Holy Crap!

Every year I wish for at least a few hours of a white Christmas.  It seems that all my years of wishing have been building up and exploded into reality last week.  My last day of work was December 12, and ever since then the weather has been wonky.  It started out cute and innocent, and today it is no longer cute or innocent.  Enjoy below:

I had to show Riley the snow, I'm not really sure what she thought of it!

The above two were taken a few days ago, below were taken this morning.

~Emily

What Was I Doing?

So sometimes I think I space out while I'm doing the dishes.  I have a lovely view of the back yard from the sink, and sometimes it is rather lovely out.  Given the fact that it has been snowing means it's been particularly intersting outside.  This is great, until I do something like this:

It hurts like a son of a gun. :(  David took good care of me and applied the magic glue and bandaide.  I know I'm going to have a nasty scar.  What have I learned from this?  Doing dishes is evil?  Don't wash and daydream?  Knives are tools of satan?  I guess accidents happen. ;)

~Emily

Winter Wonderland!

It has been a very strange year, and the weather is rounding things off nicely!  This last week has been titled "Artic Blast" by the local news.  We have had snow and ice all week.  I woke up this morning to a view very much like Christmas morning from "A Christmas Story" (without the killer icicles).  As I sit here typing this, snow is starting to gently fall again.  I'll have to take some pictures and post later today.  David has been able to work from home, which makes my heart happy.  It is nice to not have to worry about him on the roads.  Instead, I get to feel safe and warm with David and Riley around.

This is also my first week of freedom!  I guess I picked a pretty good time to quit my job, at least weather wise.  It would have been a huge stress for me to have to drive in to the office.  I don't do so well moving about in the snow and ice (bad knee, I'm overly paranoid that I am going to dislocate something again in a horrible fall and have no one around to help me and I'll be found an hour later purple, crying, horribly contorted and with a frozen, wet bum).  David has been so sweet and supportive.  I'm slowly working on getting things around the house in order.  I just don't want to be a huge distraction while he's working, so I think I'll do more of the noisey cleaning while he's getting some work shop time next week.  All and all, I'm starting to feel like myself again.  I'm one very lucky lady.  I have the best husband and the best kitty cat ever!

~Emily

Times, They Are a Changin

So a lot has happened in the last few weeks.  David and I have been busy with work, home, and World of Warcraft.  We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!  David brined a turkey and we tried a new dressing reciepe.  It was all to die for, and any weight I put on from the rich heavenly food was worth it!   We are part of a (new to us) guild alliance side and we ran our first instance with them this weekend and had a blast!  They seem like a really great group of people, and I'm lookign forward to doing more in game with them.  David has been very sweet and supportive while I've gone through some growing pains/stress in my life.  I've finally decided to quit being a doormat and stand up for myself.  Unfortunately, some people are not happy about that.  I've perhaps fractured the relationship with my parents, and that's going to be really hard, stressful and draining to fix, but maybe what the relationship needs to move on to where is should be.  I've resigned from my position at work, and am unsure about the future of my employment.  All big sort of growing up things for me.  Standing up for myself is hard, especially when all I want to do is make everyone else happy.  Well, now I'm trying to do the right thing for me.  And unfortunately that is going to make for a rough couple of weeks.  Thanks sweetie for being their for me, and knowing when to hug me tight.  I also appreciate my sister, who understands and loves me even when I'm cray.  I'm a lucky person to have you both in my life!

~Emily

I'm Bad!

It's been awhile since I've updated, I am a bad blogger!  We have just been so busy.  Work has been, busy and sucky and all that jazz.  I don't want to talk about it.  We are still going strong with our walking and eating better.  I'm very pleased with the progress we have made, and the path we are on in respect to our health and well being.  We also are the proud owners of our very own copies of the newest World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Litch King.  We have been enjoying all that the new content has to offer together.  It's been a nice escape after a really crappy day at work.  I'll have to work on blogging better.  I can't have anyone thinking we've fallen off the wagon and are living of donuts or dead! ;)

~Emily

8 Wonderful Years!

Today is David's and my 8 year wedding anniversary.  It's kind of unreal.  The last 8 years have pretty much flown by.  I'm one lucky lady.  I have a husband who loves me, and has put up with me for the last 8 years.  I have to show off the pretties he surprised me with at work today:

Sweetie, thanks for putting up with me, and loving me, and being there for me!  You are my best friend and I would be lost without you!  Happy Anniversary! ;)

~Emily

The Bunnies are Eating Sand

So there is a funny story behind the title.  One of my friends back in High School would do whatever she could to get out of going to school.  One morning she deliriously (and I mean in the faking way) told her mom that "the bunnies are eating sand" and her mom let her stay home from school.  It has since been one of my favorite random phrases and I'm excited that it actually works as a title for todays activities.

David and I spent some quality time with some real beach bunnies this afternoon:

This is one of our favorite things to do when we visit the Inn at Cape Kiwanda.  They sell bags of bunny food and we go over to the camp ground behind the inn and feed the hungry bunnies.  They come out of nowhere when they hear the sound of the food bags.   We had fun walking around feeding different groups of round happy bunnies.

Pretty Bunny

This is the sweet bunny that let us pet him.

I look forward to next years bunny feeding frenzy! :)

~Emily

Contented

I am a happy lady.  I'm sitting in a lovely room at our favorite beach getaway (The Inn at Cape Kiwanda), hearing and smelling the ocean, watching "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and smelling the yummy coffee that David is brewing for me.  We had a lovely dinner.  We had a lovely drive.  We have a lovely internet connection.  It is a good day. :)

~Emily

M'kay...

I was watching the news this evening and they were running a story on McCain. McCain was at a rally and taking questions from the audience. He hands an older woman the microphone and she says something to effect that she doesn't trust Obama. Because he's an Arab. Um...


I was absolutely dumbstruck. I couldn't believe that it was possible for a person to be that stupid and out of touch; but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Afterall, all one has to do these days is turn on the television to see how far we have fallen as a nation. We have become a nation filled with stupid, lazy, arrogant, and self-serving people. It is very sad and I truly fear for our collective futures.

Our government, sadly, is the very reflection of its people. Government of the people, by the people, for the people; remember that? Well, forget about the "for the people" part, because that philosophy has gone the way of the Dodo bird; but of the people? That part is spot on.

I honestly don't know what our future portends. I do believe that we have it in us to pull ourselves out of this mess. It will take discipline and something Americans haven't experienced in a long time: personal sacrifice. I am willing to do my part. Are you willing to do yours?

~David

Ha ha!

Someone at the office forwarded this to me, and I just had to share!
--------------------------------------
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today.

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today.

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.

But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg. A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found that

Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon

Makes you proud to be an American.

Sunday :(

My lovely weekend is almost over.  I hate the end of the day Sunday.  It's depressing.  I did have a wonderful weekend with my sweetie.  It just went too fast.  Hopefully the coming work week will go fast, be productive, and be low key.  The last few weeks havev been sort of crazy.  I'm ready for things to be more mellow again.  I hope the last few hours of freedom don't fly by too fast.

~Emily

I Love October

I love this month for several reasons.  This is the month that starts feeling like fall.  Fall is my favorite time of year.  This is the month that the pumpkin patch is the weekend destination.  We have a local favorite, Bauman Farms, that we visit at least once between October and November.  This is also the month when the rain starts.  The sun and the heat do have their place, but I am a gray, rainy day kind of gal and I'm looking forward to that weather.  This is also the month David and I got married.  This year we have a cozy beach escape planned for our anniversary and I'm looking forward to it.  Two weeks from now we are going to be sitting in our room with a fire and listening to the sound of the ocean.  I can't wait.  It's been a strange sort of year, and the last few month have felt really long and draining.  I'm looking forward to some breathing room and down time and that always seems to come about this time of year.  Hopefully there will be some pumpkin patch stories one of these weekends soon!

~Emily

One Hundred Days and Counting

Today was our 100th day of daily exercise and eating sensibly. I am very proud of achieving this milestone and elated by the progress we have made.

