planetdanika

I always find it hard to come back to work after several days off. Add to that, the fact that we had guests visiting and my routine was definitely off balance for a few days. I ate tons, slept late, spent a day at the spa, and had numerous social outings with friends. In short, it was a great long weekend and the return to reality on Monday morning was a bit harsh. My boss said that she couldn’t wait to return to work as she was so bored at home. The long weekend was just too long for her. I’m sorry, I just can’t relate to that sentiment. Bored? Couldn’t wait to return to work? Rest assured, you will not hear those statements out of my mouth anytime soon!

One of many highlights of the weekend was a crisp, snowy hike up local Mt. Si. It’s 8 miles round trip and a relentless climb- 3100 feet of elevation gain. I hiked briskly up and ran down. There was snow, ice and blue sky at the top, though we were not rewarded with much of a view. Some low-lying clouds swirled around the summit and obscured most of the valley below.

Nonetheless, it was a fabulous outing. It never ceases to amaze me how crowded this trail is! G took some great photos and put them on our website: Mt Si pics Although we began the hike together (with Paul), I left them behind early on. At the end, G asked “Did you see the light coming through the trees on the way down? Wasn’t it amazing?” “No,” I replied, “I didn’t slow down long enough to look. Fortunately, I brought my husband along to take pictures of it.”

Yesterday was a great success. We picked up our friends Cindy and Paul from the airport before heading to dinner. The food and company were great and we lingered long at the table. I made a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie for the meal. The highest compliment I got was from a Southerner (Paul) who said it was the best pecan pie he’d ever had. Upon tasting it, he proclaimed, “I’m a beleiver!”

Several days later and the fog persists in our neighborhood. The other night G and I were driving home from dinner. We were on the main street (15th Ave NW) before the turnoff to our house. The fog made everything look so different that I truly wasnt sure I was on the right road for a minute. It was a very other-worldly night.

Two more days until Thanksgiving. I have a major case of holiday-itis at work. Just cannot get myself to focus on anything. I must say that I am very relieved NOT to be travelling this holiday. Well be having dinner at a friends house in nearby Fremont. The last time we went to Thanksgiving at her house, I was the only American (of about a dozen guests). That was an interesting experience!

My family has this great Thanksgiving tradition whereby we make lists of the things were thankful for. The list CANNOT include the easy answers, like friends, family, job or health. The lists have been circulated on e mail the past few years as we have not been together on Thanksgiving, and theyve expanded to include quite a lot of people outside of our family. Check out the message board for our lists.

My list for 2005:

Thoughtful Houseguests (note: I am ALSO grateful when they leave!)
Rainy days
Trail running
People who leave notes when they hit your car
Public works of art
Wireless internet
People who dont take themselves too seriously
Comp time
Peppermint mochas
Having friends/family who are good cooks (and invite you over to dinner)
Friends who live within walking distance
Hassle-free travel
ATMs that dont have a surcharge
People who take chances
Space heaters and other things that keep me warm (slippers, gloves, heated seats)
Having a cleaning person
Evergreen trees and moss
Local, independent businesses
Organic produce
The Farmers Market in my neighborhood
Foods: Essential Bakerys rosemary bread, Peanut butter and chocolate, squash, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, good blue cheese (Roquefort, Cabrales)

Meals: Rain City Grill in Vancouver, BC; Tamarind Tree in Seattle, WA
Books: Im struggling with this one. Havent had a lot of luck with books this year. “The Book of Illusions” by Paul Auster. Tales of the Otori trilogyby Lian Hearn.
Movies: I need to look at Gs log of all the movies weve seen because I cant think of anything! Recently saw Closer and liked it a lot.
Music: The Decembrists, Damien Rice, Death Cab for Cutie

And please feel free to post you own list! The more, the merrier!