Schöfferhofer

Update 9/8 - 9/14

My week started out with horrendous pain in my foot so that's fun.  I'm pretty sure it's because I was hiking in new shoes, but I don't really know.  Erika cheered me right up with an update on my Goddaughter, Daphne.  I sent her a Minnie Mouse outfit, along with the 25th anniversary of Sesame Street (soooo good.)  I wasn't sure how it was going to go over, so I was pleasantly surprised when Erika told me that Daphne spent 15 minutes giggling at herself in the mirror.  :)

I have had this steady pattern of Zach coming over on Tuesday's to watch Doctor Who, Wednesday Family Dinner and Thursday Trivia night.  In fact I might cut and paste this into the next update.  You'll like that as much as I will, right?

Work was a little crazy with getting one project started and finished in its entirety in 4 days.  It kind of reminded me of when we finished Oshi in a week.  Same amount of crazy, and same amount of wonder and accomplishment when it was all done. 

Friday, I went out with Becky, Jared and Percy to find the Northern Lights.  There was a rumor that we might be able to see them, and I figured I went to Iceland looking for this beautiful phenomenon, I could take a gander in WA.  I drove through Marymoor to the meeting spot with B & J, and Percy flipped out thinking he was going to get to go to the park.  Naturally, I had to stop because I love him, hence why we were a couple of minutes late to meet with J & B.  Once again, I found myself outside in the middle of the night looking for something pretty that would never come.  I did download some fun star gazing apps though, so not a total loss.

On Saturday, Kelly and I went to a BBQ at Seth's.  He had invited a bunch of people from WizKids who I hadn't seen in a really long time.  Like, so long, some of them had multiple kids that I had never met.  Mostly, I sat on the grass with Percy, Sharon and Kelly drinking our new favorite adult beverage Shofferhofer. 

I did see a baby pee on one of the guests while he was holding her, and heard the mom say, "I brought a change for her but not for you!" Clearly a mom that isn't prepared for every eventuality. :P

Saturday morning I was up early to pick up Becky and SBUX before we Walked for Wishes.  I understand that with a hurt foot, this probably wasn't my BEST idea, but it was for the kids.  Side note, I met my new boss this week and when I asked him if he was walking with the company for the event he said he wasn't.  Without thinking, I replied, "So I guess you don't care about kids with cancer."  Ha ha! At least, I thought so.  But he has brought it up EVERY time I've seen him since.  Super.   When we started the walk, Percy wanted to be picked up because of all the people around.  I looked down and said, "You need to MAN UP!" to which everyone looked back at me for with appalled expressions.  Whatevs, he was fine.  There were about 5 different Cheer Sections along the trail.  At every one of them, there was a Yorkie sitting or being held, "cheering."  I finally said, "Um, My Yorkie wants to know why your Yorkie doesn't want to walk for wishes."  They said they were cheering, but Percy and I knew, they were just lazy pups who didn't care. :P

Becky: I realize I feel the same way about getting a dog as I do about adopting.  It should like a great idea, but then I think about the work and responsibility and think I better wait a couple of years.

Later that day, even though Percy looked a little sleepy, I made him go in the pool and play fetch for another hour.  There was a bunch of family over, and I knew if I didn't go then, I was never going.  We swam until I thought he might exhaust himself, and then we took a glorious nap. Doesn't get better than that. 

More soon.

Reverse Week

Update: 9/1-9/7

Saturday through Wednesday is kind of a blur of me doing absolutely nothing, because I could.  It was glorious.  As such, some of the finer details of the when things happened elude me, so please bear with me.  Tuesday, I woke up determined to wash my car, so I packed up Percy and we took Stella through the drive through.  This might have been my only real accomplishment, but then I didn't wake up until 12:30.  I did find a double shot in the fridge, which I totally drank and it was glorious.  Usually, I reserve the double shot for right before a "Night on the Town."  But it also works just fine for a girl who just had 12 hours of sleep.  Then I met up with Becky and Jared for some cinematic greatness, AKA Expendables 3.  Amazingly, I hadn't seen Expendables 1 or 2, and was able to jump right in!

