the best christmas eve

This year Dustin and I stuck around Seattle for Christmas. Coincidentally, so did our friends Art and Amy, which meant that we got to spend Christmas Eve together. And I'm so glad we did because it was one of the best Christmas Eves either Dustin or I can remember.

We went ice skating and I was REALLY bad at it, but still had a total blast:

On the way home from ice skating we decided to make a pit stop to walk along the water and see the "clam lights" at Coulon Beach, on Lake Washington.
 

Then, when we were almost back to Art and Amy's, we drove by the Seattle Great Wheel which was all lit up in red and green lights for Christmas. None of us had been on the giant, waterfront Ferris wheel yet, so per Dustin's request, we decided to take pit stop #2 and ride the great wheel.

After that we were all starving, so we snacked on some cheese and crackers when we got back to Art and Amy's apartment, and played rock band while dinner cooked (I was the singer and I was maybe really bad at it). Amy made salad and a delicious Cornish Game Hen dish, and I made tiramisu for desert. Obviously we lingered after dinner (until around Midnight) to chat and enjoy a few festive drinks.

It was great! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend as well!!

(and in case you are curious, here is a recap of the other things I did on Christmas eve: stood in line for an hour to get into the seafood market to buy food for Christmas dinner, fought the insane crowds at whole foods, bought Dustin stocking stuffers (which I put off until Christmas eve, of course), and made this pasta dish for lunch with prosciutto instead of chicken (verdict: delicious)).

BELLINGHAM

This weekend I went to Bellingham (which, if you're not from Washington, is a really pretty college town about an hour and a half north of Seattle) with my oldest, bestfriend Katie, who just got engaged and asked me to be her maid of honor, whoot!, for a wedding-fun-filled weekend with her other two bride's maids.



Katie and I at Suzie's house before our night out

 



We drove up Saturday afternoon and instead of spending the night looking at wedding magazines, Katie decided we should go out. We were all onboard and spent the night acting like college kids, a la dinner at Boundary Bay Brewery, bar hopping, dancing, and eating biscuits, gravy and bacon at a diner after the bars closed. I did this all in a sweatshirt and glasses, because (a) I am super fancy, and (b) I was completely unprepared to go out. #idontcare

Needless to say, I think we're getting too old for things like that because Sunday was a complete bust. We lounged around Suzie's house, complained, watched movies, ate McDonalds, and finally made it home in the evening. And I have no desire to do that again for a long time. But, BUT! it was a really fun change of pace and I'm so glad I got to have a fun girls mini-vaca.

a few December things

A few weekends ago Dustin and I went to his co-worker's wedding. I was obviously really excited, since I love weddings. We got dressed up, got in the car and drove over to Greenlake. When we got inside the wedding venue, we signed the guest book and then were almost immediately hearded outside, through the rain, toward the lake.

 

Guys, it was an outdoor wedding ceremony. In December. In Seattle. SURPRISE!

 

Needless to say it was unexpected, freezing, the pastor took his time doing his thing, and AND to top it all off... the groom was good friends with one of my ex-boyfriends from college #soawkward  

 

After we got back inside we had some food, a few drinks, avoided my ex boyfriend at all costs, chatted with Dustin's co worker, had a generally great time, watched the bridge and groom cut the cake, and then snuck out. 

After sneaking out, we decided to head down the block and grab a drink before heading back to our neighborhood. Since we were all dressed up, you know!

When we finally got home and parked, we still weren't ready to call it a night, so we went to the little French place across the street (where I demanded Dustin take me for my 26th Birthday). I ordered mushrooms and wine. Dustin had a beer.

We got home, put on SNL and I promptly fell asleep on the couch #standard

But not before THIS happened...

 

The next day Dustin and I braved the Sunday, Christmas season crowds to get some things for our VERY FIRST Christmas tree. Never again. Target at Christmas time is a zoo. We were both exhausted by the time we got out of there.

