Yesterday Nate and I had a lot of fun running around spending our gift cards at the various stores. We noticed that the after Christmas sales were very good. I'd never experienced the after Christmas sales before. I was really surprised how good they are! Why don't we just celebrate Christmas a day after? Nate was loving the "hunt" of it all. He just LOVES to get a good deal. In fact he was the one who suggested going to Goodwill before we headed home. I'm glad that he likes to find good finds.
Here's a tip, if you have a gift card to Bed Bath and Body Works now is the time to go! It's their semi-annual sale. A lot of really great things were 75% off!! I got some really great stuff (thank you Dan and Cheryl!)! I'm set for a long time on fun lotions and candles!!
We're enjoying staying at my parents house. It's quiet here. I think we'll go for a hike today and then we're off to visit some friends in the area. We haven't seen them since their wedding last summer. They are here from Idaho visiting family.
It's raining here and seems to be warming up. I'm glad the weather seems to be more calm.
I woke up this morning in a panic remembering that I had to feed Sushi the cat. Poor thing is used to getting fed around 5am!! It was well past 9am by the time I remembered. She was hot on my heels when I hobbled out of the room. I'm lucky I didn't accidentally step on her tail.
I'll give her 2 scoops today.
Sorry Sushi, we're not early birds.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tilikum on Amazing Race
Ok, this is late in coming. I just realized that we forgot to blog about this event.
Back in May CBS came to the camp that Nate works at, Tilikum, and filmed their final episode of Amazing Race on the ropes course up there. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the show, it's a reality show that is a race around the world. The show begins in the US and continues to 5 different continents in the course of 30 days or so and then ends at a location in the US. At the start of the race there are 11 different teams. The teams get eliminated if they are the last to arrive at the different check points. Each team is identified by some tag line like "mother and son" or "college roommates" etc.. By the last leg of the race there are 3 teams racing to the finish at a US location. Tilikum got to be a part of that final episode in the last leg of the race. Even if you are unfamiliar with Tilikum, but more familiar with Portland I think you'll like this episode because there are many other spots in the Portland area that the team had to stop through before the final finish at the Pittock Mansion.
We both happened to be at work the day CBS filmed....and what a fun day it was! Of course we had to stay in doors as not to be "caught" in the way of a camera. After all this is a reality show. No "cut" or "take 2" involved with this show!
Our faces were pressed against the windows as we watched each of the speeding taxi cabs wizz by the main office. We could see who the final three teams were, but the show hadn't aired yet, so we didn't know who we wanted to have win until a few months ago when it aired.
It was difficult keeping the event a secret from everyone, but the contract with CBS had a big fine attached to it if anyone was to say anything prematurly. whoops don't want to do that!
If you're interested in watching this episode you can go to:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/video/video.php?cid=827787788&pid=jc4Fgay1x60JdU0pKS1hlEHtzFdMpRTg&play=true&cc=30
It's Season 13 episode 11.
=)
Back in May CBS came to the camp that Nate works at, Tilikum, and filmed their final episode of Amazing Race on the ropes course up there. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the show, it's a reality show that is a race around the world. The show begins in the US and continues to 5 different continents in the course of 30 days or so and then ends at a location in the US. At the start of the race there are 11 different teams. The teams get eliminated if they are the last to arrive at the different check points. Each team is identified by some tag line like "mother and son" or "college roommates" etc.. By the last leg of the race there are 3 teams racing to the finish at a US location. Tilikum got to be a part of that final episode in the last leg of the race. Even if you are unfamiliar with Tilikum, but more familiar with Portland I think you'll like this episode because there are many other spots in the Portland area that the team had to stop through before the final finish at the Pittock Mansion.
We both happened to be at work the day CBS filmed....and what a fun day it was! Of course we had to stay in doors as not to be "caught" in the way of a camera. After all this is a reality show. No "cut" or "take 2" involved with this show!
Our faces were pressed against the windows as we watched each of the speeding taxi cabs wizz by the main office. We could see who the final three teams were, but the show hadn't aired yet, so we didn't know who we wanted to have win until a few months ago when it aired.