Zach came over to watch the second episode of Doctor Who.  Jordan's friend Sean came over to stay for the night.  We were all waiting for Jordan to come home so he could put the steaks on the grill.  When he walked in, it was pouring rain.  That's when Dawne told Jordan that he still had to grill.  Apologies for not taking a great picture...

On Jordan teaching at USC

Sean: You getting the same advice for free!

Zach: Only they get a guaranteed hour every two weeks.

Sean: My daughter changed her major because she had an epiphany that maybe Folk Lore wasn't a money maker.  She has one parent that is a writer, and one parent that works in science so basically, her majoring in business is her way of rebelling.

Jordan: I only shop at Costco and Amazon.

Zach: Nice, you always buy local.

My brother and I Facetimed a bit on Wednesday too.  I told him a little bit about the trip I was planning and he had the following comments.

-I'm not sure those are real places.

-Are you staying one night in Bangkok? (You know, because of the song.)

-Oh yeah! The girls did some "Thai" dye tonight!

I also found out that he had never seen the X-Men.  I tried to tell him he should really see the movies.  To which he replied:

-Yeah, you watch Star Wars first.

-How can I trust you, you just saw Expendables 3?

On Wednesday, I ran some more errands and went to the gym where I finally picked up my membership card.   Later, we had family night, and we got to talk to Lucas on speaker phone.  He's pretty excited about his course load.  When he listed out the courses, it sounded like the they were made for him specifically.  He started a band and club in which they would play shows to raise money for social justice causes.  He started with 4 members, but he needed 14 to make it an official club.  So he set up a table at the campus fair thingy, and got 70 email addresses from interested students.  That kid doesn't waste time. 

Lucas: I was headed to a social justice meeting at the Campus Diversity and Inclusion Center when I accidentally ended up in a pride meeting where I got do tie dye!

I decided to skip trivia this week to avoid all the football fans.  On Friday evening, I had every intention of writing some updates, but I was kind of exhausted from my two day work week.  Then Erika called and I chatted with her for a while, and before I knew it, I was shirking all responsibility.  

Did I mention I've been swimming every day? Percy and I have been doing laps, he's such a fun swimming buddy.  And over the weekend, on top of swimming in the pool, we added lake swimming and hiking.  On Saturday, Kelly, Zach, Tristen, Sarah, Matty and Ivry joined in the activities and on Sunday, Becky, Dawne, Aunt Pat and Uncle Ray joined in.  Each night, we wrapped up with watching super girly movies.  Some were awesome, some not so awesome, but 100% of them Jordan would have been happy to miss.

And that's a wrap, kids!

4 inches I don't need!

Update 8/25 - 8/31

You know when you go to an amusement park and they take a picture of you on a ride, and you look at it at the end but never buy it?  And then you wonder, who DOES buy these things?  I found three people who do.

Speaking of which my sister thinks that maybe they might have gone to too many amusement parks when she brought her son to the doctor and he found out he was 58 inches tall and he yelled, "That's 4 inches I don't need!"

On Wednesday, Matty and I skipped family night to take the pups to see Princess Bride at Marymoor.  Man, that's an awesome movie.  The pups were pretty cray cray, but they did settle down enough when the main theatrical event started.  Overheard: She said she got a job at green peace and I was thinking, I don't know what that is!

Backing up a bit, Matty came over early, but like clockwork, Percy came out when it got close to when I was scheduled to come home.

Work was pretty crazy this week.  We had 30 partners in town and we also had to pack up our desks for another move.  This is also when I cursed working with books, b/c they are super heavy. 

Mo: Kyle wants to know what level you can get to in Halo.  He's arguing heavily on your behalf.  Every sentence is starting with. "My Aunt Tiffany..."

Me: I hate to disappoint him, but I'm really bad.  But I can get to the every level when I have the cheats on.

Mo: I told him, but I left the part out about the cheats.

Kevin: Hi Aunt Tiffany.  I have some questions for you about Halo.

Me: Okay...

Kevin: Do you know what is going to happen in Halo 5

Me: Yes.

Kevin: Can you tell me?

Me: No.

