Blainacation: Seattle

Blainacation: Seattle

Blaine finally made his way up here to the Pacific Northwest last weekend! We go waaay back - back to days of high school in good old Santa Rosa, CA. Link to slideshow of random pics is above (click on picture).

List of activities included (in approximate order):

• Pike's Place
• Seattle Art Museum
• Space Needle
  
• Experimental Music Project (EMP)
• Funhouse (Dive Bar)
• Dick's Hamburgers
• Fremont Troll
• Redhook Brewery
• Mariner's Game
• The Res (Dive Bar)
• Gorditos (Mexican Food)
  
• Ballard Locks
• UW Campus and UW Speech and Hearing Clinic
• Schultzy's (U District Bar)
• Die Bier Stube (German Bar)
• Speechie Party
• Jumping over two chain-linked fences and suffering minor scrapes...yea...
• Cloud City Coffee

and the winner is...

The majority has spoken. "Say Anything" will premiere on Colin and Gary's patio tomorrow evening.

Colin will be grilling pre-movie if you are interested. Show up at around 7 PM if down for BBQ.

Show starts promptly at 9 PM. Make sure to pack a jacket (just in case). Ice cream, popcorn, and cookies are on the menu. Feel free to add to it.

So...I know how many people voted, 29, but, I'm not sure of exactly who is who...plus some people have been asking me. If you could leave a comment on this post of your status that would be great!

See you here!

July 4th 2008 Festivities

Jaime's East Lake Apartment (Seattle, WA) has an amazing view overlooking Lake Union (downtown Seattle area) and it's surroundings. It made for the most picturesque 4th I've ever experienced. Good times.

Fireworks!



Sparklers!

Another BBQ featuring...

Gooood Eats. This past's Sunday BBQ (6/22) featured:

Gary's BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Rice Balls, and Grilled Corn

Colin's Cedar Plank BBQ Salmon, Fried Candy Bars (pictured below) , and Fried Oreos (pictured below)

Eric's Homemade Donuts (pictured below)

80's Party!

Fun fun fun on 5/16. I loove a party that's within a block from my house. It's great to drunkenly stagger home. hehe.

PUT US IN THIS VIDEO!!!

Early Lead Slips Away; 'AuDs and SLPs' End Regular Season with Winning Record

AuDies and Speechies (3-2) closed out the regular season with a 14-5 loss to the Boom Sticks (5-0) on 5/4. 'AuD and SLPs' held the lead 5-4 through the first two frames, however the 'Sticks capitalized on a series of walks and hits by driving in 9 runs with some pull happy offense in the later innings.




The Skip chimed in after the game: "I'm impressed! We gave these guys a run for their money in the first couple of innings. They seemed really frustrated out there...we got a kick out of them squirming a bit. But seriously, in the end, they are a solid team up and down the line up...they should try their luck in the more competitive Cascade league."

Looking back at the Spring '08 season: "We had a nice string of wins this season. I've played in teams back in college that went 0-5...so I know what it's like to lose and would be content if we had just won one game this season. But, you know, I just like throwing the ball around with these guys and gals. The bond was there that made for a really fun time...the most fun I've had on a Co-Rec team. "

In regards to the upcoming playoffs: "I've got my fingers crossed that playoffs work for the majority of the team's schedule. We are definitely ready for the competition..who knows we may see the 'Sticks again...we definitely know what they are made of and can brace ourselves if we cross paths again."

You knows Yuz 'a Outta Uwajimaya

*Gasp* Asians! Everywhere! I can't believe I've held out for ~8 months to get back down here (it's only 4 miles away, however it's south of downtown by SafeCo and Qwest Field and can get heavily congested). Basically I needed to restock on all stuff Asian. Notice two things in this pic: 1) Colin actually buying vegetables. 2) Me looking way too happy to be holding groceries.

'AuDs and SLPs' Continue with Winning Ways; Roll with Another Win

Count it as 3 consecutive wins in a row. 'AuD and SLPs' (3-1) unleashed an onslaught of offense to win 17-4 against 'Jasta II' (0-4). Stacy (2-0) notched another win by going 6 full innings to complete her second complete game in as many tries. Mid-season acquisitions Dan and Avery payed off with major dividends as they both drove in a big bulk of the runs scored.

