Growing up, we would get snow days with as little as a couple inches of snow. But we didn't care. It was snow! We would meticulously scoop up the snow from the yard and build a snowman. Or if we were really lucky, a snow fort. Of course, the once beautifully white yard was now bare again, but we had something to show for it.
Two years ago, my first winter in Spokane, was also my first academic year at EWU. It was a pretty hard winter. I trudged through the snow up hill [but only one way;)]to get to class. We only lived about a mile from school, and since our car had recently died, Bob drove the other one to work. I loved walking in the snow. It was exciting. And peaceful. And soooo beautiful. There wasn't much time during that winter that we didn't have snow on the ground. Christmas Eve we got snowed in at Mom and Dad's. It was a great winter. But school kept going, even though we had all that snow, until one night we got about 18 inches. They canceled school because the plows couldn't keep up, and there was no place for off-campus students to park.
But this morning when I woke up, I checked my e-mail on my cell. I received a lovely message from a classmate, informing me that we had no school today. Inconceivable! There's only about 4-6 inches on the ground max. Oh well, I'll take it.
I've needed some down time. Yesterday, every spare block of time was accounted for for the next 2 weeks of the quarter. So many group projects. Research, pediatrics, assistive technology, and emerging practice all have group projects this quarter. So today is a welcomed break from that. Today I can take the time to catch up on things in life that are truly important. Like preparing for those group projects (just kidding... but I will take advantage of this time and get a head start). No, but seriously. Time for Bob. Time for devotions, and not just those hurried ones I'm unfortunately accustomed to. Time for me. It's going to be a wonderful day. :)
Showing posts with label Home/Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home/Family. Show all posts
2.24.2011
2.21.2011
Some interesting thoughts on life
As I was perusing stumbleupon.com, I found this "handbook". I thought it had some good reminders, so I decided to pass it on:
Handbook for Life… 2010
Cross Posted (& Edited) from Linda’s Yoga Journey
HEALTH:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to meditate. (Or praying and listening)
6. (Breathe)
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
PERSONALITY:
11. Comparing our lives to others is fruitless. We have no idea what their journey is about.
12. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones especially about things out of our control. Invest energy in the positive present moment.
13. Try not to over do. Understand limits.
14. Why take ourselves so seriously. No one else does.
15. Gossip drains precious energy.
16. Dream more while we are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. We already have all we need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Let go of our partners mistakes of the past. Focus on our present/future happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Make peace with our past so it won’t spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of our happiness except us.
22. Realize that life is a school and we are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons we learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. We don’t have to win arguments. It’s ok to agree to disagree.
SOCIETY:
25. Call your family often. (Something I need to work on!)
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is insignificant compared to what you think of yourself.
31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & family will. Stay in touch.
LIFE:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. (Higher powers) heal everything. [ie God :)]
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how we feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When we awake alive in the morning, be thankful.
39. Our Inner most is always happy. Release your “Inner Happy” on the world every day!
Handbook for Life… 2010
Cross Posted (& Edited) from Linda’s Yoga Journey
HEALTH:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to meditate. (Or praying and listening)
6. (Breathe)
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
PERSONALITY:
11. Comparing our lives to others is fruitless. We have no idea what their journey is about.
12. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones especially about things out of our control. Invest energy in the positive present moment.
13. Try not to over do. Understand limits.
14. Why take ourselves so seriously. No one else does.
15. Gossip drains precious energy.
16. Dream more while we are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. We already have all we need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Let go of our partners mistakes of the past. Focus on our present/future happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Make peace with our past so it won’t spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of our happiness except us.
22. Realize that life is a school and we are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons we learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. We don’t have to win arguments. It’s ok to agree to disagree.
SOCIETY:
25. Call your family often. (Something I need to work on!)
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is insignificant compared to what you think of yourself.
31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & family will. Stay in touch.
LIFE:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. (Higher powers) heal everything. [ie God :)]
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how we feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When we awake alive in the morning, be thankful.
39. Our Inner most is always happy. Release your “Inner Happy” on the world every day!
2.15.2011
V-day quote
Funny v-day quote from yesterday (used with permission, of course).
B: "What should we do?"
K: "I'm going to clean up the kitchen."
B: "Oh, don't worry about those... (here I"m thinking oh, how sweet! He's going to do them for me!)... they'll be there tomorrow"
Ha ha ha.... I just had to laugh. :)
B: "What should we do?"
K: "I'm going to clean up the kitchen."
B: "Oh, don't worry about those... (here I"m thinking oh, how sweet! He's going to do them for me!)... they'll be there tomorrow"
Ha ha ha.... I just had to laugh. :)
2.14.2011
Memoirs of a Hopeless Romantic
• Being scared out of my skin (not quite literally) when some guy came through a previously non-existent door (at least in my mind) while I was diligently working at Rogers.
