I've gone crazy, couldn't you tell?

...Threw stones at the stars, and the whole sky fell.

This has not been my week. I'm facing an uncertain surgery, with an unknown healing time, at an unknown location, on an unknown date. It's shitty. I'm really tired and overwhelmed. Trying to do as much as I can beforehand to prepare, but it really isn't something that I can make into a great experience.

Appreciation

In honor of Valentine's Day, I was thinking of all that I'm so privileged to enjoy. Obviously, I have a great family and friends, but I also have the opportunity to try so many things that bring joy to my life. Some are simple and free, and some are more rare and expensive, but I'd recommend them to anyone as worth it.

Stuff I Like:

-Tea
-Tea with whiskey
-Whiskey
-Lace
-Yoga
-Candles
-Chocolate
-Horseback riding
-Carbs
-Sunshine
-Swimming
-Hiking
-Jewelry
-Art
-Crafts
-Thriftstores
- Music
- Naps
- Well-written romance novels
- Puppies
- Laying in the grass
- Happy hour pricing
-New experiences
-Driving on the highway at night
-Fresh sheets


An inane little post, but it is always good to remember the little pleasures, as well as the big.

Last of the sun

Today was our last extraordinarily nice day. About 60 degrees and clear blue skies. I wish every February was like this. A full week of sun was just what I needed. I spent some time prepping my garden, though I still need to clear out more trash from last year. It looks much better, though. I'm going to focus on growing shade loving plants, like herbs and lettuce, trying to stick with what did best last year.

It is pretty sparse, but I think it is impressively green for February.

My theme is "things I didn't kill"-- lavender, peppermint, strawberries, lemon balm, chocolate mint. I'll plant more things later on in the spring.

Peas I planted last fall, then forgot about, but looks like they are actually doing well.

I also made baked pickle chips. Pickle chips are a truly wonderful snack, but like most fried foods, make you feel a little sick afterwards. These baked ones are a nice change of pace. I think of them as the best quirky bar food. I followed the directions on this link: http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/175869/Oven-baked-pickles. My only difference is I upped the amount of spicy red pepper. Mmm, so good.

I guess they were more pickle fries than chips.

I managed to ride and hike a lot this last week, taking advantage of the sun. Tonight I'm hitting up a comedy club for open mic night, which can be hit or miss. But hey, it is free. Better run and go prep for it though.

Neverending supply of up

I've made it through hike number four, and it's only the first weekend in Feb! I'm pretty excited, but in truth, I'm just worried I won't get the opportunities later in the year, so I'm squishing in as many trips as possible. Today I hiked Tiger Mountain, up Chirico Trail, a 4 mile round trip with a 1700ft elevation change. There was a lot of up.

My friend Jessie and her dog Annie made the trip with me. The only downside was an asthma issue from my allergies. I didn't have my inhaler, since this is usually not a problem til the spring. I guess the warm patch we are having might have made some spores shoot off or something. I solved this with benadryl I keep in my pack, but it meant after I returned from the hike I more or less passed out for hours. Still, it was better to be able to breathe.

The hike give some of the most beautiful views of the mountains and the cities on this 55 degree sunny day. My photos don't do the real view justice, but they are good for the memories.

Mount Rainier in the sun!

Jessie and Annie.

I couldn't get tired of this mountain.

Mount Baker to the north.

I'm on top of the world!

Squak and Cougar Mtns, with the Olympics in the far back.

Lake Sammamish.

You could not pay me enough to jump off of the paragliding ramp.

Even though, I have to admit it looks like fun.

Such a good trip. I'll definitely do this hike again, though maybe I'll try the meandering way next time. 1700ft in 1.8 miles was a lot of up. With this hike and my other three of the new year, I've hiked 21 miles and 4100+ft. Pretty cool for a lady with a bum hip!

I'll need to update this blog on other aspects of my life besides hiking, but not tonight. It's dinner time now, then maybe time to catch up on Hulu and work on thesis.

Cougar Mountain with the family

I got to go hiking with my family on Saturday, which was hike number three for me. I was really excited to go with my parents, and I had a great time, though the hike was a little too long and a little too steep. Hopefully my folks will trust me enough to go hiking a second time, even though my guidebook pushed us a little too hard the first time! We hiked somewhere I hadn't been before at Cougar Mountain, and were able to see some really pretty scenes. Wesley loved his first hiking experience, too!

Wesley loved drinking from streams.

Mom and Dad with Wes at the viewpoint.

Can you tell he loved being outside?