a suit, a sportcoat, business casual, or jeans?

Sam is currently going through job interviews right now. Is there anything more nerve racking?!? Trying to be on your best behaviour, making sure you put on enough deodorant, your outfit hits the right note (wasn't it much easier when you wore your best suit - this casual dress thing really messes it all up) and predicting what someone else really wants to hear.

As someone who has interviewed tons of people, and salespeople at that, I know during an interview you are getting the best you are ever going to see out of that person. They will never dress sharper, be more agreeable, or be trying quite so hard - it is all downhill after that.

Maybe that is why I have been with the same company for 11 almost 12 years (yes I know I am an anomaly) is so I don't have to go on interviews and I can keep being the one who gets to do the interviewing. Though I can't say I really enjoy conducting the interviews myself - maybe it should be like matchmaking. You get paired up with your most compatible employees and then you take them for a test drive.

My part in this whole process is to be the cheerleader (so not me) and edit all the thank you letters. Seems easy enough but let me tell you I am getting a bit tired of editing - I wish you just had 1 or 2 interviews per company instead of the 8 we are going on now.

The good news is that hopefully this will be over soon as Sam decides which direction he will be going. In the meantime I am trying to frantically remember all the grammatical rules and punctuation I learned and hope it hasn't changed as much as our dress code has.

nissan pivo II

dreaming of a new commuter car

Sam and I have been checking out electric cars. I would love to have a commuter car that is small (yes most cars would be smaller than my Avalanche) and electric but safe because of our crazy Seattle drivers. When we were in Tokyo we saw the Pivo II concept car at the Nissan showroom. The Pivo is electric, carries 3 passengers, and best of all the cabin rotates 360 degrees. Am hoping something like this makes it to the U.S. soon - think about it - you would never have to drive in reverse again and parking would be a cinch. I could drive this to work but still use my Avalanche to get to the ski hill and transport Calvin in, of course this car may even fit in the back of the Avalanche.

finally we have succumbed

Yes we finally have done it and started a blog. Probably the last ones to do so but better late than never. Thought we would share what we have been doing and what our plans are. Not sure how often we will update this but at least we have started the process. I am going to add a few pics from 2007 as well. Enjoy.

visiting japan & singapore

On the streets of Tokyo

Tokyo Fish Market - one of the craziest fastest moving places we have ever been. Worth getting up extra early to see the tuna auction.

We were definitely in the way at the fish market. Nothing like having sushi for breakfast after seeing the fish market.

Entry way to the temple

Sam in downtown Singapore

We spent 5 days in Singapore and 7 days in Tokyo in October. Sam had to travel for work so I took the opportunity to tag along. Really liked Tokyo and would go back again.

It is hard to find where you are since streets don't have signage unless they are main streets and then I don't read Japanese - spent several hours one day wandering around by myself lost. Don't plan on buying shoes in Japan unless you wear a US size 7 or smaller - they will think you are crazy if you want a bigger size.

Found out sushi rolls are primarily an American invention unless you just want a spicy tuna roll. Several times we just pointed to the menu and ordered since we don't speak any Japanese and many places didn't speak any English, got some crazy food this way. Loved the food in Singapore but the electronics weren't such a great deal, must be the weak dollar. Bargaining though for electronics was entertaining but very exhausting - talk about persistent salespeople.

oh to be 7 again

Levi's 7th Birthday Party

the catch

Okay so Sam caught the fish at Ross Lake Resort, but figured I needed a picture with them as well. Sam definitely had the magic touch this year when it came to catching fish as he limited out.