This was our second trip back to Minnesota together since we moved to Washington. And in ever trip I want to see everyone I can as much as possible. And then I always jam myself with plans and end up coming up and feeling exhausted for a week straight. I do have fun in the process; I just wish I didn’t have to cram everything in 3 days. I wish I had a job that allowed me to rake up vacation time like Matt or I would be able to work on vacation so I would be able to take longer vacations… anyways.
We were able to spend time with everyone and did lots. I was able to hang out with my mom, niece, my best friend and her daughter around Lake Superior. We threw a surprise bachelorette party for another best friend. I was able to see a few girl friends. We had a 2nd birthday party for Payton. I was able to jam to Matt’s band 2 nights in a row and enjoyed some homemade cooking.
I was really nervous to see my mom. I didn’t know how I would react to her hair situation. When we came in, she was laying on the couch with her bandani on. I guess I was just so excited to see her, that I didn’t let the nerves of seeing her hairless worry me? I even saw her cute little head with its baby hairs on it. She was the same old mom I had remembered, except she had less hair. She still had the same enthusiasm and was her same old self. She just needed to take a nap with the 2 year old girls and rely on others for a little bit.
But it was so good to see her and my grandma. It might have been the last time I see her, but she was looking alright and it was nice to be able to spend a little time with her. And she collected the new state quarters for my cousin and I. Who else’s grandma does that? Ahaha. It was so fun to see Payton. She is such a little person now. She didn’t know that we were in the back bedroom and my mom was showing her a picture of us. And she said t “Kaylee” and “Matt”. She has the cutest way of saying “Matt”. It’s like MMMMMMat. Anyways, we walked around the corner and she was like “hi Matt!” it was so cute. I’m glad I got to see her the day before her birthday. Considering last year we just missed her first birthday. Maybe someday she’ll be able to come out and visit us wherever we are and I can spoil her and send her back.
I wish I could have had more time with my girlfriends. The time when we can get together is so few and far between. It was fun drinking and dancing with them. I wish we could have hung out more too though.
The wedding was fun. I learned what to do and what not to do ahha. It made me really want a live band for my wedding. I told Matt he could play as a “guest” but not the whole time.
And we went over to Matt’s grandparents house who also live on Lake Stella. His grandma made a delicious chicken dinner and dessert. We also were able to visit with Matt’s cousin and her 3 little girls. They are so cute. When you waive to Everleigh ( about 7 months?) she makes the waving motion with her hand but towards herself like she sees when you do it to her. It’s funny. You probably don’t get it, but I do and it makes me smile. Ah and I got to see the newest Ewald, Emma and feed her a bottle on the way up to Duluth. Next time maybe I’ll get to hold her. And a big thank you to Amy for picking us up!
That’s the quick version of the trip back. It was quick, just like this update.
I’ve been thinking about how I jam everyone and everything into the time I’m home. And I need to realize that there is always a next time and people can come visit it… And I’ve decided that for when I’m back at the end of the month ( 16 days) I’ll let everyone know I’m back and this is what I’m doing and if they want to stop by or visit they are more than welcomed too. If they choose to do something else, that’s okay. I just need to live in the moment and enjoy the time with who I’ve got. And on top of friends, I need to realize this is some valuable time that I get to spend with my family. Ugh. So many people I want to see.
So for my loyal readers, I’ll be flying into Duluth on Sunday the 29th around 2. I was thinking about a late afternoon BBQ or something. I figure with Monday being a holiday if we stay up a little late, it’ll be okay :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Is no news good news?
I know I should be updating about our latest trip home, but for some reason, I keep thinking about phone calls. Have you heard the saying ‘No news is good news.’ Is that really true? I’ve taken some time and thought about this topic and think this phrase is false. Of course rarely do you think that when the phone rings it’s going to be bad news. But if you don’t hear from a friend it could be a good thing because they’ve been so busy or a bad thing because they’re afraid to call because they don’t want to bother you. So no, no news does not mean good news. I want to stress, that anyone can call me anytime good or bad, because I’ve had my fair share of good and bad calls to give to people. So I’m ready and willing to give you my best listening ears and friendship.
I thought about the phone calls that I’ve received that are both good and bad. And I can tell you where I was each time I heard some great news over the phone or horrible news. And unfortunately my mom has received a phone call that a mother never wants to get. And I can’t even begin to imagine what was going through her mind when she heard I was in fair condition after an accident and she needed to decide where they should take me. Every time something about the accident comes up, I can’t get that thought out of my head. It is awful. No one should get that call.
I’ll start with the bad phone calls first so that we can end on a happy note. –There was the call from Matt saying he rolled his truck. I wanted to scream, run and cry to my mom. After my pitty party that I threw for myself, I pulled myself off the hallway floor and put Dude in the car and headed off to see the rest of our family who was still ALIVE and HEALTHY.
Then there are the phone calls that you never want to hear from your mom when you live 1800 miles away. It was the worst phone call. Ever. It was mind numbing. I had so many questions running through my head, but I had no clue how to react or what to say. Well really, I again, wanted to scream, cry and run home to my mom, but that’s a little hard.
And then there are calls that are good/bad all in one phone calls like where I was when Mandy called about her tough decision to move to live with Bucky the Badger (Brookings apartment).
And OF COURSE there are happy phone calls that I’ve received. I can tell you where I was when Lindsay (in bed) , Pam (Toledo St couch), Clara (boat on Island lake) Dani (Toledo) and Heather (driving home from work) called to tell me they were engaged. When Clara, Amy, Pam told me they were pregnant. Payton being born (coming out of the dentist). Those moments make me smile.
And then there are the phone calls that I don’t remember where I was or what I was doing. But the phone calls make your day. - Talking to someone who you haven’t talked to in forever, or that conversation that makes you feel good and happy to have such a great friend.
And then there are times when I think I hear my phone ringing and it’s not.. ahahah.
The reason why I wanted to write about phone calls is because they are so important. They keep us connected with one another. One can bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. I think the good definitely outweigh the bad of course. And the bad ones are learning lessons for how strong you are.
I guess this is my way of saying; I am prepared for the good, bad and ugly. I miss you and would like a call…
I thought about the phone calls that I’ve received that are both good and bad. And I can tell you where I was each time I heard some great news over the phone or horrible news. And unfortunately my mom has received a phone call that a mother never wants to get. And I can’t even begin to imagine what was going through her mind when she heard I was in fair condition after an accident and she needed to decide where they should take me. Every time something about the accident comes up, I can’t get that thought out of my head. It is awful. No one should get that call.
I’ll start with the bad phone calls first so that we can end on a happy note. –There was the call from Matt saying he rolled his truck. I wanted to scream, run and cry to my mom. After my pitty party that I threw for myself, I pulled myself off the hallway floor and put Dude in the car and headed off to see the rest of our family who was still ALIVE and HEALTHY.
Then there are the phone calls that you never want to hear from your mom when you live 1800 miles away. It was the worst phone call. Ever. It was mind numbing. I had so many questions running through my head, but I had no clue how to react or what to say. Well really, I again, wanted to scream, cry and run home to my mom, but that’s a little hard.
And then there are calls that are good/bad all in one phone calls like where I was when Mandy called about her tough decision to move to live with Bucky the Badger (Brookings apartment).
And OF COURSE there are happy phone calls that I’ve received. I can tell you where I was when Lindsay (in bed) , Pam (Toledo St couch), Clara (boat on Island lake) Dani (Toledo) and Heather (driving home from work) called to tell me they were engaged. When Clara, Amy, Pam told me they were pregnant. Payton being born (coming out of the dentist). Those moments make me smile.
And then there are the phone calls that I don’t remember where I was or what I was doing. But the phone calls make your day. - Talking to someone who you haven’t talked to in forever, or that conversation that makes you feel good and happy to have such a great friend.
And then there are times when I think I hear my phone ringing and it’s not.. ahahah.
The reason why I wanted to write about phone calls is because they are so important. They keep us connected with one another. One can bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. I think the good definitely outweigh the bad of course. And the bad ones are learning lessons for how strong you are.
I guess this is my way of saying; I am prepared for the good, bad and ugly. I miss you and would like a call…
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Happy 1 year Anniversary to the Hunter- Hennen's living in Washington!
I really can not believe it has been a year already. I miss the friends that I made in South Dakota, the option to drive home for the weekend and the flexibility of the job I had. However, so much has gone on in the past 12 months that it amazes me. I have experienced new things that I never thought I would, or that my friends and family havn't had the chance to do/see either (not making you jealous, trying to make you come out here!) The area that we live in is full of weekend or day getaways and I can't wait to see what the next year of adventures brings for us. We've also had the opportunity to go on our first vacation together. Yes, we've done mini-vacations together, but never had gotten on a plane an went somewhere. Vegas and Arizona were a blast.- I never knew how much of a wrestling fan Matt was until then. And he is so lucky to have a great mom, step-dad, sister adn brother in law that we could vacation with. And we're lucky that we can go back to Arizona to escape the cold weather to visit Lori and BK. They were also able to come explore the coast and Seattle with us last fall and like usual, we had a good tieme. We also were able to have Matt's dad come out for a visit. Jeff is such a great guy. We explored the coast while he was out and that was fun! It was hard for Matt to be away from his dad while he was going through his cancer situation. Thankfully he is cancer free today. And he'll hopefully be coming out again this fall, and bringing Matt's sister with! -Hint hint Heather! I also was able to show Clara some of the Pacific NW and her time here was to short! And the Hawley boys + Katie also came out and it felt like we explored every piece of Seattle in 12 hours! AND my parents are coming in August! Woohoo! I can't wait. Maybe if you came out, we could add you to the list for next year ;) Enough about who came and visited.
We did a mini "stay-cation day" in Portland for the one year celebration. My list of activites in Downtown Portland have been limited. I've been to the Oregon Duck store a handful of times and the farmers market a couple times, explored a small shopping area and I've driven Matt down to the area for a concert. I really hadn't "seen" much of the typical touristy spots so we decided it was the cheapest thing we could do that would also be fun. We parked and walked around Pioneer Square Courthouse and found ourselves in the middle of a real life protest. It was something about jobs and US Bank and there was a lot of yelling and people with signs. Matt wanted to scadaddle because he doesnt like large areas. He says it's a good spot for someone to pick pocket or even set off a bomb. So with that we headed the opposite direction of their March to the food carts. Mosta of the food carts were Mexican, Thai or BBQ. Unfortunately, I wanted something to snack on before we ate dinner so I didnt get to expereince food cart dining. There is always next time. To find a snack, we walked to the Porland Saturday Market where we got some kettle corn and soda to raise Matt's blood sugar so he would snap back into a good mood. He thinks he gets cranky because he gets low blood sugar.. He's a Doctor so I'll let him diagnose himself ahahah.
From there, we headed to Powell's books. Powell's is a HUGE bookstore. It is seriously a whole building with 4 floors of every type of genre book you could want. It was so busy and intersteing to see what they had to offer. We also stopped at a consignment store called, "Buffalo Exchange". Which must be a very popular DT Portland attraction too based on the people in there. I found a dress for the upcoming wedding but Matt veto'd it. Oh well, saved me 20 buckaroos.
