-11-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

Ashley and Chuck have been shedding a lot lately... and I met a gal that works at My Family Vet in my church community group. So you know what Ashley and Chuck got to do for the FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES?!

Get a bath.

Yes... and they weren't really thrilled. And honestly, neither was I - Chuck now weighs a good 25 pounds... so you put them together in a crate and walk up and down 3 flights of stairs with a bunch of cat flailin around.... not a good combination.

Thank goodness I knew what way to keep the crate...

They had a lot of room... but I really think that they would've rather been together than apart. Charlie needs to go on a diet.

I thought this was a funny picture because it looks like they're free for the taking.

Want a kitty? OKAY!

Not to keen on having their pictures taken BEFORE they went for their Spa Treatments.

Here they are afterwards... and they smelled like FLOWERS!

Oklahoma City Memorial

2008-10-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

I went to Oklahoma City for work this week and had the opportunity to visit the Memorial. I got there just as the sun was setting; it was a sad, but beautiful experience. I've attached pictures from my walk around the area, but don't feel as though commentary is needed and/or appropriate.

Just in case you missed me...

2008-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

I miss you too!!

I am a business traveler

2008-10-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

This has been my life recently....
I thought this image was funny... at least I haven't had to sleep at the airport on a cot yet.

I promise to take more pics when I'm out and about in the next few weeks...

San Antonio

2008-09-19T14:24:00.002-07:00

I went to San Antonio last week and took a few pictures. These just made me laugh out loud (loads of laughs) so I thought it might make you giggle too.
Must be somethin' down there that's delicious! Ahhh... Duck Butts.

I was in San Antonio for 4 days (came home early on Thursday to prepare for the hurricane) and on Wednesday night my collegues and I went down to the Riverwalk. It's beautiful and thought ya'll would like to see it too.

The flower is for my mom. She would be so proud... we were walkin along and I named this flower/plant/tree to my co-workers! I told them immediately that my mom would be so proud of me. I'm an up and coming gardner! One day, I'll be just like her... aaahhhhh...

This is the Riverwalk... it's cute and very touristy... and I wanted to help all of the folks out there that thought it might actually be a river. It's not.

The military picture is for Marissa - I thought she'd like it. Probably would've been better if he was younger... and smiling. Not a happy military camper.

Picture of all of the restaurants on the walk - we ate at a great italian place.

With a Mariachi band!

Hurricane Ike - Free Trees

2008-09-19T14:24:00.001-07:00

Hey Hurricane Ike... Take a Hike~!

I came back from San Antonio (see above post) 12 hours early on Thursday to prepare for Ike. I got back into Houston at 630am, filled up Baby Truck, and headed to the grocery store. I spend $120 on every kind of canned food I could find, 3-24 packs of water, and kitty supplies. It was a lot of food.

I loaded up BT and headed to Lance's. He was getting prepared too. Yes - that's blue painters tape. You'll see this in a few pics - the purpose was that if the glass broke, at least it wouldn't shatter.

The hurricane hit at about 12am Friday night (the eye hit about 2am) and it was the WORST weather I have ever been in. I ended up sleeping in the hallway on the couch cushions because I felt safer.

Below is Saturday evening.. it was this crazy hue of yellow and orange all thru the sky and air.
Everyone got out the day after (Saturday) and started picking up the large branches that had falled. In Texas (and I'm sure other states that have hurricanes) you put all of your trash, debris, and misc. stuff you don't want on the curb. My understanding is that they will come by with a large 18-wheeler and pick everything up - for free.

(Side note - it's 8 days later now and the crap is still sitting on the side of the road everywhere).

Lance's house - BT on the right.

Later Saturday evening, with no electricity, we were house camping in 100 degree HUMID heat. Lance... or Chef Maddox as he prefers to be called when cooking (ha) forgot that when you leave the PROPANE leaking for a few minutes that it would be smart to STEP AWAY when lighting.

Or else you singe all of the hair off of your arm. (he was fine)

I made a trek out to my apartment to check on things the following day - this was the damage I found. Thankfully nothing was hurt at my place.

The below pic is a 3rd floor balcony.

Trees were down, but other than the balcony above - I didn't see any major damage. I did see workers out a few days ago fixing roof tiles though.

All were pretty little trees - nothing serious.

This is a picture of the White Oak Bayou that runs behind Lance's house. There was a large storm the night after the hurricane which lead to a huge amount of flooding Sunday morning.

If you look closely, you can see the water line on the left side (you can see the grass flattened and some debris) - it was about 3-4 feet from going over into the neighborhood. Normally, the water is about 20 feet below the bridge and it's a tiny little creek (if there's any water in it).

On my drive back to Lance's on Monday night I found the following:

The street lights everywhere were out and most looked like this (and still do):

Turning onto Lance's street - the wind blew this sign 90 degrees around.

This is a large tree who's roots lifted up the concrete

BBQ for the 4th night...

On the 5th day... God gave us a generator. Well, Lance's friend Steve did. I went with Steve and his GF Karen on a drive about 40 miles outside of Houston to find gas and gas cans. Having a generator is great... but only when you put gas and oil into it. There are 17-5 gallon tanks full of gas... and at $3.79 it sure wasn't cheap.

We took the gas cans down to south Houston (about 15 miles from Galveston) where Steve had some friends that needed gas for their generators, but there wasn't any gas down there. There were lines for gas stations that were up to one mile long (in each direction). Police and National Guard/Army manned most of the stations until yesterday.

Lookin good after 4 days... oh yeahh....

This one is for Marissa... he wasn't guarding anything, but he was in uniform.

While waiting to pass gas (ha!) out to Steve's friends, I needed to go to the grocery store for some bread. Just one loaf of bread. Didn't really care what kind.

30 minutes later...

This was the Randalls in Friendswood...

On my way out to the freeway Wednesday (still no electricity) I found a FEMA POD (point of distribution)... it was CRAZY. People walking with packages of water, ice, and MREs (meals ready to eat). Folks were getting HEATED (angry) because other folks would cut in line.

