385. Quoted Sway

The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.

-- Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) French Philosopher

384. Bubble Toes

Bubble toes by Harry Shum Jr. (Mike Chang on Glee)
An amazing solo piece to the music of Jack Johnson.  Enjoy!

383. Food + Family = Easter Feast

What do you get when you combine 2 families (13 ppl) + 5 close friends + a bbq grill + 40 beef/chicken/pork skewers + 9lbs of Ham + 5 fish (Pompano to be precise) + 5 roast chickens + pan of pancit + pan of lumpia + 6 containers of vinegar + oversized bowl of fried rice + 2 lbs of longanisa (2 different kinds) + a pan of white rice + 2 pans of hash brown casserole + 2 bags of green beans + 6 ears of corn + 6 baked potatoes + 2 dozen hawaiian rolls + a dozen pan de sal + a bag of green and bag of purple grapes + 4 cartons of strawberries + pan of rice krispy treats + pan of brownies + 2 bottles of prosecco + 2 liters of POG + 4 cases of soda + a lemon meringue pie?

The itis, leftovers for days, 4 dishwasher cycles, and a successful Easter Family Feast :)

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! 

382. Metro Sway

As I walked to the bus early morning in a delirious and groggy state - I saw this painted on the wall behind me.  Not sure why it inspired me but it made me smile and capture a photo of it.  Translation open to your own interpretation.

381. Latin Sway

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam

Latin for:

"I shall either find a way or make one."

380. All By Myself Sway

Glee is back at it again!  AMAZING performance last night by Charice Pempengco singing "All by Myself"

379. Agatha Christie quoted Sway

"One of the oddest things in life, I think, is the things one remembers." -  Agatha Christie

I have to completely agree with Agatha on this one.  I remember the most random things in the oddest order and with the strangest emphasis.  LOL

378. Friends are the ultimate Sway

Today I woke up feeling super down and out.  Not sure if it was the weather or exhaustion but I didn't want to get out of bed and face the day.  I looked at my phone at 11ish and started to filter through the numerous starred  notifications.  As I remained burrowed under the covers of my bed with my phone in hand, I started texting back and forth with a few ppl.  One asked if we were still getting together today and I was quick to decline as I was in a "mood" and knew the checklist of chores that I had created was going to take hours to work through.  her words were brief yet expressed concern and that meant a lot to me.  I decided to accept the extended hand and Kenji and I ended up going to a late lunch.  It was comforting and welcoming.  I needed that interaction and that conversation with friends to make me feel normal again.

Sometime we get so caught up in the everyday steps that we tend to push people away even when we don't realize it.  We expect people to know what we're thinking and feeling when we don't even know what those answers are.  I am thankful that my friends know when I need them even if I can't/don't ask.  I'm thankful for the thoughts and well wishes and general support I have received in the past few weeks.  With the charity events running my stress level through the roof, the lose of Cece has me on an emotional roller-coaster, the lack of passion for my new job has me bitter, and the upcoming family gathering has me all paranoid.  I'm a hot mess and thanks to my friends and a simple afternoon conversation over Kona coffee - I feel sane again.

Thank you Angela, Anna, Chuckie, Jeff, Kenji, and beautiful baby Ayumi for a simple afternoon of normalcy.

377. Congratulations Thuc!!!

A special congratulatory post today for our homie Thuc aka Chuckie who just got into his major at UW!  Looking forward to seeing him finish up his hard work in his Chemistry program!  

Congrats friend!!

376. Usher Sway

On the road to the riches, don't forget to stop to take pictures
Cause life ain't about where you finish, but what you've learned along the way
So as you chase success remember that I told you best
You look fine, then you'll find
You're already there

375. Walter Breuning's Oldest Man Sway

World's oldest man dies in Montana at 114

Walter Breuning passed away this morning - but he had many great words of wisdom to share before he past

Here's the world's oldest man's secret to a long life:

- Embrace change, even when the change slaps you in the face. ("Every change is good.")
- Eat two meals a day ("That's all you need.")
- Work as long as you can ("That money's going to come in handy."
- Help others ("The more you do for others, the better shape you're in.")
- Then there's the hardest part. It's a lesson Breuning said he learned from his grandfather: Accept death.

Read more about Walter Breuning here - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42599413/ns/us_news-life/?gt1=43001

374. Rachel's Challenge

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same."

