From Davis Diaries to Salem Sagas

Computer...

2012-01-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

has given up. So for now I post from Bob's computer or my phone and that explains the lack of photos. Sorry!

I think I'm ready

2012-01-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

To tell you about Izzy without balling.

Izzy was my calico kitty of 13 years, I'd had her since college. She was a nut! She loved stealing my hair ties and chasing bread ties. She loved catnip and people food. She broke several glasses in her life, simply pushing them off the table as if to see what happened. I always jept a purple collar and bell on her to know where she was and what trouble she was getting into . She slept in my feet, in Bob's chair or in her kennel. She made quite a few sounds from an almost chirp to a howl, but rarely just a normal meow. She snored as mych as she purred! She wanted to chew on plastic bags and always tried to run outside in the summer when you opened the door. Like most cats she loved laying in the sun and hated abrupt noises. She preferred to drink her water from a running source and ate diet food for years because she was a chunky house cat. She didn't care for other cats, ceiling fans or kids. She loved licking tuna cans and I wish I'd had the chance to put some on Lulu to see if Izzy would lick her. Lulu tried to lick Izzy on several occasions, some were tolerated, some ended with hissing. Lulu shared her water with Izzy which was a surprise and the closest they ever were to my dream of them liking each other. Izzy was an independent cat, didn't care much for interacting or lap sitting, but she kept us entertained, was a cutie and will greatly be missed. (this is from my phone, but I'll post pics soon)

Plugging along

2012-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

Dear blog readers, the few of you that are still reading,

I will write again! I have happy posts, sad posts and milestones to imortalize here.

I had a wonderful birthday season. Someone special left me surprise gifts from afar, Bob and I went out to dinner alone and then we crammed 12 people around our dining room table (it has 2 leaves, but the room does not expand!) for a brunch. I love the holidays and I even love that my birthday falls in the middle if the chaos, so much so that I am almost sad I won't share that with my daughter. You see, my mom and grandma are also December babies. And the celebrating continues in Jan with wine tasting!

Coming soon: Christmas/New Year, Izzy Kitty, Violet is 3 months and Going back to work. happy, sad and milestones in that order.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

This year there were two extra things to be thankful for on top of jobs, health, and all things good - Britta came to join us (we missed you Tobi) and Baby Violet. It was so amazing to have Britta here for almost two weeks and we packed in all sorts of things, the beach, Sunriver, cooking, eating, shopping, time in Portland...but it is never enough. I am always so sad when our time ends and it always goes too fast! I miss you middle sister! I am so thankful you could come and meet Violet. I look forward to the two of you getting to know each other as she grows.

She Smiles!

2011-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

At six weeks she did it, gave us some glimmer of hope that we are doing the right thing - at least some times!

First bath at home

2011-11-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from her first home bathing experience, she didn't exactly like it, that might just be a real tear!

Fall Days

2011-11-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

Another couple of photos. She is still very serious, although seems to laugh in her sleep.

3am

2011-11-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

After a feeding husband says, "Let me take her and put her back in her kennel, uh I mean crib."

More photos

2011-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

In her swing

birth class babies, Vi is the youngest (in blue pants)

pumpkin patch

hanging out so mom can do things

Sleeping

2011-10-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Violet sleeps a lot. In fact, she eats, sleeps, cries and dirties her diapers. We look forward to the smiling, cooing and less demanding aspects of a baby soon...

Hospital visits

2011-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post some pictures of the family when they came to meet Violet in the hospital.

Bob's parents

My family

My Grandma

Bob's brother Kris and our niece and nephew when Violet was 10 days old.

On a lighter note...

2011-10-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Violet had lost weight and we were having to supplement, so here is Bob feeding her.

And here is Bob weighing her on a kitchen scale!

She's here and this is how it went...

