The Artful Worrier

On Entering Year Two...

2009-09-25T19:43:00.001-07:00

There is Mr. Ackermann...

and Ms. Ackermann...

and to celebrate the fact that this fact has been in existence for one year now, we whisked ourselves on down to Portlandia. The highlights included:

amyo/tinyrage at the T:B:A festival was an hour of intense dance, image and sound. Amy's commitment and creativity are an inspiration. John especially loved the Japanese schoolgirl outfits, big shocker!

The Saturday Market was filled with music, food and art, some great, some horrible.

Lastly, our Anniversary dinner at Beast. The ladies of Beast presented us with a six course meal based loosely on Julia Child's first days in Paris.

Oh, heavens.

We started with a late summer gazpacho with shaved Chorizo, followed by a fantastic charcuterie plate which led us to the main course. We affectionately nicknamed it "ground meat, mixed with ground meat, wrapped in pounded out meat, wrapped in meat", which essentially describes the dish. Ground veal and lamb are wrapped in pounded out veal, then wrapped in pancetta, served with a reduction sauce, chanterelle mushrooms and sauteed greens.

The first bite was like a teeny, tiny moment of rapture.

I will say, it was almost too heavy. The strength of the flavors did not balance well with the amount of food in the dish, leaving you slightly overwhelmed. Lucky for us, the following course of Frisee Salad with Poached Egg was a nice reprive. The cheese course came next, with lovely small amounts of rich, deep flavored goodness accompanied by the sweetest grapes I've ever tasted.

And then, of course, dessert.

Dessert was a brown butter crepe filled with house made chocolate-hazelnut filling, topped with both house made ice cream and creme fraiche. John adored this sweet thing, but I was only whelmed.

Overall the dinner, with mouth-satifying wine pairings, was a winner. It was the greatest meal of my life, so far.

To think, this was only year one. So many adventures, and meals, to come.

xoxo taw

Finding a Groove

2009-08-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

This summer has rocked.

I recall beautiful blue skies, spontaneous bike rides, new homes, revised routines, swimming and sunning and exploring. Yes, there was the occasional soul-crushing heat wave, but we mustn't fret about the little things, no?

This season I found a groove, one I really love. I'm planning on carrying it through to Fall. (FYI, Seattle is currently playing "Fall" in an eponymous show, to rave reviews).

And now, for some announcements:

My New iBaby:

Last evening, my sweet husband casually suggested we should buy me an iPod Touch. That very evening. Well, let's just say he wins huge points in the "Great Idea" category. This morning's bus ride was heaven as I enjoyed some Mad Men and african music. Not at the same time, mind you. Best commute ever.

So, why is my husband feeling so generous you ask? Maybe because tomorrow we will be buying him one of these:

Son of a gun, my man is finally getting his mandolin! We started raising funds at the beginning of the year, raised quite a bit on his birthday (thanks friends!), and now we are finally going all the way!!! Ahhhh!

And also, there is this:

Moxie is leaving on a jet plane for 5 weeks. I will listen to Joni Mitchell weekly in her honor. Bring me back some macarons, Mox!

Well, I'm off to download crazy apps for my new iBaby. Any suggestions?

Love, TAW

Balance

2009-04-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today the universe gave me a little wink. It was the kind of gesture, or event, or sea change that tells you that sometimes the good guys win. And yet, I stand before you not gloating or relishing other people's struggles. I feel really, really bad that this certain someone is hurting... and yet I know this hurt is of their own making. Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better, it simply strengthens my resolve to try to stay above the fray.

Finding the balance in all of this, that is my challenge.

love, taw

my afternoon of insanity

2009-04-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

wow.

i won't go into detail, but let's just say i indulged in a fantasy today, then realized how insane it all was. or is. uh.

that being said, there was a glorious moment, however fleeting, where i felt on top of the world.

the lessons learned: fantasies are great, but not always worth the aftermath; hindsight... yep, just about 20/20; and i have a juicy, satisfying life as it is (and as it is evolving).

oh, and we're moving to ballard!

love, taw

Some thoughts on 2009

2009-01-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

Ah, Darling 2008, what a run we had! The frolocking, that marriage, good friends, new adventures... well. I was slightly misty at our farewell, old friend.

But then, you know, there is 2009. She could be an odd one. So I resolve to face her head on and accept what she wants to send my way. I mean, I've got a kick ass partner-in-crime who's got my back! I gots no worries, right?

(Yes, I know, I'm the Artful Worrier. It's actually in my job description to worry...)

So for 2009:

-just a tad less worrying, ok?
-more emphasis on doing, less on thinking about doing
-lots and lots of smiles and laughter
-learn something new everyday, and write down thoughts about that knowledge
-kiss JDA numerous times a day
-cherish friends and family through quality time and better communication
-that other thing...

Ok, 2009, you're on!

Cuke and Zuke: The Wedding

2008-09-12T23:35:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is it. The day that has been on our minds and others tongues. It's happening.