I am ready for another one hundred days. Bring it!

~David

Wine

Wine makes a crazy day way more... fuzzy.  Whem things are fuzzy, things just don't matter.  The person who invented wine was very very smart.  It has been a long month, and I anticipate more of the same for October, except I get to have a weekend getaway date with my sweetie that I am looking forward to very much.

So, speaking of sweetie... when I'm texting with my iPhone it's like I'm typing with a Johnsonville Braut or something, and I typed sweetit instead of sweetie.  I find that really amusing right now.  I also find this really amusing:  ha ha! (be sure to have your sound on)  When I figure out a way to make that my ring tone, well, I'm sooo gonna do it!  

Alright, that is all for now.  

~Emily

Accomplished

Last week was a long rough week.  It seriously felt, for me, like one long never ending day.  I'm sure next week is going to be more of the same.  You see, we are short staffed at the moment.   This will change next week as well.  We have been short an attorney, and a paralegal.  I've been doing my job (legal assistant) and the paralegal job.  The firm is looking for a paralegal, but no good apps have come in yet.  We did hire a new attorney.  This is good and alarming.  A new attorney means more work, but a new attorney also means I'll be doing less in the drafting of documents I am unfamiliar with.  It's been a period of change, and I'm hoping it's going to get better.  But that's not why I'm posting.

Despite being dog tired, and concerned about coming down with a cold, we managed to get some things done around the house that we've needed to do.  It's nice to feel like I got something done, and like I got some rest.  Now if only I could have one more day... the weekends go by too fast. :(

~Emily

Appreciation

I am a very lucky lady.  I am reminded of that in so many ways, every day.  For example, today when we were knocking out some quests in World of Warcraft with some of our friends I was reminded how respectful David and I are to one another.   This doesn't mean our friends don't care for eachother.  Their banter is more mean spirited than ours is.  We are a good team playing when playing our game.  But we are like that in any task we do together.  My David is a safe, warm, loving place for me to land when I've had a rough day.  He's like that for me every day.  It's been kind of a rough couple of weeks, and I just really appreciate my David.

~Emily

Week 13

So now I think our new routine is just our routine.  That is a great feeling!  Weight has always been an issue for me, and probably always well be.  But I finally feel like maybe I am finally getting a handle on things and going about this whole change the right way.  I actually prefer the whole wheat bread and the wheat pasta now.  I like my non-fat latte.  I still hate getting out of bed in the morning to walk, but I like that we get out of our (nice warm cozy) bed every morning and walk together.  I'm looking forward to the day when maybe I don't hate pictures of myself.  I miss scrapbooking and I'm looking forward to getting back into my hobbies.

~Emily

Another Year Older

So today was my birthday.  I got some sweet happy birthdays on my facebook, and a couple of phone calls from loved ones.  My David went above and beyond to make me feel special.  He spent the whole day with me even though it was a great day to be in the workshop.  We played our cute little spacegoats.  He sat through several episodes of Angel with me.  And the sweetest part, he cooked for me. :)  We had a lovely dinner of steak and twice baked potato (sour cream and sharp Tillamook cheddar) and a nice Malbec to drink.  We ended the evening with chocolate cake with a mocha mousse and orange cream sauce.  It was food to die for, and I loved every bite! My sweetie took good care of me, and I had a wonderful day!  Thanks sweetie, I appreciate all your hard work and time spent in the kitchen! ;)

~Emily

Week 12

I was telling a co-worker this week that David and I have gotten up every morning for the last 12 weeks and walked.  Every day.  Rain or shine.  I was thinking about that, and I'm really proud of us!  It has been a change in our routine, not a huge change, but enough of a change that sleeping in is sleeping until 6:30 or 7:30.  I kind of can't imagine not getting up and walking.  I don't miss the ice cream, or the bread with dinner.  I don't miss my triple venti vanilla with whip latte.  I'm so proud of how far we have come, and how much we have done.  I think by this time next year we are going to be two very different, smaller, happier people.  Hooray for getting our lives back!

~Emily

Week 11

I don't know why I am so behind at posting my week update.  Week 11 went swimmingly.  :)

~Emily

Week 10

We made it through week 10, despite the fact our route was thrown a bit by David having to travel.  I'm proud of him, he stuck to the diet as best he could while on the road including walking every morning.  I did as well, except I rode our exercise bike so I didn't have to walk in the dark alone.   It feels good to have this new routine feel like it is no longer the new routine, it's just the routine. :)

~Emily

Feeling Lucky-Even More So Than Usual

I am one of those sappy people that really does thank the powers that be (be that God, or someone else) for the loving husband I have and the wonderful life we have together.  I'm not in any way saying I'm better than anyone, but I am thankful for what I have.  The could-have-beens, and what-ifs, well, I would have felt trapped and I would have been miserably trapped in who I was in high school.  Just the thought is enough to drive me to the drink.

What brought this on?  Well, I was looking around MySpace today.   They have this feature that lets you look for/reconnect (ha ha) with people that may have been your classmates.  Once in awhile I check it out, just to see if someone that didn't treat me like a fat piece of crap joins.  I was looking tonight and found a lot of people are on MySpace now.  Looking at the pages of the "popular" group was interesting.   It looks like quite a few ended up returning to our home town.   It also looks like serveral people married their high school sweetheart, and are still friends with the people they were friends with in high school.  I thank god that I didn't marry either of the two guys I dated in high school (sorry guys-no offense).  I did have a few friends, and none of them, well at least none of the ones I still talk to, live in LC.  Some how, we managed to get away and become better people than we were.  I appreicate my parents for encouraging me to get out, get away and find myself (and I really should drop them a random thank you note).  I also need to give my David a big thank you for supporting and understanding as I grow and find myself.  Thank you for making it so easy to never ever want to look back.  If only I had known all this back then, I think it would have made high school less of a living hell, but I guess that would mean the realization now and what I have now would not seem so sweet.  I am content. :)

~Emily

Yay Yay Yay Yay!!!

After some concern that there was no room on the plane, my sweetie is safe in Oregon and headed home as I type.  It was a rough couple of nights without him.  For some reason I could not sleep worth a damn, and the cat has been even stranger than usual (really-and that says a lot).  I am just giddy, waiting for the truck to come roaring (it's a Dodge Ram, it roars) down the street and into the drive way.  I'm going to do my best to *NOT* pounce on the David.  Not only is my better half returning, but he is returning to a three day weekend with crazy me.  Things are looking up. :)

~Emily

Week 9

Just wanted to do my weekly update (now what week 10 is almost over-I'm really behind).  All is good, we are still moving right along!

~Emily

I Miss My Lady

Soon I will be jetting off to California for two days of product training. I am going to miss Emily something fierce. I hate leaving home without her and I won't smile again until I'm home.

A very sad,

~David

Week 8

Well, I have to say with each week it really does get easier.  We have walked every day for 8 weeks now, and we have continued the eating smart plan.  It feels good.  I'm very proud of my David.  I don't know if he knows this-but I really couldn't do this without him.  I know how lucky I am (and not just because of the Angel DVD's).  Thanks sweetie! <3

~Emily

I Am So Adored!

David bought Angel seasons 2-5, so now I can watch Angel all I want (well, at least until one of us goes crazy).  I just had to share how sweet (tolerant, supportive, adorable) my David is. :)

~Emily

Angel Season 1

I am on the second to last disc now, and I have once again found the Joss Whedon joy.  I have accomplished nothing else today-and after the week I had at work this has been good for my soul.  David made me a fantastic dinner, we had the lovely bottle of wine, and ended the evening with chocolate.  Today had been a really lovely day.

~Emily

Because Emily Said So

It's Saturday evening and I've just imbibed two, wholly wonderful glasses of wine (I don't know what it's called, but there's a kangaroo on the front). I have a very healthy buzz and because Emily has one also, she suggested I blog. Since we started losing weight and eating a whole lot less, my tolerance for alcohol has dimished. Now I get drunk very easily. Hehe. I guess there are worse things.