Next, we walked to the Deschutes Brewery. I'm not an avid beer drinker, but I like the idea of supporting a local business and trying something new. While we were standing at the bar I overheard a conversation that made me giggle. The conclusion that I made was that they were dating or maybe a first date. Before they ordered their beer, I heard the guy say "If you don't mind, I kind of want to get my buzz on." Which was followed by a "Sure" And then they made small talk about how they would get from here to there etc.. I like eaves dropping. We ended up eating there also. Wings, burger and fries. I like that Matt and I can share. It helps me not gorge on a whole meal and feel better about myself later.
After Deschutes, we took a turn and headed to Rogue, another brewery. After stealing some coasters and "getting my buzz on" we decided to end our Portland adventure with going to Voodoo doughnuts.
Voodoo doughnuts became popular when Man VS Food came to the area. The line is always out the door and it was the last day before their closed for a remodel, so Matt said we had to go to the original. We waited in line for about an hour before we got to the door. We were also encountered by some homeless homies asking for money. I didnt feel bad, because the sign inside Voodoo said to not patronize those asking for money because on several occasions they had harmed customers and employees. -Back to inside Voodoo, the mood was very "goth" it was dark, there were 3 people working in there. The guy at the counter had long hair in a ponie and a leather type vest. They had some hard metal rock blaring in the background. The walls were covered with newspaper clippings about dead celeberties. The customers inside the store were all very quiet. It felt very similar to what I think the mood for the soup nazi from Seinfeld would have been. And when paying I was fumbling with my money and Matt was like "you're holding up the line, c'mon" Okay, I did feel a little rushed, but how were they going to know it was the blond girl with a blue jacket and a buzz holding up the line? And second we got 6 doughnuts. Seriously, there was no need for us to get that many, I think we got caught up in the Voodoo or something. We got a couple original cake and raised doughnuts, a "voodoo bubble gum" with a double bubble in the center with gum flavored glaze and a "Miami Vice", but I'm not sure what that tastes like yet..
Needless to say, it was an eventful day. To end our weekend, on Sunday, Matt and I took the dogs on a 5 mile walk / jog on the Dike and it was shorts and long-sleeved shirt weather! I can't wait for sunshine!!
Alright, that's that.
See you in 9 days!! NINE!! AYYAYA Single digits! :)
We did a mini "stay-cation day" in Portland for the one year celebration. My list of activites in Downtown Portland have been limited. I've been to the Oregon Duck store a handful of times and the farmers market a couple times, explored a small shopping area and I've driven Matt down to the area for a concert. I really hadn't "seen" much of the typical touristy spots so we decided it was the cheapest thing we could do that would also be fun. We parked and walked around Pioneer Square Courthouse and found ourselves in the middle of a real life protest. It was something about jobs and US Bank and there was a lot of yelling and people with signs. Matt wanted to scadaddle because he doesnt like large areas. He says it's a good spot for someone to pick pocket or even set off a bomb. So with that we headed the opposite direction of their March to the food carts. Mosta of the food carts were Mexican, Thai or BBQ. Unfortunately, I wanted something to snack on before we ate dinner so I didnt get to expereince food cart dining. There is always next time. To find a snack, we walked to the Porland Saturday Market where we got some kettle corn and soda to raise Matt's blood sugar so he would snap back into a good mood. He thinks he gets cranky because he gets low blood sugar.. He's a Doctor so I'll let him diagnose himself ahahah.
From there, we headed to Powell's books. Powell's is a HUGE bookstore. It is seriously a whole building with 4 floors of every type of genre book you could want. It was so busy and intersteing to see what they had to offer. We also stopped at a consignment store called, "Buffalo Exchange". Which must be a very popular DT Portland attraction too based on the people in there. I found a dress for the upcoming wedding but Matt veto'd it. Oh well, saved me 20 buckaroos.
Next, we walked to the Deschutes Brewery. I'm not an avid beer drinker, but I like the idea of supporting a local business and trying something new. While we were standing at the bar I overheard a conversation that made me giggle. The conclusion that I made was that they were dating or maybe a first date. Before they ordered their beer, I heard the guy say "If you don't mind, I kind of want to get my buzz on." Which was followed by a "Sure" And then they made small talk about how they would get from here to there etc.. I like eaves dropping. We ended up eating there also. Wings, burger and fries. I like that Matt and I can share. It helps me not gorge on a whole meal and feel better about myself later.
After Deschutes, we took a turn and headed to Rogue, another brewery. After stealing some coasters and "getting my buzz on" we decided to end our Portland adventure with going to Voodoo doughnuts.
Voodoo doughnuts became popular when Man VS Food came to the area. The line is always out the door and it was the last day before their closed for a remodel, so Matt said we had to go to the original. We waited in line for about an hour before we got to the door. We were also encountered by some homeless homies asking for money. I didnt feel bad, because the sign inside Voodoo said to not patronize those asking for money because on several occasions they had harmed customers and employees. -Back to inside Voodoo, the mood was very "goth" it was dark, there were 3 people working in there. The guy at the counter had long hair in a ponie and a leather type vest. They had some hard metal rock blaring in the background. The walls were covered with newspaper clippings about dead celeberties. The customers inside the store were all very quiet. It felt very similar to what I think the mood for the soup nazi from Seinfeld would have been. And when paying I was fumbling with my money and Matt was like "you're holding up the line, c'mon" Okay, I did feel a little rushed, but how were they going to know it was the blond girl with a blue jacket and a buzz holding up the line? And second we got 6 doughnuts. Seriously, there was no need for us to get that many, I think we got caught up in the Voodoo or something. We got a couple original cake and raised doughnuts, a "voodoo bubble gum" with a double bubble in the center with gum flavored glaze and a "Miami Vice", but I'm not sure what that tastes like yet..
Needless to say, it was an eventful day. To end our weekend, on Sunday, Matt and I took the dogs on a 5 mile walk / jog on the Dike and it was shorts and long-sleeved shirt weather! I can't wait for sunshine!!
Alright, that's that.
See you in 9 days!! NINE!! AYYAYA Single digits! :)
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Little Birdie..
Clara started to forward me "daily truths" from The Brave Girl's Club. An email that starts with "A little birdie told me..." And each email had a passage that was what I needed or wanted to hear. After a few emails and Clara's persistence, I decided to subscribe. This particular "daily truth" stuck with me for many reasons.. And I wanted to share it with my girlfriends (and mom and grandma!)
Dear Gorgeous Girl,
It's a big life in a big world with big possibilities. One of the wonderful things about all of this is that what might SEEM like the end -is actually the beginning.Change is hard and endings are difficult and saying goodbye is painful. But it is all part of a big life in a big world with big possibilities, and every change, every ending, every goodbye is a step toward new and exciting things.Every change, every ending, and every goodbye is also proof of incredible experiences that if nothing else, taught us more about ourselves and others. We can also look back and be thankful, no matter what happened or how we 'thought' things might turn out. Things always turn out exactly as they are meant to. As the old saying goes, "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened," and know that happy and amazing things are ahead for you. Your best years have not even happened yet!
xoxo
Anyways, I got to thinking about what has happened in my life where I could have used this or wish I could have told myself and actually BELIEVED IT! I originally thought I wanted to share what my "beginnings and endings" were. But frankly, all my "readers" have been apart of these situations so I don't need to explain...
What really got thinking was a situation in which a friend of a friend is in. Her boyfriend of over 2 years passed away in a car accident about a week ago. I don't know her friend very well, but I can't imagine what she is going through. Things like this for an outsider like myself, make me think back to events that could have put myself in a similar situation. Thank goodness I haven't been put in that situation. And then, I also think of friends or family who have lost someone/thing... Ugh. I need to stop that right now and think happy thoughts :)
Maybe not right now, but in a little while, if her friend could read this daily truth or have someone tell her some of these things, I would hope that she could believe it. Because, I really think I believe that every end is a new beginning. Every change teaches us something positive or negative. We should celebrate what that person/thing has given us and realize how it has changed us. And with that change, take it to our next relationship, step or project..
I am very grateful for my family, friends and my relationship with Matt and our dogs. And I want all of you to know, you hold a special place in my heart and if I don't know you, someones else's for sure..
Alright, I think that's enough for now...
Love, Kaylee
Dear Gorgeous Girl,
It's a big life in a big world with big possibilities. One of the wonderful things about all of this is that what might SEEM like the end -is actually the beginning.Change is hard and endings are difficult and saying goodbye is painful. But it is all part of a big life in a big world with big possibilities, and every change, every ending, every goodbye is a step toward new and exciting things.Every change, every ending, and every goodbye is also proof of incredible experiences that if nothing else, taught us more about ourselves and others. We can also look back and be thankful, no matter what happened or how we 'thought' things might turn out. Things always turn out exactly as they are meant to. As the old saying goes, "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened," and know that happy and amazing things are ahead for you. Your best years have not even happened yet!
xoxo
Anyways, I got to thinking about what has happened in my life where I could have used this or wish I could have told myself and actually BELIEVED IT! I originally thought I wanted to share what my "beginnings and endings" were. But frankly, all my "readers" have been apart of these situations so I don't need to explain...
What really got thinking was a situation in which a friend of a friend is in. Her boyfriend of over 2 years passed away in a car accident about a week ago. I don't know her friend very well, but I can't imagine what she is going through. Things like this for an outsider like myself, make me think back to events that could have put myself in a similar situation. Thank goodness I haven't been put in that situation. And then, I also think of friends or family who have lost someone/thing... Ugh. I need to stop that right now and think happy thoughts :)
Maybe not right now, but in a little while, if her friend could read this daily truth or have someone tell her some of these things, I would hope that she could believe it. Because, I really think I believe that every end is a new beginning. Every change teaches us something positive or negative. We should celebrate what that person/thing has given us and realize how it has changed us. And with that change, take it to our next relationship, step or project..
I am very grateful for my family, friends and my relationship with Matt and our dogs. And I want all of you to know, you hold a special place in my heart and if I don't know you, someones else's for sure..
Alright, I think that's enough for now...
