On my way home from work Monday, I narrowly missed my first car vs. animal tragedy.
I was winding through my neighborhood when a squirrel darted out into the street. I slammed on my brakes so hard that the car skidded (hey, I have swerved for a buttefly before), but then saw no sign of the squirrel fleeing away. I decided to back my car up to see if I had flattened him, and there he was...alive and frozen in the exact same position of absolute terror I had seen before I came to a screeching halt. He wouldn't move.
I pulled up alongside him and looked over to the sidewalk. Another squirrel (I'm guessing his pal) was standing up, frozen in fear as well. I shouted at my almost victim squirrel in the street and he finally darted off to his pal and they cruised away.
I'd like to think that two lives were saved that day...the squirrel I almost hit, and his pal who would have been traumatized for life had he seen his best bud get murdered.
Okay, gotta continue packing for my weekend trip to Ohio. Oh, note to all. I head to Ohio for good on November 11th. That's Veteran's Day by the way, for all you patriotic folks.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Maybe I Should Post More
I'm getting good huh? Like, one post per month. Ahh well. Here are some updates...
Moving right along...An awesome house has been secured in Ohio, and I am pretty excited about moving even though it will be sad to leave everyone. I am going out for one more visit on the 20th and then should be moving away at the beginning of November. The kitchen in this house is amazing, so I think that maybe I should take some cooking classes or something. Otherwise, I'll just have to get used to staring at all the nice cupboards and countertops. A favorite feature of this house (besides the one acre lot, nice big windows, and cool back deck) is that it actually has a tub big enough for me to take a bath in. No big deal to some, but I have always seen no relaxation in scruching up in a short tub.
It'll be hard...to leave this awesome fall weather. It's 70 degrees right now, headed for 80 in a couple of days. This has been the most fantastic summer and fall ever. Really, ever.
Looking for a winning season...My poor BEAVERS football team sucks this season. I haven't even logged their wins and losses this year. It's just too depressing. I haven't even watched a whole game yet. I am a disappointment to true Beaver Believers everywhere. Sorry. Maybe if I start watching, they'll start winning. No? Okay.
My how fast...a year goes. This weekend marks the one year anniversary for Justin and I. Sadly, we won't see each other until the following weekend, but it still puts a smile on my face.
Getting older...a couple of happy birthdays going out to two girls I love dearly...Trina hits 28 tomorrow and Aimee checks in at one year below 30 on Friday. Must be why Aimee chose to go out drinking and partying all night on Friday. Don't worry, I'll be there to support your last year in the young crowd.
Oh yeah...did I ever mention that Justin got me golf clubs as a present last month. We went and played on a par three and I think I did pretty good. I didn't even break or throw any of my clubs or land any balls in water. A couple of bushes and trees, but otherwise I see me going pro in a year or two. No to that too? Okay. Anyway, it's a fun game and I look forward to mastering my skills. Especially with my driver...I can't seem to do anything but slice to a hard left.
Moving right along...An awesome house has been secured in Ohio, and I am pretty excited about moving even though it will be sad to leave everyone. I am going out for one more visit on the 20th and then should be moving away at the beginning of November. The kitchen in this house is amazing, so I think that maybe I should take some cooking classes or something. Otherwise, I'll just have to get used to staring at all the nice cupboards and countertops. A favorite feature of this house (besides the one acre lot, nice big windows, and cool back deck) is that it actually has a tub big enough for me to take a bath in. No big deal to some, but I have always seen no relaxation in scruching up in a short tub.
It'll be hard...to leave this awesome fall weather. It's 70 degrees right now, headed for 80 in a couple of days. This has been the most fantastic summer and fall ever. Really, ever.
Looking for a winning season...My poor BEAVERS football team sucks this season. I haven't even logged their wins and losses this year. It's just too depressing. I haven't even watched a whole game yet. I am a disappointment to true Beaver Believers everywhere. Sorry. Maybe if I start watching, they'll start winning. No? Okay.
My how fast...a year goes. This weekend marks the one year anniversary for Justin and I. Sadly, we won't see each other until the following weekend, but it still puts a smile on my face.
Getting older...a couple of happy birthdays going out to two girls I love dearly...Trina hits 28 tomorrow and Aimee checks in at one year below 30 on Friday. Must be why Aimee chose to go out drinking and partying all night on Friday. Don't worry, I'll be there to support your last year in the young crowd.
Oh yeah...did I ever mention that Justin got me golf clubs as a present last month. We went and played on a par three and I think I did pretty good. I didn't even break or throw any of my clubs or land any balls in water. A couple of bushes and trees, but otherwise I see me going pro in a year or two. No to that too? Okay. Anyway, it's a fun game and I look forward to mastering my skills. Especially with my driver...I can't seem to do anything but slice to a hard left.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Carry Me Ohio?
It's been a while, so I figured it about time to come on here and add some MAJOR updates...
DUN DUN DUN...
I am flying out to Ohio on Friday to go visit Justin. Why? Because he started a job out there today. What? Yes, most of my friends and family know that Justin decided to leave his current company and take a job in Ohio. Soooo? So the current plan is for me to join him out there when we are able to land a house (he's in temp housing right now). Didn't you just move back, like, 17 months ago!? Indeed I did, but I kinda adore this guy and think it'd be quite nice to be out there with him. Hmm...If all goes as planned, we'll be relocated by mid fall. The town is close to Cleveland, so if you know any connections, people, jobs, anything, send a message my way.
