Weather: it hasn’t really change in over a month - dark, off and on drizzle, cold
Attendance: Mandy, Wendy, Robin, Jerry, Ann, Steve and introducing Ann’s friend Erin
Drinks Consumed: Mandy, Wendy and Steve went for the Mac and Jacks, Robin and Ann went for the Vodka/tonics, Erin is a Greyhound girl and Jerry went for the bourbon and club
Christmas wrap-up: Wendy made it in and out of Vancouver in record time, leaving Seattle late afternoon on the 24th and returning the night of the 26th. The best detail was about her sister-in-law who said she gave up housecleaning a couple of months ago much to Wendy’s horror.
Mandy was in Olympia. She found it quite interesting that the family decided it was time to bring her older sister’s new furniture back to Seattle Christmas Eve night and get her apartment looking great instead of having the dinner Mandy made. “Just pack it up. We’ll eat it in Seattle.”
Ann and Steve went away together to Winthrop and cross country skied - family free.
Robin and Jerry unexpectedly had Christmas Eve at Sean’s parent’s house. We were just going for a drink (since I had made a dinner) but ended up staying – that family is extremely entertaining as you can imagine. Robin and I ate the Christmas Eve dinner Christmas night.
Baby update: no baby for Sean and Matt yet. The next try is in January.
A double surprise: both Wendy and Mandy and Robin and Jerry ended up at performance of the musical Jersey Boys when friends (Wendy’s aunt and uncle, Sean’s parents) had extra tickets.
New recruit: Steve may soon be sailing on Wendy’s boat as he has always wanted to race boats and his question: “Does your boat need a fat stoner?” was answers with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Special Edition: Rudolf and Egg Nog Party
(Sorry. I’m about a week behind. There’s nothing that gets you off track like having 2 weeks with nothing to do.)
Last Wedneday we held the 5th annual Rudolf and Egg Nog party. Remeber that one? We kept alive the idea of exchanging books (after a game to see who picks first) started last year.
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Karina, Robin, Jerry
Menu: Big pot of beef stew, salad with satsumas and cheese, homemade biscotti and egg nog from scratch – both a la Robin
The agenda: We started with a number of cocktails, moved to the beef stew and some wine, watched Rudolf on my tiny TV while drinking the amazing egg nog and eating biscotti, and finally played the movie DVD game from 2 New Year’s ago to determine who would get to pick first in our book exchange. Mandy won the game.
Conversation: mostly around our Christmas plans and hopes for our 2 weeks off. Karina told us her sisters were beginning to think about moving out on their own. If they do Karina wants to move closer to downtown/Capitol Hill from her exile way, way up in the 90s and Roosevelt!
It was a very fun time, though we sadly noted your absence a number of times.
Last Wedneday we held the 5th annual Rudolf and Egg Nog party. Remeber that one? We kept alive the idea of exchanging books (after a game to see who picks first) started last year.
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Karina, Robin, Jerry
Menu: Big pot of beef stew, salad with satsumas and cheese, homemade biscotti and egg nog from scratch – both a la Robin
The agenda: We started with a number of cocktails, moved to the beef stew and some wine, watched Rudolf on my tiny TV while drinking the amazing egg nog and eating biscotti, and finally played the movie DVD game from 2 New Year’s ago to determine who would get to pick first in our book exchange. Mandy won the game.
Conversation: mostly around our Christmas plans and hopes for our 2 weeks off. Karina told us her sisters were beginning to think about moving out on their own. If they do Karina wants to move closer to downtown/Capitol Hill from her exile way, way up in the 90s and Roosevelt!
It was a very fun time, though we sadly noted your absence a number of times.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Happy Anniversary
Wendy and I decided this week’s Capitol Club was our 7th anniversary of boozy Friday nights! To celebrate we all got fancy drinks and finally started working on the list of everyone who has every come through our table at the Capitol Club. Your job is to fill in names we have forgotten.
Weather: dark, cold, damp, miserable – i.e. December in Seattle
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Robin, Jerry
Drinks: Wendy had a Casaba (how do you spell that), Mandy had 2 Margaritas, Jerry started with a much needed coffee and then Robin and Jerry switched to Manhattans, their original Capitol Club drink 7 years ago.
OK, The List:
The Stars: Wendy, Jerry, Robin, Mandy, Sarah Vanessa
Special Reoccurring Co-Stars: Ann, Bill, Susan, Vanessa (Ann’s friend), Rich (Ann’s friend), Shevaun (these are people who were regulars for a time)
Co-stars: Steve (Ann’s boyfriend), Dan, Cass, Sean, Adam, Kevin (Wendy’s cousin), Karina, the girl we tried to fix-up with Karina, that girl’s friend from Sarah’s work, Monte, Brett, Marlin, Travis, Rebecca (Travis’ boyfriend), Rebecca (Ann’s friend), Terry (Ann’s friend), Merritt, Mindy, Lindy, Lynne, Kelley, Bev, Patri (Sarah’s friend), Amy (Mandy’s friend), Cass’s ex-girlfriend, Bill’s brother, Steve (Jerry’s friend), Steve’s boyfriend.
That’s all we got. Who did we forget?
Gossip: Robin and I were the subject of school gossip this week. It seems our new secretary (new since August) found out the day before our Christmas party that Robin and I were together. First she is whispering about this to Lynne, right in front of Robin, and then she is telling everyone at the Christmas party who didn’t know. I personally was amazed that this tidbit had taken 4 months to reach the new staff (and even more amazingly some people had been in the dark for years). I figured that info came with the tour – this is the staff lounge, the bathroom is down the hall and Robin and Jerry are dating.
Rating: Mandy and Wendy spent some time pondering and rating the attractiveness of various men at their school. Few scored high.
Gossip: On the other hand an IA made it known to Mandy (the Mandy at my school), and went on and on about it, that Robin has got one gorgeous man. Actually that's not gossip, its true.
OK – that’s enough. Now who else is on the list?!
Answers:
Mandy’s roommate was screwy and she now has her own studio near Ballard.
