Elise Said So

Last Day to Clear Your Google Search History

2012-02-29T15:34:00.001-08:00

I love history.

As a kid, in school, I loved reading about it, hearing stories, old photographs and visiting museums. Everyone and everything has a story, and I am interested in how they came about. Instead of my parents reading me a bedtime story, I used to ask my mom to tell me stories from when she was my age. I could sit with my grandma and listen for hours upon hours about how she met my grandfather, her life as a teenager, the Great Depression, and any other story she wanted to tell me.

I think stemming from my love of history, of stories, I have always kept journals. Seeing my history, and my timeline specifically, gives me a sense of calmness. I can look back, reflect on the changes, see patterns, remember funny moments that have slipped my mind and also use it as a reminder not to make the same mistake twice.

Keeping a journal in 2012 is much easier than it was when I received my first journal, my diary. While my diary was filled with secrets, hopes and dreams, my adult journals are more for record keeping. And unlike my diary, my record keeping is not limited to one book of lined paper.

There are many tools that I use these days, that all help tell a story of me. I subscribe to TimeHop (a daily email telling you did one year ago), OhLife (just answer the daily email, and voila, instant private blog). I Tweet, Facebook (sorry, it's pretty private), Check In, Eat, Network, +1, Pin, Snip, blog, shoot stills, and shoot not so stills - that's just the short list.

I think it's been established that I love history (and sharing, obviously), especially when it's personalized. Having said that, I just cleared my Google Search History. If you do not know why I did this, go a quick Google Search, or read this article.

But, before I cleared my search history from ALL of my Google Accounts, I'd thought I'd share some gems from searches made during my freelance writing days (and some random from a year ago), that I probably would not want associated with my name but I'm not embarrassed to admitting to searching (ironic I'm posting it here, huh).

"Christians using comis sans vs. other religions"

"man lost pants at bath house + seattle"

"Keyshia cole mom"

"Teen witch makeout scene"

"married men cheating skype"

"Miley Cyrus Party in the USA lyrics"

"canadian border drug laws"

"serial killers pee pants until older"

"Boob job maintenance redone"

"Growing medical marijuana risks, california, michigan"

"Women + arrested + exposing + tampons"

"Baby Boomer Potheads"

Of course, I have many other searches that I do not want to share with you (bodily fluids, how to's, etc.) but you get the idea.

I am going to miss my search history, I really am. But, it might just be time to let go.

For information on how to clear your search history (do this tonight) here's a very easy how to guide.

Pioneer Square/Sodo Shaking

2012-02-28T20:36:00.001-08:00

If you have been following me on Twitter this past month, you probably already know that I am freaking out by the fact that my office (specifically my desk) is shaking all the time. My desk is located at the center of a mezzanine, and while we have support beams, my location is not positioned near either one.

Not only is the shaking highly annoying (imagine a little brother just poking you over and over again until you punch him) but the repetitive loud noise will make your ears ring.

What is causing the shaking (and noise)? A new mixed use building.

From the PI:

"Construction is set to start next week on the North Lot project, which includes 400,000 square feet of offices, 35,000 square feet of retail space and 800 family-oriented homes, including 100 units affordable to people earning up to 70 percent of median income. It would be the largest transit-oriented development on the West Coast, putting homes near King Street train station and several major bus lines, along with urban amenities in Pioneer Square and the International District."

Here is a video I took while walking to work a few weeks ago:

And here is a video I took today, of what happens at my desk when the Pile Driver is driving pile:

Do you work in Pioneer Square/Sodo and are experiencing something like this, too? I'd love to hear your comments.

And, for those that think I am overly exaggerating, I cordially invite you to sit at my desk for 30 minutes and try not to go freaking insane.

B of A Class Action Lawsuit

2012-02-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

Last night, I received an awesome surprise! A check from a class action lawsuit against Bank of America.

I actually wrote about this class action lawsuit in January of 2009. It's been three years, so I had pretty much forgotten about this lawsuit. Yay for bonus money!

DIY & April's Circus Freak Themed 30th Birthday

2012-01-31T00:38:00.000-08:00

This post is almost a year overdue now, but I recently stumbled across these pictures and felt a bit motivated to post about this project, as it's one of the very few DIY crafty things I've done in a long time.

April turned 30 last February, and we threw an amazing party for her at The Upstairs. The theme was "Sideshow Circus Freaks" and much to our delight, most attendees were into the theme and came in costume.

First, we needed a cool sign for April's Birthday. I wish I had documented my process a little better. I made these signs by going to Paperzone (they are now out of business, sad) and picking up some sale scrap booking paper. I had April print out the letters for the sign on a thicker stock paper, in circus font.

I cut the scrap booking paper into equal squares with a paper cutter. Then, I did the task of cutting each letter (and two numbers) out and using simple rubber cement to secure them to the squares. I let them dry overnight. Then I used a fabric glue to secure ribbon on to the back of each square. I did have to place them on an angle, so when the final product hung it would drape.

As you can see in the picture, I did each word on a separate ribbon, and "30" between "Birthday" and "April."

My next project was a ribbon curtain that the guests would walk through as they arrived for the party. I received my inspiration from the display at our local Free People store. Also, thanks to our friend Liana for supplying me with a massive amount of ribbon.