So what have I been doing lately? Let's start with gaming.

As many people know, I was once hopelessly addicted to World of Warcraft. I had a Horde-side toon called Demonsfury, an "affliction-spec'd" warlock, and I belonged to a raiding guild called Requiem on the Silvermoon server. Well, after about two years of raiding, I got burned out and just couldn't do it any more. It was the same for Emily. So we quit. Cold turkey like. Just one day we were raiding, the next we weren't. Since that time (and after a long withdrawal period), we started playing again, but only casually, which is much better for us. We have some toons we're leveling, but we're not very serious about it.

I still love games, so I've recently been playing three new titles that are all really fun: 1) On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, a really quirky role-playing game from the makers of the Penny Arcade comic strip; 2) Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars, a real-time strategy game recommended by a friend who lives in Houston (hiya James); and 3) Mass Effect, another role-playing game, again recommended by James. All of them are a ton of fun, but all very different.

I've never been a big fan of RTS games; this is really my first foray into the genre. I do own Warcraft III, which is really cool, but I never could get into very far. So I'm giving the genre a new shake, equipped with a good game guide. I need this, because I'm about the least strategic person in the world. My hope is that I learn enough about RPG games to enjoy StarCraft 2 when it makes its debut, oh, in about a decade or so.

There are some cool new titles that I'm very much looking forward to. They include: 1) the new expansion for WoW--Wrath of the Lich King; 2) Diablo III; 3) StarCraft; and 4) a coupla new shooters from ID Software, which will be released for Mac OS X (yaxxors)!

Let's see... what else?

Many people know that I'm a trained violin maker. But until recently, my tools and my workshop have gone unused, which is really a sad state of affairs. However, I am now, albeit slowly, getting my workshop back in order. I've been working on a new sharpening table (violin makers are constantly sharpening their tools, so having a dedicated space is really necessary); I've added some cabinets to the workshop, and I've bought a few needed items. By the time the fall is here, I'll be ready to get back into the swing of things and make not only violins, but also some much needed furniture we need in our home.

Work is the suck. I guess that's a universal truth no matter who one is or what their chosen vocation happens to be. But I think my work is a bigger suck than most. Or maybe it's that I have a huge chip on my shoulder and a general bad attitude stemming from a premature take over of the start-up company I was once proud to call my own. You see, I used to work for a small company that developed and sold clustering software. We had a product that was unrivaled in the marketplace--a product that a lot of competing companies wished they had. We all thought we had something special that would, at the end of the day, make us all a healthy chunk of dough. Now, I never really wanted to be wealthy, but I did have dreams of paying off my house and maybe having some different options available to me (like full-time violin making). That was not to be, however, because the people running my beloved small company decided to take the easy way out and sell us to a very large company. A few got rich and the rest of us got screwed. It is a very common tale. So now I'm one of 180,000 employees (soon to be 300,000 owing to a recent, huge acquisition) and I have a job that is about as stupid as it can possibly be. But it's a steady paycheck and I just don't give a s**t anymore. I really don't.

Still, I am blessed. I have a wonderful life partner in Emily and I really am lucky in so many ways. No more complaints. Now I will enjoy the rest of my wine buzz in...

Peace.

~David

I Know How Much My David Loves Me...

He bought me the first season of Angel, and I have been watching it all day.  I am loved!

~Emily

Possible New Addiction

Well, either that or maybe a branch off a previous addiction.  I am a huge fan of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, and very sad to see it end (even if it was time).  During the last few weeks I I started watching the spinoff series, Angel.  I had trouble getting into it when the show was on prime time, but I'm enjoying it now in the mornings on TNT.  Maybe watching the two shows at once was too much of a good thing (although I would have never thought that possible) or maybe I wasn't ready to divide my love and affection between the two shows.  At any rate, it is like I have discovered a gem.  I find myself getting ready for work at the last minute possible just so I can watch as much of the second episode as possible.  I have missed Joss Whedon's characters, and the writing.  I loved the cheesy, witty, punny (master-bater, tee hee) dialog.  The musical episode, "Once More With Feeling" is one of my favorites.   I hope Joss is busy somewhere cooking up his next project.  I haven't heard much from his camp.  I will patiently wait.  At least I have Angel, and Buffy DVD's to amuse me until then.  (I'm soooo lucky David puts up with my strange addictions!)

~Emily

Week 7

I have had a little too much wine to drink, so this is going to be a short update with possible extreme typos.   David and I were finally able to look at some prediet and current photos and see that magical things are happenimg to us.  I'm still hating my pictures, so I'm in no hurry to post for the world to see, maybe in a few more weeks.  I don't see us going back to our old ways.  I even got up and walked with a migraine this weekend.  I am very proud of my David, and all that he has put up with (from me) and over come.  It's nice to have found something that really works, and feels good doing.  It hasn't been easy, but it's been logical and ultimately rewarding.  We went to a wedding this weekend (that's why we took some new pics of us) and had a really lovely time.  For the first time in a long time plastic chairs were not uncomfortable, and it's okay to share a piece of cheese cake.   I think I'm going to regret the two glasses of wine, but with it being Sunday and tomorrow being one of the most evil days of the week it was a must to.

~Emily

Week 6

Once again I'm behind in my weekly status report.  We are still going strong, walking every day and eating right.  We actually cleaned out our closet some this week and were able to throw away some things that were too big, and reconnect with some clothes that we can wear again.  I suddenly have more black and grey pants than I ever thought I would own.  It's little things like that (and more time with my David, oh and new shoes) that keep us going.

~Emily

w00t!!!

SYTYCD has announced the final four, and they are exactly who we thought they should be: Katee, Courtney, Joshua, and Twitch. Mark and Chelsie have been eliminated! I'm still sad over the early ejection of Will, but I would have had a really hard time picking amongst Will, Joshua and Twitch. One of them had to go and no choice would have been a good one.

Now that the top four are named, I think that if I had to pick a favorite to win, it would have to be Joshua; such an amazing talent. But I don't really care who wins at this point. They're all great and each has a very bright future in dance.

My faith in humanity thus restored, I shall await the finale with bated breath.

Peace.

~David

Bucket Full of Ugh

Work has been just about the suck this week.  It's only Wednesday.  Ugh.

I'm still pissed that Will was elimiated last week on "So You Think You Can Dance," and Mark is still there.  And I'm tired of Chelsie doing her octopus on crack solos.  Ugh.

There is a reason some of my former friends are well, former friends.  If I wanted anything to do with any of them, I would have made contact with them.  Ugh.

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

~Emily

Week 5

I'm horrible at the weekly update!  Things are still going well, we have not missed a day walking (knock on wood) and we have been good with the new eating plan.  Even on the few days we have declared day to have a special meal I think we are making smarter choices.  We are just moving right along and sticking to the plan.  I can't believe we are already almost done with week 6!

~Emily 

And Emily Complains About MY Mouth Music...

I've got nothing on this guy. It's all pretty normal (that is so say: normal for decidedly not-so-normal avant-garde jazz) until about 3:50 in, when it goes from being normal, to downright interesting and, I will admit, a bit scary.



Is that crazy or what?

I must practice more. >:)

Peace.

~David

Disappointed

So as you know from a previous post, I have been watching "So You Think You Can Dance."  Early on my favorites were Twitch and Kherington.  Well, Kherington's attitude kind of took over when she wasn't getting the high praise she wanted and that pretty much ended things for me with her.  When she was sent home I was ready for her to go.  Twitch is still one of my favorites, but the one I thought would win the competition was Will.  Well, this week America sent Will home.  I realize, as they get into the top 4 couples it's going to get harder to say goodbye to contestants.   I seriously thought the top for would be Will, Katee, Courtney and either Joshua or Twitch.  I wanted them to send home Mark and either Comfort or Chelsie (Chelsie does the frantic octopus on cocaine I'm a salsa dancer dancing without a partner and I don't know what else to do dance, and it drives me nuts).  I was completely shocked when they said Will was in the bottom two, and then that he was the one being sent home.  I think America was high.  Now I think the best dancer on the show is Katee, but I still have issues with her from her attitude before they even let her on the show.  Since America took Will away, I guess I'm gonna have to root for her.  If Katee, Joshua, Twitch and Courtney are the top four in the finale I guess I can forgive America.  If Mark wins the whole deal, well, there will be an apocalypse.  There has to be.

