{2.28.06}

moving fun

I have internet at home now, can you believe it? So maybe I'll actually be able to email you more than one liners without the constant distractions I get at work. No promises, just saying.

So the move went well, minus the small ding Brenner put in Jake's truck door, yikes! I feel horrible and so does Brenner. Today he colored a picture of the crime scene for Jake...poor thing, he already knows the power of guilt. I was awake (barely) unpacking and decorating til 3am Sunday morning. I know I'm a freak and I need professional help, spare me the lectures. A big thanks to my parents and to Adam for helping and putting up with me, they deserve a medal...no lie! I love my nest, it's so cozy and everything has it's place. It's perfect and I couldn't be more comfortable in my neighborhood.

Our Vegas trip is in two days? What, are you kidding me? I haven't done a thing to prepare! I did manage to squeeze in a much needed hair trim...or cut it turned out to be. The girls at the salon insisted that I would look fabulous with a "stacked angle bob". I like it but the true test will be in the morning when I have to style it myself. Mmmhmm.

So Adam is once again another victim on Myspace. Re-connecting with his friends from back home is his excuse, and a good one at that. Oh and apparently Adam and I are engaged, that's news to us and it apparently has Adam freaking out a tiny bit...lovely!

I'm sad to announce (or am I?) that one of Brenner's fish died tonight. Brenner's selection of music as we said our goodbyes was "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". In loving memory to Sherry or Larry, she/he was a good fishie.

{2.27.06}

juggling

I’m trying to juggle way more things than a person can reasonably be expected to juggle, and I’m not a good juggler. Really. I have serious coordination issues. Meanwhile I have this little boy here with me whose idea of hilarity is to sing, over and over "How much is that doggie in the window, arf arf!". Actually it's pretty cute.

I'll spare you the grueling details and just say the move is over, boxes unpacked and photos hung. Yay!

*** This is Adam. I'm interjecting. Yes, it's true... Mel does too much. If she were a desperate housewife, she'd be that red-headed one. I try and I try to inject my laziness into her, but instead, I just feel bad for not rising up to the standard of excellence that she has set. But I digress. If you are Melissa's friend, it is your duty to force her out of her organization mode and back into laid-backedness. Please begin that effort immediately upon our return from Las Vegas (this weekend). That is all. Now back to Mel. ***

Ok Ok, I'm getting the hint and signing off to spend some quality time with my awesome BOYFRIEND.

{2.23.06}

the joys & to-dos of moving

• change of address for EVERYTHING.


• Order “Just Moved” photo cards.


• Stress.


• Organize & clean obsessively.


• Develop a keen sense for good moving boxes.


• Spending oodles of time deciding what color of hand towels to buy for my bathroom…and going with off white, exciting I know.


• Purchase a ample supply of Merlot.


• Staying up til 2am looking at old photos while packing them.


• Scrounge for anything decent to eat because I’m too lazy to buy food that I’ll inevitably have to pack.


• Stress some more.


• Explain to people why I’m moving from a decent size place to a shoebox.

{2.22.06}

note to self

::: do not try to set-up ex husband with potential friends, what was I thinking?!

Yesterday I was completely out of it and couldn't concentrate or focus on anything to save my life. Early morning we were informed that a close member five months pregnant miscarried over the weekend. My heart truly aches for her loss. On top of that I couldn't sleep thinking about my move and a possible career change. Our Vegas trip cannot come soon enough, which reminds me to make a few tan appointments. My legs are blinding white despite insisting opinions that I’m a brownie all year long, um not true people.

Last night Brenner and I went to Papa’s Pizza with Jen and her son Noah, our new neighbors in Fair Haven. Ok, I seriously need to come up with some nicknames for all my “Jen” friends! The boys played hard while we had a few moments to chat and get to know each other better.

 

{2.20.06}

my day off

which are few and far between was jam packed. Starting at 9:30am this morning I had a dentist appointment. Apparently too much coffee will stain Lumineer-like bonding. My dentist wanted to numb me to file down my tooth and start from scratch but because I had an interview shortly after, I declined novocain. An hour later and fingernail marks on my arms from squeezing through the pain I was good to go. My so called "informal" interview lasted for almost two hours and went better than I could have ever expected. I'll find out by the end of next week if I've been selected from the already growing pool of qualified applicants. If I do get this job I'll need to do some serious shopping for a more professional wardrobe. As long as nylons aren't required, I'll be set. Nylons make my elbows ache...don't ask! After cleaning and grocery shopping my day was spent.

Moving Update: I'm moving for sure this weekend...no lie! My parents plan to come help with Brenner and with the cleaning.

{2.19.06}

perks & peeves

Peeves

• 
  
  Moving delays and MORE moving delays. 
  
  


• Projects in waiting.


• My running shoes that mock me every time I walk by them.


• Exercise infomercials.


• My sciatic nerve preventing me to run pain free.


• 20-page job applications.


