grownup...now what?

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for a few reasons. The yummy food, spending time with family, relaxing and no pressure with presents. Corey's family has a tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving the Sunday before at his aunts house. This is great since his whole family including cousins and second cousins are all there because there isn't any other conflicting dinners. This year at the McManus/Goin Thanksgiving there were 5 kids under 2 1/2. I totally got my baby fix that day. We might need to add another room on when these little ones start to eat.

On Thanksgiving we spent the day at my sister Lora's house in Corvallis. We brought the appetizers and the traditional spinach casserole. We were late and there was a hungry crowd waiting for us but we still left with leftover appetizers. I am fortunate that my divorced parents can actually be in the same room and have conversations with one another. It was what you could call the "modern" family Thanksgiving. My dad's side of the family including his wife, my grandparents and my aunt mingling with my mom and her husband. Of course the star of the show wasn't the food or the games (which Auntie Pam continued her 5 game winning streak) but Ms. Bailey. My niece wowed everyone with her ABC's, songs, numbers, shapes and bowling abilities. She preformed well under pressure, she is a star in the making. Hope you all had a good thanksgiving. Bring on Christmas!

Other Blogs

2009-11-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I would add a few other blogs or websites I like to follow for information and recipes to further our goal of living simpler.
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com This is a blog filled with recipes using your slow cooker
http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com Just started to follow this but seems to have good information
http://sewmamasew.com This website has tons of creative craft and sewing projects.
http://www.myrecipes.com I use this to look up recipes by cookinglight magazine.

Enjoy!

Pumpkins and Halloween

2009-11-06T16:22:00.001-08:00

Our first post written together.
We had another successful Pumpkin Carving Party on the 28th. It has become a tradition since moving into our house three years ago. Corey made his families Rumpunchkin, a rum drink served from a pumpkin. He also got the materials and painted an OSU beer pong table, which distracted him so much that he didn't get his pumpkin carved. It seemed to be wildly popular even among the older adults. For those of you who are beer pong novices, you make a pyramid of cups partially filled with beer and try to toss ping pong balls into the other teams cups. Yes, we still are playing drinking games, our future kids will think we are awesome!
We had quite a crowd, enough people we had to moving the pumpkin carving station into the garage. There were a bunch of great pumpkins and Carol's skill seem to be approving each year.
Carol had a good time making treats for the party this year. The list included pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars and caramel corn. There diffidently wasn't a shortage of food to eat.
We really enjoyed that this year included a bunch of first timers and third timers.

On actual Halloween we dressed up for the first time in years and headed out to our friends John and Natalie's house. Our costumes were couple theme Carol was Alice in Wonderland and Corey was the King of Hearts. We rented them from a local costume shop. The choices were slightly limited due to Carol's size. She ended up wearing a kids costume. We had a great time hitting up a few haunted houses. We always have a good time with John, Natalie, Heidi and Tyler.

Field Trips Part II

2009-10-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Alright I promised myself I would have some follow through on something today. I decided this was much more enjoyable then cleaning the house.

Free Geek 1731 SE 10th Ave

This was our first stop on our 2nd field trip. I really enjoyed touring this place. They are doing amazing things on keeping e-waste (electronic waste) out of our landfills or even worse in third world countries. Starting January 1, 2010 disposal of computers, tv's and monitors will be prohibited in Oregon. Free Geek is a drop off site for the Oregon E-Cycles program but also so much more. Free Geeks mission is to reuse, recycle and educate the public on computers. One way they accomplish their mission is with two programs. The first one gives people a free computer with monitor after volunteering 24hrs of service. These are great refurbish computers. 2nd program teaches people how to build their own computer. If you don't want to volunteer to get a computer they have a store you can purchase from. I dropped off a few computer parts that we no longer needed. They will either use the parts to refurnish a computer for someone or break down the parts into individual pieces and recycle it safely.

Community Warehouse 3969 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

Community Warehouse collects and redistributes donated furniture and household goods to families in need with no charge to them. The warehouse is open to the public to donate but they go through agencies to distribute the items. One of the main agencies they work with is the Department of Human Services (DHS). One great way individuals, groups or offices can do to help this nonprofit is to hold collection drives. Items most often in demand are blankets, towels, twin mattresses and kitchen items. Community Warehouse can pick-up the items but currently only go out to 185th in Hillsboro. Next time you do a little spring cleaning or have a garage sale take a look at the items and drop them off at Community Warehouse instead of Goodwill. Nothing against Goodwill but the families that the Community Warehouse serves Goodwill isn't even an option.

SCRAP 2915 NE MLK Jr. Blvd

Now this place is a creative persons dream. SCRAP (School and Community Reuse Action Program) started with a couple of teachers collecting end of the year art supplies to pass along. Now they host their own art classes, no-school day camps for kids and inspiration to artist all over. They sale a bit of everything at very low prices. You can find old magazines, feathers, tiles, fabric, crayons, and so much more. SCRAP is a great place to visit with little ones and also to take unused or unwanted art supplies.

Rebuilding Center 3625 N Mississippi Ave

Corey and I have visited this place a few times. On this field trip I learned more about the passion and mission behind the organization. Sadly I don't remember our guides/founders name but he was very funny and entertaining. The Rebuilding Center helps redirect construction materials from the landfill. They sale doors, door knobs, windows, light fixtures, floor broads etc. This place is huge and in the middle of Mississippi Avenue. The rebuilding center in its self is a showroom of what you can do with the material they sale. The ceiling, doors, walls and floors especially in their offices are made out of old windows and doors. I wish I was that creative. Other services they offer is deconstruction of buildings in a eco-friendly way. Taking the building a part piece by piece to preserve material for reuse. The Rebuilding Center also offers classes in reusing material for household items such as tables or art work. The center is a part of Our United Village whose message is to strengthen neighborhoods in Portland to better support the community.

At the end of the day I felt the take home message was there should be little material that ends up in our landfills. If we purchase, use, reuse, and donate wisely we should produce very little waste. Just by visiting or in your case reading about these amazing organizations we are now aware of a place to take our computers or buy our next one, donate that unused guest bed, take all those old Altoids tins and where to find the matching light fixture in our houses. If you have any of these items and don't have the time to take them where they could go let me know. I would be more then happy to drop them off for you. Happy reduce, reuse and recycling too you all.

Field Trips

2009-10-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Seems I get on a roll of posting and then fall off. Today I am going to attempt to write about my two Master Recycler field trips. The first field trip was back in September to the Hillsboro Landfill, Metro Central and Eco Trust Building. The second field trip was last weekend we visited Free Geek, Oregon Community Warehouse, SCRAP and Rebuilding Center. Okay here I go.

Hillsboro Landfill
I sort of have a history with this landfill sounds weird but its true. As a child I lived in the Meadows which was a neighborhood a few blocks away from the landfill. Strange to think my parents felt buying a house near a landfill was a good investment. I also attended elementary and high school in the same area. Another interesting thing putting schools near a landfill. I guess it was perfect since the schools were also near the sewage treatment center and a slew of dairy farms. You never new where the smell was coming from. But I digress. I always thought the Hillsboro Landfill took garbage, your run of the mill neighborhood garbage. Was I shock to discover that it only takes Construction and Demolition waste. Not smelly at all. The main attraction at the landfill is the Material Recovery Facility or MRF (recycling center) I believe it is the only LEED certified MRF in the nation (??) What is LEED certified? It stands for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) that was created by the U.S. Green Building Council as a rating system for green buildings. The MRF used green design from the floor, walls, ceiling all the way up to the lighting of the facility. Contractors or homeowners come and deposit their materials and the workers at the MRF go through it to divert as much recyclable goods as possible from the landfill. You can take toilets, cement, metal and wood to the Hillsboro landfill where they separate and crush up the material to be reused.

Metro Central at 6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland off of highway 30.
This place is owned by Metro the recycling gurus of Portland. Have questions regrading recycling you can contact them at www.oregonmetro.gov. This is where people can take their hazardous waste to be safely disposed of. If you think you don't have hazardous waste laying around at your house your wrong. Paint, cleaning products, items made out of mercury, propane, pesticides, and compact fluorescent light bulbs are all toxic if they end up in our water systems or soil. Through out the year there are neighborhood drop off sites Metro puts on. Can you believe that they come to you and take your hazardous waste away. I took some old paint there last weekend. I literally drove up, popped my trunk and they collected the material and I was back on the road. And what did they do with my old paint? They actually create 15 different Metro colors out of used paint that you can buy for cheap directly from them or at select Miller paint stores. The paint is Green Seal Certified one of the highest levels of environmental integrity you can get. I have a brochure of the colors if anyone is interested or call 503-234-3000.