This is, undeniably, a HUGE deal. But I supported his decision to consider and go for the job and support the plan to move out there too. It's damn scary, and I have to admit that I will miss everyone...but on the other end it is very exciting and I get to continue to be near the person I love (sigh). While living in CA and UT, I was always a good visitor, and I am hoping that won't change much. In the meantime, I am still working at my job in Salem and living in our house...which I must say seems a little empty without Justin.
Oh, I'll give free prizes to the first person who actually comes to visit us in Ohio.
A MOVIE TO GO SEE
My girlfriends and I went to see The Last Kiss yesterday. It was well done with great acting. I don't want to say much, because I don't want to give away anything. But hey, Zach Braff...expect some backlash on the street from women who mistake you for the character you played in the movie. And they won't be happy. Poor Zach.
AND SO
I hope to see everyone more than once in the next several weeks, maybe have a girl shindig of some kind.
Here's some new songs that I am enjoying. Sewn by The Feeling was a free song of the week on iTunes...I am oddly obsessed with the tune. Oh, and I am embarrassed, but I've decided that my guilty pleasure is crappy Nickelback tunes. I play them for about two weeks and then write them off. It must be attached to my nights as a youngin watching MTV Headbanger's Ball. Their song of the week...Far Away. I even bought it on iTunes...go ahead, make fun of me. I deserve it.
Bye all.
DUN DUN DUN...
I am flying out to Ohio on Friday to go visit Justin. Why? Because he started a job out there today. What? Yes, most of my friends and family know that Justin decided to leave his current company and take a job in Ohio. Soooo? So the current plan is for me to join him out there when we are able to land a house (he's in temp housing right now). Didn't you just move back, like, 17 months ago!? Indeed I did, but I kinda adore this guy and think it'd be quite nice to be out there with him. Hmm...If all goes as planned, we'll be relocated by mid fall. The town is close to Cleveland, so if you know any connections, people, jobs, anything, send a message my way.
This is, undeniably, a HUGE deal. But I supported his decision to consider and go for the job and support the plan to move out there too. It's damn scary, and I have to admit that I will miss everyone...but on the other end it is very exciting and I get to continue to be near the person I love (sigh). While living in CA and UT, I was always a good visitor, and I am hoping that won't change much. In the meantime, I am still working at my job in Salem and living in our house...which I must say seems a little empty without Justin.
Oh, I'll give free prizes to the first person who actually comes to visit us in Ohio.
A MOVIE TO GO SEE
My girlfriends and I went to see The Last Kiss yesterday. It was well done with great acting. I don't want to say much, because I don't want to give away anything. But hey, Zach Braff...expect some backlash on the street from women who mistake you for the character you played in the movie. And they won't be happy. Poor Zach.
AND SO
I hope to see everyone more than once in the next several weeks, maybe have a girl shindig of some kind.
Here's some new songs that I am enjoying. Sewn by The Feeling was a free song of the week on iTunes...I am oddly obsessed with the tune. Oh, and I am embarrassed, but I've decided that my guilty pleasure is crappy Nickelback tunes. I play them for about two weeks and then write them off. It must be attached to my nights as a youngin watching MTV Headbanger's Ball. Their song of the week...Far Away. I even bought it on iTunes...go ahead, make fun of me. I deserve it.
Bye all.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Vacation Time!
In honor of my vacation, here is a quote that I won't need to worry about until the day after Labor Day. It's from The Little Book of Stress (the little book that gives you tips on how to get stressed)...
Schedules...Make them whenever possible. Include an unrealistic number of tasks. Agonize over why you're constantly falling behind.
And here is one that just made me laugh...
Pets...Research shows that people with pets live longer. Never get a pet. And encourage your friends' and neighbors' pets to run away.
Time to get back to doing nothing. God, I love it.
Schedules...Make them whenever possible. Include an unrealistic number of tasks. Agonize over why you're constantly falling behind.
And here is one that just made me laugh...
Pets...Research shows that people with pets live longer. Never get a pet. And encourage your friends' and neighbors' pets to run away.
Time to get back to doing nothing. God, I love it.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Shooting Stars!
The dork in me must present what I will most likely be doing this Saturday night...watching the meteor showers...
PERSEIDS (maximum August 12, 23h UT [4pm PDT; 7pm EDT])
Moon: Waning Gibbous (major interference)
Best viewing window: Saturday evening, August 12, from the end of evening twilight through Sunday morning, August 13.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteors; just remember that the Moon will detract from the show.
The Perseids are probably the most-watched annual meteor shower. The shower has a very long duration, from about July 15 through August 25. The shower is most interesting around its peak on August 12 or 13. This year, the waning gibbous Moon will be a big nuisance, riding high in the sky during the morning hours when the Perseid radiant is high. In addition, the shower's normal peak will occur during daylight for North American observers. The radiant is above the horizon the entire night for observers north of latitude 32N, but it is fairly low at the end of evening twilight. Evening Perseid rates are low, then, but there are usually enough meteors to be interesting. The Moon is also low in the evening this year, and hopefully rates will not have fallen too far from their peak. East Coast observers will be favored this year. Serious observers will watch all night long, and deal with the Moon as best they can. Face the darkest part of your local sky, and if the Moon is in your field of view try to block it with some sort of obstruction.