Just tryin to survive... 6 DAYS after the hurricane. Please note that at this intersection and in this area, there is still no electricity and no water.

Today on my way out (Friday 9/19) I drove by the POD again... the men were taking a break. And good for them - I can't imagine having their job.

I got to my apartment to check on everything... and....

I GOT POWER!!

WOOO HOOO!!

I am happy and healthy - looking forward to a trip to Atlanta on Tuesday.

San Diego

2008-09-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

I got to go to San Diego for work a few weeks ago and got to hang out with the COOLEST people I know there...

I got in Tuesday, got my hair cut by my stylist, then we went to dinner at the Olive Garden where Jean works! It was GREAT! I even got to (kinda) surprise Allen.

Wednesday was my work day, but Carina and I walked down and ate dinner at great Thai place down from her house...

Then, Thursday morning, the roomies and I got up and went to breakfast at the greatest spot ever... The Eggery. YUMMIE. Right on the beach... then we went and put our toes in and watched the surfers.

I just love the feeling of sand between my toes! It was fun to feel COLD water :)

I really do heart SD!

Adventures in Washington - Part 1

2008-08-16T17:48:00.001-07:00

Washington continued... My Whidbey Island adventure...

Up to Mt. Vernon -

Up to Mt. Erie....

I got to do some concrete hiking!

My view over Puget Sound...

Over to Deception Pass..

The Northwest's answer to on-the-go coffee

Down to Coupeville to shop and eat lunch....

Toby's Tavern

Mmmm.... muscles....

I love it!

Back home past Boeing...

Part 2 will be up shortly!

Catch up, will ya?!

2008-08-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Alright, so just a heads up that you will need to check forward (or back) to make sure you got all of the fupdates (fun-updates) -- because there are A LOT of pictures...

I got to Seattle Friday night 7/25

I got to Seattle Friday night 7/25

Can you see it?

Hello Seattle!

The ultimate Seattle vehicle(s)

Zesty Jenny!!

www.zestyenterprise.com

The next adventure story is coming...

Family

2008-08-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

I will do a HUGE blog when I get back to Houston tomorrow... but to hold you over, here is my FANTASTIC family...

Hello, new J O B (and a surprise at the end!)

2008-07-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

MAKE SURE YOU SEE ENTIRE BLOG... (there are great things at the bottom too...)

Marissa came to visit me a few weeks ago at work!

She did a little work (see below), fired a few employees (see above), then left.

Then, I got a new job offer, put my notice in on Monday 7/21... thinking my last day would be August 1st.

GREAT NEWS came on Thursday 7/24 at 4pm... it would be my last day.

That was it. My work email had been cancelled by 401pm. So what did I do?? I called my mom and booked a ticket for the next day...

to SEATTLE!

23 hours later, Marissa dropped me off at the airport and I was on a flight to Seattle. My little Seattle sis, (BF) came and picked me up from the airport at 8pm (from Olympia!), and drove me (with her BFF - K) all the way to Conway (240 miles round trip)! Please note what a trip this was: http://www.mapquest.com/mq/9-QN*ElyJr

CRAZY! She is the BLSSE! (best lil seattle sis ever!)

OH, btw - if you didn't know what weekend it was...

I got to go to the ALS DoubleDay 2008!

Lots more to come... but the following is a very short preview:

Waiting to go to the airport...

First signs of mountains...

Saturday morning in Conway - I LOVE sleeping outside!

Bikers... support cars... good people... it doesn't get better than this.

Good friends... from L to R - Mike, Carston, Amit, Josh (brother)

And then off to the Conway Tavern for Saturday night celebration... (and local karaoke)

Ah yes, they'll sing - you just have to give them a little beer. (see the red cheeks??)

Ah yes, by 11pm... the dancing begins...

My bro is back from India too - it's great to have him home to hug him.

What a fun weekend!!

2008-07-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

I got to hang out with friends this weekend... and make some new ones. Down south of Houston is an area called Kemah. I've been here before as a tourist, but this weekend I got to go down and be a local... it was great!

Friends of a friend have a cigarette boat (see below). All 5 of us got in and road 70 mph (!) thru Galveston Bay and went to dinner at a restaurant around the 'corner'.

As if that wasn't enough, when we got back to the Lance's Turtle Club (it's a floating barge bar where these huge boats can dock) we got to listen to a live band and hang out for a bit.

This picture was of one of the windows at the Turtle Club - I rode on One Bitten!! (I think this means it's famous)

All of this and it's still Friday!

On Saturday I got to hang out again with my cool friends... and we went to Houston Motorsports Park to watch drag racing! I'd never been... and it was SO cool!

It was such a great weekend - I look forward to some new adventures coming up!!

15 feet below Sea Level

2008-06-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Adventure to the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico...

Everything up on stilts...

Forrest Gump lives here with Leuitenant Dan...!! Fried shrimp, pepper shrimp, cold boiled shrimp, lemon shrimp, (etc.)

The beach!! I put my toes in (of course!)

The shrimp boats in action!

I told you everything is on stilts.... including the single wides...

Even God looks upon Texas... can you see the state line?

Oh... well, the man driving this boat definitely can.

more? oh yeahhhh...

2008-05-20T20:09:00.001-07:00

Drivin down the highway...

OH MY! What do I see up on the right??

Are we being invaded??
No... It's just Sam Houston. 30 feet tall. With a cane.

All the while, the Texas wildflowers are in bloom....

Beautiful Texas wildflowers...

Oh... baby truck..

How ever hard I try... I can't park him. hehe I try really hard!

Went to this river to put my feet in for Pop's day on April 29th...

I had to find some water to put my feet in...

Have you ever heard of Cut 'n' Shoot, Texas?

Do you think I should move there?

he he....

Who's this guy smilin' at??

Oh..... Me :)

All the crazy restaurants around town... wonder what this one serves...