2011-10-12T20:51:00.001-07:00

Violet Mae arrived after a very long labor followed by a c-section on October 6. I woke up around 1:30 am on October 5 and contractions were what I now know as mild and not too close together. When I thought they were closer to 5 minutes and I had to move around more, I woke up Bob. By 3:30 we were dowstairs walking and using a timer. Around 5:30 we headed out of the house and were at the hospital on a rainy night, by 6am. We were in a waiting delivery sort of room and they checked me, had me walk and checked again - I was 5 cm and admitted. We went to room 15. The midwife on call was Liz and our nurse was Tamara. By noon I was 8cm still walking around the room and using different positions to be comfortable, rocking chair, yoga ball and the jacuzzi tub and we had our first nurse change - Lisa. At 5pm pitocin was suggested because my contractions were not strong enough to move me past 8 cm. We declined and Liz went off duty at 6pm and Nancy was a our midwife. At 8pm we started the pitocin with an IV and I continued having contractions, now even stronger. What a trooper Bob was supporting me, encouraging me and a lot of times holding me up. I could not have gone as far as I did without him. Marilyn was our night nurse and she was incredible. She was helpful, encouraging and took care of the most embarrassing parts of labor lie they were no big deal - this was a huge issue for me to get past so a very important detail about her. At midnight I was 9cm and was told to 'bear down' basically pushing through to the 10cm mark. Around 2am I started pushing. We rotated positions every 15 minutes trying a total of 6, but sticking mainly with the 3 or 4 that had the best results. There was movement and eventually I was told that she had a lot of hair! Unfortunately, after almost 4 hours of pushing, the midwife called in the doctor for her opinion, which ended up being a c-section. I was exhausted. I hadn't eaten in over 36 hours, but was frustrated and sad. We had done everything we could, we fought so hard, I had no pain medicine, he hadn't eaten since lunch. He asked the nurses for a minute alone. We knew the choices, it just seemed so unfair, but neither of us could ask the other for any more, there was simply nothing left. At 6:30am on the 6th they dressed Bob in scrubs and started prepping me. I was wheeled around in what felt like a bad Disneyland ride. Bob had to stay outside while they numbed me and gave me a heated gown - both were really quite strange feeling. The anesthesiaologist stayed near my head the whole time and gave me some updates on the other preparations because now there was a screen between the nurse (now Sam), midwife and surgeon. Finally, Bob was able to come in and sit by me. He couldn't hold my hand because of the meds and there were tears in his already red eyes, but he held it together. At 7:35am we heard Violet Mae's cries and what a sense of relief it was, that small sound we'd been waiting over 24 hours for. They held her up, said she was beautiful, Bob said she was huge and how was she inside of me. Both of us now had tears in our eyes. They wiped her down and then brought her over to to me, took off the weird heated, inflating gown and placed her on me. I could barely see her because I couldn't move my head to tip it down and couldn't feel her because I was numb - but they tell me she pooped on me! (I guess that makes us even) The next 20 minutes involved what I like to guess was putting my organs back in place and stitching me up. Then things get fuzzy, I think Violet went with Bob and I went back to the room. Around 10am we'd already tried a little latching, more skin to skin time and the grandmothers were brought in for introductions. I was still numb waist down at this point.
The next days in the hospital are a blur of eating, sleeping, trying to get in and out of bed, and figuring out breastfeeding when you have no milk. We had 2 great lactation nurses and more regular nurses that we owe thank yous to as well. Lisa even took another shift with us and Marilyn came to see and meet Violet the next day.
Violet is now a week old as of this morning. We've been home since Sunday afternoon and Bob has returned to teaching. My mom and Bob's mom have both been a great help and our friends and neighbors have kept us supplied with food. I stopped taking pain medication in the hospital, but had to start taking it again at home, but am now off of it again although some times are more painful than others. Breastfeeding is going better, well for me, Violet is still struggling, but I am able to pump enough to give to Bob to feed her through a tiny tube (no bottle so there isn't nipple confusion). She weighed 7 pounds 4 oz when born and had dropped to 6 pounds 9 oz when we went home and we were having to use all formula then, even though I was pumping. Now she is up to 6 pounds 13 oz.
Soon we wont remember what life was like pre Violet, just like we don't remember what life was like before Lulu! Speaking of, both pets seemed to have adjusted just fine, thank goodness!

Baby updates

2011-09-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm now at 39 weeks, but my belly stopped growing and I haven't gained more weight so tomorrow they want me to have another ultrasound to check on her size. I'm still hoping to work through this week and other than being tired (again) I feel pretty good.
I had two get togethers with girl friends over the last week, one out to dinner night and one scrapbooking morning, both were great with small groups filled with quality time. I can't believe how quickly September, and the whole pregnancy for that matter, have flown by. I miss several things about not being pregnant, but I know I will miss being pregnant as well - feeling her move is so incredible and people are so nice to you! But to bend over again, see my belly button, roll over, drink wine will be wonderful.

Belly Time

2011-09-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the quality, I'm trying to work on more pictures! These are from baby showers and the bottom one is with my neighbor who is expecting a boy in January.

Getting closer!

2011-09-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm now 37 weeks along - which is considered full term. Our bags for the hospital are mostly packed and here is a picture of the crib!Bob's mom made the bumper pad. She's working on the cradle too and then I'll post a picture of it. We just got a changing table, but we're still looking for a rocking chair. The drapes are super cute, thanks again to Bob's mom, but not up until we get the windows replaced.

Our showers have set us up pretty well, family and friends you are a blessing! We have just under 1/2 of the cloth diapers, all the crib bedding, blankets and stuffed animals. We are in need of the changing pad and covers, glass bottles, breast pump accessories, the diaper spray off thing, diaper pail liners (reusable waterproof kind), the baby web monitor, rug for the room, diaper drying rack, the high chair accessory seat and sleep sacks. Thank goodness for the gift cards to Amazon and Target!

Sweet, Sweet Blackberry

2011-09-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Another doggie friend of ours has passed into doggie heaven. Blackberry, a mini version of Lulu and just as sweet, had lime disease and her kidneys were failing her. May she no longer be in pain, may the squirrels in doggie heaven be just as much fun to chase, may she eat all the people food she wants, go for long walks, may her tail wag just as much and may she not be lonely waiting for her people to join her one day (in the distant future.) Thank you for all the wonderful time spent chasing Lulu, letting her chase you and showing us California through your eyes.

Dishwasher

2011-08-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

I unload and Bob loads the dishwasher. Well this morning I noticed it was clean and since we've been trying to stay really on top of things and we have people coming over tonight, I thought to myself, "I'll unload when I get home, how much can Bob dirty in one day?"

I had forgotten he was making a pie for tonight!

Garden time, finally

2011-08-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

Overnight Dill Pickles

I let the bees and hummingbirds enjoy before I cut and brought inside

New side yard garden, may be a bit out of control...

Established backyard garden beds

Love having flowers to bring inside!

Summer Updates

2011-08-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

Giant Jenga!

Bob's birthday meal

Berries from our yard, cherries picked at a harvest party

Spencer on a local bike race - he won!