 

After Target we went back home, took a deep breath, bundled up, and walked two blocks in the rain to the Christmas Tree Stand. We chose the smallest, cutest tree they had, sipped some cider to warm up, and then carried our perfect tree home in the rain. 

Now we're working on adding presents and avoiding Target until at least the new year. Have I mentioned that online shopping is my new best friend? I just hope all my presents get delivered before Christmas.

GIRLZ

Do you guys watch the HBO show Girls? If you don't, well, you should probably steal someone's HBO password and go watch all of the episodes right now. It's so good it warrants password theft (statements like that are probably the reason I didn't pass the ethics portion of the bar... So maybe don't steal things.).

Anyway, Season 2 of Girls premiers January 13th and I can't wait. Here's a little preview that I've watched multiple times today. #noshame #dontjudgeme

Speaking of things I'm excited about: it's finally Friday. What are your weekend plans? Dustin and I are going to decorate our apartment for Christmas at some point, and tomorrow night we're going to a wedding at Greenlake. You all know how much I love weddings, so hopefully it will be a fun time!

Thanksgiving (and last weekend too)

It’s Thanksgiving day and I made the drive down from Seattle to my parents’ house this morning. We always have a quick dinner, everyone stuffs their faces for about 20 minutes and the rest of the day is spent watching tv and trying to cool down (my mom likes to make sure the wood fire is always roaring).

I figured all this down time is the perfect excuse to drink some red wine, snuggle with Fluffy and blog. Historically Thanksgiving for me has been spent not drinking wine, snuggling with (read: sobbing into) the cat and outlining for finals. Life after law school is so good!! Hooray!

Anyway, here I go: Last weekend I also made the trip back to White Salmon for my Tot cousin’s FIRST birthday party. His birthday is the day after mine, and we are basically twins (even down to our matching shin, dragon-shaped birthmarks). I love that kid!

We all got matching shirts for his birthday (with his cute little face screen printed on them), we ate cake, opened presents, and I obviously stayed hours after the party was over because I don’t get to see Chip and Katie NEARLY as much as I’d like anymore.

The night before the party I was able to sneak in some time with my Hood River friends. It was our friend Nate’s going away party last Friday and I made it out to the end of the party (after my SEVEN HOUR drive from Seattle… #neveragain). It’s always so fun to see these kids:

 
I’m hoping I’ll get to see everyone again while I’m here for the holiday.

Also, fun fact, today and tomorrow are my first EVER paid days off! Did I already mention that I LOVE life after law school? Because I do! I think this whole no-law-school-thing is one of the things I am most thankful for today (on this day all about thankfulness and shoving all the food in your face).

And now, it’s time to go get a refill on that wine…

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful day.

time with you is my favorite time

Yesterday marked the two year anniversary of my first date with Dustin. Two year date-a-versary, if you will.

That guy, let me tell you (again), he is the best. He's really smart, he makes me feel safe and cared for, he has a great sense of humor, and he is really stubborn, but I love him anyway. He's all the things I want in a partner (minus maybe the stubborn part, but you know).

Yesterday we didn't do much . One of his friends who he hadn't seen in ages was in town, so after work we spent some time with her before Dustin took her to the airport. While he was gone I laid on the couch and felt sorry for myself because I was cold and hungry and tired #standard. SO, what does Dustin do? It's like he knows and he shows back up with delicious steak sandwiches and then cranked up the heat. See what I mean about the whole taking care of me thing? But really, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

He is awesome and I would probably be starved and homeless and cold without him.

Thanks Dustin, I love you!

on growing up

Yesterday I turned 26.

26 seems so much older than 25. Or maybe every year just seems so much older than the last these days.

On my last day of 25 I thought a lot about all of the personal milestones that I hit during my 25th year: I represented a client in court, I graduated law school, I studied for and took the bar, I moved in with Dustin, I got a grown-up job, etc. It was a big year for me. And now there's 26. What does 26 have in store? Surely not as many exciting things. I mean, how could it?

