Queen Anne Winter Playground

The snow has kept dumping in Seattle, resulting in road closures, accidents and general chaos all over our city. It rains here a lot, it doesn’t snow. So we tend to be the most unprepared, ridiculous city when we get a couple inches. I happen to love it though because our shotty bus rerouting system means I get to work from home and enjoy snow days in my neighborhood.

I live off one of the biggest hills in Seattle – Queen Anne’s Counterbalance Hill, named in memory of the cable cars that used to run up and down it. As soon as it snows, the entire hill shuts down – inaccessible to cars and buses.

Then it becomes a snow playground for all of us who live near – at least a hundred people gather on the hill for sledding, snowboarding, skiing, and snowball fights. It’s completely awesome, and makes me love my neighborhood even more than I already do.

Currently Feeling: A little sore – I fell while trying to snowboard down the hill today. I think I broke my tailbone. No joke.
Currently Anticipating: Starting my work week on Monday in a brand new, super cool office in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle.
Currently Watching: The new season of Millionaire Matchmaker – I’m catching up on my DVR. Patty Stanger is so sassy. This season is great!

Fairweather Fan

This year I’ve decided to make football my most favorite thing in the world.

Well, that’s a lie. I decided to make hanging out with my friends, tailgating and eating pulled pork and hot dogs underneath tents in parking lots while playing ring toss and sipping on BLs my most favorite thing in the world. (Shocker).

It started with my purchase of a super cute girls Seahawk’s jersey for 75% off at the final game of the season last year. I’m a sucker for a sale!

And of course with my newly minted (literally mint green) jersey comes the necessity to wear it AS.MUCH.AS.HUMANLY.POSSIBLE.

Enter the best fairweather fan out there. I fairweather with the best of them, yo!

P.S. After this Sunday’s opening day, I can already tell football season is going to be the death of me.

Go Hawks!

Currently Feeling: Amazing after a 9:15 p.m. power vinyasa hot yoga class – it was pretty difficult, but SO glad I sucked it up and went!
Currently Anticipating: Ignite 11 tomorrow night (my favorite event in ALL of Seattle). Have you been to an Ignite event in your city? If not, you should!
Currently Loving: Hot and sweet mustard. On ham and cheese sandwiches. Mmm. (A great substitute to mayo too!)

Now accepting applications

This weekend I was able to head east of Seattle, over the Washington State mountain pass, for the first camping trip of the summer. It’s officially camping season, my lovelies!

I’m a huge fan of camping. I love it more than this much *holding arms out wide.* I grew up with two families who didn’t take off on planes to Europe or Hawaii… we spent a week in the woods, eating graham crackers with honey and hot dogs on buns. I remember the first time my dad roasted me a marshmallow (and I’ve never looked back). I remember playing horseshoes and riding bikes through Mt. St. Helen’s State Park. I remember feeding chips to deer that walked up to our passing car in Deception Pass.

Seattle is a beautiful city. But one of the things I love best about it is that it’s only two hours away outside of the city to dry, warmer weather, traveling through apple fields on a two-lane highway with rolling hills, lakes and fruit stands along the way where you can stop at buy peaches for pie, homemade salsa and pickled vegetables. Eastern and Western Washington are the best of both worlds.

When I think of my past relationship – the best times I remember are camping. We traveled all over the state together. We’d even go away for three-day weekends, just the two of us, biking, swimming and playing cards under the glow of a lantern till way late in the night. (We even had a blog for it). It’s those times that make me the most sad about the relationship coming to an end. He taught me that one thing I really want in my next relationship is someone who will pack up the car and head east with me for some down home grubbiness underneath the stars.

With the exit of my last lover [of camping], however, went the exit of all my camping gear.

And here’s where I end waxing poetically.

It sucks to camp without camping gear. It hadn’t quite struck my mind how unprepared I am to do one of my most favorite pastimes until I was ready to pack up for a camp night with friends this weekend, and I looked around and realized all I had was a pillow…some couch blankets…a cooler big enough for a six pack of beer pop. Hmm. What’s a girl to do.