• Weeks later when the same guy introduced himself to me while I was at the copier, after pacing between his office (which was near the printer) and the server room. I learned that his name was Bob and that he was the computer administrator for the school
• Seeing him the following fall quarter after church, visiting with some mutual friends. Wishing him a “happy Sabbath” and receiving one in return.
• Finding a letter the next morning, asking if I would be interested in going on a date, and sharing that he was interested in getting to know me better.
• Walking to the cafe from Spanish class and finding that this guy is waiting for me. Again. So he can walk over with me and eat together at the cafe.
• Deciding on Dairy Queen for our first date, after ruling out several activities that I wasn’t able to do. Neither one of us wanted to tell the other that we were already anticipating the stomach ache that the ice cream inevitably would cause both of us.
• Visiting over icecream and fries until they turned the lights out on us. Surprised that time could go so fast. Discovering that we shared the same interests, values, and morals. This was too good to be true! Something was different about this guy.
• Driving back from the date and being asked if I was interested in a second date as he dropped me off at Foreman. Hesitating, and saying “maybe”. (Poor guy!)
• Going to the Barn Party together, after being coerced into letting him drive me (not really, but I was tricked ;) Meeting some of his friends for the first time.
• Going to the Jeremy Camp concert together, after I can’t find anybody else to go with (again, poor guy!). I didn’t want to be as forward as to ask him on a date. That would be encouraging him! Getting lost on the way back and stopping by my aunt and uncle’s since I know how to get back from there. Introducing him to my first family member, uncle Mark.
• A walk at Rooks park with him and my roommate, Amanda, after church. Remembering that everything seemed so vibrant and alive. And feeling so happy.
• Shortly after, perhaps the next week, celebrating Amanda’s grandmother’s birthday at The Modern. Not being quite sure how to introduce him to them. Getting teased by friends.
• Saying good-bye at Thanksgiving. Now this was an awkward time for a holiday. Our friendship was just on the verge of becoming something more and we had to spend the time apart. But there were many phone calls.
• Driving out to South Fork the Sunday after we got back into town. Me anticipating the question, him wondering if it was too soon to ask (we’d only really known each other for a month, after all).
• Talking a couple days later about where we thought it might be going. Ran to health class after giving him my Dad’s number, sitting through a lecture I have no recollection of.
• That same day, was asked to meet him in front of one of the guy’s dorms to walk to supper with him. Walking out and not seeing anyone, when he steps out with a bouquet of flowers and asks if I will be his girlfriend. Giddily saying yes and sharing the happy news with all my friends and family.
• Having our pictures taken by some friends. Awkwardly standing close in the freezing outside weather, documenting the start of our new relationship.
• An impromptu visit from my family after church the following Sabbath. My parents and sister approving, my little brother full of naive comments and questions. ;)
• Holding hands for the first time, a week after we started dating. Feeling nervous and giddy. Being so grateful for having a supportive and understanding boyfriend who wasn’t in a rush.
• A walk later that fall on a Sabbath afternoon. While walking down 12th Ave. and just before turning onto Bade, hearing the question, “What would you say if I told you I loved you.” Being speechless for a few seconds, almost scared, before replying, “I’d tell you that I love you too.” Realizing that I meant it with all my heart.
• Every day following, falling more in more in love with my new best friend. Wondering what the future held.
• Later that same day acting like kids iceskating with friends at the Chalet. Later that evening talking about deep issues, becoming even closer. A comment about marriage in the future, an agreement in response. Perhaps summer after next? *blush*
• Splitting time for the Christmas holiday between our families. Meeting his parents. And brothers. Feeling at home right away, feeling like I was family. Realizing that I felt as though I belonged.
• Going to WWC’s Valentine’s Banquet at the Whitman. Going for coffee afterwards, but finding that the shop was already closed. Sitting in the car listening to Selah’s “Bless the Broken Road” CD together instead.
• Moving out of the dorm the following March on my 19th birthday into Grandma's home. After all, I didn’t need to worry about LLU’s requirements. EWU’s prereqs for the OT program were fulfilled. And I felt a certain pull towards that area. ;)
• Saying good-bye after camp meeting when he had to leave for camp. Realizing that it felt like my heart was ripped in two.
• Spending time with my family at my grandparents’ place in MT. Wondering at my parent’s sudden questions about his long-term plans and goals in life.
• Being dropped off at camp, followed by a drive-by cake drop-off at the Olive Garden with camp’s bus. ;)
• Getting the surprise of my life when, after returning to camp, he pop’s the question after helping me get settled at our friend’s house. OUR FIRST KISS!!
• The next morning when he picked me up for breakfast. Feeling conspicuous with a beautiful ring on my finger. Joyfully sharing the news with anyone who would listen. Desperately trying to find enough cell service to call family and friends to share the good news.
