So the other day I decide that I need a cute pair of rain boots. They have been in style for quit some time and living in the Pacific Northwest, these are a great investment. Plus then I get to go shopping for more shoes. If you know me, you know that I always enjoy shoe shopping.
Anyways, I go to Target where I always find everything. I find rain boots...lime green rain boots. Hmmm not exactly what I was looking for. I guess I thought I'd find a variety. So I head next door to Payless Shoe Source. A place where their soul purpose in life is to provide shoes. Again, gross lime green rain boots. UGH! Getting frustrated I try TJ Max. They don't have any at all. After going into 4 more stores in the MALL I begin to feel the annoyance rising inside of me.
Everywhere I go, every store, every display, every story is the same thing.
"Oh I'm sorry. We don't have anymore rain boots. They were removed to make room for our summer sandal sale. You're like the 5th person to ask me that." Really, I think. I kind of stared at her avoiding the urge to ask her how many pairs she had actually sold that day compared to how many people sales of rain boots she's turned down. Oh and just to give you an idea of how ridiculous that whole thing is IT SNOWED THAT DAY! Yeah. Snow. In March. In Tacoma. Where apparently it is summer and people need to buy flip flops.
Are you kidding me? When was the last time you saw the sun...let's be honest here. People in the Pacific Northwest are naturally (i say this 'cause many invest in a high powered bulb sun) pale for a reason. We have no sun! Well...actually we do have a sun. It's the orange ball you see in the sky for 2-3 months out of the year.
I guess I'll just have to give in and order them online. I do enjoy online shopping, but it is in no way comparable to having shoes lined up in front of you to try on as you like.
...flip flops. I hate your marketers.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Single Life, Chapter Two
I'm not a huge fan of the phrase "break up". It has such a negative connotation. When people say it they associate anger, yelling, hurt, tears, sadness. The end to relationships are not all the same.
Mine, was fairly pleasant actually. I won't lie. The end to a relationship sucks. I love Jed very much and he loves me. We will miss each other a lot, but that isn't what makes a relationship work. Jed and I had a long talk the other day. This was a decision that was foreseen, but not addressed. Eventually, the truth of the matter came out in a very mature and practical conversation.
Life has brought many things to Jed and I. We have had ups and downs, twists and turns. Through the years we have gone through a lot together. We have shared many memories together. We have learned to live life together. There is a big love that Jed and I have for each other. It is this love that has helped us realize that some things are more important than others.
Through these years we have grown and developed into wonderful, mature people who are not necessarily the same people we were when we started dating. We've developed different interests, hobbies and preferences.
At the end we both realize that at this time we are just at different places in our lives. Our pasts, similar in nature, have made us aware of how important it is to be honest in a relationship. Rather than force a relationship that isn't working, we wanted to end this with a friendship beautifully intact.
Jed and I are still great friends. I'm staying where I am until I find a great house with some nice room mates. I know I can count on him whenever I need. He knows I'm always here for him. Someday I will meet my christian husband and we will have a house chock full of kiddos. I know that some girl, who is better fit for him, will make him very happy and look great on the back of his motorcycle.
So...break up? No not really. The beginning of a great friendship? Yes. I like that much better :)
Mine, was fairly pleasant actually. I won't lie. The end to a relationship sucks. I love Jed very much and he loves me. We will miss each other a lot, but that isn't what makes a relationship work. Jed and I had a long talk the other day. This was a decision that was foreseen, but not addressed. Eventually, the truth of the matter came out in a very mature and practical conversation.
Life has brought many things to Jed and I. We have had ups and downs, twists and turns. Through the years we have gone through a lot together. We have shared many memories together. We have learned to live life together. There is a big love that Jed and I have for each other. It is this love that has helped us realize that some things are more important than others.
Through these years we have grown and developed into wonderful, mature people who are not necessarily the same people we were when we started dating. We've developed different interests, hobbies and preferences.
At the end we both realize that at this time we are just at different places in our lives. Our pasts, similar in nature, have made us aware of how important it is to be honest in a relationship. Rather than force a relationship that isn't working, we wanted to end this with a friendship beautifully intact.