AuDies and Speechies consistently picked each other up after a handful of defensive miscues. Additional help came from plays working in their favor. Notably, the ump failed to call the 'in-field fly rule' resulting in a defensive double play for the AuDs and SLPs eliminating any possible threat by 'Jasta II' in the bottom of the 5th. Collectively, everything seemed to click for UW SPHSC Dept's Unofficial team on Sunday.

Gary 'Skip' had nothing but praise about the team's current vibe: "We field, we hit, we help each other out, we laugh together, we cheer for one another. In short, this team gels and that's all that I could hope for." When asked about the upcoming game against 'The Boom Sticks' (4-0), Gary knows it won't be a walk in a park: "I've heard The Boom Sticks have dominated with some serious thump...I've noticed they've won some 'laughers'...you know, by some major lopsidedness. I give them credit, because credit is due...but hey, we've come into our own as of late and looked very strong today. No doubt, next weekend is gonna be a good game. Stay tuned. A-U-D S-L-P!!!"

Out and About: M's Game 4/25

Ah, grabbed a 'dog , garlic fries, and a cold one. Colin and I went to our first of many M's game this year on Friday 4/25. Finally meet up with Eric (Mr. MIA). In his defense, he's been super busy with his Audiology Shtick. We sat in the bleachers in left field basically above the beer garden. A's defeated the M's 4-3. I left happy, since Huston Street, the A's closer, is on my fantasy baseball team. In other words, I racked up some 'fantasy points'.

Out and About: Discovery Park

My buddy Pascal is in town. We jogged around a Discovery Park trial a couple of times (~6 miles total). The route was relatively mild. It consisted of some dirt paths and subtle inclines. In addition, some paved roads cropped up as well. The weather made for perfect running conditions. How about that, a nice sunny day in Seattle! It's always a learning experience listening/jogging with the running guru himself.

Out and About: Kent 'Burbs and Capital Hill

On Saturday, Colin and I joined the BBQ for Chad's 26th Birthday in Kent, WA. Hey, people actually ate my Spam Musubi (or what guests referred to as Spam Rolls). Hurrah for processed meat! Made sure to play some Rock Band and fiddle with Nerf toys. Oh, I forgot how much I like ice cream cake! Yum.

Later that night, I cruised on by Seattle's Capital Hill district to Lindsey and Lindsay's (classmates) - Lindse(a)y Squared - 23rd birthday party. Drinks and fun. Man, I felt like I was in college again! *Sigh*, back to the reality of another week of school. Until next weekend...

Solid 'D' and Clutch Hitting lands AuDies and Speechies' First Win

AuDies and Speechies (1-1) capitalized on Rookies of the Year's (?-1) late inning defensive errors by executing timely hits to ultimately pull ahead and win the game 7-5. Southpaw prospect Eric Hoover went the distance notching his first complete game victory by stymieing batters using his crafty "decibel" pitch. Defense backed Hoover up on key situations to help minimize damage and avoid any big innings for the 'RoYs'. 'AuDs and SLPs' up and down the line-up consistently sprayed hits throughout the game to slowly but surely stay in the game early and eventually finish the 'Rooks' off in the closing frames.

Team Captain Gary Miyasaki, acknowledged last week's (4/7) deflating blow-out 15-5 loss to Big Boys and Girls (1-?), however had a definite positive up-beat feeling after 4/13's game. "Yea this team is progressing. We're gonna take one game at a time. Everybody is contributing. We've got a good mix of speed, power, 'D,' guts and looks. Ya know, were all about having fun - I think that's what is gonna land us more victories. A-U-D S-L-P!!!"

Out and About: 1st Year's "Kegger"

First year UW Speechies definitely know how to throw a bomb-ass house partay. Reminded me of my college days (in a very good way!). Eric and I represented the UW AuDies (ya know, to keep it real). Fun fun fun...maybe too much fun.

Birthday Day 2 of 2

Celebrated my 27th birthday with my Seattle-area friends and classmates. We went to the family-style Italian restaurant Buca di Beppo. Yep, this Asian wasn't craving rice, but pasta, garlic bread, and cheese for his birthday. hehe. Anywho, the food and company made for an excellent time. Thanks for everyone who came out! Later, the remaining of us went to Jillian's to shoot some pool. I forgot how much I suck at it.