• Watching the fireworks that night over Lake CDA . Feeling like all of America was celebrating with us.
• Returning to Grandma's and continuing to count down the days until you would be back from camp. Splurging on wedding magazines and beginning to plan our wedding.
• Surprise visits when he was able to get away from camp. Celebrating his birthday together.
• The day he got home from camp. Getting to see him every day. Now counting down the days until we would be married.
• Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to go to work. While in the shower, smelling savory scents wafting from the kitchen under the bathroom door and hearing the muted clanging of pots and pans. Coming out and finding that my fiancé had made a full breakfast for me.
• Walking out to the car from Grandma's at 5:30 to drive to work and jumping out of my skin because yet again he's yet again gotten up hours before he's needed to so he can surprise me and spend some time with me as he drives me to work.
• Trying on wedding dresses at different locations with family and friends. Finding the perfect one.
• Planning the wedding together, finalizing the program. Having our engagement pictures taken by Bill. Making the invitations with Grandma Lenz, dropping them off at Bridal Veil.
• Our rehearsal and dinner. Realizing it was my last day a single lady. A midnight run to Walmart with my sister to get contact lens solution. Having the hardest time going to sleep.
• Waking up way early. Getting ready for the big event. Arriving at the garden and making the final preparations. Hanging out with my mom, bridesmaids and flower girls, waiting for it to be time.
• Walking down the aisle with my Daddy and looking up to see my handsome groom waiting for me. Being surrounded by family and friends.
• Realizing it, only when he introduced us as “Mr. and Mrs. __________”, that it was REAL and we were finally married!
• Driving off in my uncle’s antique car through the streets of the small college town, beginning the next chapter of our life’s story.
• Weeks later when the same guy introduced himself to me while I was at the copier, after pacing between his office (which was near the printer) and the server room. I learned that his name was Bob and that he was the computer administrator for the school
• Seeing him the following fall quarter after church, visiting with some mutual friends. Wishing him a “happy Sabbath” and receiving one in return.
• Finding a letter the next morning, asking if I would be interested in going on a date, and sharing that he was interested in getting to know me better.
• Walking to the cafe from Spanish class and finding that this guy is waiting for me. Again. So he can walk over with me and eat together at the cafe.
• Deciding on Dairy Queen for our first date, after ruling out several activities that I wasn’t able to do. Neither one of us wanted to tell the other that we were already anticipating the stomach ache that the ice cream inevitably would cause both of us.
• Visiting over icecream and fries until they turned the lights out on us. Surprised that time could go so fast. Discovering that we shared the same interests, values, and morals. This was too good to be true! Something was different about this guy.
• Driving back from the date and being asked if I was interested in a second date as he dropped me off at Foreman. Hesitating, and saying “maybe”. (Poor guy!)
• Going to the Barn Party together, after being coerced into letting him drive me (not really, but I was tricked ;) Meeting some of his friends for the first time.
• Going to the Jeremy Camp concert together, after I can’t find anybody else to go with (again, poor guy!). I didn’t want to be as forward as to ask him on a date. That would be encouraging him! Getting lost on the way back and stopping by my aunt and uncle’s since I know how to get back from there. Introducing him to my first family member, uncle Mark.
• A walk at Rooks park with him and my roommate, Amanda, after church. Remembering that everything seemed so vibrant and alive. And feeling so happy.
• Shortly after, perhaps the next week, celebrating Amanda’s grandmother’s birthday at The Modern. Not being quite sure how to introduce him to them. Getting teased by friends.
• Saying good-bye at Thanksgiving. Now this was an awkward time for a holiday. Our friendship was just on the verge of becoming something more and we had to spend the time apart. But there were many phone calls.
• Driving out to South Fork the Sunday after we got back into town. Me anticipating the question, him wondering if it was too soon to ask (we’d only really known each other for a month, after all).
• Talking a couple days later about where we thought it might be going. Ran to health class after giving him my Dad’s number, sitting through a lecture I have no recollection of.
• That same day, was asked to meet him in front of one of the guy’s dorms to walk to supper with him. Walking out and not seeing anyone, when he steps out with a bouquet of flowers and asks if I will be his girlfriend. Giddily saying yes and sharing the happy news with all my friends and family.
• Having our pictures taken by some friends. Awkwardly standing close in the freezing outside weather, documenting the start of our new relationship.
• An impromptu visit from my family after church the following Sabbath. My parents and sister approving, my little brother full of naive comments and questions. ;)
• Holding hands for the first time, a week after we started dating. Feeling nervous and giddy. Being so grateful for having a supportive and understanding boyfriend who wasn’t in a rush.