Hey... and if I ever need a ride.... ON THE FREEWAY

Updates from Texas...

2008-05-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

The oddness... continues...

Anything seem wrong in this window?

Sorry for the blur, I was driving the speed limit (as I've learned (x3) that I need to do) and couldn't pull over to take a good, scenic picture... It says - Drive Friendly - The Texas Way!

You want me to follow you.... where??? Yeah right...

A little too smelly for me at this point.

But... (no punn intended) if you want to pave your back yard... you have MANY OPTIONS.. including the state of Texas... he he

Hey... and if U R HAIRY.... just call!

And for Momma Reiman... here is the new cell phone...

Tribute to Mom

2008-05-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

As a tribute to my wonderful Mother, right before Mother's Day...
She got a new cell phone!

AND! She can TEXT and TAKE PICTURES!

Oh... Murphy.

Great Job Momma - I am SO PROUD OF YOU!

AND - your blue tooth capability (and ability)

Love you forever,

Like you for always,

As long as I'm living,

My Momma you'll be.

I'm going to sit out by the pool now and read a book - it's 90 degrees.

Love to you all!

Sarah

Only in Texas

2008-04-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, who would've thought that 2 years ago, when this picture was taken, that I would actually BE a Texas Chick? I was driving home the other day, beautiful blue sky, nasty traffic... but I had taken my exit and was happy to be going to the grocery store for some din din.

I heard something behind me, and I looked in my side mirror:

Really? I thought I was seeing things, so I turned around (with camera in hand):

Oh yeah! God Bless America! (and Texas)

So The Real American Biker and I end up pulling into the Kroger together... so fantastic. And as I pull around a row to find parking, I see:

Yes, that's right. Cinderella was being picked up tonight... although this chariot is being pulled by a Ford.

A day later, I'm on my way home. Now please take into consideration that at this time in Houston it is the Houston LiveStock Show and Rodeo, so I guess I should expect to see this on my way home?

Show pigs??

This is me giggling:

I went on another fantastic drive to Louisiana the other day... and please, from this menu tell me what you'd like to have?

The shrimp? You can get 15 for only $8.59!

4 Large Fried Fish? Only $7.19!
Oysters? $6.49!

Or... if you're really in the mood - you can have the FROG LEGS for $5.99.

I was actually at a restaurant that listed this, and I HAD to ask the waitress. She said, "They taste like chicken".

Really? Do they? Then I would like some chicken.

EW.

And.... when you're ultimately grossed out, and you wonder why you've moved to the South...

Oh yeah - it's 80 degrees in March. Well, and it's April. Today it was 84 when I left church. I KNOW! I went to church! (oh and YEAH! it was 84!)

This is a fun board I pass on my way to work. What I realized the other day is that it's actually the radio station I listen to!! He he - I have no idea what Rula and Ryan look like now, but they WERE dorky kids! (weren't we all? I'm just glad there's not my 2nd grade school pic up there)

This fancy restaurant is right next to my Starbucks.... so... if you're feelin Friky and want some chicken... you NOW know where to go!

Just an update on Morgan City, LA. There has been some flooding on the Mississippi River which has impacted the local rivers.

When I visited in January:

Now:

Pretty Crazy huh?

This is why I go to Louisiana. Well, I thought it would be fun to get a picture of Lance and his buddy (now mine) Eric. Don't they look so excited to have their picture taken by me on their way to work?!

I really wanted to wear the hat, but I realized Lance needed it for work.

Love you all!!

Sarah

My attempt at golfing

2008-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

- And success at driving the cart.

Can you see them? I know it might be hard - they're camo carts.

Welcome to Atachafalaya. (bless you)

I got to be a caddy on Saturday as Lance went golfing.

I really enjoy driving the cart - I always ask if I can come. Ya know - I learned how to drive in a golf cart in Eastern Washington when I 12.

Ah yes - great swing honey.

What was SO COOL about the carts (other than the camo) was that they had GPS scorecard screens in them!!

It showed the yards to pin AND noted other carts on the course, so you wouldn't hit them. How COOL! (Oh - and you could order food and keep score)

Here I am - lookin pretty and drivin the car. he he.

What a beautiful day! I got a tan and got to be outside in nature. Well, man made nature, but still.

Lance swings...

Ohhh... where'd it go?

This was the "baby - look like a golfer" pose.

Hey Mr. GQ.

Ahh... the infamous water hole.

He made it!

Don't worry - I showed him how it's done. Oh yeah - hole in one.

Once we got back to the Clubhouse, we sat down with a Miller Light and some snacks. It was nice - no one else was there, we were just hanging out.

AND THEN

Ever heard of Miss Louisiana Crawfish??

Well, we saw all 50 contestants, with their 12 inch crowns, sashes and all.

I love the South.

Easter!

2008-03-12T16:09:00.001-07:00

Easter 2008 looked different this year - no egg breakfast at mom's house. No egg hunt for laundry change. No family get together with the fantastic crazy family. But the Easter Bunny DID come find me in Houston! AND I got to play Easter Bunny too!

Pretty fun :)

Surprise!

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo - Bar-B-Que Cookoff!

2008-03-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

I MISSED YOU!

Lance was good enough to call his cowboy friends and we got into the Rodeo for free - and got a wrist band!

Ahhh.. the wrist bands... the only things that get you INTO the BBQ tents. The more you get - by just "making friends" the cooler you are - and the more tents you get into!

Oh yes, and did I mention that every 5 minutes, there were gangs of Miller Light Men walking around with 10 cases of ML each? WOW.

All of the BBQ tents were decorated!

One of the streets of BBQ street -

It was wonderful that I got to visit a new spot that my Pop* was almost 10 years before!

Ah yes - Mar Mar got to salute the wonderful Men and Women serving our country!

Even the young cowboys made it out!

The best looking country singer we saw - Jon Wilfe! Yee Haw!

Fun, Fun, Fun...

Who knew you could WIN Murphy at the Carnival?!

Yeeaaaaahhhh.......

