Photo of the Day - Swirl

Swirls, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Statue on the south side of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, taken in June.

Surviving July

July has been a whirlwind of a month. I've been a bit more quiet that usual in the blogging department, not from a lack of anything going on but rather the opposite. Most of the month, I've barely been keeping it together.

In June my sales territory at work increased to the entire country (United States). This meant more customers, more calls and generally more work, but overall it has been manageable. What has made it all the more difficult are the "special projects" that I have been assigned and extra tasks from several of the teams that I am on. In addition, I'm training a new staff person, which is worth every minute I spend, but is time consuming. I work hard every day, and yet the task list keeps growing.

My wise Mom has always said, "When your work life is crazy and your home life is good, you're okay. When your home life is crazy and your work life is good, you're okay. But when both are crazy, life is hell." Oh, what wise words.

I didn't anticipate much happening on the "home front" this summer and knew that work would be busy and challenging and was okay with it. But then things on the "home front" fell apart. My Mom, who successfully beat breast cancer in her left breast 5 years ago, had a routine mammogram on Wednesday, July 2, which revealed a mass in her right breast. She underwent a needle biopsy the following day and on Monday, July 7 and was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer with possible lymph node involvement. After consultation with her physicians she decided to have a total mastectomy which occurred on Monday, July 21st. On Wednesday, July 23rd the final biopsy results came back and the cancer has not spread to her lymph nodes. Thank God!

I drove from to Salt Lake City on July 24th to help around the house and take care of her for the first few days she was home from the hospital. She is doing really well. Her pain is under control and she is up and about, although not moving quite as quickly as usual. ;-)

Throughout the month I have been moved to tears several times by the outpouring of love and support that we have received. The phone calls, emails, cards, flowers, prayers, meals, and hugs have meant the world and I have been reminded once again about the true power of friendship.

As I was pulling into Salt Lake last Thursday with my iPod on shuffle, the song, With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles came on and I think it says it best. I couldn't have survived this month without the help of friends.

One more day and July will be in the history books, I'm hoping August is a bit less stressful.

The Beach Test

What the Beach Test Says About You

You like people, but you're careful about who you get close to. Friendship is important to you... so important that you aren't just friends with anyone. You have cold feet when it comes to love. You have a lot of uncertainty until you convince yourself to dive right in. You are deeply passionate about several things in your life. You're not passionate about much... and the few passions you have are truly obsessions. Your sense of humor is goofy and silly. You are good at making almost anyone laugh.

The Beach Test

Photo of the Day - Falling Water

Chittenham Locks, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Water spilling from Lake Union to keep the lake level normal despite the spring run-off. Taken at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in June.

Photo of the Day - Karl's Granddaughter

Clematis, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

It wasn't until after I planted this Clematis that my mother told me that my Grandpa Karl loved Clematis and planted it everywhere they lived (they moved around a bit). I've never grown Clematis before but it seems I'm doing okay, maybe its genetic.

Photo of the Day - Headed for Sea

Chittenham Locks, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Large sailboat headed towards Puget Sound to soak up the beautiful day. Taken at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in June.

Photo of the Day - Crazy Fish

Seattle Aquarium, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

I loved this crazy looking fish at the Seattle Aquarium earlier this month. This is not my best shot, but its the best of the few I tried to snap of him.

Photo of the Day - Salt Lake Sunrise

Sunrise over the Salt Lake Valley, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Sunrise over the Salt Lake valley taken in May. The thing I miss most about Salt Lake are the mountains. I love the mountains.

Photo of the Day - Christmas in July

Outside Lights, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Christmas is 5 months from today! I took this on my deck last December when I was playing around with the settings on my camera. I love the halo effect of the lights.

Photo of the Day - 4th of July Fireworks

4th of July Fireworks, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

I shot this from Don's deck on the 4th of July while watching the annual fireworks. "Bomb's bursting in air" with be the case again in Utah today as they celebrate Pioneer Day.