• A walk later that fall on a Sabbath afternoon. While walking down 12th Ave. and just before turning onto Bade, hearing the question, “What would you say if I told you I loved you.” Being speechless for a few seconds, almost scared, before replying, “I’d tell you that I love you too.” Realizing that I meant it with all my heart.
• Every day following, falling more in more in love with my new best friend. Wondering what the future held.
• Later that same day acting like kids iceskating with friends at the Chalet. Later that evening talking about deep issues, becoming even closer. A comment about marriage in the future, an agreement in response. Perhaps summer after next? *blush*
• Splitting time for the Christmas holiday between our families. Meeting his parents. And brothers. Feeling at home right away, feeling like I was family. Realizing that I felt as though I belonged.
• Going to WWC’s Valentine’s Banquet at the Whitman. Going for coffee afterwards, but finding that the shop was already closed. Sitting in the car listening to Selah’s “Bless the Broken Road” CD together instead.
• Moving out of the dorm the following March on my 19th birthday into Grandma's home. After all, I didn’t need to worry about LLU’s requirements. EWU’s prereqs for the OT program were fulfilled. And I felt a certain pull towards that area. ;)
• Saying good-bye after camp meeting when he had to leave for camp. Realizing that it felt like my heart was ripped in two.
• Spending time with my family at my grandparents’ place in MT. Wondering at my parent’s sudden questions about his long-term plans and goals in life.
• Being dropped off at camp, followed by a drive-by cake drop-off at the Olive Garden with camp’s bus. ;)
• Getting the surprise of my life when, after returning to camp, he pop’s the question after helping me get settled at our friend’s house. OUR FIRST KISS!!
• The next morning when he picked me up for breakfast. Feeling conspicuous with a beautiful ring on my finger. Joyfully sharing the news with anyone who would listen. Desperately trying to find enough cell service to call family and friends to share the good news.
• Watching the fireworks that night over Lake CDA . Feeling like all of America was celebrating with us.
• Returning to Grandma's and continuing to count down the days until you would be back from camp. Splurging on wedding magazines and beginning to plan our wedding.
• Surprise visits when he was able to get away from camp. Celebrating his birthday together.
• The day he got home from camp. Getting to see him every day. Now counting down the days until we would be married.
• Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to go to work. While in the shower, smelling savory scents wafting from the kitchen under the bathroom door and hearing the muted clanging of pots and pans. Coming out and finding that my fiancé had made a full breakfast for me.
• Walking out to the car from Grandma's at 5:30 to drive to work and jumping out of my skin because yet again he's yet again gotten up hours before he's needed to so he can surprise me and spend some time with me as he drives me to work.
• Trying on wedding dresses at different locations with family and friends. Finding the perfect one.
• Planning the wedding together, finalizing the program. Having our engagement pictures taken by Bill. Making the invitations with Grandma Lenz, dropping them off at Bridal Veil.
• Our rehearsal and dinner. Realizing it was my last day a single lady. A midnight run to Walmart with my sister to get contact lens solution. Having the hardest time going to sleep.
• Waking up way early. Getting ready for the big event. Arriving at the garden and making the final preparations. Hanging out with my mom, bridesmaids and flower girls, waiting for it to be time.
• Walking down the aisle with my Daddy and looking up to see my handsome groom waiting for me. Being surrounded by family and friends.
• Realizing it, only when he introduced us as “Mr. and Mrs. __________”, that it was REAL and we were finally married!
• Driving off in my uncle’s antique car through the streets of the small college town, beginning the next chapter of our life’s story.
2.07.2011
Exciting News?
Lately I've been amazed yet again of how many of my friends have had exciting news to share. Engagements, having babies, announcing their expecting a baby, weddings... I could go on and on. At first I was kinda bummed. No news here. But then I realized that that's okay. In fact, that's actually wonderful. It's nice to have things "as is" for awhile. I love where we are at. I'm blessed with an adoring husband whose love amazes me daily. We are blessed to live in a beautiful, comfortable home. I have been blessed with amazing family and friends. And I am almost done with school.
Soon it will be busy enough with all sorts of change: graduation, internships, and then finding a job. And somewhere down the road we'll have exciting news. But for now... I'm just enjoying not having any news, and enjoying the moment. :)
Soon it will be busy enough with all sorts of change: graduation, internships, and then finding a job. And somewhere down the road we'll have exciting news. But for now... I'm just enjoying not having any news, and enjoying the moment. :)
11.22.2010
Cold, alone, worried, acused, scared and in pain
I feel cold, alone, and worried. Cold because it's freezing outside. Alone because I haven't been able to talk with my husband all day, and worried because of all the snow and traveling in it.