So I threw a yoga mat and a Snuggie I won in the back of my car, thinking I wouldn’t care too much by the time I fell asleep, and at least I’d have some padding between myself and the ground.

Big mistake. Huge.

I spent a miserable night, shoving my hands into the Snuggie. Then my feet into the arms. Then pulling my hands out of my sweatshirt to hug myself and create more body heat. Then transferring to the back seat of a Honda Civic, which was five degrees warmer but caused me to sleep in the shape of a hairpin. Then pulling on every layer I could find in my bag and around the car. Then lying beach towels on top of me, while trying not to expose my body outside of the Snuggie, while my arms were out of both sleeves and wrapped against my body for warmth. Then putting my sweatshirt hood over my face to create more warmth, but then gasping for air cause I couldn’t breath. Then thinking about all the air being breathed out of the car by me and suffocating in my sleep.

Phew. I didn’t die.

I’ve never wanted a camping partner so bad. If for nothing more than a warm body to brave the early summer cold. Or to cook me bacon in the morning. Or to set up the tent and blow up the air mattress for me. Whatever you like! The world’s your oyster!

Now accepting applications.

Currently Feeling: Proud that I took some steps toward financial changes that I’ve been wanting to make for awhile (which I’ll write about soon for the 20SB Carnival about finances. You should join too!)
Currently Anticipating: Wednesday to come. I’m super burnt out from hot yoga – love it, but need a break. Plus, I get to celebrate the end of my 30-day challenge at a fun party on Capitol Hill.
Currently Loving: Honey. On everything.

30 Days

Hello June.

I’m starting you out by doing a challenge because, well, sometimes I’m a little crazy, but mostly I like to consistently challenge myself. So, I will be giving up my most beloved Sassy Fit for just one month to embark on finding my inner yogi.

A local yoga studio in Seattle, Urban Yoga Spa, is doing a 30-day yoga challenge in June. Basically, you can sign up to commit to three different levels. Level one is 20 days of yoga in June. Level two is 30 days. And level three is 30 days AND declaring one thing to give up during the challenge.

I’m going big or going home – level three all the way baby!

SO, I Jeanna Barrett, do hereby declare to give up…

CONSUMERISM

for the month of June.

Here’s the deal – I buy stuff. A lot of stuff. Like ice cream makers, and onion savers. And magazines. And eyeshadows, lip glosses and nail polish. Dresses to go out in, new leggings and boots, big earrings and dozens of bangles. Actually, more clothing, accessories and shoes than you could possibly imagine. I buy new furniture, water bottles, paintings, games, books, smelly soaps and wine glasses. I buy fancy candles, frames for my desk, Orchid plants…any little trinket “they” (people out to get me) put near the checkout stands. Sometimes when I’m bored, I’ll go to Ross or Target and just look for stuff to buy. Stuff, stuff, stuff.

Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.

I thought about giving up consumerism for Lent. That never happened for one reason or the other. I continued to buy – then just before I received word on the yoga challenge, I read this post on Dooce.com about a woman who drew pictures of all the things she bought, every day, and posted them to her blog (eventually creating a book). A record in over consumption, I suppose.

Boy do I over consume.

So I’m detoxing – my wallet and my mind.

Today I’ve already saved:

• $12.95 on a Jack Johnson CD I thought I had to buy at Starbucks this morning (But I didn’t!)
• $48 + shipping on a pair of Tom’s I still feel like I can’t live without (God dammit they’re cute!)

That’s roughly ~ $70 richer. Seventy dollars that I’m transferring over to my savings. This is going to add up quick.

And tonight’s my first (hot-ish) Power Vinyasa class.

Wish me luck.

(And join me if you want!! Even if you’re a day or two late… leave a comment letting me know you’re on board, and I’ll create a little badge for your blog.)