- Rachel Scott

This is the first of many posts that I will do regarding Rachel Scott.  She was the first victim of the Columbine shootings.  Her midset was beyond her years and her heart was always in the right place.  After her death her parents discovered many journals Rachel kept and are sharing their daughters words with the world.  Rachel's Challenge is a program that they created to focus on a "pay it forward" type program.  I think Rachel's quote is a perfect example of they type of person she was and hoped the world would see...  

373. Rainbow Bridge

Thank you to my cousin CJ - she sent me this poem in hopes it would assist in my healing process.  Losing Cece was something I had not prepared for nor do I really know how to contain or express my emotions behind it all.  I found solace in this...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

 When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

372. Quoted Sway

"Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, but be gracious if it kills you." - Elsie de Wolfe

371. Cece...

Todays post is heartbreaking - I'm fighting back the tears as I try to find the right words to compose this... 

Today we lost a friend, a part of our family, and I was not ready to say goodbye.  Cece was not originally my dog - I was not with her for a majority of her 18 years of life... just the last 6.  I have never had a dog of my own nor did I know what to expect.  She was Kenji's best friend - his companion for life and a pain in my ass but I loved her - we all did.  She was a wonder dog, loyal, and attentive (when she wanted to be).  

I have to believe that she's in a better place today.  She's prowling through a grass field and snatching birds from mid flight lol.  I picture her feasting on everything possible and darting through open spaces.

Rest in peace Cece - you lived an amazingly long life and helped us all live ours.  We will always love you pup.

370 . Ralph Marston Sway

ralphmarston Ralph Marston 

The more you savor the journey, the more magnificent and fulfilling the destination will be...

369. Citrus+Seattle United Sway

It's been crazy the past few days so I'm borrowing todays entry from the Namsayin Crew; they did an awesome blog/feature about the Citrus + Seattle United + Child United event last night.  Combined efforts raised over $11k for the Japan relief effort.  Many thanks to all those involved near and far that supported us in all ways.  We are a success because of you!  Click HERE for the Namsayin Coverage.

368. Twitter Sway

Real_Simple Real Simple Magazine 

Today's thought: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." —C.S. Lewis

367. Yearly Update/Thoughts

A year ago I started Project Sway in hopes to keep myself motivated and inspired and maybe inspire a reader or two.  Although I have failed miserably at the "daily" aspect, I feel like I've been able to keep up this blog for the most part.  I have found inspiration, happiness, motivation, and quotes for days lol  I know this blog adventure has been random and a hot mess but it's been my random hot mess.  I love that I can relate memories and moments to each individual entry and hope that some of it is relational to you.  With Easter fast approaching, I need to decide if I want to keep Project Sway going or if it's time to call it a worthy effort... thoughts?

On another note - Lent is in full swing and I know I have much to catch up on... the next few days are going to be a whirlwind of activity, running around, planning etc but I will tell you in all honestly - now more than ever I feel like I'm living the true meaning of Project Sway right now.  With Seattle United in full swing with 3 events back to back - I've been given the privilege of taking a leadership stance.  I feel like I've been pushed to my max and have been forced to reached deeper to push my self further.  I know it makes no sense to you but I can't even begin to explain how exhilarating the past 2 weeks have been.  I have been forced to rely on the kindness of strangers and work with strangers to make things happen.  I think I've finally found what I've been searching for - a passion.  I've never felt so much anxiety and thrill to get something organized and executed.  Hoping to be able to step my game up and follow through with this new found passion.  A fire has been lit and I'm ready to take it to the next level!  Wish me luck....

366. Citrus

Seattle United event #2 - 

Please come out and support us and Child United at Citrus this Thursday (4/7)!

365. Fortune Sway

My fortune from dinner tonight... after much discussion about furthering my reach into the charity/volunteer outlets.

364. Northern Light Sway

This only fuels my obsession with the Northern Lights and my need to see it in person...

Video Link to MSN

363. Happy Song Sway

"Honey Baby" by Three Plus

My happy song to get my delirious mind and body through the weekend.

362. WOW

I think I just experienced my first 'dare to be great moment'

SO exhausted and so incredibly overwhelmed w/ emotion and relief lol. Seattle United knocked tonights event out of the freakin bowling alley. The kindness of strangers + the call for humanity to step up = success for the JAS charity. ON TO THE NEXT ONE...

