when's the best time to turn over a new leaf?

I'm the type of person who likes to attempt to start new routines at milestones, like at New Year's or on a birthday. I don't know. There's something about picking a meaningful day to start something new that has always appealed to me. You know, like starting to write in a journal, cutting out fast food, going to bed at a descent hour, and (gasp) working out.

Now, for those of you who know me well, starting something new doesn't mean that I ever, with any consistency, keep doing it said new thing. But I'm always hopeful that someday I'll develop that discipline gene.

Well, here I am, at 30. I've got that itch again to start something new again. I'd love to be in shape and feeling like I'm doing something good for my body. Heck, I'd just love to be able to tell my doctor that I'm exercising regularly, and not be lying. I'm hoping that this time, with the help of some friends, that it will have some staying power.

I, Stacia, am going to be doing C25K at lunch time, 3 days a week.

After you've stopped rolling on the floor in hysterics, let me explain my logic.

Yes, I've never been a runner/jogger/speed walker...but I aspire to be someone who can take off for a jog and really enjoy it. And since I'm doing it with a couple of co-workers at lunch time I feel like there will be some accountability to keep at it.

Here's hoping that this time next year I'll still be going strong.

(this'll be me soon...minus JT)

where to begin...

I'm 30.

This seems as good a point as any to start. Yes, it's my birthday today and I am no longer in my 20's. Is anything different now? Hmm...

It's been over a year since I blogged last. Remember? (or just scroll down) My folks were getting on a plane for Africa for their 2 year adventure, and I was, frankly, a mess.

Well, I got over it.

And lots has happened.

Seems like more than I can tackle in one blog post. So we'll take it a little bit at a time, which will allow me to weed out the many less-than-exciting parts of the last year.

But for tonight let's just start with I'm 30.

and I had what could arguably be the B.E.S.T. birthday I've ever had.

To begin, I was greeted this morning, on my drive in to work, by my frontline rep co-workers who had all gotten up super early to decorate the Fremont statues in honor of my birthday.

I was SO surprised! I am usually one of the first people in the office and was so touched that they had all gotten up much earlier than usual to surprise me with this! All I can say is that I work with the best team in the world. So, you will all be receiving official "thank you"s, but here's a shout out to my peeps: Carlie, Donna, Whitney, Alicia, Rosanna, Kevin and Jon!! You all are amazing and I feel so honored to get to work with each of you every day.

As if that wasn't enough, I got to work to find that my cube had also been decorated to commemorate the big day! (Thanks to Carlie, Alicia and Christi!)

(oh, did I mention there were Top Pot donuts, too?!?)

All day I was greeted with heartfelt birthday wishes from co-workers and students. And I was productive! Unheard of...

I had the perfect birthday lunch at Stell's with Whitney...cheeseburger, onion rings and a mixed berry milkshake. Perfection.

Spent the remainder of the day answering the question, "What are you doing tonight to celebrate?", to which I replied, "My husband and I are going to dinner at 13 Coins".

Or so I thought.

Cut to the end of the day and me waiting outside for Erich to pick me up from work. He had gotten stuck in traffic and was running a bit behind.

Or so I thought.

We head out on the road and I notice that he misses the turn to head downtown towards 13 Coins.

"Babe, we're supposed to turn here."

"No, we aren't."

"Yes, but 13 Coins is that way."

"Well, we're not going to 13 Coins."

Oh.

Now, I'm baffled.

But, wait, this is how we get to Matador.

"Are we going to Matador?"

"I don't know...are we?"

He can be incredibly infuriating.

Once we finally found a parking spot, we hoofed it to Matador to find one last surprise...a party for me!!! WHAT?

As I glance around the table, I am floored by the outpouring of love from friends from all parts of my life. Josh & Teresa, Jenn, Sara, Shauna, Carlie, Kristin, Bri, Rosanna and Donna. Truly amazing.

And is there a better way to end the day than with a Matador Cadillac Margarita and happy hour nachos with the most incredible group of friends that a gal could ask for?

