Spring? SPRING?! Are you here? Even if you're just visiting for the weekend. I will fully take advantage of you.

CoCo and I are on our way to breakfast in Bell Town, then on a walk through the arboretum, and hopefully white wine spritzers somewhere in Leschi Later.

I'm not feeling any better. But I'd be a fool not to take advantage of this weather. And, if you recall - I made a promise not to wait on anyone or anything anymore.

I am so sick. I'm sweaty and cold. My skin is tingly and not in a good way. I'm starving but nothing sounds good to eat.

I've watched more TV in the last 48 hours than I have in my entire life. My brain is mush. Ive had enough time to make a list of 25 random things about me.

I'm hoping to be better soon. Really really soon.

1) I actually like Barry Manilow and not just in a "Hey Barry Manilow would be funny to like". But his music makes me happy. So does Rod Stewart.

2) I have a hairless dog. Her name is CoCo. She's the longest relationship I've been in to date. I think it's because she can't leave - I'm the one who feeds her.

3) I chew the inside of my lip. I have no idea why, but I used to chew my tongue, so I'm thinking it's progress.

4) I love pork and I it's only been recently that I've been unashamed about it. Pork chops, pulled pork, pork ribs, pork loin. I also love burgers. My favorite is on the island of Maui at Cheese Burger in Paradise. Locally? Cheap Eats: Dicks. Splurge:Coupage. Delicious and Easy: Red Mill.

5) I have a subscription to the Atlantic Monthly. I have saved every American Vogue since January 2000. I buy a W every month. I steal People Magazine from Dr offices, nail and tanning salons. I am not ashamed of any of this.

6) I still want to be a sonics dance girl. Even though I can't dance.

7) I once had drinks with Bill Maher and tried to talk about the War in Iraq with him, He looked at me and said "shhhhhhhhh", then took a long sip of his vodka.

8) I love the movie High Fidelity. I have a lost list of "top 5 _______" somewhere in storage, I spent a 6th month period filling in my top of of almost everything.

9) I have over 75 pairs or wearable denim. I have it stored by cut, color and season. I realize how ridiculous this is. But, I am completely proud of it.

10) I scored a 100 on my drivers test. Driving with me now, you'd never know. Except for parallel parking. I can do it with one hand tied behind my back and blind folded. I inherited it form my mother - surprisingly.

11) My dad used to play professional basketball. When I was 8 I wanted to be the first woman in the NBA (before even the thought of the WNBA). My dreams were quickly squashed when I realized I am severely uncoordinated.

12) I wear mens socks.

13) I hate Rachael Ray. Her lingo, her voice, her cooking, her outfits, her laugh, her TV show -It's all a big long drawn out 'nails on the chalk board'.

14) I never use the microwave. I even pop my popcorn on the stove with vegetable oil and real corn kernels.

15) Sports generally bore me. But I stand up and scream for a good political show (Countdown with Ketih and Rachel Maddow, I'm talkin' about you)

16) I genuinely like the taste of tequila.

17) I've never lost anyone close to me. And I am very scared for the day that happens. I am not sure how I'll handle it.

18) I hand make my gnocchi and hummus and can make each for under $1.00.

19) Large groups - specifically woman - coming together for a specific reason makes me more uncomfortable than words can describe. (save: weddings and breast cancer awareness) Sample Sales, work outs, Bachelorette Party's, Sex Toy Parties, Movie and TV show watching. Anything over 10 woman all together for one reason...I can't handle it.

20) I think " the biggest looser" is one of the most inspiring shows on television. I watch it religiously and genuinely cheer for each and every person, who is brave enough to come on national TV, stand on a scale and make a commitment to a better, healthier life.

21) I pick up bad habits from boyfriends. The snooze on the alarm clock, eating burritos and watching TV are some of the habits I never had or kicked early on. Only to be reintroduced by boys who eventually dumped me. Thanks.

22) When taking off on a plane I move my heals up and down quickly (in a running movement) in case the plane needs a bit extra help getting off the ground. I am convinced that it works every time, as I have never been in a plane crash during take off.

23) I firmly believe in the power of love. It truly is what makes our world go round.