Obama is still a threat – there have been a number of incidents in the past few months exposing how calculating the Clinton campaign is – like taking all sides of an immigration question in a debate and planting questions at a town hall meeting. Also Obama makes a great speech, which is big in the up-close and personal Iowa and NH primaries. But beyond IA and NH Clinton is still pretty far out in front nationally. I don’t want it to seem like she is suddenly not expected to win. She is. It is more that journalist finally see a way that she could possibly lose.
Not a peep from Bloomberg or Gore. And since Iowa is only 3 weeks away Gore is definitely out. Bloomberg wouldn’t be getting in until the other nominations are settled as an independent.
Ron Paul has no poll number but is raising millions and has hinted at being a 3rd party candidate once he loses in the Republican field.
Huckabee is still surging in IA and now also in NH, SC and a bit nationally. That one is still up for grabs. The Republicans do not like any of their candidates. I still say McCain could win the presidency if the Republicans nominate him.
Did I miss anything?
Weather: dark, cold, damp, miserable – i.e. December in Seattle
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Robin, Jerry
Drinks: Wendy had a Casaba (how do you spell that), Mandy had 2 Margaritas, Jerry started with a much needed coffee and then Robin and Jerry switched to Manhattans, their original Capitol Club drink 7 years ago.
OK, The List:
The Stars: Wendy, Jerry, Robin, Mandy, Sarah Vanessa
Special Reoccurring Co-Stars: Ann, Bill, Susan, Vanessa (Ann’s friend), Rich (Ann’s friend), Shevaun (these are people who were regulars for a time)
Co-stars: Steve (Ann’s boyfriend), Dan, Cass, Sean, Adam, Kevin (Wendy’s cousin), Karina, the girl we tried to fix-up with Karina, that girl’s friend from Sarah’s work, Monte, Brett, Marlin, Travis, Rebecca (Travis’ boyfriend), Rebecca (Ann’s friend), Terry (Ann’s friend), Merritt, Mindy, Lindy, Lynne, Kelley, Bev, Patri (Sarah’s friend), Amy (Mandy’s friend), Cass’s ex-girlfriend, Bill’s brother, Steve (Jerry’s friend), Steve’s boyfriend.
That’s all we got. Who did we forget?
Gossip: Robin and I were the subject of school gossip this week. It seems our new secretary (new since August) found out the day before our Christmas party that Robin and I were together. First she is whispering about this to Lynne, right in front of Robin, and then she is telling everyone at the Christmas party who didn’t know. I personally was amazed that this tidbit had taken 4 months to reach the new staff (and even more amazingly some people had been in the dark for years). I figured that info came with the tour – this is the staff lounge, the bathroom is down the hall and Robin and Jerry are dating.
Rating: Mandy and Wendy spent some time pondering and rating the attractiveness of various men at their school. Few scored high.
Gossip: On the other hand an IA made it known to Mandy (the Mandy at my school), and went on and on about it, that Robin has got one gorgeous man. Actually that's not gossip, its true.
OK – that’s enough. Now who else is on the list?!
Answers:
Mandy’s roommate was screwy and she now has her own studio near Ballard.
Obama is still a threat – there have been a number of incidents in the past few months exposing how calculating the Clinton campaign is – like taking all sides of an immigration question in a debate and planting questions at a town hall meeting. Also Obama makes a great speech, which is big in the up-close and personal Iowa and NH primaries. But beyond IA and NH Clinton is still pretty far out in front nationally. I don’t want it to seem like she is suddenly not expected to win. She is. It is more that journalist finally see a way that she could possibly lose.
Not a peep from Bloomberg or Gore. And since Iowa is only 3 weeks away Gore is definitely out. Bloomberg wouldn’t be getting in until the other nominations are settled as an independent.
Ron Paul has no poll number but is raising millions and has hinted at being a 3rd party candidate once he loses in the Republican field.
Huckabee is still surging in IA and now also in NH, SC and a bit nationally. That one is still up for grabs. The Republicans do not like any of their candidates. I still say McCain could win the presidency if the Republicans nominate him.
Did I miss anything?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Political Edition
Robin and I had to go to out staff Christmas party so we missed the Capitol Club this week. We left the Christmas Party at 8 so no one on our staff was drunk enough yet to do anything really ridiculous to tell you about (aside from Lynne grabbing my butt), so instead I will give Sarah a political update.
Policy Issues: I will be like the real press and not really talk about policy issues. The democrats mostly attack Clinton during debates, in particular on a vote to condemn the Iranian Republican Army. They say it is like her vote for the Iraq war. In the Republicans debates they mostly try to out Jesus each other, grandstand on who will round up the most illegal immigrants, and argue over who will blow up Iran first if they were president.
Iowa: This has been the most interesting development. Get this. Mike Huckabee is now in first place in Iowa. I guess the base there just figured out he is a Baptist preacher and have tossed Romney’s Mormon ass to the devil.
Speaking of Romney’s Mormon ass, he gave a religious speech this week a la JFK. But unlike JFK who said his religion was personal and would not interfere with his public policy, Romney basically said I’m just as full of Jesus as all you evangelicals out there, so let's get together and bash all those non-believers who want god out of government.
Also Obama is coming on strong in Iowa and New Hampshire. He is in first place in Iowa now and a close second in New Hampshire. Both Clinton and Edwards are right with him in poll numbers, but Obama feels like he is rising fast.
Oprah: The biggest news this weekend is Oprah campaigned with Obama. It was her first ever candidate endorsement and adds to the recent and sudden excitement about his campaign.
So on both sides the contest suddenly seems totally up for grabs. And despite the move forward by the big states, Iowa and New Hampshire still seem as important as ever.
Thomson is still barely awake.
Rudy is doing well in the big states but there is a worry he won’t seem credible any more if he loses Iowa, NH and SC all in a row.
Joe Biden is doing nothing but often sounds the smartest and most competent during debates.
McCain is by far the most impressive during debates and is the Republican most likely to be able to beat a Democrat as far as I'm concerned. Luckily the Republicans who vote in primaries don’t like him at all.
Any questions?
Policy Issues: I will be like the real press and not really talk about policy issues. The democrats mostly attack Clinton during debates, in particular on a vote to condemn the Iranian Republican Army. They say it is like her vote for the Iraq war. In the Republicans debates they mostly try to out Jesus each other, grandstand on who will round up the most illegal immigrants, and argue over who will blow up Iran first if they were president.