~Emily

Week 4

We made it through to week 4!  Today actually puts us over the 1 month hump.  It really hasn't been has impossible as I thought it was going to be.  I don't really miss the things we have cut out of our diet.  I don't miss eating out (I miss not having to clean up sometimes when I'm really tired, and I'm sure David misses not having to cook when he's really tired), and I don't miss all the junk food.  I really thought I would, and I thought it would be really hard to resist the temptations that are all around me.  It really hasn't been.  I can say no to the bread basket at lunch meetings.  I can walk past/stand next to the cookies by the work counter and not even bat an eyelash.  I can sit next to the work candy bowl and not hear the Laffy Taffy calling to me.  I will admit, getting up early to walk is still the suck some mornings, but we have done it EVERY morning even though the snooze button has been calling.  Everything just feels right.  I think I might even be starting to really feel better.  David has been a trooper, and I appreciate him for being my rock.  Thanks sweetie!!!!

~Emily

Week 3

Another week has come and gone.  Most days it feels like it's getting easier.  There are still some tough moments.  It's hard because you want to see results right away, you want that valadation for all the changes you have made.  But that is just not how it works.  The changes are happening. Clothes are fitting differently (better) and I am seeing changes in David.  I believe I'm seeing a difference in my face, but it's hard to tell sometimes because I see myself in the mirror every day.  I am noticing that the walking is getting easier.  My feet are learning that I'm not letting them win.  I think in a few more weeks David and I will have to add to our usual route because we are moving through our current route faster.  And today I had a big happy moment.  I realized I am running (well not really running) up and down stairs and am less winded.  I'm not having to take time to catch my breath before taking a call or have a conversation.  This is a big thing for me because I'm always going up and down the stairs at work.  I may not feel like I've lost pounds or inches, but I'm feeling better in general and I'm going to take that and feel good about it.  David has been great these three weeks, and I'm looking forward to more weeks of continued improvement with him.  It can only get better.  That round of golf is totally within reach next year.  I have priorities! ;)

~Emily

Week 2

I know David already posted about this, but I had to share my thoughts as well.  First I want to say how suprisingly fast the two weeks went by.  I don't know if it is because I was so tried from getting up at the ungodly hour of 5:30 am and I zombied my way through the two weeks.  It's possible because the changes we made really haven't been that bad.  Even the walking in the morning hasn't been bad.  I enjoy the quiet time in the morning with David out in the cool (and sometimes wet because of lawn watering) air.  We have our incredibly awesome iPhones so we have good tunes to help make the :30 min fly by (and I have to admit that more often than not the time really does go by fast).  The food has been surprisingly good.  David has done, well, all of the cooking.  I help with clean up as much as I can.  Between the walking and the change in diet my body is feeling better.  I'm looking forward to the time when we can both start pulling clothes out of the closet because they are too big.  I know it's only two weeks, but I know we can keep going.   David is a fantastic support, and I know as long as we look out for one another we will succeed.  My outlook so far is positive and I'm ready for week 3.

~Emily

Two Weeks

Emily and I have survived two whole weeks of living our new lifestyle. I won't call it a diet, because it really isn't; it's a new beginning, with a new outlook on diet, exercise, and life.

When we began this new odyssey, I said that we'd enjoy a nice meal together at the end of every two week period. This week, we enjoyed a fourth of July feast: we had turkey dogs and potato salad for lunch, and a cheese burger and more potato salad for dinner. We went out to get a small Blizzard from DQ, but we only ate half of it--it just didn't go down well. I'd call that a breakthrough.

I'm still tired. Getting up at 5:30a every morning to walk for thirty minutes really wears me out, but it's getting easier. I hope that a month (or so) from now it will just be totally routine and I'll be used to it.

I'm very proud of my Emily. She's doing great and continues to be the best partner a man could ask for.

Peace.

~David

Week 1

We did it, we survived week one walking and eating better.  I knew we could do it, that was neve the issue.  The issue was, could we do it and at the end of the week be able to continue.  We can.   The walking was not bad.  My feet are not happy, as they are flat and slappy and apparently not meant for conventional shoes.  But that will improve over time, and I'm willing to walk through the pain.  The meals were not bland or boring as we feared they might be.  The dishes were not bland and unsatisfying.  Things tasted pretty darn good.  I have a big hatred for all things tomato and onion, but I'm learning to incorporate the tomatoes (and pick out the onion).  David has been extremely patient with my weird eating.  He's been the cook all week, and has done a fantasitc job!  He's been taking good care of me; he is packing my snacks for tomorrow as I type this blog.

I'm looking forward to making it through next week.  I think each week it will get easier, and each week we'll be a little bit healther.  Any thing that gives us more time together, and with the people we enjoy is worth it.  Now if only I could convince my body to be more awake in the morning.  I finished the book I was reading at night, so maybe instead of reading I'll just go to bed, maybe that will help. ;)

~Emily

Still Alive

I know I haven't posted for a few days.  I am still alive (David too).  We've just been tired.  We have continued the getting up in the early morning and walking for 30 minutes.  We are eating smart, cooking a lot, and finding ourselves exhausted at the end of the day.  I think the changes have been good, I've noticed I have more energy during the work day, and I'm feeling less blechy after eating.  The best part, I think as I am starting to get used to the idea of getting early, I am sleeping better at night.  I know the weight is not going to come off fast (and I have to keep reminding myself of that), so I'm going to try to judge things on more than just that.  Feeling better, having more energy and sleeping better make me just has happy as dropping a size or some pounds.  I'm so proud of my David.  He's been such a fantastic support.  He's been doing the cooking, shopping and being the best moral support I could ask for.  Thanks sweetie, I'm looking forward to more years with you!

~Emily

We Did It!

We survived our first day of You on a Diet!  I realize it is only one day out of many, but it's a step in the right direction, which is a big thing after so many days of the wrong direction.  I'm very proud of my David.  He resisted the Bagel banshee, and I resisted the Dairy Queen demon.  We got up at 5:30 am and walked our :30 mintues.  I'm proud of both of us.  Tomorrow is a new day, and another step in the right direction.

~Emily

A New Beginning

Tomorrow, Emily and I start down a new path: a path to health and fitness. We're going to begin a process whereby (hopefully) we'll eat right and make exercise a part of our daily lives. We've been inspired by the YOU Diet and are going to give it a go. We're all ready. We've purged our house of bad foods (okay, we ate most of it), we bought good running shoes for our :30 of daily walking, we raided the local Safeway and bought $300 of healthy groceries, and we've planned our menus for the week. The only way we'll fail is if we fail to support each other. We've never let each other down in any other respect before, so we can only succeed with lots of patience, encouragement, diligence, and love.

Wish us luck!

Peace.

~David

What I'm Watching

I don't care what anyone else thinks, I think "So You Think You Can Dance" is one of the best reality tv shows on right now.  I look forward to watching it every Wednesday night.  Ths is the second week of actually seeing the couples do routines.  I have to admit as much as I like watching the bad tryouts, it does seem like there are too many nights of it.  Anyway, so tonight I haven't been terribly impressed, until Twitch and Kherington took the stage and did a Viennese Waltz.  Twitch is a freestyle dancer, not a Viennese Waltzer (did I just make up a word?).  Kherington is, just good at everything she does.  To see them do this dance together, to see the lines and the flow and the grace... this was the routine for me tonight.  I think they are going to be my favorite couple this season.  I can't wait to see what style they pull out of the hat for next week.  Having declared them my favorite couple, I do have to say there are a few other individuals in the top 18 right now that are worth watching.  I think once the have the top 10 dancers things are going to get intense, and be an enjoyable way to spend an evening.  Who knows, maybe I'll lose a million pounds and learn how to Krump.  HA HA!

