During my stay in California over the holiday weekend, I saw plenty of drought warning signs. My hippie parents raised me conserve resources, recycle, reuse, and just be mindful. Since I've moved to Washington, I've been slacking! I make sure not to run the water when washing dishes by hand, try to run the dishwasher only when it is as full as possible, and "let it mellow" when it is convenient (and I remember). I also try to shut the lights off when we're not using them, and I hang dry most of my clothes so I can spare the Earth some dryer power.
But I know I can be doing more. On cold days, it's especially hard to turn the shower off and not let the hot water run. The steaming water feels so good! And sometimes, when I brush my teeth, I must admit that I do leave the water running longer than I need to. Same with washing hands. The drought warnings in California reminded me that the problem is real, and it's just the motivation I needed to get back on track. I'm going to stop running water while I fiddle with getting shampoo/dish soap/toothpaste, and I'm going to let my yellow mellow more often.
So here's the plan, and I guess it’s kind of like a late resolution for the new year. Assuming that Matt wastes water at a consistent rate, I can track my progress by comparing this billing cycle (it just started, conveniently) with the last one and the one before. As a baseline, our first bill was for 2,680 gallons. If I could cut down our usage by 1/4 and save 670 gallons, that would be a fantastic start. Hopefully I can make a huge difference and it will motivate Matt to conserve water too! He's already stopped running the water while hand washing dishes, and it only took a little bit of nagging. =)
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Valentine's Day at the happiest place on Earth!
On Thursday evening, Matt and I flew to L.A. and went straight to Anaheim for the night. We got in near midnight, and barely had enough time to swing by the Anaheim In-N-Out burger. But, I made sure that we made it. =)
Our Valentine's Day Friday began with lunch at Healthy Junk -- the best vegan food I've EVER had. I inhaled the Portobello burger, the fish tacos were amazing, and even the fries were so good. The freshly-squeezed juice blends were the icing on the cake. The weather was gorgeous and we sat in the open air of the small plaza, watching Anaheim people go about their lunch breaks. It was the calm before the storm.. and by storm, I mean Disneyland. So we headed to the happiest place on Earth immediately after eating, and as we entered the parking lot there were tons of empty levels. We thought we'd hit the jackpot! Sadly, upon seeing the park entrance later, we realized that they must've just opened our lot as an overflow.. because there were crowds as far as the eye could see. You know you're getting "too old" for Disneyland, when waiting 90 minutes for a ride doesn't seem worth it. We really did enjoy walking around Cars Land, seeing the Iron Man room, shopping, eating turkey legs (yeah!!!!), and of course taking pictures! Our best picture was in front of a waterfall, when Matt made the photographer feel awkward and we couldn't stop laughing. Oh, memories!
Saturday started off with a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels which was overwhelming, majestic, and very impressive. The bride and groom looked so happy, and the officiant made a few jokes to keep the service entertaining. We had a short break before we reconvened at Palladio's for the reception. There was so much food! The program was so efficiently executed; I was thinking that's how all weddings should be! They started on time, transitioned to the next segments promptly, and everyone had a great time. I don't even know the couple and I cried during the slideshow -- moments from family and friends were so touching!
After checking out of our hotel on Sunday, we were quite tired and found ourselves at In-N-Out again.. this time in Glendale. We wandered around the shopping areas and visited Vape Theory nearby because we hadn't planned anything else out for the day. We got some super cute Superdry jackets and macarons! For early dinner, we had Hakata ramen at Shin-Sen-Gumi in Little Tokyo. I personally like the wavy noodles better, but Matt found out this trip that he likes the straight noodles better! Regardless of the noodles, the broth was fantastic. This meal provided redemption and more for our visit to Kanpai Ramen Friday night (it was so bad neither of us finished our food.. and Matt usually eats everything). After a satisfying warm meal on a cool L.A. evening, we drove up to the Griffith Observatory for the sunset. We had a pretty good time checking out the houses in the area, but we didn't make it all the way up the hill because of the traffic. Maybe next time?