I took a thicker ribbon and a wire as the part that would hang. Then I measured and cut ribbons and just looped them around the ribbon and wire, over and over and over and over again. Sadly, we don't have a good picture of the ribbon curtain.

Creating the curtain.

Hanging on the door to the main entrance.

Another shot of the door

Ribbon curtain behind April.

Another cameo by the ribbon curtain.

And my final project for the party was to create a circus tent like feel, without a tent. I went to Home Depot and cut a few dowels, to be used with pennants as flags.

I also grabbed a quart of red paint and a quart of white paint. Well, a funny thing happened on the way home. It was a very rainy and very very windy day in Seattle. Sometimes downtown you can be caught in what feels like a wind tunnel. I was walking, when suddenly a blast of wind (from the wind tunnel alley) blew me over. Well, that was it for the paint, as you can see below.

The wind blew the red paint in the air, and sadly, Tommy got some of it, too.

But with the help of my good friends, Chris and Marissa, I managed (after a second trip to get paint) to get the stripes done. Some of them went as the backdrop for photos, others went to the bar and the DJ booth.

Belltown Snowpocalypse

2012-01-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

Lack of snow and freezing winter temps are just a few of the many reasons I decided to leave Detroit for Seattle. Well, we had a winter storm here that essentially shut down much of the city for a few days. I took some pictures in Belltown of the snow, and thought I'd share.

This first set of pictures are from Sunday, January 14, 2012, around Noon.

2nd Ave looking southeast

2nd Ave looking northeast. The Space Needle is missing.

2nd Ave between Bell and Blanchard

And a video from 12:47pm.

After the storm, around 1:30pm.

The second set of pictures are from Wednesday, January 18, 2012. I had trouble sleeping that evening.

A video from 3:19am, when the "Big Storm" started in Belltown.

2nd Ave 3:52am

2nd Ave 3:54am. Even Snowmaggedon won't stop the crack dealers.

I finally was able to get a few hours of shut eye, then woke up to a Belltown Winter Wonderland. Here are pics from around Belltown and sledding at Pike Place Market:

Social Media Shaming

2011-10-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Update:
Turns out, they got the wrong guy. Horrible.

This weekend a man, named Andrew, stiffed a bartender on the Hill and wrote a very mean note on her receipt. In response, the neighborhood has come together to publicly shame him and some bars are even threatening to 86 him from the Hill permanently. Some quick Google searching, or your Cap Hill friends FB page, will give you his full name, pic, link, etc.

Read the story on The Slog
Read the story on Seattle Weekly
Google search and find a million more stories.

I am not quite sure how I feel about this - and some of the comments, hate speech, etc. are totally out of line. Does a person really deserve to be publicly lynched by an angry cyber bully flash mob?

But the fact remains, in this day and age a quick Google search will bring up pictures, work experience, even your first grade teacher's name. It's never a good idea to act like this (and it's just plain rude!) but it's definitely not a good idea when you use a credit card - with your real name.

But, being from Belltown (this happened on the Hill though) we tend to loathe the bridge/ferry/freeway kids (this kid was apparently from Kent) because many - not all, of course - act this way.

One of my clients had a similar incident with one of their own vendors! They posted about it, too, for all of the world to see (sans photo, however.)

This is more and more becoming the norm, so I guess the moral is something you probably started learning as a young child... Treat others the way you would like to be treated. If you don't, you could be the next one to be publicly shamed via social media networks (which oddly enough, goes against the treat others rule...)

Identity Crisis?

2011-10-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have a little bit of an identity crisis, or well, maybe I just had to open a new Twitter account that is free of F-Bombs and crackhead insults. Turns out your employer might frown on that.

Anyway, Visual.ly has an awesome Twitter analyzer tool that lets you compare yourself to another Twitter user.

According to this infographic, @elise81 is way cooler than @eliseoras.

Also, side note, this was designed by Shane Snow, who once interviewed me for an article about Del Rey and foursquare ages ago. You can find that here: 6 Innovative Ways Businesses are Capitalizing on Foursquare

Elevator Signs I Can Get Behind

2011-10-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

If you're a reader of my very occasional blog posts, you already know about the crazy elevator signs we sometimes come home to, in my Belltown apartment building. Well, today, after a very long day at work... I came home to this:

Then, if you look to the left... this:

Congrats to our neighbors, Jonnie & Erin!

And yay for neighbor, Chris, with his awesome sign.

Best Response Sign Ever

2011-07-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

My apartment manager is known for his passive aggressive elevator notes. They all follow the same formula - threatening but passive tone, massive spelling and grammar mistakes, three or four colors, smiley faces and, of course, the dreaded comic sans.

Here was the sign when I left for work:

Here is the sign when I came home from work, clearly written using the same formula as my apartment manager:

I think the neighbors have finally had enough. I am not sure which neighbor is responsible for the note, but I applaud their creativity.

To put it in context, here are some past notes:

And my all time favorite, Sex on the Roof:

Update, 7/8/11, 9:49am:

I just went to get coffee and this was in my elevator this AM. OK, now, I am being affected this weekend and I am not even sure this is legal. Anyone know Seattle Renters Rights when it comes to apartment amenities and apartment manager egos?