Hopefully during my 26th year I will get better at that whole ethics thing and pass that part of the bar, I would also like to gain some job-security. Microsoft is great, but being a contractor always comes with some uncertainties. Maybe in my 26th year I will get a full time Microsoft job. And become ethical. Those are my goals (bam!). But I don't know what else I have to look forward to this year. Maybe that's alright, though. A year to rest and get my life started after school, school, school for the past 20something years. It has all been sort of exhausting and exciting and maybe now I get to step back and take a deep breath. Is this what being an adult feels like?

To celebrate my first, adult birthday I worked all day with the exception of a bubble tea and cake break thanks to my co-workers. After work I went to dinner with Dustin at the best little French restaurant where I ordered Brussels sprouts and mushrooms and a glass of red wine. What kind of a meal is that? I mean... when Dustin asked me what I wanted for dinner I told him Brussels Sprouts, how grown-up-gross is that? But guys, it was amazing. So good. Then, to top off the night I went to bed at about 8:30. So that's that. Apparently I jumped straight from 25 to 70.

Cheers to another year!

yay washington!

Today I am proud to be a resident of Washington State. One of my friends summed up a few of the election results so well when he said:

The "Gay Marriage" measure passed easily in Washington, even though nowhere near 50% of Washingtonians are gay. And the marijuana legalization passed even more convincingly, but I would bet that far less than 50% of people (let alone actual voters) smoke pot. This just shows that a large number of people from the best state in the country put their own interests aside and thought about how their vote would affect other people. Washingtonians who do not smoke pot do not want those that do to be unfairly and excessively punished for an activity that hurts no one. And Washingtonians who are straight do not want basic rights denied to their friends and neighbors because of who those friends and neighbors happen to love. This was a victory for compassion and empathy, and for logic and reason. Everyone wins.

Politics aren't really my thing, but kindness and treating others the way you would want to be treated is, so here is to Washington and it's awesomeness! Cheers, friends!

silly excitement + america! 

Halloween 2012

Happy Halloween, friends!

 

Halloween hasn't traditionally been my favorite holiday (usually because I am being too grinchy to dress up or you know, enjoy the fun of the day), but when I dress up and put out decorations and plan fun things with awesome people, it somehow becomes one of my favorites.

 

This last weekend I went home to White Salmon to go hunting and have some Halloween fun with my besties.

 

After a Friday night "in" with Beth and Marissa which involved a yummy dinner, the cutting of a Yolandi wig and a few dance parties, we were ready for a Saturday night out. So, Saturday evening I dressed up and got my face painted, and then we went out and had a blast. Here are some [spooky] pictures from Saturday night in Hood River. 

 

 

 

 

Today everyone is bringing their kids to work to trick-or-treat at each of the offices. Later, Dustin and I are going to love on our black cat and have friends over for cupcake/cookie decorating and candy corn vodka. Are you doing anything fun today? I would love to hear. 

 



Dustin’s Birthday

On Friday Dustin got some exciting news at work so we went out for congratulations/early birthday dinner. I love having a great sushi place just a block away. I’m not sure this living in the city thing will ever get old.

 
We spent the rest of the night watching last week’s SNL and hanging out on the couch.

Saturday was Dustin’s birthday so I made him bacon, hash browns and biscuits+gravy for breakfast. He wanted to relax for his birthday so we spent a lot of the day hanging out at the apartment, watching football (well, he watched football, I read magazines). I also made cupcakes and Dustin opened presents. I love birthdays.

In the evening, we ventured out for a little shopping and then came home before walking up the street for some Chinese food (Dustin’s favorite). When we got home I sang happy birthday and Dustin blew out his candles:

Today he left on a business trip #totesimportant #imisshimalready

I really love that guy.

Happy birthday, Dustin! I hope your day was as wonderful as mine.