Aside from our return flight getting delayed an hour, the trip was delightful. I was slightly concerned before we left, this being our first lone couple trip, because our relationship began with us already living together and in the back of my mind I'm still somewhat afraid that we'll get sick of each other one day. Or, rather, that he'll get sick of me. I mean.. I can barely stand myself so I can't expect anyone else to, right? LOL. It must be love.
Our Valentine's Day Friday began with lunch at Healthy Junk -- the best vegan food I've EVER had. I inhaled the Portobello burger, the fish tacos were amazing, and even the fries were so good. The freshly-squeezed juice blends were the icing on the cake. The weather was gorgeous and we sat in the open air of the small plaza, watching Anaheim people go about their lunch breaks. It was the calm before the storm.. and by storm, I mean Disneyland. So we headed to the happiest place on Earth immediately after eating, and as we entered the parking lot there were tons of empty levels. We thought we'd hit the jackpot! Sadly, upon seeing the park entrance later, we realized that they must've just opened our lot as an overflow.. because there were crowds as far as the eye could see. You know you're getting "too old" for Disneyland, when waiting 90 minutes for a ride doesn't seem worth it. We really did enjoy walking around Cars Land, seeing the Iron Man room, shopping, eating turkey legs (yeah!!!!), and of course taking pictures! Our best picture was in front of a waterfall, when Matt made the photographer feel awkward and we couldn't stop laughing. Oh, memories!
Saturday started off with a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels which was overwhelming, majestic, and very impressive. The bride and groom looked so happy, and the officiant made a few jokes to keep the service entertaining. We had a short break before we reconvened at Palladio's for the reception. There was so much food! The program was so efficiently executed; I was thinking that's how all weddings should be! They started on time, transitioned to the next segments promptly, and everyone had a great time. I don't even know the couple and I cried during the slideshow -- moments from family and friends were so touching!
After checking out of our hotel on Sunday, we were quite tired and found ourselves at In-N-Out again.. this time in Glendale. We wandered around the shopping areas and visited Vape Theory nearby because we hadn't planned anything else out for the day. We got some super cute Superdry jackets and macarons! For early dinner, we had Hakata ramen at Shin-Sen-Gumi in Little Tokyo. I personally like the wavy noodles better, but Matt found out this trip that he likes the straight noodles better! Regardless of the noodles, the broth was fantastic. This meal provided redemption and more for our visit to Kanpai Ramen Friday night (it was so bad neither of us finished our food.. and Matt usually eats everything). After a satisfying warm meal on a cool L.A. evening, we drove up to the Griffith Observatory for the sunset. We had a pretty good time checking out the houses in the area, but we didn't make it all the way up the hill because of the traffic. Maybe next time?
Aside from our return flight getting delayed an hour, the trip was delightful. I was slightly concerned before we left, this being our first lone couple trip, because our relationship began with us already living together and in the back of my mind I'm still somewhat afraid that we'll get sick of each other one day. Or, rather, that he'll get sick of me. I mean.. I can barely stand myself so I can't expect anyone else to, right? LOL. It must be love.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Seahawks, Superbowl, Supersonics, and the Olympics
Growing up, I remember watching Sunday night football with my dad. Or, rather, I remember trying to watch football with my dad but falling asleep to the games. I also remember when he took me to a 49ers game at Candlestick Park. It was cold, and it was against the Rams. I know for sure, because it was one of the few other teams that I could actually name. My dad was a 49ers fan, and I thought I was too. And then I moved to Seattle.
So aside from fond memories of spending time with my dad while he watched football, I never invested all that much thought in the game. I wasn't passionate about it, but if I was to choose a team I would certainly and naturally choose the 49ers. Through my first year in Seattle, surrounded by Seahawks fans, I had the opportunity to attend games and tailgate with friends. I had a BLAST! And over time, with each game I attended, I started to amass gifts of Seahawks paraphernalia that I accepted and honestly like. The colors are so pretty! Matt even bought me a Seahawks jersey at one of the games, and I never even had a 49ers jersey -- until he gave me one of those this past Christmas, of course. Up until this year, I was able to live in limbo and cheer for both teams. I was able to wear whatever jersey I wanted, so actually I would wear my Seahawks jersey when the Seahawks played (unless of course they were playing the 49ers). That's the way I liked it.