Love, Kaylee
Monday, April 11, 2011
1 YEAR!
This last weekend was actually a lot of fun. We were busy. Thursday, Matt and I went to downtown Camas for pizza at Twilight. We really like Twilight. The pizza is made with fresh ingredients and soo good! They have a chest of games too and we usually play Yatzee. It's fun. Then Friday, we went to Chipotle for dinner and watched Sopranos. I worked on Saturday but when I got done with work, it was actually very nice out. We we packed up the dogs for their first road trip in the RAV and off we went up to the North Bonneville area. Dude has an issue with going in his kennel when Jersey is in it already. I don't know if it's because he wants the room to himself or he hates sharing? It's just weird since he hadn't been like that before. And on the way up, Jersey was very noisy. Whining, yawning and whining and just grunting.. kind of obnoxious and luckily it didnt last long. And back to my story... We stopped at the Bonneville Dam to look for sealions. There were 2 out there. One was pretty funny to watch. He dived in the water a few times, and then he was just swimming with the current.. Pretty entertaining. Anways, About the hike, it was a simple 2 mile loop. There was so much to look at. There was a few bridges, moss with water dripping from it, some little ponds that were this pretty blue color (maybe from the snow) and a few waterfalls. And it looked like we were in a little valley too with the mountains on the sides of us. But, the end waterfall was awesome! it was so pretty and flowing into a beautiful pool. It was sweet. Matt should have pictures up in about 2 months. - He says he'll do it, but he's not as fast as I would be but oh well... After our hike, we came home made dinner and watched the Bulldogs win the title and the Twins lose another game! Thank god for broadcasts on the internet! Afterwards, we decided to head to an old fashioned bar in downtown Camas. The atmosphere was more upscale then the usual bar I'd like to go to, but it was fun. I had a real lemondrop, with vodka from Oregon and fresh squeezed lemons.. And I didn't have to pound it like you usually do with a lemon drop. Matt's drink was made with fresh orange juice too. Yum. Sunday our house was a sports zone. Between the computer and tv, I had the choice of baseball, hockey, basketball and golf. So I napped for an hour. Afterwards I peeled myself off the couch and we headed to Panda Express for lunch (I wanted a burger and fries, I guess it's called compromise and Matt says, "we need to get fit for the upcoming wedding" I hit up target while Matt went to game at Best Buy and then I headed to the grocery store. Big day, I'm sure you really wanted to know all that :)
Anywho. We are coming up on our year anniversary of living in the Pacific NW. We had the movers come exactly one year from today! So much has changed it is crazy. When we moved out here, we didnt have a place to live, I didnt have a job or a clue of what I wanted to do, Now, we have a place to live, I have a job and am going back to school! woo hoo! And on top of that we've seen soo many new things and done so much. Change can be good! Unfortunately, we missed the holidays with our families along with both my mom and Matt's dad's cancer scares and battles.. Ugh... so glad we have our families though.. They are wonderful..
We will be back in the great state of Minnesota in 17 days!! woo hoo! it's gonna fly by! :)
Anywho. We are coming up on our year anniversary of living in the Pacific NW. We had the movers come exactly one year from today! So much has changed it is crazy. When we moved out here, we didnt have a place to live, I didnt have a job or a clue of what I wanted to do, Now, we have a place to live, I have a job and am going back to school! woo hoo! And on top of that we've seen soo many new things and done so much. Change can be good! Unfortunately, we missed the holidays with our families along with both my mom and Matt's dad's cancer scares and battles.. Ugh... so glad we have our families though.. They are wonderful..
We will be back in the great state of Minnesota in 17 days!! woo hoo! it's gonna fly by! :)
YEA YEA YEA!
We heard some great news regarding my momma on Friday! Her PETSCAN results came back and they look good! She is done with chemo and is going to be do focused radiation. The results showed that the chemo did it's work and the tumor is shrinking. Plus, it hasn't spread to any other lymph nodes or anywhere else. Such great great news. I could hear the smile on my mom's face when I talked to her after her appoinment. Just the pick me up she needed aftera rough couple weeks with chemo side effects. And it makes me feel better knowing that she is doing better being so far away..
Just wanted to add that quickly!
Just wanted to add that quickly!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Finally April!
Since it is now April 8th, I've jumped out of my March slump. Matt and I have had a few uneventuful weekends. We didnt do the site seeing/hiking, Matt has this new obsession with going to Best Buy to play video games (MLB 2011) and the Best Buy that has it is near a Target and Nail Salon. So, two weekends in a row I made out like a bandit. One weekend Matt offered to pay for a pedicure for me, soI had something to do while he could play games. Another weekend, I took our list to Target and got some stuff and he paid for it.. That's how it works, Matt pays and plays and I shop and get it for free :) It's a nice system we have going on. We've also spent the past two weekends going to breakfast (1 day a weekend) at Natalia's. It is a small Rusian resturant that is in the heart of our small town downtown. They have the best pancakes.. Closest to Perkins that I can find around here (this is the only place that I've been to so who knows how true that is, oh well.) Last Sunday, it was beatiful out. We took the dogs for a walk. I studied for one of my teaching liscensure tests andMatt finally got the lawn mowed so, I wouldnt get a threatening text from our landlord about hiring someone to do it for us. - Yes it has happened)
I have become pretty domesitcated on my days off -walk the kids, play with them, laundry, and grocery shopping, making dinner and dessert... I am pretty impressed with my cooking skills. And Matt has been a fan of everything! woohoo. I got a raise at work. Nothing super huge, but it's always nice to be recognized for what I know right? Umm, I am trying to run at least a mile or more on my morning walk/runs. I am hoping to be able to run the whole 3.8 miles by the end of the month. I think it's do-able. Except I refuse to run while I have a bag of dog poo in hand.. So that is the only thing that would stop me from doing the whole thing. At least there are som trashes along the way.. Other than that not much is going on. We are trying to plan a staycation for our 1 year anniversary of being in Washington. We've been here a year and haven't explored Portland at all. so we might do that, or look into going to Bend, Oregon. It is apparently supposed to be beautiful. and I forgot the name of it, but they have this thing where you can go from brewery to brewery, like they are all next to each other. I think that would be fun. So that's what is going to consume my next week of ork.. And then the next week will be studying for my test on 4/20 -(please pray for me :) ) and the week after that we're going home! So LOTS to look forward too..
I just remembered. Next week, we find out if i'll have a nephew or another niece :) YAY! I'm excited! and I'm excited to see Payton agian.
I made a list of things we've got going on the next couple of months.. Every month has something for at least a day, except July or October... So that means come visit then :)
Miss you all so very much! XOXO Kayl aka Captain Chaos :)
I have become pretty domesitcated on my days off -walk the kids, play with them, laundry, and grocery shopping, making dinner and dessert... I am pretty impressed with my cooking skills. And Matt has been a fan of everything! woohoo. I got a raise at work. Nothing super huge, but it's always nice to be recognized for what I know right? Umm, I am trying to run at least a mile or more on my morning walk/runs. I am hoping to be able to run the whole 3.8 miles by the end of the month. I think it's do-able. Except I refuse to run while I have a bag of dog poo in hand.. So that is the only thing that would stop me from doing the whole thing. At least there are som trashes along the way.. Other than that not much is going on. We are trying to plan a staycation for our 1 year anniversary of being in Washington. We've been here a year and haven't explored Portland at all. so we might do that, or look into going to Bend, Oregon. It is apparently supposed to be beautiful. and I forgot the name of it, but they have this thing where you can go from brewery to brewery, like they are all next to each other. I think that would be fun. So that's what is going to consume my next week of ork.. And then the next week will be studying for my test on 4/20 -(please pray for me :) ) and the week after that we're going home! So LOTS to look forward too..
I just remembered. Next week, we find out if i'll have a nephew or another niece :) YAY! I'm excited! and I'm excited to see Payton agian.
I made a list of things we've got going on the next couple of months.. Every month has something for at least a day, except July or October... So that means come visit then :)
Miss you all so very much! XOXO Kayl aka Captain Chaos :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
March Blues
After our vacation, we have not done much. It feels like it has rained constantly. However, there haven’t been too many rainy mornings which is nice for our walks. And I can tell that this weather/long winter is getting to me. I have the desire to sleep in till the latest minute possible, that will allow me to still get the dogs on a walk and for me to get to work on time.. or a few minutes late (oops). I started the term March Blues.. As well as the weather bothering me, I am starting to get nervous if I made the rigth decision with school. Sometimes the program does things that just leave me thinking wtf. I am not in love with my current employment position. And have had some rough bumps trying to find something new. I want to get out and explore the NW but it is hard working Saturday,even though its until 2, it still takes a lot out of me mentally. And of course traveling you need money. I got offered a position at the skamania lodge serving. This is where we first stayed when we got out to Washington. But I'd have to work Saturdays and that will be Matt's only day off for 5 months, so in the name of love, I said no.. So now, I'm keeping my ears and eyes peeled for something, anything, that I will enjoy.
Anyways..
My mom’s work held a benefit in her honor. I could tell that she was genuinely appreciative of everyone. People donated, help put it together, brought stuff, made stuff and purchased stuff, hung out, and showed support by buying “Tari’s Team” bandanas. She has been one tough lady. Working while having chemo and when I talk to her, keeping a great outlook and attitude for the most part. Of course I’m sure she is hiding some things from me to make it easier being far away, but I know that my family will let me know if something comes up. She says that people at work wear bandanas to show their support and now since she’s got her wig all cleaned up they are even wearing wigs. Cool huh?
Of course being 1716 miles away (yes, I googled the addresses for the exact number) I’m not on the front lines of my moms battle with lymphoma. So when I saw her in her bandana reality set in. To me in my mind, she still looked the same, but when I talked to her every other Friday she was at the hospital and when I talked to her on my lunch, she was a little less spunky but getting by. But when I saw that picture – it became real. I wish I could be there for her. And now I wish I could be there for the rest of my family. It has to be taking its course with everyone. My dad, brother and sister in law etc. So much changed in such a little amount of time for them and us and I want to be apart of the loop even 1716 miles.
Knowing that my mom’s coworkers and friends are supportive is awesome. But what Is even more amazing are my generous and supportive friends. I came home a few days after the benefit and had 2 pieces of mail -bandanas for the dogs and myself from my mom, and a letter from Clara. Enclosed in the letter from Clara was a check. My friends had pooled their money together to help me with a plane ticket home to see my mom. I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t even get the words out to say thank you without crying. And a few of these girls I haven’t seen to or talked to in forever. I couldn’t even tell you the last time, it had been so long. I was soo touched. It was one of the most unselfish things they could have done. My friends have their own families, lives, new babies, weddings, student loans and houses to pay for, and they still can find it in their heart to give. One of them even commented that that shouldn’t even be an issue. She was so excited to help me to see my mom. I am hoping I can find a cheap ticket sometime in June. We will see and I want to see Amy, Clara, Dani, Lindsay, Mandy, Michelle, Pam and Jon too! THANK YOU! You are the best. My heart still gets all warm fuzzy thinking about what amazing friends I have.
Anyways..
My mom’s work held a benefit in her honor. I could tell that she was genuinely appreciative of everyone. People donated, help put it together, brought stuff, made stuff and purchased stuff, hung out, and showed support by buying “Tari’s Team” bandanas. She has been one tough lady. Working while having chemo and when I talk to her, keeping a great outlook and attitude for the most part. Of course I’m sure she is hiding some things from me to make it easier being far away, but I know that my family will let me know if something comes up. She says that people at work wear bandanas to show their support and now since she’s got her wig all cleaned up they are even wearing wigs. Cool huh?
Of course being 1716 miles away (yes, I googled the addresses for the exact number) I’m not on the front lines of my moms battle with lymphoma. So when I saw her in her bandana reality set in. To me in my mind, she still looked the same, but when I talked to her every other Friday she was at the hospital and when I talked to her on my lunch, she was a little less spunky but getting by. But when I saw that picture – it became real. I wish I could be there for her. And now I wish I could be there for the rest of my family. It has to be taking its course with everyone. My dad, brother and sister in law etc. So much changed in such a little amount of time for them and us and I want to be apart of the loop even 1716 miles.