Also, we all know that collective or group punishment doesn't work, right? Some states have even outlawed it for teachers to use in their classrooms, and the Geneva convention outlawed it - because it is not effective (and no, I'm not comparing war crimes to roof closings - they are very different, clearly.) Group punishment is especially not effective when the "good neighbors" cannot even pressure or "tell on" the bad neighbors, because we don't even know who they are, let alone if they left plates on the roof.

Update, 7/8/11, 10:48am:

Belltown Life & Alcohol

2011-04-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am writing this right now, with one of the biggest headaches I have had in quite some time. Let me tell you why...

First, you need the back story.

On March 18, I stopped drinking for a month. There was no particular reason, I did not have a black out on St. Patrick's Day or anything like that. No, my body just needed a break. My liver needed to be reset. I had done this once before in September, which proved difficult but manageable. I even went on a few pub crawls while sober, drinking only mocktails or the go to, soda and bitters. I noticed my body was responding well to the lack of alcohol and the lack of eating a whole pizza from the Back Bar to sober myself up.

See, I live in Belltown, as do my friends. Belltown has something like 127 bars, and an easy bus ride or tiny cab fare suddenly links us to more bars than one could imagine. In fact, Seattle has one of the highest number of bars per capita (I'll link to it when my head doesn't feel like exploding from a search.) Most client meetings, networking events, friends events, socializing happens at the bar. I'm almost 30 years old and live downtown in a major metro city, so this is probably not that surprising but many do not know what this entails.

In addition, the majority of my friends live in my neighborhood of Belltown. We rarely leave Belltown, unless we can walk, and even then - it's just to downtown. Most report it's a feeling of being on a college campus, with all of your friends. In our group, we often joke we go to Belltown University and our way of life is simply just - #BelltownLife.

Oh one more thing you should know... At this point, we know most bartenders in most establishments we patronize.

Let me break it down. Here is the most recent example I have:

Tuesday, March 15.
Random spontaneous pub crawl.
Thanks @foursquare for remembering my whereabouts.
Pics get drunkier as the night goes on.

7:31PM: Wann Japanese Izakaya
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly
-All night happy hour
-Shochu drinks
-Sashimi

8:52PM: Alibi Room
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly
Chris joins us
-Pizza
-Vodka Cocktails

10:09PM: Jelly Bar (Long's)
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly, Chris
Feleke joins us
-Cocktails (spicy!)

11:03PM: Nite Lite
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly, Chris, Feleke
-No drinks (kind of dive bar, the bartender was MIA & bouncer type guy would not pour.)

11:05PM: Whisky Bar
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly, Chris, Feleke
Will joins us
-Beers

12:24: List
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly, Chris, Feleke, Will
-Drinks
-Food (Spicy Meatballs - yum!)
-Played Operator, yeah, the game you play as a kid)

12:42AM: Kushi Bar
Elise, Marissa, Jordan, Aly, Chris, Feleke, Will
-Shots
-Tequila

Finally, home around 1:30. I must remind you, this was an unplanned Tuesday night pub crawl. The next day we were all feeling it. It's just Belltown Life. And, I'm not going to sugar coat it, this night wasn't really atypical.

I should add, you may have noticed our group grew with every bar. We're bad influences on one another. Technology like Foursquare, Twitter, Facebook (we have a private group where we post updates) and even simple text messages enable our friends to know where we are, what we are doing - and how much fun we are having.

So, now you see why I needed a little break. I stopped drinking March 18, had my first glass of wine at Pintxo on April 17, 31 days later. Then last night, I saw my beloved Detroit Tigers play the Mariners at Safeco field. The plan was to drink, and even get buzzed. I was a good kid, I paced myself, I was never drunk (acting anyway, I'm sure my BAC was drunk.)

Yet this morning, I felt like death. In fact, I feel worse than I have in quite some time. My body woke me up at 7:30AM, with a pounding headache, dry mouth, stomach ache, sore body. I remembered eating a lot of pizza last night, getting home late and well, today was essentially not very productive.

We all know binge drinking is bad for you, and moderation is key. But I have felt so awesome (even lost 11 pounds) in the past month and in one night feel like I just gave my body to worst beating ever. My body - and pounding headache not even a 4.5 hour nap could fix - is telling me that alcohol might not be my friend.

I am not going to stop drinking, and I'm sure I'll have a few more spontaneous pub crawls headed my way (like the Ninja Pub Crawl) but I think it might be time to redefine what Belltown Life means to me.

So, when you see me out at your favorite Belltown establishment, don't give me shit about my soda & bitters... I especially mean you, my favorite bartenders.

Dope Burger - The kind of Dope Belltown wants!

2011-01-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to visit Belltown's newest spot, Dope Burger. Dope Burger takes over the old Noodle Ranch spot and decided the neighborhood was changing and Belltown needed a burger spot that feeds the late night crowd, too! Don't worry, it's the same owners and same awesome staff!

Dope Burger opened on January 7, and it took me a whole week before I finally made it there. After a night of bouncing between our favorite Belltown spots, we decided to end Friday night with burgers, fries and boozie milkshakes. Yes, they have grown up milkshakes with your favorite flavors (like Nutella/Banana/Malibu!)

