Chi O Christmas Cookie Exchange

My darling Colleen has established an annual Chi O Christmas Cookie Exchange.  When I learned that her house was accessible, I was ecstatic to join in the fun.  Then, I read the rules:

1.  All cookies should be homemade.

2.  No plain chocolate chip cookies and no mixes.

3.  Please bring 2 to 3 dozen, enough for everyone to have 2 or 3.  (I will update the quantity if the guest list changes.)

4. The theme is "Christmas Cookies."

5.  RSVP with what cookie you're bringing - no duplicates allowed.

These ladies take their cookies seriously.  How could I possibly live up to those standards?!  During the 3 months that we have been married, I have burnt, scarred, and scorched oven burns across both of my arms.  http://undertheoldwalnuttree.blogspot.com/2011/04/never-cook-soup-in-your-bathrobe.html

My cooking process begins with a fantastic culinary idea.  I’m going to make pumpkin bread!  The process quickly deteriorates as I drop ingredients on the kitchen floor, my lap, and on Harper’s head.  Brett kindly intervenes when I am simultaneously bleeding and swearing.

On Saturday, I announced to my husband, “I’m nervous about the cookie exchange tomorrow.”  He was surprised that my enthusiasm for the event had evolved into fear.  Brett immediately Binged a recipe for Snicker Doodles.  He assured me that I would proudly walk into the cookie exchange with Christmas cookies that complied with the rules.  We know Brett is an amazing chef, but Christmas cookies don’t come in BBQ flavor.  Still nervous. 

Although Brett has been fighting a cold, he bundled up and drove us to the grocery store for supplies.  We walked hand-in-hand down the aisles, adding unfamiliar ingredients to the cart.  That night, Brett measured, mixed, rolled, and sprinkled the ingredients.  He baked the cookies to a golden brown.  And they tasted scrumptious!  Just as Brett had predicted, I was proud to exchange his Snicker Doodles at the Chi O party.  Thank you, Baby!    

Baking with Baby. 

On Sunday, we drove to Colleen’s home in Kirkland for the exchange.  Her house is fashionable, creative, and utilitarian.  She has designed a basement that takes advantage of the space available without compromising comfort and warmth.  Her snack spread proved that light cooking can be decadent.  After a few pomegranate totties, I was even eating the onion dip! 

As always, it was wonderful to catch up with my sisters.  Even our brief conversations were filled with inspiration and support.  A ten minute conversation with my sisters is an invaluable reminder that life is better when shared with friends.  I realized that my worries about baking were unfounded.  These girls would love me regardless of the quality of my baked goods.   

Oh, did I mention they are also hilarious?  That’s the real reason I hang out with them.  They make me laugh.  They get to enjoy Brett’s delicious cookies, Brett gets to sample a dozen of their cookies, and I get to crack up with laughter.  Colleen's annual Chi O Christmas Cookie Exchange offers something special for everyone! 

Merry Christmas, Chi O’s!  May your holiday season be filled with smoking elephants and cats in sombreros.  LYSICO.                          

Stay-cation for Three

Hotel 1000, Seattle.

Winter in the Pacific Northwest is wearisome for most Seattleites.  Although we have been blessed with a gorgeous autumn 2011, Seattleites never cease the rampant grumbles of, “Too cold, too rainy, too dark, too snowy, too Seattle.”  In order to cure the seasonal depression, Brett and I have historically escaped to warmer climates: on a Caribbean cruise in December 2009 and to Las Vegas in 2010. 



Cruising 2009.

This year, we started discussing our annual December get-away just as soon as we arrived home from our honeymoon.  Now that we are a fiscally responsible married couple, we decided to alter the tradition with a Stay-cation this year.  Brett booked Hotel 1000 in Seattle for a weekend of rest and relaxation, all within the comfort of our own city.  Other than spending quality time with the Love of My Life, I was most excited that Harpie was able to join in the Stay-cation also!

It turns out, poor little Harpie didn’t share my enthusiasm for the Big City.  As soon as we pulled up to the hotel, Harper began shaking uncontrollably.  The shaking continued through the lobby, reception desk, elevator, and finally into our room.  He immediately ran to the doggie bed the hotel had provided, sat, and waited for us to tell him that we were returning home. 

A few minutes into our Stay-cation, Harper began exploring his new turf.  Comfortable with the digs, he calmed down enough to play ball and watch TV.  Brett and I commenced a game of electronic Monopoly (thanks to Kim and Chanelle!), before having a delicious dinner at McCormick’s.

On Saturday, Brett continued to crush me at electronic Monopoly.  No mercy for his Bride. 

