Perfection

Some people talk of the perfect food. I think that swimming laps may be the perfect excercise.

Here it is pitch black and rainy on one of the shortest nights of the year. Yet I feel clean, fresh, fit, and warm. Thank god for Seattle public pools!

(Posted from my iPhone.)

Visiting friends

Family concert by Corinne S.

Yesterday I visited Piper while she was in town staying at Sara's house. We hung out in the kitchen talking and snacking almost the entire time. I got to see Reszi, Kaimi, Joyce and Sara as well (and the boys too). Only sister Suni wasn't around since she was at work. I never broke out the camera. Today I was supposed to go to the zoo with Meghan N., S. Ben, and little Nathan. Claire and Amelia might have joined us too. Unfortunately toddler sickness and bad weather required a rain-check be made on that plan. Instead, I slept late and then trekked up Sand Point Way to visit Leanne and little Asha (and saw Charles just long enough to give his car a jump start--literally). Asha was as cute and fun as ever. I posted the best photos from my visit today and then realized I had a bunch of photos from previous visits over the last year that I had never posted. So my Flickr stream is now dominated by adorable little Asha Ruby faces. You can see them here.

Cutie pie

So happy with her grandma by Corinne S.

The Saturday before Christmas was when we celebrated with the Sherry family. My parents in-law hosted and made the traditional Sherry Christmas curry, which was delicious (we've been snacking on it since then). The kids were cute as always, so they dominate the pictures.

Christmas night

Velvet ears by Corinne S.

We spent Christmas morning at Mimi's house enjoying my dad's famous homemade cinnamon rolls along with Mimi's special scrambled eggs and many yummy meats. Benjamin's parents joined us, too. It was delicious and relaxing, even though I did get only about 4 hours sleep Xmas Eve night. I didn't take any photos at breakfast.

In the afternoon and evening of Christmas day we were at home this year hosting my mom, step-dad, and grandma (as well as four small dogs including Maple and the neighbor dog who stopped by for a while). More pictures from this Christmas.

Christmas past

Maple looking attentive by Corinne S.

I've been crappy about blogging lately, but I am catching up on my photo posting. This is one of the pictures I posted fom Christmas 2006.

Amazon Will Move to South Lake Union in 2010

Today Amazon announced that their Seattle corporate offices will be relocating to the South Lake Union neighborhood in mid 2010, with full occupancy in 2011. The buildings will be constructed using LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines, which means they will be environmentally and sustainably built. Good news: employees will be able to bring their dogs to the new offices. :-) See the Amazon Press Room for more information.

Tortoise and hare swim

I wasn't breaking any speed records while swimming tonight, but I still reached my 3/4 mile goal before lap time ended. Very satisfying.

(Posted from my iPhone.)

Birthday girls

Urban traveler by Corinne S.

This was a busy weekend for us. TJ and Gabe were in town for an early family Christmas celebration, which happened on Saturday. Then Sunday we celebrated three birthdays--our niece's first, Steph's (not first), and Sylvia's (also not first). Here's Steph packed up and ready to trek home with her birthday flowers on her back. :-)

Best Customer Service E-mail

I read this blog post, which culminates in the "Best Customer Service Email" that the writer says he's ever received, and I have to agree with the author. The story is funny and the response from Amazon Executive Customer Service is witty and fantastic. I checked with the customer service rep involved to confirm the story is true. Enjoy. The Consumerist: Amazon Sends "Best Customer Service E-mail I've Ever Received"

Thanksgiving photos

Andy and his Transformer by Corinne S.

I posted my photos from our big family Thanksgiving. This one is my favorite photographically.

More photos from Thanksgiving

Parking is ridiculous

I just got screwed in the coin purse (well, debit card) by Ampco Parking downtown on Spring between 1st and 2nd. I parked for 61 minutes for an appointment and the bastards charged me $9.50.

I guess that's my penalty for leaving my house late so there wasn't enough time to park at work and take the bus or to find street parking. Too bad Ampco Asses are the ones who get the payment. Can't I make my check out to the Karmic Fund for Those Who Wait for the Chronically Late?

Mabrysitting

I'm babysitting baby Mabry tonight. I think she likes Benjamin, Maple, and the iPhone. Each holds baby interest for one reason or another. ;-)

(Posted from my iPhone with Mabry en lap.)