One of the things I love about Dope Burger is customization! You can start with a "solid Dope Burger" and add your own toppings or choose from one of their "Especially Dope Burgers" like the Super Mario (portabella mushroom cap filled with cheddar, swiss & avocado, breaded & fried. iceberg, tomato & dope sauce - $6.75) or, my choice that evening, the "Surfer on Avocado" (medium cheddar cheese, fried egg, avocado, iceberg, tomatoes & dope sauce - $6.75) The Dope sauce is mayo based, however, so you know I left that off my burger!

For the non carnivores, Dope Burger has a mean veggie burger that is not your typical Boca burger-esque meatless patty. The "Sloppy Jane" (loose house made vegan patty with beets, yams, red rice & lots of other delicious stuff. swiss cheese, avocado & dill cream - $6.75.) It gets two thumbs up from two of my friends who tried it (both who eat meat!) They also have an assortment of salads, french fries (or for something different - the avocado fries,) onion rings, and milk shakes.

Another great thing about Dope Buger? Thursday through Saturday they are open until 1:30am! (10:30pm Sunday through Wednesday.)

I'll miss Noodle Ranch, for sure, but there is nothing better than ending a night of 2nd Avenue bar hopping with a burger and a boozie milkshake. Though, I must say, if it's daytime and I'm craving a really amazing burger, I'm probably going to skip Dope Burger, drop an extra buck and stick to one of my other fav Belltown burgers, El Gaucho or Two Bells.

New Rainboots!!

2010-12-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting a new pair of rain boots ever since I moved to Seattle, well over three years ago. I have tried on pairs here and there, but never found a pair that fit my calves (yoga & mini tramp have made them a bit too muscular for normal boots) and also were comfortable. Not to mention they had to look cute.

After the recent heavy rains, with my KEEN Amsterdam shoesjust not keeping my feet dry enough when trying to forge the river at 1st & Battery, I decided I was buying a pair of rain boots ASAP.

I searched a few websites and came across a few boots I wanted to try on. I especially liked the Chooka Rain Boot. So, I decided to walk to Nordstrom (in the rain) and try on every pair of boots I could find. Well, the Chooka boots didn't fit, the Kamik bootswere cute but felt weird, the Hunter boots made me look like I just got off the halibut boat and the Steve Madden bootswere just a bit too odd for me.

Anyway, I left that day without boots and flew to Michigan the next day. Literally, during my flight, a winter storm had hit the area and 4 inches of snow dropped during my 4 hour flight. Then another 10 dropped later that evening (schools were even closed.) As soon as the roads cleared, I asked my mom (yeah, it's like I'm 16 when I come home) to take me to the mall and I wanted boots!

I walk into Nordstrom again and the Novi, Michigan store has rain boots on sale, and a lot of them. The store was less picked over than my normal Seattle location, probably due to less of a rain boot demand here in the Mitten, oh yeah and that whole Michigan economy thing.

On the sale rack was a pair of Sperry Top-Sider Sadie Boots. I thought they were cute and the opening looked calf friendly. They came in blue, purple, black and grey, but I picked up the grey pair (that also had cute lavender lace up ties.)

I am SO happy with this purchase. I've literally been wearing these three days straight. First, they are comfortable!! I feel like both my foot and ankle are supported and the do not hurt my feet at all. I feel like I am walking on my own cushion. In addition, I love that the heel gives me a bit of height.

I have been trekking around in 5-6 inches of snow without a problem and my foot has stayed warm and dry!! These boots actually make me look forward to stomping through puddles and slush.

The boots are on sale at Nordstrom for $60 right now (originally $80) or Amazon for $63. I highly recommend.

What would happen to the Viaduct duing a Major Earthquake?

2009-10-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, a newly released WSDOT simulation has a very scary and horrifying animation of what could happen.

Hailing from Detroit, I have not been in an Earthquake (well, if you do not count the mini ones we have here.) I am not sure what to do exactly, as the only real thing I know about earthquakes is what I learned from that Saved by the Bell episode where Mrs. Belding has her baby in the elevator and Zach helps her deliver it.

Anyway, here is to hoping I am not on the viaduct or the waterfront if Seattle gets another large earthquake.

Capital Grille Best of the Seasons Dinner

2009-10-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of dining with three friends for a quiet, pre-birthday dinner. We chose Capital Grille at 4th and University, in Downtown Seattle. I have been to the Capital Grille in Troy, MI but never the one here so I was excited to check it out.

We got there a little before our reservation so we had a quick drink at the bar. The bartender was extremely nice and very personable. I would feel totally comfortable sitting at the bar alone if I was on a business trip or waiting for friends.

Our table was ready a few minutes later, so we shifted positions. Joseph was our waited and he was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel right at home. We are question askers and he did not mind at all. We asked about everything on the menu, what to order, to explain the dishes and he knew all of the answers.

Right now Capital Grille is offering "Best of the Season" which is a three course meal for $39. If you have ever wanted to try Capital Grille this is an excellent way to get an amazing meal for a price that is economy friendly.