Bob was still at home when I left for school this morning. Roads were awful getting down our hill. Didn't hear from Bob at lunch, hoping at least he got to work safely. He was supposed to stay for a staff meeting beginning at 7 (they typically last 2+ hours), but was thinking of going to his parents for awhile between work and the meeting. Still haven't heard anything and cell is now dead, which for some reason also makes it so I can't get through on his office line. No response on e-mail either. Argh! Just hope everything's okay.
I feel frustrated and accused. I'm frustrated because no matter what we do for Storm, it doesn't work. Today I got home and the neighbor came over and told me that she had been out all day and that the neighbors 3 houses down were keeping her. I feel accused because of statements from neighbors such as, "Is she going to be inside tonight, you know it's really too cold for her to be outside," or "You know she's been out all day. We couldn't call because she doesn't have her collar" and, "I don't know what kind of collar doesn't break. OUR dog has free reign of our yard." WELL MINE WOULD TOO IF THE CRAZY THING DIDN'T JUMP IT! And she didn't have her collar because SHE BROKE IT! And of course I'm not going to leave her outside in the blizzard and single digit temperatures. Pretty sure these are the neighbors that reported us to animal control.
I feel accused. Like I'm a negligent and abusive pet owner. We do our best for her. Yes- we leave her outside during the day. But she has shelter, food and water. More than we can say for lots of people out there right now. But nobody cares about that, let's make sure our animals are taken care of. Stupid. Yes I care about our animal. But she's that- an animal.
I'm also extremely frustrated. At school we have to get in 10 hours for a "community experience". Some classmates were assigned to an adaptive sports program, others to a women's shelter, and I was assigned to the local veteran's home. The other two programs had variable times you could go get your hours. But mine doesn't. Tuesday from 2-4pm. Written in stone. I don't know why. I just go and visit with my client in his room. I could do that any time. But our professors aren't moving. Most of my classmates are now on Thanksgiving break. But not me. So about the time the UCA bus (driven by my husband) is passing through the Tri-cities, I'll be beginning my 2 hour stretch of my community experience, spending time with a client who would rather not spend his time with me. I'll come home to an empty cold house, and start out the next morning to drive through the dicey roads on my own. Oh wait, not on my own. Storm will be there. Can't leave her home and let the neighbors watch her for us. We learned last time what happens when we do that.
Oh- and I went to the chiroporactor today, got some work done, and my shoulder hurts like the blazes. And he mentioned two separate surgeries, not for the first time.
Hope the rest of you are feeling more optimistic right now. I am feeling quite down.
Bob was still at home when I left for school this morning. Roads were awful getting down our hill. Didn't hear from Bob at lunch, hoping at least he got to work safely. He was supposed to stay for a staff meeting beginning at 7 (they typically last 2+ hours), but was thinking of going to his parents for awhile between work and the meeting. Still haven't heard anything and cell is now dead, which for some reason also makes it so I can't get through on his office line. No response on e-mail either. Argh! Just hope everything's okay.
I feel frustrated and accused. I'm frustrated because no matter what we do for Storm, it doesn't work. Today I got home and the neighbor came over and told me that she had been out all day and that the neighbors 3 houses down were keeping her. I feel accused because of statements from neighbors such as, "Is she going to be inside tonight, you know it's really too cold for her to be outside," or "You know she's been out all day. We couldn't call because she doesn't have her collar" and, "I don't know what kind of collar doesn't break. OUR dog has free reign of our yard." WELL MINE WOULD TOO IF THE CRAZY THING DIDN'T JUMP IT! And she didn't have her collar because SHE BROKE IT! And of course I'm not going to leave her outside in the blizzard and single digit temperatures. Pretty sure these are the neighbors that reported us to animal control.
I feel accused. Like I'm a negligent and abusive pet owner. We do our best for her. Yes- we leave her outside during the day. But she has shelter, food and water. More than we can say for lots of people out there right now. But nobody cares about that, let's make sure our animals are taken care of. Stupid. Yes I care about our animal. But she's that- an animal.
I'm also extremely frustrated. At school we have to get in 10 hours for a "community experience". Some classmates were assigned to an adaptive sports program, others to a women's shelter, and I was assigned to the local veteran's home. The other two programs had variable times you could go get your hours. But mine doesn't. Tuesday from 2-4pm. Written in stone. I don't know why. I just go and visit with my client in his room. I could do that any time. But our professors aren't moving. Most of my classmates are now on Thanksgiving break. But not me. So about the time the UCA bus (driven by my husband) is passing through the Tri-cities, I'll be beginning my 2 hour stretch of my community experience, spending time with a client who would rather not spend his time with me. I'll come home to an empty cold house, and start out the next morning to drive through the dicey roads on my own. Oh wait, not on my own. Storm will be there. Can't leave her home and let the neighbors watch her for us. We learned last time what happens when we do that.
Oh- and I went to the chiroporactor today, got some work done, and my shoulder hurts like the blazes. And he mentioned two separate surgeries, not for the first time.