Knowing that my mom’s coworkers and friends are supportive is awesome. But what Is even more amazing are my generous and supportive friends. I came home a few days after the benefit and had 2 pieces of mail -bandanas for the dogs and myself from my mom, and a letter from Clara. Enclosed in the letter from Clara was a check. My friends had pooled their money together to help me with a plane ticket home to see my mom. I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t even get the words out to say thank you without crying. And a few of these girls I haven’t seen to or talked to in forever. I couldn’t even tell you the last time, it had been so long. I was soo touched. It was one of the most unselfish things they could have done. My friends have their own families, lives, new babies, weddings, student loans and houses to pay for, and they still can find it in their heart to give. One of them even commented that that shouldn’t even be an issue. She was so excited to help me to see my mom. I am hoping I can find a cheap ticket sometime in June. We will see and I want to see Amy, Clara, Dani, Lindsay, Mandy, Michelle, Pam and Jon too! THANK YOU! You are the best. My heart still gets all warm fuzzy thinking about what amazing friends I have.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Vegas and Phoenix
I was doing so well at updating and then here I am almost a month later… eek.
Las Vegas!
Vegas was nothing like I imagined. But then again, I didn’t really have this great picture in my head. I thought it was a lot of clubs and drinking… I know I am not completely wrong here, but I was imagining night clubs everywhere. Instead, there were more bars, slots and shops. I can’t believe how each hotel is like its own town. Seriously. It seemed like each casino that we went through had a gift shop, maybe some other types of stores, arcades, slots, food, and drinks. It was nuts. We had a blast, though. Walked all over, in and out of casinos. Went to Fremont Street, saw the light show, played some slots, saw a baby shark, and drank at a piano bar. We saw a Siren’s of Treasure Island show outside of the Treasure Island hotel, it was super neat. Took in a hypnotist show where Heather, Matt’s sister was hypnotized. We also ate at the Hash House, which had huge portions and was pretty cheap. I had the largest BLT of my life and Matt’s breakfast was huge too. It was delicious though. One thing I wanted to do was to have a huge margarita or daiquiri. But, they were spendy and I knew once I had one, I’d be out for the night. Since only had 2 days so I didn’t get to see it all. But I’m looking forward to going back!
Arizona!
We drove from Las Vegas to Surprise. It wasn’t a long trip driving wise, but it was long, because everyone napped in the car and I can’t really sleep in the car, so it kind of sucked for me. We did stop at the Hoover Dam. Matt was pretty excited since he works on some dams out here in Washington and Oregon. It was really neat to see Hoover Dam. Just amazing how it all runs and is put together..
We had a blast in Arizona. Played lots of Dominoes, got to see the sun, and had great food. Matt’s grandparents even made the drive from Minnesota in time to see us. We made some homemade lemonade and it was delicious. And of course someone had a good idea to add vodka.. yumm.. We also went to a rodeo. Not super exciting, but at least we got to hang out and be outside. We were able to sit by the pool and Matt and I learned how to play pickle ball. It was fun after you got the hang of it. Matt really enjoyed it and made a bff named Seymour. We had a really nice steak and fish dinner with the family and his grandparents, kind of like a pre-valentines dinner. It was cute J Matt and I took a bike ride around the development too, he had to race and of course had to win.. Heather, Lori and I picked some oranges and grapefruit, the oranges were delicious. That’s about it. We didn’t get a chance to explore outside of their complex, because I could only get so much time off from work, but I definitely had a blast. And it was the best Valentines Day present ever!
It was also a little bitter sweet since my mom had started her first round of chemotherapy, while I was out partying on my vacation. My aunts were able to send me some pictures and it still seemed very surreal to me. It still does. It’s hard to think that my mom has no hair when I saw her 2 months ago with her flowing silver / gray locks. I’d rather have my moms hair gone, then her right? Yes, that’s why I say J Hair today gone tomorrow.. no big deal, it grows back.
It sounds like everything is going well with the chemo. She did have a reaction the first time she said that the part that hurts the most is the shot she gets the day after chemo. She is one tough cookie. I have no idea how she can work full time, go to chemo every other week and still keep it together! Scooter gives you a high five and Jersey gives you licks!
Friday, February 18, 2011
So Far So Good, For The Most Part (Part 3)
I was really sad to leave Minnesota, but like any time you go on a trip it is nice to be back and sleep in your own bed. Plus I knew that in a few weeks I’d be headed to see Matt’s family in LAAAAASSSSS VEEEGGGGGAAASSSS (done in my oprah voice)
After my trip back to Minnesota I was in full force school mode. I like my teacher and classmates, but the whole program is so frustrating. The MAT (Masters of Arts in Teaching) is new to the adult degree program (1 day a week for 4 hours) And it was looking like everyone’s advisors were giving them different answers for due dates and start dates etc. I took a licensure test for the state of Oregon on the first weekend of February. This test is the test that gives you your licensure for teaching in the state of Oregon. So after I complete the program I won’t need to take it. That would be nice. But, I had no clue of half the stuff on it. It has random questions about different subjects, which makes it impossible to study for. One of the questions asked why it is better to start juggling with a scarf instead of balls... really? good thing it was multiple choice :) hahah. Anyways… We were going to start March 2011 and end December 2012, but that has since changed and we are starting June 2011 and still ending in December 2012. So if all goes as I plan and Warner Pacific doesn’t frustrate me even more, we should be leaving the Pacific NW the start of 2013 and I’ll be Ms. Hunter, the master of teaching :) ahaha. Or Matt might get the ideal job offer on Lake Superior and we'd have to leave. Who knows what is in our deck of cards.
Matt and I had the chance to get on a hike one weekend. It was a warmer day, but the ground was soaked from all the rain. Oh well, we got out to see some pretty waterfalls. And I only put up 2 pictures of the hike. I would have put up more, but Matt always tells me that he wants to put them up on his page… and it doesn’t get done.. weird :)
After my trip back to Minnesota I was in full force school mode. I like my teacher and classmates, but the whole program is so frustrating. The MAT (Masters of Arts in Teaching) is new to the adult degree program (1 day a week for 4 hours) And it was looking like everyone’s advisors were giving them different answers for due dates and start dates etc. I took a licensure test for the state of Oregon on the first weekend of February. This test is the test that gives you your licensure for teaching in the state of Oregon. So after I complete the program I won’t need to take it. That would be nice. But, I had no clue of half the stuff on it. It has random questions about different subjects, which makes it impossible to study for. One of the questions asked why it is better to start juggling with a scarf instead of balls... really? good thing it was multiple choice :) hahah. Anyways… We were going to start March 2011 and end December 2012, but that has since changed and we are starting June 2011 and still ending in December 2012. So if all goes as I plan and Warner Pacific doesn’t frustrate me even more, we should be leaving the Pacific NW the start of 2013 and I’ll be Ms. Hunter, the master of teaching :) ahaha. Or Matt might get the ideal job offer on Lake Superior and we'd have to leave. Who knows what is in our deck of cards.
Matt and I had the chance to get on a hike one weekend. It was a warmer day, but the ground was soaked from all the rain. Oh well, we got out to see some pretty waterfalls. And I only put up 2 pictures of the hike. I would have put up more, but Matt always tells me that he wants to put them up on his page… and it doesn’t get done.. weird :)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
So Far So Good (part 2)
Around my birthday, I decided to convince Matt to let me use his airline voucher to go home and surprise everyone. I knew he wouldn’t pull the trigger on one of the 12 places he wanted to go ( ie Minnesota and SD hunting, Alabama or North Carolina to visit a friend…) After some convincing and pleading I booked my trip home. It worked out that I only had to take one day vacation since Monday was a holiday and I worked the following Saturday for Tuesday off (a perk of my job).
I couldn’t tell you what perfect timing I had with my visit home. A week or 2 before my visit, my mom had a biopsy done on a suspicious area of her shoulder. The biopsy was sent to Stanford University. We then received some not so good news. Lymphoma of the bone. I felt like I had felt after Matt’s accident. I was a wreck. After settling down, and talking to a few close friends and family members I realized that I was afraid of the word cancer and all the stigmatism that went with it. And that’s all it is, a word. Cancer. It doesn’t mean I am going to lose my mom in a day, or that I’ll have to visit next week, or she’ll be sick and stuck in the house for days/months/years… My mom is so strong. She has a wonderful support system in my family and her friends and co-workers. (We later found out that this is both treatable but cureable)Knowing that I am so far away, it is so comforting to have so many people reach out and say they’ll help her and to let them know if they can do anything for my parents. Or even me. If I need to get back, they’ll get me back. I can’t imagine what she is going through, but can let her know I am here for her, anytime. :)
Anyways, here is how it went…
I couldn’t wait for the weekend I had in store. My mom, and a few other people knew, but I wanted to surprise my friends… Aren’t surprises fun? When I got home, I woke my dad up who was just so confused (We had planned a “pretend” trip so he would think I was coming home 2 weeks from the time I was actually home. ) He told me later he thought that it was a dream. I was also excited to see my niece Payton how was conveniently spending the night. I had a blast spending the morning with her just hanging out, trying on clothes and shoes and watching Elmos (aka Elmo). She had changed so much since October when I last saw her. I tried sending Blaine a picture of Payton from my phone. Who knew his screen was broken and was a little bothered I didn’t call him to tell him I was here. When I thought he was just ignoring my text!
I was able to surprise my girlfriends at Lindsay’s house. Amy had arranged for them to get together for pizza and conversation :) Little did they know, I was hiding in the bedroom. All their faces were priceless.. It’s too bad we couldn’t see each other longer. However it was soo good to see everyone.
Before we went to Lindsay’s, Amy took me to the new and improved Duluth Target ahaha. I got some goodies for my mom to make a little “care package” for her. While I can’t be there for her at her Chemotherapy, I could be there in spirit.. So hopefully she’s keeping warm with the blanket, busy with the puzzles and full with the candy :)
Sunday I went to lunch with my dad. We did this before when I came home alone. I think it would be a nice tradition. We had Payton on Sunday while Blaine and Kris went to a show. I was also able to see some friends again Sunday and Amy brought over Kayla who is a year older than Payton. They shared some french fries and tried playing together. They were so cute though.
Monday I was able to see baby Easton and Pam. It was so nice to catch up and relax while holding a cute little baby boy. I also drove past my old house in lakeside. Wow. The color of paint on the house is horrible. I can’t believe what they did to it. I would really like to see the inside of it someday. My dad redid and made some pretty nice kitchen cabinets back in the day.
I was also able to get onion rings and chicken wild rice soup from Grandma’s/Great American. It is always needed when I come home from anywhere. After lunch we took Payton around the mall. As much as I wanted and could buy something, I couldn’t find anything but one t shirt. But I did get Payton an Elmo.. While I was home, she would hop up on my dads chair and look at the computer and say elmos. That’s all she wanted was to la la la la…. Sooo cute.