• Paper cuts.


• All my great magazines waiting for me to read with no time to read them.

Perks

• Snyders honey mustard & onion pretzels.


• Luminous color glaze by John Frieda - brilliant stuff.


• Real Simple magazine.


• Simplifying my home decor...ahhh, what a feeling.


• My new espresso machine - yummee!


• Orange Creme sparkling water.


• Jack Johnson and Friends soundtrack.


• Sharing a box of Skittles at the movies with my awesome boyfriend.  

{2.17.06}

look-a-like

From the TV show Dancing with the Stars I've had numerous people tell me lately that I look like Lisa Rinna. I really don’t see the resemblance; she has big boobs (fake) and super full lips (also fake), which I have neither. Anyway, It's been a kick and I suppose I should feel complimented. Here’s a picture in case you live in a cave and have no idea who I'm talking about…

***

Great! Moving this weekend has been postponed until next weekend. It's a long story, but the arctic temperatures we're having has a lot to do with it. This afternoon Chad and I had lunch together and we got to chatting about a job opening he knew about, which led to an informal interview I now have on Monday. Oh Joy, moving and a possible career change all in the same month. Am I crazy? Oh and I just found out that Adam is scheduled to be in Australia on business for at least three weeks in early June. I'm so happy for him and this opportunity of a lifetime, but I'm so going to miss him like CRAZY! Man, what a day...what a day.

{2.16.06}

wally world

How I detest the place. I just got back from my monthly office supply run and it couldn't have been more frustrating. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason to how they stock that place, you can find women’s underwear right next to the post-its. I don’t get it and maybe I should be wearing a helmet…SKITTLES.

I’m moving this weekend. Awesome. Can’t wait. Oh joy. Yippy skippy. Can you tell I’m beaming with excitement? I just can’t wait to get it over with as I’m sure you are too so you won’t have to hear me gab continuously about it anymore. I’m obsessed with packing everything just so and making sure I have everything ready to go. I need professional help…like right now.

Saturday night Adam and I get to watch Cooper and Cohen, Jen and Jakes' sweet little creations. It'll be a nice break and I'll get my much needed baby fix. I was going through Brenner’s baby photos last night and my heart hurt just thinking that my baby will be five years old soon.

Ok, I better get back to work or take a lunch break…hmm, lunch sounds more fun. Ok, no more caffeine for this girl today. Blaahhhh!

{2.15.06}

our first v-day

my heart

and my gift!

{2.14.06}

loving. digging. enjoying.

• Losing three more pounds.


• My Roxy military hats - great for bad hair days.


• Grape-Nuts – constipation buster.


• Getting the scoop on the newest businesses in town.


• Cleansing and organizing my junk drawer.


• Adam’s sense of humor.


• Making my own coffee in a used Starbucks cup and pretending it’s the real thing.


• My microdermabrasion gift set, great stuff!


• All the fun new stuff I bought for my new place...can't wait to play. 


• Brenner’s excitement to give his Valentine’s cards and treats to the kids at school.


• 
  
  Finding my desk covered with chocolates, candy, balloons and flowers from my co-workers this morning. Awe!
  
  

{2.12.06}

valentine

n 1: a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day; "will you be my valentine?" 2: a card sent or given (as to a sweetheart) on Saint Valentine's Day

BLAH! I've had nothing but bad luck on this so called "National Holiday of LOVE". Let's see, I got engaged to my ex on Valentine's Day, moved out of my ex's house on Valentine's Day...shall I continue, really? I literally get nauseous from all the commercials on TV and all the merchandise in the stores. Come on people, do we really need a designated day in the year to tell the people we love how much they mean to us? Shouldn't this happen every day? Ugh, I'm obviously jaded and cynical.

Today, Lauren and I took Brenner to see Curious George in Bend. There were a few slow parts, but Brenner thought the movie was "way cool". And of course I'll be purchasing the soundtrack, I do love Jack Johnson.

{2.10.06}

tgif

It’s been a tiring week for me and I’m glad it’s almost over. I’m looking forward to a super lazy weekend, as it will probably be my last until I move and get settled. As is, I'll be able to move in most of my things next weekend. I’m excited and drained at the same time. I dread the chaotic process, but I do love the newness, clean and organized results.

I've been having some difficulties with my hip from running lately. I was in complete denial and thought it would just “go away” until Wednesday when my right leg went numb after my run, leaving me in tears. I limp everywhere, use the heating pad for relief and make horrible grunting sounds when I bend down to do anything. I think it’s my sciatic nerve but I could be wrong. Whatever it is, I’m taking a break from running and will walk on my treadmill. Getting old is lovely.

{2.9.06}

kindred souls

I believe God allows things to happen for reasons we sometimes question until they are revealed in His timing. Sometimes we learn from the rarest of circumstances; some even out of our control. But when we can see past the hurt and find true forgiveness, everything else falls into place; friendships heal, relationships strengthen and creativity is restored.

Yesterday, I received an email from my dearest childhood friend, Heidi. We have known each other since we were three years old, inseparable in High School, and each others' maid of honor in our weddings. I've been thinking about her lately and was deliriously happy to hear from her. Even the miles and time apart can not keep kindred souls from reuniting. God IS good, awesome actually:-)

{2.8.06}

four

Four Jobs I've Had In My Life:

1. Personal Banker: John Day OR & Redmond OR

2. Merchant Services Representative, Bend OR

3. Office Manager, Redmond OR

4. Operations & Membership Director, Redmond OR

Four Movies I Could Watch Over And Over:

1. Cutting Edge

2. Along Came Polly

3. Sweet Home Alabama

4. Serendipity

Four Places I've Lived:

1. John Day, OR

2. Bend, OR

3. Hamilton, MT

4. Redmond, OR

Four TV Shows I Love To Watch:

1. Desperate Housewives

2. Cold Case

3. Will & Grace

4. CSI: Vegas

Four Places I've Been On Vacation:

1. Charleston, South Carolina

2. Yellowstone National Park

3. Hawaii - The Big Island & Oahu

4. New Hampshire, Maine & Massachusetts

Four Websites I Visit Daily:

1. My Journal

2. Online banking - business & personal

3. Misc. sites for work

4. MSN

Four Of My Favorite Foods: Lately…

1. Grape Nuts

2. Chicken Stir Fry

3. Tortellini

4. Chocolate Gummy Bears

Four Places I'd Rather Be:

1. Azores Island, Portugal

2. Hawaii

3. Mexico

4. Home and NOT at work

Four Albums I Can't Live Without:

1. Brushfire Fairytales - Jack Johnson

2. Diamonds On The Inside - Ben Harper

3. Stop All The World Now - Howie Day

4. Feels Like Today - Rascal Flatts

Four Vehicles I've Driven:

1. Honda Accord

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

3. Nissan Pathfinder

4. Honda Civic

{2.7.06}

a brenner moment

I’m making breakfast for Brenner this morning when he turns to me and says, “Mom, this (giving me the bird) is bad, huh.” Gotta love school and all the lovely things they pick up from other children.

Last night Brenner and I played Go Fish, Chutes and Ladders and Slapjack a zillion times. I don’t remember how disappointing Chutes and Ladders can be. Really, you get so close to winning and then you land on a square with the slide…over and over. I found myself allowing Brenner to cheat just so the game wouldn’t go on forever. After Brenner went to bed I decided to super clean my microwave (chili explosion), stove top and oven. I didn't realize how toxic it is to auto clean your oven. At 10pm I had my windows open and praying for the 4-hour process to pass quickly. Egads!

{2.5.06}

things adam & i did today

• 
  
  Made eggs with vanilla flavored coffee-mate (out of milk) - not recommended!
  
  


• 
  
  Mochas at Outlaw Coffee (not $2 as advertised).
  
  


• 
  
  Bought new running shoes at the Nike outlet store.
  
  


• 
  
  Old Mill shopping - the female sales clerk at Victoria Secret asked if she could measure me for a bra. I declined. Adam was sad.
  
  


• 
  
  Had lunch at Johnny Carino's - Olive Garden wanna be.
  
  


• 
  
  Target - uneventful.
  
  


• 
  
  Goodies - black licorice wheels...yum! 
  
  


• 
  
  Pier 1 - found the colors we like to decorate Adam's bedroom.
  
  


• 
  
  Costco - the $100 store that's been upgraded to the $200 store.
  
  

{2.4.06}

what to do

This last week the tension in my office has increased 110%. The lack of teamwork and communication is honestly wearing me down. On top of that, we just can not possible take on anymore projects or events without hiring more staff. It's that simple. I'm now doing the job of two people and not getting paid enough for the stress it's causing me. This is very frustrating because I really love my job and the flexibility it provides. Oh, what to do...what to do!

Today is the day we super clean Adam's house. It's been neglected with all the painting projects lately. I do love to clean...maybe I should expand my cleaning biz full time in the area, there seems to be a market for it. Hopefully tonight I'll find time to start reading the book Adam and I found online about blended families. I can't remember the last book (adult) I actually finished - sad, so sad! I miss the days when I could start and finish a book over a weekend, especially novels by Nicholas Sparks.

{2.3.06}

he loves the lite-brite

{2.2.06}

gadgets & shadows

I love gadgets, especially fun techie ones! I got a new cell phone yesterday and yes; I finally joined the rest of the world and purchased a camera flip phone. Adam has phone envy and thinks he needs a better phone now. Ha!

Yesterday was busy but super productive. I accomplished so much at work and went home feeling satisfied with my day. Brenner had a good day at school and received a GREEN card, which is the best. He was so proud of himself and mentioned it several times to Adam and I last night.

Looks like the furry forecaster saw his shadow this morning, six more weeks of winter! Urck!!!!