Iowa: This has been the most interesting development. Get this. Mike Huckabee is now in first place in Iowa. I guess the base there just figured out he is a Baptist preacher and have tossed Romney’s Mormon ass to the devil.
Speaking of Romney’s Mormon ass, he gave a religious speech this week a la JFK. But unlike JFK who said his religion was personal and would not interfere with his public policy, Romney basically said I’m just as full of Jesus as all you evangelicals out there, so let's get together and bash all those non-believers who want god out of government.
Also Obama is coming on strong in Iowa and New Hampshire. He is in first place in Iowa now and a close second in New Hampshire. Both Clinton and Edwards are right with him in poll numbers, but Obama feels like he is rising fast.
Oprah: The biggest news this weekend is Oprah campaigned with Obama. It was her first ever candidate endorsement and adds to the recent and sudden excitement about his campaign.
So on both sides the contest suddenly seems totally up for grabs. And despite the move forward by the big states, Iowa and New Hampshire still seem as important as ever.
Thomson is still barely awake.
Rudy is doing well in the big states but there is a worry he won’t seem credible any more if he loses Iowa, NH and SC all in a row.
Joe Biden is doing nothing but often sounds the smartest and most competent during debates.
McCain is by far the most impressive during debates and is the Republican most likely to be able to beat a Democrat as far as I'm concerned. Luckily the Republicans who vote in primaries don’t like him at all.
Any questions?
Monday, December 3, 2007
Drama Old and New - PLUS Special Edition: Wendy's Birthday
* No blog last week. We took off Thanksgiving week.
Weather: It is now totally night time by the time we arrive at 5. We had a week of clear and very cold (by Seattle standards) weather.
Attendance: Mandy, Wendy, Robin, Jerry, Ann, Steve
Drinks: Beer for Mandy, Greyhound for Wendy, Fancy-pants for Robin, 2 bourbons for Jerry, I think 3 vodka tonics of Ann and Steve arrived late and could only get in 1 beer before we left. Robin left early for a women’s dinner. Amber, our favorite giver of drinks, was off last week.
Conversation: A lot of our conversation revolved around Thanksgiving. Our trips – Wendy to Vancouver and the coast and Mandy to the Tacoma area – and some of their family interactions. Robin and Jerry and Ann and Steve had quiet dinners for 2. We discussed our food successes and disasters – poultry cooked wonderfully (Ann’s duck) and not cooked enough (Wendy’s turkey and 1 of Jerry’s 2 Cornish game hens) – and the wonders and pleasures of Cook’s Illustrated.
New Drama: Mandy has a place of her own (a studio between Freemont and Ballard) after living 3 weeks with a wacko in a house with an exploding toilet. Jerry told Mandy not to worry because he moved out of a similarly uncomfortable house situation after less than 2 months. So, what were your shortest/worst living arrangements?
Old Drama: Ann told this amazing story about her dad’s plan (who used to do contract work for the CIA) to get back a really mean girl during her middle school years. The plan involved forgery, slander and sneaking into the school during off hours. Mandy hopes to make use of this story during her MFA program.
Capitol Hill News: The last of the open businesses on the old Bimbo’s Pine Street block shut down last week. The buildings will be torn down in January.
Special Edition: Wendy’s Birthday
We saw each other again on Sunday for Wendy’s 40th. After a bit of a late start Dan (with great help from Mandy) pulled off a great dinner of pork chops, kale, apple sauce and mashed potatoes. We were at this great room at the Shilshole Bay Marina on a windy, windy, rainy, rainy afternoon. We raised a toast to Wendy using yummy Cup Cake Royal cupcakes. It made for a wonderful Sunday.
Best conversation: Wendy’s cousin Kevin told us about getting professional Christmas pictures taken of his hairless cat. Should I sign up Buster?
Weather: It is now totally night time by the time we arrive at 5. We had a week of clear and very cold (by Seattle standards) weather.
Attendance: Mandy, Wendy, Robin, Jerry, Ann, Steve
Drinks: Beer for Mandy, Greyhound for Wendy, Fancy-pants for Robin, 2 bourbons for Jerry, I think 3 vodka tonics of Ann and Steve arrived late and could only get in 1 beer before we left. Robin left early for a women’s dinner. Amber, our favorite giver of drinks, was off last week.
Conversation: A lot of our conversation revolved around Thanksgiving. Our trips – Wendy to Vancouver and the coast and Mandy to the Tacoma area – and some of their family interactions. Robin and Jerry and Ann and Steve had quiet dinners for 2. We discussed our food successes and disasters – poultry cooked wonderfully (Ann’s duck) and not cooked enough (Wendy’s turkey and 1 of Jerry’s 2 Cornish game hens) – and the wonders and pleasures of Cook’s Illustrated.
New Drama: Mandy has a place of her own (a studio between Freemont and Ballard) after living 3 weeks with a wacko in a house with an exploding toilet. Jerry told Mandy not to worry because he moved out of a similarly uncomfortable house situation after less than 2 months. So, what were your shortest/worst living arrangements?
Old Drama: Ann told this amazing story about her dad’s plan (who used to do contract work for the CIA) to get back a really mean girl during her middle school years. The plan involved forgery, slander and sneaking into the school during off hours. Mandy hopes to make use of this story during her MFA program.
Capitol Hill News: The last of the open businesses on the old Bimbo’s Pine Street block shut down last week. The buildings will be torn down in January.
Special Edition: Wendy’s Birthday
We saw each other again on Sunday for Wendy’s 40th. After a bit of a late start Dan (with great help from Mandy) pulled off a great dinner of pork chops, kale, apple sauce and mashed potatoes. We were at this great room at the Shilshole Bay Marina on a windy, windy, rainy, rainy afternoon. We raised a toast to Wendy using yummy Cup Cake Royal cupcakes. It made for a wonderful Sunday.
Best conversation: Wendy’s cousin Kevin told us about getting professional Christmas pictures taken of his hairless cat. Should I sign up Buster?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Special Edition: Robin’s Birthday
Special Edition: Robin’s Birthday
(We skipped the Capitol Club this week and had a party at my place for Robin’s birthday.)