Then this huge NFC rivalry reared its ugly head. And I had to choose, so I chose to be a 49ers fan. Because even though I live in Seattle now, San Francisco is still home to me. It's where my family is and it's the city I'd choose if I could only pick one. But that's not what football is about, right? Football is about liking certain players and how they fit into their teams, and following the team you feel closest to or are drawn to. This season, because of fantasy football, I really started to understand and enjoy football as a game. I really liked the Seahawks as a team, and I do still really enjoy watching them play. But then there are people like Sean, who on multiple occasions told me I should "wear my own colors" so I felt like I wasn't allowed to be a Seahawks fan. The pain is real.
And so of course, after I decide I am a 49ers fan and want the Seahawks to lose... they beat the 49ers in the NFC championship, and then go on to win the Superbowl. And lucky me, living downtown and dating a serious Seahawks fan, I got to live through all of the celebration. And of course on Superbowl Sunday, Sean is yelling "F* the niners" at me. I'm kind of growing a thicker skin though, I don't get upset anymore. All of the screaming, and yelling, and bliss that Seahawks fans felt - yup I was amidst it all. I'm happy that my friends are happy, I suppose. I think identifying with two rival cities makes it too complicated for me. I walked up to the celebration parade this week during my lunch by myself, and I didn't wear my Seahawks jersey. Because even though Matt tells me to wear it, it feels wrong now. Seeing signs outside of businesses that say 49ers fans are not welcome... makes me angry. There were times leading up to the NFC championship game where I genuinely hated the unwelcoming Seattle fans and their "jokes". It was nice to experience a championship parade though, since I missed the San Francisco parades when they happened. I'm really relieved the football season is over, anyhow.
On a brighter note, I met an NBA player at work today! He was shockingly tall, and super nice. I mean, I know they have to be nice at PR events, but he was genuinely kind and personable. Awesome. I also got to watch the Sochi Olympic opening ceremony this evening. The Tweets surfacing over the past few days about how horrid Sochi hotel rooms and media accommodations had me laughing forever; I think my favorite picture is the bee in the honey packet. WHAT IN THE WORLD!? The opening ceremony was nice though, very ravey + Cirque Du Soleil. I really liked their EDM DJ! And I'm suuuuuper excited for some Olympic hockey in the days to come. U,S,A! U,S,A!
So aside from fond memories of spending time with my dad while he watched football, I never invested all that much thought in the game. I wasn't passionate about it, but if I was to choose a team I would certainly and naturally choose the 49ers. Through my first year in Seattle, surrounded by Seahawks fans, I had the opportunity to attend games and tailgate with friends. I had a BLAST! And over time, with each game I attended, I started to amass gifts of Seahawks paraphernalia that I accepted and honestly like. The colors are so pretty! Matt even bought me a Seahawks jersey at one of the games, and I never even had a 49ers jersey -- until he gave me one of those this past Christmas, of course. Up until this year, I was able to live in limbo and cheer for both teams. I was able to wear whatever jersey I wanted, so actually I would wear my Seahawks jersey when the Seahawks played (unless of course they were playing the 49ers). That's the way I liked it.
Then this huge NFC rivalry reared its ugly head. And I had to choose, so I chose to be a 49ers fan. Because even though I live in Seattle now, San Francisco is still home to me. It's where my family is and it's the city I'd choose if I could only pick one. But that's not what football is about, right? Football is about liking certain players and how they fit into their teams, and following the team you feel closest to or are drawn to. This season, because of fantasy football, I really started to understand and enjoy football as a game. I really liked the Seahawks as a team, and I do still really enjoy watching them play. But then there are people like Sean, who on multiple occasions told me I should "wear my own colors" so I felt like I wasn't allowed to be a Seahawks fan. The pain is real.