It was difficult keeping the event a secret from everyone, but the contract with CBS had a big fine attached to it if anyone was to say anything prematurly. whoops don't want to do that!
If you're interested in watching this episode you can go to:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/video/video.php?cid=827787788&pid=jc4Fgay1x60JdU0pKS1hlEHtzFdMpRTg&play=true&cc=30
It's Season 13 episode 11.
=)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
We made it!
In the nick of time too... It snowed a lot over the weekend and even into this week. My work was canceled on Monday and we were guessing it would be canceled on Tuesday as well. Of course I didn't want to leave town until I knew for sure, but Nate said we just needed to take the gamble and GET OUT OF TOWN NOW. =)
And he was right, my work did cancel late that night and we missed another storm that came through. It was a good gamble.
As we made our way down Hwy 99 with our brand new chains* we kept asking ourselves where the "magic line" was from Newberg to Corvallis where this said snow ended. We found it a few miles before Rickreal. Nate pulled over and we took the chains off and then stopped at Burgerville for dinner.
So now we are here in Corvallis enjoying the festivities with my parents. We drove through Peoria's lights and the Pepsi lights in Corvallis. Those are fun traditions to do every year.
Tonight is Christmas Eve, which has traditionally been our family Christmas. All the presents are wrapped under the tree and we have our snacks ready for after the Christmas Eve service.
Keep safe on the roads and have a Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
snow...
We're all snowed in today. Hwy 99 is one block from our house and it's as silent as can be. We must have had at least 8 or 9 inches of snow last night and then rain and ice on top of that.
It's looking like winter outside! How fun!
Last night we made it down the road to Fred Meyers to stock up on groceries. I am pretty sure Freddy's was as busy yesterday as it was on Black Friday. Wowza! I think everyone had the same thought as us about stocking up on groceries.. We made it safely out of the parking lot without any bumps or dents.
I think everyone in our neighborhood is going stir crazy from having school shut down all last week. Our house ended up hosting a soup dinner last night with both neighboring houses. Seven kids and 10 adults eating soup, playing games and staying warm by the fire. It was good to have some human interaction after feeling cooped up in a house.
Our church is closed today due to the weather. It's another nice day inside. I think we might have a Wii tournament today with the housemates.
Nate and I are working this week and then we're off to Corvallis. We're hoping the roads will clear up by then.
It's looking like winter outside! How fun!
Last night we made it down the road to Fred Meyers to stock up on groceries. I am pretty sure Freddy's was as busy yesterday as it was on Black Friday. Wowza! I think everyone had the same thought as us about stocking up on groceries.. We made it safely out of the parking lot without any bumps or dents.
I think everyone in our neighborhood is going stir crazy from having school shut down all last week. Our house ended up hosting a soup dinner last night with both neighboring houses. Seven kids and 10 adults eating soup, playing games and staying warm by the fire. It was good to have some human interaction after feeling cooped up in a house.
Our church is closed today due to the weather. It's another nice day inside. I think we might have a Wii tournament today with the housemates.
Nate and I are working this week and then we're off to Corvallis. We're hoping the roads will clear up by then.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
It's official
I have a job! Ya! And in a time like this I feel like that is a really good thing.
My temp job turned into a permanent position just this week. I'll begin getting benefits in January. (get ready dentist...here I come!)
Nate and I are thrilled to both be working in great places with people we get along with well. My office just had their annual christmas party and it was SO much fun! These people love to laugh and play games. It was an ugly sweater christmas party....Nate had a great sweater. He was in the top 2 choices and almost won, but the winner had one that could not be beat!
My temp job turned into a permanent position just this week. I'll begin getting benefits in January. (get ready dentist...here I come!)
Nate and I are thrilled to both be working in great places with people we get along with well. My office just had their annual christmas party and it was SO much fun! These people love to laugh and play games. It was an ugly sweater christmas party....Nate had a great sweater. He was in the top 2 choices and almost won, but the winner had one that could not be beat!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Lissa's birthday weekend
Nate has been planning a fun weekend for my birthday. He surprised me with many things!!
It all began with him picking me up from work and taking me out to PF Changs for dinner. It was happy hour, so we had a feast on appetizers!
Before each surprise was revealed, he would hand me an envelop that read "Birthday surprise #1 (1-5)." My surprise was told in each envelope. I love surprises!!
After dinner my next envelope had Blazer tickets in it! We headed out to the game. If any of you got to see the game on friday night you know it was a close one. They ended up barely losing in double overtime!! DOUBLE overtime!! It was quite exciting! As a result the game ended much later than we had anticipated and we were both very tired from the week.
My next envelope was very nice, we headed out to the Double Tree hotel just minutes from the game. It was nice to not have to fight traffic on the way home. They greeted us with warm chocolate chip cookies! We just enjoyed our evening and crashed into deep sleep.
Saturday we ate our way through Portland! If you know me, you know I like good food and good restaurants. It's more than a meal, it's an experience!
We had a nice brunch at Mothers in downtown Portland. I am pretty sure we had the best seats in the house. We were in a corner booth with a view. Nate enjoyed his egg nog pancakes with butter rum sauce and I had a wonderful eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce. =)
We browsed through Powell's and got our book fix after a few hours. I found a great book that showed you how to make stuffed animals from gloves!! I think I'll have to try that out.
Chocolate Moon Cafe was next on the food list. As always, we played a card game while enjoying our coffee on 23rd. They were giving away free samples of their signature chocolates...yum!
My favorite genre of food is Thai, so Nate had found a great Thai place down the street from where we were. It was quiet and had a good view of the park. Also, they had decorated their restaurant in local paintings done by a painter we had met a few months ago, Buzz Silar.
In efforts to become more "healthy" Nate and I are trying to only eat sweets on holidays like Christmas, our birthdays etc.. In celebration of being able to eat sweets on this one day, he knew there was only one place that would satisfy our craving for decadent dessert...Papa Hydens! We headed there after dinner.
Again, we were seated next to the warm fireplace in a corner booth next to the street view windows. Perfect! I love it when that happens.
I had what is appropriately called "chocolate cube" and Nate had their 5 layer carrott cake with cream cheese frosting. =) I think we're good to go for a while with our sweets cravings.
Like I said, we ate our way through P-town. It was really relaxing to hang out with Nate and not worry about a schedule.
When we got home that night our housemates were in the middle of a card game. We joined in Hand and Foot...I like that they enjoy playing games. We lucked out with this great group of housmates.
Well...it is now snowing outside...how fun! Nate was doing cookies in the parking lot. I think he misses driving in the snow in Michigan.
We are all hunkered down in our warm house. The fire is going and we're all working on projects. And yes, I'm still in my pajamas....it's 3:30. I plan on staying in them all day with a warm cup of tea. =)
This is a link to a video my sister made for me. Thanks Carm!
http://gallery.me.com/carmendasilva#100178
=)
It all began with him picking me up from work and taking me out to PF Changs for dinner. It was happy hour, so we had a feast on appetizers!
Before each surprise was revealed, he would hand me an envelop that read "Birthday surprise #1 (1-5)." My surprise was told in each envelope. I love surprises!!
After dinner my next envelope had Blazer tickets in it! We headed out to the game. If any of you got to see the game on friday night you know it was a close one. They ended up barely losing in double overtime!! DOUBLE overtime!! It was quite exciting! As a result the game ended much later than we had anticipated and we were both very tired from the week.
My next envelope was very nice, we headed out to the Double Tree hotel just minutes from the game. It was nice to not have to fight traffic on the way home. They greeted us with warm chocolate chip cookies! We just enjoyed our evening and crashed into deep sleep.
Saturday we ate our way through Portland! If you know me, you know I like good food and good restaurants. It's more than a meal, it's an experience!
We had a nice brunch at Mothers in downtown Portland. I am pretty sure we had the best seats in the house. We were in a corner booth with a view. Nate enjoyed his egg nog pancakes with butter rum sauce and I had a wonderful eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce. =)
We browsed through Powell's and got our book fix after a few hours. I found a great book that showed you how to make stuffed animals from gloves!! I think I'll have to try that out.
Chocolate Moon Cafe was next on the food list. As always, we played a card game while enjoying our coffee on 23rd. They were giving away free samples of their signature chocolates...yum!
My favorite genre of food is Thai, so Nate had found a great Thai place down the street from where we were. It was quiet and had a good view of the park. Also, they had decorated their restaurant in local paintings done by a painter we had met a few months ago, Buzz Silar.
In efforts to become more "healthy" Nate and I are trying to only eat sweets on holidays like Christmas, our birthdays etc.. In celebration of being able to eat sweets on this one day, he knew there was only one place that would satisfy our craving for decadent dessert...Papa Hydens! We headed there after dinner.
Again, we were seated next to the warm fireplace in a corner booth next to the street view windows. Perfect! I love it when that happens.
I had what is appropriately called "chocolate cube" and Nate had their 5 layer carrott cake with cream cheese frosting. =) I think we're good to go for a while with our sweets cravings.
Like I said, we ate our way through P-town. It was really relaxing to hang out with Nate and not worry about a schedule.
When we got home that night our housemates were in the middle of a card game. We joined in Hand and Foot...I like that they enjoy playing games. We lucked out with this great group of housmates.
Well...it is now snowing outside...how fun! Nate was doing cookies in the parking lot. I think he misses driving in the snow in Michigan.
We are all hunkered down in our warm house. The fire is going and we're all working on projects. And yes, I'm still in my pajamas....it's 3:30. I plan on staying in them all day with a warm cup of tea. =)
This is a link to a video my sister made for me. Thanks Carm!
http://gallery.me.com/
=)
Friday, December 05, 2008
Caroling party tomorrow
Our caroling party is tomorrow. We are going to the Friendsview manor just down by the college. I'm excited!! Singing with a big group is always a fun activity. Bruce's friends coordinate this party every year and they come over to our house afterwards for snacks.
Although I am looking forward to singing...I'm also looking forward to sleeping in!! this week has been very busy at work. I don't even have the biggest work load there, but I'm feeling it.
December seems to be the month of events. Agree?
Although I am looking forward to singing...I'm also looking forward to sleeping in!! this week has been very busy at work. I don't even have the biggest work load there, but I'm feeling it.
December seems to be the month of events. Agree?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Carmen came to visit!
Last week was a big week.
1. we had a huge election
2. My dad turned 50!!! Congrats Dad!
3. My sister flew out from NYC to help celebrate my Dad's 'coming of age.'
4. We picked out our Christmas tree!
Nate and I went down to Corvallis last weekend to spend time with the fam. It was great to see the extended family and to spend quality time with everyone. That's one of my favorite memories, always.
I've been enjoying seeing Carmen more often. Now that she is taking a break from her regular full time job we have been able to have her out here more often. = ) Oh the perks to being unemployed!
While she was here, our fam walked down to our favorite little tree farm down the road. We walked through all the trees and found the perfect one for Christmas...I know, it's a little early to be picking out christmas trees. Well, we were all together and it was a nice day to be outside. Can you blame us?
Speaking of Christmas, Angela, our new housemate, mentioned to me that one of our local radio stations was doing a weekend long holiday sampler! Guess what we listened to all weekend long...that's right, Christmas music!!
My dad turned 50 last week. It was a great party. My sister and mom put together an i-movie with several pictures from birth to now. "Thank God I'm a country boy" was the tune playing in the background. There's a story behind that one...ask my mom.
It's fun to see my parents age gracefully.
Well, that was our week....
1. we had a huge election
2. My dad turned 50!!! Congrats Dad!
3. My sister flew out from NYC to help celebrate my Dad's 'coming of age.'
4. We picked out our Christmas tree!
Nate and I went down to Corvallis last weekend to spend time with the fam. It was great to see the extended family and to spend quality time with everyone. That's one of my favorite memories, always.
I've been enjoying seeing Carmen more often. Now that she is taking a break from her regular full time job we have been able to have her out here more often. = ) Oh the perks to being unemployed!
While she was here, our fam walked down to our favorite little tree farm down the road. We walked through all the trees and found the perfect one for Christmas...I know, it's a little early to be picking out christmas trees. Well, we were all together and it was a nice day to be outside. Can you blame us?
Speaking of Christmas, Angela, our new housemate, mentioned to me that one of our local radio stations was doing a weekend long holiday sampler! Guess what we listened to all weekend long...that's right, Christmas music!!
My dad turned 50 last week. It was a great party. My sister and mom put together an i-movie with several pictures from birth to now. "Thank God I'm a country boy" was the tune playing in the background. There's a story behind that one...ask my mom.
It's fun to see my parents age gracefully.
Well, that was our week....
Saturday, August 30, 2008
My dentist could be the next olympian.
Hi all,
sorry for the delay in posting. Wow, that was a long commercial break. And we're back....
As a recap, summer went well. We were blessed with a GREAT staff... now a good group of friends.
It was fun to see such a wide variety of personalities get along so well together. I mean, they acutally liked each other! What a blessing! And we like them as well. In fact, many of them only live a few blocks away from us because they are still students at George Fox. I'm pretty sure we'll run into them at Chapters or just around town. And that will be awesome.
July and some of August were deemed "Family Months" for us.
Nate's parents were out for about 10 days. They were visiting from Michigan...on their summer break from teaching. We wanted them to experience camp first hand...and they did. Oh how brave they are! Dan even went on Gironimo! I think you can watch a video of it on their blog: danandcherylforbes.blogspot.com
My parents and Carm and Leo (sister and brother in law http://leoandcarmen.com/) stayed with us in Newberg for a week. They took day trips around the area: Portland, Newberg for wine tasting, coast (Manzanita!!), and Tilikum (that was fun for us!).
Carm was in Oregon for the whole month of august. I'm pretty sure that's the longest time she's been back on the west coast since they moved out east 5 years ago. Part of her trip was spent on her 10yr. class reunion....CRAZY!!! I can't believe that milestone has already hit! Wow.
We were all spoiled having her out here for that long.
She had just finished up her certification as a yoga instructor and wanted to practice on all of us. We had a group session with the aunts, grandma's and cousins. I wish I had brought the camera. It was so great! And it came at a great time too. We had just finished up camp and drove straight to my parents house for the group yoga session. Instant relaxation.
Nate and I spent a week vacationing in Corvallis and the coast. We pretty much parked it in front of the tv to watch the olympics. I LOVE THE OLYMPICS. You can always count on a good show during any event. I mean, we're talking about the best of the best competing at what they do for a living!
I mean, I look at Shawn Johnson and Usain Bolt and think "wow they are so good at what they do!" But hey, I know a lot of other people who are good at what they do...it's just not a competition in the summer games. I'm sure my dentist could get a silver if not a bronze in the "fastest fillings" event. And there is definitely a checker at Napps who could qualify in the "bagger" event. And then we could all say, "I know that guy...he's my dentist..my checker." Oh the excitment that would spon!
Camp's done. We're back into our 9 month routine...oh but wait...some things have CHANGED!
Yes, that's right. I'm back in the working world. I got a job in an old familiar place. The Admissions office at Fox. It's actually a temp job. I'm filling in for a lady who is on maternity leave. And she seems to be a punctual person. She had her baby right on the due date! What are the odds.
I'm liking my job. It's good to be on a routine...my own routine. I think it's what we've all been needing for a while. The last year was just a strange one. I've been slowly debriefing the miscarriage and Nate's accident and getting used to being back in Newberg etc...so many changes in just a short time. I think it will be really good to be on a set schedule and routine. Since this job ends in November my plan is to continue to look for job openings at Fox. It's a great place to work and only 2 blocks away. Perfect really.
On another note, our computer crashed. We've entered into the "Mac vs. PC" conversation and have not come to any conclusions. Leo works for Apple...so we've got an IN. More to come on that topic.
Oh and I'm on jury duty soon. Anyone done that?
Last summer Nate and I watched the movie "12 Angry Men" and it kind of makes me intrigued.
We'll see.
That's our latest.
sorry for the delay in posting. Wow, that was a long commercial break. And we're back....
As a recap, summer went well. We were blessed with a GREAT staff... now a good group of friends.
It was fun to see such a wide variety of personalities get along so well together. I mean, they acutally liked each other! What a blessing! And we like them as well. In fact, many of them only live a few blocks away from us because they are still students at George Fox. I'm pretty sure we'll run into them at Chapters or just around town. And that will be awesome.
July and some of August were deemed "Family Months" for us.
Nate's parents were out for about 10 days. They were visiting from Michigan...on their summer break from teaching. We wanted them to experience camp first hand...and they did. Oh how brave they are! Dan even went on Gironimo! I think you can watch a video of it on their blog: danandcherylforbes.blogspot.com
My parents and Carm and Leo (sister and brother in law http://leoandcarmen.com/) stayed with us in Newberg for a week. They took day trips around the area: Portland, Newberg for wine tasting, coast (Manzanita!!), and Tilikum (that was fun for us!).
Carm was in Oregon for the whole month of august. I'm pretty sure that's the longest time she's been back on the west coast since they moved out east 5 years ago. Part of her trip was spent on her 10yr. class reunion....CRAZY!!! I can't believe that milestone has already hit! Wow.
We were all spoiled having her out here for that long.
She had just finished up her certification as a yoga instructor and wanted to practice on all of us. We had a group session with the aunts, grandma's and cousins. I wish I had brought the camera. It was so great! And it came at a great time too. We had just finished up camp and drove straight to my parents house for the group yoga session. Instant relaxation.
Nate and I spent a week vacationing in Corvallis and the coast. We pretty much parked it in front of the tv to watch the olympics. I LOVE THE OLYMPICS. You can always count on a good show during any event. I mean, we're talking about the best of the best competing at what they do for a living!
I mean, I look at Shawn Johnson and Usain Bolt and think "wow they are so good at what they do!" But hey, I know a lot of other people who are good at what they do...it's just not a competition in the summer games. I'm sure my dentist could get a silver if not a bronze in the "fastest fillings" event. And there is definitely a checker at Napps who could qualify in the "bagger" event. And then we could all say, "I know that guy...he's my dentist..my checker." Oh the excitment that would spon!
Camp's done. We're back into our 9 month routine...oh but wait...some things have CHANGED!
Yes, that's right. I'm back in the working world. I got a job in an old familiar place. The Admissions office at Fox. It's actually a temp job. I'm filling in for a lady who is on maternity leave. And she seems to be a punctual person. She had her baby right on the due date! What are the odds.
I'm liking my job. It's good to be on a routine...my own routine. I think it's what we've all been needing for a while. The last year was just a strange one. I've been slowly debriefing the miscarriage and Nate's accident and getting used to being back in Newberg etc...so many changes in just a short time. I think it will be really good to be on a set schedule and routine. Since this job ends in November my plan is to continue to look for job openings at Fox. It's a great place to work and only 2 blocks away. Perfect really.
On another note, our computer crashed. We've entered into the "Mac vs. PC" conversation and have not come to any conclusions. Leo works for Apple...so we've got an IN. More to come on that topic.
Oh and I'm on jury duty soon. Anyone done that?
Last summer Nate and I watched the movie "12 Angry Men" and it kind of makes me intrigued.
We'll see.
That's our latest.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Camp has begun!
Hi Everyone!
Yes the summer has begun! We are in a full swing of camp life now...thus the non-responsive emails and phone calls.
We're loving this summer so far. Nate has a staff of 19 college students who are full of energy and all sorts of random talents. I think one of the staff likes to ride unicycles.
The warm weather has been enjoyed by all as many of the activities involve being in the lake.
Nate's parents just arrived yesterday for a 10 day vacation here. We're excited to see them and share our day to day lives with them.
This weekend is our "middle of the summer retreat" for all the staffers. We will be heading out to the coast for the weekend with the 30 staffers. I think bon fires, fireworks, bbq's, hikes, parades will all be included in that weekend.
I'm also in a former roommates wedding on saturday at a B&B in Newport. From what I have heard this should be one incredible place! Nate will be taking pictures as a "back up photographer" for who knows what kind of mishaps could (and hopefully won't) happen with the real photographer.
So we will be doing camp...the same program for 10 straight weeks until August 15th. That is our life for now.