I saw this nice guy getting his picture

taken - how nice!

And the fun times at the Rodeo begin!

Lance and his girls -

We couldn't go thru the night without going on a ride!!

It looks so fun and simple... but you get to going really fast and it's kinda scary!!

What a beautiful ending for a fantastic day!

BONUS FOOTAGE!

I'm a hard working God fearing combine driver - hoggin up the road with my pa pa pa pa plower!

Chugalugging 5 miles an hour.... on my International Harvester....

New Orleans - Adventures with the BFF and the Best boyfriend EVER

2008-03-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

Suzie's Seafood in Morgan City, LA looks like:

Ahhh... 16 lbs. of fantastic crawfish!! And a few Miller Lights...

And off to the Daquieri Shop! Oh! It's Kareoke night! Total competition to the Conway Tavern!

Dancing! Dancing! Dancing!

You meet GREAT people!

Men in Morgan City love those Seattle Women!

Next day... on our way to New Orleans!

Look at these good lookin women!

NOLA or BUST!

First stop... Cafe' Du Monde... the bengeits (~!!!)

Giggles, powdered sugar, awesome coffee, and diet cokes were had by all!

I LOVE THE POWDERED SUGAR!

Fish Lips...

Welcome to New Orleans!

We got into the city early enough that we were able to tour the area that was devestated during Hurricane Katrina.

Please look carefully at the homes that are written on with spray paint regarding which have been looked thru for the dead and pets...

This was the area directly next to the levy that broke. There are no longer homes here, just land... it FEELS empty.

Notices on fences -

These homes are continuing to be lived in - even though they have been deemed unlivable -

Yeeaaaaahhhhh...... there was follow up.

FEMA trailers. Fermaldihide problems?

Of all the streets and all of the blocks and all of the city that we saw devestated.. there were TWO BLOCKS that were in renovation. Oh yes, three years later - TWO BLOCKS. Thank you Harry Connick Jr, for the Musicians' Village. I hear there are other homes that Brad and Angelina are working on, but we couldn't find those.

After our self guided tour, we got ourselves to the French Quarter at about 4pm.

The street performers are amazing!!

Our first bar of the evening...

Does anyone know where we can find Bourbon Street?

Or - any cool hats AND an alligator?

Oh yes, the Bourbon Cowboy (like the Urban Cowboy... but we didn't see John Travolta)

Oh... late in the evening and having so much FUN!

And then the bird flys you home on a very soft platter...

The last day of Morgan City... looking at the Shrimp boats...

Captain Dave!

Not the REAL Queen Mary... he he he

Oh yes - did I mention the "shrimp"?

And you'd better not use this garbage area for anything other than the wharf's use.

Just in case you come up river and you aren't sure where you are...

We went on a Sunday drive... and found a few town-folk (crossing the FREEWAY):

I didn't know the Circus had been in town earlier!

The End!

Look out NOLA - Sarah goes to Mardi Gras 2008!

2008-02-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Ahhh... it's so hard to live in Houston... and get to go on FUN ADVENTURES! Who wants to go on a road trip??

Especially thru and past all of BFE Louisiana and the factories??

I do! I do!

And... look who's really busy and important???

Nah... it's Lance is talking to his buddy (Steve) who grew up in New Orleans! We are about to STOP on the side of the highway (!!) to wait for another buddy (Eric) to catch up with us. Please note - that as we're stopped on the side of the highway - Steve is standing on the road side of Baby Truck talking to Lance... basically about the weather.

As we sit there, nice Mr. Policeman pulls up behind us. GREAT - I think. He was actually very nice and just asked if we'd had an accident... we said no and he was on his merry way (after another car with his lights and sirens on).

We made it to the French Quarter!

I loved being in a place that I had walked thru only 8 years earlier with my Pops... what a great feeling!

You might ask... do you get to drink in New Orleans if you're from Texas?

Ah - yes, and where do you get these horendous beers? THE HUGE BEER STORE. he he

We had a wonderful time...

We will be going back with Marissa Ferris in March... so look out!

Bye for now!

Christmas in the Northwest...

2007-12-28T07:17:00.001-08:00

Ahh...

There's nothing like walking thru the largest mall in the world (not factually, but it really seemed that big) and seeing a giant Jim Krazinski! Marissa had to give him a hug.

I flew back to Seattle for Christmas... and got to see LOTS of family and friends! This is Bizz at DSW and we're about to get some Starbucks.

Harmony came dressed up in her best Christmas Holiday Cowboy Gear. Green shirt, Red Coat and scarf, and of course... her cowboy boots!

I got to see a cousin on my mom's side that I haven't seen in 5 years! I got dozens of wonderful pictures taken with my beautiful mother...

And of course... we had the annual Reiman Christmas at my mom's. Below are Eric and Allison, my really cool cousins... Allison goes to college in NY and Eric is just starting high school. LOVE IT!

Crazy Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents...

Crazy cousins and grandparents....

And I also got to see Grandma Jean! So cute...

Then back to Texas on 12/26... I turned 27!! OMG! I had to take a signature Sarah shot to capture the moment :)

Love you all and Happy New Year!!

Julie takes on Texas

2007-12-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

What happens the morning after Thanksgiving?

Mom hugs!!

We got up early, made some Texas breakfast (buscuits & gravy) and then headed off on an adventure!

First - a trip to my work to see where it is and what it looks like:

Here is baby truck in front of my office building - I work off of Louisiana Street! How fun :)

My payroll coordinator and I

Mom and I at my desk

What I really look like at work:

Off to the next adventure!

First we headed to the Kemah Boardwalk...

And who would've thought that Julie would be caught with a shark?!

Mom Julie comes to Texas!

2007-11-30T15:18:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Texas Momma! Thanksgiving 2007 was GREAT and having my mom with us made it FANTASTIC!

Mom gets to Houston at night - and immediately is wearin the cowboy hat... Yee Haw!

We got to play around the first night...