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Ann, Steve, Karina, Chris and Mary, and Robin and Jerry
Menu:
Anti-pasta: slow roasted tomatoes, roast eggplant /red pepper/cumber salad and great cheese and salami – not to mention cocktails chosen from the ‘menu’ of drinks
Pasta – stuffed calamari cooked in tomato sauce with tortellini (this won first prize for most people’s favorite dish)
Meat-Course: top round roast cooked with red wine and vodka with root vegetables, and turnips cooked with an orange honey glaze
Dessert: chocolate/raspberry jam cake from Dilettante, espresso/Sambuka and other after dinner drinks
Drinks Consumed: are you kidding, do you think I could keep track of the drinks these lushes consumed?! Well, I’ll try . . . I made more than one Lemon Drop, South-Side (has gin and mint), Ward Eight (has bourbon and juices), Mojito, Compari cocktail, and bottles of wine
Conversations: Too many to list (plus I was too busy getting the food and drinks out to hear most of it) but we did talk about you two and your adventure and wished you were with us, Karina’s sisters (doing great), lots about books, movies and Twin Peaks (which I just got on DVD).
Not too late: We wrapped up a little before mid-night after about 5 hours of eating, drinking and making merry. (Then I had to kick everyone out because Robin looked way too cute in her new dress. J)
The next morning: We didn’t feel too bad (well Robin and I didn’t, I can’t talk for anyone else’s headache). But every vessels for drinking liquid had been used over the course of the previous evening.
(We skipped the Capitol Club this week and had a party at my place for Robin’s birthday.)
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Ann, Steve, Karina, Chris and Mary, and Robin and Jerry
Menu:
Anti-pasta: slow roasted tomatoes, roast eggplant /red pepper/cumber salad and great cheese and salami – not to mention cocktails chosen from the ‘menu’ of drinks
Pasta – stuffed calamari cooked in tomato sauce with tortellini (this won first prize for most people’s favorite dish)
Meat-Course: top round roast cooked with red wine and vodka with root vegetables, and turnips cooked with an orange honey glaze
Dessert: chocolate/raspberry jam cake from Dilettante, espresso/Sambuka and other after dinner drinks
Drinks Consumed: are you kidding, do you think I could keep track of the drinks these lushes consumed?! Well, I’ll try . . . I made more than one Lemon Drop, South-Side (has gin and mint), Ward Eight (has bourbon and juices), Mojito, Compari cocktail, and bottles of wine
Conversations: Too many to list (plus I was too busy getting the food and drinks out to hear most of it) but we did talk about you two and your adventure and wished you were with us, Karina’s sisters (doing great), lots about books, movies and Twin Peaks (which I just got on DVD).
Not too late: We wrapped up a little before mid-night after about 5 hours of eating, drinking and making merry. (Then I had to kick everyone out because Robin looked way too cute in her new dress. J)
The next morning: We didn’t feel too bad (well Robin and I didn’t, I can’t talk for anyone else’s headache). But every vessels for drinking liquid had been used over the course of the previous evening.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Bits and Pieces
Attendance: Robin, Wendy, Ann, Jerry
Weather: For the first time this new school year it was dark outside when we arrived at the Capitol Club.
Drinks Consumed: Robin and Ann (Vodka Tonics), Wendy (Greyhound), Jerry (Bourbon and sodas)
Political News: I’ll begin with presidential political news for Sarah since she recently asked for an update. The standard line in the media is Hillary is still way ahead, especially nationally. At this point the only early state that is close is the first, Iowa, (which will now go on Jan. 3rd). Obama or Edwards could win Iowa and damage what seems like a likely Clinton nomination. (But of course this time last year Dean seemed very likely to win.) With the Republicans it is still wide open with possible paths for Giuliani, Thompson, Romney and McCain. Rudy has a fairly large lead in national poles but Romney is ahead in Iowa and New Hampshire, which would be a huge boost, and Thompson is narrowly ahead in South Carolina. The big news this week was different right-wing religious nuts supported 3 different Republican candidates in the press – Rudy, Thompson and McCain - showing even the most hard-core Republicans are placing bets all over the place.
Bits of news
Dan update: The sailor who Dan was coaching in the Olympic trials in Newport, RI came in 6th out of 35 sailors – not bad at all.
Same place same time: 2 weeks ago unbeknownst to each other Ann and Wendy both took a weekend away to Lopez Island and pretty much followed each other around for 2 days without knowing it.
School stuff: Grades are due (bad), but it’s a Veteran’s Day 3 day weekend (good)!
No Really: Ann was taking home work, a bag stuffed with documents on the Seattle sewer system. We are not sure what one does with such documents.
Jerry Update: I received my National Board Certification!
Weather: For the first time this new school year it was dark outside when we arrived at the Capitol Club.
Drinks Consumed: Robin and Ann (Vodka Tonics), Wendy (Greyhound), Jerry (Bourbon and sodas)
Political News: I’ll begin with presidential political news for Sarah since she recently asked for an update. The standard line in the media is Hillary is still way ahead, especially nationally. At this point the only early state that is close is the first, Iowa, (which will now go on Jan. 3rd). Obama or Edwards could win Iowa and damage what seems like a likely Clinton nomination. (But of course this time last year Dean seemed very likely to win.) With the Republicans it is still wide open with possible paths for Giuliani, Thompson, Romney and McCain. Rudy has a fairly large lead in national poles but Romney is ahead in Iowa and New Hampshire, which would be a huge boost, and Thompson is narrowly ahead in South Carolina. The big news this week was different right-wing religious nuts supported 3 different Republican candidates in the press – Rudy, Thompson and McCain - showing even the most hard-core Republicans are placing bets all over the place.
Bits of news
Dan update: The sailor who Dan was coaching in the Olympic trials in Newport, RI came in 6th out of 35 sailors – not bad at all.
Same place same time: 2 weeks ago unbeknownst to each other Ann and Wendy both took a weekend away to Lopez Island and pretty much followed each other around for 2 days without knowing it.
School stuff: Grades are due (bad), but it’s a Veteran’s Day 3 day weekend (good)!
No Really: Ann was taking home work, a bag stuffed with documents on the Seattle sewer system. We are not sure what one does with such documents.