5 things

1. I got my bar results back on Friday morning, a little after midnight (talk about tired and delusional, that is way past my bedtime). The verdict: I passed the substantive portion (which is the big, two day long, know all the laws part) and failed the (two hour) professional responsibility part at the end. So I technically did not pass and I will be re-taking (only) the PR portion in February. Wah wah.

2. I'm loving my new job. So much. Microsoft is #totesamaze. Also high-five to myself for having a job that doesn't care that I didn't pass all of the bar, am I right?

3. I participated in a little fall friendship swap recently and I got my box of fall goodness last nigh. I was paired with Arika and she sent me these awesome goodies (nail polish, a nail file, a yummy candle, tea, and an awesome cookbook):

Yes, I was wearing a Canadian Tuxedo. Bam! #denimondenimlove

4. The rain is officially back in Seattle. Hello 9 million months of winter (and by winter I mean rain). Time to bust out the boots.

5. I went home a few weekends back for hops fest and my friend Jessica's baby shower and my dad's birthday and some BFF time. I packed so much into one weekend, but it was so good. I still need to blog about it. In the mean time though, I'll share with you one of my favorite parts of the weekend:

Hanging out with KITTENS! Fluffy is a cat-uncle. They are the cutest, fluffiest kittens. A trip back home to visit them (and my Fluffy cat, who will always be my favorite) is definitely in order soon.

Portland Wedding Fun

A few weekends ago Dustin and I went to our last wedding of the season (shed a tear, wedding season is over). The wedding was in Portland so we drove down on Saturday morning, giving me just enough time to walk over to Nordstrom, drool over some Proenza Shouler bags, buy a big shirt (aka dress – the one you see below, to be more specific) and wander happily for a few minutes before we had to start getting ready. Ahh staying downtown, so good…

The view from our hotel room 

The wedding was perfect. It was held in a sort of understated and rustic venue right across a bridge from downtown. There was awesome food, awesome people and lots of drinks (what better form of social lubrication, am I right?).

 Signature Cocktail, don’t mind if I do…

Dustin even gave a speech. And his speech was so good. What a guy!

I’ll miss you, wedding season! Until next time…

What I wore | big shirt & necklace from Nordstrom and bright pink NARS lipstick

Exciting News

I have some big news (although if you follow me on twitter or IG (rebekaann) you might already know) I got a new job! Wait for it… At Microsoft in the legal department! I could not be more excited! Whoot! It looks like I’m starting not next week but the week after.

I got the job through a random connection, so my advice to you, fellow law-job-seekers (or really anyone): if you’re looking, don’t be afraid to tell everyone that you’re looking. Someone may hear of something and recommend you and you will get called in the next day and only do a 1/2 interview because that person said such great things about you and the person you’re interviewing with will love you. Or maybe I just got really lucky?

Either way, here is a crappy iPhone self-photo of what I wore (Microsoft is super casual, normally I would have wore a suit):

pants J Crew | shirt H&M | shoes a last minute H&M purchase as well

Friday

 I took this photo earlier this week on the way home from a 13 hour work day
(picture of the Great Wheel and the Puget Sound)

I always really love Fridays.

The rest of the weekend is good too. But on Friday you really feel like you deserve the night off, you know? It’s immediate gratification after a week of work.

I’m especially excited today about the fact that it’s Friday. I’m pretty sure it has been the longest 4 day week ever, it’s beautiful outside and I have plans to grab a drink with some friends and co-workers after work. Hooray for Friday.

What are your Friday plans? Do you love Friday as much as me?

the fire

Last night, as I was leaving work after an awesome event we hosted, I picked up my phone to find that I had been bombarded by phone calls and text messages from my friends and family. A forest fire was headed right toward my parents’ house.

picture text from my mom last night, taken from the front yard of their house

My parents live outside of White Salmon (which is a small town on the Washington side of the Columbia River) on some acreage which is key to their livelihood (especially my dad’s). Losing the houses (both the house they live in now and the house my dad and my brother and I grew up in), the barns, and all the forest land would be completely devastating in so many ways.