Thanksgiving morning... and here's the new apartment:

And then there came the family!

We did our craft projects:

I got to try on Steve's really cool cowboy boots!

Lots of giggling :)

The 'kids' all got in the kitchen to cook!

And the feast -

There will be a blog in a few days with all the Texas Mom pics - keep tuning in!

Texas Update

2007-10-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Wow - I realize I'm the worst blogger ever.

I mean, I didn't even put up an "Out of Office" on! How Rude!

Well, I have many stories and I promise to tell you about them, but at the moment I am working - so here are some new pics :)

The new couches!! Baby Truck hauls stuff! I even strapped the suckers down and drove on the freeway!! Woo Hoo!

This guy was going to work too this morning - how nice!

Sunrise in Houston...

And look who I found!!!

Texas Truck

2007-08-31T08:25:00.002-07:00

This is the second of two posts in a row - make sure to check out the next post!

Since I'm moving to Texas.... I had to get a Texas truck!!

2007 Ford F-150 Lariat. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we go.....

Yeeeaaaahhhhhh

On my way to the airport... and my last week in Seattle!

Kemah Boardwalk

2007-08-31T08:25:00.001-07:00

I went to the Kemah Boardwalk a few weeks ago... and to get there you go by NASA!!

You even take NASA Road 1 & NASA Parkway.

LOVE IT!

Everything you can imagine NASA - it's here. Even a NASA McDonalds!

Kemah was beautiful! It reminded me of the Keys in Florida... the humidity, the heat, and the water. I felt at home... it was wonderful.

Texas alcohol laws are weird. I got to Kemah, and you can buy a beer to walk around with (?) and you can even walk into stores with it! You walk around the boardwalk, pass restaurants, and the restaurants have signs that say, "No alcohol permitted past this point per Texas Law". Huh? I'm walking around with a beer, but if I buy it from the wrong person, I can't. Sad. Well, here I am in front of that sign, with my beer. he he.

Fish are also weird in Texas. They jump. Yes - you read that correctly, they jump. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of this, but they jump thru the air in and out of the water... Yeeaaaahhhhhh

I then went to a restaurant on the boardwalk called the Aquarium. Basically, it had an aquarium in it. Pretty cool, and at 530p every day they send a poor old soul (scuba diver) into the pool to feed all the fish, sharks, and other slimy stuff. Yey.

The lighting at the bar at the aquarium was cool - and outside there were lights, karaoke and lots of smiles.

Happy!!

Texas Continued...

2007-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Go Astros!

I went to an Astros game a few weeks ago and had a blast! It was right after Biggio hit his 3,o00th hit! (Please note that I'm wearing my UT shirt)

I then went outlet shopping in Katy, TX - and look what I found! A tractor!

There was an opportunity to wear a REAL cowboy hat!

And I went to Galveston!

Little did I know about the...

If I would've known I would've worn my sting bikini!!

It was a new experience - drive up to the beach (on the sand), pay $8, and you can walk around, go swimming, drink beer, listen to live bands, and stand out in the 100 degree, 70% humidty weather and hang out! (I chose to look, have a beer, and leave)

I was then off to Austin for the weekend!

Rolling hills (wait - there aren't any hills...)

Churches

And please don't forget the trucks with cowboys in them...

I ended my time in Austin at a place called Lake Travis...

This was actually quite beautiful: rolling hills, a huge lake, and the sunset dipping into the trees.... ahh- I'm so glad that I went there alone... it would've been TOO romantic had I actually gone with someone.

As I continue to blog, I do want to tell you that I am moving to Houston. My last day in Washington will be the 14th of September, I have sold most of my belongings (including Cartman!)... and I will start a new with a big TRUCK (yes, truck!) in Texas.

More to come, more to come....

3 weeks in Texas... turns into MOVING??

2007-08-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

I flew back down to Houston on August 5th... and didn't end up leaving until Thursday the 23rd. I got to see a LOT of really cool stuff... and I was also offered a position down there.

I took it.

I will ellaborate in a soon blog entry.

This is my drive to the Partnership office off of Louisiana Street. Please note one of the businesses that I work next to.

Smart Marketing - what a great name!

I went to a great Country Western bar, Blanco's Bar and Grill - with a few friends from Houston, Allison (friend who I've worked with for years) and Lance (new Texas friend).

Texas bars are fun... lots of country music and LOTS of neon (usually about Texas). Why isn't there any Washington neon??

This building offers reasonable rent (90 cents/sq. ft!) and a happy face!!

A few days later, the next adventure was to the Firehouse Saloon.

Please note that this isn't just an outhouse... it's a TEXAS outhouse. Located directly outside the Firehouse Saloon (which has restrooms inside) - I guess this is just incase you can't make it in - in time. (yikes!)

In this picture you have to note the yellow sign to the left of the entrance door. (See below)

Trapping?!?

I really enjoy the randomness of POSTED warnings.

Inside... was... um... well how do you explain it other than in pictures?

Boots... hanging from the ceiling...

More neon....

And who can forget the horse troff full of your favorite Miller Light or Bud Light products?

More to come...

Long Time... No Blog!

2007-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Howdy my favorite people! I'm sorry this blog entry has taken so long. I was in Phoenix, AZ thru 7/18, came home for a week, was in my first wedding (Congrats Steve & Kelsey!), ALS DoubleDay was a complete SUCCESS! and am now working in Houston, TX.

The following are some memorable pics from the last month or so...

This is Houston 8-2-07 (for those of you that miss the "driving in the car" pics)

Erika (Steve Wilson's friend from UW) getting our nails done for Steve's wedding 7-17-07

The Bachelorette Party

The rehearsal (or as I call it, the recital)

Steve on his wedding day....

And now... Texas. This is a bar... that has SADDLES as the bar stools! The saddles weren't as cool (they didn't even have stir-ups!) as this steer on the wall, so that's what I look a picture of.

I'm going to go to NASA and check out the space shuttle (how cool!!) and go 2-stepping... hopefully they won't be able to tell I'm not local when I wear my chaps and leather vest.