While Harper and I watched a movie, Brett played a round of virtual golf.  Then, we spruced ourselves up for a night out at Brett’s company Christmas Party.  He was undeniably handsome in a navy suit, gray shirt, and royal blue tie!

Before the party, we met up with two of our favorite people, Kyle and Cynthia! 

Together, we walked to the Columbia Tower for the party.  It is challenging with new names and faces, but everyone is warm and patient.  I always feel welcome and thoroughly enjoy conversations with MS Ops peeps.  The night was filled with amazing food, dancing, and flying casino chips.  After midnight, we returned to the hotel, where Harper was peacefully chewing on a bone and watching Indiana Jones. 

Harpie loves Harrison Ford.

Our Stay-cation was a new experience for all three of us.  Initial apprehension was converted into ultimate relaxation.  Whether in Belize or Seattle, being together with the Love of My Life is the only way to vacation.              

Honeymoon in Cancun 2011.



Ell-o Sea-ah-o!

Time and time again, I proudly proclaim my love for British musicians.  http://undertheoldwalnuttree.blogspot.com/2011/05/crank-up-adele.html Sure, they bathe in the bubbly, experiment with mud sharks and groupies, and inevitably overdoes in skeezy bathrooms.  But all the while, they are rocking my socks off! 

This blog entry sings the praises of yet another crumpet of British musical glory.  I blot the tears caused by Amy Winehouse’s death and Adele’s throat surgery with the blank white page of Mumford & Sons. 

In 2007, Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane joined together to create Mumford & Sons.  They all share in the responsibility of playing guitar, drums, piano, banjo, and cello.  Rising from West London’s folk scene, Mumford released their first album in 2009, Sign No More.  Mumford & Sons subsequently received six Grammy nominations and a 2011 American Music Award for Best Alternative Rock Artist.   

Earlier this week, Brett and I attended Mumford & Sons in concert.  I surprised Brett with the tickets because he adores the band also.  Brett can listen to a beloved CD on repeat for years without growing tired of the music.  Dave Matthew’s Live at Luther College wore thin in his car until we ultimate sold the car last summer.  Fortunately, Brett has excellent taste in music. 

Mumford’s Sign No More has a cozy home on his Windows Phone, which he plays over the car speakers through Bluetooth technology (shameless Microsoft plug).  For quite some time, the two of us have been singing along with Mumford at the top of our lungs in the car.  We certainly make beautiful music together!

Before the concert, Brett treated me to Melting Pot for dinner.  A meal of cheese, steak, lobster, and chocolate with the Love of My Life… heaven. 




Stuffed to the brim, Brett and I walked over to Key Arena for the concert.  We both felt old, tired, and grumpy amidst the hordes of teenage attendees.  If you are wearing tights under your mini shorts, I am judging you.  If you are wearing boots with your skinny jeans, I am judging you.  If are wearing a stuffed animal stocking cap, I am judging you. 

Then… BAM!  My negativity and crankiness dissipated with the first stroke of the acoustic guitar from Mumford.  The concert opened with rich four part harmony.  They could easily be dressed in pristine gowns, holding chorus books at the front of the gothic cathedral in London.  Marcus Mumford’s voice is identifiable amongst the velvety quartet.    

Suddenly, the suspenseful crescendo is punctuated with a solitary cord.  The divine choir is interrupted by exaggerated strum of the guitar and a blast from the drums.  Rock on!     

Tired, but rockin'!

Marcus Mumford’s gravelly voice is drenched in authenticity.  I closed my eyes and pictured him chugging Jameson from a greasy bottle.  Or he’s eight years old, crouching with scabby knees on the cobblestones to play jacks with Frank McCourt.  My imagination is interrupted when Marcus leans forward with his disheveled tweed vest and says, “Ell-o Sea-ah-O!”  Swoon.    

           

Move Over Movember

We survived Movember!  Last night, Brett and I celebrated by shaving off his trucker mustache.  Peace out, Mr. Scratchy-Itchy-Ucky-Mustache! 

The best part of Movember is seeing Brett’s beautiful face clean shaven.  He is even more gorgeous than I remember.  I apologize in advance for our imminent PDAs, but we have to compensate for an entire month.

 



The Grandpa Fried Mustache.



All grumbling aside, the purpose of Movember is to raise awareness and donations for men’s health issues.  Considering all of the men in my life that I love so deeply, pared with Brett’s family connection to prostate cancer, Movember is a cause I enthusiastically support. 

So handsome!  So clean shaven!

However, next year I vote we support that cause monetarily, rather than with facial hair, fellas.  Moreover, whatever happened to bikini carwashes? 

Men + speedos = Cha-Ching!