Jed and I are still great friends. I'm staying where I am until I find a great house with some nice room mates. I know I can count on him whenever I need. He knows I'm always here for him. Someday I will meet my christian husband and we will have a house chock full of kiddos. I know that some girl, who is better fit for him, will make him very happy and look great on the back of his motorcycle.
So...break up? No not really. The beginning of a great friendship? Yes. I like that much better :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Chihuly Glass Night
Recently I met up with a wonderful group of photographers. There was a Chihuly Glass exhibit in a local greenhouse. The arrangements, the colors, the shapes. They were beautiful. I had a great time taking photographs of these works of art.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Oregon, My 'Ol Stomping Grounds
So this weekend I went to Oregon, the place I grew up. This part has my heart, but this was the first place where I truely felt like I was a Wash..atonian? Anyways, I missed Washington and the boyfriend. I'm very excited I've moved and have such a wonderful love and friends.
Thursday there was a wonderful memorial for an amazing man named Phil Bauer. There were so many people at the service
that they had to open the back and add more chairs. Even then there were some people standing. I think that speaks volumes about the man we will always remember. I read a piece I wrote, which is a couple of blogs down.
Friday I consumed way too much coffee as I booked 4 coffee dates in one day. By the time dinner rolled around I needed food asap because I could feel the caffinee. I had a great time reconnecting with my friends. I'm so excited for Miranda and Andy's wedding. They are just the most perfect couple and ar
e truely meant to be.
Saturday was spent with the family at the very muddy dog park. If I were anywhere else I would have minded the mass amounts of mud on my pants. However, in Corvallis you can walk around covered in mud and no one would mind. Then it was off to the wonderful night of worship with the Rockin Worship Band. We raised a good amount of money for the Bauers and had lots of wonderful time with God. I loved it and afterwards everyone went to Sharie's. Memories of after-dance/prom dinners flooded Chelle and my memory.
Sunday rolled around and I finally had breakfast with Jill. She is a wonderful woman and will make an amazing mother. I think God has truely blessed her life. The drive wans't bad, but I was glad to be home. I took some photos while I was there. Some are cool, some are just interesting.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hanging By a Moment - Lifehouse
It's interesting, I heard this song on two different stations. The first said this song was about heartache and love. The second said that this was the love for God that is felt. I find this song interesting.
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation
You take all of me now...
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
There's nothing else to lose
There's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world
That can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you....
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
Just hanging by a moment (here with you)
Hanging by a moment (here with you)
Hanging by a moment here with you
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fuzzy Friends
I've finally put together a little collection of my furry friends. Of course you know that the little pug is my friend Jiggles. The other ones include cute pups from a local dog fair and the creative critters known as my own Cleo and Spot. I want a job where I can take photos of animals all day long. So Cute! Let me know what you think.
Recently I've offered to take photos for my local humane society. These photos are ones that were needed for the January bulletin. However, I'll hopefully start taking photos of the animals that need to be adopted. Here is what I've got so far...it's not much, but it's important. This is something that I'm not only passionate about, but finally feel good doing. Let me know what you think.
Recently I've offered to take photos for my local humane society. These photos are ones that were needed for the January bulletin. However, I'll hopefully start taking photos of the animals that need to be adopted. Here is what I've got so far...it's not much, but it's important. This is something that I'm not only passionate about, but finally feel good doing. Let me know what you think.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Phil Bauer - The man with the always open door
They say that once in a lifetime you meet a person that will forever change your life. Someone who touches your heart to a degree that is indescribable. As much as many of us would like to admit, we are not products solely of our parents rising. Instead, we are a product of those we meet in life, those who become part of our life, and those who take more than a moment to make a lasting impression. Today, I can honestly say that in some way or another, we are products of Phil Bauer.
A great man is not just someone who spouts wisdom, tells great jokes, and respects those who are around him. A great man, instead, is someone who shares wisdom with you, someone who makes you laugh, and someone who genuinely cares, without reservations, about almost anyone they meet. Phil was an overly silly, completely happy, joke-telling, sometimes dorky, amazingly kind, hat wearing, family cherishing, dancing fool. Phil was a great man.