The JOB

2011-07-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

I am about to wrap up my fourth week back to work and I am still liking it! When it is sunny I ride my bike (so far no balance problems) and I get there at 8 and then ride my bike back home at noon and have lunch with Bob and from there each day differs! I should say that even at work each day is new and exciting. Let's look at this week for example...Monday I reviewed a couple set of plans, Tuesday I went to Lincoln City with my supervisor to inspect a dialysis clinic, Wednesday I went to state training for new managers (in my title, I don't supervise anyone though) and today I started reviewing an Oncology clinic. The co-worker I share an office with has been on vacation the last two weeks so it has been even quieter than normal (there are only 5 of us total, 3 of us on the 2nd floor). I quickly lose track of time and find the morning flies by. I don't have a badge yet because they really aren't necessary in our department, but I do have my motor pool rental card. I have a state ID number, my own phone number and starting August 1, new health insurance and a first paycheck. The 8-noon schedule lets me make my lunch meetings for the AIA and Housing Committee and two weeks ago it meant we left earlier than traffic to spend our anniversary in Sunriver (9 years, can you believe it?). I still don't have all of the details for my maternity leave and we need to crunch some numbers to see if taking 3 months off will work. It sure would be nice, but in any case, I'll still only be working 4 hours a day so I hope that makes it easier to go back. Bob has less than a month now until his classes start up and he is still working his tail off to wrap up the dissertation.

Always wear your helmet!

2011-07-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

On June 30th, Bob went mountain biking with Spencer and some guys on a new trail. I went to dinner and was running errands with my sister when I get a text message from Bob's phone that read "Spencer here, call Bob's phone when you have a chance." Small panic begins on my part. At this point I am now at Winco and my phone starts to ring, I answer but cannot clearly understand Spencer. What I do understand is that Bob is headed to Good Samaritan's in Corvallis and I need to meet them there, but he is okay. Okay? What does that mean? So my sister graciously offers to accompany me to Corvallis and proceeds to find directions and start texting Spencer for more info, she calls our mom, I call Bob's mom and then she tries to just keep me calm on the way there. We enter the Emergency area, I sign a form and then we are shown back and told what curtian/room he is in. As I wander through I think, "No major problems here people are in slings, sitting up etc." Not Bob. I get to room 14 and see his feet and a sheet covering him and tears begin to fill my eyes. I walk over to his side and he has a neck collar on(because they did a scan of his head) and I reach out and touch his shoulder because he still has blood running down his face and I don't want to try to kiss any thing that might hurt more (as it turns out the shoulder I chose was one with a big scrape, but he didn't say anything because the look on my face nearly broke his heart.) We've now been married nine years and in that time neither of us has seen the other in the ER, we've had minor injuries or surgeries, but this was different, this was not planned. By now it is close to 10pm. Everyone is tired, Bob and Spencer are starving, we're still waiting for results of the scan so the collar stays on, but everyone is in good spirits. Once the scan comes back and everything is fine, the collar comes off, Bob's brother and our nephew came in for a visit and then Spencer left for home. Now it is time for stitches (and Bob thought the collar was uncomfortable!) We don't know how many there were, a couple here and there and then 'bunches' was what the guy with the thread said. I couldn't watch. Around 11pm things are wrapping up, the doctor has given me paper work and they are checking Bob out. We gather his cracked helmet and slowly walk out to the car, a small, but very welcome miracle.

Last Friday Bob went back to have the stitches removed, because they do it for free after your trip in there! He is healing nicely and doesn't seem to be suffering from any long term concussion symptoms. He is sporting a goatee because he can't shave around the stitched area as it heals. His knees are almost bandage free and he has a new helmet, because he'll be back out there in 2 weeks.

Timbers Event

2011-06-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

I've now been to 3 Portland Timbers' games and they are SO much fun. The next big one is on the 10th against Seattle!! We went last week to a season ticket appreciation night. We collected signatures, bought a jersey, walked on the field, saw the locker room and kicked around a ball. Here are some pictures of Bob with his brother Kris (season seats, goal kick, corner kick, goalie) and then of course Bob and I.

The biggest news is sometimes small...

2011-06-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

... Bob and I have been playing things very casually the last few months, but since I have a job lined up...We're expecting a baby girl in early October!! I apologize if we weren't able to tell you personally or even over an individual email, so please do not hate us if we had not called/written you. I feel quite strange telling people sometimes, I know everyone is generally excited and happy for us, but it is still weird. But in case you are wondering, I have felt pretty good (I am 26 weeks), just mostly tired and joint pains plague me. Soon this blog may be filled with pictures of my belly and updates to the room, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum. Here are the fabrics I picked out and Bob's mom will turn into wonderful items for the room (for those of you paying attention, our old bedroom now that the upstairs is done.) The three patterns on the right are for the crib and the one on the left is for the curtain/valances.

Job!!

2011-06-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have accepted a part-time position with the State. I'll be reviewing construction documents for health facilities in Oregon. This includes hospitals, retirement homes and facilities in between. I'll be riding my bike the 1.9 miles for a job that is 5 days a week, but only 4 hours a day. My benefits are partially covered by the state and I'll make more than my unemployment check - plus I can enjoy my afternoons and no longer job search! So right now I'm enjoying my last two weeks of going to the gym when I want and sleeping in, although I have a huge binder of paper work to start looking through. (Here is the house my office is in. I'm on the second floor and share it with one other person.)

Two week update

2011-06-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been a while and for some one without a job, what do I spend my time doing if it isn't blogging? Well, I have had 2 interviews since the last post, been looking for a futon so we have a guest room, still working on small upstairs details (now there is both a handrail and guardrail thanks mostly to my parents helping mid week) and I planted my garden. Now this is on top of the four committees I have monthly or bi-weekly meetings for all they ask of me and the continuing search for a job, as well as laundry, cooking and other household stuff, not to mention being a supportive wife to my dissertation writing, summer school teaching hubby.