Metro is also working towards composting possibilities in Oregon. There is already a Portland Compost program where a few restaurants and grocery stores in Portland participate in. They have their compostable goods collected and temporary dropped off at the transfer station. Where a large truck comes to collect it and take it up to Washington. It has been slow going finding a large enough location and agreeable neighbors to create an Oregon compost facility. There is a misconception that composting is smelly but it isn't true especially on a large scale with all the technology. Corey and I compost using the Metro Earth Machine (sales for $35 at Metro) and don't notice the smell and I have a sensitive nose.

Eco Trust, Pearl District
Our last stop was at the Eco Trust building in Portland. This building houses the Portland office of Sustainability, a few restaurants and the Patagonia store. It too is a LEED certified building. It reuses a lot of old material and utilizes natural light. I think it is a very beautiful building. You can actually get married there too.

I think this has been a long enough post so I will end it here. Look for the second installment of field trips on Friday.

In the spirit of October

2009-10-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Seattle to visit friends and family. We stayed at Corey's sister Kinsey's house. We had a great weekend hanging out with our 8 month old nephew Zander. We went to the pumpkin patch together and Corey taught him the OSU cheer. Sadly I left my camera in Seattle so I will have to add pictures later.

Every time we make a trip to Seattle we wish we had more time. We have so many friends and family up there. This trip we did manage to see my Auntie Pam and her new condo. Always a great time catching up with her. On our way back to Portland we meet up with Corey's high school friend Travis, wife Nomi and their two kids. Travis was the very tall guy in our wedding. They moved back to the west coast last year and like seeing them more now.

Next weekend is our annual pumpkin carving party. It is shaping up to be a good one with lots of new people joining us. In the spirit of Halloween and since I can't add Zander pictures. I thought I would share some past Halloween photos. Enjoy!

Master Recycler

2009-10-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of becoming a Master Recycler. What is a Master Recycler you ask will this is from their website

Master Recyclers take a eight-week course on the latest information on waste prevention and recycling. They then share this information to their neighbors in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington county. There are more than 900 Master Recyclers, volunteering more than 20,000 hours. Each Master Recycler must payback 30hrs of service.

For the past 4 Wednesdays from 6:30 pm till 9:30 pm at night I have been learning all about waste reduction and recycling. I have 4 weeks left and one more field trip. Our first field trip was to a MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) and a dry waste landfill. Taking this course has inspired me to clean up our recycling area at home and make it more organize. We have a box for scrap paper, a bin for glass ONLY, plastic and aluminum and another for paper and cardboard. The other two bins are for pop cans and plastics you can't recycle at the curb. Of course a separate collection for plastic film aka plastic bags (not recyclable at curb!!!!!). I can't say it enough but please no glass with your other recyclables and NO PLASTIC BAGS AT THE CURB!!!!! At the MRF they have to stop every 2-3hrs to cut out all the plastic bags that have gummed up the system. Better yet don't use plastic bags keep reusable bags in your car for any shopping trip or just say no to bags at the store. Okay I am getting off my high horse now. Feel free to post or email me any questions you might have on recycling. Have a great first day of October everyone.

Random things in our yard

2009-09-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Took these photos from my camera phone and finally downloaded them. The first one is a small tree frog that Melvin was very curious about. The second one is a peanut one of our squirrels buried that started to sprout. Other items I have discovered in our yard half eaten pears (we don't have a pear tree), large mushrooms the size of my fist, an underground pond, a deer skull and Melvin sneaking out. The other picture is of Melvin when we went to stay with my parents during the 100 degree weather. I put him in the crib while I sewed. He wouldn't stop pacing around and crying. What can I say he is my baby all 16lbs of him.

4 years and going strong

2009-09-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Corey and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. Each year we try to do something special. We decided to camp at the beach since we love the outdoors and the coast. We left Friday morning and took a leisurely drive down the coast. Stopping for ice cream, beef jerky and salt water taffy at my great grandma's old candy store. We also swung by our families old beach house. Amazing how much the area around it has changed. I was so happy, I got to share it with Corey. We had a few campgrounds picked out and decided on Rock Creek campsite between Yachts and Florence. Our site was right on the creek and not far from the beach. After setting up camp, we went searching for wood for our campfire. We made a good team. I would scout out limbs and Corey would cut them up. Friday night, dinner was traditional camping food, hot dogs, corn and a salad. No beans sorry dad and John. For dessert, of course we roasted marshmallows. Corey says he has perfected the art of roasting them just right.

Saturday morning, I woke to a warm campfire and hot chocolate. We both wanted to do a hike and play in the tide pools during our trip. We went to the Cape Perpetua visitors center and mapped our itinerary for the day. A 3 mile loop down to the tide pool and a 3 mile hike to the top of Cape Perpetua. Sadly, it was a high, low tided and we only saw one starfish. We both enjoyed the waves crashing against the rocks and seeing the spouting horn (a hole in the rocks that water shoots out of). We climbed the rocks for awhile and saw one sea loin in the Cape Cove. I worried it was sick and dieing, but Corey reassured me they do sometimes travel alone. Our hike up to the Cape Perpetua look out was a harder than we both thought it would be. I was over dressed and very sweaty when we reached the top. There were blue skies but it was still foggy looking out to sea and down the coast. During a good day you can see 34 miles out to sea and 70 miles along the coast. We got our one couples photo of the trip and made our journey down. Back at camp, we collected more firewood and took a nap. My only other goal for the trip was having clam chowder. We drove to Florence hoping to get a good cup and watch the OSU game. Neither turned out well. My chowder had few clams and almost nothing else. We didn't realize we were in Duck country, we went to 6 bars and one Casino, but couldn't find anyone playing the Beaver game. In the end, we listened to the game on the car radio. OSU 23 UNLV 21 (for those other OSU fans).

Sunday morning we curled up by the fire and read awhile. By noon our campsite was packed and we headed to Corvallis and my sister's house to see our niece Bailey. Bailey is enjoying her tricycle and her new bike trailer. She wants everyone to take her for a ride. Our last stop was at Corey's parent's for fresh produce and dinner. Finally, making it home around 6pm and welcomed by a hungrily Melvin. Mel over ate and left us a special treat by the front door. I guess it is his way of rebelling against the diet. One downfall of camping is all the clean up when you get home. Better go finish the laundry and dishes.

Happy 4 year anniversary Corey looking forward to many more!

A Special Thanks

2009-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to recognize Corey's mom, Marti, for always sharing wonderful, fresh, organically grown produce with us. This year alone, we have gotten at least a dozen zucchini and cucumbers from, plus beautiful sunflowers to brighten up our home. Additionally, we will have bags of dehydrated pears and prunes this winter. Something truly special, she doesn't only share her garden bounty with family and friends but the local food bank as well. Not sure how many pounds of fresh produce she has donated to families in need, but it is in the hundreds. Often, food banks only have canned or boxed items. Having direct contact with many families in similar situations through work, I know just how much they need fresh healthy produce. Thank you Marti, for helping families in need eat healthy.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Like most of you we had plans that depended on the weather. For most of the weekend the weather didn't go in our favor. We or should I say Corey has been busy all week painting our front door. It was installed last fall and we finally had time in our busy summer schedule to paint it. Corey has been such a good sport about painting the door. We both strongly dislike painting since we have painted every room in our house including the doors and trim work and we painted the outside last year. I of course always wanted a red door just like a red kitchen. I am so thankful I have a husband who has done both for me. We didn't like the original color we picked out but the second color is much better. We hope to have the outside part of the door done this week. Melvin is very hopeful we finish sooner. He has to be locked up since the front door is off the hinges for painting. Everyone knows Melvin despises being caged. Pictures to come of our door.

Our other plans for the weekend were more domesticated. Saturday night we cooked 16 ears of corn from Corey's parents garden and skinned them (not sure that is the right term). We now have 8 Tupperware containers of wonderful sweet corn to enjoy all winter. The other food project was to dehydrate about 3lbs of pears also from Marti and Jim. It is a long process but I had fun pealing the pears and singing "I have been working on the railroads," repetitively to Corey. Our first batch was a little done but I think we figured out what went wrong.

As for the official Labor day we are spending it at our friends Alan and Rheas house for dinner. Hope everyone else had a good long weekend too.

P.S. took Melvin to the vet this week alone (huge task getting him in the carrier). He is now on a reduced calorie diet since he was 16# and the vet mentioned he looked healthier at 14#. Melvin has strongly told us he disagrees with this often times at 5:30 in the morning.