361. Encouraging Tweets

ralphmarston Ralph Marston 

Do what matters, not just what is convenient. Do what is fulfilling, not just what is easy.

Hoping that the Seattle United team will have a successful first event and carry that momentum forward through the next few weeks.

***I miss this adrenaline rush - the buildup of all your hard work culminating into one moment... esh too bad I feel like I'm going to hurl now.

360. Pep Talk

Today I have to remind myself that I cannot force ppl to care or feel compassion in the same sense that I do. I can only hope for support and believe in the kindness of humanity and strangers. At the end of the day - I did something instead of just hoping for the best (I'm proud of that)...

My pep talk to myself @ 5:52 this morning 

359. Seattle United + Lucky Strike for JAS

Seattle United's  first event is in just 2 days!  Come support the Japan Relief effort and have some fun at the same time!  TONS of raffle prizes, drink and bowling specials all night.

I'm blessed to be a part of this event as it's West Coast wide.  Lucky Strike is going to maximize the donation by donating 20% of their revenue as well.

Click here for the FB Invite
Click here for info on the JAS

358. calling out tees

To assist with the fundraising for the upcoming Seattle United projects - Team Menace has created the "Calling Out to Japan" tee.  Just $20 to show your support for the Japan Relief effort.  100% of the proceeds will be donated to the particular charity that is being sponsored at each event.

Available in white - let me know if you're interested!
*** NOW in BLACK too!

357. Quoted Sway from Abe

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."

Abraham Lincoln
#SeattleUnited

356. Divisional Award Sway

Last night was a very emotional night for me. Since leaving my last job I didn't just leave a desk job and some files - I left a team behind. My team consisted of 12 friends that were out in the field every day on the grind.  It was my job/duty to keep them in the know and to fight for them no matter what.  I took that as a personal mission to watch their backs, get their stuff done not only on time but correctly, and to make sure that they were consistently in the know.  We were a well oiled machine and number one.  Literally we were number one - division of the year 4 years in a row!  I took a lot of pride in that and gloated all the time to the other divisions and challenged the team to maintain that momentum all the time.

Many changes have taken place since I left HAL - it was recently announced that my former director/leader of the West, Steve, was also leaving the team behind and moving to International Sales.  With that change - the West was also going to be split up and taken on by the remaining directors.  Being here in Seattle and them being out in the field - our face time was once a year.  SO last night was bittersweet for everyone; it was deemed "the Last Supper".  It was time for everyone to bid one another adieu.


After catching up and munching on appetizers Steve got up to make a speech and say his thank yous.  Mid speech he unwrapped one of the coveted "Division of the Year" awards and presented it to our departing BDR manager.  "Hello!  What an awesome gift", I thought to myself.  Right when I looked at the next package I realized the pause in the speech was bc Steve needed to compose himself.  He started by saying "Now this one..." and then his voice cracked and he started to cry.  Through my own watering eyes I looked around and saw a collective group tearing as well.  Wow - this was really it... the last time the West was going to be together.  Steve took a breathe and pointed at me (to my surprise) and said "No one will ever fight for you like she did.  She worked so hard and she championed and complained and fought everyday.  Be it with me or upper management - she fought and she loved it!"  He gave me a Division of the Year award of my very own as my parting gift.  I cried - I knew I would but I didn't want to admit that I left this behind for an extra $1.  They were not only my team but my work family.  I got lost in the emotion and just said thank you and accepted my trophy and clung onto it for the rest of the night.

Upon coming home from parting ways - I felt a hint of regret.  There was so much I wanted to say and I didn't.  So I took my camera and recorded my first video...




Laugh - tis ok - I did a few times but in the end - I almost cried again and had to cut the closing off.
The West - my HAL Team - Division of the Year 4 years in a row... they'll always be my #1!

355. Twitter Quotes

Real_Simple Real Simple Magazine 

Today's thought: "People who keep journals have life twice." - Jessamyn West

354. Elizabeth Taylor Sway

"I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them."

Rest in Peace Elizabeth Taylor
(February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011)

353. Hiatus

I know it's been a few weeks since I've posted anything... my bad. There's good reasoning...

ON Valentine's day (Feb 14th) I got balls and decided to take a completely different/random job offer. I walked into my bosses office w/ a smug grin and told him to shove my 4.2% = 0.62 cent raise and put in my 2 weeks notice. After that I put in my request for 4 days off (yes - I worked the shit out of the HR system).