Missoula and Davis

2011-05-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Because Bob starts teaching and we are still hoping I get a job soon, we crammed in two wonderful trips in the span of 8 days. We spent three days in Missoula (plus two driving) with wonderful friends and then were home for two night and one day before flying to Davis for a goodbye send off and Bob to check in with advisors. I only wish we could have brought more of the weather back with us. I didn't take many pictures, but here are Bob and Alden in Davis and Diana and I in Missoula.

Bin Laden

2011-05-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have to say the death of a terrorist sure makes Americans act strangely. We are not celebrating the winning of the Olympics, the end of hunger, poverty or even a war, but oh how I wish we were. Celebrating a death like his only makes us look bad, it makes us, no better than he was. The debt trying to find this guy was huge and I don't see an end to it. Traveling and security is still ridiculous. I wish we could focus on issues that affect people in the US more directly - enough money for schools, to feed hungry kids and families, continued Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and affordable health care for everyone.

Spring

2011-04-18T15:23:00.003-07:00

Spring in Oregon, always coming a bit later than desired.

Remodel updates

2011-04-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some before and after floor pictures, an updated bathroom and bedroom. We still have more to do of course!

Memory Lane

2011-03-30T10:17:00.001-07:00

Today, as I was filling out a job application and needed to know my CA license number, I took a little walk through my old blog posts and pictures. I also spent an hour yesterday talking with a friend from Davis and oh how I miss some things about it! I saw pictures of us moving in, camping trips, sunny days, bike paths, wine tasting, barbecues, wii playing and dear, dear friends. Now of course I love being back home in my house with my family close, that is what broke my heart in California. But those 2 years there it turns out were a lot of fun and we met a lot of great people. I hope we get to visit soon, I only wish everyone we call a dear friend was still there to visit. The nature of graduate school is of course that you all find jobs and move on. Hugs to Davis, there will always be a special place in my heart for you.

TIMBERS!

2011-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

The boys, being Bob, his brothers and his dad, went in together on 2 season tickets for the Portland Timbers (Soccer). Bob and I toured the stadium and took pictures from the seats. The first game is this weekend, but the first home game is a month away.
In the seats
(We were pretty excited)

View from Standing

View from seated

Trip to the Beach

2011-03-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've had a terrible cold and one day I woke up feeling even worse and Bob decided we needed to drive to the beach. It was beautiful for a March day!

Remodel update

2011-03-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not updating this sooner, but the truth is, I want you to come and see it for yourself, or help us finish it, but I understand not all of you are able to do so.

Washington DC

2011-02-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the month my local, professional chapter (AIA) sent me to DC for a leadership conference. Bob joined for a little research. I hadn't been to DC since I was a teenager and a lot has changed. The buildings at the capital all have funny entrances and additions for security reasons. Not that I got to much of the capital because my flight was a day late due to weather and the conference was in a basement of a huge hotel. None the less, I
met with a Senator and some staff one day and Bob and I walked the mall one night.

We started at the Lincoln Memorial,

Then on to FDR (and his dog)

And ended with the Jefferson Memorial. What impressive men. We also saw construction has begun on the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial.

Hawaii

2011-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

A brief trip to the warm island seems like it was only a dream now. We joined my family for a couple days thanks to their generosity. This wasn't our first time so we mostly hung out and it was wonderful not to have a plan every day except eating and going to the beach. We took turns cooking, shopped at a farmers market, tried some new
fruit and even saw turtles. Bob and I rented bikes to get around for a day.

Bob and Cait

Bob and I rode our bikes here

And Here

Looking for turtles

Sunrise looking at one of the volcanoes

Last Sunset

NYE

2011-02-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

From swords to...

Our annual game

How else do you cut onions?

Goodbye bad things in 2010

For the past 5 years or so a group of us have been spending the New Year holiday in Sunriver. Snowshoeing, playing games, wii, eating, drinking and last year we added a new tradition of burning effigies. This year's list included budget problems, endless remodeling projects and lack of jobs. If only those things would disappear as quickly as they burned...
But as always it was a good time with great friends.

Downer Blog

2011-02-09T15:48:00.001-08:00

My apologies for the blog being such a downer. I need to post on New Year's and what we lit on fire this year, our trip to Hawaii, Washington DC and an update on our upstairs. Hang in there folks, I'll get back into it. I may have over-committed (don't tell my husband I admitted it) to a few too many committees this year...

The Unexpected

2011-01-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

Bob and I just had one of the hardest weeks ever. We received a call last Monday morning that one of our dear friends had lost their dad. He was 62, Bob had seen him 3 days earlier, it was very unexpected. Bob went out to be with his friend and family that first day. We had breakfast with them on day 3 and saw them briefly on day four to dogsit while they headed to California. We drove down on day 5 (leaving the dogs with my parents) and stopped along the way visiting Bob's family. The service was on day 6, Bob spoke and was a pall bearer. Day 7 we drove back home, hoping to never have an unexpected funeral to go to again.
I'm not saying any funeral or death is ever easy, I've lost my share of family members and watch others grieve to know that, but the shock of this one makes it different somehow.
My heart breaks for them almost hourly as I wonder how I would get through the next day if I was them. I cried so hard seeing our friend and his sister lay their hands on his casket.
The memorial is on his birthday at the end of the month and they expect over 200 people. I am so glad our friend has this many people to love and support him through this.
So now the shock will settle into grief.

Unemployment

2011-01-06T10:36:00.001-08:00

I've been getting some questions lately, so here is my two cents ++... More positive posts about the new year to come later, first a rant.

First I am grateful it exists, but it is poorly run and staffed. Thank goodness you can file online and have direct deposit so I don't have to deal with those people or I might hurt someone. Also, getting a check with the Employment department printed all over it and taking it to a bank, gets you a look of pity and makes you feel like you did something wrong. I didn't do anything wrong, I stimulated the economy last year!