The appetizer choice was either a Butternut Squash Bisque with Crisp Shiitake Mushrooms or Pear and Roquefort Salad with Candied Walnuts and Champagne Vinaigrette. One of my friends wanted to test the Bisque before ordering it, so Joseph brought out small testers for the entire table.

I can never pass up a good salad, especially if it contains pears. I am so glad I tried the salad. The champagne dressing was amazing and complemented the rest of the ingredients perfectly. Actually, I am kind of craving the dressing today, too.

The entree choices were Prosciutto Wrapped Lion’s Paw Scallops with 12-Year-Aged Balsamic, Parmesan Crusted Filet with Red Wine Demi-Glace or Seared Halibut with Marcona Almonds and Sherried Tomato Relish. All of them sounded amazing and I originally was going to order the Halibut until our waited described the filet. I ordered it Medium Rare and it was cooked perfectly! It was a nice warm red center, just like I like it (I may be part Vampire?). The parmesan crust, while I have never really though to put parmesan on a filet, was a perfect topping and I found myself wishing my whole plate was covered in parmesan crust, as it was that good. The filet was served over sauteed spinach leaves with garlic cloves, which were also cooked perfectly (I kind of knocked mine over before taking the picture, oops!)

Next was a side dish, large enough for two people, of Truffle Mac 'N' Cheese. Now, most know I do not do mushrooms or anything with mushrooms so I stayed away from this dish but everyone at my table loved it. Besides truffle oil, there were actual truffles mixed in with the Mac & Cheese. From what I hear, it was amazing.

By this time we were so full because it was so much food - but we still had to choose a dessert! The choices were Warm Apple Crisp with Housemade Cinnamon Ice Cream or Pumpkin Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce. I love anything with apples so I chose that dish - and I made the right decision. I am not much of an ice cream eater but I could eat this cinnamon ice cream all day! Joseph told us it was made in house by the pasty chef and you could tell! The cinnamon ice cream complemented the warm apples, oatmeal and brown sugar perfectly. My friend had the pumpkin cheese cake which was monstrous, definitely large enough for two to share maybe even three.

Last I should mention the wine. Capital Grille has an extensive wine selection with glasses in all price ranges, so you can spend as little or as much as you want on wines but still get a great selection. Our waiter had a vast knowledge of wines in our price range and helped us make the best selections.

If you have not been to Capital Grille in Seattle, I highly suggest going especially with this three course Best of the Seasons special menu. It is an easy way to have an amazing meal at a very affordable price.

Free Jack Johnson Download via Twitter

2009-09-23T10:43:00.001-07:00

So, I love free stuff and I love Twitter and I love Jack Johnson... so... it was announced today that Jack is giving away free MP3s off his new album, En Concert.

All you have to do is log into your Twitter account and then click this link - http://twitter.jackjohnsonmusic.com/. After you tweet out a message that is already prepared for you (you can add more if you wish) your download will start automatically.

I think this is a great way for a musician to promote Twitter!

The Counter Burger

2009-09-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard of it yet, The Counter is a new Burger restaurant concept where you are in control of your meal. Basically, they have a tong of options and fresh ingredients and you choose to custom make your burger exactly the way you like it. According to their website, there are over 312,120+ different burger combinations for you to choose from. Though, for those that are not too picky, they do have signature burgers and sandwiches where you do not customize it.

The Counter's newest location will be opening in Ballard on Monday, September 21. To help the staff get more comfortable with serving, the menu, how the restaurant runs, etc, The Counter arranged to have people come in to test out the newest location - for free! Well, everyone loves a free meal - so I was in!

When we sat down our waitress was very friendly and told us how it works, about the meat & toppings and how to fill out our card. OK, I LOVE the card idea because I am a picky eater and a visual person and I like to see what toppings/sauces/cheeses are available. As a picky eater, I can write notes next to my checked items like, on the side please.

That was my custom burger card today! You can choose beef, turkey, veggie or chicken in either 1/3lb, 2/3lb or a 1 pounder! The portions are pretty big and are weighed AFTER cooking. As you can see I added tons of toppings. In addition to the normal toppings (mixed greens, tomato, onion, tomato, etc) I ordered pickle, jalapeno, scallions, avacado, sun dried tomato and fried egg. What especially excited me was the fact I can put an egg on my burger! All burgers should come with a fried egg, and let me tell you it was cooked perfectly! I also choose the apricot sauce which was amazing. I almost chose an english muffin as my bun, but went with the honey wheat. They also offer a "burger salad" which is bun-less. I will have to try that.

We also ordered french fries, 1/2 regular fries and 1/2 sweet potato fries. They were really good and I think I actually prefer the sweet potato fries. Also, a big portion.

Because the burgers are customized, they take a little bit to cook, especially if you get the 2/3 or 1 pounder. Actually, we were told the 1 pounder takes about 30 mins to cook - that is how big it is!

The burger was really big, really good and really messy. The ingredients were fresh, the burger was cooked perfectly and that egg yolk broke and I was in burger heaven. Also, I love juicy burgers and this one was juicy. I ordered the 1/3 pound and I was overly full and did not even finish my last bite.

Prices you might be wondering? Well, actually, their prices are pretty reasonable. A 1/3 burger is 8.50 and comes with 1 cheese, 4 toppings, and 1 sauce. You can add additional toppings for $.50-$1.00 each, depending on topping.