I have obviously been a wreck since I heard and I’m sure I look less than professional today at work.

The latest news though (via text from my mom), is that the wind died down and then recently picked back up, but is now blowing away from our house instead of straight toward it. It’s good for us, not so good for others. I’m really hoping they get it put out soon. So many of our wonderful friends are fighting it right now. So many of our other friends’ homes are also in danger.

Whenever something like this happens it really makes everyone appreciate the things we might normally take for granted: our homes, family, friends (who have been so amazing, especially Beth and Marissa who offered to help in any way they could, like by taking care of my Fluffy Face Cat so he wouldn’t burn up).

It also makes you feel lots of anger and resentment toward the idiots of the world. Yes, I’m looking at you, person who started these devastating forest fires (all 5 of them) with your sparking car breaks.

So I guess the moral of the story is go hug all of the people you love and send all of your good energy toward White Salmon.

some recipes and some random too

I have been experiencing a bit of writers block recently. But the best way to get over something is to get under it, or something. Maybe that’s a dirty joke? See what I mean, this is getting out of control! Anyway…

Saturday Dustin and I drove down to Hood River for his Grandpa’s surprise 80th birthday party. We were only in Hood River for the day, but we got into town a few hours before the party started so obviously that meant we had time to stop by Double Mountain for a few beers:

 
That place is just the best.

Dustin’s parents both did a really great job of taking pictures at the party. I however, did not. I did, though, do a really great job of sleeping the whole 4 hour drive home. Thanks for driving me, Dustin! I really needed that 13 hours of sleep… 

Today we are going to a BBQ at Dustin’s friend’s house. I made crack dip to take. If you haven’t made it yet, make it. It’s super easy and it is definitely a crowd pleaser.

I also made some quiche for breakfast while Dustin slept in. If you want to make quiche too (your boyfriend will be stoked if you do):

Cook some bacon then chop it up and sprinkle it in the bottom of a pie crust (use a frozen one if you’re having a lazy morning).
Sprinkle some shredded cheese (I used 2% cheddar) on top of your bacon.
Then, in a bowl, whisk together 6 eggs with 1 cup milk (I used non-fat), and season with some some salt and pepper.
Slowly pour your egg mixture over the cheese and bacon in the pie crust.
Pop that in the oven and bake your quiche at 400degrees for a while; like 30 minutes, but you’ll want to check on it, because clearly my directions aren’t the most precise.
That being said, the quiche was good, and easy, and so I win.
#besteverchef

This week I will be busy working at both of my jobs and trying to get back in shape because regular exercise while I was studying for the bar just didn’t happen. Also I’m still having bar nightmares, so that’s awesome.

Happy Labor Day everyone! What are your plans today? Do you have any easy, awesome recipes to share with me? I always love adding new recipes to my repertoire. Cheers!

I love weddings (true story)

Weddings are one of my very favorite things. What’s not to love? They’re filled with joy and love, friends, wine, great food and dancing! Oh the dancing!

This past Friday I took off work early and headed to Yakima for my sorority sister, Stephanie’s wedding. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. The whole thing was a blast!

In case you don’t believe me, I’ll tell AND show you why it was the very best:

I had a hot date who left his vacation early to come meet me in Yakima for the fun:

My sorority sisters were there (PC05):

I got to catch up with Danielle and Steffen, who I hadn’t seen since their wedding:

 and maybe even make super top secret plans with Steffen!

And (maybe my favorite part?), I got to drink wine and dance with some of my favorites. They even played CALL ME MAYBE! At which point Danielle RAN to me, I knew we were friends for a reason!:
        

Don’t worry, this is just me singing “and this is CRA-ZY” as Dustin plays photographer:

And then we went to the afterparty. Where I took a Patron shot or two (definitely two, which I didn’t need). But I wouldn’t have traded this night for the world.

Congratulations Stephanie and Michael!!