One of the best things I've noticed about Texas in the last week is they have a bunch of "Real Men of Genius" radio commercials. I love them.

This one is my favorite Texas one so far... and honestly, it's really true.

http://thefuntimesguide.com/audio/Bud_Light_Real_Men_of_Genius_Mr_Way_Too_Proud_of_Texas_Guy.mp3

There is much, much more to come....

The oddities of Phoenix, Arizona

2007-06-18T07:22:00.002-07:00

Ahhh... the oddities of Phoenix.

It all began with the sign to the left. Do they need to know that it doesn't rain here? Wait, I think they have a monsoon season, but it was 117 degrees outside when I took this picture.

Then, last week the power went out in my building at work. I had to call my Tucson office to let them know we may be transferring the phones to them. The only question they asked was if the power went out because it was RAINING. Huh? No... just an electrical problem in the building... but I did get to see firemen.

Then, I went to dinner one night, and found the following:

A Native American baby for sale in a window

A convienient place to tie up my horse for dinner

If I lose my hair, there is a store that I can go to!

This was my favorite. Taken Monday 7/2 on my way to the airport. Arizona doesn't require helmets on motorcycles, but this gentleman did need some eye protection. His choice? Snow Goggles. And you can't miss the fantastic mullet, business in the front - and a party in the back.

All in all, slightly different - right?

I have been staying in a very nice hotel though. Just be aware of the cacti lining the walkways:

There are beds outside (this is taken just outside the check in desk):

I do have really nice people that I work with, this is Tasha!

Leavenworth Camping!

2007-06-18T07:22:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I went camping for a few nights in Leavenworth. How do I forget how much I love the mountains?

I got to relax, wake up at 7am to sunshine and the birds chirping - honestly, it's my favorite way to wake up.

Both nights were campfire nights, and Saturday I cooked!

I got a new backpack - for $25!!!

I LOVE THIS!!!

Hmm... Phoenix in June

2007-06-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

What is the weather like in Phoenix, AZ in June you ask?

HOT.

You know what? It's not just HOT. It's freaking REALLY HOT. Above is a fountain from my hotel with a cactus in the center.

It was 115 on Friday when I left... SO - I took the opportunity to put my feet in the water.

At this point it was 95 at 10pm. Nice.

It was beautiful though.

I went and had dinner one night at a place called "Cork & Cleaver" - I was told they had really good steaks. I did NOT realize however, that the actual menu was on a CLEAVER (yes, it's real).

Good food - although I had happy hour shrimp and oysters. Yummie.

Well, I am off again to the land of gravel yards and large rocks.

See you guys soon!

If you haven't signed up for the 2007 ALS DoubleDay yet - hurry!

Leaving San Diego...

2007-06-03T23:57:00.002-07:00

It never fails that the moment I think I'm going to stay somewhere for a while... I'm off to somewhere new. I love, but hate that part of my job.

San Diego was great, I have a friend there... I'm close enough to LA that I can visit, and the plane ride is only 2 1/2 hours.

The last week in San Diego was wonderful - I got to see Carina THREE times - I think that was a record week. We went to this fantastic mexican restaurant for our final dinner. Yummie!

And of course... I will miss the resort that I've gotten to stay at for a couple of weeks. What a hard life.

Well, I'm off to Phoenix -

San Diego - Carina and I live in the same town!

2007-06-03T23:57:00.001-07:00

I was in San Diego - and WILL BE for a while!

Yeeeaaaahhhhh!!!

It is so fun to be in a town where I have an old friend! We go to breweries and I have a personal hairstylist! WOW.

I have also had to opprotunity to have the coolest hotels - EVER. This last week I was on the 17th floor of the Marriott, looking over Petco Field - home of the Padre's. If they were playing at home, I could've seen a game!

When you get to San Diego - you have to check out the Karl Strauss brewery in Mira Mesa, not only is it next to the AirForce base.. (F-14's flying around everywhere), but their beer and atmosphere is awesome).

How fun is this?? I absolutely love what I do.

Mother's Day 2007

2007-05-19T15:55:00.002-07:00

I love my mom!! And the entire fantastic family that I am blessed with...

As my mom and Dave plant flowers that my grandma will leave in the plastic -

My young, beautiful Aunt that watches over my youngest cousins...

There are smiles and the room is FILLED with love...

Cousins... Graduating High School and just starting 3 years old...

They can't even pretend to be mad...

I have the best family ever!!

Virginia Mason Dreambuilders' Gala

2007-05-19T15:55:00.001-07:00

Marissa and I went to the Virginia Mason Dreambuilders' Gala last weekend.
We got to get all dressed up and mingle. How fun!

We had a fantastic dinner, had a great time together, and got to dance into the night!

Gala Models

As a special note to the evening, Manhattan Transfer sang live and were apart of the Live Auction. I knew that I knew there music from somewhere, and after talking to Mom - it turns out that my dad went to high school with one of the singers, Cheryl!

My goal at that point was to meet her and introduce myself.

She gave me a BIG hug and said I look just like my dad!

Yeeeeaaaaahhhhhh

InteliStaf President's Club - Naples, Florida

2007-04-23T00:56:00.005-07:00

I was able to go to Naples this week for work - it was an award that about 12 people in the company were awarded - FUN!

This was the view from my room!!

Corona commercial!

I arrived on Sunday evening - left on Thursday morning.

I got to ride a catamaran...

Swim in the Gulf of Mexico...

Collect shells...

Watch live bands at night...

The last evening was a cocktail party and dinner with the whole group - I even got an award!!

Fremont Pub Crawl for a Cure

2007-04-23T00:56:00.004-07:00

Who wants to drink beer for a cure to Cystic Fibrosis?

I do! I do!

Harmony and a bunch of her work friends from Northwest Cable News came out to Fremont for the day last weekend and we went on a pub crawl! This is Reporter Man Ed. I met a real reporter!!