I feel like saying "thank you" to so many people, so I'll just start here. Thank you, Universe, for sending me my best friend and favorite person and unperfect perfect partner. Thank you for so many good times this week, and the stamina to make it through them glowing.

When next we meet, I'll be Sarah Alfreda Roberts Ackermann, or SARA as I'll be known. (Or SARA,H which is Sarah Alfreda Roberts Ackermann, Hey! Thanks to Andy for the suggestion)

Love, Sarah the Bride

Why I like my PreHusband

2008-08-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

I like John. Johann. Zuke. Johnny Scoflaw.

John and I are getting married four weeks from today. The experience of putting on a wedding and pledging to spend your life with your best friend is wonderful, complicated and enlightening. This morning we have been doing the dirty work of financial check-ins, reviewing accounts and general administrative duties.

This is not hot, passionate, sexy work. BUT! When one has to do such work, what a joy to do so with the guy one digs the most. Even when that guy gets grumpy. (pout)

It's ON!

Oh Hair Gods...

2008-08-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

So... I'm getting hitched in one month. One month from today. Lots to do, but I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!!! Marrying my best friend, my sweet Zuke, the man who knows exactly what kind of ice cream I need in a crisis.

Sigh.

Since I have sort of a particular vision for my wedding hair, I have allowed my hair to grow longer than it has been in over a decade. It's fine, I suppose. Someone at work recently told me I have "Princess Hair", which was all at once flattering and revolting.

So once the honeymoon is over, the hair is going. Princess no more, not this gal. Here is my vision for the newly married Sarah Ackermann (yes, I'm changing my name, it's my feminist right...):

Thoughts from anyone who reads this long-abandoned blog?

Are you there Blog? It's me, Sarah...

2008-08-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wow.

Funny how time flies... It's only been 4 1/2 months since we saw eachother, but it feels more like - 5 months at least. I had high aspirations for this blog, but some crazy thing called "life" came along and gobbled up my time. Yum yum!

So here is a brief recap of the events that distracted me:

*For my 31st birthday, Johann swept me away to Birch Bay

*I became completely obsessed with my new camera

*Johann and I hosted a room at the On The Boards Karaoke Party

*I spent quality time with new friends

*David celebrated his Dirtbay

*Johann and I enjoyed some sun

*Sasquatch with "Awesome" on the MAINSTAGE!

*We adopted Little Stevie Wonder Roberts Ackermann

*Moxie Shower

*Bride and Belles Weekend

*Team We Wedding

*Lavendar Festival w/ the Half Bros, Jen, Counsel, Dare, Emerald and Becky

And of course, there is the upcoming wedding of Cuke and Zuke.

I hope to see you more often, dear Blog.

The Joy of New Toys

2008-03-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

My new camera... rocks.

Bruceo and I took it out for a test drive today:

A pleasant time was had by all. I never knew produce could be so sexy...

Thanks Bruceo!

The Joy of New Friends

2008-02-10T00:18:00.001-08:00

I am so pleased to have two new friends in my life.

Friend #1:

Nora Somerville Jorgensen, Born 12-22-08

Ember Rowan Ximm, Born 2-7-08

Congratulations to Gillian & Basil and Aaron & Bronwyn. They are bound to be doing some artful worrying for many years to come!

Oh, Cloverfield...

2008-01-28T00:11:00.000-08:00

Johann and I had a lovely Sunday. He made some tasty eggs, I concocted a delicious smoothie. Knitting, running, cooking, just lovely.

Until "Cloverfield" came along.

It started innocently enough; I suggested to Johann that we see a movie, something we haven't done in a while. He mentioned some Oscar nominees... and I, tragically, stated "We should see Cloverfield at the Cinerama"!

We saw the 7:30 showing, and I'm just now over the nausea.

My first clue should have been the sign at the ticket booth that tells potential movie goers that "Cloverfield" induces a sort of motion sickness similar to riding a roller coaster. I had heard from some friends that the camera work was incredibly shaky, but they failed to tell me that THE WHOLE MOVIE IS SHAKY!!!

Oh well. At least the popcorn was good.

Wet Bag!

2007-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Johann just found a paper bag next to the fridge. The bottom of said bag is soaked with something. It's time to investigate.

I'm trying not to worry...

UGH!!!

UPDATE: The washer is leaking. HOWEVER, I was clever enough to do all of our laundry last night. Little victories, AW, little victories.

Johann and I are off to Wisconsin tomorrow. Here's hoping for decent weather!

Ugh.

2007-12-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

I was trying not to. Really.

But then I woke up to a ridiculous email. It's hard enough being heir to an Anxiety Dynasty when you habitually make bad decisions. But what if you've licked that? What if you are trying to follow the rules, and it is STILL not enough for the corporate drones.

Ugh.

I suppose the universe is simply reaffirming my decision to move in a different direction. Those corporate suckers will miss me when I'm gone.

Welcome back, worry. I knew you'd return soon enough!