Jerry Update: I received my National Board Certification!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
First Friday in November
Members Present: Jerry, Robin, Mandy, Wendy, Ann, Steve
Drinks: The usual (that lovely pink thing that Robin drinks does stand out)
Conversation: Halloween- the "in" thing for the tiny tots are these adorable stuffed-animal suits that really look like you took your favorite stuffy- opened it up and took out all the stuffing, replacing it with your 8 month-old child, and zip them right up! Very cute. Besides that adorableness, Jerry was spotted wearing a cowboy hat and bolo tie! Yes, it's true. The chaps and spurs rumor was, unfortunately, false. However, Robin had a twinkle in her eye when she talked about a possible repeat of that outfit, so who knows what's next??
What's Everyone Up To? Mandy is still working on her MFA, moving into a new place this weekend (a place that actually has a heater and uses it!), and went to visit some friends in Portland this weekend. She is also the new Head Coach of Girls Basketball at Evergreen Junior High! Congratulations to Mandy!
Robin is continuing to update her kitchen and bath. She also, unbelievably enough, is already planning her boys' Christmas presents. What an awesome mom!
Jerry- hmmm, what is he up to? That man needs to talk more. He is planning to cook a very small bird for Thanksgiving dinner- not squab (sp?)
Wendy- I'm loving my new job. I actually have time to think about teaching! Crazy. I am thinking hard about buying a new car. Gas is more and more expensive and we sit longer and longer in traffic so it will likely be a Prius. It just seems like the right thing to do.
Ann and Steve- both have great new jobs. Ann even has lovely business cards with all kinds of contact information! Steve is a little bit worried about possibly having to be on call. I can't say I blame him.
Hey, I have a question, are you managing to get books? I would worry about that and I'm wondering if you've found a way to read.
We are all missing you both. I had that eerie feeling, once again, of looking forward to seeing you right there at the Capitol Club, and then realizing that I wouldn't. So, I went on your blog and looked at your pictures! Thank you for posting those. It's very comforting.
Drinks: The usual (that lovely pink thing that Robin drinks does stand out)
Conversation: Halloween- the "in" thing for the tiny tots are these adorable stuffed-animal suits that really look like you took your favorite stuffy- opened it up and took out all the stuffing, replacing it with your 8 month-old child, and zip them right up! Very cute. Besides that adorableness, Jerry was spotted wearing a cowboy hat and bolo tie! Yes, it's true. The chaps and spurs rumor was, unfortunately, false. However, Robin had a twinkle in her eye when she talked about a possible repeat of that outfit, so who knows what's next??
What's Everyone Up To? Mandy is still working on her MFA, moving into a new place this weekend (a place that actually has a heater and uses it!), and went to visit some friends in Portland this weekend. She is also the new Head Coach of Girls Basketball at Evergreen Junior High! Congratulations to Mandy!
Robin is continuing to update her kitchen and bath. She also, unbelievably enough, is already planning her boys' Christmas presents. What an awesome mom!
Jerry- hmmm, what is he up to? That man needs to talk more. He is planning to cook a very small bird for Thanksgiving dinner- not squab (sp?)
Wendy- I'm loving my new job. I actually have time to think about teaching! Crazy. I am thinking hard about buying a new car. Gas is more and more expensive and we sit longer and longer in traffic so it will likely be a Prius. It just seems like the right thing to do.
Ann and Steve- both have great new jobs. Ann even has lovely business cards with all kinds of contact information! Steve is a little bit worried about possibly having to be on call. I can't say I blame him.
Hey, I have a question, are you managing to get books? I would worry about that and I'm wondering if you've found a way to read.
We are all missing you both. I had that eerie feeling, once again, of looking forward to seeing you right there at the Capitol Club, and then realizing that I wouldn't. So, I went on your blog and looked at your pictures! Thank you for posting those. It's very comforting.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sometime You Need a Bimbo
Attendance: The Fantastic Four (Wendy, Mandy, Robin, Jerry)
Weather: A beautiful, cold, clear late October day.
Drinks Consumed: Well, Mandy and Wendy started with Margaritas at Bimbos BEFORE 5 o’clock and continued with Margarita’s at the Capitol Club, Robin had her fancy drink and Jerry had 2 Salty Dogs thinking the salt and grapefruit juice would be good for a sore throat – damn better than tea and lemon.
Why drinks before 5 o’clock?: Mandy and Wendy were stuck at an all day staff development day away from their building with all the teachers in their Learn Community. Although surprisingly impressed with the early morning speech by our new superintendent, that was over by about 8:30 and they had many, many, many more hours to endure. Wendy had to spend most of the day instructing. Only a Bimbo could make them feel happy again – you know how that goes, right?
Question of the week: What costs $500 an hour? Answer: An insane plumber at Robin’s house giving her a $700 price tag to change her kitchen faucet! Well she bounced him – off the balcony if I’m not mistaken – and luckily had her friend Chris do it in less than a hour on Saturday. The cost? - some cookies.
Send Happy Wishes: Wendy was not at the Capitol Club last week because she and Dan were on one of the islands celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary.
Cool project Sarah would be intereted in: Mandy is having her students go one weekend without cell phones, ipods, lap tops etc. They will then write about their experience. We will keep you updated.
Vanessa, quick, follow this link!: The New York Public Library just received a treasure- trove of Katherine Hepburn’s personal letters. They will be on display by February. (Now you have to eventually come back to The States.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/theater/30kate.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Weather: A beautiful, cold, clear late October day.
Drinks Consumed: Well, Mandy and Wendy started with Margaritas at Bimbos BEFORE 5 o’clock and continued with Margarita’s at the Capitol Club, Robin had her fancy drink and Jerry had 2 Salty Dogs thinking the salt and grapefruit juice would be good for a sore throat – damn better than tea and lemon.
Why drinks before 5 o’clock?: Mandy and Wendy were stuck at an all day staff development day away from their building with all the teachers in their Learn Community. Although surprisingly impressed with the early morning speech by our new superintendent, that was over by about 8:30 and they had many, many, many more hours to endure. Wendy had to spend most of the day instructing. Only a Bimbo could make them feel happy again – you know how that goes, right?