I think I have already blogged about my initial trip to the local office for my interview, math and reading test so I won't go back to that day. I received an email around Thanksgiving about qualifying for extra job search support and was told to contact a person. I called, I emailed and nothing was returned, so I posted a question to the department and heard back promptly. Each week to claim benefits I have to answer a series of questions and every now and then submit my work search history (3 jobs per week) Well what if there aren't 3 jobs a week to apply for was my question (Since I'd like to stay in my field or one similar to it). The response was that there are over 700 unemployed architects in Oregon and I should consider relocating. WHAT? I am on 3 committees - at the professional, city and neighborhood levels, I own a home, my spouse has a job, how could I possibly relocate and start all over and hope for more networking opportunities than what I have? I know people in 3 of the major firms in Salem! I don't know who to send my complaint to, but I am still fuming after this response over a week ago. Things may be bad in Oregon, but I'm sure there are more unemployed architects in the rest of the country. Morons.
And lastly, while again grateful the check is there, it is less than 50% my salary, but still more than a minimum wage job so I can see why it is better for me to take the check than someone else's job. Does that mean I'm lazy for not wanting a $10 an hour blue collar job? Does that mean I'm abusing the system? Or just still holding out hope that something in my profession, in my town will pop up...

Cards

2010-12-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

Once again we made our cards so we didn't send out very many - I apologize if you didn't get one. But here is what they looked like for both our Christmas and our Hanukkah friends.

Extended Family Christmas

2010-12-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is my mom's family, 4 generations of us! Only one cousin was missing.

Tree hunting and birthday

2010-12-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

Just some pictures from getting our tree and of birthday dessert.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-08T11:25:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving in Sunriver. Chuck and Shannon joined us for the end of the weekend for some snowshoeing.Have I mentioned Lulu loves the snow?

9:45pm Tuesday Novemeber 30, 2010

2010-12-06T10:13:00.001-08:00

My grandpa is now at peace. He left us just a few days after his 85th birthday. My mom called from her cell phone to tell me at 10:30pm Tuesday night and I knew it was probably the call. Even though we had been preparing for it, it still came as a surprise and it still hurt. I sat on the couch stunned for a moment, cried, hugged my husband and pets and then called my parents' house. I knew my mom had left to be with my grandma, but my dad was still home watching my niece. Bob, Lulu, and I headed to the house to watch her so my dad could be with my mom. I didn't want her to be alone. I spent most of Tuesday with my mom. We ventured out of the house to pick up my grandma and went to Cait's music program, which was cute and cheering - just what we needed. After wards the family came over to my parents' for dinner. It is occasions like these that make you happy your mom still buys frozen costco food to feed the masses. It was nice to see my cousins and uncles, but I wish it had been for happier reasons. I learned a lot in that one day though: Donating your body to science can be complicated and take a while, my grandpa's mom's name was Velvie, he was born in Kansas and he was the youngest of 12 kids. So rest well Grandpa, we'll miss you, we love you, and we'll take good care of Grandma.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

This is Bob's favorite holiday and becoming one of mine as well. I take care of the food planning for 6 of us, for 5 days - and I love it! Bob and I do most of the cooking as well. This year the weather seems to be fighting us for traveling to our usual place, but we'll get there, just slowly.
I am very thankful for some things despite my lack of employment.
I'm thankful...
for my supportive spouse
for friends and family
for my house
for having great former co-workers
for my computer that keeps chugging after 8 years
for my pets
for my garden
for my cute little car
for unemployment checks
for internet job searching
for good health.

Davis

2010-11-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

We returned from Davis last night. I even made it without crying, but knowing that it will most likely be our last trip down there was hard. Our trip to Ashland this summer was nearly perfect, but we needed to see a few more people and say goodbye to some dear friends one more time before they head off on their next adventures (Ecuador and Austria). The weather was amazing, the food yummy and the friends were awesome. From transporting us around to feeding us to great conversations and hugs goodbye, they were wonderful. Maybe it was easier to leave because I know that wherever they end up, be it spread out in the US or on 3 continents, we'll see each other again one day. But until then, thank goodness for the internet!

Fall

2010-11-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Fall in Oregon means...
beautiful colors

and this year it meant hunting for tasty mushrooms in the woods

and cider bottling.

Cozy Office

2010-11-04T10:00:00.001-07:00

Bob and I are currently working in the same 12 x 12 room, our backs to each other. The french doors are closed keeping the rest of the house outside, the dog is on the rug behind me and the sun is pouring in the window. The buzz of our computer fans compete only with our keyboard tappings. He writes his dissertation while I simply surf for work. It was almost a picture perfect office until I mentioned that part.
I am grateful for spending time at home with my husband or with my nieces, in-laws and parents. I keep thinking about why I am unemployed, what the bigger picture is. Is it so I am compassionate for the less fortunate, is it to rely on something bigger to provide for me, is it humbling (yes, yes and yes) is it to discover some new potential (I hope), or is it something big in life will change and I will need this time (ie. a death or injury in the family is what I fear). then again, maybe I'm reading too much into this and it is just my turn.

I believe...

2010-11-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

...only 60% of Americans vote and of that I think only 30% vote regularly and the other 30% are easily persuaded people that are upset (2008 democrats, 2010 tea partiers). Why doesn't everyone vote?
...health care is a human right, Pregnancy is NOT a pre-existing condition.
...the FDA and EPA need to have stricter standards.
...the wealthy should be taxed more, the middle class should be lowered.
...Clinton got us in trouble almost as much as Bush, but no one noticed because the economy was strong.
...the rest of the world is laughing at us because we can't fix our problems, yet we try to fix others.
...the next two years could be bad, but it is 2012 that really worries me.