I don't have pictures of my nephews to include, but I do have two of my adorable Goddaughter Daphne. :)

On Thursday I brought Percy boy to the groomers, where they told me that he was the toughest dog big or small that they had ever seen.  Not only does he not complain, but the pad of his paw got cut pretty badly and b/c he hadn't reacted, we didn't find out until they went to get him out from the back and he was covered in blood.  Poor pumpkin.  On Saturday when he was still nursing it, I brought him to the vet.  While we were there, this woman came running in, sobbing, and holding an animal in a towel.  She had found a bunch of baby squirrels, and this was the only one that was alive.  Clearly traumatized, when the vet asked if she wanted her towel back she was like, "No." But what she really meant was, "Are kidding me? Do you think I care about a stupid towel when a precious life is at stake here!?"  So you can imagine how she felt when the vet came back out and said, "Yeah, we're gonna kill it."  Okay, she said it a lot nicer, but I'm positive that is all that the woman (and I) heard.  She then apologized to me for the inconvenience.  But what I heard was, "Sorry I made you wait while I killed that poor woman's last hope to save a life." She then told me a bunch of stuff not related to Percy's paw, that I totally didn't believe, and then gave me some meds.  That's when I put the donut of shame on Percy and we spent the next couple of days in bed watching TV and not much else.  Including watching the 4th season of Lost Girl.  Which totally upset Zach, because of his love of terrible TV.  Sorry, Buddy.  It was truly terrible TV. 

In other news, Dawne started a new painting.  Can't wait to see what it ends up being! 

Did I mention that I had a 5 day weekend? That's right, a reverse week.  More about what I did with that in the next update. 

Siri Stalker

Update 8/18 - 8/24

Percy got some nautical items in his barkbox, including this fun “outfit” and a lobster that floats in the pool – which he of course LOVES.

Just to add fodder to my ridiculous reputation, I was up on Tuesday night, unable to sleep, all because I couldn't remember a story I wanted to write into one of these updates.  See, I really do care about you all.  I woke up, still wracking my brain.  I called my parents asking them if they remembered anything significant in our conversation the day before.  We covered Gen Con, and how well the show went for both Jordan and Raymond; Dawne heading down to CA with Lucas, Lucas' camping trip, work stuff, and family night.  None of it was ringing a bell, and my obsessive nature would not let me stop thinking about it.  We were sitting at Trivia Night with Dawne, Jordan, Matty, Anders, Rach and of course the pups.  Feeling pretty good about getting an all-time high score for us, when Dawne started telling a story.  That's when I had a Lucy/Charlie Brown moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPeFGda8l4I

 The fam was at a bar in Indianapolis playing trivia.  There were ten questions asked and three of them were questions about Jordan... and they only got two of them right.  (Anti-climactic, sure, but I at least I could go back to sleeping at night.)

I discovered last week that Siri is tracking my movements.  It started with checking the weather and noticing that siri had a note for me that it would take 20 minutes to get to Kirkland.  Might have been reasonable if I had an appointment on my calendar.  But then I went to Metro Market for lunch, and it told me it would take me 4 minutes to get back to the shopping center that my office is in.  And then, it told me it would take 22 minutes to get back to my house - and I never told Siri where I live.  I'm not sure if should be freaked out, or AMAZED.  Leaning towards amazed, though. 

Friend 1: I don't divorce, I only marry every 16 months.

Friend 1's husband: to me?

I also was challenged to the ice bucket challenge. Which I then followed up with a warm water challenge for Percy because he totally loves being a part of the group.  (It seems kinda mean now that I look back on it, but then again, he does love water.) And then a week later, Shane decided to show off a bit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oOkMovSzS0&app=desktop

On Friday, Kelly and I went to Seattle Art Museum Mixer where we painted beards after two models.  When Adrian asked where we were I just replied, "BEARDS."  He eventually found us. 

There was an exhibit of old typewriters where you could type a sonnet or letter or whatever.  Adrien and his friend tried for 20 seconds before they walked away, not having any idea how to work it.  Kelly was also confused, but I stepped in, unjammed the keys, fixed the tape and then fed in new paper.  I offered it back to Kelly to type the letter, but two or three letters in she handed it back to me.  I had no idea I was so old.  Also, typewriters are cool.  I wish computers were as satisfying.  Enter and Ding!