When we got home, I made lasagna for everyone; Aunt, Grandma, Brother, Sister-in law, Unlce, mom, dad, niece, the whole kitten caboodle. It was delicious. I couldn’t help but tear up a little when saying good bye. It is always so hard to leave when you didn’t get to see someone as long as you wanted… hmmm guess that’s life.
Tuesday morning my dad was supposed to get me up to shower and take me to the airport and well.. we slept in. Good thing the airport is only 10 minutes away! I put my name on the list for a free voucher, but they didn’t need me, I was bummed..
But I am so so happy that I got to go home in January. Matt and I are coming back in April for a wedding, but don’t think I’ll make it up to Duluth for a long time.. Bums me out, but glad I got go home in January to see everyone.
Part 3 coming soon!
I couldn’t tell you what perfect timing I had with my visit home. A week or 2 before my visit, my mom had a biopsy done on a suspicious area of her shoulder. The biopsy was sent to Stanford University. We then received some not so good news. Lymphoma of the bone. I felt like I had felt after Matt’s accident. I was a wreck. After settling down, and talking to a few close friends and family members I realized that I was afraid of the word cancer and all the stigmatism that went with it. And that’s all it is, a word. Cancer. It doesn’t mean I am going to lose my mom in a day, or that I’ll have to visit next week, or she’ll be sick and stuck in the house for days/months/years… My mom is so strong. She has a wonderful support system in my family and her friends and co-workers. (We later found out that this is both treatable but cureable)Knowing that I am so far away, it is so comforting to have so many people reach out and say they’ll help her and to let them know if they can do anything for my parents. Or even me. If I need to get back, they’ll get me back. I can’t imagine what she is going through, but can let her know I am here for her, anytime. :)
Anyways, here is how it went…
I couldn’t wait for the weekend I had in store. My mom, and a few other people knew, but I wanted to surprise my friends… Aren’t surprises fun? When I got home, I woke my dad up who was just so confused (We had planned a “pretend” trip so he would think I was coming home 2 weeks from the time I was actually home. ) He told me later he thought that it was a dream. I was also excited to see my niece Payton how was conveniently spending the night. I had a blast spending the morning with her just hanging out, trying on clothes and shoes and watching Elmos (aka Elmo). She had changed so much since October when I last saw her. I tried sending Blaine a picture of Payton from my phone. Who knew his screen was broken and was a little bothered I didn’t call him to tell him I was here. When I thought he was just ignoring my text!
I was able to surprise my girlfriends at Lindsay’s house. Amy had arranged for them to get together for pizza and conversation :) Little did they know, I was hiding in the bedroom. All their faces were priceless.. It’s too bad we couldn’t see each other longer. However it was soo good to see everyone.
Before we went to Lindsay’s, Amy took me to the new and improved Duluth Target ahaha. I got some goodies for my mom to make a little “care package” for her. While I can’t be there for her at her Chemotherapy, I could be there in spirit.. So hopefully she’s keeping warm with the blanket, busy with the puzzles and full with the candy :)
Sunday I went to lunch with my dad. We did this before when I came home alone. I think it would be a nice tradition. We had Payton on Sunday while Blaine and Kris went to a show. I was also able to see some friends again Sunday and Amy brought over Kayla who is a year older than Payton. They shared some french fries and tried playing together. They were so cute though.
Monday I was able to see baby Easton and Pam. It was so nice to catch up and relax while holding a cute little baby boy. I also drove past my old house in lakeside. Wow. The color of paint on the house is horrible. I can’t believe what they did to it. I would really like to see the inside of it someday. My dad redid and made some pretty nice kitchen cabinets back in the day.
I was also able to get onion rings and chicken wild rice soup from Grandma’s/Great American. It is always needed when I come home from anywhere. After lunch we took Payton around the mall. As much as I wanted and could buy something, I couldn’t find anything but one t shirt. But I did get Payton an Elmo.. While I was home, she would hop up on my dads chair and look at the computer and say elmos. That’s all she wanted was to la la la la…. Sooo cute.
When we got home, I made lasagna for everyone; Aunt, Grandma, Brother, Sister-in law, Unlce, mom, dad, niece, the whole kitten caboodle. It was delicious. I couldn’t help but tear up a little when saying good bye. It is always so hard to leave when you didn’t get to see someone as long as you wanted… hmmm guess that’s life.
Tuesday morning my dad was supposed to get me up to shower and take me to the airport and well.. we slept in. Good thing the airport is only 10 minutes away! I put my name on the list for a free voucher, but they didn’t need me, I was bummed..
But I am so so happy that I got to go home in January. Matt and I are coming back in April for a wedding, but don’t think I’ll make it up to Duluth for a long time.. Bums me out, but glad I got go home in January to see everyone.
Part 3 coming soon!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
So Far So Good (for the most part) PART 1
January flew by and I can’t believe we already went on our vacation. We had planned it about 4 months ago, and it came and went… too fast.
We had an enjoyable Christmas. Matt spoiled me with some hiking things and the dogs got me a massage (I finally made an appointment for next Thursday, very excited..) We made dinner and went on a Christmas Day walk on the Lewis and Clark trail with the dogs. It was weird to me to not have snow on Christmas.
A few days before Christmas I got a phone call no one ever really wants to get. Matt had left in the early morning to go hunting with Jersey on a co-workers piece of land. We had talked a few times that morning and I was getting ready for work when the phone rang- Matt had rolled his truck. For some reason I felt as though my whole world was crashing in and I would be alone in Washington with Dude. I sat on the floor petting Dude crying. My immediate concern was Jersey, who had been in her kennel in the back of Matt’s truck. I thought Matt was alright since he had called me. After hearing she was okay, Matt was okay, and the truck… had seen better days.
I immediately called my mom, who could obviously do so much from 1800 miles away. After she got me to calm down somewhat, I spoke to my manager, packed up Dude, got the car ready and headed for Matt and Jersey. I posed pictures on facebook of Matt’s vehicle. We are so lucky that he wasn’t injured. I can’t imagine my life without him right now.
Having only one vehicle wasn’t ideal but we made it work. Matt drove my car to the park & ride and took the bus to work and back every morning from there he walked home at night. I walked the dogs to the park & ride every morning and drove home. Saved Matt some gas money by only spending 1 dollar each way
NEW YEARS EVE- Matt and I went to Los Dos (a hop skip and jump from our house) and had a few daiquiris and fajitas. Afterwards, we hung out and watched some TV. It is a little sad, but we were in bed at midnight. I am not sure of the exact terms, but fireworks are legal around here for the New Year’s celebrations. It might have been the daiquiris, but I invited the dogs up to watch the fireworks come midnight they had no clue, but were pretty excited to be up on the bed.
We had an enjoyable Christmas. Matt spoiled me with some hiking things and the dogs got me a massage (I finally made an appointment for next Thursday, very excited..) We made dinner and went on a Christmas Day walk on the Lewis and Clark trail with the dogs. It was weird to me to not have snow on Christmas.
A few days before Christmas I got a phone call no one ever really wants to get. Matt had left in the early morning to go hunting with Jersey on a co-workers piece of land. We had talked a few times that morning and I was getting ready for work when the phone rang- Matt had rolled his truck. For some reason I felt as though my whole world was crashing in and I would be alone in Washington with Dude. I sat on the floor petting Dude crying. My immediate concern was Jersey, who had been in her kennel in the back of Matt’s truck. I thought Matt was alright since he had called me. After hearing she was okay, Matt was okay, and the truck… had seen better days.
I immediately called my mom, who could obviously do so much from 1800 miles away. After she got me to calm down somewhat, I spoke to my manager, packed up Dude, got the car ready and headed for Matt and Jersey. I posed pictures on facebook of Matt’s vehicle. We are so lucky that he wasn’t injured. I can’t imagine my life without him right now.
Having only one vehicle wasn’t ideal but we made it work. Matt drove my car to the park & ride and took the bus to work and back every morning from there he walked home at night. I walked the dogs to the park & ride every morning and drove home. Saved Matt some gas money by only spending 1 dollar each way
NEW YEARS EVE- Matt and I went to Los Dos (a hop skip and jump from our house) and had a few daiquiris and fajitas. Afterwards, we hung out and watched some TV. It is a little sad, but we were in bed at midnight. I am not sure of the exact terms, but fireworks are legal around here for the New Year’s celebrations. It might have been the daiquiris, but I invited the dogs up to watch the fireworks come midnight they had no clue, but were pretty excited to be up on the bed.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Birthday weekend
Bithday weekend!!!
Oh how I love my birthday. the love, the gifts, the attention. a day just about you.. in my case its a week and I get spoiled by my Boyfriend. Not too sure what he thinks about the whole week, but its my week :)
Who doesnt love a birthday? I am really okay with being 27 too.. I have 2 of the cutest dogs in the world (and one's named Dude, the best name for dog ever) I'm in a great relationship, I know we're going to get married someday. My family is amazing. I miss them very much. My friends are awesome. And even though I havnt lived in Duluth while I was 26, I still feel extremely close to them.
I thought i'd give my top 26 of being 26.. Of course there really is not much thought in this whole 26 thing, so i'm going to miss stuff.. but oh well... Here goes nothing :)
1- I saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time
2- I rode across the country with Matt, Dude and Jersey and had some fun adventures see #3-5
3- Seeing and walking around Mount Rushmore
4- Driving through the Badlands
5- Sneaking 2 labs and myself into a hotel room in Billings, MT
6- Riding the Ducks in Seattle
7- Going on top of the Seattle Space Needle at night
8- Cutting down our first Christmas tree in the National Forest
9- Seeing Mount St. Helens
10- Camping near the Pacific Ocean
11- Camping in a National Forest
12- Shopping with my best friend on the Oregon Coast
13- Moving across the country
14- Applying to and getting into a Masters of Arts inTeaching program
15- Getting a job in the highest unemployed county in WA
16- Minnesota Twins game in Seattle x2
17- Pike's Place Market
18- Seeing the tidepools (starfish, algea, anemanies)
19- Sealions!
20- Attending and being in my best friend's wedding
21- Hikes and the views = amazing
22- I started off 26 with a Toledo Ttreet get together having my best friends around.
23- Having the flu on Christmas.. NOT.. But having a snow storm on christmas and being with family...
24- Making new friends, living in South Dakota and Washington
25- Having 0 complications so far with my colostomy
26- Cooking my first Thanksgiving (Matt might disagree a little on this.. It may have been a group effort)
Bring on 27! :)
To start birthday weekend, we had donuts and cake for my birthday at work. Then Matt and I went to see Despicable Me. I thought a PG movie would be good for the soul. It was cute. I laughed outloud. I liked the little yellow minions. And it was at the three dollar movie theater, so our popcorn and soda cost more than the tickets to get in... but it was good! Now I just have to get through work (1 hour left) and I'm off to get my pedicure.. I'm soo excited. With the walking the dogs and I do in the morning, my feet need a little TLC.
Everyone else have a good birthday weekend! Hopefully I'll update in a timely matter about our Christmas. Or festivus.. (I think only Seinfeld watchers would get that)
Love you!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Birthday Week
Birthday week!!!