Harmony and her drink ticket

Best pic ever of Harmony in front of the Fremont bridge going up - how fun!

By the end... we all felt like this -

Yeaaahhhh!!

And.... Iowa

2007-04-23T00:56:00.003-07:00

Welcome to West Des Moines, Iowa.

An office of permanent cubicles and 3 time zones.

I got in after 8 hours of flying Monday morning... to an office full of folks that we NOT excited to see me.

Please note in all of these pictures, there are no employees.

The first place I see as I was getting off the freeway? SO INAPPROPRIATE!!

Oh - the beautiful flatness of Iowa. It was great that there are absolutely NO natural markers of land to figure out what way you're looking.

I asked someone how they knew what way they were going without a compass and one lady said, "We look at where the sun is in the sky."

Ahh... if I had only known.

Then I went downstairs... to drop off a FedEx. What did I find?

The scariest warning signal known to man...

Saturday bowling at 7am...

2007-04-23T00:56:00.002-07:00

I picked Marissa up at 730am....

all to go bowling with Josh, Angela, & Rosie... little did I know (or I didn't check my email) it started at 9am...

At least we got a few games in to warm up!

( My biggest game was 106)

Gotta love it!~

Then our friends showed up!

Harmony!

Alex and Tina!

Mike!

And the guest of honor... Rosie Mae!

We will miss you!!

No touchies (the song)....

2007-04-23T00:56:00.001-07:00

No Touchies.... No Touchies.... (mariachie version)

Adventure to Bremerton?? Okay!

2007-04-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

Marissa and I traveled to Bremerton for the day a weekend ago and found a ship to travel on! (mpre pics to follow)

Once on the ship, we traveled up and down... and in the end... we were b eat (literally)

LA office - complete!

2007-04-15T18:57:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles - Mission Complete!

The Los Angeles Office is now fully staffed and ready for me to leave...

We have a Branch Manager!

Good Luck! I'm off to my next adventure!

Marissa comes to Pasadena!

2007-04-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Marissa came to Pasadena hung out for the weekend, and I even put her to work!

Missing the Mountains

2007-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Lake Arrowhead, CA

I drove up to Lake Arrowhead, CA for the weekend - I missed the mountains. The small hotel I stayed in was built in 1917!

I even had a fireplace in my really small room!

With nothing to do, I continued to follow the winding HWY 18 to Big Bear Lake, where I found - Yeeeeaaaaahhhhh!

This dog even got to go kayaking! (I dig the doggy life vest!)

Happiness is... small towns in the middle of nowhere... with mountains, lakes, and beauty of nature around me.

Laundry

2007-03-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Because I was now in California for three weeks straight... I had to do some laundry. Unfortunately, the Westin doesn't have a guest laundry. Good thing I knew where to find one! I snuck into the Sheraton hotel, did my laundry and had dinner. Just like being at home! (kind of)

I miss my cell phone camera shots of myself - and I'm sure you do too... so here we go!

Flight Cancellation

2007-03-05T08:59:00.002-08:00

What to do when you're flight is cancelled and you're stuck in Southern California:

Head down the coast!!

Attention Bicyclists -

California LOVES the beach cruiser!

I drove down PCH (HWY 1) towards San Diego... I needed some Carina time!!

I think my shirt looks like sherbert ice cream.

Once down to San Diego, Carina sent me onto Coranado Island... accessible by bridge... and BEAUTIFUL!

On Sunday I got to drive one of the roommates to work and then Carina took Lindsay and I on a drive around San Diego!

Airplane...

The End

Rodeo Drive, baby

2007-03-05T08:59:00.001-08:00

Thursday I went to visit a client in West LA... and my google map directions took me right past...

Does anyone know what movie my Title Quote is from??

In-n-Out

2007-03-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Yummie

Adventures in Malibu

2007-02-17T14:36:00.002-08:00

This is Marley -

And Georgie...

I LOVE DOGS!!

Yeeaaaaahhhh!!

Josh and I got in the car Sunday morning and just started driving. We ended up in Malibu at about 11am... ate lunch at a spot called The Neptune (lots of Harleys!) and got back in the car to head north.

We then came upon a large (200 ft.) sand dune of sorts on the side of Pacific Coast Hwy... and we OF COURSE decided to climb it too! If you look closely, you can see the people trying to get up it - there are also folks on the top right that already made it.

We were then off again... and I got to go into the ocean!

Sushi

2007-02-17T14:36:00.001-08:00

I ate REALLY GOOD sushi on Saturday night!

(and Saki)

This is my new friend Josh - I realize it will be confusing... but he's pretty cool.

Up next... Adventures in Malibu...!!

Hmm... I think I'll get a convertable

2007-02-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

The view from my hotel room:If you look closely, you can see LA past the Pasadena City Hall:
(it's just to the left of the rotunda)

I am in Pasadena for two weeks, so I decided to get a convertible!

For the weekend, I am hanging out with Josh and enjoying the 85 degree weather... such a hard life.

I love it!

Carina comes to Pasadena!

2007-02-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

This was the view from my hotel room at the Westin in Pasadena. BEAUTIFUL!!

I had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Carina in Pasadena last week!

The parking meters in Pasadena take nickels and dimes, so Carina got to empty out her change purse. Woo Hoo!

It was really fun to have a buddy for a few hours!

After a short week, I headed back to Seattle on Wednesday night to work in that office the rest of the week.

Pasadena

2007-02-05T10:08:00.001-08:00

Well... I've been in Pasadena since 12/26... and I'm loving my adventure. The sights, the people, my hotel bed. I love it!

This gentleman (about 85 years old) came into the bar at the Sheraton every night at 6pm with his dog. Yeeaaahhhh. He had one drink and left to go home. On this day, he looked at me as he was leaving and told me that I was a beautiful girl. Oh!

I have enjoyed my time exploring Old Pasadena...

I also went last week to Hollywood! I was sick a couple of days last week, and on my way to the doctor's, I left early and swung thru Hollywood. Pretty cool!!

