Barbecue and Birthday Bonanza

As always, we were very busy with activities over the weekend.  Saturday found Michael and I cruising to Olympia for a barbecue at my boss's house, which included my co-workers.  He grilled carne asada while his wife supplied the pico de gallo, guacamole, spicy salsa, tortillas, rice, and assorted other goodies.  We ate, and ate, and ate before rolling ourselves out to the car and on our way home.  Lots of laughter and relaxation!

Sunday was my man Michael's 49th birthday!  He unwrapped presents Sunday morning, including a holder for his collection of shot glasses (which was hell to find.....I searched over five stores before getting a tip from Diva Lynn that the holder could be found at, of all ironies, Michael's!)  We then made our way to Gresham to make a pit stop at Michael's apartment before hitting Ulta.  Yes, I know it was Michael's birthday but I've had an Ulta gift card from him burning a hole in my pocket since May.  He hung out in the car while I browsed the shop; I ended up purchasing Roberto Cavalli perfume, which scored me a $50 pink travel bag...for free!  I also picked up a new Stila eyeshadow kit - I received a trial size packet of it in my Birchbox, which sold me on the Stila brand.  The shadow stays in place all day long!


Departing Ulta, we filled up the car and gave it a quick $5 wash then made our way to Cascade Station to have late lunch/early dinner at Famous Dave's.  We had eaten their the night before our Phoenix trip and it was finger-licking good.  While the food was still yummy, it wasn't as good as our previous visit.  At the end of my meal, I made a covert visit to the bathroom under the guise of washing my hands.  My true intent was to surprise Michael with a birthday treat.  Our waiter said he'd take care of it then delivered to my 49-year a big bowl of vanilla ice cream with fudge topping.   It was a sweet surprise for my sweetie!

After eating, we made our way over to Michael's old stomping grounds at a community gym, where we met up with a couple of his friends - Big Tim and Big K.  It was nice for me to put a face to the names I hear so much about and yes, they were both big!! 

Wrapping up Portland, we made our way home to Kelso for the rest of our evening.  We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend and he definitely enjoyed his birthday so all in all it was a great success!!!

Happy Birthday Michael!!

Happy Birthday to my Michael today!!! 

TGIF!!!

Play Ball!

As part of a team building event, Monday found me, along with the other leaders from work, leaving work early to head north for a Tacoma Rainier's game.  We expected a shuttle to pick us up; however, we didn't expect the stretch Hummer, which was an event in itself.  Lots of pretty lights, aquarium screens, and a fireplace were all included on the ride. 

Once we got to Cheney Field, we spent the next hour or so performing customer service training.  Unfortunately, the suite in which we were situated was extremely warm....toasty...sweaty....humid.  Not comfortable and the powers that be at the field couldn't fix it.  After the training, we ate a dinner of hot dogs and burgers, which definitely did not meet the expectations of my resort co-workers.  No one is a greater critic of hotels than current employees of a remarkable lodge! 

We were then able to make our way to the dugout and field before the game began, where I snagged tons of pictures of the field, the stands, and the ball players.  In addition, the assistant director of engineering was lucky enough to throw out the first pitch for the game.  To top it off, the prime view of Mt. Rainier was spectacular at the ball park!!

After hanging out and enjoying the game to the third inning, I hitched a ride with a co-worker back to the lodge.  There was simply no way this early morning gal could stay until after 10 for the game to end, resulting in a return home after midnight.

It was another memorable moment in my working history and well worth the Hummer ride!!

Glitterin and Grillin!!

This weekend included Michael and I rising early on Saturday to mow both yards, trim trees, and break out my new edger.  The edger was interesting but I found much more satisfaction in brandishing the large pruning shears as we trimmed trees in the back and front yard.  Step mom Arlene stopped by to say hi which gave us a chance to sit in the shade and chat. 

Following over four hours of yard work, we cleaned up then made our way to the mall so I could get my nails filled.  No time for a pedicure but the owners were nice enough to give me a $5 off coupon for a pedicure next time.  I had my nails painted with Zoya mint green polish from last month's Birch Box delivery; neat color but I wasn't sure it was me.

Following my nails, we met up with Arlene to break bread at El Compadre, Castle Rock's local Mexican joint.  It was a nice end to a very warm and busy day.

Today after breakfast we stopped at Fred Meyer's so I could pick up additional corn on the cob, on sale at 10 for $4.  I picked some up last week, husking and freezing 30 ears.  I picked up another 10 ears today for dinner tonight along with adding to my freezer abundance.

After grocery shopping, we came home and decided to enjoy the great outdoors.  Grabbing two frozen Dally's drinks, I broke out my new Walgreen's reclining lawn chair to sunbathe while Michael relaxed in the shade.  Stubbs of course had to be in the mix; he ran around in the heat so much he was panting to beat the band, so much so he even chowed down on two small pieces of watermelon! 

Following our R&R outside, Michael broke out the grill for ribs.  I put corn on the stove then sat outside to fix my nail polish.  The mint green was just too much; at first I daubed various colors on it then decided to throw in the towel and remove it.  Inspired by the Galaxy Nails at Polish and Pearls, I painted my base nails a shimmery black then patted on top bright yellow, blue, and gray glitter then topped it with glitter-flake.  Very unique and Michael likes it so it's a win-win polish change!!

Here's to a warm and productive weekend!!!

Michael at the grill

TGIF!! It's Friday! It's Friday!

Friday is finally here, although I must say the week flew by pretty quickly.  The boys have delayed their return until Tuesday, so another weekend will belong to me!  The weather forecasted is in the 90's so who could ask for more??  Have an awesome weekend Divas!!!

Bring on the Horns!

On Monday I had to celebrate my return to work by having lunch with my co-workers at Mariachi Allegra, the neighborhood Mexican restaurant.  Spotting a Corona-outfitted trumpet player in the corner, I couldn't resist getting my picture taken!  Nothing makes the day go by faster than having a good laugh, especially at your own expense!!

Oops, should have hidden my hands!