In addition to burgers they have a full menu featuring appetizers like fried pickles, chili, salads, milk shakes, soda floats and desserts like key lime pie or apple crumble. They also have wines and beers, if you so choose. I had the chocolate shake and it was thick and topped with fresh creamy whipped cream - yum. They have an Apple Pie shake that I think I would try.

How did I find out about this "community welcome party"? Why, Twitter, of course. The Counter is using social media to help spread the word about the opening, and the voice behind the account is Brian Berman, Director of Marketing for The Counter. I had an opportunity to meet him and he is excited to use social media to offer contests, discounts and communicate with burger fans via the web! You can follow The Counter here: www.twitter.com/counterburger

The Counter in Ballard opens Monday, September 21, 2009. It is located in the Ballard Blocks shopping center, and they have outdoor with porch propane heaters ;)

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Flying back...home?

2009-09-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

I wish NWA had inflight internet like every other airline. Everyone asks me why I do not fly Virgin from Seattle, well these people must only travel from Seattle to NYC and Cali or something because the cities I generally have to go to for work - Detroit, Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas, San Antonio, Denver and Vegas (does Virgin go to Vegas?) do not use Virgin. I like my Alaska MVP Status too much to go lose miles to it from another airline. Plus I am always on the Gold cusp and cannot afford to lose even just a few hundred miles (last year I made Gold by 200 miles.) Alaska has me for awhile, but the downfall of Alaska is flying Northwest Airlines to Detroit. Though, the CSA gate agent - who recognized me from flying so much - told me in a few months most NWA planes should be equipped. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Oh, I am on my flight right now. I am not sure where we are, but I have about 2 hours and few minutes before we land, which is about the halfway mark. I tweeted this before we took off, but seriously, my plane smells like baby vomit and weed. Weird. The do not put air on when the plane in loading and unloading so it was super hot while we were waiting there. I am sure people were sweating and that is where the smell came from.

I have been in Detroit for 17 days. That is crazy. This time it was a bit different. I still do not live there, but I was OK with coming back. Maybe it is because I am not stuck somewhere in between, but I am an actual visitor. Also, I actually took some time off from work! I have not really had any vacation time since I started at my company. I have taken a day off here and there but that was all comp time that I picked up working weekends, which most trade shows start on a Sunday so every time I work a trade show I usually pick up 2 days.
Anyway, I am excited to go back to Seattle, to sleep in my own bed, to see my friends, to not live out of a suitcase.

So, this is weird, and I never expected to feel that way. Sometimes I feel almost guilty for leaving Detroit. I feel people like me, and some of my friends, could have stayed and created something amazing. Some people are sticking around and doing just that. Not to mention, we'd all be living in crazy nice houses that we bought for super cheap. Seriously, the housing market is horrible there. There are houses in my mom's neighborhood that are selling for $165,000, $175,000 and just four years ago they were in the $300,000 levels. It is sad really, but for someone like me, it would be an awesome opportunity to pick up some prime real estate.

OK, so besides the selfish aspect of it, I feel like Detroit is going to come back, going to come back strong and in a way I want to be a part of it. Michigan is bad, and it's sad, and people have the "Michigan Syndrome" which is to talk shit about the economy, talk about no jobs, and just lose hope. I feel people like me, and friends of mine, and others, could come in, bring back what we learned living in Seattle, Austin, San Fran, LA, NYC, Chicago and apply it to Detroit. Detroit, especially the downtown area, has beautiful architecture. These buildings are going to waste and not being used. Also, we have amazing sports teams that are downtown, let's capitalize on this! More people need to go downtown, to move downtown. Even though I hate hate hate snow, I'd consider moving back to Detroit if it ever became a "real city."

I need to think about this some more, gather and collect my thoughts and present them in a better manner when I actually have a viable plan.

The last few days...

2009-08-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

These last few days have been emotionally draining. I landed on Sunday evening. I went to my dad's house straight from the airport for a minute, then home, then to my Aunt's house where a lot of the family was meeting for dinner. On Sunday I think I stayed up over 24 hours. I woke up from a nap at 6:30pm Pacific on Saturday and did not sleep again until 12:30 Eastern. I am sure the not sleeping didn't help with my exhaustion.

Monday and Tuesday were the viewing and then the funeral was on Wednesday. Basically tons of food, people I have not seen in years and lots of hugging and crying.

The funeral home we chose was Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home. The owners were actually family friends with my grandma and her parents for years. We've used them for every funeral ever since I can remember. But they have some cool antiques downstairs and it's a very comfortable and interesting place. It's crazy because it hasn't really changed since I was a child.

Some things I found:

And one of the coolest things I found (courtesy of the funeral directors adorable 8 year old son) was an underground railroad tunnel. This was in the far back room, under the basement.

I am going into our MI office tomorrow, so I should probably sleep. Catching up on work is going to be pretty brutal and this weekend I am going to try to catch up with old friends. Oh, my friends have kids, how weird is that. For another blog post.

The morning sunshine....