Been a while

2010-10-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been a while, but here are a few updates.
Still looking for work, but staying busy most of the time.
Attic work is slow. I've done some painting with the help of my mother in law, Bob has put up lights, and we might get to the backerboard in the shower tonight.
I've been volunteering with the Kitzhaber and Schrader campaigns and calling voters is hard. 50 my first day and then 38 today.
Went to a class with my sister and dad last weekend about land management, garden pests, composting toilets and trees and much was learned.
I might be my professional board's (AIA) president elect next year. I've been secretary the last two.
I'm enjoying Pilates on Tuesday and Thursdays and hope to swim with Cait on Monday's.
This week I'm looking forward to a lecture Thursday about whales and critter cams that are attached to them and a tour of the State Hospital on Friday.

Willamette National Forest

2010-10-11T13:05:00.001-07:00

Pretty falls and tasty mushrooms while the boys mountain bike.

Attic goes on

2010-10-06T11:22:00.001-07:00

Even though I am unemployed, we have decided to continue moving forward with our remodel. We already had most of these costs figured into our budget, we'll see when it comes to the next step though. Here are the most recent pictures!

Future Bedroom!

Future Bathroom, Closet area, and a little helper!

Driving him Crazy

2010-09-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since Bob and I were both home and shared an office for more than a weekend. This is day 3 and I already think I'm driving him crazy. I promise, I am very quiet, but I think even my footsteps or typing cause him to sigh in frustration as he tries to focus on his work. Dude, does he think about what he sounds like to me?

My turn...

2010-09-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

I had tried to avoid it, I even moved firms at a risky time, but I've now been laid off. The real bummer isn't the missing paycheck it is that I actually liked my job. I liked my co-workers, the quirky bosses and even the love hate relationship with the developers we work with. I felt I was fitting in which I definitely did not at my last office (you may remember: boys club to the extreme). I know most firms in town have laid off, the state isn't hiring, and the Portland market is even worse. I'm not sure I can handle a bad firm or a bad job and I can't afford to do something i love that pays in beans because my unemployment check is a better deal. So help me brainstorm, help me dream because sometimes it is hard to think when you really need to.

2010-09-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Bob and I went to visit my grandparents last night and I wanted to snap this photo, for me and for my grandma. This is what love is.

Cider Making

2010-09-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

A Friday night spent squeezing apples. Bob and I were there too, but behind the scenes I guess. Now we wait for 2 months...

2010-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

I saw him sitting there, but I didn't want to believe it was him. He was bent over in a chair and looked so small. My grandpa has Alzheimers and he has for a while, but now he is slowly dying. I see my grandma more often, probably because it is easier, but it had been a couple weeks since I visited him. So we went into the dining room, sat down next to him, and tried to get him to drink a protein shake. He is down to 125 lbs, his skin is dry and bleeds easily, his hair is almost gone. Sometimes he answers you when you ask him a question, but mostly he is quiet. The room had nurses running around and other people eating, but he was by himself. I was aware of everything around me and knew this isn't what anyone should go through. He drank the strawberry shake for me only because i kept asking over and over while Bob tried to just tell him things we were doing because we can't sit there in silence. I teared up several times as I am now. Where is the strong man who always had engine grease under his fingernails? The man who told us to go play in the freeway when we were little (lovingly of course and we thought this was hilarious), who smoked until he had a heart attack (even a triple bi-pass 20 years ago didn't slow him down much), who sucked on cough drops like they were candy? Where is the man that told us if we were behaving we weren't having any fun? I hate this disease and I feel for my grandma more than anything. It is hard on me to see him like this, but she sees him everyday and sits with him even if he doesn't say anything. When we left him back in his room and told him grandma would be there soon, I had to be okay that it might be goodbye.
We lost my mom's real dad to cancer when I was in high school, long enough ago to forget how hard it is. These caring individuals are there for you from the beginning and it is hard to think of life without them, hard to remind yourself as you grow up, they grow old.

Camping with Davis Friends

2010-08-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we met some graduate student friends down in Ashland for camping and the Shakespeare festival. It was hot, very hot. But so nice to see everyone before they head off on their adventures this winter (moving to Vienna and Ecuador). Goodbye was hard because we never know when we will get to see each other next.

Bob's b-day Mt. Biking

2010-08-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Bob's birthday throughout the weekend, but here are some BBQ at a camp site pics. And his birthday cheesecake!

Summer nights

2010-08-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

We got a bunch of people together for a baseball game and we celebrated some August birthdays!

I had to take another shot since Bob had his eyes closed in the first one, so this is the face he made.

Attic Update

2010-07-27T13:57:00.001-07:00

We've started building walls, the rough plumbing is done, and we have a ridge vent! Plus my garden doesn't look too shabby either.

Bend/Sunriver

2010-07-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Some Yummy food, good times with the fam, and pretty scenery (mt biking with Bob).

8th anniversary

2010-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

We went back to the Oregon Garden and stayed at the new resort there. Things have changed a little. The last eight years sure went by fast, but then again... We bought a house, got a dog, Bob finished his Masters, we moved to California,Bob started his PhD, I got my license, we moved back to Oregon. One thing was the same as eight years ago, it was HOT and I love Bob very much.

Moving on

2010-07-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Now that the trip has been given its glory, I can now blog about more current things! There was Bob's grandparent's 60th anniversary, my garden getting into full swing, the continuing saga of our bathroom addition, small trips to Sunriver and camping and this weekend is our 8th anniversary! Life is good and summer is here!