The Shake Quiz

You Are a Vanilla Shake

Vanilla, yes, but definitely not boring. You are subtly complex and deeply sophisticated. You're the type of person who has always been ahead of their time. You don't fall for gimmicks or tricks. You are drawn to what's true.

What Flavor Shake Are You?

Photo of the Day - Peek-A-Boo

Peek-A-Boo, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

John (a.k.a. the cutest nephew in the world) poking his head through a octopus cutout. I set the frame too tight to really get the sense that it is an octopus but it was impossible to get him to do it again. Either way it's still a cute picture.

Photo of the Day - Seattle Waterfront

Seattle Waterfront, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Don't often get to see Seattle from this angle, unless by boat or on a pier in my case. I took this from the Seattle Aquarium earlier this month.

Weekend Wrap-Up

The weather was perfect this weekend. Oh, how I love Seattle in the summer! The highlights of my weekend:

• Slept in on Friday morning. I'm really growing fond of the whole Friday's off, 3-day weekend bit.
• Worked a volunteer shift at Kirkland Uncorked on Friday afternoon. I was assigned to the *Winery Check-In* area which means that I unloaded boxes of wine, loaded them onto a hand-truck and rolled them over to the refrigerated trucks. Needless to say by the end of the day, I couldn't move my arms.
• Fought horrible traffic to get home to Seattle and when I did get home I took a shower put on my pj's and watched movies on the couch.
• Woke bright and early to do, that's right, LAUNDRY! :-)
• Attended the Mariners game at Safeco field with Don, Kat and Ian. They lost to the Cleveland Indians but we had a great time thanks to the beer, the sun, the beer, the good seats and the beer.
• Had breakfast on Sunday morning at The Original Pancake House in Kirkland with Don prior to walking down to the waterfront to enjoy the downtown festival and Kirkland Uncorked.
• Tasted some really yummy wines and soaked up more sun.
• Enjoyed the deck at McMenamins in Mill Creek.
• Took Kat to the airport for her evening flight to Europe where she will be traveling on business this week.
• Got home and realized that weekend was over. Wow, it goes by so quickly! And now it's Monday!

How was your weekend?

Photo of the Day - Puffin

Puffin, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Seen at the Seattle Aquarium during a visit in July 2008.

Photo of the Day - Twilight Seattle

Twilight Seattle, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken from the deck at Don's while waiting for the sun to set and the fireworks to begin on the 4th of July. I never grown tired of the downtown skyline.

Photo of the Day - Riding an Orca

Riding an Orca, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

My brother Dave and John (a.k.a. the cutest nephew in the world) pose at the Seattle Aquarium as if they were riding on the back of an Orca whale.

Photo of the Day - Cheesy Face

Cheesy Face, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

John (a.k.a. the cutest nephew in the world) enjoying his grilled cheese sandwich at Red Robin in Seattle. He comes by his love of grilled cheese genetically, for sure.

Photo of the Day - Dori and Nemo

Dori and Nemo, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Dori and Nemo have there own display at the Seattle Aquarium. Taken during a visit in July 2008.

The Reptile Quiz

You Are a Snake

You have extraordinarily sharp senses. You sense what's going on almost before it happens. You connect with the world. People instantly feel close to you. You are a natural protector. You take good care of your friends. You are an ambitious person. Your ambitious drives you. But while you are ambitious, you are also humble. You are thankful for everything you have.

What Reptile Are You?

Photo of the Day - Don with Beer Goggles

Don with Beer Goggles, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken in February 2008 while goofing around at Rock Bottom Brewery in Seattle.

Photo of the Day - Kat in a hat

Kat in a hat, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Kat modeling a lovely hat in one of the booths at the Edmonds Arts Festival in June 2008. She looks like she is ready for a English Wedding or at the very least a Garden Party.