Currently Feeling:A little nervous for my first class tonight – a Power Vinyasa to current pop and rock-n-roll music. I’m easing myself into HOT yoga (this one is at 95 degrees).
Currently Anticipating: Gathering all the photos from this weekend to share with you – SO much crazy fun.
Currently Loving: My new yoga bag that carries that mat on the bottom (hey – I bought it yesterday BEFORE June 1!)

If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball

Tonight is the last game of the season for my kickball team, Ballstache. My time as coach is coming to an end, and I have to say, it’s been a rough season, to say the least. We’ve:

• Lost every game, (even the closest of the closest games that came down to the last inning), leaving us the worst in the league. Breaks my heart, I tell you. I think they might be trading me out of Seattle. Guess I shouldn’t quit my day job!
• Played in a downpour so bad that we were falling all over the field, kicking then landing on our butt and sliding around the bases. We went home soaked, muddy and still game losers, and I managed to bruise my bum in a slide to second.
• Sprained one of our best players’ ankle.
• Received an alcohol warning from the league.

Ballstache or die! Wish us luck!

Currently Feeling: A bad backache coming on – think I’ve been pushing my body a little too far lately.
Currently Anticipating: Girl Power Hour’s “Find Your Inner Rock Star” event tomorrow at Hard Rock Cafe! Got my studded bracelets and red patent leather heels shined up and ready to take out on the town.
Currently Reading: “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters. (Gothic ghost story, yes please! Also a finalist for The Man Booker prize). I’ll keep you posted on how it is.

The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat

I’ve been hearing about this Zumba stuff for quite awhile. First was from the lovely Chelsea from Chelsea Talks Smack, who I believe actually taught/teaches a class. Next, an insanely bright yellow sign cropped up in my neighborhood, advertising a Zumba class. And then the final straw, the studio I go to every week for celebrity bootcamp added a class.

So I had to try it. At least once. Like that crazy Nia fitness class I went to last year.

You say bandwagon, I jump!

And so I did. Literally. I jumped. And sashayed. I shook my hips (and they don’t lie). I pivoted my pelvis with my hands in the air. I sassified it up, twisting my hands, dipping and pursing my lips. I sweated. I danced in my yoga pants under rainbow disco lights. I smiled. Because dancing just does that to you.

Zumba is Latin rhythms and dancing, with a bit of salsa and some occasional lunges and strength training moves. Basically it’s just learning new steps and dancing routines for an hour, to at least six or seven songs. As each song went by, the more confident and sassy I became. I turned into the whitest, nerdiest Shakira out there. For an hour. It was totally liberating.

Pretty soon, this is going to be me:

(Is it weird that I’m already looking up Carmen Miranda costumes for Halloween?!)

Currently Feeling: Ready for the weekend and slowing down a bit! I’ve had a busy week.
Currently Anticipating: The Seattle Fashion Week launch party tonight at Hard Rock Cafe with two of the Girl Power Hour gals.
Currently Hating: That I have to wait so long for my BooksFree.com books to arrive! I’m ready to dive into another book, yo!

STORE UNDER REFIRGERATION

This weekend, I…

…Bought one of those skirts that can be found in droves at Nordstrom and every other store. Basically, you throw them over a tucked in T-shirt or blouse, and wear it with leggings and boots. I’m in love and want to head back and buy 14 more of them.

…Hit up the newish Blush Lounge for happy hour with some girls. The entire place was a bit dead, but their $3 and $4 Asian fusion appetizers are totally worth a trip.

…Discovered my new favorite martini at Tini Bigs – a mixture of vanilla moonshine, grapefruit juice, mint and white wine. Not too sweet, basically heaven.

…Shook my booty for at least two hours at a very popular bar with the early 20-somethings. My current motto of 2010 is “bringing it back to 24.” So that was every bit of a success.

…Read about 200 pages of Stolen Lives. I’m absolutely mesmerized by it. Highly recommend.