It's been 3 weeks since I started in this new job and I can't complain too much. I am at rock bottom of a very tiny company (28 total employees, inc myself). I am learning all kinds of things that I am not privy too and that have absolutely nothing to do with my previous 5.5 years of the travel industry. I have to learn techy lingo and am constantly googling words from conversations I am overhearing. I also am learning new terms like "OOO" which I thought was just another pretty way to intro something like ~ or * but it actually means "Out Of Office" yeah like I'd know that?! In between washing dishes, making coffee, and going on beer runs - I find myself studying our software manual and comparing it to the actual product. I am told that if I want to move or progress here - it's up to me. That's a nice feeling; my destiny is actually in my own hands instead of some maniacal ass bag who bases my progress on who I know and what I'm willing to do not what am I knowledgeable in and capable of.

I'm commuting now - which is something kinda new. I filled my gas tank up on Feb 28th and I drove to and from the Park and Ride everyday - I filled my tank up again for the first time this month on the 19th. 20 days on one tank of gas!? AWESOME! I just have to get used to remembering to bring my bus pass daily and remember which Park and Ride I parked at in the morning lol - I have forgotten twice (typical of me I know)

SO I feel like I made the right choice in jumping from the sinking ship that was Holland America as they just did a St. Patrick's Day Massacre and let 25 people from the Sales Department go... I would have most likely been on that ship. So starting anew, at the bottom again, BUT with more money, more options, and a clearer head.

Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward...

So please bare with me as I get my shit together and start posting when I can... thanks much :)

352. Happy Birthday Thuc

Chuckie, foyucky, get pump, Hella Slap, Thuc

Yesterday (3/20) was our good friends birthday and we celebrated ALL weekend long doing a plethora of things! Chuckie is one of the hardest working people I know.  He's a student by day at UW and a lab tech at night.  When he's not being a Vietnamese Vampire on the prowl for nice veins to poke - you can usually find him in line camping out for new release shoes, practicing at the gun range,  eating sushi, or lounging around w/ us (when he should be studying).  

It took we a little while to get used to having Chuckie around in the beginning, I'll be the first to admit that.  All it took was this amazingly ugly funny face and I knew that he was a keeper!  We ended up playing - "who do you know" til the wee hours of the morning, making connections and laughing at how our social circles intertwined over the years.  He and Kenji both had a love of cars and have crossed paths in the past as well. This kid was destined to get to know us lol.

  

I'm so glad that he has not only become such a close friend but family to Kenji and I.  Aside from being hard working and a shoe whore - Chuckie is a very giving and helpful soul.  He will drop everything from his busy schedule to help a friend in need.  His mentality is that friends will always be there in return - I believe that 100%.  He's made the SEMA trek not once but TWICE with Kenji and made it a point to be back home in time to get to class!  That's a homie and a dedicated student!  I could list out endless examples of his kind acts but that would take forever and I'm hungry right now so... 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  CHUCKIE - our friend, our family

(PS So glad you didn't foyuck this weekend)

351. Seattle United is born

Today Seattle United was born... watch out for us - we're about to be making moves and changing the world!

350. Spring Sway

Taken w/ my BlackBerry

First Day of Spring
March 20, 2011

Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.
 Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

349. Quoted Sway

"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."

by Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849)
from the story “Eleonora”

348. Flower Power

Ran into this cute guy on my break today; he handed me this pretty flower courtesy of the Pike Place market brigade.  A tribute and welcome to spring!  

Thanks for making my day Kenji <3

 

347. Twitter Sway from the Rock

Mornin..love and dominate.

@TheRockDwayne Johnson

I'm so glad he's back <3 Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson - hell yeah I smell what your cooking baby!

346. Cinderella Sway

A picture of the quote from "Cinderella Story" staring Hillary Duff and Chad Michael Murry (yum)

345. Something Borrowed Sway

Yet another one of my favorite books made into a movie!  Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin is about to hit the big screen in May!  Gal pals unite for a ladies night :)

The book synopsis:

Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl---until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiancé.

Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend.

344. Tone's back

This post is to welcome HOME my good friend Tone :)  He wanted to set out and live outside of the area for a little bit and 3 years later he's baaaaaaaack!  Nothing says homies like picking back up right where you left off.  Last time I was in the townhouse was when I was helping him pack up all his shit - and here I am helping him unpack all of it!  LOL.  Welcome home homie!