And so of course, after I decide I am a 49ers fan and want the Seahawks to lose... they beat the 49ers in the NFC championship, and then go on to win the Superbowl. And lucky me, living downtown and dating a serious Seahawks fan, I got to live through all of the celebration. And of course on Superbowl Sunday, Sean is yelling "F* the niners" at me. I'm kind of growing a thicker skin though, I don't get upset anymore. All of the screaming, and yelling, and bliss that Seahawks fans felt - yup I was amidst it all. I'm happy that my friends are happy, I suppose. I think identifying with two rival cities makes it too complicated for me. I walked up to the celebration parade this week during my lunch by myself, and I didn't wear my Seahawks jersey. Because even though Matt tells me to wear it, it feels wrong now. Seeing signs outside of businesses that say 49ers fans are not welcome... makes me angry. There were times leading up to the NFC championship game where I genuinely hated the unwelcoming Seattle fans and their "jokes". It was nice to experience a championship parade though, since I missed the San Francisco parades when they happened. I'm really relieved the football season is over, anyhow.
On a brighter note, I met an NBA player at work today! He was shockingly tall, and super nice. I mean, I know they have to be nice at PR events, but he was genuinely kind and personable. Awesome. I also got to watch the Sochi Olympic opening ceremony this evening. The Tweets surfacing over the past few days about how horrid Sochi hotel rooms and media accommodations had me laughing forever; I think my favorite picture is the bee in the honey packet. WHAT IN THE WORLD!? The opening ceremony was nice though, very ravey + Cirque Du Soleil. I really liked their EDM DJ! And I'm suuuuuper excited for some Olympic hockey in the days to come. U,S,A! U,S,A!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
gadgets & gizmos aplenty
Loving the new neighborhood, new apartment, new adorable doggie neighbors, and most importantly my new gadgets! We got a small Eureka Quick-up stick vac and a big Bissell PowerForce Helix -- I've missed vacuuming so much! And I also got the Nespresso Pixie that I use on days when I work from home, and on weekends. Definitely loving the electric kettle that my brother gave me for Christmas, and I've been getting LOTS of use out of the fruit-infusing water bottle that Matt's sister got me! I have yet to use the electric wine opener, but I will soon. Maybe this weekend!
I've also been playing Just Dance 2014 at least 3x a week... I think it's keeping me more engaged than Dance Central used to. It's odd because Dance Central had so many more songs that I liked, but Just Dance is more fun to dance and sing to.
The Leaf HD receiver has been working well for us, and we're surviving just fine without cable (I knew we would). We've been watching lots of streamed TV shows and movies, and there's still plenty for us to catch up on. The Pure Komachi knife set has been nothing short of amazing, and it makes cooking fun! I've even been wearing my Fuelband regularly now.
We fell in love with a reclining couch at Macy's but decided that our couch is still fine (especially since I washed all of the covers after we moved). Maybe during our next lease we can get a new one; it's also probably not a good idea to get a new couch if we're thinking about getting a dog. In the meantime, I've been looking at food processors.. but they're so expensive. I'm really hesitant! I do, however, definitely need a new set of ceramic pots. That's next on the list. The never-ending list!
I've also been playing Just Dance 2014 at least 3x a week... I think it's keeping me more engaged than Dance Central used to. It's odd because Dance Central had so many more songs that I liked, but Just Dance is more fun to dance and sing to.
The Leaf HD receiver has been working well for us, and we're surviving just fine without cable (I knew we would). We've been watching lots of streamed TV shows and movies, and there's still plenty for us to catch up on. The Pure Komachi knife set has been nothing short of amazing, and it makes cooking fun! I've even been wearing my Fuelband regularly now.
We fell in love with a reclining couch at Macy's but decided that our couch is still fine (especially since I washed all of the covers after we moved). Maybe during our next lease we can get a new one; it's also probably not a good idea to get a new couch if we're thinking about getting a dog. In the meantime, I've been looking at food processors.. but they're so expensive. I'm really hesitant! I do, however, definitely need a new set of ceramic pots. That's next on the list. The never-ending list!
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