Because the day I've been dreaming about is finally here...

What happens when you leave town for a few days...

Ft. Lauderdale with Nikki, Jeff and Dave

For the unitiated, Texas is the one of the only states in the US which was originally it's own country. Yup, I'm not kidding. Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 and existed as an independent nation until annexation by the US in 1845.

Celebrating its second year, 20something will feature live music, Washington wine tasting and a 20something state-of-mind. Dozens of Washington???s most exciting winemakers will be on hand to pour some of their spectacular juice, accompanied by delicious fare from Seattle???s top young chefs. A fun, hip and affordable event to get the 35 & under crowd engaged and excited about Washington wine. The event will feature Washington winemakers pouring their $30 & under juice and the hottest young chefs serving delicious culinary treats. Of course, the 35 and under "at heart" are welcome as well. The event is for ALL present and future fans of Washington wine. Come mix & mingle with the winemakers and other 20somethings!

Valentine's Day at Jazz Alley and How to Cook a Wolf

A party on skates? Are you kidding me?!

Hello Everyone, I'm turning 26, whcih means that cetain chapters of my life must close (aka being thrown out of bars, hooting at girls, throwing we paper-towels at my friends while they use the bathroom), while others, of course, will open. To mark the occasion I challenge you to join me on an adventure that will literally sweep across the city and will be forever remembered through the lenses of our digital cameras (unless I break all of them). The name of the game is Monopoly. The rules and details are known to me and me alone until the evening of the event. It's going to be a night to remember! ...until I black out...and am thrown out of tia lou's once again. -Martyn

For those who aren't aware, a monster is coming, and it's a pretty damn big one. 'Cloverfield' is hitting theaters on 1-18 and it's going to document some big-ass baddie ripping apart New York. So, of course, we're doing something ridiculous to mark the occasion. For the intrigued, we're going to start drinking at my place, then crawl to a midnight show (hopefully at the Cinerama). There are, however, two rules you must follow: 1. You must bring a weapon of some sort to use on the monster hunt. While toy guns, swords, and suction-cup arrows are very desired and appreciated, feel free to be creative :-) (remember we are trying to take this stuff into the theater). 2. Leave no man behind. Unless he or she is being eaten, in wish case laugh, and then run like hell. Remember to bring your courage...and a jacket ;-).

Holiday Party with John, and then Christine and Cindy's Birthday, and then Alexa's Birthday

"The thought of drawing on someone's shirt -- that appealed to me. It's kind of a forward move," Andy said, clutching a Corona. "You never know where you might find someone special. You might meet someone in a parking lot, or passed out drunk on the bathroom floor." http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/343449_antifreeze14.html

We hijacked Santa and his ship for the night. The lecherous old coot promised not to turn us in if we fill the boat with sexy guys and gals in their cheesiest / tackiest holiday outfits. Santa wants sexy elves, obnoxious santas, those ugly holiday sweaters your grandmas and aunts wear, those tacky light up Christmas earrings, those horrible Christmas ties and socks that never leave your closet.

Dear Martyn, I am impressed. Bravo. Sincerely, Gayle PS: I kinda like it better this way. Can I keep it?

Oma's visit to Seattle, and Gayle cooking for the first time using a recipe from CookingForEngineers.com