343. Duo Birthday Sway

Mikey – what can I say in a paragraph to describe Mike and do him justice?  Since the first time I met Mike he has always been a kind and loving soul.  Open and honest.  Ready to bink you in your arm when you make fun of him but quick to laugh his ass off when you act a fool.  He is one of the most giving people that I know.  Passionate about his “kids”, the law, Mason, and food; Mikey also sports shiny shirts and shows his cleavage tattoo.  When he’s not hosting the homies for game night and letting me sleep on the chaise couch – he can be found making fun of Moses, helping out a homie in some way shape or form, or at Starbucks.  I kid but not really.  Mike’s great!  Everyone should be like Mike or have a Mike… but not this Mike… he’s ours!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIRE MARSHALL HUFF AND STUFF!

Angela or as Anna calls her  ‘baby girl’.  It’s been a great year for this young beauty!  With a fierce fashion sense – Angela can rock heels and chug a beer while whooping your ass in poker and be super cute about it. Lol.  She’s a loving chick who’s always supportive of her friends even if she can’t be there in person.  She keeps it real and is quick to tell you that you’re being dumb. 

This year Angela gave us all the privilege of being a part of her prep to motherhood.  I learned a lot from her this year and feel well educated in what to say when you want your friends not freak out about babies.  I digress; Baby Ayumi is a beautiful gem – just like her mama!  I’ve been reluctant to let her know that I’m very proud of her and her journey this year.  I look forward to celebrating many more days and moments with her and her little one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS CHINATOWN! 

342. Pray for Japan

Sending my thoughts and prayers and hope to the people of Japan right now... 

341. Ice Cream Sundae Sway via Baby Yu

Ice Cream Sundae Vol.1

The Mixtape - 
Slow Jam Edition

Hosted By: 112
Released in 2005
(an oldie but a goodie)

Download this masterpiece and many more:
http://babyyu.urbanradioondemand.com

THE LINE UP:
1. Baby Yu/112 Intro
2. 112 – Anywhere (Baby Yu Exclusive)
3. Next – Butta Luv
4. R. Kelly feat. Ron Isley – Down Low
5. Jagged Edge – Gotta Be
6. Kut Klose – I Like The Way
7. Jodeci – Cry For You
8. Dru Hill – Beauty
9. Aaliyah – 4 Page Letter
10. R. Kelly – You Remind Me
11. H-Town – Part Time Lover
12. Aaliyah – One In A Million
13. R. Kelly – Feelin On Your Booty
14. Bell Biv Devoe – When Will I See You Smile Again?
15. Jodeci – Feenin'
16. R. Kelly – Sex Me
17. H-Town – Knockin Boots
18. 112 – Missing You
19. SWV – Weak
20. Shai – If I Ever Fall In Love
21. Surface – Shower Me With Your Love
22. Atlantic Star – Always
23. Changing Faces – Stroke You Up
24. Jodeci – Stay
25. R. Kelly – Bump N' Grind
26. Silk – Freak Me
27. Jodeci – Freakin' You
28. Isley Brothers – Choosey Lover
29. Mint Condition – Pretty Brown Eyes
30. New Kids On The Block – I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
31. Force MD’s – Tender Love
32. New Kids On The Block – Didn’t I
33. Xscape – Understanding
34. New Edition – Can You Stand The Rain
35. 112 – Your Letter
36. Bobby Brown – Tenderoni
37. Chicago – Glory Of Love
38. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam feat. Allure & 112 – All Cried Out
39. Bobby Womack – If You Think You’re Lonely Now
40. Chicago – Inspiration
41. George Michael – Careless Whisper
42. Luther Vandross – Here And Now
43. Hi-Five – Can’t Wait Another Minute
44. Guy – Let’s Chill
45. New Kids On The Block – Please Don’t Go
46. Bobby Brown – Rock Witcha
47. Aaliyah – At Your Best RMX
48. Chaka Khan – Sweet Thing
49. Zapp & Roger – I Want To Be Your Man
50. Zapp & Roger – Computer Love
51. Babyface – When Can I See You Again
52. Janet Jackson – Let’s Wait Awhile
53. Baby Yu/112 Outro
54. 112 – Cupid
55. 112 – Love You Like I Did

340. Lazy Sway w/ Bruno Mars

339. Comical Sway

Oh Seattle Weather... 

