Lucky and Thankful

You've all heard the news that Emily has found a new job in a new place a fair distance from home, and that we're planning to relocate. What's new is that we've found a house and are in the process of purchasing it. This happened yesterday; much sooner than we'd anticipated and quite contrary to our expectations given the state of the real estate market here in northern Oregon.

It's a lovely place--truly a dream home--in a very nice, new development in Beaverton, OR (I will learn to stop giggling about that... maybe). I call it a townhouse, because it reminds me of some of the old brownstone communities in NY and NJ, but the house is fully-detached, meaning we're responsible for all of it, but the only land we own is that which forms the footprint/foundation of the new home. We're giving up a yard (and the maintenance thereof... fist pump) and maybe a bit of privacy, although not much. But what we're gaining is a thriving area chockablock full of variety and culture, something sadly missing in our current area. We'll be closer to (weird in wonderful ways) Portland and Emily's family. And we'll be closer to being able to live the kind of lives we'd always wanted to lead.

Here are some pictures.

These pictures are accurate, but the actual home we purchased is in a different location on the property. Otherwise, if you can imagine it sans furnishings, it's nearly identical to what we're in the process of buying.

I'm feeling lucky and thankful for all kinds of reasons, but today, it's because I have a great partner in my wife and best friend, Emily, who is always willing to share (or, as in this case, initiating) these adventures; I have a really good job, which let's me do crazy things like purchase a new home when I still own my current home (we'll be getting it ready to go on the market in the coming months); and I have some wonderful friends and family who embrace our crazy and share in our passions.

We're having a gathering at our home in Salem this coming Memorial Day weekend, a fitting day to host the last hurrah in our current home. It's an appropriate holiday to say goodbye to the past, to express our gratitude for a truly good life, some of which was borne on the backs of those who have come and gone before us, and to usher in a bright future in a new place, full of promise and adventure.

I am lucky (it wasn't always so) and I am thankful for all that I have and for what the future will bring.

~David

Changes, They Really Are Coming!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything that isn't a cryptic Taking Stock, a book review or even a music recommendation.  That's because there were some things being discussed and some decisions being made, and it was better to get things set into motion before making them public knowledge. Things have started moving forward and now I feel like it's okay to share what's going on.

The short version, we are moving.

The longer version, seriously, we are moving!  For those of you who know me this probably comes as a big surprise.  Me, changing something?  Yup!  This has been a long time coming.  While there are things we like about the area we are living in now, there are lots of things we don't like.  Lately, the things we don't like column has been growing.  Realizing that, and seeing that it didn't look like that was going to change meant it was time for us to make a change.  It wasn't an easy decision.  I do not do well with change, and it's because of me that we've remained here as long as we have.  But even I could see we needed to do this.

The decision was made, then there was a process to follow.  For practical reasons, I would need to find a new job and have that lined up before we even looked for a new place.  Having a job lined up would be security moving forward, and it would also give us a starting area to hunt for a new place to hang our (viking) hats.  We would also begin getting our current house ready to put up on the market.

Well, the new job has been obtained.  That was a crazy experience I am sure I will blog about at another time.  It happened a little faster than I think either of us anticipated, but it worked out.  I'll be commuting for a while while we start looking for a place now.  That's going to take some time, but one thing I've learned about my husband is he knows a lot of stuff, including how to do all this.  Moving is going to be daunting, the whole process of hunting and getting our home ready to sell.  There is also the whole having to go through and get rid of 15 years worth of stuff.  I have a tendency to hold on to stuff, and I'm going to have to let some of that go.  It will be good for us to downsize some.  The cat is going to have to learn to live her life a little bit closer to us.  It's going to be nice to be closer to family, friends, food (as in better grocery shopping), restaurants (as in not just crappy chain restaurants), and other things that are important to use.

I know this hasn't been easy on David.  I've been freaking out at pretty epic levels.  He has been incredibly patient and kind.  He is my rock.  I need to pull my crap together and make sure I'm his rock too.  There is a lot of pressure on him as things continue to move forward, and I appreciate everything he is doing/stressing about/planning/scheduling to make this happen.  I know once everything is done, and we are relaxing in our new place, eating some amazing food because we will have such a better grocery shopping selection, it will all have been worth it.  More to come as things progress!

Taking Stock.

Making:  Plans.

Cooking:  I made tacos a few nights ago, but other than that it's all been the magic of David.  Have I mentioned how much I love his cooking?

Drinking:  Coffee in the mornings, always.  David recreated these lovely cucumber gimlets we had at Tidal Raves when we were at the coast last, and we've been enjoying those.  They are a great warmer weather drink.  (Recipe here)

Reading:  I finally started The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.  This is the first book in the trilogy.  I don't know why, because I always complain when I read a book and watch the TV show it is based upon.

Looking:  Forward to the weekend, as always.  I'm also looking forward to the road ahead, while it's going to be a bit stressful I think we are making some changes for the better.

Playing: Not much of anything, I've been a bit stressed.

Wasting:  Energy on things that don't deserve it-but I am working on that.

Sewing:  Nothing right now.  I really need to talk to my mom about the fall leaf pattern I want to turn into quilt squares.

Wishing:  Change wasn't so hard, of that I dealt with it better.

Enjoying:  The comfort my relationship with my husband gives me.  No matter what, we approach things as a team.  I know he has my back, just like he knows I have his.

Waiting:  To see how the pieces come together

Liking:  Booze.  Seriously, best part of being an adult.

Wondering:  When the pieces will come together.

Loving:  My husband, always, and my Sisters.

Hoping:  UNSURE

Marveling:  At the sounds of nature outside.  The weather has been warmer, not warm enough for air conditioning, but warm enough to have the windows open.  At night I love listening to the frogs as I fall asleep.  I wish the birds didn't get up so early in the morning, but I still love them too.

Needing:  To remember to inhale and exhale.

Smelling:  The heavenly aroma of dinner-chicken with hints of lemon and rosemary, and potatoes

Wearing:  Pajamas-because I'm done with pants.  I am home and the work day is over and I'm not leaving the couch.

Following:  Some texts with family and friends.

Noticing:  That while I'm still stressed and anxious, I'm feeling a little better about some things.  So I have hope that everything else is going to work out-I know it's not going to be that easy.  But I do have an excellent partner and with him I know we can make it.

Feeling:  Optimistic.

Opening:  A new chapter in our life.  It's time.  This is a good thing-even though right now it's a crazy stressful thing.

Thankful

I am always thankful for my husband and the relationship we have.  He makes me feel loved and appreciated, and I do my best to make him feel the same.  Sometimes I fall short, and then I get a reminder about how lucky I am and I can't help but want to smoother him with my joy and relief that we have what we have together.

Today is one of those days.  Everything about being an adult is hard.  I'm not saying I want to be a kid again, because that had a whole other set of problems I don't miss.  And to be honest, I really like wine and booze.  David makes the best drinks, he's been making us some really lovely cucumber gimlets-to die for.  I digress.  Being an adult is hard.  Sharing every aspect of your life with another person can be hard.  But if you find the right person, it's not as hard, and it's worth the work.  Yes, there is work involved.  No one has the perfect relationship; no one is perfect.  I think it comes down to talking, listening, and not keeping secrets.  I know I can tell David anything, and I mean anything.  And he knows he can do the same.  We don't lie to each other and we don't keep secrets.

I'm not perfect, I freak out sometimes about really dumb stuff.  I get mad at irrational things.  Just because I get a little insane, irrational, and mad doesn't mean I ever stop loving David.  We are different people, we react to things differently.  It's the respect, and the love we have for one another that is our foundation.  We know how to talk through things.  We know how to give each other space and then listen when we come back together and work things out.  I should apologize more.  I should listen better.  I'm not perfect but I know David loves me and will be there for me.

I am so thankful for this relationship.  I know we can get through anything because we have each other.  Thank you David for being my partner in all things.  I'll stop there before I get too mushy.

Book: The Last Colony by John Scalzi

The Last Colony is the third book in the Old Man's War universe by John Scalzi.  We follow John Perry and Jane Sagan in their new life together after finishing their time with the CDF.  They have adopted Zoe Boutin, the daughter of Charles Boutin (from The Ghost Brigades).  They are offered a chance to be leaders in a new colony, and after some deliberation they decide to accept.  Zoe's Obin protectors, Hickory and Dickory, warn Perry that things may be amiss.  Hickory and Dickory very diligently protect Zoe.  They hold her as very special due to the gift of consciousness her father gave them.  Perry can trust that they would not do anything to put Zoe in harm.  They proceed to Roanoke.  When they get to Roanoke they learn something was indeed amiss.  A specially modified member of the CDF special forces is waiting for them, I kind of envisioned him as a talking space turtle.  He tells them they were sent to this location because the real Roanoke location was known to a group that is fighting colonization, the Conclave.  He also tells them they can't go back, the ship has been rigged not to be able to return, and they can't use their electronic devices because they may be detected that way.  Needless to say that caused a whole set of problems they expect to have to deal with.  Thankfully, some of the settlers that came with them are "Amish" and used things that did not embrace modern technology.  They were able to help the colony start farming, and taking care of the livestock.  There was more political stuff in this book, and if you remember from my last review how I feel about that then you can probably guess how felt in this book.  The group Perry and the settlers were "hiding" from find Roanoke.  The leader for the Conclave, General Gau, visits Perry on the planet and gives him his options-which are basically join the Conclave and they will let them go home or to another planet, or don't and the Conclave will blow up the settlement.  Through his interaction with Gau, Perry has more questions about what is really going on with the Conclave and the CDF.  Once again, Perry feels like someone is hiding the truth and he tries to get to the bottom of things.  And apparently there is a really mean werewolf type species on the planet that it terrorizing the colony.  I'm sorry for the crappy review, I just had a hard time getting into this and staying interested.   I really liked the first book in this series. but lost interest in the second and third and have no desire to read the fourth (which is essentially The Last Colony but told from Zoe's point of view).

Music: Aoife O'Donovan

I've been posting a lot of book posts and have been neglecting music posts.  My husband, David, has wonderfully eclectic taste in music and pretty much listens to whatever moves him or inspires him.  It is one of the many things I love about him.  Right now we are on a bit of a bluegrass/newgrass (also called progressive bluegrass but I like newgrass better) kick.  There is some really amazing talent out there and I love everything he's been playing for me.  You are going to get a bunch of newgrass artists from me in my next few music posts.  Even if this isn't your choice of music, at least give them a listen.  It will restore my faith in humanity.  Do it for me.

Today I'm going to talk about Aoife O'Donovan.  This is the first song David played for me (I'm pretty sure):

(Aoife O'Donovan & Sarah Jarosz - "Some Tyrant") (I love YouTube)

Yeah, I wanted (needed) to hear more!  Her voice pulls at my heartstrings.  One of the albums David bought  after finding Aoife was her solo album, Fossils.  Listening to the album I hear hints of Joni Mitchell and Edie Brickell.  Aoife is backed by Ryan Scott on guitar, Jacob Silver on bass, Robin MacMillan on drums, Charlie Rose on pedal steel guitar, and Rob Burger on various keyboards and accordion.  Oh yeah, I said accordion.  The way her voice haunting blends with the instruments is just beautiful.  Just listen to this:

("Red & White & Blue & Gold" from Fossils)

She lends her voice to some projects as well, one David just introduced me to this week.  Crooked Still.   The album is called Some Strange Country and the talented artists on the album are:  Aoife on vocals, Corey DiMario on bass, Gregory Liszt on banjo, Tristan Clarridge on cello, and Brittany Haas on fiddle.  They all complement one another so beautifully, listen to this:

("Half of What We Know" from Some Strange Country)

And the last project of hers that I am going to mention is I'm With Her.  I'm With Her is Aoife on vocals and guitar, Sara Watkins on vocals and fiddle, and Sarah Jarosz on vocals, banjo, and guitar.  Those three voices together are magical to me.  Their first album together comes out May 8, 2015 and below is a track from that album:

("Crossing Muddy Waters") 

This is just a taste of what Aoife has out there in the musical world.  She plays in music festivals and plays with several other artists.  I love the way her voice just seems to fit with whatever she wants it to do.  This is just an introduction, if you love her voice as much as I do go out there and find more.  I'd love to hear what tickles your fancy!  

Book: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi

The Ghost Brigades is the second book in the Old Man's War world, by John Scalzi.  This book did not pick up where I expected, and I think that made it difficult for me to get into this book.  Instead of following the familiar voice of Perry, we are introduced to a new set of characters and an aspect of the CDF that was secretive in the first book - the Special Forces, also called the Ghost Brigades.  The Special Forces are CDF soldiers created from DNA sources where the donor is no longer living (hence the Ghost Brigades).  When a person signs up to be a recruit with the CDF, they provide a DNA sample.  Due to the age of the recruits some don't actually make it to transporting off the planet but the CDF still has their DNA.  And as with big secretive corporations, waste not want not.  The CDF uses this DNA to create recruits that they can test new technologies on before introducing them to all recruits.  Because of their abilities, advanced technology, and secrecy the Special Forces are sent on missions normal recruits are not capable of.  In this book we are introduced to Charles Boutin, a top scientist who carries a grudge.  He has formed an alliance with the Rraey, Eneshan, and Obin, and is causing trouble for the CDF.  Boutin's body is found, and it is discovered he stored some of his consciousness on a computer, so the CDF decides to grow a body with Boutin's DNA and see if they can transfer the consciousness into the new body.  The wake the body, and transfer the consciousness but nothing seems to happen.  Again, waste not want not, they decide to let him join the newest group of Special Forces.  They name him Jared Dirac, and Jane Sagan is one of the people tasked to watch Dirac to see if Boutin's consciousnesses surfaces.  It was interesting to follow Dirac through his training, which was very different from the process Perry went through.  The Special Forces learn faster, and have advantages when it comes to communicating with each other via the BrainPal because of their enhancements.  It was also interesting to get to know Sagan's character better.  She began to have questions about what the CDF was really up to, like Perry in the previous book.  I'm not going to lie, I tend to get bored with some of the political stuff and I find that I don't pay as much attention as I should to things going on.  I'm sure I missed some important things in this story.

Once I got into this book I did enjoy it.  It was interesting to learn about the Ghost Brigades, and what made them so different and special.  I really liked Dirac and following him on his journey as he struggled with being himself while struggling with the other identity inside him and what that meant.  It will be interesting to see what tale the next book has to tell!