Question of the week: What costs $500 an hour? Answer: An insane plumber at Robin’s house giving her a $700 price tag to change her kitchen faucet! Well she bounced him – off the balcony if I’m not mistaken – and luckily had her friend Chris do it in less than a hour on Saturday. The cost? - some cookies.
Send Happy Wishes: Wendy was not at the Capitol Club last week because she and Dan were on one of the islands celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary.
Cool project Sarah would be intereted in: Mandy is having her students go one weekend without cell phones, ipods, lap tops etc. They will then write about their experience. We will keep you updated.
Vanessa, quick, follow this link!: The New York Public Library just received a treasure- trove of Katherine Hepburn’s personal letters. They will be on display by February. (Now you have to eventually come back to The States.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/theater/30kate.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wouldn't You Want 3 Drinks?
Attendance: Robin, Jerry, Sean
Weather: Oh so bad . . . cold, rain, wind - and this is day five of this crap.
Drinks Consumed: 1 fancy drink for Robin, 2 bourbon and club soda for Jerry, and 3 Jack Daniels on the rocks for Sean.
Why Sean was drinking so much: He may be an expectant father within the month of November. The doctors are drugging his and Matt’s two women and trying to find the perfect time to suck 15 eggs out of one, mix them up with his ‘boys’, and implant the embryos in the other. It may happen in the first week of November. Wouldn’t that make you want three drinks?
Gossip: The surrogate and her husband came to Seattle to visit Sean and Matt last week. Things were going fine until it was announced that their 11 year-old daughter just got her first shot gun for her birthday – it’s pink. Wouldn’t that make you want 3 drinks?
Out of Character: Robin not only had to go to a football game in the pouring rain late Friday night, she had to go down ONTO THE FIELD for senior parent night. Even more surprising, she picked off a pass and ran it in for a touch down. You should have seen the end zone dance!
(I was sending out invitations to Robin's birthday party and very sad not to send one to you.)
Weather: Oh so bad . . . cold, rain, wind - and this is day five of this crap.
Drinks Consumed: 1 fancy drink for Robin, 2 bourbon and club soda for Jerry, and 3 Jack Daniels on the rocks for Sean.
Why Sean was drinking so much: He may be an expectant father within the month of November. The doctors are drugging his and Matt’s two women and trying to find the perfect time to suck 15 eggs out of one, mix them up with his ‘boys’, and implant the embryos in the other. It may happen in the first week of November. Wouldn’t that make you want three drinks?
Gossip: The surrogate and her husband came to Seattle to visit Sean and Matt last week. Things were going fine until it was announced that their 11 year-old daughter just got her first shot gun for her birthday – it’s pink. Wouldn’t that make you want 3 drinks?
Out of Character: Robin not only had to go to a football game in the pouring rain late Friday night, she had to go down ONTO THE FIELD for senior parent night. Even more surprising, she picked off a pass and ran it in for a touch down. You should have seen the end zone dance!
(I was sending out invitations to Robin's birthday party and very sad not to send one to you.)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
"You mean she sucked her teeth at you !?"
Attendance: Mandy, Wendy and Jerry
Weather: Wow, it was sunny and warm enough at 5 to sit out on the deck one more time! By the second drink (Jerry’s of course), we had to move inside.
Drinks Consumed: GandT for Mandy, Greyhound for Wendy, 2 (count 'em) GandTs for Jerry.
Food Consumed: Some good local cow for Wendy.
Bitching: We did a good amount of bitching about bad classes and bad workshops and those perky go-getters/brown-nosers who tisk, tisk you for disagreeing, interjecting reality or daring to point out that you have a life beyond the school day. As Mandy phrased it, someone “sucked their teeth” at Wendy during a training when she brought up a point within the realm of teaching’s reality. (Vanessa must be glad to have missed this teacher bitch session.)
Gossip: Dan’s stint as an Olympic sailing coach (all expenses paid in Newport, RI) is going very well, Mandy’s hilarious friend from her Brooklyn school is coming for the weekend and the hilarious friend’s sister is interviewing for a job in Sequim, Wa. Yes, I said a job in Sequim, WA.
Weather: Wow, it was sunny and warm enough at 5 to sit out on the deck one more time! By the second drink (Jerry’s of course), we had to move inside.
Drinks Consumed: GandT for Mandy, Greyhound for Wendy, 2 (count 'em) GandTs for Jerry.
Food Consumed: Some good local cow for Wendy.
Bitching: We did a good amount of bitching about bad classes and bad workshops and those perky go-getters/brown-nosers who tisk, tisk you for disagreeing, interjecting reality or daring to point out that you have a life beyond the school day. As Mandy phrased it, someone “sucked their teeth” at Wendy during a training when she brought up a point within the realm of teaching’s reality. (Vanessa must be glad to have missed this teacher bitch session.)
Gossip: Dan’s stint as an Olympic sailing coach (all expenses paid in Newport, RI) is going very well, Mandy’s hilarious friend from her Brooklyn school is coming for the weekend and the hilarious friend’s sister is interviewing for a job in Sequim, Wa. Yes, I said a job in Sequim, WA.
Monday, October 8, 2007
"It's OK if they keep their hands down their own pants."
Attendance: Wendy, Mandy, Ann, Robin and Jerry
Weather: Another partly-sunny, cool autumn Friday. Quite nice.
Drinks Consumed: ?? Wendy (what did you have Wendy?), Gin and Tonic for Mandy, 2 Bourbons and Soda for Jerry, Robin and Ann had 1 fancy drink and Ann added a Vodka/Tonic
Notable Topics: kindergarteners with their hands down their pants, kindergarteners with their hands down other kids’ pants, Angelo’s touch-down at last weeks home coming game!, Wendy’s new work (which she likes), how we love musicals (and we compared stage productions and movie versions) and what we would sing if we had to do karaoke.
What We Learned: Wendy likes filling out forms, kindergarteners like having hands down the pants, Ann did karaoke once (but doesn’t quite remember it), Mandy is a gay man trapped in a women’s body and Jerry is a gay man trapped in straight man’s body. (These last 2 revelations are related to our ‘love of musicals’ discussion.)
This Week's Question for S and V: So what song are you doing for karaoke?