Rates for most observers will probably top out at around 15-30 Perseids per hour, with a few sporadic and minor shower meteors added to the mix. Die-hard observers may be watching on adjacent nights; unfortunately, there are no Moon-free periods this year.
Perseids are fast meteors and tend to be fairly bright on average. An occasional fireball is seen, but these seem to depend on the luck of the draw.
My favorite other parents, Kay and Dougie, have invited me to a viewing party on their farm in Sublimity. Kay said it's BYOB...Bring Your Own Bed.
Last year, I tried watching these from the park above the Rose Garden. While I admit that I had a blast with a group of friends, it was just too bright to see many stars. In high school and college, I watched them out at Kay and Doug's, and it was always a great show, so I am hoping to make it out there.
The best part of the meteor showers? Getting to wish on all the shooting stars...that's like 50 in one night!
PERSEIDS (maximum August 12, 23h UT [4pm PDT; 7pm EDT])
Moon: Waning Gibbous (major interference)
Best viewing window: Saturday evening, August 12, from the end of evening twilight through Sunday morning, August 13.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteors; just remember that the Moon will detract from the show.
The Perseids are probably the most-watched annual meteor shower. The shower has a very long duration, from about July 15 through August 25. The shower is most interesting around its peak on August 12 or 13. This year, the waning gibbous Moon will be a big nuisance, riding high in the sky during the morning hours when the Perseid radiant is high. In addition, the shower's normal peak will occur during daylight for North American observers. The radiant is above the horizon the entire night for observers north of latitude 32N, but it is fairly low at the end of evening twilight. Evening Perseid rates are low, then, but there are usually enough meteors to be interesting. The Moon is also low in the evening this year, and hopefully rates will not have fallen too far from their peak. East Coast observers will be favored this year. Serious observers will watch all night long, and deal with the Moon as best they can. Face the darkest part of your local sky, and if the Moon is in your field of view try to block it with some sort of obstruction.
Rates for most observers will probably top out at around 15-30 Perseids per hour, with a few sporadic and minor shower meteors added to the mix. Die-hard observers may be watching on adjacent nights; unfortunately, there are no Moon-free periods this year.
Perseids are fast meteors and tend to be fairly bright on average. An occasional fireball is seen, but these seem to depend on the luck of the draw.
My favorite other parents, Kay and Dougie, have invited me to a viewing party on their farm in Sublimity. Kay said it's BYOB...Bring Your Own Bed.
Last year, I tried watching these from the park above the Rose Garden. While I admit that I had a blast with a group of friends, it was just too bright to see many stars. In high school and college, I watched them out at Kay and Doug's, and it was always a great show, so I am hoping to make it out there.
The best part of the meteor showers? Getting to wish on all the shooting stars...that's like 50 in one night!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
In Line for Zach Braff...
Zach Braff's new (highly anticipated by me!) movie, The Last Kiss, comes to theaters on September 15th. Considering that I still have a pretty strong love affair with Garden State, I am guessing that this will become an instant favorite.
Braff doesn't take on all the creative facets of movie making for The Last Kiss, but did get to have all the influence on the soundtrack which includes Snow Patrol, Cary Brothers, Aimee Mann, and Joshua Radin. Oddly enough, it also includes my favorite Coldplay song and a longtime favorite tune of mine by Turin Brakes called Painkiller...which is nice because I thought I was the only person in the world who had adoration for this song.
That's all I have to report at the moment. Take my advice and go see this movie in September. Here's another trailer in case you aren't convinced yet.
Braff doesn't take on all the creative facets of movie making for The Last Kiss, but did get to have all the influence on the soundtrack which includes Snow Patrol, Cary Brothers, Aimee Mann, and Joshua Radin. Oddly enough, it also includes my favorite Coldplay song and a longtime favorite tune of mine by Turin Brakes called Painkiller...which is nice because I thought I was the only person in the world who had adoration for this song.
That's all I have to report at the moment. Take my advice and go see this movie in September. Here's another trailer in case you aren't convinced yet.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Crisis Averted for Another Beautiful Bride
Trina and Steve tied the knot this weekend in a beautiful outdoor ceremony outside of Ashland, Oregon. Here are Aimee, Robin, myself, and the lovely bride at the reception.
Trina looked beautiful. Oddly enough, a short 48 hours earlier, I had accidentally chipped her front tooth while on the bachelorette rafting trip. To make the story short...I was sitting next to her on the boat, turned around to talk to her, elbowed the bottle she was holding, and WHACK...it took off a small piece of her front tooth! It was small, but noticeable to the bride, and of course to those of us in the raft who knew it just happened.
I assumed total chaos would ensue followed by a disenvite to the wedding, but no...Trina remained calm, had an emergency dentist appointment the following afternoon, and made it to the altar with a perfect smile. For those of you who missed the event, I have added a short slide show of the event to my MySpace for you to check out.
So to Trina, I love you and wish you and Steve an eternity of happiness. Thanks for letting me catch the bouquet at your wedding. You didn't even knock me out with it or take out any teeth as payback. But just remember, when my big day comes, you get to take the first punch.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Seaside Sunset
We went to Seaside last weekend to spend time with Justin's family, and the weather was awesome...around 80 degrees, which is something I have never experienced on an Oregon beach. This was Thursday night's sunset.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
A Good Week to Be a Beaver
I don't know how I have gone this long without posting some recognition for the Beaver's clinching of the NATIONAL TITLE in the College World Series!!! Go Beavs!
It was quite the rivalry in our household...as many know, Justin is a graduate of UNC and still a diehard Tarheel. He got in a few jabs at our 'second rate team,' but then had to watch as the Beavs came back in game two, and then stole game three...victory for the underdogs.
I am guessing that our two teams won't be playing each other again in any sport for quite some time, so I am proud of the Orange and Black for beating the Carolina Blue. Thanks Beavs!
It was quite the rivalry in our household...as many know, Justin is a graduate of UNC and still a diehard Tarheel. He got in a few jabs at our 'second rate team,' but then had to watch as the Beavs came back in game two, and then stole game three...victory for the underdogs.
I am guessing that our two teams won't be playing each other again in any sport for quite some time, so I am proud of the Orange and Black for beating the Carolina Blue. Thanks Beavs!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
North Salem Angels
Well, here we have reunion picture post #1, courtesy of Julie, from the Friday night pre-reunion event. This would be Camille, Kelsey, and myself enroute to the second destination of our night. Sadly, JB had to miss the event, so I sent him a pic of three of his favorite Oregonians, which he has posted to his blog too. Once I figure out how to post many pictures in a feature, I'll get some more up, but this one just made me laugh.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Some More Useless Info
Jay-Z has impressed me with his boycott of Cristal because of ridiculous comments made by Frederic Rouzaud, managing director of Louis Roederer, the company that produces it. Hmm, I wonder if he will be getting a pink slip soon.
We should all be helping these musicians get famous: Sun Kil Moon, Joshua Radin, The Fray, and lets keep working on Snow Patrol too. Their new CD is as good as the last. And I am currently on a high note with That Old Pair of Jeans by Fatboy Slim. It just puts a smile on my face.
That Old Pair of Jeans is also currently my song on MySpace. I continue to like this social site and have added a slide show to my page with pics of friends and family.
Alright, I am going to go make myself useful now. Gotta clean, get ready for my high school reunion weekend, and get some sleep maybe. Have good weekends out there.
And oh yeah dad, Happy Father's Day! Of course, I will call you and shout the message on Sunday as well, but it's been another great year having you in my life. Thanks for that!
We should all be helping these musicians get famous: Sun Kil Moon, Joshua Radin, The Fray, and lets keep working on Snow Patrol too. Their new CD is as good as the last. And I am currently on a high note with That Old Pair of Jeans by Fatboy Slim. It just puts a smile on my face.
That Old Pair of Jeans is also currently my song on MySpace. I continue to like this social site and have added a slide show to my page with pics of friends and family.
Alright, I am going to go make myself useful now. Gotta clean, get ready for my high school reunion weekend, and get some sleep maybe. Have good weekends out there.
And oh yeah dad, Happy Father's Day! Of course, I will call you and shout the message on Sunday as well, but it's been another great year having you in my life. Thanks for that!
Justarah?
This is my before I go to work post of the day...
I hate hybrid names for celebrity couples. It is annoying and irritating. I thought it was funny for a minute back in the day...my sister and her boyfriend combine to Bennifer, like the original comboed celeb couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. But she didn't like that much, so I stopped.
So now, we have Brangelina, Vaughniston, and Tomkat. Stupid. Vaughniston?! Who came up with this? They have names, and I am sure they'd appreciate if you used them.
Really, I have no other opinion on it. Just felt like complaining about something.
So here, different combinations that Justin and I could go by: Justarah, Saratin, Ustah, Simait, Chimmons, Chammins...and my favorites...Simcha and Chasim. Hmm, I don't think Justin will go for any of these.
I hate hybrid names for celebrity couples. It is annoying and irritating. I thought it was funny for a minute back in the day...my sister and her boyfriend combine to Bennifer, like the original comboed celeb couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. But she didn't like that much, so I stopped.
So now, we have Brangelina, Vaughniston, and Tomkat. Stupid. Vaughniston?! Who came up with this? They have names, and I am sure they'd appreciate if you used them.
Really, I have no other opinion on it. Just felt like complaining about something.
So here, different combinations that Justin and I could go by: Justarah, Saratin, Ustah, Simait, Chimmons, Chammins...and my favorites...Simcha and Chasim. Hmm, I don't think Justin will go for any of these.
Friday, June 02, 2006
The Battle for the Birds and In Laws
Well, Wes will be happy to know that a pair of ducks have landed in in our neighborhood again. Justin, as you will see, is particularly excited this time:
Justin: So when you got home, were my ducks in the yard, or did you scare them away?
Me: What? I didn't scare them away. They were in our neighbor's yard.
Justin: What? The neighbor's yard?! When I went to the store they were over there, so I went in and got bread and made a trail of it to our yard. When I got back from the store, they were in our yard again.
Me: You are competing for the attention of the ducks with our neighbor!?
Justin: Yeah, I even put on my Ducks shirt so that they would notice. (This is a lovely bright yellow shirt with MIGHTY OREGON emblazoned across it in green).
Justin also suggests that we methodically plan Bailey's bathroom trips so as not to scare the new couple who are settling in. They seem to be bouncing back and forth between our yard and next door, so hopefully, Justin will win this battle of the birds...I don't really think our neighbor really cares though.
On another note, I feel pretty sorry for my sister right now. Her mother-in-law from hell is in town (if you don't believe that she is bad, read my sister's posts). This woman has an odd need to talk about me, is terribly conservative and ignorant, and irritates my sister to no end. No offense Jennifer, but I am glad they aren't my in-laws.
So, for my sister, I recommend that everyone go listen to Lord Kill the Pain by Red House Painters and think of ways my sister can survive another 2 weeks with the in-laws.
Justin: So when you got home, were my ducks in the yard, or did you scare them away?
Me: What? I didn't scare them away. They were in our neighbor's yard.
Justin: What? The neighbor's yard?! When I went to the store they were over there, so I went in and got bread and made a trail of it to our yard. When I got back from the store, they were in our yard again.
Me: You are competing for the attention of the ducks with our neighbor!?
Justin: Yeah, I even put on my Ducks shirt so that they would notice. (This is a lovely bright yellow shirt with MIGHTY OREGON emblazoned across it in green).
Justin also suggests that we methodically plan Bailey's bathroom trips so as not to scare the new couple who are settling in. They seem to be bouncing back and forth between our yard and next door, so hopefully, Justin will win this battle of the birds...I don't really think our neighbor really cares though.
On another note, I feel pretty sorry for my sister right now. Her mother-in-law from hell is in town (if you don't believe that she is bad, read my sister's posts). This woman has an odd need to talk about me, is terribly conservative and ignorant, and irritates my sister to no end. No offense Jennifer, but I am glad they aren't my in-laws.
So, for my sister, I recommend that everyone go listen to Lord Kill the Pain by Red House Painters and think of ways my sister can survive another 2 weeks with the in-laws.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Twenty Days Later
Hmm, 20 days since the last post. Figured I should just write something, whether or not it is exciting!
It's been a semi busy 20 days. My sister Lexy was out visiting from Utah with her husband, so family activities were a plenty including dinner with fourteen people and a night of pool (wow Dad, you REALLY are good at pool!). I also had my girl's night in Salem with a crew of high school girls. We brushed up on who's who in the yearbook and tried hard to embarrass each other with stories from our dramatic days at North. I have been slacking on the job apps, but did get accepted again by DHS for interview referrals and think I will probably end up going the way of the state worker.
Here is what's coming up:
My ten year high school reunion...I'll be running around Salem the weekend of June 16th to catch up with old faces. Once again, I actually enjoyed high school, so I am excited for all the stupid events and hob nobbing.
Jessica's bday party...This weekend marks year 28 for Jess with a bizarre bash in her backyard complete with a Metallica cover band, and apparently, a big tub of pudding to wrestle in. Yeah, that part doesn't sound very appealing to me. Oooh, I have matured so much in the past year.
New projects with Justin...We built a walk in closet (well, I helped) and plan to build a bed soon. Justin has a smattering of projects that deserve their own post, so I will write that soon. They include a self designed leaf blower extension that reaches the highest rafters of the roof...very interesting.
My kids leave...With the end of the school year coming, a lot of my clients head home to their families for good. It's scary to cut the ropes on my little former juvenile delinquents, but I have high hopes for the ones who have earned the chance to go home and prove themselves successful.
Oh, and proof I am really getting old. I had one of my 14 year old clients in the car with me and he was running my iPod. He selected I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew. I said, "Wow, you actually like this song." And he said, "Oh yeah, I just love oldies." Ouch.
It's been a semi busy 20 days. My sister Lexy was out visiting from Utah with her husband, so family activities were a plenty including dinner with fourteen people and a night of pool (wow Dad, you REALLY are good at pool!). I also had my girl's night in Salem with a crew of high school girls. We brushed up on who's who in the yearbook and tried hard to embarrass each other with stories from our dramatic days at North. I have been slacking on the job apps, but did get accepted again by DHS for interview referrals and think I will probably end up going the way of the state worker.
Here is what's coming up:
My ten year high school reunion...I'll be running around Salem the weekend of June 16th to catch up with old faces. Once again, I actually enjoyed high school, so I am excited for all the stupid events and hob nobbing.
Jessica's bday party...This weekend marks year 28 for Jess with a bizarre bash in her backyard complete with a Metallica cover band, and apparently, a big tub of pudding to wrestle in. Yeah, that part doesn't sound very appealing to me. Oooh, I have matured so much in the past year.
New projects with Justin...We built a walk in closet (well, I helped) and plan to build a bed soon. Justin has a smattering of projects that deserve their own post, so I will write that soon. They include a self designed leaf blower extension that reaches the highest rafters of the roof...very interesting.
My kids leave...With the end of the school year coming, a lot of my clients head home to their families for good. It's scary to cut the ropes on my little former juvenile delinquents, but I have high hopes for the ones who have earned the chance to go home and prove themselves successful.
Oh, and proof I am really getting old. I had one of my 14 year old clients in the car with me and he was running my iPod. He selected I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew. I said, "Wow, you actually like this song." And he said, "Oh yeah, I just love oldies." Ouch.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Back With the Good and Not So Good
I haven't written about my likes and dislikes for a long time, but today I am feeling very opinionated (and hungry), so while I eat my lunch, I will serve you some sides:
GOOD:
1) Justin returns from a four night business trip this evening, so I won't have to miss him until next week when he leaves for another three night trip. Speaking of Justin, I never mentioned that he was served a big promotion at work about a month ago. He is the youngest person in the history of his national company to hold the spot (sorry, I won't mention the title or company because he is a little more private than me...no MySpace, no blog). It is a big deal, and I remain proud of him for getting there.
2) The sun is out, the sun is out!
3) My younger sister Lexy and her husband Ben are in town visiting, so we get to hang out. Last night, we went out for my dad and his wife's 23rd anniversary in a loud group of eleven. I enjoyed the chaos and was highly entertained by my younger brother Kyle who sat next to me singing, "I love salad and breadsticks." I am not sure he knew people were listening, but it cracked me up.
4) I applied for, interviewed, and quickly got a job offer for a program manager position at a residential girl's program in Portland...but decided to turn it down. The pay wasn't what I was looking for and I was pretty mixed about heading back into residential, even with the title. So I continue on the application path. That means a little more commuting until further notice.
NOT SO GOOD:
1) Don't ask how, but I suckered myself into watching the final episode of Seventh Heaven. I have only watched this show about two times in ten years, but have some adoration for final episodes. Let me tell you, they have something to celebrate yanking this show. The acting is horrendous! Now, I'll admit that I think it is a good 'family friendly' show, but to cap the series with the announcement from three of their seven kids that they are each pregnant with twins was absolutely idiotic. Only in television.
2) Moving on with television, I have noticed that affairs and divorces are THE thing to have when you are in TV world. I don't want to make TV the scapegoat for people having affairs in the real world, but I can't help but think that tons of people watch Desperate Housewives and shows like Extra and Access Hollywood and think about the exciting prospect of living like these jerks. Can't we just take a bunch of this crap off the air and require people watch more of the educational channels? Maybe people will pay attention. (Oh, and sorry to some of my friends who watch DH...but I just think it is highly over rated.)
3) I need to take a really long vacation to a really far away place. I took a three day weekend last weekend and it just didn't cut it. Hmm, maybe I will work on this one.
4) Some of my friends have decided to skip our ten year reunion. As I presented to Julie...come on, don't you guys want to go with me and make fun of all the guys who still think they are cool because they played football in high school? I am going to start Operation Go to Our Damn Reunion and start pumping up the troops. We only have one more month.
5) Speaking of our ten year reunion, I joined a Yahoo forum a while back that exclusively includes people from my graduating class. I did this so I could keep informed about what was going to be happening at our reunion. Well, some new former classmates have joined and turned it into their personal chat room to talk about warcraft games and write 'lol' and 'winks' back and forth to each other (one of these includes a girl who intentionally filed her nails into sharp razor like talons and clawed her sister's face during high school). Guys, this is what personal email is for...no one wants to read these besides you. Now I will probably get kicked off for bashing the forum, but I just HAD to get that out.
Alright, how about some songs...I am currently into Happier by Guster. Not a new song, but I love it. Out of My Mind by James Blunt and Boston by Augustana also get my vote.
GOOD:
1) Justin returns from a four night business trip this evening, so I won't have to miss him until next week when he leaves for another three night trip. Speaking of Justin, I never mentioned that he was served a big promotion at work about a month ago. He is the youngest person in the history of his national company to hold the spot (sorry, I won't mention the title or company because he is a little more private than me...no MySpace, no blog). It is a big deal, and I remain proud of him for getting there.
2) The sun is out, the sun is out!
3) My younger sister Lexy and her husband Ben are in town visiting, so we get to hang out. Last night, we went out for my dad and his wife's 23rd anniversary in a loud group of eleven. I enjoyed the chaos and was highly entertained by my younger brother Kyle who sat next to me singing, "I love salad and breadsticks." I am not sure he knew people were listening, but it cracked me up.
4) I applied for, interviewed, and quickly got a job offer for a program manager position at a residential girl's program in Portland...but decided to turn it down. The pay wasn't what I was looking for and I was pretty mixed about heading back into residential, even with the title. So I continue on the application path. That means a little more commuting until further notice.
NOT SO GOOD:
1) Don't ask how, but I suckered myself into watching the final episode of Seventh Heaven. I have only watched this show about two times in ten years, but have some adoration for final episodes. Let me tell you, they have something to celebrate yanking this show. The acting is horrendous! Now, I'll admit that I think it is a good 'family friendly' show, but to cap the series with the announcement from three of their seven kids that they are each pregnant with twins was absolutely idiotic. Only in television.
2) Moving on with television, I have noticed that affairs and divorces are THE thing to have when you are in TV world. I don't want to make TV the scapegoat for people having affairs in the real world, but I can't help but think that tons of people watch Desperate Housewives and shows like Extra and Access Hollywood and think about the exciting prospect of living like these jerks. Can't we just take a bunch of this crap off the air and require people watch more of the educational channels? Maybe people will pay attention. (Oh, and sorry to some of my friends who watch DH...but I just think it is highly over rated.)
3) I need to take a really long vacation to a really far away place. I took a three day weekend last weekend and it just didn't cut it. Hmm, maybe I will work on this one.
4) Some of my friends have decided to skip our ten year reunion. As I presented to Julie...come on, don't you guys want to go with me and make fun of all the guys who still think they are cool because they played football in high school? I am going to start Operation Go to Our Damn Reunion and start pumping up the troops. We only have one more month.
5) Speaking of our ten year reunion, I joined a Yahoo forum a while back that exclusively includes people from my graduating class. I did this so I could keep informed about what was going to be happening at our reunion. Well, some new former classmates have joined and turned it into their personal chat room to talk about warcraft games and write 'lol' and 'winks' back and forth to each other (one of these includes a girl who intentionally filed her nails into sharp razor like talons and clawed her sister's face during high school). Guys, this is what personal email is for...no one wants to read these besides you. Now I will probably get kicked off for bashing the forum, but I just HAD to get that out.
Alright, how about some songs...I am currently into Happier by Guster. Not a new song, but I love it. Out of My Mind by James Blunt and Boston by Augustana also get my vote.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Creepy
Whenever I walk my dog past this house, I feel very creeped out and uncomfortable. Through fall, winter, and spring, these two dolls have been staring at me out the window, their hands in the waving position, the little spring green outfits. I have no idea why the owner assumes that this is a cute idea. All I can think of are those ghost stories about dolls that kill you and how many poor little kids go home and have nightmares after walking past this scene.
My idea is to take a similar doll and put it on the sidewalk, waving toward these dolls. Then maybe the owner will realize how bizarre this is. Then again, they may like it and add some more.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Lift Me Up
I have been in a negative mood for a few days, so I figured that I would try to find some mode of inspiration to get me out of the funk...so today, I offer a Suess-ism...
On Success
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
-Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Ahh, I feel better already.
On Success
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
-Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Ahh, I feel better already.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Message to Wes
My coworker Wes said he is going to stop reading my blog if I keep writing about ducks. So, I decided to write a blog about Wes so that maybe he will be drawn to read it still.
Okay, that's a lie. I just wanted to write that a NEW duck couple has moved in up the street. And sadly, the late Mr. Duck got picked up by a street sweeper before he could be buried.
Sorry Wes, my life will get more exciting soon. Until then, I think you should start a blog about your partying antics, political views, busy life, and cute kids. You always have good stories and your myspace is very entertaining.
And lastly, I miss being your officemate. I am still bitter that we all got broken up.
Okay, that's a lie. I just wanted to write that a NEW duck couple has moved in up the street. And sadly, the late Mr. Duck got picked up by a street sweeper before he could be buried.
Sorry Wes, my life will get more exciting soon. Until then, I think you should start a blog about your partying antics, political views, busy life, and cute kids. You always have good stories and your myspace is very entertaining.
And lastly, I miss being your officemate. I am still bitter that we all got broken up.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Resident Ducks (Minus the 's')
This morning, Justin called me on his way to work and reported that Mr. Duck was lying in the middle of the road and that 'it doesn't look good.' Sadly, Mr. Duck has moved on to a bigger and better world. He has been moved to the side of the road, and I think he needs to have a proper burial of some kind.
The sequence of events leading up to his death seem odd to me. First, it was he and Mrs. Duck, proudly waddling around the neighborhood for two weeks. Then, she disappeared and he would cruise around alone, quacking up and down the road and sidewalks. As recently as yesterday, Mrs. Duck was coming out of the woodwork to feed on a front lawn, looking remarkably thinner. But the last time I saw the two of them together was late last week.
I am guessing that Mrs. Duck nested in a backyard to hatch some ducklings and left Mr. to his own defenses. Did he die of a broken heart?
I truly assume that the neighborhood wasn't the safest place for the ducks to be hanging out and a cat or dog got him. If Mrs. Duck appears out in the open with a trail of ducklings any time soon, I am going to call a bird rescue and have them lead them back toward the park so that they can grow up safe and sound...the products of a mysteriously broken home.
Mr. Duck, your neighborly spirit will me missed.
The sequence of events leading up to his death seem odd to me. First, it was he and Mrs. Duck, proudly waddling around the neighborhood for two weeks. Then, she disappeared and he would cruise around alone, quacking up and down the road and sidewalks. As recently as yesterday, Mrs. Duck was coming out of the woodwork to feed on a front lawn, looking remarkably thinner. But the last time I saw the two of them together was late last week.
I am guessing that Mrs. Duck nested in a backyard to hatch some ducklings and left Mr. to his own defenses. Did he die of a broken heart?
I truly assume that the neighborhood wasn't the safest place for the ducks to be hanging out and a cat or dog got him. If Mrs. Duck appears out in the open with a trail of ducklings any time soon, I am going to call a bird rescue and have them lead them back toward the park so that they can grow up safe and sound...the products of a mysteriously broken home.
Mr. Duck, your neighborly spirit will me missed.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The People Around Me
Here are some clips from my life and the lives of the people I adore:
Devil child...My sister called me yesterday to tell me that she is sending her son to live with me. Sounds as if he has been quite the hellion lately...
Cedar had to go to the dentist yesterday to have a tooth checked out for a possible cavity. Upon arrival in the dentist's chair, he refused to open his mouth. Jennifer and the staff tried everything to coax him into opening his mouth, including threatening to never let him have candy again. He finally did for one small moment, and there is definitely a little cavity in there. Unfortunately, he was tight lipped the rest of the trip.
On the way home, Jennifer said that Cedar yelled from the back seat, "When we get home, I am telling Daddy that you are MEAN!" Hmm, he has some of the same dramatic flair his mother had at a young age. For now, I think that I will just continue to enjoy being the aunt who he gets to visit.
Becoming buddies...When Justin acquired me as a live-in girlfriend, he also gained the company of a huge dog. This is a big deal. The first thing that Justin's parent's pointed out when they found out we are living together is that they are surprised that Justin let my huge dog move into his house. Sweetly, Justin tells me that it makes him realize how crazy he is about me, that he would allow this ball of fur and bad manners to cohabitate with him as well.
I see the two bonding quite often now actually. I catch Justin sweet talking Bailey and petting him, and Bailey giving him the big tail wags and doe eyes. They have also started jogging together, and Bailey appears to idolize Justin for hours after they return. Justin is hell bent on teaching Bailey how to heel, something the poor leash walking animal has never really had to do thanks to overspoiling from my camp. But, I took Bailey for a walk the other day, and he actually stayed by my side. Impressive.
Car wrecking...A couple of weeks ago, my youngest sister totaled my dad's car. Just so you are informed, this is car wreck #2 in just 5 months for the younger sibs. I am once again just glad that Lauren and her boyfriend are okay, but my dad said I need to make sure to not catch the family car wrecking bug.
Me...I have been back in Oregon over a year now, but nixed writing a post about it. Still on a new job hunt, so if any of you know the perfect match for me in Portland, send some suggestions. Preferably something with a huge pay raise.
June visitors...I am excited that BOTH Vince and Jonathan are travelling out here in June to visit for our friend Jessica's birthday. Jon sent the email yesterday, so I am officially recording that he said he'd come so that he can't back out. Guilt will follow in mass amounts if we hear anything differently in the next two months.
Slumbering girls...I may have mentioned it before, but on May 20th, I am getting together with several girlfriends from highschool and we are having an old school overnighter. I am guessing that we will get in less trouble than we did in the old days, but then again, we are going out in our lame hometown of Salem, so it could get interesting.
Alright, gotta go see my old officemates. They split us up, and we are all a little bummed about it. But we are getting more work done. Hmm, I am guessing that our boss had this all planned out.
Devil child...My sister called me yesterday to tell me that she is sending her son to live with me. Sounds as if he has been quite the hellion lately...
Cedar had to go to the dentist yesterday to have a tooth checked out for a possible cavity. Upon arrival in the dentist's chair, he refused to open his mouth. Jennifer and the staff tried everything to coax him into opening his mouth, including threatening to never let him have candy again. He finally did for one small moment, and there is definitely a little cavity in there. Unfortunately, he was tight lipped the rest of the trip.
On the way home, Jennifer said that Cedar yelled from the back seat, "When we get home, I am telling Daddy that you are MEAN!" Hmm, he has some of the same dramatic flair his mother had at a young age. For now, I think that I will just continue to enjoy being the aunt who he gets to visit.
Becoming buddies...When Justin acquired me as a live-in girlfriend, he also gained the company of a huge dog. This is a big deal. The first thing that Justin's parent's pointed out when they found out we are living together is that they are surprised that Justin let my huge dog move into his house. Sweetly, Justin tells me that it makes him realize how crazy he is about me, that he would allow this ball of fur and bad manners to cohabitate with him as well.
I see the two bonding quite often now actually. I catch Justin sweet talking Bailey and petting him, and Bailey giving him the big tail wags and doe eyes. They have also started jogging together, and Bailey appears to idolize Justin for hours after they return. Justin is hell bent on teaching Bailey how to heel, something the poor leash walking animal has never really had to do thanks to overspoiling from my camp. But, I took Bailey for a walk the other day, and he actually stayed by my side. Impressive.
Car wrecking...A couple of weeks ago, my youngest sister totaled my dad's car. Just so you are informed, this is car wreck #2 in just 5 months for the younger sibs. I am once again just glad that Lauren and her boyfriend are okay, but my dad said I need to make sure to not catch the family car wrecking bug.
Me...I have been back in Oregon over a year now, but nixed writing a post about it. Still on a new job hunt, so if any of you know the perfect match for me in Portland, send some suggestions. Preferably something with a huge pay raise.
June visitors...I am excited that BOTH Vince and Jonathan are travelling out here in June to visit for our friend Jessica's birthday. Jon sent the email yesterday, so I am officially recording that he said he'd come so that he can't back out. Guilt will follow in mass amounts if we hear anything differently in the next two months.
Slumbering girls...I may have mentioned it before, but on May 20th, I am getting together with several girlfriends from highschool and we are having an old school overnighter. I am guessing that we will get in less trouble than we did in the old days, but then again, we are going out in our lame hometown of Salem, so it could get interesting.
Alright, gotta go see my old officemates. They split us up, and we are all a little bummed about it. But we are getting more work done. Hmm, I am guessing that our boss had this all planned out.
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