338. Dr. Suess Sway

337. Quoted Sway

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."
Louis L'Amour

336. The Amazing Joffre

I fail - will all the changes and ish going on these days, I failed to post my "HB Jeff post".  For the record - this post was completed a long time ago - I just never posted it :(

HAPPY BIRTHDAY --> on Feb 20th!

Jeff is my eccentric fashionista friend that has also been my unwavering sidekick for many years now.

I've watched him go from hairstyles upon hairstyles and random clothing trends to expensive key pieces.  He has the talent to change a GAP back slit ankle denim skirt to a mini skirt with detailed pockets with original stitching!  As well as change a pair of awkward colored jeans to todays newest craze.

His love of non-top 40 music introduced me to the XX and Nujabes as well as a deep hidden love of the Backstreet Boys.  I also would have never heard Bon Iver's "Bon Hiver".

Needless to say - Jeff, my Jeffery, Joffre is the best :)  When he's not riding his broomstick or shit talking with me, he's slaving away at his desk designing all kinds of new fashion creations.  I wish him well and can't wait to finally see his work hit the runway on some anorexic giraffe necked underage model in NYC!

335. March Sway

Today's blog sparks a little nostalgia for me and I hope it does for some of you... For my fellow high school alum that had the terrifying yet educating privilege to experience the teachings of Ms. Kovatch (political science and history) this blog will bring back memories.  If it doesn't then you probably failed her class!

MARCH 4TH

Today is Ms. Kovatch's favorite day of the year.  She reminded us every year too.  Do you know why it was her favorite day?  Today is the only date of the year that is a complete sentence.
*write that down*

334. Quoted Sway

"Things do not change; we change." 
Henry David Thoreau

333. kiss radiothon

Once a year I myself crying out of control early in the morning as I commute into work.  They are tears of fear, and sadness, as well as joy and hope.  Children have the power to open your eyes and your heart to a world you never knew existed.  The thought of a child not being able to live the life they were born to live is heartbreaking.  Jackie and Bender from KISS 106.1 sponsors an amazing fund raiser called "One Big Kiss" which benefits the Seattle Children's Hospital.  

The radio dedicates 2 days of airtime and broadcasts live from the hospital.  They have clips from past Radiothons and on occasion special guests.  Patients, parents, family members and friends - they all have stories that will bring you to tears and tug at your heart.  

I am a strong supporter of the Kiss Radiothon and encourage you to listen in next year and allow yourself to hear the courage and life stories of these children that are influenced through this amazing cause.

331. New Adventure

Day one at my new job... looking for the words to explain how I'm feeling...

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."

Pope John XXIII

330. HAL Sway

After 5.5 years, I am saying goodbye to my HAL coparts.  There have been many rough seas and fair winds here.  It took all of my might to make this decision to leave and I will admit that I'm all kinds of scared but I feel that its my time to move on.  It take guts or insanity to leave your comfort zone but I'm ready for the next step.  The best song I could think of as I leave through the doors one last time...

‎"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end"
Semisonic "Closing Time"

329. Canadia Snow Adventures

As we stuffed our faces and watched the snowfall from our swanky hotel we had no idea what kind of night was ahead of us.  The plan was to watch some hockey, UFC, and drink then head to PopOpera to meet up w/ some homies.

As we drank and ate the snow continued to pile up in the downtown area... by the time we stepped outside we found blocked off roads and stranded pedestrians... shiet!  After hailing a cab and then moving through the city @ a snails pace we made it to an empty and quiet PopOpera... esh.  Thankfully our fav DXJ Nakturnyl kept us entertained and in the groove of things.

When we decided to venture back out - it was near 2am... there were no cabs in sight so we opted for a late night trek... Snowball fights, sliding through the streets, and beautiful lights.

Lucky for us it was just a few blocks hahah

A late February snowstorm couldn't knock the Canadia Adventure!

This is Granville Street circa 2am on a Saturday night

328. Canadia Sway = FOOD

I love errr more like LOVE going to Canada lol.

For my last hurrah (before I change jobs and loose all my vacation time) I decided to go on a foreign food run.  What better place to stuff my face than Canada?  I am now full, and happy, and ready for more!