To start of birthday week, Matt and I drove up into the forest and cut down our very first Christmas tree. It was actually pretty fun. We bought a xmas tree pass for 5$ and headed up into the forest. I knew I was going to end up with a charlie brown Christmas tree all scraggly and young, I wasn't too disappointed with our tree.
We saw an opening to park the car and headed into the forest with our saw and tarp. It was hard to figure out where we were going to park because the sides of the roads were snow covered and we didn't want to get stuck. We started walking and ran into this fish and wildlife guy (like a wildlife officer something) and he pointed out a spot down the road. We followed him down to this spot and headed in about 100 yards.. And it was like tree heaven. Of course they were not the trees that you see at a farm or stand, but there were a bunch of trees. I would definitely go back next year.
When we first walked in we were the first pair of tracks in there so it was easy to remember where we had been.. Well we marked 2 of the first trees we saw. And then we walked around for about an hour trying to find the perfect tree. We were like goldy locks. Matt would say no, I would say no.. and then one wouldn't be strong enough to hold lights blah blah.. We ended up cutting down the very first tree we liked :) weird..
After Matt cut down the tree we rolled it on a tarp and pulled it back to the truck, loaded it up and headed home.
The tree measured at 11 feet and we needed it to be around 8.. so a little from the top a little from the bottom it was ready for the house. It in no way resembles and tree I've ever had. It doesn't have that tree shape to it, but I love it. I finally decorated it last night.
Now I am just hoping that doesn't get excited and lift his leg and pee on it. Matt and I talked to Dude about it, but still both feel like he will at some point, pee on our tree.. such is life with a male dog :)
My mom sent out our presents and I'm gonna wrap Matt's itunes gift card he got for Christmas and already begged me to use so we'll have presents under the tree :)
That's all for now! Happy Holidays
To start of birthday week, Matt and I drove up into the forest and cut down our very first Christmas tree. It was actually pretty fun. We bought a xmas tree pass for 5$ and headed up into the forest. I knew I was going to end up with a charlie brown Christmas tree all scraggly and young, I wasn't too disappointed with our tree.
We saw an opening to park the car and headed into the forest with our saw and tarp. It was hard to figure out where we were going to park because the sides of the roads were snow covered and we didn't want to get stuck. We started walking and ran into this fish and wildlife guy (like a wildlife officer something) and he pointed out a spot down the road. We followed him down to this spot and headed in about 100 yards.. And it was like tree heaven. Of course they were not the trees that you see at a farm or stand, but there were a bunch of trees. I would definitely go back next year.
When we first walked in we were the first pair of tracks in there so it was easy to remember where we had been.. Well we marked 2 of the first trees we saw. And then we walked around for about an hour trying to find the perfect tree. We were like goldy locks. Matt would say no, I would say no.. and then one wouldn't be strong enough to hold lights blah blah.. We ended up cutting down the very first tree we liked :) weird..
After Matt cut down the tree we rolled it on a tarp and pulled it back to the truck, loaded it up and headed home.
The tree measured at 11 feet and we needed it to be around 8.. so a little from the top a little from the bottom it was ready for the house. It in no way resembles and tree I've ever had. It doesn't have that tree shape to it, but I love it. I finally decorated it last night.
Now I am just hoping that doesn't get excited and lift his leg and pee on it. Matt and I talked to Dude about it, but still both feel like he will at some point, pee on our tree.. such is life with a male dog :)
My mom sent out our presents and I'm gonna wrap Matt's itunes gift card he got for Christmas and already begged me to use so we'll have presents under the tree :)
That's all for now! Happy Holidays
Friday, November 19, 2010
Okay... I'm seriously slacking. I'm gonna type of the "readers digest" version for you today. I say Readers Digest, because at work we had a quarterly meeting and the speakers kept using the term "readers digest". ugh.
So since Matt and I got back from Minnesota, we've had 2 visotors. His dad and my best friend Clara. And we welcome more to come visit!!
When Jeff came out Matt took him on this charter to catch sturgeon on the Columbia River. They caught a bunch and the weather was great for them. We also took him to the coast to places we hadnt yet been to. Of course it was raining and windy. I was thankful again, that I had purchased a water resistant coat. (If you ever move the Pacific NW, it's a must have) We saw the "Big Spruce" "Octopus Tree" and drove along scenic highway 101. And we had lunch at Sconers. For your SATC fans, does that name ring a bell for anything? :) The guys got food from the ocean and I had a salad :) I did dip bread into their soups and bisque so, go me! Jeff also put the mirror on my car. (Dads are so good at that stuff) and fixed some stuff around the house. After Matt brought him to the airport he was like, "i miss him already and he just left" Makes me smile :) I'm glad we get along with our parents so well.
Clara came out to visit over Veterans Day weekend. It was the same weekend she came to visit Mandy, Andrew and I when I lived in Colorado. Memories :) Since I had Thursday off we went to Seaside and Cannon Beach. These were places that we saw when BK and Lori were out here, but didn't get a chance to take a look through the shops. The shops had some cute things, And after awhile they start to look the same. but the towns are super cute and Clara got to the Pacific Ocean. And she got to take a picture of someone (me in the sand) jumping. so knock 2 things of of that to do list :)
Friday I really should have called in sick to work, but Matt scared me saying that if I lose my job "you'll have to move back to Minnesota" He's so extreme.. bahahah. So Matt took Clara along the gorge and she got some Amazing photos! Wish I coulda been there. After I got home Friday, we went to a sushi restaurant and I tried a little of each other theirs. And I actaully got punked. Matt got something that had fish eggs on them. and when I asked what the "decorations" were they both didnt know... So i tried abite of Matt's stuff and bit into the decorations. I wanted to ralph on the table but helded it in.. ugh. It was gross. And after I tried it they both laughed and then told me what it was.. Thanks guys! :) After dinner we met up with some friends here at a local brew pub.
Saturday Clara and I ventured to the Saturday Market and around Downton Portland since I'd never been. And then we ended the night at Twilight Pizza.. and watching sex and the city.
Sunday we went up to Dougan Falls in the rain and then headed to the airport shopping area and clara was nice enough to get us a gift card for a home store. And i can't decide what to get! eeek!
Clara also took some pictures of the dogs kinda spur of the moment while we were getting ready to go. She's posted 2 on facebook. They turned out so cute. Dudes my background on my work computer now :)
And then after Clara left, Matt left for Seattle for a few days. The plus side of that was that I got some oriental lillies and daiseys and cheesecake from the cheesecake factory :) He's a good guy.
I also started class. It's a pre-req physcology class and it's pretty easy. However, I dislike one of my group members, because he's an idiot! I honestly have no idea how he made it through college to get his degree.. ugh. Oh well. And I think i'll make friends eventually. there is a girl in my group shes a little younger than me, but I think we could end up being friends.
But we start a cohort in March :) and then 18 months from there, hopefully i'll pass my tests and get a subbing position, since it'll be in September and with the school year already started a full time prob wont happen right away.. We'lll see! And it also ends up being 5 months after Matt's contract is up. So he could get hired on for the season, or a new job somewhere else, we dont know and we'll overcome that hoop when we get there :) it's exciting to think about though!
And thats that.. I'm home alone again tonight and have no idea what to do for dinner.
AND is it dark anywhere else at 4:30? Its pitch black come 5.. its gross.. and it makes me tired
So since Matt and I got back from Minnesota, we've had 2 visotors. His dad and my best friend Clara. And we welcome more to come visit!!
When Jeff came out Matt took him on this charter to catch sturgeon on the Columbia River. They caught a bunch and the weather was great for them. We also took him to the coast to places we hadnt yet been to. Of course it was raining and windy. I was thankful again, that I had purchased a water resistant coat. (If you ever move the Pacific NW, it's a must have) We saw the "Big Spruce" "Octopus Tree" and drove along scenic highway 101. And we had lunch at Sconers. For your SATC fans, does that name ring a bell for anything? :) The guys got food from the ocean and I had a salad :) I did dip bread into their soups and bisque so, go me! Jeff also put the mirror on my car. (Dads are so good at that stuff) and fixed some stuff around the house. After Matt brought him to the airport he was like, "i miss him already and he just left" Makes me smile :) I'm glad we get along with our parents so well.
Clara came out to visit over Veterans Day weekend. It was the same weekend she came to visit Mandy, Andrew and I when I lived in Colorado. Memories :) Since I had Thursday off we went to Seaside and Cannon Beach. These were places that we saw when BK and Lori were out here, but didn't get a chance to take a look through the shops. The shops had some cute things, And after awhile they start to look the same. but the towns are super cute and Clara got to the Pacific Ocean. And she got to take a picture of someone (me in the sand) jumping. so knock 2 things of of that to do list :)
Friday I really should have called in sick to work, but Matt scared me saying that if I lose my job "you'll have to move back to Minnesota" He's so extreme.. bahahah. So Matt took Clara along the gorge and she got some Amazing photos! Wish I coulda been there. After I got home Friday, we went to a sushi restaurant and I tried a little of each other theirs. And I actaully got punked. Matt got something that had fish eggs on them. and when I asked what the "decorations" were they both didnt know... So i tried abite of Matt's stuff and bit into the decorations. I wanted to ralph on the table but helded it in.. ugh. It was gross. And after I tried it they both laughed and then told me what it was.. Thanks guys! :) After dinner we met up with some friends here at a local brew pub.
Saturday Clara and I ventured to the Saturday Market and around Downton Portland since I'd never been. And then we ended the night at Twilight Pizza.. and watching sex and the city.
Sunday we went up to Dougan Falls in the rain and then headed to the airport shopping area and clara was nice enough to get us a gift card for a home store. And i can't decide what to get! eeek!
Clara also took some pictures of the dogs kinda spur of the moment while we were getting ready to go. She's posted 2 on facebook. They turned out so cute. Dudes my background on my work computer now :)
And then after Clara left, Matt left for Seattle for a few days. The plus side of that was that I got some oriental lillies and daiseys and cheesecake from the cheesecake factory :) He's a good guy.
I also started class. It's a pre-req physcology class and it's pretty easy. However, I dislike one of my group members, because he's an idiot! I honestly have no idea how he made it through college to get his degree.. ugh. Oh well. And I think i'll make friends eventually. there is a girl in my group shes a little younger than me, but I think we could end up being friends.
But we start a cohort in March :) and then 18 months from there, hopefully i'll pass my tests and get a subbing position, since it'll be in September and with the school year already started a full time prob wont happen right away.. We'lll see! And it also ends up being 5 months after Matt's contract is up. So he could get hired on for the season, or a new job somewhere else, we dont know and we'll overcome that hoop when we get there :) it's exciting to think about though!
And thats that.. I'm home alone again tonight and have no idea what to do for dinner.
AND is it dark anywhere else at 4:30? Its pitch black come 5.. its gross.. and it makes me tired
Monday, October 25, 2010
Minnesota :) Land of my friends and family
It has been a super long time once again between blogs. My excuse this time is that I spend to much time at a computer at work, that when I get home, I don't have the energy to write a blog. "Bankers hours" (845-615) really are not my thing.. But I am at work right now.. Anyways...