Political Note for Sarah: The big news this week is Hillary is now deemed the inevitable nominee. She raised the most 3rd quarter cash, she is ahead in national poles by an ever increasing margin and is ahead in Iowa for the first time. The Dems way out raised the Republicans in cash this quarter. Bush had his lowest pole numbers ever. The Christian Right wacko leaders said they would support a 3rd party if Rudy wins the nominations. Let’s go Rudy!
Weather: Another partly-sunny, cool autumn Friday. Quite nice.
Drinks Consumed: ?? Wendy (what did you have Wendy?), Gin and Tonic for Mandy, 2 Bourbons and Soda for Jerry, Robin and Ann had 1 fancy drink and Ann added a Vodka/Tonic
Notable Topics: kindergarteners with their hands down their pants, kindergarteners with their hands down other kids’ pants, Angelo’s touch-down at last weeks home coming game!, Wendy’s new work (which she likes), how we love musicals (and we compared stage productions and movie versions) and what we would sing if we had to do karaoke.
What We Learned: Wendy likes filling out forms, kindergarteners like having hands down the pants, Ann did karaoke once (but doesn’t quite remember it), Mandy is a gay man trapped in a women’s body and Jerry is a gay man trapped in straight man’s body. (These last 2 revelations are related to our ‘love of musicals’ discussion.)
This Week's Question for S and V: So what song are you doing for karaoke?
Political Note for Sarah: The big news this week is Hillary is now deemed the inevitable nominee. She raised the most 3rd quarter cash, she is ahead in national poles by an ever increasing margin and is ahead in Iowa for the first time. The Dems way out raised the Republicans in cash this quarter. Bush had his lowest pole numbers ever. The Christian Right wacko leaders said they would support a 3rd party if Rudy wins the nominations. Let’s go Rudy!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
So, Where Is Everybody?
Attendance: That would be me. (Jerry)
Weather: Significant in that it was the first day since last April that we (well, I) chose to sit inside rather than on the deck. Much sun but very cool - felt like autumn should.
Drinks consumed: I had a gin and tonic.
Discussion Topics: I talked with our lovely cocktail server about her other job at the Century Ball Room, your time in Peru and imminent departure for Argentina, and she asked: "So, where is everybody?"
Internal Dialogue: "O.K., it's 10 after. I think Mandy is coming and Ann didn't respond but she might stop by. I'll just have my drink and read The Stranger. I knew I should have brought a Stranger. I'll ask Amber if there is a Stranger behind the bar . . . O.K. quarter after, no one here but at least I have a Stranger now, I'll read Savage Love, always entertaining. Is that . . . no, she looks like Ann but no. O.K. now this group at the other table is getting bigger and they are pulling over more tables. Do they want my table? Well, too bad, I'm here reading Dan Savage. I can do that, they can have it when I'm done. Should I go to Bimbo's for dinner. Is that? . . . no. I wonder if Robin's at the football game yet? Maybe I'll see a movie on Sunday. Let's see what's playing. Of course, this is the last week for Silent Movie Mondays! Love that! Is that? . . . no."
Response: In response to Sarah's questions from last week: I chose to be a guest on Sex and the City since every male guest star ends up sleeping with one of those beautiful women. Of course you do risk some sexual or bodily or mental problem being exposed but I'll take that chance. (I forget how the others answered because I spent the rest of the time imagining how I would get Sarah Jessica into bed.) I see you went a different way with the Flipper thing. :-)
And yes The Sound of Music did play on the big screen and I did go - Robin did not. And that was the first time I ever saw it! I had no idea there were Nazis and Nuns in Sound of Music. Sarah I can see why it is your favorite film. I loved it and sang My Favorite Things every day for a week!
Weather: Significant in that it was the first day since last April that we (well, I) chose to sit inside rather than on the deck. Much sun but very cool - felt like autumn should.
Drinks consumed: I had a gin and tonic.
Discussion Topics: I talked with our lovely cocktail server about her other job at the Century Ball Room, your time in Peru and imminent departure for Argentina, and she asked: "So, where is everybody?"
Internal Dialogue: "O.K., it's 10 after. I think Mandy is coming and Ann didn't respond but she might stop by. I'll just have my drink and read The Stranger. I knew I should have brought a Stranger. I'll ask Amber if there is a Stranger behind the bar . . . O.K. quarter after, no one here but at least I have a Stranger now, I'll read Savage Love, always entertaining. Is that . . . no, she looks like Ann but no. O.K. now this group at the other table is getting bigger and they are pulling over more tables. Do they want my table? Well, too bad, I'm here reading Dan Savage. I can do that, they can have it when I'm done. Should I go to Bimbo's for dinner. Is that? . . . no. I wonder if Robin's at the football game yet? Maybe I'll see a movie on Sunday. Let's see what's playing. Of course, this is the last week for Silent Movie Mondays! Love that! Is that? . . . no."
Response: In response to Sarah's questions from last week: I chose to be a guest on Sex and the City since every male guest star ends up sleeping with one of those beautiful women. Of course you do risk some sexual or bodily or mental problem being exposed but I'll take that chance. (I forget how the others answered because I spent the rest of the time imagining how I would get Sarah Jessica into bed.) I see you went a different way with the Flipper thing. :-)
And yes The Sound of Music did play on the big screen and I did go - Robin did not. And that was the first time I ever saw it! I had no idea there were Nazis and Nuns in Sound of Music. Sarah I can see why it is your favorite film. I loved it and sang My Favorite Things every day for a week!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
"You cannot teach kindergarden kids hungover."
A few questions...
It's first period, no one's in the room, you're not teaching, your computer dings. You gaze over at your screen and notice that J-Crew is having unbelievable sales and this company has taken the time to email you (their valued consumer) about these sales. You're one click away from over seventy percent savings. Is it okay to look at the clothing online. Additionally, is it okay to buy clothing via the internet at school?
You get to live in a television show of your choice for one week. The character you choose to come on the show as can be related to teh main characters in anyway you choose. Which show do you pick and what is your character's relation to the main characters of the show?
Weather: Cloudy, unseasonably cool, sunny, rainy, really just a typical seattle weather identity crisis.