~Emily

Treat Me Like Crap and Ask For A Favor?

I really do not understand people sometimes.  Maybe I really did come from another planet?  I saw Superman at an impressionable age and was convinced that I to came from another planet.  After all, there was no way I was biologically related to the people I called "Mom" and "Dad."  So it was just wishful thinking, but it did help me get by. 

So back to my rant.  This person in the office has been treating everyone like they aren't woth this persons time.  This person and I used to get along pretty well.  Then, everyone in the office decided not to put up with petty crap, and things went to hell in a hand basket.  Now, this person will not speak to me unless something is needed from me, or if I speak first.  This is fine.  I can live with that.  I'm getting to the point of being pretty independent and not needing this persons help.   This person is obviously not happy with me, because interactions with this person and I are strained where as interactions with this person and some of the other coworkers have not changed.  They get stories and laughter.  I get one word answers and occasionally the look.  Not this look.  More like this look.   

So today this person comes to me, at the last minute, with something that didn't get finished and now this person was expecting me to do it.  This person was out off and on all day, and just "didn't have time."  WTF ever.  It's been on the calendar for a while, and this person had the email asking this person to do it this morning.  Even if I don't want to do something (like this person with said task I was getting) I get it done and try not to hand it off to someone else.  If I knew I had stuff to get done, I wouldn't be going out for long lunches.  I would be going to one of my coworkers early on and just say "Hey, I have x to do and don't think I'm going to be able to get to it, would you mind?"  Or, I would just do my job.  I did the task when it was given to me in the last hour of the day.  I wasn't happy about it.  I had to suck it up and do it.  I would have felt better about it if I didn't feel like this person was treating me like a leper.  Okay, it's not even really that bad, but I'm venting so it has to be exciting.  Things are not finished between this person and I.  My new mantra is I will not be a door mat.  Today's task had to be done, it was due today.  If there wasn't such a tight deadline I would have pushed back.  I'm just going to be smart about picking my battles, so when I do I don't come across looking petty and spiteful.  I'll leave that up to this person who is not making friends in the office at the rate this person is going.

~Emily

Messed Up

It's messed up that the impending Monday can completely put a damper on the last half of Sunday.  The clock hits 4pm and I start thinking about Monday.  It's sad, because I still have Sunday to enjoy.  It was a lovely weekend full of relaxing and Jamba Juice.  I hate to see it go, but there is that stupid looming Monday sticking its tongue out at me and reminding me it is rapidly approaching.  Stupid Monday.

~Emily

I Love Weekends

Today was a lovely restful day.  I played World of Warcraft, surfed the web, watched a few movies and even did some laundry.  David bought me a Mango-a-go-go and some yummy chinese for dinner.  It was a loverly day.  Tomorrow will hopefully be more of the same.  The down time has been much needed, and very welcome.  Now if only the pollen and crap in tne air wasn't so evil, Daivd is having voodoo allergies and I feel bad for him.

One of the movies we watched today was The Other Boleyn Girl, staring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana (to name a few).   I like Natalie and Scarlett.  I think Eric Bana is a wanker.  I enjoyed the movie.  To be fair, I wasn't paying 100% attention because I was running around in World of Warcraft while it was on.  I should see it a second time before I really review it.  But from what I saw, I would certainly watch it a second time and I think that says something.

Okay, I'm rambling now.  That must mean it's bed time (or very close). :)

~Emily

*Doing My Friday Dance*

After almost two weeks of vacation bliss this week at work was brutal.  I was going through some massive David withdrawls, I really enjoyed our time together.  The vibe at the office is just so tense.  I think being away from it for over a week where I was de-stressed and mellow only made it more noticeable.  I can only hope things will get better.  I think some things have, but it's this whole balance thing.  If productivity goes up, being a CJTC goes up as well.  It's a trade off.  I guess ultimately it will make me a stronger person.  I'm having to stand up for myself (I'm not getting in trouble, I just mean if I don't like something I'm learning to deal with it be not being little miss doormat).  I'm also having to think through whatever I do, but I am a good little bee and I don't practice activities at work that are frowned on.  I will have to thank my dad this weekend for the work ethic he help implant in my brain.  So this weekend has been much anticipated.  :)

~Emily

CJTC

That stands for something.  I'm not gonna say, because it is not lady like.  It is part of one of my favorite lines from the movie Blade: Trinity.  I bring this up from work frustration.  We are having a bit of a retaliation situation (a mild one compared to what we see every day).  One of the staff had a poor evaluation, and is now trying to being down the wrath of God on everyone else.  So, every time we do/say/mention something about/to/in earshot of this person you never know what will happen.  I think, ultimately once things have shaken out a bit and everyone stands up for themselves things will be fine.  But for the time being, one has to wonder if this person knows how this behavior is coming across to the rest of the office.  All I can say is I'm glad it's almost Friday.  I'm looking forward to a nice weekend, at home, with my sweetie and our puppy.  Oh, and coffee/jamba jucies.  Must have the essental liquids of life (which would also include wine and gin and tonics).  

~Emily

I Did It Again

So I'm really good at freaking myself out.  I don't need to watch anything on tv.  I don't need to read a book.  I can freak myself out with my own mind.  Impressive eh?  *rolls eyes*  What it boils down to is I'm a big frickin chicken.  If I take the trash out in the dark, I'm fine walking to the trash can.  The minute I turn my back on the trash can I have to bolt for the house as quick as I can.  I also get freaked out around open windows at night (which we have several of just for the sole amusement of our cat and because I'm too lazy to open and close them every day).  So what have I done again?  I'm up late, alone, watching Ghost Hunters on the Sci-Fi channel.  I love this show.  David and I watch it together.  Then we head up stairs together.  Together.  Together is good.  I am not together.  I am alone.  Alone bad.  As soon as this episode is over I am turning off the tv and working my way upstairs to bed as fast as I can, turning off the lights and NOT looking at the open windows as I go.  I promised David I would not scream as I launch myself into bed.  I guess I shouldn't launch myself into bed either, I might launch myself into cute sleeping David.

Tomorrow we were supposed to have photos take at work for the office web site.  This is bad.  I do not photograph well, speaking of being a chicken...  Thankfully they have been cancelled, not everyone could be present.  I guess it gives me time to decide what to wear, how to do my hair and all that other really stupid girl stuff.  Can you tell I'm rambling? 

Okay, I'm gonna try to finish this episode and head up to bed without being attacked by some dark force, lurking, as a result of my watching Ghost Hunters.

~Emily

How I Know I Will Never Be A Vegetarian

Today I reflecting on me, who I am, and what makes me, well, me.  I remembered a paper I had to write back in grade school (3rd or 4th grade).  The assignment was to essentially write a little biography.  I mentioned my parents, probably my sisters, and maybe the cat.  The only other thing I said was, "I like meat."

That is still true today.  My favorite meal (some of which I had tonight thanks to my David) is steak, some kind of potato and artichokes.  This, of course, should be washed down with a nice dark beer.  I could not imagine not eating meat, or meat products (yes even the occasional hot dog-if you consider that a meat product).

There is certainly more to me than my love of meat.  It was just funny to remember that of all the things I could have said I liked (the color green, cats, my little ponies) I picked meat.  I guess I was a strange little fishie right from the start.

~Emily

Renewed Love for Jazz

I am addicted to iTunes.

There: I said it. The first step toward recovery is admitting ones' addictions. I have many addictions, but iTunes is, by far, the most severe right now. For a while, I was addicted to World of Warcraft, buying woodworking tools, flying airplanes, but these addictions have mostly subsided. Of course, as we all know, addictions don't disappear, but they do recede and fade. I don't think my addiction to iTunes will fade quickly. There's just too much music out there that needs to be explored, and now that I'm not working 70 hour weeks, I have way too much idle time on my hands--a dangerous thing for any confessed (or otherwise) addict.