Thank you to Chuckie and Kenji for accompanying me on this Fat Kid Journey.  Ready for round 2?

Thank you to CJ, Pierre, Ro and company for the fun times and introducing us to so much more.  My food list continues to grow (as does my stomach). 

Santouka Ramen

probably the best ramen I have ever had in my life... OR a close 2nd to Santa Ramen in San Mateo 

"make em ROAR"
I did NOT buy this but found it amusing

Doritos

You got your nacho cheese, cooler ranch, and now..

A and B
We opted for A but I can't bring myself to try 'Onion Rings and Ketchup', its sounds gross!

The Ice Cream Door from Heaven!

I spy Smarties, Toll House, LifeSavers, KitKat, Mack, Coffee Crisp, Caramilk, Turtles, and Oreo... hello and yes I'll have them all please!

327. Fahm + Ramus = FahmUs

Today, Fahm and Ramus officially made the next step to become FahmUs aka Mr.and Mrs. Chou!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
- Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

326. Fahmy Sway

Happy Birthday to one of my closest friends - wishing you nothing but the best.  Love you Fahmy!

"Can I getta quata? and a coffee refill??"

325. Family Love

With the family being so spread out and it being a rare occasion we all get to see one another.. I felt that todays should be dedicated to the family; those near and far and gone.

I had the best evening w the fam today, hanging out, telling stories, eating, laughing... although I wish that nights like this were not so rare - it makes nights like this so memorable.

"Separated by distance, joined by love"

-Chuck Danes

to Sam, to happy hour, to the distressed seagull, to "but you're starbucks", to our crazy moms, to our driven fathers, to our loud banter, and our supportive significant others "friend" (lol) -  

thank you for loving us!

*cheers*

324. Rest in Peace Samantha

‎"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran


Thinking and praying for my cousins in their time of grief.
Rest in Peace Sam... you were so wonderful.

323. Traffic Light

We all wish that life had traffic lights... 

So that we can know when to... 

just pump the brakes and STOP

pause and SLOW DOWN

or GO for it

As of late, I feel like I've been speeding down this one way road and with no signs of stopping... I can't decipher if that is a good or bad thing yet.

322. Kleenex and 2 Quarters

For any of you that have met my wonderful mom... you know what this photo means.

As I child - I was NEVER allowed out of the house unless I had 2 quarters and tissue in my pocket.  I guess I subconsciously still do it. hahahah

321. Audre Lourde Sway

"If you don’t define yourself for yourself then you will be crushed into other's fantasies of you and eaten alive"
- Audre Lorde

(via The Best Man lol)

320. FDC Holiday Sway

NO pictures or fanciness with this post... just wanted to share a great evening out w/ the FDC (less Mike plus Baby Dyson).  The FDC Christmas/holiday cycle is finally complete for 2010.  Good times, a million laughs, and banter over great food.

What a great Friday :)

319. Latin Inflecto*

"victor numquam cedit"
(latin for a winner never gives up)

*Inflecto = latin for Sway 

318. Donnie Sway

DonnieWahlberg: Dont waste another moment of your life worrying about that which you do not, cannot & will never control! Let go & have fun

317. Hippie Words of Encouragement

I made my decision - and announced my resignation to my wonderful team (the Western Sales Division) this morning.  I got a lot of flack for it but I did it the way I wanted to do it.  I got to tell them myself via conference call - no rumors, no email, straight from my own mouth and in my own words.  After the call, my phone and email started to blow up.  I felt loved/needed.  This one though - this one hit the spot and sparked the tears that I was convinced I didn't have in me.  From my Texan Hippie BDM Ms. Jeannie:

I truly believe that junctions/crossroads are a good thing. Been thinking a lot about it, too, and am peaceful with whatever happens next. If my time to contribute is complete, then so be it, and if my time isn’t up, then I must have more to offer, so…I want to be tuned in to what I’m supposed to be doing, and I trust that paths present themselves at the right time.


You never get it done, and you never get it wrong…life is a work in progress, and every moment is the next chance to alter what is and choose what’s next. Do I sound preachy? It’s kind of exciting if we can just relax and let the next thing unfold…easy to say if you’re not unemployed, but either way…


I have total faith that you will have an awesome career, and that you will direct it…here’s to powerful women – actually, self-empowerment for everyone…so there.  You are a wonderful woman destined for greatness - go get it!