When you were friends with the Bauer’s, there was never a dull moment. Like the time that there was an actual race from Foster Lake in Sweethome back to the house in Philomath. When Phil would find out you had a crush on someone and decided that they ought to know. And let me just say that any man who wears a Gorilla mask, wraps bananas in tin foil and comes screaming down the hallway when the kids are watching horror movies…that’s a man you’ll never forget.
As we give our condolences, I’d like to avoid using the word goodbye because by the grace of God, we will see him again and Kathy you will be able to have another dance. Phil may be with the Lord, but he is not gone. You see, Phil has left such an impact on hundreds of children over the years, that he will never be gone. The lessons that he taught us, the wisdom that he shared, the love that he gave is passed from him, to us, to our children. So Phil will always stay alive in those memories, those stories and that wisdom.
Phil was a great man. And I feel blessed that I was able to be touched by even an ounce of the love flowed from him. I loved and will always love you Phil.
A great man is not just someone who spouts wisdom, tells great jokes, and respects those who are around him. A great man, instead, is someone who shares wisdom with you, someone who makes you laugh, and someone who genuinely cares, without reservations, about almost anyone they meet. Phil was an overly silly, completely happy, joke-telling, sometimes dorky, amazingly kind, hat wearing, family cherishing, dancing fool. Phil was a great man.
When you were friends with the Bauer’s, there was never a dull moment. Like the time that there was an actual race from Foster Lake in Sweethome back to the house in Philomath. When Phil would find out you had a crush on someone and decided that they ought to know. And let me just say that any man who wears a Gorilla mask, wraps bananas in tin foil and comes screaming down the hallway when the kids are watching horror movies…that’s a man you’ll never forget.
As we give our condolences, I’d like to avoid using the word goodbye because by the grace of God, we will see him again and Kathy you will be able to have another dance. Phil may be with the Lord, but he is not gone. You see, Phil has left such an impact on hundreds of children over the years, that he will never be gone. The lessons that he taught us, the wisdom that he shared, the love that he gave is passed from him, to us, to our children. So Phil will always stay alive in those memories, those stories and that wisdom.
Phil was a great man. And I feel blessed that I was able to be touched by even an ounce of the love flowed from him. I loved and will always love you Phil.
Thank you for all that you've done.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Not by the Hairs on my Chin Chin
So, this weekend was "Operation: Get Mom a Dog". We searched and searched. I have to say, all those websites and all those dogs. Sad faces from the rescue sites, silly faces from the breeder sights. I'm so glad I don't ever have to look for dogs again or I would have a household of animals.
Finally last night we were contacted by a woman who had an older pug that need more love than she could give. The moment the photo flashed across the screen, rolls and all...we knew. This was the one. This was the dog for mom.
Friday our hopes were confirmed when a happy, energetic 5 year old pug jumped...well kinda rolled... out of the car. All she wanted to do was love and love and kiss and kiss. It was amazing. It truely was love at first sight.
Finally after a LOOHOONG drive home in the worst fog ever we arrived at home. Mom was thrilled, very shocked and stunned for a moment but happy. She had been searching for a dog already and we just beat her to the punch. It was perfect.
She's a overweight and only has vision in one eye. She is such a happy dog and in much need a good home. I know we have found her one. She has little quirks that need mothering which is perfect for a lady who's children have all flown the nest.
Chin Chin, the pug, instantly started following her around, wondering what she was doing. When my mom sat down Chin Chin hoped...or was lifted...onto the couch. She didn't want to sit at her feed, but instead cuddled up on her lap. They follow eachother around now, go on walks, talk to eachother, snuggle. It's a little match made in heaven.
Chin Chin is perfect. She is family. I love her. meet Chin Chin!
Finally last night we were contacted by a woman who had an older pug that need more love than she could give. The moment the photo flashed across the screen, rolls and all...we knew. This was the one. This was the dog for mom.