Right now, I'm listening to some truly outstanding jazz of Scandinavian origin (Denmark, Sweden, etc.); artists such as E.S.T., People Are Machines, Phronesis, Jazz Kamikaze, and others. Who knew that Scandinavia would be an exporter of awesome, straight-up and honest jazz? I should have known: I was intimately involved in the NYC jazz scene in the 90s; I just kind of lost touch. But my interest has gone from practically dormant to "on fire" in just about no time at all. This new-found interest in an old love has also awakened other feelings.

I have spent too much work time reminiscing about my musical past and thinking about ways in which I can once again make music and play. Sadly, I'm just not up to the task physically anymore (damn arthritis). This is a shame, for I was once a very good drummer and an excellent dog-house bass player. I would love to take up bass again, but I have way too many instruments as it is, and I think that if I were to come home with a new bass, or worse, a drum set, Emily would make me move into my workshop with the spiders. (Don't worry honey, I won't entertain that fantasy.) She's lucky, though, because more often than not these days, men my age are usually interested in re-living their 20s by buying fast red cars, and hooking up with loose young women. A bass or a drum set is hardly threatening when you think about it!

That's all for now. Back to iTunes surfing and daydreaming about jazz.

Peace.

~David

Monday

I am so glad today is over!  It means I am one day closer to the coming weekend, and that makes me happy.

I am sitting here watching this weeks new episode of Dirty Jobs and Mike Rowe is getting ready to castrate a horse.  Eeep!

Time to grab some hot chocolate...

~Emily

Ever So Happy To Be Home!

We are home safe and sound.  We had a really pretty drive home-the weather cooperated with us and let us see all the various mountains on our drive back.  We arrived home to a very happy to see us cat.  She scolded us pretty good with a series of very sad, mournful meows but we made up in no time.  I think she'll be happy to get back into our normal routine (even though David and I will be bummed about the return to work).

My David is the bestest David in the world.  He came and suffered through this weekend with me.  It was really nice to have him there, he was a support I very much needed even though it may not have seemed that way.  I don't think I could have handled/survived the weekend without him and I very much appreciate that he gave up his time to come be with/near me.  I'll figure out a way to make it up to him I am sure.

So here it is, Sunday night and I don't want to go to bed because it means Monday morning will arrive.  I like to do what ever I can to delay/postpone the inevitable, but I realize it is still going to happen.  I should try to go to bed at a decent time, but I am stubborn and I am going to stay up and watch The Soprano's.   

Hopefully tomorrow will not be too painful. 

~Emily 

Almost Home

So the work part of my weekend is over.  Today was the last day of our retreat.  All that remains is the group dinner at La Rosa, and then tomorrow morning we will be heading back home to our dreamy bed and our fuzzy cat.  I miss that fuzzy cat.

The meetings have been good, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of them this year.  I feel like I came away with a better knowledge of what needs to be done moving forward, and some things that I would like to do/work on to help the firm progress technologically.  Last night we had a group dinner at Merenda.  It was First Friday in Bend (all the business were open and doing everything they could to draw people in, there was local art and music around every corner) so down town was kind of crowded.  The dinner was very good.  There was good wine, and yummy chocolate cake at the end.  I'm sure tonight will be fun, there is a margarita (or two) in my future.

~Emily

Where Are We Now?

David and I are just the busy little travelers.  Just as we recover from our whirlwind trip to Nebraska we find ourselves in Bend.  I have a work related function here the next few days and David kindly agreed to accompany me.  We are staying at the lovely Mt. Bachelor Village Resort.  Puppy is staying home and holding down the fort for us while we are away.  We just had a find Bacon Blue Cheese burger at the Deschutes Brewery and now as I digest my lovely meal I am thinking about the cookies we brought.  I am such a chocoholic!  Tomorrow means an all day meeting, but at least I get to enjoy my evening with my sweetie.

~Emily

Mmmmmm

I love Jamba Juice!  One finally opened near our house and we just visited it for the first time this afternoon.  Mango-a-go-go makes me happy!  Thank you my David for taking me! ;)

~Emily

So... ?

Sew buttons on your underwear, as my Grandma Hermann used to say. In other words, I don't really have all that much to say, but my far better half was chiding me for not posting, so...

I have really been enjoying my time off. This is only the second time I've had this much time off, and it's the first time I haven't felt guilty about it. I really haven't had a single lingering thought about work, and I don't imagine I will until Sunday night. I haven't even had a single urge to log in and read email. Doing so would mean having to boot my hateful Winblows machine; and why would I do that when I have this pretty silver MacBook to play with?

So what have I accomplished? Well, I visited Emily's Nebraska kin and had a great time (modulo the tornado scare, but you can read more about that below); I played some WoW--nothing significant, just some fooling about; with Emily's help, I hung one of the four cabinets I purchased for my violin-making workshop; and I did a whole lot of nothing--blessed, sweet, nothing. :) I am a man at peace.

Tomorrow might be a bit more productive. I need to get my truck detailed (yes, I'm lazy, get over it), and I need to finish hanging the remaining three cabinets. I'm sure I'll squeeze a nap (or two) into that hectic schedule. :)

Peace.

~David

I'm Never Gonna Get One

So today in World of Warcraft land instead of the fishing and cooking I've been doing the last few days, I was farming for this:  Captured Firefly.  The drop rate sucks.  I am never gonna get one.  David ran around with me to help me kill faster (which we did) but still no luck.

It has been so nice to be a waste of space the last few days.  I feel like I'm finally not so tense.  It is nice.  I actually made waffles for breakfast, and then a crockpot roast for dinner.  I'm not looking forward to having to go back, but it will only be painful the first few days. :)

Maybe my little bug will drop tomorrow...

~Emily

5:30 am Came Way Too Early...

and considering that it was really 3:30 for us that is a very true statement.  The good thing about an early flight is you get home early.  The bad thing about an early flight is you have to get up early.  We had a great few days with my family, but it was time to head home.  We have many things we want to accomplish this week (including so very much needed recharging after some really had weeks at work).

Anyway, we got up and got moving and made it to the airport just when we wanted to.  We went to the ticket calendar to check in and get our seat assignments, only to find out that we did not have seats for the second flight.  Considering this tickets were purchased at least a month ago, this was a very frustrating and stressful situation to be faced with (and don't forget that it is early and I am a grump in the morning).  We head to our gate now fearing that we might be forced to live in Utah.  Needless to say we were gloomy.  The first flight was pretty full.  We got into Salt Lake a little earlier and made our way as quick as we could to the ticket counter.  Thankfully, we got lucky and we had seats.  But still, just the fact that we had to go all that time worrying about it was really really really really irritating.  While we had been waiting for our various flights it was common to hear announcements about overbooked flights.  I mean, come on.  How is it that the airlines can't keep track of how many people have booked a flight?  I thought the Internet was supposed to make things like that even easier.  This whole concept of having purchased tickets online and then not having guaranteed seats on one of the FOUR flights we took is just absurd.  

Our flight into Salem was also almost full.  It was so nice to feel the cool Salem breeze hit our sweaty cranky skin as we walked off the plane.  We were unloaded, found our luggage and headed to Dutch Bros in no time.  Despite the stress of the possibility of having to live out the rest of our lives in Utah flying in and out of Salem was pretty nice!  Hopefully it will continue to be an option for us, for those rare times when our travel requires flight.

I think our kitty missed us.  Once she decided it was really us (I think it helped to wash all the strange smells off) she spent the rest of the day on my lap or sleeping on David's footstool.  I really enjoyed seeing the family, but it's also really nice to be home.  I'm looking forward to some good coffee tomorrow, and the good nights sleep tonight!

~Emily

Memorial Day

Today it was hard not to think about those loved ones that are no longer with me.  Even though they aren't here with me, I still feel their influence on my life.  My life is better for having known them, and I cherish the time I had with each of them.