We flew out of Portland early early and learned our lesson quickly about Southwest. If you ever ever fly Southwest, you want to make sure to check in 24 hours ahead. As we didnt and only received security passes to get to our gate. From there we checked in at the gate and I was in front of Matt when the lady informed me that I had the last seat on the plane. Ummm. Yes, I heard her correct, but I didnt want to get on the plane without Matt. Not knowing if he'd get on and what flight he would get on, really freaked me out. Luckily, he was the last person allowed on the flight. With Southwest there is open seating based on when you check in. So I had ticket c31! the third to last person to board the plane. Of course there were only middle seats and I found my seat and sat uncomfortably for a little over 2 hours. I was a little grossed out since my legs had been touching not 1 but 2 total strangers the whole flight. And one of the guys had the arm rest up before I even sat down so he could spill into my seat. Talk about no personal space in our area.. Ugh. But the actual flying wasn't bad. The flight attendants were nice and fun. We got beverages and snacks on each flight and the seats were comfy (depending on who sat next to you)
Matt was off the plane in Denver before me, since he had a seat towards the front of the plane.. As I walked off the plane and met eyes with him I began to chuckle. I thought he'd be annoyed I was one of the last people off the plane but I couldn't wait to show him that the 2 guys in front of me were who I sat between.. No joke, the 2nd and 3rd largest people on the plane. AND they decide to sit a seat away from each other? couldn't they have worked it out better.. Or thought to themselves "It's gonna be uncomfortable for the person who has to sit in between us two larger people I'll go somewhere else" Apparently not, and my story was proof of that. FYI the flight from Denver to Minneapolis we had a whole isle to ourselves.. ironic?
Our trip went by fast, but when we got back to Washington, it felt like we'd been gone forever.
Wednesday we ate dinner with his grandma, grandpa Taylor and sister at his grandparents home on Lake Stella. I'd missed the lake... I wish we could have made it back in the summer... oh well..
Thursday we had breakfast and coffee with his Grandpa Taylor and then lunch with Matt;s grandparents on the Hennen side. We went to the Twins game with his dad, sister and brother in law. That group is always a good time. The only bad part was that we couldn't see the jumbotron and the seats behind us one 10$ to the food stands for being US Bank porch "fans of the game" urgh.. We also managed to walk (literally) into Matt's step brother Adam and see Ryan, Abby and Dana too.. Small world right?
Friday we drove up to Duluth and had lunch with my family and Payton. She is so stinken cute, I wish I could have seen her more.. And everyone else too. And I feel like I wanna make up for lost time. And I dont want her to forget her Auntie Kaylee. Friday night I had a sleep over with my friends at Black Bear, while Matt had his So Called Myth Reunion show.
Wedding Saturday! After one hair fiasco, pictures and some tears, it was time to party the night away. It was a good time. My friends all looked beautiful. We clean up nice and know how to have a fun time :) Thankfully Matt had told me to stop drinking early or else I would have been hung over for Pam's shower I helped throw on Sunday. It was really nice to see my friends and catch up. It's unfortunate that we could only hang out a few hours, but I'll take what I can get. Next time I get home, Pam will have a 4 month old baby boy and Amy will have a newborn! Holy Moly! Crazy.
Sunday afternoon we were able to hang out and eat dinner with my family. Clara, Jon and Arie were even able to stop by. Arie and Payton were so funny. They were so curious about each other. It was also really good to see my grandma since she was diagnosed with cancer. She seemed very upbeat and positive, which made it very easy for me to be so far away.
Monday afternoon after lunch at McKenzies, (shocker..) Matt, my mom and I drove to Tanger and met Clara so we could stay the night at the Haycraft's. It was sad to leave my mom. I tried to hold in the tears, and think I did a good job of it.. So, we had a good relaxing Monday and remembered to check into our flights early so we got good seating numbers and got to sit next to each other :)
That's pretty much our trip back to Minnesota in a nut shell.. Now I can't wait to see my friends and family again :) Sorry if it doesnt make sense and skips a lot.. I just go with the flow...
We flew out of Portland early early and learned our lesson quickly about Southwest. If you ever ever fly Southwest, you want to make sure to check in 24 hours ahead. As we didnt and only received security passes to get to our gate. From there we checked in at the gate and I was in front of Matt when the lady informed me that I had the last seat on the plane. Ummm. Yes, I heard her correct, but I didnt want to get on the plane without Matt. Not knowing if he'd get on and what flight he would get on, really freaked me out. Luckily, he was the last person allowed on the flight. With Southwest there is open seating based on when you check in. So I had ticket c31! the third to last person to board the plane. Of course there were only middle seats and I found my seat and sat uncomfortably for a little over 2 hours. I was a little grossed out since my legs had been touching not 1 but 2 total strangers the whole flight. And one of the guys had the arm rest up before I even sat down so he could spill into my seat. Talk about no personal space in our area.. Ugh. But the actual flying wasn't bad. The flight attendants were nice and fun. We got beverages and snacks on each flight and the seats were comfy (depending on who sat next to you)
Matt was off the plane in Denver before me, since he had a seat towards the front of the plane.. As I walked off the plane and met eyes with him I began to chuckle. I thought he'd be annoyed I was one of the last people off the plane but I couldn't wait to show him that the 2 guys in front of me were who I sat between.. No joke, the 2nd and 3rd largest people on the plane. AND they decide to sit a seat away from each other? couldn't they have worked it out better.. Or thought to themselves "It's gonna be uncomfortable for the person who has to sit in between us two larger people I'll go somewhere else" Apparently not, and my story was proof of that. FYI the flight from Denver to Minneapolis we had a whole isle to ourselves.. ironic?
Our trip went by fast, but when we got back to Washington, it felt like we'd been gone forever.
Wednesday we ate dinner with his grandma, grandpa Taylor and sister at his grandparents home on Lake Stella. I'd missed the lake... I wish we could have made it back in the summer... oh well..
Thursday we had breakfast and coffee with his Grandpa Taylor and then lunch with Matt;s grandparents on the Hennen side. We went to the Twins game with his dad, sister and brother in law. That group is always a good time. The only bad part was that we couldn't see the jumbotron and the seats behind us one 10$ to the food stands for being US Bank porch "fans of the game" urgh.. We also managed to walk (literally) into Matt's step brother Adam and see Ryan, Abby and Dana too.. Small world right?
Friday we drove up to Duluth and had lunch with my family and Payton. She is so stinken cute, I wish I could have seen her more.. And everyone else too. And I feel like I wanna make up for lost time. And I dont want her to forget her Auntie Kaylee. Friday night I had a sleep over with my friends at Black Bear, while Matt had his So Called Myth Reunion show.
Wedding Saturday! After one hair fiasco, pictures and some tears, it was time to party the night away. It was a good time. My friends all looked beautiful. We clean up nice and know how to have a fun time :) Thankfully Matt had told me to stop drinking early or else I would have been hung over for Pam's shower I helped throw on Sunday. It was really nice to see my friends and catch up. It's unfortunate that we could only hang out a few hours, but I'll take what I can get. Next time I get home, Pam will have a 4 month old baby boy and Amy will have a newborn! Holy Moly! Crazy.
Sunday afternoon we were able to hang out and eat dinner with my family. Clara, Jon and Arie were even able to stop by. Arie and Payton were so funny. They were so curious about each other. It was also really good to see my grandma since she was diagnosed with cancer. She seemed very upbeat and positive, which made it very easy for me to be so far away.
Monday afternoon after lunch at McKenzies, (shocker..) Matt, my mom and I drove to Tanger and met Clara so we could stay the night at the Haycraft's. It was sad to leave my mom. I tried to hold in the tears, and think I did a good job of it.. So, we had a good relaxing Monday and remembered to check into our flights early so we got good seating numbers and got to sit next to each other :)
That's pretty much our trip back to Minnesota in a nut shell.. Now I can't wait to see my friends and family again :) Sorry if it doesnt make sense and skips a lot.. I just go with the flow...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Small update.
So it has been a long long time since my last blog. I can't blame on it on not having time. At work it seems like all I have is time, and I dont know where it goes. I think I spend 40% of my day zoned out 30% thinking about food 10% day dreaming or planning and 20% actually doing work.. ugh. And since we got back from Minnesota my senses are on high alert because of all the robberies going on...
The weekend before we went to Minnesota, the family went on a hike. I can't think of the name right now, but it was long and amazing! (For you SATC fans that made me think of long, pink amazing... ahahaah oh Sam) I packed up a lunch while Matt put the kids in the truck and off we went. We stopped on the way at a park/boat landing for lunch. It was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and not to hot or cold either.
After navigating through roads with directions like : take the 3rd left onto rocky road, go over the bridge, we'll call this bridge road take a right onto pothole lane and look for the 3rd tree with a pink ribbon. Watch out, it might have a monkey in it... okay that was a slight exageration. But those were pretty much the directions. It seemed like every tree had a pink riboon on it!
We began our trek up the mountain. It was a total of 5 miles. And took us about 2 hours to get to the top and an hour back down... We let the dogs run wild, so I didnt have Dude to help pull me up the hill, so it was a good workout. The "payoff" as I refer to it was beautiful. I feel so lucky. I know people back home would love to see this and I live an hour away. At the top, we were straight across from Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Adams and Reiner. Matt will post pictures on facebook soon. Until then, use your imagination. It was the best day for this hike though. If there was one cloud in teh sky, it woulda chopped off the top of one of the Mountain tops.
On a side note, I also had to go to the bar at 10am to watch the Vikings game. I say "had to" when really I went along for the breakfast.. and so Matt wouldnt have to sit alone. :)
The weekend before we went to Minnesota, the family went on a hike. I can't think of the name right now, but it was long and amazing! (For you SATC fans that made me think of long, pink amazing... ahahaah oh Sam) I packed up a lunch while Matt put the kids in the truck and off we went. We stopped on the way at a park/boat landing for lunch. It was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and not to hot or cold either.
After navigating through roads with directions like : take the 3rd left onto rocky road, go over the bridge, we'll call this bridge road take a right onto pothole lane and look for the 3rd tree with a pink ribbon. Watch out, it might have a monkey in it... okay that was a slight exageration. But those were pretty much the directions. It seemed like every tree had a pink riboon on it!
We began our trek up the mountain. It was a total of 5 miles. And took us about 2 hours to get to the top and an hour back down... We let the dogs run wild, so I didnt have Dude to help pull me up the hill, so it was a good workout. The "payoff" as I refer to it was beautiful. I feel so lucky. I know people back home would love to see this and I live an hour away. At the top, we were straight across from Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Adams and Reiner. Matt will post pictures on facebook soon. Until then, use your imagination. It was the best day for this hike though. If there was one cloud in teh sky, it woulda chopped off the top of one of the Mountain tops.
On a side note, I also had to go to the bar at 10am to watch the Vikings game. I say "had to" when really I went along for the breakfast.. and so Matt wouldnt have to sit alone. :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Seattle the 3rd
I have been meaning to update my blog for some time now.. oops..
