Bucket List

OK, so not my own necessarily, but this weekend has been all about my parents' Bucket List. What a weekend it's been so far and what a weekend it will turn out to be.

I'm hoping to catch Laura & Kevin downstairs in the hotel bar, so can't chat long, Avid Reader, but wanted to leave you with a handful of images of our weekend so far, which included a trip to South Bend to catch the Fighting Irish in Notre Dame Stadium (where I was secretly rooting for the Pac-10's Stanford) and an Airport Shocker where Kevin & I revealed our true raison du voyage: a surprise trip to Boston to meet Laura and take in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.


Needless to say, we're well on our way to checking the Top Two from my Mom & Dad's Bucket List. Enjoy!

R.I.M.

Avid Reader, I have bum news: a bum ankle. I've had plenty in my day, but this is one that had me writhing on the floor -- shouting who knows what -- and thinking that I either broke my ankle or tore every ligament in it.

The good news is x-rays confirmed no fracture; the bad news is that there's still significant swelling, more and more blood, and consistent pain. Should pain still exist next week, I'll have to go in for an MRI to determine the extent of damage and an renewed management plan. Good times! The worse news is that I'm heading East for an incredible family adventure this weekend with my parents... and I'm a gimp!

So, I'm actively treating my RIM with RICE!

College football is upon us -- and so too is my Husky Spirit! I had the chance to get to the UW game vs. Nebraska (unfortunate result -- don't ask). That said, it was a stunning day on Montlake, tailgating was a kick in the pants, and Husky football is in full swing again! It's always a great day to be a Husky (especially on sunny days!)!

p.s. Jake for President!

Vegas Wedding!

I had the opportunity to head to Las Vegas for the nuptials of... MY OWN SISTER! Indeed, Avid Reader, Laura Moore is MARRIED!

I previously posted that Laura was engaged. And at my cousin Christine's wedding, Laura & I had the following conversation:

"Todd, we're eloping. August 28th. In Las Vegas. Get it on your calendar."
"Eloping? You're not eloping if you give me the date and location of your wedding."
"Yes, we are. We're eloping. To Vegas."
"Laura, if I'm invited, you're not eloping."
"It's in Vegas, so we're eloping."
"Um, are you already married?"
"No."
"Will you be married before August 28th?"
"No. That's when we're getting married."
"Then, you haven't eloped nor will you be eloping. And if people are invited, it's considered a destination wedding."
"No, it's not. We're eloping. Todd, it's in Vegas!"
"OK."

So, officially, I went to my sister's elopement! WOO HOO! And Laura Moore is officially married!

It was a charming ceremony at a little place that specializes in these things -- complete with an upstairs chapel that felt like any chapel in any other city in the world. It was awesome to be there -- along with lots of family and a handful of friends. It was touching and calm and real... oh, and at 10:30PM. :) In other words, it was just what it needed to be and now I have a brother-in-law (and a new niece & two nephews) to call family!

Congratulations, Sister.
You mean the world to me.

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Copper decided she'd had it with going to daycare or staying at home during the day and up & declared it 'Take Your Dog to Work Day'!

She was very productive; I was impressed. She jumped in and tackled a Revenue Concentration Analysis, helped to manage the Auto-Test pilot in Australia, Germany and Other Latin America, and ensured she balanced heads-down desk time with plenty of socialization with others Business Group . Needless to say, she was a complete hit -- and SO GOOD all day long.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Of course, the reality is that she was BANNED from daycare as she was snotty and had developed a cough... turns out she had a dreaded Upper Respiratory Infection (otherwise known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis... Kennel Cough!). Because of the ban and because I didn't have time to rush her home, she enjoyed a day at Microsoft! And, Avid Reader, she was amazing... she hung out in a colleague's office for 1/2 of the day, and under my desk for the other 1/2. This dog is amazing; I'm more in love with her every day!

6-Sept Update: Copper is wonderfully over her cold... thanks in large part to lots of rest, antibiotics, and care from John & Amy Weaver while I was in Las Vegas for my sister's wedding. She's already been back to daycare... The Barking Lounge folks were ecstatic as now she can wear out the other doggies again!

A VMAC Haiku

Charity Event
At the Seahawks Headquarters.
Hello John Weaver!

A Toast to the Roseboroughs!

You may already know my friend Michelle, Avid Reader. I've previously written about her here. First, it was as she fought cancer head-on. Then, it was as my awesome travel companion to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. And, it was as part of The Most Amazing Vacation Of All Time. Now, another adventure to report: Michelle got herself (kinda) hitched! MJ & Saskia and I carpooled to Portland for Michelle & Joe's stunning wedding at the World Forestry Center near the Portland Zoo. It was a touching ceremony altogether as they exchanged vows in front of family & friends.

I say 'kinda' hitched as I enjoy giving Michelle a hard time about what this really was -- a chance for her to party! :) See, Michelle & Joe got married last fall as Michelle had accepted a position in our Hong Kong office. Joe couldn't go unless they were legally married. Ever the problem solver, Michelle hauled Joe to the courthouse. The move ultimately never happened, but here was Michelle -- with husband -- but without a ceremony nor a wedding band.

Again, problem solver, she up & got herself married proper! Michelle went the whole nine yards and planned a stunning wedding and hosted an incredible celebration. And while she went the nine... I would gladly give her a full football field. She's more than an incredible human being who's more than earned it.

Congratulations Michelle & Joe!
You are incredible. And incredible together.