Hope the rest of you are feeling more optimistic right now. I am feeling quite down.
10.26.2010
A Sight for Sore... Backs?
I know most of you have probably heard already, but yes- we're getting a hot tub. Hurray! I am ecstatic! Very excited to try it out. Bob has (apparently) been planning on getting one for us for some time, but this last week he let me in on a secret- he was going to one for me for Christmas! Only "problem" is that the ground will be frozen by then, and it would be really hard to install. So... we started looking. And this is what we found.
We can't have it delivered until Nov. 7, but in the mean time, Bob has a new project of creating the pad for it to rest on and implementing the electricity and plumbing needed.
So if any of you are nearby- feel free to come visit. I feel completely spoiled to have such a generous gift, and want to share it! :)
P.S.- to those Kyles reading this, who happened to see pics if they followed the link- is this the same as Jerry and Patti's? It looks pretty close...
We can't have it delivered until Nov. 7, but in the mean time, Bob has a new project of creating the pad for it to rest on and implementing the electricity and plumbing needed.
So if any of you are nearby- feel free to come visit. I feel completely spoiled to have such a generous gift, and want to share it! :)
P.S.- to those Kyles reading this, who happened to see pics if they followed the link- is this the same as Jerry and Patti's? It looks pretty close...
10.12.2010
When it Rains it Pours
First off- I've gotta say this is an amazingly beautiful brisk fall morning. A nice break from the grey skies we've had lately. Don't get me wrong- I love rainy grey weather, but it's definitely nice to see the sun shine through as well.
Lately I have been SO stressed. We've been preparing for the last month now for a practicum that is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I am not as prepared as I would like to be, but fortunately I have done quite a bit of prep work leading up to it. Today I just need to put all the pieces together for the scenarios.
I also am stressed out about something that happened in the last week. In the process, I believe I hurt a friend's feelings. Though I have apologized, I'm still not convinced things are better, and I feel bad about it. I need to think before I speak.
I am also dealing with continued chronic pain. After 2 weeks of tingling/burning/numb sensations in my right leg and arm, I went to the chiropractor today. After a number of assessments, he is quite sure that I have a slipped disc. Oh joy. As if my back doesn't have enough going on. So he said that if I guard it, the likelyhood of it healing on its own is fairly high. However, if I am not careful, surgery could be in my future.
Boo... I am too young for this. Only 23. I have so many active things in my future. He is writing a letter today to the student disability support services of EWU. This will enable my professors to work with my fieldwork sites so that they will be required to accommodate for a lifting restriction (no more than 20 lbs). This leads me to question what area of OT I can realistically go into that won't require this lifting. It's discouraging. Areas that I am interested in may not be reasonable.
What about other areas of life? I want to take my dog on a walk- but that risks re-injuring my still healing impinged rotator cuff, or twisting my back to injure my disc. What about motherhood? Even though that's quite a ways down the road, I do think about it. Pretty sure that requires lifting more than 20 lbs. What about the pregnancy itself? That's some major strain on the back.
Well I should be getting on with my day. Though I feel like I've hit a wall, the world still keeps moving and I need to catch up. Back to studying for the practicum. Thanks for listening, friends. :)
Lately I have been SO stressed. We've been preparing for the last month now for a practicum that is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I am not as prepared as I would like to be, but fortunately I have done quite a bit of prep work leading up to it. Today I just need to put all the pieces together for the scenarios.
I also am stressed out about something that happened in the last week. In the process, I believe I hurt a friend's feelings. Though I have apologized, I'm still not convinced things are better, and I feel bad about it. I need to think before I speak.
I am also dealing with continued chronic pain. After 2 weeks of tingling/burning/numb sensations in my right leg and arm, I went to the chiropractor today. After a number of assessments, he is quite sure that I have a slipped disc. Oh joy. As if my back doesn't have enough going on. So he said that if I guard it, the likelyhood of it healing on its own is fairly high. However, if I am not careful, surgery could be in my future.
Boo... I am too young for this. Only 23. I have so many active things in my future. He is writing a letter today to the student disability support services of EWU. This will enable my professors to work with my fieldwork sites so that they will be required to accommodate for a lifting restriction (no more than 20 lbs). This leads me to question what area of OT I can realistically go into that won't require this lifting. It's discouraging. Areas that I am interested in may not be reasonable.
What about other areas of life? I want to take my dog on a walk- but that risks re-injuring my still healing impinged rotator cuff, or twisting my back to injure my disc. What about motherhood? Even though that's quite a ways down the road, I do think about it. Pretty sure that requires lifting more than 20 lbs. What about the pregnancy itself? That's some major strain on the back.
Well I should be getting on with my day. Though I feel like I've hit a wall, the world still keeps moving and I need to catch up. Back to studying for the practicum. Thanks for listening, friends. :)
8.18.2010
Stupid Internet!!!
Argh. Today was supposed to be our date night at The Old Spaghetti Factory, to celebrate Bob's birthday. We've been looking forward to it for a long time. We haven't seen much of each other the last couple of weeks. My work, though it's not that many hours, keeps me really busy, but Bob's putting in probably 60 hours a week these days. Sometimes it feels like we're roommates. :( We both live here, but don't get to have family time. Meals are the only time we get to talk. And tonight was supposed to be different. But instead of eating right now, he's up on Tower Mountain trying with a group of guys trying to get the internet to work, and I'm all dressed up and waiting, gifts are on the table. Makes me feel a bit blue....
Thanks for "listening". Had to get it out somewhere...
Thanks for "listening". Had to get it out somewhere...
3.09.2010
Our "New Addition"
So a couple of weeks ago when Bob was leading out the worship service at church, he made the announcement that a few weeks prior we had learned that we were going to have a new addition to our family. Of course the whole congregation let out a collective, "Awww!" and turned in their seats to look at my stomach - *AWKWARD!*. Then he told them that the day before (Friday), he'd driven to the St. Maries pet shelter to pick her up. Needless to say, many people were disappointed. But he got their attention. And it's nice to know that we have our church's approval when we do one day get to share that bit of news. :)
Well, we've had our new addition now for the last week and a half. Storm is a 4-5 month old labrador-retriever mix. She's full of love and energy and keeps us on our toes. I'm sure that all this puppy training will be good for all of us, but at the moment it seems a bit overwhelming. Nonetheless we love having her in our family.
Well, we've had our new addition now for the last week and a half. Storm is a 4-5 month old labrador-retriever mix. She's full of love and energy and keeps us on our toes. I'm sure that all this puppy training will be good for all of us, but at the moment it seems a bit overwhelming. Nonetheless we love having her in our family.
3.24.2009
Another Open Door
God has been so good to us! This past year we've faced lots of unknowns- getting married (a good thing, but definitely an adventure!), finding a home, getting settled in a new town, and discovering what God has in store for us as far as work and school.
I have been going to school here since September, aiming at starting the OT program this summer. There are typically 60-70 applicants each year, and 30 are accepted. We have been waiting since the first of February to hear whether or not I got in, and today we got the letter- I'm in! I am ecstatic about this opportunity and truly feel that it is where God is leading me. This career will let me help others lead more fulfilling lives, and let me use the talents God has given me.
Bob has been blessed with a job at the UCC Office off and on for the past 8 months. He was first hired for 3, then for an extra month, and after the December fire, was hired back on. During the months he was not working for the conference, he has had side jobs where people have needed computer help, and God has provided for us. Bob has been promised work at the office through the end of this month. We pray that God will give us the patience to wait on Him and the wisdom to follow His will. It will be interesting to see where God leads him in his work next. :)
I have been going to school here since September, aiming at starting the OT program this summer. There are typically 60-70 applicants each year, and 30 are accepted. We have been waiting since the first of February to hear whether or not I got in, and today we got the letter- I'm in! I am ecstatic about this opportunity and truly feel that it is where God is leading me. This career will let me help others lead more fulfilling lives, and let me use the talents God has given me.
Bob has been blessed with a job at the UCC Office off and on for the past 8 months. He was first hired for 3, then for an extra month, and after the December fire, was hired back on. During the months he was not working for the conference, he has had side jobs where people have needed computer help, and God has provided for us. Bob has been promised work at the office through the end of this month. We pray that God will give us the patience to wait on Him and the wisdom to follow His will. It will be interesting to see where God leads him in his work next. :)
3.20.2009
Celebrating Spring
I don't know about everyone else, but I know this is the longest winter I've ever dealt with. It's the first I've spent this far north, and it's quite different from the usually mild winters I grew up with. I am ecstatic that spring is finally here, and look forward to warmer days ahead!
3.19.2009
Our Newest Addition!
Bob finished repairing our Durango on Monday night, so we were able to have it inspected and licensed Tuesday morning. We're quite excited about this, and look for every opportunity to go driving, as if we're teenagers again who've just gotten their licenses. :) Hopefully this will be a good vehicle for us that will last a long time! 
2.11.2009
Our Home
I think the first time I promised this blog was sometime back in August. I've finally gotten around to it! Yesterday I took a bunch of pictures, and now I get to share them with you! We recently purchased a couch from craigslist.com and it completes our living room nicely!
We used our entertainment center to divide the kitchen from the rest of the living area. We have a projector connected to the computer so we can watch movies our our "big screen". :)
Our walls may appear a bit sparse, but what can you do in a rental that doesn't put any holes in the wall??