24) I am easily inspired and reserve the right to be until the day I die.

25) I was recently in the New Yorker (online:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/tny/2009/01/carpool.html). For me, it's like getting a personal shout out in the bible from Jesus.

26) (one to grow on).
At my perfect dinner party:
Marc Jacobs
Anthony Bourdain
Madonna (post Material Girl, pre Kabbalah)
Diane von furstenberg
My Mom

Dear Pagliacci Pizza of SEATTLE,

Last night, I called to get a pie delivered to my new address (ehem...by the way, that address on Western can be permanently deleted form your records). I live in the CD, on the cusp of Madrona and Leschi and Mount Baker. Three of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the Greater Seattle Area. It is home to Howard Schultz and other really fucking rich people who like their Pizza gourmet, delivered and delicious. At least I can imagine.

I learned, that you, do not deliver to the 98112, the 98122, or the 98144 neighborhoods. Why? Because your location is too far away from these zip codes. Huh?

Well, I'll just let you know that the 72,000 + people who live here will order from a pizza store that doesn't discriminate because of distance. And, I am sure, all the rich parents and their rich kids and all the other people with a gazillion dollars billowing out of their pockets will eat someone eles' pie. Fuck, even poor people want good pie.

Simply Business Strategy Pagliacci: Open a new pizza store.

In only mild haste,
A

Ps - I always thought your answering services was bit creepy anyway.

I've lived in this city for nearly 29 years and have never remembered it to be so snowy. I just got warm from the 7 degree temperatures in NYC and the freezing temperatures in DC.

I am waking up before 6am and hitting the sack before 9. I haven't done much more than; eat, sleep, watch TV and run in the last 3 days. I have a suitcase full of Marc Jacobs accessories and Tibi sample sale purchases; a few shoes and enough scarves to last until they go out of style.

I'm not quite ready to admit it, but I'm approaching pathetic. I'll be gleefully dragging myself out of the house both Friday and Saturday night - in hopes to find a bit of the girl I left behind somewhere in mid-December.

I plan to pound the pavement on Capitol Hill to rejuvenate my vintage closet (New York, you were so inspiring) and take part in recycling the fashionista way. If you'd like to join, meet me here on Sunday for brunch. I'm not only in need of some new/old wares, but a new shopping partner too.

I only assume, because politics is as fashionable as fashion these days, that you all are interested in things like, MSNBC, Keith Oberman, and Colin Powell. But there may be some of you who only read this space for things of the fashion sort.

So, for all of you? Here is my favorite picture from NYC. The Marc Jacobs store in The East Village. The walls were covered with silk flowers, the shelves were spewing with inexpensive pieces, and behind the counter the shop boys were coiffed and shiny. A dream come true. (we were kindly asked to leave after
Cory took, more than his fair share of photos.)

I just fished through the 400 + pictures we took while on the East Coast.

I'm newly inspired, but still bogged down with a cold and have exhaustion running through my veins.

Here's on of my favorite photos so far. Stay tuned for more photos and stories - I promise they'll be up soon!




This was moments before we were face to face with Keith Oberman and I yelled "Keith You Rock!" to which he raised his eyebrow and smiled.

Seattle,

I've got stories, photos and receipts to boast about. But until Sunday at noon, I'll be cooking and cooking and cooking. And sometime between now and then; I have to unpack, rehydrate, disassemble then reassemble myself to be ready for Seattle again. New York and DC took a whole lot out of me (in a very very very good way). Plus I need to kiss on CoCo for a good 48 hours. I am not sure she even knows who I am.

Once I get over it all. We'll talk again. I can promise, it won't be too long.

I will be twittering now and then. So, if you are desperate for something, anything, you can read about my mundane moves HERE.

Love,
A

Darlings,

Please follow me on my adventures in NYC HERE.

Bright Lights, Big City,
A

I have a story about Marc Jacobs. I'm still digesting my purchases. Stay tuned Lovelies, stay tuned.

"If that plane would have crashed today, forgetaboutit."

-Door Guy at the Chelsea.

Seattle,

You've got nothing on New York when it comes to temperature. It's bone chilling cold. We are tired, freezing and READY to shop.