…Went to the new Wink Cupcakes on Queen Anne for a mini red velvet (my latest obsession) before heading to West Seattle for a coworker’s baby shower, featuring cupcakes from The Sugar Rush Baking Company. (A cupcake company I’ve yet to try, so I had to eat six mini ones to get a full idea of their tastiness. Duh). Followed by another trip to Wink with my parents the next day for another red velvet (I had to let them try it.) By the way, I DID skip the Cupcake Convention that was actually happening downtown on Saturday. Mostly because I couldn’t find a cupcake partner. It’s raining cupcakes in Seattle. I think I might be cutoff from them for awhile.

…Discovered avocado fries! That’s right – fried avocados. Totally fatty. Pretty tasty. You can find em at my new favorite bar, The Shelter in Ballard.

…Finally tried Cougar Gold. I’ve heard about this dang cheese for years now. For those of you not in the know – it’s a cheese made by students at a creamery on Washington State University’s campus (where my sis’ goes to school). It’s pretty good. But it comes in a large can like the biggest can of tuna you’ve ever seen. Cheese in a can? Even better when it’s imprinted with “STORE UNDER REFIRGERATION.”

…Made a pseudo plan for the triathlon I’m planning on completing this year. The parents of a friend of mine built a house on Beaver Lake, which has a triathlon in August. I think we’re planning to gather a group to compete together then have a party afterward at their house. Time to start training.

…Hit up Greenlake to burn off all the food & alcohol calories I accumulated this weekend – spring is officially here, and while it’s still a bit chilly, the bright pink Magnolia trees and sunshine were enough to make me smile and declare the weekend a total freakin’ success.

Currently Feeling: Ready for the work week – only five more days until I leave for sunny and warm Miami
Currently Anticipating: Back on the fitness wagon tomorrow with Sassy Fit. I love me some boot camp.
Currently Needing: A good savings plan to get me to Thailand in October with my best friends.

Whrrling my way at the Seahawks game

Ever heard of Whrrl? It’s a pretty sweet app/Web site that allows you to create “stories” to share with your friends on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc. I went to my very first Seattle Seahawks game last night, so I thought I’d make a mini story for YOU. Check it out!

More stories at Qwest Field

Powered by Whrrl

Currently Feeling: A little sad it’s the last big camping weekend of the summer.
Currently Anticipating: One last summer fun, swimming and floating weekend!
Currently Reading: Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster. So freakin’ funny!!

Hotttt child in the city

For those of you who follow me on Twitter, Facebook or read my “Currently”s, you know that I went to hot yoga last night with my sister.

To say I was a bit nervous is an understatement – my anxiety toward the class continued to build as the day went on. It started with my post on Facebook about how I was nervous to go to hot yoga. From there, I received THIRTEEN comments from people, which either gave me advice on how not to pass out, or said things like, “Even sports athletes pass out!” or “Did I tell you about the time I passed out, got a concussion and had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance in the middle of class???” (True story). Gee, thanks friends.

It only escalated more when even the yoga teacher told me, “I see people swaying back and forth all the time – just lie down if you feel like you’re lightheaded. By signing these two papers, you agree to not leave the room, NO.MATTER.WHAT. Even if you think you’re going to pass out, just lie down, don’t leave the room.”

Um, yah. About that last part. Have I told you that I have minor anxiety about being sick in public and not being able to get away? If that doesn’t make sense… image why I have a fear of flying – because if I have to puke or have to go to “the bathroom” or catch the Ebola virus, I don’t want to be stuck in a place with a bunch of other people, in a situation that I can’t escape from. What can I say, I have a thing for being sick in the privacy of my own home. So let’s say I feel like I’m going to puke or pass out, I don’t want to be holed up in a room with all the other people in the yoga class.

After that little proclamation, I was ready to throw in the towel and give up completely. My heart was already palpitating a little bit. And to make matters worse, one of the most gorgeous, hot-bodied men I’ve seen in a long time was in line behind me, sans shirt, waiting to pay his price for the class I was signing up for. Scenes were flashing through my mind – I’d slump to the ground in a sweaty heap, my tongue would be lying out of my mouth, drool trailing slowly down my left cheek, the ambulance would come and they’d have to CUT OFF my yoga pants with scissors, and I’d be wearing granny work out panties. (Isn’t that why women wear cute underwear all the time – for the fear that we’ll be caught somewhere with our pants down, literally, in gross undies?!) And the hot man would be there to see the whole thing.