Jimmy Fest 2009

2009-08-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

My cousin Jimmy owns Third Knight Farm between Monmouth and Corvallis. For the past 2 years he has put together "Jimmy Fest" where he events friends and family for a pig roasting and beer party. The first time I heard of it wasn't from my family but a friend whose husband works with my cousin. For the past year I kept bringing up Jimmy Fest around Jimmy so he wouldn't forget to add me to the list. Well it worked I was finally invited to the 3rd annual Jimmy Fest. Corey and I showed up towards the end of family time but that was okay we were looking forward to the after hours craziness. What we saw was a whole bunch of farmers having a good time. Besides the roasted pig there was 2-4 kegs and a huge bonfire. I got to here my cousin and friend "Tiny" (who isn't tiny) sing Karaoke together on a flat bed truck. I watched Corey play four rounds of beer pong and finally lose to sisters. I too played beer pong with a guy who told me I was cool since I was 28 years old and knew how to text message. That really made me laugh but I guess when I was 21 years old I probably thought 28 was old. Another funny thing was one older gentlemen said he was Jimmy's dad and I said no your not because Jimmy's dad is my uncle. One of Jimmy's friends even tried to hook me up with Jimmy. Jimmy and I both laughed and said "We are cousins, GROSS!!!!" I also got myself my very own bottle of Red Neck wine that my other cousin Jeff makes. Corey and I both had a good time and I am looking forward to next years Jimmy Fest.

Summer Biking had me a blast, Summer Biking going so fast!!!

2009-08-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

We've been without a second car for over a year and things are still going really well. Biking has become a new hobby and being without a car has, in a roundabout way, been a boon for my health. Assuming I ride to work daily, I go about 60 miles on the weekdays and gain over 3,000' in elevation. I also frequently go on rides with friends, Dan and Brett, on the weekends. Most often, going nearly 50 miles. In early summer, Dan and I rode up bald peak. I had to stop a few times in the middle of climbs, they were too long and our pace earlier had been too hard. The views from the ridge road on top are stunning. You can look down into the valley and there is a great view of Hood. Carol and I need to drive up there for a picnic when the weather is nice. Coming down was a little harrowing. Dan was flying around a corner, but when I got there I braked hard because I missed the apex and lost my nerve. Shortly after, there was a long downhill, where I remember hitting 50 without pedaling. After those long weekend rides, I get home feeling like mush. I move slowly and on Monday while riding to work again, it is a little more painful.

I had a great time riding the rim of Crater Lake, with our friend Tyler, when we went to camp at Diamond lake earlier this month. The ride is approximately 32 miles and the elevation gain is 3,800 feet, very challenging. We both made it, but it took about 4.5 hours. The ride around the rim is never flat. The uphills are long, but the downhills are exhilarating. During one downhill coasting, I managed to hit 40.8 mph. The views while going around the lake are amazing and I feel like I got more out of the trip having ridden the rim than if I had just driven to the visitor's center. We were going to meet up with the others for a hike, but if we had gone hiking, they would have had to drag us most of the way. Carol went on a great hike above the visitor's center for an amazing view.

For the future, I plan to continue my bike commute, but hope to get involved in more organized rides. I had considered doing the Portland century, but that was the weekend of our camping trip. FYI - a century is a ride where you do 100 miles in a day. There is always next year, and I look forward to sometime doing the Seattle to Portland, the bridge pedal, some centuries and maybe put together a trip with a group of friends and bike the Oregon coast south of Lincoln City. Hope to see you on on the roads soon.

Finally Done

2009-08-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have had scan old slides on my to do list forever. I got them from my sister shortly after my niece Bailey was born 18mos ago. They are slides my parents took when my sister was born 30 years ago. I got put in charge of scanning them so both sets of parents could have copies. Sort of a peace treaty. I ran into a few problems regarding our computer and the scanner. And then of course there was the sheer laziness on my part to do it. But this week I made the decision it was going to get done. I wanted it off my to do list and out of our office. It took me a good couple hours but I finally finished scanning four slide boxes today. Here are a few pictures that haven't been seen in nearly 30 years. One thing I notice is I am totally the second child since I have few pictures of myself and I must of spent the first 20 years of my life looking in the wrong direction during picture time. The first two are of me, the rest my sister Lora.

Bailey Sitting

2009-08-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

No that isn't a typo I went down to Corvallis yesterday to watch my niece Bailey. She has to be one of the happiest little ones out there. Except when you tell her no she holds her breath and then lets a whale of a cry. Luckily she only did it once today. Our day started off with sharing a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast. Then a quick change into our clothes and a walk to the park. We went down a few wet slides getting both our bottoms wet. Baileys favorite thing was the swings. She had to have a turn on each one before she was ready to go. I was very impressed that she walked all the way home. On our way home we saw baby sunflowers growing in someones yard and said thank you to the bees for pollinating. We made it home in time for her favorite show Sesame Street. No one gets between Bailey and her Sesame Street. She was supper glued to it. Another thing Bailey does really well is entertains her self. I sat with her and read my book and jumped in to play along now and again. She spent a good 2hrs playing with her dolls, reading books and making food in her kitchen. Then it was lunch time and she went crazy for her cheese and applesauce. Wasn't to big of a fan for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Once lunch was over she asked where mom and dad were. I said work and she kept repeating "mom and dad at work." Bailey walked her self up stairs and after a short burst of "no I don't want a nap" she went down. I decided to join her and we both took an afternoon nap before mommy came home. Thanks Bailey for letting Auntie Carol come and watch you and for being such a good girl. XOXO

HilHi 10 year reunion

2009-08-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I am old enough to have a 10 year high school reunion. The only comfort is if I am older that means you are all older with me. I was in the class of 1999 at Hillsboro High School. I remember we were the last class to graduate in the twentieth century in Oregon. 10 years ago I felt ready to set out on my own and start a new chapter in my life. The world was mine to seize and anything was possible. Now 10 years later I don't feel I have changed completely or captured the world the way I once wanted. What has happened is I have grown to feel more confident in my own skin and know my self more. Our reunion was at Kell's downtown on Friday night and then a free picnic in Hillsboro on Saturday. My class wasn't the most involved or motivated class at Hilhi. I think that in a combination with the cost of the reunion kept some people from attending (lame). I did enjoy seeing those who came and their families. Some people hadn't changed in appearance or personality while others were almost unrecognizable. Some where rocking the single life while others had little ones. One even had four kids! Some lived in the same neighborhood they grew up in while others have lived in other countries. One thing that is still true today as it was 10 years ago the class of 1999 has the capabilities to do great things and change to world for the better. GO SPARTANS!!!!!

Summer Time Memories

2009-08-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

Sort of stopped blogging for many reasons but recently everyone has been asking us why we haven't updated. Here we were thinking no one was reading it since we rarely got comments posted on the blog. Since our last post in February a lot has happen. But at this moment I don't feel like regurgitating it all, maybe later. What I wanted to share were some past summer memories. I have been feeling pretty nostalgic lately, could be the fact my 10 year high school reunion was this weekend. I have also been thinking a lot about my "Chicky" grandma. Almost every couple days I think I need to call her and then I get busy and remember as I am going to bed. A combination of feeling nostalgic and thinking of my "Chicky" grandma this post is dedicated to my McIlroy family. First I must preference my story with this, these are a little child's memories and so might be slightly inaccurate. As a young girl I spent most summers, a few winters and even a Thanksgiving at the Hanson (McIlroy) Walport beach house. I am not sure the year the beach house was built but it has been in my Grandpa Dick's family for a very, very long time. It is two stories with a green roof and green shutters. Sometimes there are red potted geraniums on the front porch. The house has no phones or television except the one on wheels I have never seen used. There are two bedrooms down stairs usually where my grandparents and my great grandmother slept. The rest of the main floor housed a living room, kitchen and added bathroom. In the living room there was green velvet couch that above it had a painting of naked men and women laying around a pool. I would try to sneak peaks at the picture and giggle that my grandparents owned something so "scandalous." Near the fire place was a large well worn leather chair that I would cuddle with my mom or dad in. Upstairs where two large bedrooms and a bathroom. My sister and I slept upstairs with our parents. Often times we argued over who slept next to the scary closet door. We both believed it was haunted. The next upstairs room my aunt stayed in or my grandfather would use it as his fly fishing room. The house was right on the beach a few yards away from the Walport bay. My summers where filled with sandcastles, sea shells and walks on the beach. We often went crabbing. My sister Lora and I chasing each other with crabs on the dock. I only remember one time catching enough crabs to actually eat. The first time I had shrimp cocktail was at the beach house. I felt so grown up and refined eating the pretty cup of shrimp and red sauce. I believe it was the summers I spent at the beach house that ignited my love for games. There was always a mean game of Gin Rummy going on or someone playing solitaire. The beach house was a place to get away from everyday life and reconnect with loved ones. Where multi-tasking meant soaking up the sun, while listening to soft jazz and reading a good book in the back yard. Where the concept of family meals meant shopping, cooking, eating and cleaning up together. Where my imagination was fueled and allowed to be free. Sadly I haven't been to the beach house since my Junior year in college. I would love for Corey to see the place sometime. I feel so fortunate to have had a childhood that has so many amazing and wonderful memories of the beach and the special beach house with its green shutters. Thank you McIlroy family.

Melvin

2009-02-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Now onto our fur baby, Melvin. Most people have baby stories but Corey and I have Melvin stories. Melvins new thing he loves to do is climb or jump from the dressers into our laundry hampers. He likes to play with the handles on the inside or at least I think. He either jumps out or rocks the hamper back and forth and gets out. At least one time he locked himself in our room when the hamper fill over and didn't right its self and blocked the door. As previously mentioned he can open all the doors in the house. Never a dull moment in our house with our little Melvin.

Trip to Seattle

2009-02-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

Corey and I made a trip up to Seattle this weekend to officially meet our new nephew Zander Edward. We each worked a half day Friday and just barely made it to Seattle before rush hour traffic. We picked up some groceries to help make Friday and Valentine day dinner for the new family of three (five if you count the cats). Corey is truly enjoining being an uncle to Zander. I think the pictures speak for themselves. He even changed his first diaper, I couldn't resist a picture. Zander is a great baby still working out his sleep/eating schedule but getting better each day. We both enjoyed snuggling with him. Corey and I also got the chance to play with Kinsey's and Mike's Wii. I lost every single game except boxing. I am proud to say I kicked Corey's butt. I don't think we would ever get a Wii for ourselves but it is fun to play. We also sucked more people into the Settlers of Catan world. It is a board game our friends Reba and Damien got us hooked on. Now we ask everyone we know to play with us. Watch out you might be next. It was a very relaxing weekend. We won't see Zander until end of March where he will be 2 months and will most likely impress us all with what he can do.

Celebrating 7 years together!

2009-02-16T13:19:00.001-08:00

You would think with working part-time this blog would be updated daily. Since the last post Corey and I celebrated our 7th anniversary together. We have been together for 7 years and married for almost 3 1/2years. As some of you know Corey and I meet at OSU living in the co-ops together. How we got together was a long trip in a snow storm back from the annual co-op Sunriver trip over Martin Lutheran King weekend. On returning to Corvallis I tried to give Corey money for gas but he refused. In return I made him an Emergency car kit. It had spicy Doritos (only food we had in the car), skittles, large snow scraper for car (he had a pocket size one) and maybe other things but can't remember. After I dropped it off Corey came over to Azalea house, I was in the kitchen hanging out. We started talking and before we knew it it was midnight I apologize for keeping him from saying hello to Audra (his friend at Azalea). But Corey said he came over to see me, he asked me out in the Azalea kitchen for Friday January 25th. And I guess they would say the rest is history. We spent our anniversary making fondue together for first time. We had steak in oil/butter sauce, cheese fondue with veggies and bread and a yummy chocolate caramel sauce for fruit and angel food cake. Finishing the night off looking back out relationship. I have a box Corey gave me filled with little mementos from our time together. During our pre-marriage counseling we were encouraged to talk about how we got together and favorite memories to help slow life down and remember the important things, love. Hope we all take the time out to remind our loved ones just how special they are to us. I know I don't do it as much as I would like. Happy Belated Valentines day everyone!

Aunt and Uncle Again!

2009-01-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

Today at 4:40pm we became an aunt and uncle again to Corey's sisters new baby boy Zander Edward Frick. He weighed in at 9lbs and was 20.5 inches long. We can't wait to see pictures and hold him. Congrats to the new parents Kinsey and Mike and enjoy your new love.

Farewell to Margo

2009-01-22T17:26:00.001-08:00

Sad news on the cat front our families beloved cat Margo passed away last night. Here is the email my mother sent out about her.

As many of you know about 6 months ago we took over being the parents of Kit Kat (Margo), after Carol & Corey where forced to give her up as Mel wanted to remain an only child. We found her to be a sweet and loving cat, that both Ted and I have grown to care for these past few months.

Unfortunately it turned out that she had contracted the Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus, which is a mutation of the corona virus, which many cats get (it is shed in feces and passed on to other cats, especially when there are many cats coming together such as in a shelter) The majority of the cats in the world come into contact with the cornona virus, and usually they fight it off or just become carriers of the corona virus with no side affects. Only 1 in 5,000 cats end up having the corona virus mutant into FIP. It appears from study that those cats that do get it may have a weaken system or a genetic trait for the mutation (just like certain humans get certain cancers and others do not). Since Mel is a strong healthy cat he like the majority of the cats in the world -probably will not get this disease.

There are two types, with Kat Kat it appears getting the dry type. With dry FIP cats show ocular or neurological signs- we did not realize that the large pupils that she displaced, the running eyes and the sneezes that she had for a short time(about three months ago ) was the advent of the disease. It was only on Monday that she started displaying the neurological signs, and started having trouble walking. I took her to the vet yesterday, and he told me that she either had just pulled the muscle in her legs, and was perhaps showing signs of a genetic defect(her rear legs were always a little strange) or she could have this FIP. (Which she could have gotten at birth or anytime during the three times she was in a shelter and for some reason -probably because just as some humans get cancer and others do not it flared into the FIP). There is nothing one can do for the FIP, but hope that the pet does not have pain. I got some pain pills and bought her home. She had a little special food and I laid her on a blanket on the bed- where she has been sleeping between Ted and I. I went to start dinner and when I came back into the room a short time later- she was all stretched out- I realized that she had passed away.

Corey, Carol and I will be burying her in the back yard. And we will remember Kit Kat (Margo/Brinta- she had several past names) with love.

In other news

2009-01-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

In other news next Friday will be my first day volunteering with the Oregon Environmental Council. One of the things I hoped to do by going part-time was gaining first hand experience in environmental health. Over the past year I have found that environmental health is the direction I want my career to go in. I applied for a handful of jobs in the area but with no direct environmental experience and the job market being so competitive I didn't stand a chance. Best way to get my hands dirty in environmental health is to volunteer. I will start with 4hrs a week and add time if needed or desired. The Oregon Environmental Council has three main focuses, stop global warming, healthy kids, and clean water. I will be working on the healthy kids campaign that wishes to make the environment safer for kids. They work with childcare, schools, parents, health professionals and the legislators to bring about change. I am nervous, I don't want to disappoint them and I want to be useful. I am excited to be involved with OEC they have been around for 40 years. If you would like to learn more about OEC and what they do please visit www.oeconlie.org

Congratulations Corey!

2009-01-16T11:55:00.001-08:00

If you remember three months ago in October Corey was studying hard for his Professional Engineer exam. It was an 8hr test that only 60% of 1st timers past. He got his letter in the mail yesterday and it came with his PE card. He is now officially a professional engineer and is able to sign off on blue prints. I am so proud of him and think it is a true test of how talented and dedicated he is. Congrats Corey!!!!

Melvin the Meany Head

2009-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today I caught part of an educational program on house cats on OBP and Melvin had a melt down. I think he thought we were bringing in another cat for him. He jumped off my lap when he heard the tv cats crying and got up close to the tv. When the cat went off the screen he looked under the tv stand and around the corner. Even after the show was over he was still glued to the tv waiting for the cat to come back. The program mentioned that cats are territorial but I think we already knew that. The score at our house is other animals 0 and Melvin 2, poor Blake (greyhound) and Margo (cat my parents took).

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, I haven't figured out totally the picture posting part of this blog. Anyways Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a good time bringing in the new year with friends and loved ones. I always feel stressed about new years mostly about trying to figure out what to do. This year Corey and I took it upon ourselves to organize something. We booked a package at the Mcmenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove. It was our Christmas present to each other. We have decided against Christmas gifts for one another instead a fun trip or tickets or special event. The package included one night stay, dinner and breakfast, three drink tickets, a bottle sparkling wine, champagne toast and attending the live performance of Big Mama and her boys. We were joined by Alan and Rhea (Corey's old roommate from college and bestman) and Natalie and John (friends we meet through Heidi and Tyler). Alan and Rhea also invited two other couples. I believe everyone had a good time. There were a few bumps in the evening, including poor musical taste by the bartender, disagreement on the new smoking band and a shower issue to name a few. We ended our stay with a quick dip in the soaking pool before heading back home to our new year resolutions. Mine are to be more physically active (don't want to be the "traditional" house wife) and to find a career direction that I am happy with. I don't know why I make them, I never stick to them see last years resolution 1. to remember and send birthday cards. Happy Belated Birthday everyone :) Happy New year and good luck with those resolutions!

Christmas Time

2009-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

As mentioned previously, we spent Christmas in Jefferson. Christmas eve we spent at my aunt Janet and uncle Jim's house in Jefferson. It has almost become a new tradition to eat with the Lee cousins and Grandma Lee on Christmas eve. This year, Karen and Steve Lee-Dunlap were missing in action having come up from California during Thanksgiving. None the less, we caught up with the anti-social Jeff and secured an invite to the infamous Jimmy Fest 2009. What is Jimmy Fest you ask, having yet to go to one myself, I can only tell you the stories I have heard. My cousin Jimmy on his farm roasts a whole pig, has live music, a bon-fire, beer and games going on into the wee hours of a September Saturday. Last year he gave out T-shirts! Looking forward to getting to see it all for myself next year. My aunt Janet Lee cooked a fabulous meal and we stocked up on our jams for the year. If you haven't ever tasted Janet Lee's homemade jam you are missing out. After dinner and dessert we traveled to Corvallis to open gifts with my parents. Bailey was already fast asleep by then; luckily she opened our gift earlier. We gave her a variety of musical instruments to annoy her parents with. Corey and I both got spoiled by my parents, we were drowning in wrapping paper by the end. I was sad our stocking presents were not actually in our stockings. I am a stickler for tradition, just as my dad and his sherbet and fruit fiascoes of the past years. Ending Christmas eve night back in Jefferson with the McManus family. We must of been really good this year because we opened more presents there. Another new tradition for me at least is the McManus/Goin Christmas day breakfast and white elephant gift exchange. This year the popular items were a tailgating barbecue, tackle box and a box knife. Other surprising items a Stud Calendar, and a box filled with used gift cards, wrapping paper and oranges. Next year baby items are going to be a big hit since the McManus/Goin family will be adding 4 new babies in 2009 (no Corey and I are not one of them). The day after Christmas was spent in Corvallis with my dad and his family. More presents again but the big hit was of course Miss. Bailey. She is just to adorable. We didn't get to chat much with my Chickie Grandma, Dick or auntie Pam but hopefully 2009 brings more time with them. And what Christmas isn't complete without after Christmas shopping. I added two new pairs of knee high boots to my wardrobe. Blame Heidi for leaving me cute dresses and my sister Lauren for telling me "This is as good as it gets, enjoy it" (referring to my insecurity about my knees thanks to Hunter Dugget from High School). We left to picture taking up to others and therefore have no pictures to share except of us getting our tree. This year Melvin seemed more interested in the tree and the ornaments. I have a feeling some ornaments may go missing.

Arctic Blast 2008!

2009-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

I think about writing often and updating on what Corey and I are doing but thinking doesn't actually accomplish much. Sorry for those who read our blog that we have been slacking. You are in for a real treat today, 3 new posts! We survived the Arctic blast of 2008 with no damage to our house, car or ourselves. I started working part-time the first week of the snow and really got to relax and enjoy it. Saturday and Sunday of first week Corey and I baked cookies and English Toffee for our neighbors and took walks in the snow. Monday I got to bake cookies and stew with Heidi. She is our friend who moved to England over Christmas. I was really lucky to have her staying so close and be part-time before she left. Wednesday I walked over 4 miles in the snow to deliver Christmas presents to foster kids in our area. My mom and I each year drawl names of kids to buy gifts for. We needed to turn in the presents by Thursday and I didn't want to chance driving. I felt like Santa almost. By Friday the snow was melted and I finished up last minute Christmas shopping. On Sunday another 6inches of snow fell. We walked over to Heidi and Kelly's place and learned a new game. Personally, I felt Heidi was making up rules. Monday I drove to Tigard with chains on for work only to discover the county didn't plow the parking lot or shovel the walk way. 4hrs later I left without seeing any clients and went home. Tuesday night we helped Heidi and Lucy pack for England and said our good byes. Christmas eve we left for Jefferson and when we returned most of the snow was gone. Some of you might shoot me for saying this but I wouldn't mind having a touch of snow every year to play in. One down side of all the snow is I am almost back to full time for January to make up for all the days we missed. Our clients didn't show but we had to and now need to fit them back into an already tight schedule. Forgot one thing, the icicle pictured Corey actually tried to save by putting it in our deep freezer. Sadly, it broke during the moving process.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

Corey and I are stuffed with turkey. The weekend before Thanksgiving we spent with Corey's family. Saturday was Kinsey and Mikes baby shower (Corey's sister). It was my first couples shower and really enjoyed the different baby shower games. Ready to copy them for the next one I throw. On the way down to Salem we stopped to see my Uncle Bill and Aunt Janet. It was the first time at their new house. Their house was very pretty and loved the kitchen. We all watched the exciting OSU vs. Arizona game. I was pacing at the end. Sunday we went to his aunts house for a big family Thanksgiving. We all just fit next year might be harder as there will be three new babies in attendance(Corey's sister and two cousins). On Thanksgiving we brought appetizers over to my moms house. We wanted to play games but we were all to stuffed after dinner and desserts. As you can see Bailey already loves the phone and Corey is already a bad influence on her (he calls her Irish cream after Baileys the drink). My dad and Karen came over to see Bailey. I am glad my family is able to spend time together. Back to work for me on Friday while Corey went to Fred Meyer for new socks. Saturday night we drove to Vancouver to see my dad and Karen. We taught them how to play Run, Run, Set, Set or if your a Brock/McIlroy Shanghai Rummy. Karen went all out with tons of food and a yummy smoked Turkey. After dinner we were suppose to watch the OSU Beavers cream U of O but the Beavers forgot to show up. Okay we still get to go to a bowl game. Ending our Thanksgiving feast with Navy bean and Turkey soup and a bike ride on Sunday. Hope everyone else had a good Thanksgiving.
What I am Thankful for Corey he is an amazing person, friend and husband. I can't image someone else getting me so well. My family especially my cutie pie niece Bailey. Having a job and being lucky enough to go part-time for awhile. My health, happiness and future.

The doors, house color, patio cover and of course Melvin

2008-11-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

Last week Bruce from Edelen exteriors worked on putting in our new doors. It took three days to put our front door, garage side door, fire safety door and two sliding glass doors in. Corey and I can't believe how great they all look. I know it is funny to get so excited about doors but when you own a house it does become your life working on it. Melvin was well behaved during the installment. We had to literal lock him up in the guest room, since he can open all the doors. I think Melvin enjoys the front door because now it is easier to escape outside. The first day Corey accidental shut Melvins neck in the door. Hope everyone enjoys the before and after pictures. We tell all our friends to take before/after pictures in their houses because it is fun looking back and seeing how much you have done. Also in the photos is the new patio cover that Corey and his dad did. It turned out great can't wait till next summer to enjoy it more. As for next summer we plan on putting in new outdoor house lights, shutters on the windows and painting under the patio cover. House projects are never ending. :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Halloween

2008-11-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

My friend Heidi is leaving for England in a month. While she was putting her husband through grad school she picked up lots of random jobs for extra cash. One job was a promo girl for different alcoholic companies. Since I am going part-time in a month Heidi offered to get me in on the promo jobs. On Halloween we did one together for Hood River Distillery at a local bar down town. For three hours we passed out mini shots of whiskey and vodka and got to hang out together while earning money. In the mean time our husbands were at a different bar playing Golden Cup(?)an golf arcade game. We rushed home and traded our Halloween outfits since Heidi left her custom at a friends house. I was a 70's housewife and Heidi was a 80's prom date. We couldn't get our husbands to leave the dive bar so we entertained ourselves with drinks, karaoke and mingling with strangers. Ending the evening and starting the next day with a hang over. I am glad that we got dressed up haven't done that in years. Thanks Heidi!

Miss. Bailey

2008-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

Can't believe my niece is 7 1/2months old and I have never posted anything about her on here or any pictures. Last month I took two days off to watch Bailey while my sister worked. I ended up only watching her one day and sadly I wasn't feeling great. We had a good time going for a walk and playing on the swing set. She is a great eater when it comes to food but I always seem to have a hard time giving her a bottle. I also changed my first really dirty diaper it went up her back and everything. I was lucky to get to go to her swim class too. She really loves the water and isn't afraid or anything. Maybe she will be on the swim team like her auntie. Here are a few pictures I took while I was there. Love my Bailey!!!

Pumpkin Carving Party

2008-10-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hey, we had another great October pumpkin Saturday. We started the morning going to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for carving. We ended up going to a pumpkin patch on Beef Bend Road, there were a ton of people there. Go figure, the weather was great. While there, we collected our pumpkins, went through our first corn maze (which was surprisingly harder than we anticipated), got some apple cider, and had an Oktoberfest sausage. We then had to pick up supplies and stuff for carving in the evening. Our friends came and everyone enjoyed my grandfather's recipe for rumpunchkin, which is quickly becoming more and more famous. We set a record for the number of pumpkins carved, 13(my mom, aunt and uncle pumpkins aren't in the photo). We also collected pumpkin seeds and are attempting seed roasting, the first batch has turned out well. As some might guess, with a number of people in the house Mel managed to sneak out through and open door and dash around the neighborhood, with Robert hot on his tail. If he wasn't terrified of the outdoors prior to that event he is now, at least for the next couple of days. Check out the picks, and we hope that you can join us next year.

Good thoughts for Corey

2008-10-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

Please have good and positive thoughts for Corey tomorrow as he is taking his 8hr exam to become a professional engineer. He has spent the last month studying almost every day for 2-8hrs. He is a little nervous but I know he will do great.
Thanks again.

Fast times in Victoria BC

2008-10-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Early this month I took a fast trip up to Victoria in British Columbia Canada. One of my bridesmaid and past Azalea girl Kelly is getting married. Her husband Dylan and her are getting married in December in New Zealand. Kelly is a big runner and signed up to run the Victoria half-marathon. She enlisted friends to run with her (not me) and the weekend suddenly turned into a bacherlorette party. I rode up with Rhea (Corey's best man Alan's girlfriend) on Friday after work. We got in around 7:30to Lauren's house. We all went out for Sushi and Lauren entertained us with her fascinating single/dating life. The next day Rhea and I showed up at 7am to board the ferry. We got two seats next to an older women and her adult son. They were a very entertaining family and the 3 hour ferry ride went fast. Neither Rhea nor I got sick, luckily. After 45 minutes waiting in customs we meet up with Kelly and her friends. The group was a mixture of Alaska girls (non-palin supporters), College friends and co-teachers. We had two suits at the Chateau Victoria. Saturday afternoon we spent walking around shops, parks and having high tea. A few of us stopped at the Dutch Bakery which is a bakery with a soda fountain/dinner. It brought me back to my days at the Pharmacy. The weather was Autumn perfection, cold but sunny. In the evening the runners went to the expo while non-runners decorated the room in pure bacherlorette style. We had dinner at a Greek restaurant and Kelly was a good sport and danced with the belly dancer. The non-runners went out and the runners went to bed. We (the non-runners) went to two bars/clubs where we did the three D's danced, drink and dared each other to do things. We ended the evening by searching for food. In the end we found a cheap and greasy pizza joint it really hit the spot. I went to bed around 3am and was woken up at 8am but my roommates. We planned on cheering the runners on but 6 girls hung over don't make for a fast or motivated bunch. We did manage to squeeze in breakfast and lunch with a walk around downtown before we got back on the ferry. This time with all 11 of us. Between the partiers and the runners everyone was so tired we joked that we had one functioning brain between us. Rhea and I got back in her car at 10:30pm for the ride back to Portland. I reached my beloved pillow at 2am only to wake up at 6:30 for work. No shock I ended up getting sick and missing two days of work later in the week. It was a fast trip up to Victoria but great time spending it with an awesome group of new girls and seeing some beautiful sights. Congrats Kelly and thanks for the great time.

Doors and more

2008-10-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

I know I am suppose to post pictures of the paint job but I am waiting. We have decided to buy a few new doors, a mail box, outdoor lights and house numbers to finish it off. In about 5-7 weeks we will be the proud owners of a new front door with side lights, a new side garage door (current one is nailed shut, stupid owners before us), and new 20 minute fire safety door from kitchen to garage and two new sliding glass doors. That only leaves 3 skylights left, two pocket doors inside and one bathroom door inside and we have replaced every door and window in our house. We bought new windows when we first moved in. We really enjoy them but did little research and had a high pressure sales person. This time we looked at a few places and had some in home estimates done. I think we both feel confident about our decision. We even get a 6% discount for getting so many doors and paying with out a credit card. We are able to do all this since selling Corey's car. It has been a challenge at times and Corey is riding his bike in the rain but we are enjoying the life of no car payments. Next spring I hope to get some shudders on the windows for more appeal and window boxes. Keep looking for pictures of the new doors in a few weeks.

3 Year Anniversary

2008-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Our 3 year anniversary was September 10th. We took Thursday and Friday off to enjoy ourselves. We left early in the morning for the Pendleton Round-Up. It was both of our first times going. We meet up with our friend Mary and her friend to watch the rodeo. I have not been to a rodeo since I was a child. My dad took my sister and I once. During the caff roping event they accidentally broke its neck and it died in front of us. Me being a sensitive child cried and made such a scene we had to leave. What are the chances it would happen again right, wrong. Half way through the rodeo was the caff and horse roping event and it happened again. Besides that part we had a good time soaking up the sun and cheering on the cowboys. We enjoyed the Native American ceremonies and shopped in the market. We bought ourselves a Native American vase with a turtle for longevity and a flute player for happiness and good health on it. We also got our soon to be nephew (Corey's sister is due in January) a dream catcher. A trip to Pendleton isn't complete with out going to the World Famous Let'er Buck room. They only have Whisky and Vodka that come out of dispensers. It felt like a dirty old western saloon. For dinner we had pizza. It has kind of become a tradition of ours to try new pizza parlors in each town we go to. We only like the cracker crust pizza style. Our love for pizza dates back to the start of us.
On Friday we wanted to stay in a Mcmenamins since Corey proposed at one. The only room available was at the White Eagle under the Fremont Bridge. They play live music every night. That night the band was a lively country blues band. We enjoyed listening to them outside under the heat lamp drinking and eating. I have decided to try drinking beer. That night I ordered and finished by first beer a pilsner. We turned in around midnight but the band played below us till 2am.
Saturday Heidi planned an End of Summer Dinner at John's house. The couples are John and Natalie, Heidi and Tyler and Corey and I. We have become close friends and will be sad to see Heidi and Tyler leave for England this November. We hope to plan a few more nights together before then.
Sunday we had plans to eat dinner with Rhea and Alan but the night before wasn't kind to us and we rescheduled for a later date. All in all we had a nice anniversary filled with fun experiences, new places, friends, time alone and good conversations. Here's to next year and perhaps being in Australia.

Done Painting

2008-09-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm done anyway. There are a few things Carol is going to wrap up, but there is very little left. After painting every day for the last two weeks with only one or two days off, I'm tired. Now I have the pleasure of using the time I was painting to study for the Professional Engineering exam. If you haven't had the privileged of trying to relearn in a month what you spent 4 years of college studying so you can take an 8 hour exam that only 50% of people pass resulting in the ability to sign documents that make you legally liable for for multi million dollar projects, you're missing out. Well, what is life without a little excitement.

Peace

A Month Off

2008-09-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

We took August off from blogging. Not intentionally just things kept coming up and sitting in front of a computer all day at work does not motivate. So here is a recap of what we did in August.
August 8-10 we planned on going camping. I took the Friday off but due to conflicting schedules with friends we decided to stay home. Corey went to work and I hang out with my niece and sister. Saturday we washed and waxed our car (Mazada Corey sold his). Afterwards we drive to Silver Falls and hiked almost 8 miles. Corey's parents were having a dinner party and we joined in. Had some yummy beans and cornbread.
August 15-17th we went to Lincoln beach with my family. It was nice seeing everyone together and we had tons of food and sugar to snack on. One down fall was the weather it was 100 degrees here but very over casted and cold at the beach. Other down fall everybody was fleeing to the beach making traffic horrible. My sister Lauren and grandma B took 12hrs to get from Seattle to Lincoln beach.
August 23-24 I had the Lee family Reunion. Corey stayed home to finish the patio cover. It was good to hear my great uncle Ned's stories about bowling. I also got to see my cousin Karen who lives in Cali. She is expecting her first little one next March. I wish she lived closer. I got to walk around with Bailey till she fell asleep. Boy is she getting heavy. On Sunday I went to the baby shower of a college friend. I have three friends having babies in September and that was the only shower I could go to. At her shower we all made a scrapbook pages for her and her family to add pictures too. I thought it was a great idea.
August 29-31st The start of the never ending painting job. If you read the previous post you know that we are still working on finishing the job. We were lucky to have family and friends help us the 1st weekend and on/off the second weekend. We both have little motivation to work on it during the week. Speaking of painting we should be doing that instead of hiding from the heat. Can you believe it 90-95 this week, it is September.

Painting, Painting, Painting, Painting....... Oh, and Painting

2008-09-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been painting the outside of the house for two consecutive weekends, 6 days, and still haven't finished. I've been trying to convince the other writer to take some pictures and post them here, but she apparently can't be bothered. I won't reveal too much, because I think she wants to elaborate and tell a story.

Okay, back on topic, while the hours have been long and the weather hasn't always gone our way, much progress has been made and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We nearly have two coats on the body of the house and the trim has a single coat almost everywhere.

Add in all of the other home projects and we are slowly bringing our 60's home into the 21st century.

Ta Ta for Now!

Stress Stress .... Stress

2008-09-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff has been happening in our household. We've been painting, building patio covers, getting estimates for doors, putting off studying for the PE exam (which can't be put off any longer), cleaning up another round of Mel's pee out of the sofa, scheduling appointments, getting frustrated with work, and more more more. Thanks for sharing in our stress and take it easy.

Melvin Melodrama

2008-09-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

Part 1:
Well, Mel has been the source of much drama recently. Last week he escaped from the house in the middle of the night due to a pressure washing mishap. While we were getting ready for work, the house was calm and relaxed. When we got home from work the house was calm and relaxed, that is until it occurred to us Mel was missing. Carol was crying, I think Mel was too, because he had been out of the house for 12 hours or more. We rushed around the neighborhood alerting neighbors and asking them to call. Eventually, when we called from the backyard, he responded. We found him under a shed in the back neighbors yard, content and licking himself. I ran around the block with the cat carrier, but there was no way he was leaving the sanctuary of the shed crawl space. We left him there, checking periodically to see if he had come out or disappeared again. Before dark he came out, couldn't jump over the fence, and whined until we came to get him. Over the next two days, the only reason he stood was to walk to the food dish.

Part 2:
While part 1 wasn't all that endearing, it was exciting for him and for us. Part 2 on the other hand hasn't been endearing at all. Yep, you guessed it, he peed on the couch. We've gone through nearly an entire gallon bottle of enzyme cleaner trying to rid ourselves of the odor. While the smell has been reduced significantly, it does still linger and we are stuck trying to sit of half a sectional couch. These are the times that try men's souls.

Peace Out

2008-07-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

There is a new poster in town, the husband. Last weekend might have been perfect. Firstly, we took Friday off so only had a four day week. Thursday night we met Ian in Albany, stopped at Ciddicis for pizza and went to the midnight showing of "Batman the Dark Knight". The movie was spectacular. Christian Bale is a great Batman and the villains are terrific. Ian's opinion was "they couldn't have done anything better!" We crashed at the parents house, got up early and headed up to Black Butte. The family spends time with friends at Black Butte every summer and we had a good time hiking, biking, playing games, drinking, throwing the frisbee, and hanging out. Stay tuned, we're also trying to sell a car and are rebuilding the patio cover. Later

Bad News

2008-07-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I got home today and a letter from the job with the City of Portland finally came. Corey was home waiting for me to open it. Unfortunately they felt I had the qualifications they wanted but others were more qualified. I broke down in tears. I felt this job was a perfect fit. It makes me feel even worse about my cover letter writing abilities. Now I feel even more stressed out about leaving WIC. I don't like the idea but maybe WIC is the best I can get. Not that there is something wrong with working there I just want a change. I am trying to put my faith in God that he has a plan but this really is testing me. I just feel so stuiped and unprofessional. My aunt has offered to help improve my skills with a job coach of sorts. Our first meeting is tomorrow morning. I am really hoping she can give me some good adivce and direction. I am so worried that we will not be able to sale Corey's car and that I will be unemployeed for months. Again if anyone knows someone who is hirring a late twenty something with a degree and work experience let me know. At this point I might just take anything, do you think McDonald's hiring?

End in Sight

2008-07-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

The end is in sight for my days at WIC. I actually went to my boss last week and told her August would be my last month. It was a combination of Corey supporting the idea of quitting, a bad day at work and not wanting to leave my already stressed boss with a full 40hr week plus class schedule to fill when I leave. I also wanted to have one to two weeks off before starting a new job. No I don't have one yet but I am trying very very very hard to be optmistic about it. I am trying a new outlook of I will do my best and believe in my self but know in the end God has a plan for me. He truly hasn't let me down yet even when my faith in him hasn't been that strong. But in additional advice, prayers, support or job refferals would be appreicated.

Camping 2008

2008-07-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend Corey and I went camping on the Nestucca River 25miles outside Carlton. We left Friday after work and made it there from Tigard in 1hr 30min. We were lucky and found a place right next to the river. Allen and Rhea meet up with later that night. We had your usual camp fair of hot dogs and smores. In the morning we walked up some ATV trails but after 1.5-2 miles up hill we turned around. We decided playing card games by the river and snacking was better. Unfortunatley Allen and Rhea had to leave but Corey's friend Brady meet up with us for Saturday night. Another repeat of cards, hot dogs and smores for Saturday. Sunday we took it easy had a rematch of cards before packing up. It was a nice camp site close to home. We are thinking for our August camp trip we will go to Silver Falls. I have never been there and I hear it is beautiful. Here are the only pictures we took while camping. We really do need to get better at taking more pictures.

4th of July

2008-07-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Corey and I just had our 2nd annual 4th of July B.B.Q. The reason why 4th of July is our holiday is due to Corey's grandpa and grandma use to throw a big bash in their woods behind their house in Jefferson. It was a family tradition with beer, burgers, family and friends. Unfortunately Corey's grandpa pasted away a 1-2weeks after we started dating and his grandma pasted away this past March. We don't have woods behind our house but we did use some of the same posters and serve good burgers. I started the day with watching the 4th of July parade with my mom. I guess it has become our tradition to watch it together. I love it because it is an old fashion 4th of July parade. For our B.B.Q I made carmel brownies served with ice cream. I think they were a hit because they were gone by the end. We didn't take many pictures. Hopefully next year we will be better at that. We both enjoyed having our family there and our friends staying late to play games and light off our baby fireworks. If you didn't make it this year hopefully you can next year. Happy Belated 4th to everyone.

Barbecue

2008-06-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note that I think could make some of you laugh. Yesterday I was making dinner, fish tacos. I told Corey that I would do it all. Normally he is in charge of barbecue and now I know why. I went out to light the barbecue and in the process caught my hair ablaze. It only singed a little but the rest of the night I spelt of burnt hair, yummy. Later Corey reviewed how to do it correctly I guess you are not suppose to turn all the burns on at first. Go figure. Hope you had a good laugh at my expense.

Possibilities

2008-06-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Last night I turned in my application for my dream job. It is a program assistant position with the city of Portland in their office of sustainability. Over the past two years I have become more mindful of my environment and what I leave behind. In this job I would be helping the recycling at work, composting with restaurants and multifamily housing recycling programs the city has. I would be able to use my degree and work in area of new passion for me. After I sent off the resume I became really sad because I want it so bad and now it is in someone elses hands. That is hard to deal with. I could really use all the good thoughts and prays possible. Otherwise I might be with out a job by August or September because I really need to leave WIC. I think the job is starting to affect my daily happiness and relationship with Corey. Upseting that ones job has that much impact on their life. Please wish me luck. I will be in such a mess if I get an interview.

Got the downers and the uppers

2008-06-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been feeling a little depressed to say the least. I guess anyone would the way the economy and gas prices are going. My issues stems more from feeling lonely. I have Corey but like my therapist says (yes I am back to seeing a shrink) I can't depend on him for all my relationship needs because then our marriage would fail. I have a way of isolating my self from others especially if I feel wronged by them. It is something I am working on but it is hard to reconnect after so much time or make new friends. On top of all that emotional stuff I have been feeling old. My face continues to break out and the only way to stop it it seems is to dry it out which makes it all crack and leather looking. I also feel like I need to buy new underwear not because its old but that my hips are getting to big. I really do have my moms body, hippy. With all this I was looking forward to seeing Sex in the City with Kristine and Jenny. The movie was great but instead of feeling all warm and fuzzy about friendship I felt sad that I don't have that close bond with any girls. I use to have girl friends I would tell everything too and call talk about boys or Corey too. That left me looking towards even more to my slubmer party night with Talia and Heidi. Talia ended up canceling but Heidi and I still went out. I made an appointment to get my hair cut right before to look fablous. Between the new hair cut, new make-up arriving in the mail, a new shirt Heidi gave me, drinks and a night out with a good friend I feel better. But you be the judge of that, aren't these pictures of a happy person!!!

Sick

2008-05-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

I hate having to call in sick at work. I spend the rest of the day worrying about how everyone else is coping or thinking of ways to use my time at home wisely. I hate just laying around I think it actually makes me feel worse. But yesterday I got a UTI again and the medication is a higher dose than normal and is making me sick. I have to take it with food but when I do I feel sick so then I don't want to eat which makes me feel sick. I hate being sick!!!!! At least Melvin enjoys the company. I really do think he misses Margo if only chasing her.

The Last Room

2008-05-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend Corey and I finally did it. We painted the family room our last room to be painted. Over the last two years we have painted every room including closets. It was not because we love to paint or did not like the colors the previous owners used. It was the fact that the previous owners were horrible painters. They did not care about detail edging or even getting the paint all the way up the wall. But that is besides the point, We are DONE painting at least the inside. Our plan is to paint the outside this summer, still discussing the colors. Here are the pictures of our family room with things finally hanging on the wall. We decided to make this room our traveling room. Filled with all the things we or other people have picked up on their travels for us. Please ignore Melvin's toys he seems to think it is his room. Oh I almost forgot our new couch, love it! Corey and I both can lay down on it. Before we had each of our parents old couches. Getting matching furniture another sign of being a grownup.

A Real Bargain

2008-05-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last year Corey and I paid for a native landscape plan for our front and backyard. Even though it was on paper we could see our yard had the potential to look amazing. It currently though is filled with over sized bushes, large trees and must not forget seedlings from our neighbors trees. Slowly we (meaning Corey) has taken out unwanted bushes and planted hostas. This weekend we went to the 1/2 off THPRD native plant sale. The actual plant sale started on Earth day but we missed it. Each memorial day weekend they sale the left over plants for 1/2 price. Due to the weather being mostly nasty they didn't sale as much as they hoped and we reaped the benefit. The volunter there told us if we bought one plant $3.95 we could get the rest free. Being the newly married, just bought a house, changing jobs couple we couldn't resist such an offer. We bought so much my car was full. We end up with Evergreen Huckleberries, Salal, Alumroot, Vine Maples, Ferns and oregon grape. The picture is all of our goodies we got. We did end up donating the rest of the cash we had to THPRD. We both can not wait till next year to see what plants and what bargains we get. Happy Planting!!!

Thanks for the support

2008-05-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a family weekend. My niece Bailey was being baptized and I was one of the Godmothers. My family from various parts of Washington and Oregon came. It was good to be around my sisters and of course baby Bailey. I just love being an auntie. I want to say thanks to my family for reading my blog and asking what I have been up to. I was thinking I had maybe 2-3 readers but turns out I just might have a following :) I thought I would up date what I have been up to since the end of April. Most of my family already knows but for those quite lurkers here goes. I am still applying for jobs, hard to find many that might my criteria, I got a letter saying I will find out this week if I get an interview with Washington County for a tobacco prevention job, We have been trying to figure out what home improvements are a must this summer, playing in our yard, going for bike rides and dealing with the cats. Not to make it a cat blog but last night Melvin attacked Margo causing her to now have limp when she walks. Corey and I are torn between keeping both or letting one go. It is a hard decision causing some stress at home. I was working hard on keeping my stress levels down but kids they do it to you every time. Promise to keep everyone informed on my happenings. To my sister Lauren sorry about not getting the position. Lets use this time to plan another Cabo trip including Amy.

A Love Hate Relationship

2008-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not know that Corey and I adopted another cat named Margo. She is amazingly soft, loves drinking bath water and has the cutest little meow in the morning. But most of you know about MELIVN. If your wondering about the caps then you obviously don't know about him. He is incredible good looking (I think he knows it), loves to be held over your right shoulder 1st thing when you get home, loves eating human food and if he could would live in the fridge, and is very controlling and possessive over his things including his people. We always wanted another pet tried the dog thing but Melvin cornered the 75lbs greyhound and bit him to no end. The dog was so frighten he wouldn't leave his kennel. Then we convinced ourselves that maybe Melvin would rather have a friend of the feline kind. It has been two months since we got Margo. It is a daily battle to retrain Melvin to not eat, bite, slap, hiss or chase her. Just when we are about to make Melvin an outdoor cat he does something shocking like this..........no he isn't biting her but bathing her which lasted a good 15mintues, then he bit her. I guess its a love hate relationship.

The Results Are In :)

2008-04-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Slowly over the last three days the results of my tests have come back. 1st I am not pregnant, could of told them that one with out peeing in a cup, hello I am on birth control! Next I don't have Chlamydia. Again could of told you that one with out putting my feet in stirrups, been with the same person 6 years and married for 3 years, didn't the rock on my finger give it away. Lastly my ultrasound results came in with a happy face on it from doctor saying, "all clear hope your feeling better." All clear does that mean I never had a cyst or that by the time I took the test it was gone? I feel like I didn't get any real answers. Hope I don't get whatever it was again next cycle. Luckily I only had to pay dollars to get results I could of came up with my self.

This close!!!

2008-04-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

I was a stones throw away from quiting my job today. I am mad at myself for not believing in myself and not getting off my lazy butt to apply for jobs sooner. I don't like that I have gotten to the point I want to cry at work or just walk out the door. What gets me the most isn't the clients it is the lack of respect people have for me, the job and each other. I mean I work with people that during work hours leave to get a massage and still take a freaken break!!!! Where personal phone calls can last up to 20minutes while clients are waiting. I just want to work with professionals and work for a supervisor who is professional. I want a job I enjoy coming to work everyday. I thought I found one and applied but haven't heard anything back. It was in HR an area I have little experience in. I have more skills in the area of public health but I am tired of working in this field. I just need a break from it. Feeling depressed, stressed and overwhelmed what a great way to start the weekend. I hope you all have a good weekend, send me lots of finding a job karma.

Feeling sorry for myself

2008-04-15T14:27:00.001-07:00

Had the ultrasound today. It went really fast but haven't heard anything about it. I still feel pain and now I have a headache and I am really tired. Mostly I think tired of not feeling like my self and worrying about it. I hope it doesn't take a week to hear how it went. I wish they would of given me something more than advil for the pain.

Fingers crossed

2008-04-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

WARNING: this is about female stuff move on if you don't want to read. Last week I started to feel cramps on the right side. I thought it was nothing till it got so bad I couldn't pay attention at work. I got a Dr's appointment late Friday. It was with a male OBGYN, my first time with a guy :) He asked me some questions and checked me. He believed I had an ovarian cyst on my right ovary. Yea! not sure how that happen since I am taking birth control pills. He scheduled me for an ultrasound for this week to make sure everything is fine. If I felt better I could cancel it. So its been 6 days and I don't feel better guess I am keeping my appointment tomorrow. I always thought my first ultrasound would be to look at a baby not a bum ovary. Here is hoping everything is fine and my wild imagination is put at ease.

Sweetie Pie

2008-04-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

Just had to share or brag about my husband, C0rey. He knows I haven't been happy with my job. He knew it before I was ready to admit to it or do something about it. He also has seen me working hard on my resume and looking for jobs too. He told me last night that he was going to have a surprise for me tomorrow. When I got home tonight there were these amazing flowers not just your average grocery store flowers but real florist flowers even better. I feel so love and supported!

Looking for Work

2008-04-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided to move on from my job at the county. It is a little bit of irritation with the clients, style of management and the fact that I am doing the same thing I was 5 years ago when I started. I am excited about learning something new and trying out a different work environment (one with at least 2 men). One of many things I will miss about my job is my co-workers, the money and the benefits. A downside of looking for a job is you have to work so hard and apply everywhere before you get that job. It would also help if I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up! So keep your fingers crossed that I have some good luck and realize what my passion is.

What the!

2008-04-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

I had to do a double take while I was driving home today. Walking across the street were to freshman or sophomore boys both semi overweight smoking cigarettes. I was completely grossed out by it. I thought smoking cigarettes went out with pointy bra's in the fifties!

Beneficial or a New Addiction

2008-04-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

So I guess I am what people call a lurker. I have a few blogs or boards I like to frequent but rarely share on. But all that is going to change today, I got the bright idea to start my own blog. Not sure who is going to read it but maybe it will help prevent me from going insane. What finally convinced me was I was riding max home on Friday and there was two men standing near the doors. One guy was in his early twenties and had piercings all over his face at least 10 and he was listening to his head phones with his head down. The other guy was older early thirties. He started picking on the young one saying "why did you do that to your face?" "You don't have your penis pierced do you?" "If you do your a real fag." He continued to make negative comments all the while the young guy tried to ignore him. I started to get really upset I don't get why some people feel the need to make rude remarks. Didn't their parents ever teach them if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything. As I was walking to my car I started to think if I had a blog that is something I would write about. So now I have a blog and now I wrote about. Hey I didn't say it was a moment of amazing clarity that convinced me to blog. But the big thing on my mind is is this going to be beneficial or a new addiction. I guess I'll find out.