Recently we havnt been up to much.. Okay, thats a lie. Last weekend, well 2 weekends ago, Lori and Brian came to visit. Matt had an awesome itinerary made... Here it goes:
After work Friday, we drove out to the coast. We made it to Cannon Beach for sunset. It was amazing. The weather was great. So much better than my first time to the Pacific Ocean. Matt wanted to see Cannon Beach because a part from The Goonies was shot there, Haystack Rock (the 3 rocks in the movie) We had some really good pizza and stopped at Seaside another touristy place before settling in at our motel in Astoria.
Saturday morning we got up an at em early. Matt has us scheduled for breakfast from 730-830. The continental breakfast at the motel was filling. Okay, that was a huge joke. It was a motel.. no huge breakfast. but they had larger muffins cut in fours. They were good. Anways, we hit the road and ended up along the Columbia River on the docks watching some Sea Lions. I was in love. The way that some of them interacted was so cute. There were some that spooned, some that swam together and some that barked at each other. Okay, that part wasnt cute, but they were everywhere and it was a blast to watch them. Yes, I am a little pathetic with my likings of the sea lions.
We did a hike to the oldest lighthouse in Washington and made our way to Seattle.
We met up with friends that the Kapings know that live near Seattle. We started out at Joeys and had an app. After, went to this Dukes Chowder house. Our tour guide Jeff said this was the best chowder in Seattle. So he got all the kinds of chowder and we passed them around. I pretty much dipped my spoon in the sauce and ate the bread. The sauce was pretty good though. After we went to another bar. If I remembered the name I would tell you, but George Castanza had been there before. But I had the best piece of meat there. It was filet mignon bites and it was delicish. I also had some spicy popcorn type shrimp. I am broadening my horizons. We decided to hit up some downtown bars and ended up getting picked up in a lincoln navigator.. so much better than a taxi.. I didnt fear for my life, and we arrived in style :)
Sunday morning we rode the ducks! It was fun to learn more about Seattle and see some more that we hadn't on our previous trips. The duck is a bus type thing that can go in the water.. It was kinda scary but pretty cool.
After the ducks we walked down to the waterfront. Matt and I had a fresh peach from the pikes place market, it was sooo good. Lori, also had gotten some fresh made potato chips... yummm.. We also ate lunch down there.. I opted for the 3 cheese and avocado sandwich as again, everything on the menu was pretty much fish/shrimp :)
Sunday night we had old spaghetti factory and met up with Matts friend Turner. We went to this bar and I had the best on the rocks margarita.
Monday we walked to the tallest building in Seattle and rode the elevator to the 72nd floor. It actually puts you higher than the space needle and gives you an awesome view! We then ate lunch at Serious Pie. We had heard about it in Rachel Ray's magazine. I was thinking I'd get the best pepperoni pizza of my life.. I was suprised when the pizzas were more gormet and made of all these crazy ingredients. But it was still good. And to top it off we ended our Seattle vacation with a "dance party with holly hobby" cupcake from cupcake royale :) yummm
Recently we havnt been up to much.. Okay, thats a lie. Last weekend, well 2 weekends ago, Lori and Brian came to visit. Matt had an awesome itinerary made... Here it goes:
After work Friday, we drove out to the coast. We made it to Cannon Beach for sunset. It was amazing. The weather was great. So much better than my first time to the Pacific Ocean. Matt wanted to see Cannon Beach because a part from The Goonies was shot there, Haystack Rock (the 3 rocks in the movie) We had some really good pizza and stopped at Seaside another touristy place before settling in at our motel in Astoria.
Saturday morning we got up an at em early. Matt has us scheduled for breakfast from 730-830. The continental breakfast at the motel was filling. Okay, that was a huge joke. It was a motel.. no huge breakfast. but they had larger muffins cut in fours. They were good. Anways, we hit the road and ended up along the Columbia River on the docks watching some Sea Lions. I was in love. The way that some of them interacted was so cute. There were some that spooned, some that swam together and some that barked at each other. Okay, that part wasnt cute, but they were everywhere and it was a blast to watch them. Yes, I am a little pathetic with my likings of the sea lions.
We did a hike to the oldest lighthouse in Washington and made our way to Seattle.
We met up with friends that the Kapings know that live near Seattle. We started out at Joeys and had an app. After, went to this Dukes Chowder house. Our tour guide Jeff said this was the best chowder in Seattle. So he got all the kinds of chowder and we passed them around. I pretty much dipped my spoon in the sauce and ate the bread. The sauce was pretty good though. After we went to another bar. If I remembered the name I would tell you, but George Castanza had been there before. But I had the best piece of meat there. It was filet mignon bites and it was delicish. I also had some spicy popcorn type shrimp. I am broadening my horizons. We decided to hit up some downtown bars and ended up getting picked up in a lincoln navigator.. so much better than a taxi.. I didnt fear for my life, and we arrived in style :)
Sunday morning we rode the ducks! It was fun to learn more about Seattle and see some more that we hadn't on our previous trips. The duck is a bus type thing that can go in the water.. It was kinda scary but pretty cool.
After the ducks we walked down to the waterfront. Matt and I had a fresh peach from the pikes place market, it was sooo good. Lori, also had gotten some fresh made potato chips... yummm.. We also ate lunch down there.. I opted for the 3 cheese and avocado sandwich as again, everything on the menu was pretty much fish/shrimp :)
Sunday night we had old spaghetti factory and met up with Matts friend Turner. We went to this bar and I had the best on the rocks margarita.
Monday we walked to the tallest building in Seattle and rode the elevator to the 72nd floor. It actually puts you higher than the space needle and gives you an awesome view! We then ate lunch at Serious Pie. We had heard about it in Rachel Ray's magazine. I was thinking I'd get the best pepperoni pizza of my life.. I was suprised when the pizzas were more gormet and made of all these crazy ingredients. But it was still good. And to top it off we ended our Seattle vacation with a "dance party with holly hobby" cupcake from cupcake royale :) yummm
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Simple things
Not much new going on here lately. Matt, Jolley and I went up to Seattle to watch the Twins take on the Mariners. I was pleasantly surprised when Matt told me it was free Ichiro t-shirt day. Who doesn't love a free shirt? We got seats for the bleachers but ended up standing around the concourse at some bar type counter overlooking the game. It was actually pretty nice since we spent 3 hours driving up there. I was pretty excited the twins won and the weather was nice. Couldn't have asked for a better day at the ball park.
I also applied for graduate school last week. I also have to register for 2 tests that I need to pass before I finish my 4th class. However I am a little annoyed because it is a test that people who already have their bachelors in education take to receive their license in Oregon or Washington. So that means I need to study really hard. AND the test is expensive to take.. ugh.. Oh well. I'm gonna go to the library to see if they have a study guide book or something.. I need to pass the first time I don't want to spend money retaking a test .
Alright, on to my topic of the day.. I have spent a lot of time trying to think of a title for today, but nothing came to mind. I have however been thinking a lot about what has made me happy in my time out here in Washington and really, they are the simple things.
It has been hard for me to be happy and positive while being out here. Here is where I go on about what makes me unhappy and frustrated: I am not working at a job I love. I don't have the co workers to make friends and my hours are long. Money is always a sore spot as I have a bachelors degree and am working as a teller.. its temporary I have to tell myself. It's also hard to hear about everything that is going on back home and I can't help or be able to join. My grandma was diagnosed with cancer and has had a few issues come up. I so want to be there for my mom (and grandma too) I can tell she is struggling to wrap her mind around everything and me being gone, doesn't help her. I just really want to be there for them...
I also have a lot of friends who have lots going on with new and coming babies, engagements, weddings, growing kids, life and I want to to be able to see them. I miss my friends. It sucks to not be able to see them. Everyone is busy and rarely gets together. But I still miss them. But then I have to take a step back and realize I have a lot of opportunities out here that I need to take advantage of an that they don't get to be a part of it either.. Such is life.. Just gotta remember I can always call them, stalk them on facebook, send texts and emails and snail mail. I love getting mail ;) And its great that when I come back everyone wants to get together and will!
The simple things. I've included a video of Dude and Jersey from Sunday night before we went to the dog park.. My camera work is not the best.. you need to adjust your head :)
I also applied for graduate school last week. I also have to register for 2 tests that I need to pass before I finish my 4th class. However I am a little annoyed because it is a test that people who already have their bachelors in education take to receive their license in Oregon or Washington. So that means I need to study really hard. AND the test is expensive to take.. ugh.. Oh well. I'm gonna go to the library to see if they have a study guide book or something.. I need to pass the first time I don't want to spend money retaking a test .
Alright, on to my topic of the day.. I have spent a lot of time trying to think of a title for today, but nothing came to mind. I have however been thinking a lot about what has made me happy in my time out here in Washington and really, they are the simple things.
It has been hard for me to be happy and positive while being out here. Here is where I go on about what makes me unhappy and frustrated: I am not working at a job I love. I don't have the co workers to make friends and my hours are long. Money is always a sore spot as I have a bachelors degree and am working as a teller.. its temporary I have to tell myself. It's also hard to hear about everything that is going on back home and I can't help or be able to join. My grandma was diagnosed with cancer and has had a few issues come up. I so want to be there for my mom (and grandma too) I can tell she is struggling to wrap her mind around everything and me being gone, doesn't help her. I just really want to be there for them...
I also have a lot of friends who have lots going on with new and coming babies, engagements, weddings, growing kids, life and I want to to be able to see them. I miss my friends. It sucks to not be able to see them. Everyone is busy and rarely gets together. But I still miss them. But then I have to take a step back and realize I have a lot of opportunities out here that I need to take advantage of an that they don't get to be a part of it either.. Such is life.. Just gotta remember I can always call them, stalk them on facebook, send texts and emails and snail mail. I love getting mail ;) And its great that when I come back everyone wants to get together and will!
The simple things. I've included a video of Dude and Jersey from Sunday night before we went to the dog park.. My camera work is not the best.. you need to adjust your head :)
They make me laugh..
I also bought the dogs a new toy on Sunday.. It has since been demolished.
So here goes my list:
I love seeing a Mountain everyday.
We are so close to the beach/river
The hikes out here are endless
Tax free shopping in Oregon. (only a 15 minute drive to Target)
The ocean is only a couple hours away
I love that Matt makes the dogs "talk" (or he talks for them) to me when I talk to them
Matt makes excellent dinners
Seeing and hearing the trains go by my house reminds me of being at my greatgrandmas house when I was little
I love my family of Jersey, Dude and Matt.. Rarely is there a dull moment. ( I just caught Dude digging. He was knee deep in dirt.. I should have taken a picture. He is now in time out and Jersey is playing with her toys on the stairs and making a racket)
So what I've figured out is that no matter how upset or sad I get, there are things out here that make me happy. I shouldn't dwell on what I can't do, it should be what I can do and have done..
On a good end note, Matt and I will be home in less than 30 days! AND we have his mom and step dad coming in 10 days! Can't wait for a mini vacation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)