I sucked it up though, entered the room and set up my yoga mat. (My little sister was there to taunt me with the fact that hot yoga burns as many calories as an hour of running). I was only two minutes in, just sittin’ around and waiting for the instructor to start, and I was already thinking about how nice a hammock in a stiff breeze would feel. Or maybe dunking my head IN a pitcher of margaritas. Or taking an ice cold shower. That room is mother freakin’ HOT. I tried not to think too much about just how hot I was, cause then that good ole anxiety would start to creep up again, but if I panicked, I’d be STUCK in the room with everyone else watching me have a minor meltdown.

Anywhoo, hot yoga (or Bikram yoga, as it’s named after the founder) is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. I didn’t know this, but it’s the same EVERY.time. In Power Yoga, or the yoga most gyms offer, it’s usually always different, ranging in different poses and sets of moves. But, the 26 poses in Bikram are exactly the same, from beginning to end, every class. The poses work in intervals, pushing yourself for one minute in a few poses, then doing them again for 30 seconds. Sort of a rise and fall – bringing your heart rate up and then letting it come back down. Wooo boy, did I appreciate that. And by “that,” I mean the slow down part. When you’re out of breath and your heart is rapidly beating, being in a 105-degree room with 40 percent humidity only compounds the agony. It’s like if you decided to run a marathon inside a sauna. So I appreciated every little rest and small sip of water I was gifted. (Cause, no lie, water sips are regulated in the class since actually having too much water can make you sick).

I totally managed to survive the class without passing out or panicking. It was a lot different than yoga classes I’ve attended in the past – a lot less relaxing, to tell you the truth. I feel like Bikram is more about pushing past a mental state of wanting to breakdown, rather than slow breathing and stretching while listening to a babbling brook. Afterward, it really is like no other feeling. Kinda like, “I can conquer the world!”

Oh, and I had NO idea that much sweat could come out of my body…

Currently Feeling: Sleepy from staying up too late to finish my resume for the career workshop I’m in today. (Good thing someone pushed me to finish by a deadline).
Currently Anticipating: Happy hour with Adam tonight.
Currenty Wishing: There was another “good” fat on this diet besides almonds, avocado and olive oil. Those three things are getting mighty boring for dressings.

Launched: New little blog project

So, I’ve mentioned earlier this week that I’m launching a new blog project with the BF. It was something that came about this past weekend – a suggestion from him, actually. Surprising since I’m the blogging whore in this relationship, and he’s constantly making fun of my Internet geekiness.

Basically, we’re always camping, going on road trips and trying out new wineries and restaurants. And when we do these types of things, we’re always reviewing and critiquing, comparing, liking, loving or hating the places we go. We thought it’d be fun to start up a review site of the all the places we venture out to. So basically, if you’re one of my readers outside of Washington state, this won’t interest you at all. But if you’re one of my friends, a family member, or someone living in Washington, this might interest you if you’re looking for a place to camp or eat. We’re only going to be updating as we go places, so not that frequently. But in the meantime, I’ve written and backlogged a few of the places we’ve gone over this past year. You can always find what I’ve posted on the site in the sidebar on this blog.

Check it out if you feel so inclined!

Caviar & Campfires

Oh, and happy Friday. It’s 70+ degrees in Seattle, with a forecast of 80 degrees. You bet your butt I’m going to be out partying and sunbathing this weekend – I hope you are too!

Currently Feeling: Happy, happy, happy for a weekend home in the sun. But a little guilty with how much I feel I didn’t get done this week.
Currently Anticipating: Girls night out on the town tonight, and floating and jet skiing tomorrow.
Currently Reading: The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs.