a bit of a loner

Continuing with the theme of adolescent-humor movie themes, we're moving on to The Hangover.

Let's be clear: I'm not really a fan. I've seen it twice, and both times it was a little (lot) bit much for me. And the end credits? With the photos? And the "eeuuwww"? You know? Yeah, you know. My favorite part is about the first 30 minutes. Specifically, the scenes with Zach Galifianakis. Like the wolfpack thing.

So.

I had checked out several books on running from the library two weeks ago. Because you might not know this internets, but I have reached the tipping point with running. I'm going to do it. For the last year, when I've pictured myself happy, satisfied, and excited about life, I've pictured myself running. I'm out on a run, wearing something cute (because when you are imagining things, you can wear what you want. Ask Anne Shirley.), and its awesome. Its amazing. And I decided its time for me to get out of my dreams and get into my car, if you get me.

So. I checked out these books, loaded my little mp3 player up with the Outlander audio tape (yes, I exercise to a book on tape. I have become the most boring person you know.), and planned to head out to the Y. I did some thinking and realized that in my imagination, I was running outside, not on a treadmill. So I decided to run outside, which is something I've only done once since high school gym class. I was going to be a lone wolf, running free at night wherever the paths on campus took me. But then I realize that I have seen way too many Law & Orders to run by myself at night, regardless of the location.

So then I asked my friend Nicole to come with on my first run last Tuesday. And then she said yes. And then I asked Laura, and she said yes, and then Laura asked Lesley. And now my lone wolf pack has become four.

Four!

We can run outside of campus at night! Like some sort of slightly to very overweight fitness gang! I'm in a gang! In California!

This kind of exciting life has always seemed to allude me. But not now. I'm in a gang. And we run. And then walk. BUT THEN WE RUN AGAIN. If you are thinking of messing with us, you better be able to run/walk better than us. And that is a debatable skill.

The goal of the running gang/wolfpack is to be in the San Jose Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon next year. Next year, you ask? Yes. Next year. Its not a secret that I'm chubby. I don't want to get hurt, and I do want to run. So I'm doing a 13 week training plan to do a 10k and then I'm moving on to a 26 week half-marathon training plan. And then, in October, I'm going to do a half marathon. Which seems so ludicrous. Thirteen miles? Me? Not in car? I know, right? But it's going to happen.

So, watch out for the roving gang of moderately paced women. One of us wears a weight vest, and she's not afraid to use it.

:-)

I think I'm pretty lucky.

There are a lot of people out there who make my life better because I know them (if you are thinking, "does she mean me?", I do. Really). Some people I don't know as much as I would like.

Angela, you are one of those people.

My good pal Anita (and currently my longest-time-known friend at RSU) introduced me to Angela by way of Ladies' Craft Night, hosted at the church we all attend. As someone who is slightly (okay, more than I would like to admit) agoraphobic, this is/was the best way for me to meet people. I'm not one to stand around and chat before and after church. The "meet your neighbor and shake their hand" part of church makes me sweat, and I try to look nonchalant when really I want to just sit down and take part of church in a more anonymous fashion. Like, a lot of anonymous. As in, I think I'll just listen to the podcast of the sermon in my house. In my pajamas. Eating pancakes. With no one but Brandon and Birdy (who would undoubtedly eat ALL the pancakes. Piggy).

But this is getting a little off the subject. Let's get back to Angela.

Angela is awesome, and from what I've known about her so far, she is incredibly genuine, a devoted mom, and insanely creative. I like that. I want to BE that, you know? After the boo-hoo posts last night due to The Biggest Loser, she sent me a link for Cathy Zielsky's blog, who also happened to catch an episode of TBL. It was a good post. It was funny. It made me read more of her blog. That, dear internets, isn't good. Don't other bloggers know to not be so interesting? Don't they know I have enough to read? Harumph.

And mostly, it was good because it showed me that someone takes interest in me. As the slight-agoraphobic person, I tend to make a career out of being somewhat invisible (or is it opaque, or transparent?) so that I'm not noticed too much.

So thanks, Angela. You rock. And, I'm looking forward to Saturday (even though there will be people there I don't know) (Eek) (I'm already getting clammy).

a day at the park

The first weekend in April, Brandon's parents and our friends Jessica and Makayla came to visit us! We went to the "Dino Park," where Birdy fell in love with the swings.

Makayla spent her time at the park running between the swings and the slides...and pointing at her mouth?

uniontown sausage feed

For the third year, Brandon, Birdy, David and I went to the Uniontown Sausage Feed. Last year, we went the day before Birdy was born, so we had to make plans to go again. This year, Owen and Kyle joined us for homemade sausage, sauerkraut and pie. Delish!

triple x rootbeer

In the last few months, we've started a tradition: when we visit my parents, the last Sunday we are there we go to Triple X Rootbeer in Issaquah. This last time coincided with Birdy's birthday, so she had her third birthday party here. Our friends Jessica and Makayla (and her faithful kitty) joined us for burgers and fun.

Birdy got to have her own ice cream sundae--she had recently discovered the joys of whipped cream earlier in the week on her first First Birthday.

amatuer hour

My name is Heather, and this last weekend, I went on a scrapbooking retreat.


Whew. Typing it really makes me feel like one of those crazy Star Wars fans or something. Mainly, I feel like a dork. Dorkiness aside, I got a lot done, and so did my Blog-less Friend April. BFA and I shared a table with a great view. BFA got a view of the mountains, I got a view of BFA. Fair? Totally.


I declared myself the Queen of the One-Page Layout. Many times, I don't have enough good photos for a two page spread. I've given up the ghost and embraced the One-Page Layout. I encourage you to do so as well.

It was a lot of fun and a little like camp, but without the cold showers, mosquito bites, and drama.

lost and found

Yesterday, Lost began it's fifth season, and we rang in the glorious day with FISH BISCUITS.

For those of you who don't watch Lost, Sawyer and Kate were held captive by the Others a few seasons ago in these cages that were used for polar bears. Sawyer figured out how to get the fish biscuits by stepping on something and throwing something else. The biscuits--understandably--tasted like fish. They were for polar bears. And yes, it's a tropical island they are on. But it was food, and if you are as good looking as Sawyer, you need to keep up your strength.

And if we are going to talk about the great thing that Jaclyn did, I'm going to need you to get over the whole "polar bears are named polar bears for a reason and I'm pretty sure that doesn't involve the equator."

She had quite a Dharma Initiative spread for us last night, including these:

I know, right?! Totally awesome!

It was the highlight of the evening. Also, her turkey burgers were amazing. And the babies liked each other. And Strawberry hasn't taught Birdy how to walk yet. And Lost blew my mind. And I dressed up as Sawyer, and Jaclyn was a Drive Shaft fan, and Chad was Daniel. It was good, nerdy fun.

The fish biscuit recipe and template can be found here.

and a merry christmas to you too!

Hello everyone!

I've emerged from the land of Dial Up to the prosperous nation of Faster Than Dial Up but Not High Speed. Thus, another blog post is upon us.

Christmas was eventful--with all the snow and everything, we managed to get to Brandon's folks' house in 9 hours (it usually takes us about 7 or so), which is pretty good, considering half the drive was compact snow and ice and we almost died. Just kidding.

But not really.

Don't ask.

But we got to Longview, alive and in one piece. My brother and sister in law came up the next day with their cutie pie Butter Bean (she is a chunk of a baby!) and Birdy and Butter Bean had good times pulling hair, giving open mouth kisses, and stealing toys from each other. The girls are adorable together. I think Birdy is missing her little friend now that she's all alone up here at my parent's house.

Birdy's first Christmas was...eventful. She looked super cute in her little dress (photos coming soon), and had fun with paper and boxes. She was very spoiled by her Grammie and Grandpa, but that's to be expected. Her favorite toy (shudder) is a Noah's ark that makes all kinds of music and sounds. With no "off" setting. And all at full volume. I thought I could be creative and dim the noise, but 8 layers of tissue and packing tape has done nothing. And, the "silencer" I crafted actually looks pretty good. You can't really tell I did anything unless you knew I did something. Or something.

Christmas with my side of the family happens on the first, and Christmas with my dad's side of the family happens on the third. Wish us luck.

meet: my brudder

My brother David is awesome. But really, what else could you expect from someone who spent so much time with me in his formative years? Besides the mental and physical (no joke) scars?

Thus, I give you my brudder (he's the one on the left, eligible ladies):

..................................................................................

H: Well hey Dave, thanks for stopping by and talking to us at A Bird in the Heather. Let's get on to the meat of the issue. What's your favorite food?

D: Pizza reigns supreme over any other food ever invented. I can eat more than anyone I know, despite claims to the contrary.

H: What would you say your favorite color is?

D: It used to be green when I was a kid, but I'd say it's more along the lines of blue.

H: I believe it. Next question...what do you want to do when you grow up?

D: Something in the field of medicine, or involving medicine and athletics.

H: Right...I remember you mentioning something about liking sports a few years ago. If my memory serves me correctly, you played football for a while. What would you consider your favorite football moment?

D: I have hella. I used to play fullback in 7th grade and my first game I broke like, a 60 yard run but then got taken down from behind by a kid who weighed half my size...and then I didn't even get to score the touchdown later on in the drive! In high school. beating Auburn who was top 10 in the state in OT, and coming from behind against Marysville-Pilchuck and also winning in OT to go on to State. But my most favorite moment was just the experience of playing with good friends for 6 years and having awesome coaches in high school.

H: Wow...long winded answer. Following the sports theme, what is your favorite Seattle sports team moment?

D: Tough question. I'd have to say the early Apple Cups in the 2000s and in '06. Going to my first Supersonics game with Dad when I was in 3rd grade was awesome, as was seeing Nate Robinson dunk on the Arizona Wildcats in 2004. Then having the Dawgs being to win in basketball. On a not-really-Seattle moment, winning 3rd place in the Renton softball league during my first year playing with the MVPC team was pretty great too.

H: Hmm...interesting. On to indoor activities. What would you say your favorite video game is?

D: Rock Band 1 & 2, NCAA Football.

H: Wow. Didn't see the football game coming. We just went to a wedding last weekend...what would you say is your most embarrassing wedding introduction?

D: Well Heath, that would be when Tru (our godmother) introduced me to her single niece by saying "So, David's here alone too!" It was pretty much all over after that. You can't recover from that type of a first impression any time soon. Also, I had like 4 beers in half an hour, so I didn't really care at that point.

H: That sounds rough. Oh wait, I was there, and it was HI-larious. Eva looked pretty cute though. Is she your favorite niece?

D: She's my favorite niece until you have a boy.

H: Jerk.

D: You asked.

H: Whatev. Moving on. What's your favorite way to spend an evening, since you are so hot-to-trot on meeting the ladies?

D: Depends on my mood. Watching TV, playing video games, or going out with friends.

H: The first two will totally get you in with the ladies. Rock on. Now, why do you always wear shorts? To show off those great gams to the eligible women in the audience? (Editor's note: David wears pants less than 10 times a year. Except when work demands it.)

D: Pants are too restricting, and get me too hot (Editor's note: That's what she said! Zing!). Shorts are usually stretchy and keep me cool--just like my personality.

H. Riiiight. To end this interview on a high note, what would you say your favorite Heather/David moment is?

D: Going to Minnesota during the summer of 2000, and the past -4-5 years becoming better brother and sister!

H: I liked that roadtrip too! Remember the crazy AM radio? And Glacier National Park? And mom breaking the lock on my door? And her being convinced bears would eat us? And that crappy Potholes place in Moses Lake? And how we could put up and take down the tent trailer like pros?

D: Uh, yes. I was there too.

H: Whatev.

..................................................................................

I hope you enjoyed this edition of Meet:. I'll be scouting the peeps I know for forthcoming installments.

i'm that guy you hate

You know that guy...the one who hates surprises of any kind. I barely enjoy getting presents on actual holidays because surprises bother me so much. However, the few times in my life I've actually been surprised, I've enjoyed. There's a psychological mystery for you.

Last night my husband had a surprise birthday party with my work peeps for me. He had help from my work spouse, HM, and our office neighbor, Zeeba. It was totally awesome and made turning 25 feel fun and festive. Considering how whiny I've been about the whole thing, I'm surprised anyone felt like they wanted to come. Or, they came to stop the whining. Regardless, I had a good time, drank beer, ate french fries, and laughed a ton. Thank you all!

I now bring you the window shopping edition of my birthday list if we were independently wealthy and had room for such gifts:

we can't all of us be famous

This is the most famousest I've ever been. And it really only amounts to 1 or 2 people so far telling me they saw me on the College of Education web site. But whatev.

I am 7 months pregnant at the time this picture was taken, and I had to walk across campus here at Rural State University. For those not familiar with this particular school, I liken the terrain to a frozen tundra. A frigid steppe. In short, one of The Coldest Places Known to Mankind.

At least when you are pregnant.

And my face...it's huge! These are the things you don't notice when you are too busy noticing how you can't see your feet. Or your belly button.

and one more

This one is my favorite! My friend Diana made the hat, and I put it on her at every opportunity. She gets tons of compliments on it, and it displays her noble Scandinavian heritage.

6 month pictures taken 1 month ago

We had these taken by the Amazing Kari at Purple Bumblebee in Longview, WA. I highly recommend her services--she loves kids, has great prices, and takes amazing shots...hence, the Amazing Kari.


I love this picture, but most of all, I love that she has a Trogdor the Burninator onesie on underneath. It will always be my little joke.

Sometimes, a girl's gotta eat her cousin's ear.

This hat was made by one of the doctors my mom works with.

Little known fact: the most relaxing baths are taken not in water, but in yards of fabric.

ode to my brudder

My little brother just turned (ha...I originally typed turded...subliminal message?) the Big Two Two, and will be graduating this May from Washington State University with a degree in Kinesology. For all of his great accomplishments, I give you, MY DORKY BROTHER, DAVID:

-When David was a wee David, we had a secret language. This was before he could talk and we lived in the Wisconsin house (so I was younger than three, making him less than one). Looking back, I'm not entirely sure if we could communicate, or if I just really loved my new little brother. The only think I remember was "avah" was "hot."

-When David was in preschool, he loved dinasaurs. I think he still does, on some level. But one of the cutest memories of him was when we were driving to Minnesota and he was listening to his Wee Sing Dinasaurs tape and singing along. He didn't think we could hear him, and he sang horribly, but my mom and dad and I got to share in the secret smug smiles and collectively think "get a load of this kid!?, where did he come from?"

-Since I had to go to David's soccer games, I decided to make the most out of it by trying to embarass him as much as possible by cheering really loudly and saying stupid things. I almost got kicked out of a game by yelling at a kid who was clearly faking being hurt.

-During my senior year, we went on a school overnight leadership retreat. At the end there is all this cheesy "oh you mean so much to me" stuff and hugging. Usually, I don't really go for that kind of thing. But David was there, and he had just started to become an interesting person (instead of the useless dolt he had been since he was 5), and I realized how much I was going to miss him when I was going to college in a few short months. So I succombed to being huggy and told hime that I loved him and hugged him. Sniff. He was a trooper and hugged me back, though he probably thought I was going soft in the head.

only 107 days until christmas!

People across the internet have started auctions to raise money and support for Stephanie (Nie) and Christian Nielson, the blogger and her husband who were badly injured in a plane crash on August 16th.

If you would like to support them through buying absolutely fabulous gifties and crafty things, there are several sites organizing and holding auctions. More can be found here at the Benefit Blog.

bird on the lawn
Today's Creative Blog
One More Moore

the meaning of life

I must share this with my reading public: If Mylie Cyrus wasn't on the radio every 15 minutes on ZFUN, I probably would lose my mind. Thanks ZFUN, for a Mylie-licious morning!