Love,
Me

In a few day's I'll be cozied up with several hand's full other people on my way to NYC. If you remember the last time I was in The Other City, my time was filled with firm handshakes and cherries.

This time, I'll be spinning in circles arms agape with my chin pointed to the sky hoping to catch a little bit of something.

This time, New York, I'll totally let you kiss me goodnight.

(because the days preceding 2009 were filled with party planning, flat tires, new addresses, snow and a bit of heart ache, I had to wait just a little bit to deflate and make sure my perspective of 2008 was real, and not just a pile of messy words. At least I hope.)


2008,

you sulked into the room with a battered heart, devastating self esteem and a murky outlook on life. You nearly killed the both of us before the end of the first quarter. The only thing noteworthy about your existence is that you were sincere. You didn't pretend to be anything but what you were: devastated, pathetic and painfully thin.

And thankfully, this time around, you were a mediocre year. I am eternally thankful for that. We did a lot of running - to and from a variety of things - but mainly just around. We discovered new/old places with a new/old perspective. We nixed cheese and milk and welcomed wine. We learned to love rock and roll and whiskey. We tanned and swam and learned Spanish. We held hands and touched cheeks and high fived our way out of depression. We sat knee to knee with old, un-relentless friendships and built an unbreakable foundation. We drank and drank and drank and... We bought a fuck load of denim. We let our nails go to shit but opened our heart for tending. You catered to a few sleepless nights that lead to hysterically memorable mornings. 2008, you weren't completely perfect but you have been the favorite thus far.

We learned to love again. Which is something I was very concerned would be near impossible after the living hell we created last December. The inevitable fear of feeling incapable of listlessly loving loomed over us until mid year. And then, when we finally made good on the promise to be the unpredictable, emotionally driven, fast talking, good loving girl I’ve always been a bit ashamed to be. I finally was able to love to love and love again. But it seems, like all good things these days, it ended. And, really, we were okay with it all. Because out of it we got a rad new hair stylist and a handful of good laughs and a few lessons learned. And even though you all weren't invited to a engagement or a wedding, you got to witness love, which I know you know makes the world go round.

This year, our world changed. Finally for the first time in 8 years a sense of relief was offered to the American People. And you and I 2008, we helped first hand by talking and dancing and raising money for the best presidential candidate we've had in our lifetime. And a mere 20 days after you arrive the United States will instantly become a better place and I'll be there to watch it happen. 2009, I have a feeling that together we'll make/see a lot of history. At least, I hope.


This year, we stayed put, right here in our city. Discovering undiscovered neighborhoods and coffee shops and meeting all the people who, one by one, make Seattle the greatest city to live in. We needed a bit of time at home to make sure we'd be able to step sure footed into 2009. That the ground would be solid, and the road a bit easier. And, soon after you arrive we're taking an adventure to LA, New York and DC. We've got a ticket to S. American burning a hole in our pocket - and if with some miracle the Argentinean Government allows dogs - CoCo and I will be on the first plane out of here. Because I can't really wait any longer to do what I want to do.

We moved again. Actually twice. I think, 2009, this won't be the last we see of cardboard boxes and packing tape and Ikea at 9pm on a Saturday.


We spent a considerable amount of time, giving back. Taking time to feed the soul of our city. And, although there could have been more time spent and a little less procrastination and more of a difference made, we made some difference and that's what counts. And I'm hoping for more time in 2009 to trade jokes and sincerity with a whole host of people I didn't know existed in this city.


As we say goodbye I stand here on my tip toes with anticipation for whats to come. For the first time, in ever, I've got the world in the palm of my hand and I wonk exactly what I want to do with it. And what I'll be wearing while I do it. And maybe this year, 2009? We'll put together some noteworthy background music to accompany us on our journey.

2009, 2008 and I and I have one simple request. Make it a good one. With all sorts of giggles, and bruises, and great hair cuts, and new babies, and more languages, and tears, and maybe a little bit more love.

Hive Fives and Giggles,
A



"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it careful round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless-it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable,irredeemable...The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers...of love is Hell". -C.S. Lewis (the four loves)