Today was also our last full day in Nebraska.  We have an early flight out tomorrow, which I am not looking forward to.  I am looking forward to being home, and seeing out kitty (who I am sure believes we have been eaten by the huge silver beast we disappeared into).

We spent the morning at the farm.  Some family had was already departing.  My parents had moved on to see one of my Mom's friends.  One of my cousins and his family had left before we arrived.  So it was a smaller group at the farm this morning.  It was nice to sit around the kitchen table (which is always too small for the group that wants to be there-regardless of the house/kitchen) and share stories and joke about things that have come to pass.  For example, the number of fires that have occurred on the farm since my Uncle took over was a great topic this morning.  The number of fires that occurred started out at 3 and was quickly corrected to almost 10 with the help of my Aunts.  And then, as if to tempt fate, my uncle starts a bonfire so we can roast hotdogs, and walks away from it.  We had to tease him about that the rest of the day.  As far as I know the fire did as it was supposed to (although we did leave before it was completely out).  We made the farewells, which is always hard because the time goes so fast and it's hard to leave knowing it may be a year or two before I see some of my family again, and with things that have happened to family in the last few years you just never know what may happen in a year.  

This evening we had dinner at my Uncle Ralph's house.  My Aunt Verda and Uncle Ron were there; they are staying the night before they continue their journey.  So we had a lovely home cooked diner with the three of them.   This was the first time David has seen Uncle Ralph's house, so it was nice that we could visit.  It was also nice to spend time with them in a smaller, quieter setting.  It was a lovely evening, that leaves me looking forward to the next encounter.

Now, I am trying to figure out how I am going to get to sleep so I'm not a grumpy zombie pain in the butt tomorrow.  At least I can sort of sleep on the plane (I love my iphone).  

I'm sure I'll have more to say once I'm back home in my comfy chair with my cat glaring at the computer because she wants to be in my lap.  It was a good couple of days, and I know without a doubt how much my David loves me. 

~Emily

Full Story at 11

Today was a day of firsts: My first taste of Cousin Joe's favorite (and now one of mine) beer--Hopluia, a dry hopped ale done by the Cortland, NE Spilker Ales; my first hay ride on a flat pulled by a 1941 John Deer tractor (can you say adorable?) which was driven by Uncle Oran; and (cue music of doom) my first tornado warning!

After our hay ride was finished and Uncle Oran had put away the tractor, the sky grew ominously dark and it became eerily quiet. The wind started picking up, so we all headed inside. Not five minutes later and as we were getting ready to leave to head back to Omaha for the night, the wind started howling and blowing dust and rain completely horizontally. One of the farm dogs, who had never tried to run into the house before, dashed inside while Oran was looking outside. What happened next raised the hair on the back of my neck. Oran said, simply, I think we'd better head to the basement and told us our trip to Omaha would have to wait. So down we went, to the sound of the weather warning system in the kitchen. Maybe I've seen "Twister" one too many times, but I was a bit spooked by this sudden turn of events.

I don't think we were in any real danger, but the news did show a nasty storm system right over us and covering the entire SW portion of the state. Pretty surreal and freaky; a moment I shall probably never forget.

Other than the weather drama, we did have a great time catching up with my sweetie's family. They're a great bunch of folks, and I always enjoy my time with them.

More later.

~David

Postscript: We later found out that twisters, caused by the same storm that threatened us, killed seven people in Iowa, including one toddler. This is serious s**t.

Today part 2 (Emily's View)

After an okay cup of coffee and a chocolate muffin that did not deserve to have the name of chocolate muffin, we headed to the family farm.  We had about a two hour drive, which really wasn't bad.  It was nice to see some of the state without having to drive across the state (as I am used to doing with my parents).  We arrived at the farm just in time to say hello to everyone before we sat down to eat.  It was good food, and good company.  We got to visit with most of my cousins (sadly not everyone could make it).   We spent the day just catching up, talking about what we have been up to and what they have been up to.  Later in the day my uncle fired up one of the old tractors and took us all on a hay ride.  This was my first hay ride, and it was a blast!  Then, the skies darkened, the winds suddenly picked up, and we found ourselves being directed to the basement.  It was just a storm warning, but it was something we aren't used to having in Oregon.  We had a good day, we had an adventure, and we made it back safe to Omaha.  Now I'm waiting for a sandwich to arrive.  :)  More to come, my brain is tired.

~Emily

Today

So obviously I figured out the internet issue (yay!).  Today we head to the family farm for  a day of family, fun and farm.  I'm not really sure who all is going to be there, I'm pretty sure it will be all my aunts and uncles, but I'm not sure which cousins will be in attendance.  I'm dreading the navigation part of the day, we are staying 2 hours away from the farm and I am a horrible co-pilot, and a worse driver.  I know we will get there, it's just the getting there part that makes my head hurt.   David just teased me that I'm blogging too much. ;)

~Emily

We Made It!

So this post was supposed to be posted yesterday, but I was too tired/retarded/grumpy to try to figure out how to get/pay/use the wireless in our room.

The flights could have been worse.  We flew out from Salem, so we didn’t have to make the hour drive to Portland, which meant more time at home with Riley (who we call Puppy-just for those of you who don’t know).  The Salem airport is small, but cute, and the flight out was not bad.  It was a tight fight (as I am not a delicate flower but more of a  fat load), but the plane wasn’t full and that made it just seem better.  The connecting flight in Utah was full, and we and a snot nosed brat in the row behind us.  That made for a tense flight, but thank god for itunes and my iphone.  All and all, it wasn’t a horrible experience.  We’ll see how the journey home goes.  I don’t mind the smaller planes, and I really like that we are closer to home going this route.  

We found our luggage, found our POS rental car, and finally found the the hotel (thank god we saw the shuttle in front of us that said 1-800-Hilton, we followed that bad boy all the way to the hotel.  

Thankfully check in and finding the room went fast, and the hotel has a restaurant.  We had some meat and potatoes, as well as a much needed drink.  Now we are unwinding in our room getting ready to sleep and mentally prepare for what ever may happen tomorrow.

~Emily

I Am A Retard

Why do I always, ALWAYS put off packing until the last possible minute?  It stresses me out and makes me grumpy, and the last thing I need to be is stressed and grumpy the night before I get on a small airplane.

I just have to remember it will get done, and I won't go naked.  I guess I'm just unwinding from a really stressful week and gearing up for a different week to come.  I'm looking forward to seeing family, a little stressed about dealing with my parents, and very stressed about what is going to happen at work while I am away (there is this whole work drama going on and I feel like I opened a can of worms and left).  The best thing to do is focus on my really cute husband who is currently loading part of his music collection onto his new lap top-so he can cope with me this weekend.  I think he has the right idea, I love him! :)

~Emily

Gorilla In My Brain; He Thinks He Can Dance

My head is killing me.  I have had a headache for the last three days.  It feels like there is a gorilla tryting to beat his way out of my skull.   I am so incredibly glad that tomorrow is Friday.

Tonight is the first night of this season of So You Think You Can Dance.  I love this show.  It will be a few weeks of watching the sometimes painful auditions, but then we get to the goods stuff.  I have been looking forward to this since the end of last season and the crowning of Sabra as the winner.  Some guy just took his pants off for the camera.  Who knows what this season has in store.

Saturday we are leaving.  We are going to a land far far far far away called Nebraska.  I have family there and we are heading to this far away place to celebrate birthdays, anniversary's and family.  David and I have almost two full weeks off together (the last few days of the vacation I will actually be at a work retreat, and from what I have heard it will be not much fun but it's my first one so I'm excited) and that is a super rare treat.  I'm looking forward to the down down, as David has said work has been a little stressful.  

Alright, my head is throbbing and spelling is becoming even more of a challenge than normal (pardon all my typos).  

~Emily (and skull gorilla)

Yay! I made it!