I didn't get a chance to actually EAT here.. but it looks interesting!

I drove down Sunset and back on Hollywood Blvd. - right by the Kodak Theatre and the Jimmy Kimmel Live Theatre.

Catalina continued...

2007-02-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

Golf Carts everywhere!

Truck Carts

Tow Carts

Convertible Carts!

Electric Carts

Gas Carts (kinda smelly)

Van Carts.

You name it - they had it.

There are only 800 vehicles allowed on the island at any time... so there is a 15 - 20 year wait list to get your car on the island. WOW. That's why everyone has a cart!

On Saturday I went on a two hour tour of the island by way of a 1952 FlexBus. Probably one of the coolest things I've ever done on vacation!

It was so great to be able to see another part of the island... and the driver - Richardo Ferrari (yes, that's really his name) was pretty funny.

I really enjoyed my vacation on the island... there were good people and such beautiful views!

The beach was beautiful - super sandy (is that the right description??) and clear, clear water.

I even went on a semi-submarine for an underwater tour!

Trip to Santa Catalina Island for the weekend?!

2007-01-31T18:05:00.001-08:00

By Wednesday I had decided that I wanted to take a trip to Catalina Island for the weekend.

Wow - I have the coolest job ever.

I rented a small cottage (1 bdrm house) two blocks from the ocean:

I will post more shortly (as we're only at day one... and we're currently up to the "Pre-Blog" of being on Catalina... but I am tired of blogging... and it won't save more than this at a time.) I will write an update in a day or so.

Love you!

Santa Monica 1/15/07

2007-01-31T18:05:00.000-08:00

This is where I spend most of my time:I got into Pasadena on Sunday 1/14 and decided to have an adventurous two weeks. It started on Tuesday with a trip to the doctor in... Santa Monica!

Not only did I book a doctor's appointment ONLINE (very cool) - but I got to go to Santa Monica and walk on the pier!

It was a wonderful evening with beautiful sights:

good food, good people... and a Lakers game!

Update (Pre-Blogging)

2007-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Forward:
I didn't bring the attachment for my camera, so the pictures will have to wait

I flew into LA on 1/14 and have been working in Pasadena again this week. I am really enjoying my work, and with any new position, I'm figuring out day to day how to do it better. I have gone on many adventures this past week, including the decision to stay in So Cal thru the weekend to be able to experience a little more than usual.

I went to Santa Monica on Monday, arriving at sunset, and was able to walk down and around the pier. I had dinner on the 3rd Street Promanade and met four Austrailian Security men while watching the LA Laker game.

By Wednesday I was figuring out what to do over the weekend, and by going online I found Catalina Island. More on this in a moment.

Thursday was Blues at Red White and Bluezz and I met a writer for Associated Press and a movie producer (I think he said Splash, 25th Hour, and Toy Story).

Friday I left work at 2pm and drove an hour south to San Pedro. I caught the Catalina Express (kind of like the Victoria Clipper) and boated 26 miles to Catalina Island where I had found a house to rent 2 blocks from the beach.

It's now Saturday morning at 1052am... I'm sitting on the front porch of my house, I just ate my eggs on toast and I'm drinking my coffee. The town I'm in is called Avalon, and it's the more populated of the two towns on the island. Everyone here owns a golf cart to get around, not a car... and it's pretty funny to see the different kinds of golf carts... there are even some golf trucks.

I'm going to take a 2 hour tour of the island today up to the airport. It's a very mountainous island, there are wild buffalo, and lots of birds I've never seen before. Today is cloudy and about 55 degrees, but it's SO beautiful.

I could see all of the stars last night, and I honestly felt when I got off the boat that I had found where I was supposed to be.

Here are a few links for a sneak peek:

www.catalina.com
www.catalinaexpress.com
http://www.beachrealtyoncatalina.com/rental_detail.asp?property_id=57

Love you all,

Sarah
I have (and will) take many many pictures...

Pasadena 1/7 - 1/11

2007-01-07T10:58:00.003-08:00

Alright... to get caught up. As of this moment, my understanding is that I'm in the LA area thru January, so on Sunday 1/7 I flew back. This time to switch things up, I flew into LAX, rented a car thru Thrifty (it was okay..) but I got a really cool car!!

I stayed a mile away from my office in Pasadena, which was o-so conveinent... and this is the view from my hotel room:

I went out on Wednesday after work... and this was the sunset:

My drive between Ontario and Pasadena is on the...

And with no travel (flight) drama on this trip, I was back on the road Thursday night to LAX, where I actually caught an early flight home!

This is a view of downtown LA in my review mirror:

I'll post more in a few weeks because... I'm staying down in California 1/14 - 1/26. Pretty fun... who knows what trouble I'll get myself into when I have daylight to do stuff :)

Love you guys...

Sarah

Pasadena continued 1/4 - 1/6

2007-01-07T10:58:00.002-08:00

So... I was in "Old Pasadena" on Thursday night at Red, White and Bluezz to check out some blues. It was a fantastic evening with great music and good people... and the "ambiance" was great :)

I left there and headed back to my hotel downtown...

I got up Friday morning with the assumption that I was going home that evening... but the wind had a different story to tell.

I got to the airport and once I got out of the shuttle bus from the rental car lot... I literally could lean into the 75 mph wind and not fall over.

All of the flights out of the LA area (LAX included!) were cancelled and rebooked for the next day.

So... I took a few pictures :)

Once I got to my hotel for the night... what was there to do, but take a night windy swim in the hotel pool.

It was great. The sky was clear and no one was there but me... and four Mormon boys that sold security systems (?!)

I finally got home on Saturday morning to the wonderful smile of Marissa Ferris.

The "Ultimate Reiman Mover" moves Reimans from apartment to apartment, and also from the airport to home. Amazing. Truely.

I slept at home for a night, and was back at the airport Sunday at 4pm back to Pasadena... this time, I went thru LAX. ADVENTURE!!