Why, yes. You could then be treated to a lot of laughs and an Orange U Glad cupcake from Cupcake Royale.

Seriously, though, guys...you made this transition into my 30's the most amazing day, when I wasn't expecting it to be much different from the rest. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Know that it meant more to me than any of you will ever know.

With all the love that I have (which is a lot),

Stacia

today's the day

today I'm driving my parents to the airport so they can board a plane and begin their new lives (for 2 years, anyway) in Kenya.

their bags are packed (FULL), papers for their new house here in Lake Stevens have been signed, the car registered in Washington State and Erich's name added to the title, and now I'm sitting here typing, waiting for them to get to our house so we can caravan down to the airport to say our teary goodbyes.

and my heart is breaking.

...it may or may not be time...

...to make a commitment to myself to go to the gym regularly, starting 2 months ago.

I am officially wearing office-appropriate slacks today that I used to have to cinch with a safety pin at the waist because they were too big. And by "used to", I mean less than 6 months ago. And by "cinch", I mean folding over an inch at the waist. And by "were", I mean, well, were.

I'm not completely unhappy with my size, although when you're 28, going on 29, you are not supposed to "grow into" your clothes. I mean, I'm not a toddler with hand-me-downs. It isn't cute anymore.

On the bright side, the pants are comfortable and no longer have a hideous "pleat" on my left leg. Although, one unsightly pant leg is better than an extra 10 pounds, right?

It's a good thing I didn't cancel that gym membership...

How is it May already?

Is it just me, or has this year been flying by too quickly?

It feels like every time I check a calendar, another month has passed me by in a flash. The fact that we haven't blogged in 3 weeks is complete maddness to me! Where is the time going?

Before I know it, my parents will have moved out of their home in Bakersfield and will be driving up to Seattle. We'll be expecting them around the beginning of June and will have them to ourselves (mostly) for a whole 3 weeks before they fly out for Africa. In that short span of time, we will look at houses/property, hopefully find them a home church, transfer a car deed, and suck the marrow out of every precious moment we will have left with them.

The future is so uncertain, as I guess it always is. But they are hoping to make a 2-year commitment in Africa. 2-YEARS!! A lot will happen in that period of time, and if time flies by like it has so far this year, I guess the 2-years won't seem like that long. But how much will our lives change in that small span of time?

Look at Scott & Lorie...had their first son and getting ready for their 2nd in that same amount of time! How strange life will be if we're lucky enough to experience the same in our lives. Can I fathom having TWO children while my parents are living on a different continent?

How can life go on without them around?

I suppose these are all questions I should have been asking myself long before I arrived at this time, but I'm thinking them now...obsessing really.

(sigh)

Junior Is Back!

Thats right and I'm soooooooo happy!

...posted by erich since my wife is slacking a bit this week.

it's a beautiful, miserable day

Remember last week when I said I was going to try the homeopathic local honey remedy for my seasonal allergies? I was skeptical, but had high hopes from being spurred on by Farmer Jon, my wholistic, naturpathic co-worker and Joshua, my fellow allergy sufferer.

Josh is the one who scored these honey sticks from his local grocer for Erich & me which I took faithfully every day this week. One stick in the morning with my vitamins, english muffin and cup of yogurt. And I tried to let the honey be enough.

At first, I think maybe my body hadn't gotten used to the honey being my single defense against the onslaught of harmful allergens in my environment. But I stook it out, hoping against hope that the honey would work it's magic and free me from my never-ending nasal drip, explosive sneezing and habitually itchy eyes.

And maybe I need to keep taking the honey to help in the battle against my misery. But after days of disruptive allergy symptoms I resigned myself to the fact that I need reinforcements. Today was a beautiful day so we opened up the windows and the sliding glass door to get a nice cross-breeze through the house, but much like my good friend it didn't come without a price.

And wouldn't you know it doesn't seem like it's made much of a difference.

I am still feeling miserable.

Nothing a long, hot bath, a yummy cup of tea, some clean sheets and an early bedtime won't fix.

I'll keep you updated if I find that the honey becomes more effective.

Happy Spring Time, everyone!