Weekend Wrap-Up

It's really hard not to enjoy summer weekends in Seattle, especially 3-day weekends, when the weather is spectacular. The highlights:

• Slept in on Friday morning and enjoyed a leisurely morning at home.
• Cleaned out the drawers in my bathroom. I filled and entire trash bag with outdated hair products and stuff I'll never use again. I don't know how it all fit in there.
• Enjoyed the wonderful afternoon at Seward Park doing some people watching and catching up on my book club reading.
• Watched Dexter (Season 1, Disc 1 & 2) on DVD.
• Played cards and drank beer with Don at Redhook most of the afternoon on Saturday.
• Watched my Sunday morning regular programs and futzed around the house.
• Spent some time taking care of my outdoor pots including cutting back the Forget Me Nots and dead-heading the marigolds, geraniums and portulaca.
• Added another 600+ songs to my iTunes library.
• Watched Charlie Bartlett.

Have 3 days passed already? How was your weekend?

Photo of the Day - Sunrise over the Salt Lake Valley

Sunrise over the Salt Lake Valley, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken from the balcony of the Red Lion in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah in May 2008. I miss the mountains in Salt Lake!

Photo of the Day - Topless Karri

Topless Karri, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

My dear friend and Cuz, Karri, posing with the topless poster at Red Hook Brewery when we took the tour during their visit earlier this month.

Photo of the Day - Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

The main building, a.k.a. "The Chateau" at Chateau Ste Michelle winery, taken during our tour in June 2008.

Photo of the Day - Blue Sky!

Blue Sky!, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Not a cloud in the sky, what a beautiful sight. And proof that it doesn't rain every day in Seattle!

Photo of the Day - Edmonds View

Edmonds View, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

View from atop the Edmonds Public Library of the Puget Sound and ferry boats. I took this during the Edmonds Arts Festival in June.

Workspace Personality Quiz

What Your Workspace Says About You

You are an organized and detail oriented person. You have your life in order. You tend to work at your own pace. You are proud of your life, and you want your co-workers to know how great it is. You're not afraid of some subtle bragging. You don't switch careers often, and you intend to stay at your current job for a long time. At work, you are an introvert. You don't like people coming around your work space.

What Does Your Work Space Say About You?

Photo of the Day - Summer Flowers

Summer Flowers, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

One of my favorite things about summer, the flowers! I shot this on the deck at Bell Street Diner on the Seattle waterfront.

Photo of the Day - Sunset from Ray's Cafe

Sunset from Ray's Cafe, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

One of my favorite places to sit and watch the sunset is Ray's Cafe on Shilshoe Bay. This was a day of variable weather which made for a cloudy, yet pretty, sunset.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Celebrated the 4th of July holiday weekend in a much busier fashion than I originally planned. The highlights:

• Started off the weekend having dinner and Margaritas with Kat on Thursday night.
• Woke early to do laundry and then have breakfast with Don on Friday morning.
• Made my "famous within my circle" Summertime Pasta Salad.
• Enjoyed a very low-key relaxing 4th of July at Don's. He grilled chicken, we drank wine and watched the fireworks.
• Had lunch at Red Robin on the Seattle waterfront with Dave, Kristen and John (a.k.a. the cutest nephew in the world), Don and Kat.
• Checked out all the "fishies" and aquatic life at the Seattle Aquarium with the aforementioned crowd.
• Drank a few pints at Rock Bottom.
• Learned that the more I talk smack about "kicking ass" when playing pool, the more likely I will be the one receiving the ass kicking.
• Picked up my Cuz at the cruise terminal and heard about her adventures in Alaska over lunch at Duke's Chowder House.
• Added 700+ songs to my iTunes library.

How was your weekend?

Truck can be a tricky word

My brother Dave had some issues with saying "truck" when he was younger, this video reminded me of him. (Note: Video contains adult language, not suitable for children.)

Photo of the Day - Queen Anne Vista

Queen Anne Vista, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Taken from one of my favorite view points in Queen Anne (5th Ave N and Lynn Street) looking east at Lake Union and points beyond.