Our kitchen. The front door is to the left. This last picture is of the hallway leading to the two bedrooms, the laundry closet, the bathroom, and the garage. But that's for another time. ;)
We used our entertainment center to divide the kitchen from the rest of the living area. We have a projector connected to the computer so we can watch movies our our "big screen". :)
Our walls may appear a bit sparse, but what can you do in a rental that doesn't put any holes in the wall??
Our kitchen. The front door is to the left. This last picture is of the hallway leading to the two bedrooms, the laundry closet, the bathroom, and the garage. But that's for another time. ;)
We got a Durango!
This morning, Bob watched the Insurance Auto Auction online that was taking place in Seattle. We've been watching for reasonably-priced vehicles on craigslist.com and at the auction to get a feel for what we're looking for.
When Bob picked me up from class this afternoon, he surprised me by telling me that we were the owners of a 2000 Dodge Durango! It will require some minor body work, but Bob is already figuring out what it will take to fix it. It's just what we've been looking for! We're very excited. Here is a picture of a durango that is the same year and color:
When Bob picked me up from class this afternoon, he surprised me by telling me that we were the owners of a 2000 Dodge Durango! It will require some minor body work, but Bob is already figuring out what it will take to fix it. It's just what we've been looking for! We're very excited. Here is a picture of a durango that is the same year and color:
1.18.2009
Cold weather pictures
Well... so far I am surviving my first winter in our new home. It has been an adjustment getting used to all of the cold weather, and I will be very grateful when the warmer weather comes in the spring. Instead of hating the frigid temperatures, I decided to go out and try to capture all the beauty that this cold weather brings:
12.18.2008
Winter Wonderland
It's been snowing constantly since early yesterday morning, and it's really been adding up! This morning we woke up and looked outside and the entire landscape was changed. I think this is the most snow this Portland-grown girl has every seen- 16 inches and still falling! You couldn't tell where the sidewalk ended and where the street began, let alone where the sidewalk was!
After breakfast this morning, Bob and I bundled up and went outside. I had fun taking a walk in the knee-deep snow, while Bob diligently shoveled first our sidewalk, and then all of our neighbor's sidewalks on our block. Later today, we're planning on making a trip into "town" to get stuff for the next few days- looks like we won't be going too far in the next few days! Hope all of you are staying safe and warm as well. :)
After breakfast this morning, Bob and I bundled up and went outside. I had fun taking a walk in the knee-deep snow, while Bob diligently shoveled first our sidewalk, and then all of our neighbor's sidewalks on our block. Later today, we're planning on making a trip into "town" to get stuff for the next few days- looks like we won't be going too far in the next few days! Hope all of you are staying safe and warm as well. :)
12.08.2008
Our First Christmas Tree
On Saturday night, Bob and I went with his parents to pick out Christmas trees. Bob's family has a tradition of purchasing trees from "Jim and Carla's Christmas Trees". They go out every year and bring back fresh trees from Montana to sell. They're really nice because they're not groomed like most trees you would find on a Christmas Tree farm. We chose a tree that was a little too big, so Bob had to cut it down to size. 
After we had finished decorating our tree, we sat down and watched "It's a Wonderful Life" together next to the tree. It was so much fun!
After we had finished decorating our tree, we sat down and watched "It's a Wonderful Life" together next to the tree. It was so much fun!
Thanksgiving
It's hard for me to believe that it's already December! The last couple of months have really flown by. Today I realized that I hadn't posted any pictures from our Thanksgiving festivities. Unfortunately, Eric and Kandice were not able to come home, but we're looking forward to later this month when we'll all be together. :)
These pictures are from our family's Thanksgiving meal on Thursday before the big family meal at Matt and Judy's house in McMinneville on Sabbath.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from church, but it was a very special Sabbath. The family went to Hopewell SDA Church. Mom, Laura, Bob, and I led the song service, and Laura gave a sermon on her mission trip last spring to the Philippines. Afterwards we went to Matt and Judy's and had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Following the meal, we took a walk and then played charades. The following picture is from the charade that Grandpa, Laura, and I did when King Solomon threatened to divide the baby the two women were fighting over to see who the real mother was. 
Later today, I'll post a blog on our Christmas tree adventure. :)
These pictures are from our family's Thanksgiving meal on Thursday before the big family meal at Matt and Judy's house in McMinneville on Sabbath.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from church, but it was a very special Sabbath. The family went to Hopewell SDA Church. Mom, Laura, Bob, and I led the song service, and Laura gave a sermon on her mission trip last spring to the Philippines. Afterwards we went to Matt and Judy's and had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Following the meal, we took a walk and then played charades. The following picture is from the charade that Grandpa, Laura, and I did when King Solomon threatened to divide the baby the two women were fighting over to see who the real mother was. 
Later today, I'll post a blog on our Christmas tree adventure. :)
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