Check out pics here:

Gary's 27th Birthday

Camera Phone Randomness: Seattle to Woodenville (then back again) Bike Ride

Today Katie, Marc, and Eric introduced me to the world of recreational biking. Via the Burke-Gilman trail (which runs alongside Lake Washington) we peddled to the Red Hook Brewery in Woodenville, WA. Roughly speaking, the distance was 17 miles one way. No doubt, we arrived hungry. Chowed down on food and drank some beer.

Given the fact that I haven't rode a bike in about 2 years, the ride was overall positive. The ride featured sun, rain, cold wind, and hail - extreme biking. Extreme!

I'll admit, my bike (Eric's old bike) is in desperate need of some updated parts! In terms of the seat, I may have been sitting on a wooden block! *My but hurts as I type*

Apparently, to be part of the club, I need to buy spandex before our next bike outing...sexy!

Camera Phone Randomness: Cookin' Steaks! & Watchin' Horror?

Yesterday night Colin, Chad and I chillaxed by BBQing steaks* and watching the "Wicker Man" remake featuring Nick Cage. Colin, once again, worked his magic with the grill . The movie attempts at horror were nothing but humorous. Eh, a good "bad" cat-scare flick makes for plentiful opportunities to add lib. Check out Colin's blog for a more in-depth movie critique.

*Check out the extreme freezer burn on my 9-month old 'strip steak re: Colin's fresh 'strip steaks!

Out and About: Seattle Area

Yesterday, my friend/colleague Kate celebrated her 28th "golden" birthday. About 20 of us went out to eat at Anthony's Restaurant on Pier 66. "Drunk" Marc complained that his "Chicken Pot Pie" tasted a little fishy - that's because he ordered the "Salmon Pot Pie!" Duh! Hehe. I really enjoyed my "Pan-Fried Oysters" served with a "Pickled Ginger Cabbage Salad."



Later that night, checked out Mike (friend) and Diana's (friend/colleague) engagement party. Enjoyed the chocolate fondue, wii, and wine. Aren't they the cutest couple? Congrats!!! Di is sporting some "bling bling" now.

Camera Phone Randomness: St. Patty's Day

Ah, nothing says sweet relief more than finishing finals on the first day of final's week in time for the Irish Holiday. BBQed, knocked back a few Guinness (Guinnei?), and chillaxed with friends. I turned on some peeps to the vocoding indie-R&B norcal sounds of Wallpaper too. North Oakland represent!

Out and About: West Seattle

My friend Dara works for the Capital Hill based company William Zimmerman Architects which specializes in residential design. Recently, the company helped scheme the interior for a 4-story West Seattle dwelling. Citing lack of practical space, the owners bulldozed the property a year ago and built it again - apparently the cost of a complete remodeling job would cost about the same.

As an ongoing editorial, Seattle Magazine showcases an architect-designed home, selected by American Institute of Architects Seattle Chapter (AIA Seattle) and Northwest Homes (NWH). This month, William Zimmerman Architects were selected for their work on the aforementioned West Seattle house. An open house took place this past weekend.

I met up with Dara working at the meet and greet open house this past Sunday. Though lacking interior design and architecture critiquing abilities, I truly liked it. The stairs impressed me the most. Why? My own place features an infamous steep staircase that successfully caused a handful of people to stumble down on! In comparison the West Seattle offers deep steps with ample room for footing. Dara tells me the very steep stairs in my house are not "up to code."

Camera Phone Randomness

Chillaxin' with Friends




Caught up with Dara and Pascal -- two of my closest friends from college (picture above right). We ate late brunch at the Portage Bay Cafe off Roosevelt in the U District yesterday (picture above left). Stellar food at the place -- I think more so since I've ate nothing but frozen junk this entire past week. It's freshly decorated and well lit -- I should consult Dara on how to describe the place given she majored in Interior Design =P. The waitress served us with a warm smile and offered some excellent meal suggestions. If you are in Seattle, check it out. Prices are reasonable ($8-$13) for a sizeable breakfast platter (ex. Pancakes, Omelettes, Hash Dishes etc). Be willing to wait ~15 minutes for sitting particularly on the weekends.