Photo of the Day - Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Close up of the winery logo which was taken while touring the visiting the Chateau Ste Michelle winery, which is one of my all-time favorites, in Woodinville, Washington.

Photo of the Day - Beer!

Beer!, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA

Yum! Beer! Taken on the patio at Rock Bottom brewery in downtown Seattle.

The Fireworks Test

What Your These Fireworks Say About You

You are jubilant and easily excited. While you aren't very intense or passionate, your happiness is abundant. You can always find cause to celebrate, laugh, or even just smile to yourself. You find that life is full of things to be happy about!

The Fireworks Test

Photo of the Day - Building Top with flag

Building Top with flag, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

Flag atop one of the buildings downtown as seen from the patio at Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Seattle. This photo was taken in May

Photo of the Day - Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

A shot of Seattle's Pioneer Square which I took while walking the streets of downtown following lunch with my brother Dave.

Photo of the Day - Sushi Thumb Drive

Sushi Thumb Drive, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

This sushi thumb drive was a gift from our distributors in Japan which was given to me during a meeting in Reno, Nevada in May 2008. It is always a conversation starter when I have it plugged into the side of my laptop.

Saw this personality profile on Patty's page where I learned that she is a Groundbreaking Thinker and decided to see what I am. Turns out I'm a Harmony-seeking Idealist (HI).

Harmony-seeking Idealist (HI)

(Just visiting? Take the free test and determine your personality type!)

Harmony-seeking Idealists are characterised by a complex personality and an abundance of thoughts and feelings. They are warm-hearted persons by nature. They are sympathetic and understanding. Harmony-seeking Idealists expect a lot of themselves and of others. They have a strong understanding of human nature and are often very good judges of character. But they are mostly reserved and confide their thoughts and feelings to very few people they trust. They are deeply hurt by rejection or criticism. Harmony-seeking Idealists find conflict situations unpleasant and prefer harmonious relationships. However, if reaching a certain target is very important to them they can assert themselves with a doggedness bordering on obstinacy.

Harmony-seeking Idealists have a lively fantasy, often an almost clairvoyant intuition and are often very creative. Once they have tackled a project, they do everything in their power to achieve their goals. In everyday life, they often prove to be excellent problem solvers. They like to get to the root of things and have a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. At the same time, they are practically oriented, well organised and in a position to tackle complex situations in a structured and carefully considered manner. When they concentrate on something, they do so one hundred percent - they often become so immersed in a task that they forget everything else around them. That is the secret of their often very large professional success.

As partners, harmony-seeking idealists are loyal and reliable; a permanent relationship is very important to them. They seldom fall in love head over heels nor do they like quick affairs. They sometimes find it very difficult to clearly show their affection although their feelings are deep and sincere. In as far as their circle of friends is concerned, their motto is: less is more! As far as new contacts are concerned, they are approachable to only a limited extent; they prefer to put their energy into just a few, close friendships. Their demands on friends and partners are very high. As they do not like conflicts, they hesitate for some time before raising unsatisfactory issues and, when they do, they make every effort not to hurt anyone as a result.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Jewells in Seattle has a new look! I decided it was time to get rid of the green layout that I have used for, well, far to long, and go with something a bit more simple. I hope you like it! I'm still playing around with it so you may notices some additional subitle changes in the next week or so.

And, I have decided to add a new feature, Photo of the Day. I love taking pictures but often find myself wishing that I took more of them. I love to share the pictures that I take and figured that by having a regularly appearing post it would make me take more pictures so that I had plenty to share.

Let me know what you think of the new design and the photos, I always love hearing for you.

Photo of the Day - Buttermilk Sky

Buttermilk Sky, originally uploaded by JewellsinSEA.

My grandfather would have called this a buttermilk sky, as soon as I looked up at it, I thought of him. This was taken on the Seattle waterfront in May.