The last night

2010-07-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Our trip was full of beautiful buildings, tasty food, great wine, and most of all...Amazing Friends.

La Sagrada Familia

2010-07-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is Guadi's most famous work. In 1882 construction began on this church, and the they hope to have it finished in 2030 - guess we'll have to go back. It is amazing, it is so unique and again I apologize for not doing it justice! This church is huge! There are elevators in the towers you can go up and see the city, there is a museum underneath with models of the church and Guadi's sketches. We only spent a few hours here but you could spend all day if it weren't for the fact that it is a construction site and everything is barricaded off. It is by far the most impressive structure I have seen.

Passion Facade

Inside

Nativity Facade

Barcelona Guadi Style

2010-07-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

Barcelona!!

2010-07-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Monserrat was on our way to Barcelona where Tobi and Britta joined us! There will be several postings to follow, mostly with Guadi works. Look him up, he was a very creative architect from 1852-1926 - my pictures cannot do him justice. Of course, not everything you see here will be his works, we went to markets, parks and the ocean. Okay so no Guadi in this post, just the next several!

Monserrat Part II

2010-06-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

Unlike most Monasteries, this one sees a lot of visitors and a lot of money. I've seen a lot of churches and this is one of the most ornate, not to mention a pretty incredible setting. But just wait, soon you will see some of Guadi's work in Barcelona.

Montserrat Part I

2010-06-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

On our way to Barcelona, we drove up to Mont Serrat, another Monastery that sits on a hill and is famous both for the dramatic setting and the statue of a black Madonna!

Our Wonderful Place in Montblanc

2010-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Day trip to Tarragona

2010-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tarragona is on the ocean and known for being built over Roman ruins. We had fun exploring!

Near Montblanc

2010-06-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wine tasting and a visit to a working Monastery.

Montblanc walled city

2010-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ty and Bob inside one of the gate towers.

One of the churches inside the walled city

Gate tower

Car entrance

Spain Cont. Montblanc

2010-06-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

After the Wool and Wedding Festival, we continued on to Montblanc. The drive was beautiful, but we could not find our bed and breakfast. Thanks to free wifi and our iPhones, we located the dirt road the house was on. We were there 3 nights and made a couple of day trips, one to Tarragona, one to a Monastery and one day was spent in the walled city of Montblanc.

Spain Part II Wool and Wedding Festival

2010-05-28T10:25:00.001-07:00

On our way from Girona to Montblanc (Spain, not France) we went through a city called Ripoll that was having a festival. It was such a fun day! Sheep shearing contests, weddings, dancing giants and communal food!

Spain Part I Cont. Exploring Girona

2010-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Girona is an old city with part of the city wall still walkable and beautiful churches and cobblestone streets (built on a hill). The concert was a guitar orchestra playing the "Sound of Silence'!

Spain Cont. Bike Ride!

2010-05-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

We rented bikes and rode from Geneva to the coast and then were shuttled back. It was 27 miles and rained a bit on us, so we ducked inside for a drink.

Spain Part I Flowers

2010-05-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

We flew from Geneva to Barcelona and then took a bus to Girona. We were there 3 nights enjoying the local festival of flowers and a bike ride. Here are some of the flower exhibits!

Geneva

2010-05-28T08:45:00.001-07:00

Here is the beginning of our trip!

My Badge for the W.H.O., THe United Nations Building and Bob and I at Lake Geneva one evening.

Home!

2010-05-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'll try to get pictures up this week, but we are home now and getting back into work and Pacific time. The laundry is almost done and the pets are home from their vacations.
We had great luck researching and then had a wonderful time with friends on the vacation following. In a short wrap up, northern Spain is beautiful, Catalan is possibly harder than French, flying in the last row of an airplane sucks, traveling with friends is (sometimes and in this case) more fun than traveling with just your spouse.

something bigger

2010-05-13T04:09:00.000-07:00

if i have learned anything the last few days it is that french is hard, foreign keyboards are frustrating to type on, and the world health organization is pretty cool. it has been great fun to be a part of something bigger, something global. i cant quite express it completely, but yeah, wow.

Day 2

2010-05-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Right now I am sitting in a library with Bob, pretending to be a graduate student. We are on our first joint research trip and after the second day, I am exhausted. I do not know how he gets through more than one day of looking up the documents, locating them, and then photographing the parts yyou actually need. It is all very interesting to me and there are so many topics here that fascinate me since I have a bit of a medical love. For example, pre 1970 the attempt to defeat malaria was referred to as malaria erradication, but then it switches to the anti malaria campaign and then again to malaria containment. I also found that the WHO and their yearly assemblies wanted to have clean water and sanitation for all by 1990 and health care for all by 2000. We stopped looking at records in 1980, but I can only imagine the dispair as those years approached and then passed.
In non research news, our hostel is fine, the weather is rain then sun and in the 50s. It is expensive like most large cities and we wish we spoke more or any French. Obviously there is internet at the library to keep me awake inbetween document reviewing, but we actually hope to finish up here tomorrow...a day early! Until next time I have a moment or something new to share.

Wright to Stover

2010-04-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from Mexico, where we spent time celebrating the wedding of our friend Kelly! (sorry no wedding pics)

Construction, er uh, demolition

2010-04-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Before

With the help of Bob's parents and a neighbor, most of the bead board is gone and we can get a plumbing and sheet rock quote! (The skylights and wood floor will stay and the windows will get bigger.) The blue tape is where possible new walls will be, with lots of built-ins!

Spring!

2010-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Like any other time of year, busy, but beautiful!

Second Post - Planning Commission

2010-03-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Wow it has taken me a week to post what is burning my brain! I've been working a lot at the new job and just haven't had time. But maybe it is better this way.