2009-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

So, I find myself hop scotching across the country, again. This time, for a somber reason. I hopped on a 6am flight, which means I had to be at the airport by 5:00am, which means I have not slept. I went to Hurricane Cafe with Jesse, his sis and her friends. I broke my no caffeine rule and drank two Diet Cokes. I think I am addicted to Coke Zero/Diet Coke.

I need to bitch about something. I HATE bad travelers. I have been surrounded by them today. The woman who does not know where she is going and takes forever at the first class check in counter. The woman who was not first class/MVP but wanted to check in at the first class check in anyway. The woman who had a huge bottle of hairspray in her carry on, oh she also did not remove her shoes, or her laptop. The people who check in and get an exit row seat for themselves and their 7 year old daughter and then cause everyone to move around in the plane because a 7 year old cannot sit in an exit row. Seriously, when you check in it asks you if you are old enough, if you can lift a heavy object, etc. Also, why did the gate agent not catch it? I am in an exit row and he asked me if I was willing and able to help out. I responded I am an able bodied person, which is such an airline term. I am a dork.
Oh, one last thing and I am done bitching about flying... there is a 5 year old behind me and his favorite past time during this flight is kicking my chair. Awesome.

Even though I booked through Northwest Airlines, I am flying on a Delta flight. They have movies, which is nice, but they do not recognize Alaska MVP's. Since I am not sleeping due to 5 year old kicking every 3 minutes (even though I asked his dad to make him stop a bunch of times) I suppose I will watch the movie, The Soloist.

Going home again is always rough. I booked a flight back on September 8, but I might change it to come home early, I might not. I am just going to play it by ear
and see what feels right.

I did snap these amazing pics of Mount Rainier with my Storm. Rarely do I sit by a window and fly during the day. These were taken about 6:20, just as the sun was rising.

Moving forward.

2009-08-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

I keep saying these horoscopes are bullshit, right? But then why do I keep posting them. And don't all horoscopes seem to describe what you are feeling, or is there truth to them??

This was my horoscope for August 22:

The Moon returns to your sign today to reveal your feelings that you tried only yesterday to deny. But you can no longer run away from your true desires as your key planet Venus is provoked into expression by innovative Uranus. Don't worry if you don't know exactly where you are heading; just appreciate that there's forward movement and know that you'll figure it out along the way.

This was my tweet from last night when I came home, on August 22:

Fuck. Feelings that I thought were going away were suddenly brought up by running into an unexpected third party

I am going through some things right now. This has been a rough summer for me. A horrible heart break and now my grandma passing away, which I knew was coming but I suppose I was not really ready for. The worst part of it all is... when I found out... the first thing I thought of is I wanted Ryan to comfort me.

I love my life. I love where I live. I love my friends. I love and I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people and things in my life. I know that and I get that. I have tried so hard to move on and move forward and fill my time with positive people and activities. But yet, there is this pain, this pain that is brought on by loss that just will not seem to leave my heart. I keep waiting and hoping and it is just there.

My heart is heavy. I know it will pass, I do... but for now... I am just waiting.

I leave for Detroit at 6am tomorrow. I tried to get home before she passed but I did not make it. I kind of knew though, that when I said goodbye to her when I was home last that it would be the last time I saw her. I walked out of the hospital room and tears rolled down my face and I just knew.

My family moved her to a hospice center though, which was nicer than a hospital setting. Their sole job is just to comfort her and make sure she is feeling as best as she can. They allow dogs there and for some reason my mom's dog, Shea, has a weird attachment to my grandma and she just sat on my grandma's lap for hours. I like to know that, I know how much better Shea makes me feel when I am sad... so I am sure she had the same effect on my grandma.

I have not packed at all. I should probably do that now.

Can one person be a "family"...

2009-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

I received a Victoria's Secret catalog in the mail today. I buy a lot online from many different stores so I am on every catalog list you can name. I know it's bad for the environment but I still really like catalogs, especially furniture or home decor catalogs. I like seeing what item is paired with what accessory, etc.

Well, going back to the VS catalog, I noticed that on the address line it was addressed "The Oras Family." This is weird for two reasons. One, is a Victoria's Secret catalog really meant for the "family?". Two, it's just me here. Why do they assume I have this husband and 2.3 children, etc.

I know on the spectrum of important things this rates pretty low, but it was on my mind. I need a nap now.

They say, Time heals all wounds...

2009-08-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

But how much time are they talking about? I keep wondering that. Today I decided I would deep clean my apartment. I am talking bag clothes I do not wear to give to charity, wash my walls, scrub things with bleach, etc.

A few months ago I took a Xanax. A friend had given me one, said it would help me calm down and I would not hurt for the next few hours and I could probably get some sleep. I had never taken a Xanax before but I will willing to do whatever to get some peace. Earlier that night I had been at Del Rey and had two glasses of wine. Um, apparently do not mix Xanax and wine. I instead found myself waking up in my walk in closet, with a pillow and my comforter. My bedroom was in shreds. I had pulled all the clothes in my closest off the hangers and clothes out of the drawers and threw my shoes all over my floor. I have one small memory of me literally taking my socks and throwing them over my shoulder.