I snuck Percy in with me, and he would have been hidden the whole time, if Kelly hadn't insisted he be a part of our photo booth moment.  As soon as I took him out, the ladies behind us said, "Ohh! They have a puppy as a prop!" and then asked if they too, could borrow Percy for their photo.  I handed him over, but I don't think he appreciated the situation.

  

Totally random FB share, but Jenine posted this picture with the caption: This guy got a little handsy.

On Saturday, we celebrated Jen's birthday with dinner and the ancient art of Karaoke.  On our way over, Becky mentioned that her colleague told her that she didn't have a heart of a dancer.  As soon as she said that, I became immediately outraged.  She told me to chill, because she might not have a dancer’s heart but she has a heart of something.  I don't remember the rest of the story because I my head was filled with giggles and indignation.

Laina's mom had been crocheting some fun things for Laina with orange thread.  When she gave Laina the gifts she said, " Well I keep hearing that orange is the new black."

Half way through the night Laina turned to Jen's friend and said, “Why didn't we meet you earlier, so many wasted years etc. but I don't remember your name." "Carrie." Becky also told us a story about her cats which definitely ended with, “I like Kieske better."

I don't remember who said this, but it still makes me smile: I know you're looking forward to me coming.

Once again, Jen used her moniker, "Big Dan" which is amusing and also nice b/c we're a big fan of Big Dan.  A gentleman serenaded Dr. Rach with a pleasant little ditty that I had never heard before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhuMLpdnOjY

And before I put a lid on this one, here's one of my nephew's playing with there's pop's in Ocean City.

Free Painting, 10 Dollars.

The next door neighbor stopped by on Monday to ask if he could use some of our parking because he was having people over.  Dawne said that he was more than welcome to use the parking, but that Lucas also was having people over.

Neighbor: We should coordinate better.

Dawne: Yeah, especially because Lucas has four bands coming over.

Neighbor: Oh! Live music!

Dawne: Oh no, this is going to be terrible music.  I’ll be surprised if the police don’t show up.

Such a supportive mom! But seriously though, it was LOUD and sometimes obnoxious, think white noise.  It was also wicked hot, and the party was somewhat interrupted by a rare thunderstorm.  I’m not sure what upset Casper more, the “music” or the thunderclaps, but either way, he was not as cool, calm and collected as Mr. Perseverance.

I think I may have mentioned that a couple of us have been doing this “365 Grateful” photostream thing.  I mostly remember to post something because Laina is always on top of it.  It’s a struggle though because while I have a lot to be grateful for, I don’t always take a picture it.  While Laina’s been on her honeymoon, I’ve gone a long time not updating and then posting 6 in a row.  Jen suggested that we all just decide to quit, and my first reaction was, “NOOOO!” I’m really appalled by the idea of not finishing something that I’ve started.  Or breaking a patterned action that I said was going to do.  Like going to trivia on Thursday’s and Family dinners on Wednesday. Or writing update every week. :P  Maureen said we get it from my parents.  It’s probably also why both of us HATE being late.  Mo said the only way she can be late for something is if she actively plans to be late, and even then, it’s stressful.  I haven’t asked Sean yet, but I think I know him well enough to know he’s in the same boat.  Either way, quitting doesn’t seem to be an option. 

D, J & Z all left for Gen Con on Tuesday.  I know there are a lot of people whom I have not seen in many many years, but I can’t say I was sad about not attending.  Especially the mad dash to get everything done before you leave, and the incredibly long hours working the booth. 

I think it was Wednesday when I asked Ally, the little girl down the street, to come over and walk Percy and Nala while Casper was at Marymoor.  She came over, and Lucas handed her Percy to look for Nala.  Aly put Percy down, with the door open, and he ran off.  So then they couldn’t find Percy or Nala.  I got a call from Lucas over and hour later saying that they couldn’t find Percy, even though Lucas and Uncle Ray had been walking the neighborhood.  I came home, walked in the door and called Nala to check on her and both Nala and Percy came running out of my room.  Later, Uncle Ray would say to Percy, “I’m not talking to you b/c you wouldn’t talk to me today!” That’s tellin’ him!

Lucas: I know that little girl is young…

Me: Yeah, she’s really young.

Lucas: But if she’s going to be in the dog business, she might want to learn to secure the dogs while the door is closed.

Me: Yup.

Lucas: Also, while we were looking for the dogs, she kept looking at me weird.  That’s when I noticed what shirt I was wearing.  I immediately put on a sweatshirt even though it was 95 degrees out. 

I’m going to miss gems like this around the house.  Entitled: Free Painting, 10 Dollars.  Although, it looks more like $9.99 to me.

I want to give a shout out to Mo.  While teaching summer school, she guided a student to go from a 13 on his Regence, to a 76!  The other teachers told her she was an over achiever because kids only need a 55 to pass.  Can’t argue with that. J

We named our team at Trivia, “Beat Me in St. Louis.”  Only the MC was amused.  I had spent the week reading every single article and video on Robin Williams, which is why I was super disappointed when one of the categories was “name every RW movie you can think of” and we only though of 17.  Still it was a record high score of 22.5!

Lucas’ friends had one last show on Friday.  Because of the amount of bands that his BFF Arda was in, they called they show, “Arda Fest.” Here’s a picture of the flyer, and why yes.  That is Arda’s head on artichokes.

The moment that we’ve all been waiting for.  Scratch that, the moment that Lucas has been waiting for all summer long, the DECOLONIZER arrived!  I don’t know if you can tell here, but it’s almost 4 ft tall and 3 feet wide.   Which of course he brought to school with him.  He thought about taking just the cab, to save space.

Me: Can you use the cab without the speaker.

Lucas: No.

Me: So you are planning on taking a cab without the speaker, and records without a record player?

Lucas: Yes.

“Luckily,” the decolonizer fit into the car, and the records (still no way to play them), skateboard, and I *think* he brought a guitar, but honestly, I didn’t have a visual of it.  When I handed him a Tiffany & Co. bag filled with quarters he said, “FOR PINBALL!” Or laundry, b/c he only brought 4 pairs of socks.  I guess he had to make room for that amp. 

Honestly, it was a bit of a whirlwind week (and summer for that matter.)  Mariana took vacation, and spent most of it helping Lucas clean up his room, pack and get last minute stuff done.  D&J were in indy for Gen Con (I hear Jordan and Raymond had really great shows.)  Dawne came back early on Friday night at Midnight, which was about the same time that Lucas walked in from the show.  Then, we all got up early so that Lucas could run over for the second part of his TB shot, a friend stopped by to say adios, and they ran off to Bella’s Bat Mitzvah.  I went to the park with Kelly, and made a reservation for D&L at the beginning of the redwoods.  I also made 4 dozen cookies for the road, and put together a little road trip bag.  Before I knew it, the car was packed they were gone.  I was sadder than I thought I would be, not gonna lie to you.   As I was straightening up the house, I did notice that Lucas had left me something from Monday’s party – proof we should never order salad. 

Kelly came over that night so she could watch HP for the first time.  She also showed me how well Piper does “place.”  Really impressive.  I’ve been trying to have Percy do it too, but I don’t have the same kind of patience that Kelly does.  After about 3 minutes, I’m all, “Break! I want to play with you now.” 

Then the pups let me sleep in, and can’t remember how the rest of the weekend ended! I do know that Casper and Nala know how to keep their distance while still being curious as to what Percy is up to.

And then they take a 360 approach to their lookout. 

Although sometimes, Casper is still sleepy in the morning.  Don’t we all wish we should sleep sitting up.

  

All Shall Be Revealed

Technically, I'm adding Sunday 8/3 to this update, but only b/c the last one seemed to go on forever. :)  On Sunday, D, J, Lucas and I took the pups over to Ballard to check out the farmers market and in general enjoy the sun.  Mind you, I prefer to soak in the sun while soaking in the pool, but our time with Lucas is quickly passing so we were willing to do whatever he wanted to.  We marveled at the donut machine and how we definitely needed one of those when we went into the donut business. We had lunch outside at this Puerto Rican place, which was seriously yummy.  Stopped at Archie McPhees for all the college "necessities."  You know, the usual.   Lucas has been asking for his mother to shave his head all summer, and finally she caved/found the time to do it.

Dawne: I've cut it pretty close, are you sure you want to do this.

Lucas: I've already made the leap in my mind.  There's not going back.

Dawne: Do you want to at least look in the mirror now?

Lucas: You don't have to be attached to the worldly self, Mom!

Dawne: Did you know that you have a mole right here on the top of your head?

Lucas: Really?! We're learning more about my body!  I've never been bald, I even had hair when I was born.  It was just time!

Jordan: Zach do you want to be next?

Zach: We don't have time.

Tristen: When I had to shave my head for the military, I always worried that I would be walking and get a gash on my head.  But I was fine.

Jordan: Apparently, the protective nature of hair is not that much.

Zach: The novelty of this has already worn off.

When we finished watching the transformation, Lucas went to a show and we all headed over to see Guardians of the Galaxy.  Soooo good.

My sister was asking if there are certain dog breeds that like to dig.   I'm not sure about that, but I do know Percy is a big fan.

 He's also not a huge fan of when I leave him with Aunt Pat in the morning.  This is him staring me down as I leave.

Jordan has been making a lot of terrain for the Golem Arcana debut at Gen Con.  We were sitting at the table when him when we noticed his recent piece.

Dawne: Why did you make it like that?

Jordan: I was bored.

Dawne: But honey you won't be able to stand on it that way.

Jordan: That's the same kind of comment Frank Lloyd Wright's wife used to make.

Oooh! On Tuesday, Laina and Mo got a new kitten.  They named him Tom Selleck.  Laina, "And he's black and white, just like us!"

Pretty random, but I forgot to add this awesome pic of my mom and brother dancing at the tenth anniversary of Morgan's birthday party. So cute!

Wednesday night we had some of the fam over for dinner.  Dawne and I got Harper to crawl (possibly for the first time) by using a dog toy as incentive.  Dawne is a super awesome niece isn't she?! 

I gotta be honest, Thursday was awesome.  I worked from home in the morning, which meant that I got to hung out a little bit with Lucas watching a documentary on Harry Nilsson.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756727/ 

After that, I went to the company picnic which was Hawaiian Luau themed.  After a lovely time there, I went home to work for a little bit more before heading over to Fremont for a little shopping with Dawne and the pups.  Anders met us at around 7 at Norm's where we had dinner and waited for Trivia to begin... HARRY POTTER TRIVIA.  Okay, so there were only like 14 questions on HP, and Dr. Rach missed the majority of them. Stupid work - but still it was the very best we've ever done at trivia. 

Saturday, I did some shopping, and then when I got back to the house, I left a gift for Lucas in return for him digitizing a tape of my grandparents telling some stories. It was really cool to hear their voices again. Zach stopped by to get a haircut at salon mom. Then, Matty, Dawne and I went on a little hike followed by lunch where Matty got us all up to date on his life. Then we went for a little swim before I had to buckle down and get some work done.  Unfortunately, I missed the party at Marc's which I heard was super fun.  Sunday was also pretty chill.  We went out on the boat some, swam in the lake, and then swam in the pool.  Then I got some more work done while D&J headed to a wedding.   While we were chatting with Marc and Lynn, we started going over some all-purpose phrases to wrap up a conversation.

My brother is a big fan of "It is what it is."  I used to think this was a terrible thing to say, but now I kind of love it.  Marc said he knew this guy who would say, "Damn ____" after anyone talked to him.  If they were talking about their kids, "Damn Kids."  Or "Damn Government" or "Damn Cars."  A slightly more negative approach, but still useful.  He also thought the biggest screw you, would be to say, "And there it is."  I hadn't heard that one, so it was hard to get upset about it.  My favorite though, and you'll probably hear it a lot more from me is, "All shall be revealed."

I hope you all had a great week!