Notable Topics: We discussed our spin-off of "The Office", cleverly named, "The Classroom".
Drinks Consumed: Wendy & Jerry, Greyhounds (just a sidenote, Jerry, our little lush, had two); Robin, Carronade (just picture a pink pretty drink); Mandy, G&T.
Sidenotes: Jerry is forlorn, for the hills will be alive with the sound of music this weekend at the Paramount, but his heart cannot fly because Sarah won't be in the country. Robin might go, but we're not convinced.
Gossip: Gossip for this week can be combined with our discussion of "The Classroom" the show that we will write and get rich off of. We've based it off of "The Office" of course, and off of the people we know--which makes it even more fun to discuss. For instance, the woman who let "the girls" peak out at curriculum night had an eager parent volunteer (the parent volunteer had gonads). There would definitely be a character who would bare their breasts on curriculum night--it'd be funny, eh?
We miss you two. Safe travels, friends!
It's first period, no one's in the room, you're not teaching, your computer dings. You gaze over at your screen and notice that J-Crew is having unbelievable sales and this company has taken the time to email you (their valued consumer) about these sales. You're one click away from over seventy percent savings. Is it okay to look at the clothing online. Additionally, is it okay to buy clothing via the internet at school?
You get to live in a television show of your choice for one week. The character you choose to come on the show as can be related to teh main characters in anyway you choose. Which show do you pick and what is your character's relation to the main characters of the show?
Weather: Cloudy, unseasonably cool, sunny, rainy, really just a typical seattle weather identity crisis.
Notable Topics: We discussed our spin-off of "The Office", cleverly named, "The Classroom".
Drinks Consumed: Wendy & Jerry, Greyhounds (just a sidenote, Jerry, our little lush, had two); Robin, Carronade (just picture a pink pretty drink); Mandy, G&T.
Sidenotes: Jerry is forlorn, for the hills will be alive with the sound of music this weekend at the Paramount, but his heart cannot fly because Sarah won't be in the country. Robin might go, but we're not convinced.
Gossip: Gossip for this week can be combined with our discussion of "The Classroom" the show that we will write and get rich off of. We've based it off of "The Office" of course, and off of the people we know--which makes it even more fun to discuss. For instance, the woman who let "the girls" peak out at curriculum night had an eager parent volunteer (the parent volunteer had gonads). There would definitely be a character who would bare their breasts on curriculum night--it'd be funny, eh?
We miss you two. Safe travels, friends!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Picture Day
Weather: Still on the deck.
Attendance: Robin (check her shoes out), Jerry, Wendy, and Mandy
Notable Topics of Discussion: Well, we spoke of nothing but missing you the whole time.
Drinks Consumed: Robin, Vodka & Tonic; Wendy, Greyhound; Jerry, Salty Dog; Mandy, G&T
Laughs: More naked people, this time it wasn’t Shevaun. Apparently there is a nude “beach” in the arboretum—Wendy, Dan, and Mandy saw naked people when kayaking this week. As an addendum to this story, Robin has observed that there are men of all shapes and sizes that spend ten minutes or less on a “walk” in this very park...at around seven am. Drugs? Sex? Senator Craig? Does this sound familiar? In other news, Jerry left his room this morning and returned a few minutes later, finding a very large Tampax box on the floor. It was meant for Evergreen Junior High (at least that's what the address label read), but why was it stashed in his classroom? Oh, the mysteries of feminine hygiene.
Bitching: Parents hassled Robin over pictures today—sixth grade parents. Apparently she brought her students down to pictures on time and these parents anticipated her class would be late. When she was on time, it completely blew their mind and there was confrontation. Robin won.
Gossip: Peter is having an affair with his child’s teacher. She’s a first year teacher—about twenty-two. Just four years older than his first kid, David. He was a little freaked out by the prosthetic leg, but found it to be stimulating—sensually. Who would have though this for Peter?
Jerry's note to Sarah: Surf over to mymediaconsumption.blogspot.com to keep up with the Chaplin films being shown at The Paramount.
Friday, September 7, 2007
You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello.
Weather: Sunny. Definitely deck weather.
Attendance: Wendy, Jerry, Robin, Mandy, Amy (Mandy's friend)
Notable Topics of Discussion: First week(s) of school; a spotting of public-humping in Wenatchee; Chip Kimball, a small-headed, big-bodied superintendent.
Drinks Consumed: Jerry had two G&T; Robin, two tall elegant drinks; Mandy had a Mac & Jack; Wendy, a medicinal greyhound that arrived with Whiskey instead of Vodka...it was cleared up after a sour-face and some sweet-talking; Amy had a mojito (ole!).
Laughs: Well, humping is always a fun topic and especially funny when it hales from a public park in Wenatchee--City Hall to be exact.
Bitching: We bitched a bit--when we couldn't come up with anything that we bitched about, she politely informed us that we, in fact, had. As an outsider, she can see these things. Janitors, school picnics, and superintendents made the list.
Gossip: Shevaun was naked in the desert, how about them apples? Are you picturing Shevaun's apples, because I think we all were. Who doesn't have a crush on Shevauny--but, we've been there before.
We missed your faces. Safe travels, friends!
Attendance: Wendy, Jerry, Robin, Mandy, Amy (Mandy's friend)
Notable Topics of Discussion: First week(s) of school; a spotting of public-humping in Wenatchee; Chip Kimball, a small-headed, big-bodied superintendent.
Drinks Consumed: Jerry had two G&T; Robin, two tall elegant drinks; Mandy had a Mac & Jack; Wendy, a medicinal greyhound that arrived with Whiskey instead of Vodka...it was cleared up after a sour-face and some sweet-talking; Amy had a mojito (ole!).
Laughs: Well, humping is always a fun topic and especially funny when it hales from a public park in Wenatchee--City Hall to be exact.
Bitching: We bitched a bit--when we couldn't come up with anything that we bitched about, she politely informed us that we, in fact, had. As an outsider, she can see these things. Janitors, school picnics, and superintendents made the list.
Gossip: Shevaun was naked in the desert, how about them apples? Are you picturing Shevaun's apples, because I think we all were. Who doesn't have a crush on Shevauny--but, we've been there before.
We missed your faces. Safe travels, friends!
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