I commuted for the last time for two, whole, blessed, wonderful, and very much needed weeks of heavenly bliss. A bit over the top say you? I don't think so. Work has been the giant suck for both of us and we really need this time off. It's either that or we start bringing some serious carnage to the workplace. :) I jest (or do I? ).

Tomorrow is a "work from home" day, which is another way of saying that I plan on doing as little work as possible. I'm a short-timer dammit. Don't you get it?

Tag! You're it Emily! :)

~David

Four more days and then...

... two weeks of bliss. Beginning Saturday, Emily and I are on vacation for two whole weeks. I haven't had a two-week long vacation in ... gosh, I really can't remember when. I've only had two, two-week vacations since I graduated college back in 1986. Curse my solid work ethic! It suffices to say that I'm stoked about the time off. I'll let Emily fill in the details if she's so inclined.

I'm (almost) outta here.

~David

It Was a Nice Weekend

Weekends are always nice--any time spent away from work and with ones loved ones is a wondrous thing. This weekend was especially nice. Emily and I don't get out much. The demands of our jobs (her work load and my extreme commute) leave us devoid of energy and with no desire to do much of anything that isn't necessary to maintain either ourselves our home. But this weekend, we drove up to Portland to spend some time with Emily's sister and her husband, and we had a wonderful time.

We toured parts of Portland that we'd never seen before: Historic Mississippi Street and The Pearl. Mississippi street feels like the 70s--lots of shops owned by local artisans; lots of young, hip people wandering around, etc. The Pearl is, from my initial observation, an upscale shopping district (i.e., not the kind of place you'd usually find either Emily or myself), but there are a few gems tucked in there that aren't the typical shopping grounds of the rich and selfish. Two such gems were Andina, an absolutely marvelous Peruvian Restaurant; the other was a local liquor store called Pearl Specialty Market & Spirits. The former is plainly the best restaurant I've eaten at to date in Portland. We ate a scrumptious meal that left us wanting for nothing except a food-coma-induced nap. The latter has a good selection of liquors, including a local favorite gin called Aviator (which I brought home with me, naturally).

After our adventures, we headed back to their place to play some Wii; Mario Kart in particular. It's a great game and perfect for when one's head isn't really capable of much of anything else.

Today, we slept in (a bit), relaxed, and played some WoW--something we haven't done very much of in a very long while.

But all good things come to an end, so it is with much regret that I sign off. Tomorrow is Monday (much swearing) and it's almost time to be off to my bed.

Here's to a speedy week.

~David

Yay, We Did It!

David and I survived another work week!  This week was choc-a-bloc full of the usualy snark.  I had some co-worker snarkiness, sometimes I just don't understand where people are coming from.  Of course I'm too nice to come right out and say what I want to say to this person.  I guess the little voice in the back of my mind reminding me I have to work with the person every day is a good thing, because I think what I really want to say would damage the work relationship I have with this person.  I guess life is full of tough choices, and I'm at a point where I'm going to have to make one.  Thankfully, I don't have to do that today, or even tomorrow.

Despite all that, I had a lovely breakfast with David at a place downtown we've been talking about trying.  And we had a nice evening together, even though I may have tortured him some with some PvPing in World of Warcraft.  Tomorrow we get to enjoy Portland with my Sister and her Husband.  We always have a blast with the, and I have a feeling some Mario cart racing might be in our future.

~Emily

Gosh... wouldn't it be cool...

I am a software engineer. I studied mathematics and computer science in college and then graduate school, but these days, I rarely use my hard-won, mad mathematicz and programming skillz. In fact, I haven't written a C program in probably eight years, and I really miss it. The work I do today has little (if anything) to do with engineering and is, in fact, boring as all hell. I need a change.

Now that I have a Mac(Book) and an iPhone, I thought it would be cool to learn how to write applications for the iPhone. So I registered with Apple and downloaded the SDK. (I also registered as a Mac developer just for giggles.) I wrote my first program: the obligatory "Hello, World!" program. Wow... that was fun! :)

So now I'm thinking: Gosh... wouldn't it be cool to write iPhone applications for a living? It would; and with over $100M available in capital from just one vulture capitalist, I'm sure it will be a bit of a booming industry. Not booming in the Web 2.0 sense, but I think there will be demand for knowledgeable programmers. I've already decided what to do for my first application: I'll write a virtual labyrinth game. There's already one out there, but I'll develop my own anyway, just for fun.

Peace.

~David

This Show is So Wrong...

...but it makes me laugh!  David and I have been enjoying a double dose of Family Guy every evening.  I love how witty it is.  I am all for a tv show that says what it wants to say, leaving no doubt about how they really feel about, oh just about anything!  After a snarky day at work it's nice to have a show that vents for you.  It makes me miss the early years of South Park, which in my opinion have just gone too over the top.  It's nice to have wacky tv options.

~Emily

Who Knew...

that our truck had super powers!  We were in the drive through at McDonalds this morning, we had just paid and were waiting to pull forward for our food when the car behind us hits us.  Thankfully momentum wasn't much, but the fact that he pulled forward into our truck.  He was driving some little four door piece of junk.  We were in our Dodge Ram 1500 (not this model, this is the new one, but this is the color and the make/model.).  We all got our food and pulled into parking spots.  They guy said he pulled forward because the gal was urging him to, and he didn't see our truck.  He.  Didn't.  See. Our.  Truck.  I guess the truck has the power of invisibility!  Thankfully the truck wasn't hurt, and I don't think his car was either.  I'm still amazed he hit us.  What an odd beginning to the day.

~Emily

It Just Works

Thus far, my experience with our new MacBooks has been amazingly positive. I honestly believe, now, that Apple is light years ahead of MicroSoft when it comes to design and, more importantly, implementation. Everything just works.

On Thursday, I had our Airport Extreme set up in about a minute; and about two minutes later, our MBs were connected and surfing the Internet. No fuss, no bother, it just worked.

Friday, I spent some time researching printers. I wanted a black and white laser printer (toner cartridges don't dry out) and I wanted one that would work with minimal fuss and bother. I read a ton of reviews and I finally settled on a Brother HL-2170W--a network ready, no-fuss-no-bother printer. The reviews all said plainly this: "It just works." And you know what? It really does just work. I connected it up to the Airport via USB, downloaded the driver from their website, and in mere minutes, both of our MBs were printing to the device. This stuff really is plug and play. Microsoft loves to talk about plug and play, but Apple walks the walk.

We also installed our favorite game (World of Warcraft) on our MBs, and it works swimmingly. The display is gorgeous and I don't see any limitation of playing on the MB vs. playing on the PC. Naturally, the wireless probably isn't the right way to go for raiding--it's latency characteristics are inferior to a direct Ethernet connection, but we're still getting 50fps via the Airport. Nice! It just works.

So, for now, both of our PCs are powered off and I can't really see myself using it much now. I just love my Mac.

~David

My Thoughts for the Day

Do you hear that?  That is the sound of crickets.  My brain has officially checked out for the weekend.  The week beat the crap out of it and it has gone into hiding.  I think my intelligence level for the weekend is going to be:  Fire bad.  Tree pretty.

~Emily

Silence! I'll kill you!

I'm sure I was probably that last person on this good Earth to see this, but never mind that. I have to post about my new favorite character: Achmed the Dead Terrorist. For those of you out there who might actually live more sheltered lives than my own, Achmed (the Dead Terrorist) is a puppet controlled by ventriloquist Jeff Dunham. You will find a great sketch on YouTube here. This is damned funny stuff. His other characters are a hoot as well.

My favorite parts are right in the beginning, where Achmed shouts at the audience: "Silence! I'll kill you;" rising in pitch each time. I was in tears the first time I saw it. I also liked the part where Achmed was asking if the audience were his promised virgins [for having blown himself up as a suicide bomber] and that he hoped not because there were a lot of ugly-ass guys out there. Jeff asks: "Well did they say they'd only be female virgins?" Achmed replies "Holy crap!"

Reminds me of a good joke. Knock knock! (Who's there?) Me! I'll kill you!

~David