Friday our hopes were confirmed when a happy, energetic 5 year old pug jumped...well kinda rolled... out of the car. All she wanted to do was love and love and kiss and kiss. It was amazing. It truely was love at first sight.
Finally after a LOOHOONG drive home in the worst fog ever we arrived at home. Mom was thrilled, very shocked and stunned for a moment but happy. She had been searching for a dog already and we just beat her to the punch. It was perfect.
She's a overweight and only has vision in one eye. She is such a happy dog and in much need a good home. I know we have found her one. She has little quirks that need mothering which is perfect for a lady who's children have all flown the nest.
Chin Chin, the pug, instantly started following her around, wondering what she was doing. When my mom sat down Chin Chin hoped...or was lifted...onto the couch. She didn't want to sit at her feed, but instead cuddled up on her lap. They follow eachother around now, go on walks, talk to eachother, snuggle. It's a little match made in heaven.
Chin Chin is perfect. She is family. I love her. meet Chin Chin!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Big Picture
This weather has really tried my patience. Christmas is one of my favorite times in the year, so when my family decided to come up I was thrilled. However, life loves curveballs and decided to throw a giant snow covered one in my direction. Devistated that the snow had prevented my family from coming for Christmas we eagerly rescheduled.
"This weekend I am supposed to be in Corvallis. I am supposed to be with my family. I am supposed to be spending time with loved ones" these thoughts filled my head as I bitterly watched the flood waters rise higher and higher. Wondering how on earth I could have not one, but two Christmas celebrations ruined by the weather was beyond me. It was one of those days where I was bitter and just wanted to stay bitter.
I closed my eyes as I began to worship tonight at church. Asking God to just make it stop raining, I prayed for an open highway. Through the night, I listened to pastor and my heart began to soften. The glory of God's plan seemed to fall bit by bit into my mind. Realizing the plan my heart melted and I realized how beautiful this plan was and is.
This rain should not make me bitter, should not make me miss my family and should not affect me in any way. This rain is about those stranded by the waters and the homes that are shaken by this flood. This rain was never about me or should affect me, it is about others and my prayers needed to go to them, not to myself. It put me in a very humbling realization. Though with the realization, I began to feel smaller in this tiny world.
Also realizing the beauty of how I was affected. If I went down this weekend I would not see my sister Eva, who is always gone during my trips. I probably would not have postponed this trip by my own choice so God, in his loving manner, showed me why it was beautiful to wait.
He adds beauty to everything. We are all a part of this flood. Whether we are part of the helpless or part of the helpers, everyone is affected and banded together. And that...is so...so beautiful.
Thank you Father God for making sense of it all. I trust in you!
"This weekend I am supposed to be in Corvallis. I am supposed to be with my family. I am supposed to be spending time with loved ones" these thoughts filled my head as I bitterly watched the flood waters rise higher and higher. Wondering how on earth I could have not one, but two Christmas celebrations ruined by the weather was beyond me. It was one of those days where I was bitter and just wanted to stay bitter.
I closed my eyes as I began to worship tonight at church. Asking God to just make it stop raining, I prayed for an open highway. Through the night, I listened to pastor and my heart began to soften. The glory of God's plan seemed to fall bit by bit into my mind. Realizing the plan my heart melted and I realized how beautiful this plan was and is.
This rain should not make me bitter, should not make me miss my family and should not affect me in any way. This rain is about those stranded by the waters and the homes that are shaken by this flood. This rain was never about me or should affect me, it is about others and my prayers needed to go to them, not to myself. It put me in a very humbling realization. Though with the realization, I began to feel smaller in this tiny world.
Also realizing the beauty of how I was affected. If I went down this weekend I would not see my sister Eva, who is always gone during my trips. I probably would not have postponed this trip by my own choice so God, in his loving manner, showed me why it was beautiful to wait.
He adds beauty to everything. We are all a part of this flood. Whether we are part of the helpless or part of the helpers, everyone is affected and banded together. And that...is so...so beautiful.
Thank you Father God for making sense of it all. I trust in you!
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