Last Monday I interviewed for a position on Salem's Planning Commission. I did not get it. And not only did I not get it, but they were out to get me! Do not worry, I will not give up on making Salem a better Planned city! Currently the commission has 7 men, all over 45, at least. I was one of 7 and the only woman. There was an ex army officer, a real estate appraiser, an accountant, a business owner and two people with regular jobs and me, an architect. We had written responses to 5 questions and then were asked more based on our responses. (this is the first time I have ever interviewed for something like this, let alone speak into a microphone for local cable) They (the mayor and city council) voted after an hour of questions. I received 2 votes (out of 8) in the first round, not enough to have a majority and advance forward. I wasn't really surprised though. I mainly want to be a thorn in their side, but what irks me is that I am qualified, I know the codes the city writes and the commission evaluates. I was the only person in that room that uses it daily! You can still find the interviews online and it turns out my neighbors watched and so did some of my neighborhood board and then they emailed me comments, or posted to neighborhood sites. So even though it was a defeat - here is what they had to say (to me and to others about me).

(Britta from Oregon Women Lead)
'Hi Leah

You can be very proud !

I was! You held up your side, a tiny bundle of energy among the whatevers.....spoke up, answered questions, and elaborated , all with the authority and the power of your experience and education. You did all you could do.'

(David, business owner also a candidate)

'I also wanted to let you know that Leah did an outstanding job and was certainly the best candidate up there – so her lack of votes clarify that our council is a good ol boy club with little interest in positive progress. They really gypped themselves out of a valuable asset in Leah in the name of “same ‘ol shit”.'

(Melanie, Neighbor)
'Personally, I thought the mayor was particularly combative and was inappropriate in the way she treated you both. I hope you will consider applying again, under more supportive leadership.'

(Jan, Neighbor)
'I also appreciate the fact that you were willing to work on the Planning Commission and refuse to be intimidated by their decision to not select you. Way to go!'

(Bill, Neighborhood Assoc. Chair)
'By the way, thanks to Leah for her willingness to stand for the Planning Commission seat. I can't believe they did not select her.'

Bob even came to watch me even though it is painfully boring, but the support during and after has been wonderful. I did wake up at 1 am still processing things and maybe I still am.

First of two posts because a lot is on my mind.

2010-03-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Health care! I am very excited that this bill passed for a number of reasons and very sad at how little and how slow things will change at the same time.
1. Pregnancy will not be a pre exisiting condition. This was terrible - how did they get away with it for so long?
2. Children will no longer be denied coverage - what? they were before, that is crazy!
3. Large companies will need to insure their employees. LARGE companies, that means you Wal Mart will have to start providing health insurance.
4. When you get sick, you can't be dropped. Isn't the point of having insurance is in case you get sick?

Not everyone belongs to a group plan and has the above (luxuries) rights, but soon they will.

But why is there not a public option? Can states really try to opt out of this? Why are so many people against these rights? That last question bothers be the most. How can people not care about their friends and neighbors to extend health care? There are several programs we buy into currently - social security, medicare and things we pay for - public schools, public libraries, taxes, bonds - so aren't we already socialist to some degree? Let's drop the stupid name calling and realize we have to do what is best to make our country healthy again. Let's forget about Pre-existing conditions and begin to talk about preventative medicine!

One Exciting Week

2010-03-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

What a roller coaster of a week! Monday started off with a meeting with a favorite client followed by being thrown under the bus. Wednesday our new niece arrived, Thursday we met her. Thursday afternoon was tough at work though and I went home and cried that night. But Friday morning relief came when I had a job offer from the firm I've been working with 2 days a week. So I gave notice yesterday. My hope is to be taken seriously, as an architect, at the new office. It is small and I'll give more info about them soon. I can tell you I've learned a lot about how businesses are run and what their priorities are and I will pick working with cool, honest people over cool projects any day.

Our New Niece!

2010-02-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

Meet Jacqueline Faith Reinhardt! (Pictured with her Uncle Bob and Grandma Debi) Bob is shading her from the bright light. She is 9lb 9oz born last night. Great job Drew and Jen!

random catch up

2010-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple photos to bring things up to date.

Bob using his new toy to make the melted sugar on top of espresso infused creme brulee.

My new slippers I bought with Birthday money!

Ander Edwin

2010-02-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Kristina is a strong woman! She gave birth last week to an 8lb 6oz baby boy. Congrats Kris and Kyle! Here she is all cute at her shower and then at the hospital.

What I learned today...

2010-02-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

Check this out when you have the extra 30 seconds, then you too will learn something.

Images of Projects I've worked on

2010-01-26T10:26:00.001-08:00

Kroc Center (I only did some site drawings)

WaterPlace (lots of details for lighting, glass, wood and then the individual offices inside.)

All the construction drawings for Travel Salem, Interior Remodel!

Awards

2010-01-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Here is the team I work with (Tuesday-Thursday) and we won a couple awards last night for our most recent projects. Maybe I'll find some images to show you in the next post.

Tea Time

2010-01-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Blooming Jasmine tea I received from Jen for Christmas!

Ringing in the New Year

2010-01-05T13:05:00.001-08:00

Our annual game of Risk

A new tradition (for us)
of burning effigies
(Maybe I'll give a brief list later)

Snow!

Christmas Pictures

2010-01-05T13:00:00.001-08:00

Our Tree

Christmas Morning at my parents'

Holiday Cards

2009-12-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

We only sent out a few cards this year because Bob went and got complicated (they involved seeking out a letterpress and finding an antique typwriter less than 2 weeks before Christmas) but here is a sample.