Honestly, it is not funny... but, um, yeah it is sort of funny since I was not hurt or I did not do anything too stupid. I do have a history of sleep walking and usually when I sleep walk I am looking for something and I do usually pull apart the closet, empty the refridgerator or something stupid like that. So, apparently wine + Xanax = sleep walking, destructive Elise.

Anyway, I will not make that mistake again.

So, skip to today. I never picked up a lot of those clothes. I am not sure why. Laziness, overwhelming, travel, work, life, whatever. Today was the day to do it.

So, as I was separating, bagging clothes, hanging clothes, I found something that belonged to him. I did not cry, like I would have. I just sorted it and kept on cleaning. It was then that I realized... I am letting go, and I am sad about it. It's weird, because that is what I want right? To let go of him... but here is the fucked up part. The pain is familiar, the missing is comforting. I cannot explain it, but it is like letting go is admitting I need to move on. I am not quite there yet, but soon. I know it will be sooner than later.

I am still astonished that I was able to care for someone as much as I did. I did not know it was possible, but now I know and I am pretty sure I am better for all of this.

And as a final thought. I am so grateful for my friends out here (my old and new), in my new home, of Seattle. You know who you are. I hope you know how important you are to me and how much I appreciate you.

2009-07-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever.. home is not going to feel like home. I am not sure if I am ready for that.

Still on the plane. Funny what can happen on planes. I've met some of my favorite people on planes. I have about an hour left on this flight. It is just after summer solstace, so even though we are over the midwest, it is still light outside. I like that.

Even feel lost? Ever feel you belong somewhere, but it's just you there? Your family, your security is somewhere else. Worse, you have been gone so long that they do not even know you anymore, and you don't really know them; as they have moved on without you, too. I am scared. Terrified, even.

7:06pm

6 miles high

2009-07-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

So, I am headed to Detroit on NWA (read: Delta) flight 216. I haven't been home since Christmas, which is a change from last year, when I was home quite a bit. Flying home is always weird, because my day consists of 21 hours, rather than 24 hours. Right now it is light out, I am not sure where we are but I have a feeling it's probably still in Washington State - oh wait, Captain just said Spokane area.
It's always weird to go home for reasons that you did not plan. My grandma is sick, really sick. I have work shit to take care of. I didn't really tell many friends or family I am coming in. I am just there and then... I'm gone.

At some point in the last few months, I became a Seattleite. I think I first realized it in February-ish but as more time passes, and as I am not with Ryan anymore, I feel that I have established some roots here in Seattle and more specifically, Belltown.

Something interesting happened a few weeks ago. The same night as the crazy gunman bullshit. I was standing on the corner of 2nd and Bell, with all the onlookers, gawkers, evacuees, and crackheads. All of a sudden I looked around and I knew people - by name. We said our hellos, drunk hugs, and vowed to hang out soon (which we all probably will not) but the important thing that came about that corner... was neighborhood. It was like when you were a kid and your family knew all the others on the block. Or not. This could all be drunk airplane talk.

I am in a transitional phase right now. Sometimes I feel my spirit is broken. Other times I feel it is just being born. Yet, there are more times where I wake up and think - what the fuck am I doing? I suppose all pretty normal things for a 20-something, right? When I was younger... I thought at 27, almost 28, I'd have this shit figured out by now. Now, as an adult, with a small (and I stress small) amount of experience under my belt I realize... Maybe we never have it figured out.

I am on a plane, and off the grid. No Twitter, Facebook, Gtalk or email. Just me, my thoughts and my music. And this is what I came up with... for now.

5:19pm

My neighbor is the crazy Belltown gunman

2009-07-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

I've lived in Belltown since I have moved to Seattle. Sure we have our crackheads, our prostitutes, our drug dealers. They are all scary, sure, but with the exception of asking for money, keep to themselves.

Well, last night I was with some friends at Del Rey, Belltown Pizza. It was a typical Thursday Belltown night where we were sharing some beers and having a good time in our local neighborhood.

As I was heading home, I saw my block was just swarming with police. Seriously, maybe 15 cop cars, a swat vehicle, bike cops galore. The whole part of 2nd Ave was shut down between Bell and Blanchard. I did not realize it was my actual apartment until I asked a cop if I could go home and he said no, I could hang out on the street corner but it should not be too longer as they were in his apartment.

I was not sure what was going on, other than what people were saying on the street. But apparently, my white haired neighbor with whom I have shared the elevator with a dozen times, was brandishing a gun and was held up in his apartment.

Really? A neighbor? My building does background checks and credit checks before anyone can move in. You have to use your key to enter the building and even to use the elevator. I thought I was perfectly safe in my concrete fortress in the middle of the city. Never did I think I would have to fear the neighbor in apartment #304.

When I woke up this morning I read the news and found out a bit more info. Apparently, the police found 16 guns from his apartment, according to the Seattle Times.

I am not sure, but I would have to guess this inmate is the gunman. He is the only person booked on weapons charges after midnight last night.

I do want to say this though, crazy gunman can be anywhere - the city, the burbs, churches, schools and everywhere in between. I know that, but yet, now I just feel a little less safe in my haven.'

Oh, funny bonus, here is the KIRO7 video and my friend Ed and I are in the back waiting to get in the building. As soon as they were trying to interview, I was out of the way. No one needs my drunky talk on camera ;)