Stay tuned for pictures of camp and more happenings.
Loves,
Lissa
Yes the summer has begun! We are in a full swing of camp life now...thus the non-responsive emails and phone calls.
We're loving this summer so far. Nate has a staff of 19 college students who are full of energy and all sorts of random talents. I think one of the staff likes to ride unicycles.
The warm weather has been enjoyed by all as many of the activities involve being in the lake.
Nate's parents just arrived yesterday for a 10 day vacation here. We're excited to see them and share our day to day lives with them.
This weekend is our "middle of the summer retreat" for all the staffers. We will be heading out to the coast for the weekend with the 30 staffers. I think bon fires, fireworks, bbq's, hikes, parades will all be included in that weekend.
I'm also in a former roommates wedding on saturday at a B&B in Newport. From what I have heard this should be one incredible place! Nate will be taking pictures as a "back up photographer" for who knows what kind of mishaps could (and hopefully won't) happen with the real photographer.
So we will be doing camp...the same program for 10 straight weeks until August 15th. That is our life for now.
Stay tuned for pictures of camp and more happenings.
Loves,
Lissa
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
He's 27!
Happy birthday Nate! He's 27 years old.
Nate wanted to go camping for his birthday. Last weekend we took a trip out to Beverly Beach near Newport. We stayed in a yurt at the camp ground right by the beach. We didn't get any pictures of it of course because we were distracted by the natural beauty of the coast, but we both highly recommend this park, and yurting.
The sun came out for the day. Nate built a fire in the fire pit and we roasted hot dogs for dinner. Our neighbor camp site had a van full of little girls. They couldn't wait to get out on their bikes and race around the park. Behind our yurt was a creek kind of thing full of skunk cabbage (I think that's what it's called). Anyway, the bullfrogs love that spot. They would start making their calls around 6 and chat back and forth until about 10pm.
I was hoping to do some whale watching while we were at the beach. We borrowed my Dad's binoculars and stopped along the side of the road a few times. I guess this is the time of year for whale watching. We saw a lot of birds boats and buoys...=) but no whales. Maybe next year.
We did however, see quite a bit of ocean life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Nate seemed to really enjoy the jelly fish tank. They looked so elegant floating around together with spot lights on them.
Our neighbors and some friends came over last night for birthday cake. Again, I did not take any pictures of that either...but Nate got some of the cake!
Here they are.
Happy birthday Nate!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tilikum on OPB!
Tilikum on OPB!
So, Oregon Public Broadcasting featured Tilikum in their TV program Oregon Field Guide on March 27th at 8:30 PM. Oregon Field Guide is a valuable source of information about outdoor recreation, ecological issues, natural resources and travel destinations. Their film crew came out last summer to do a story on our camping programs. Visit http://www.opb.org/television to watch online!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Advice to volunteers?
I am seeking advice from people who have either been volunteers in the past or who have had volunteers work for them. Here are my basic questions I am seeking answers to:
As a Supervisor:
1. Can you overwork a volunteer?
2. How do you know when you are reaching that "overworked" breaking point?
3. What specific things have you done to benefit your volunteers and keep them satisfied in their work? (other than money type things...gift cards etc..)
4. Do you set boundaries for your volunteers so they do not get abused for their work availability?
Volunteers:
1. As a volunteer, what boundaries have you set for yourself so as to stay happy in your volunteer job?
2. What things/appreciations genuinely make you feel satisfied about the work you are doing and the people you are helping?
Thanks for your input. I've never been in charge of volunteers before. It's my desire to treat them well, not take advantage of them and ultimately have them leaving the job site feeling better about themselves. Any advice that leads to these results would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
As a Supervisor:
1. Can you overwork a volunteer?
2. How do you know when you are reaching that "overworked" breaking point?
3. What specific things have you done to benefit your volunteers and keep them satisfied in their work? (other than money type things...gift cards etc..)
4. Do you set boundaries for your volunteers so they do not get abused for their work availability?
Volunteers:
1. As a volunteer, what boundaries have you set for yourself so as to stay happy in your volunteer job?
2. What things/appreciations genuinely make you feel satisfied about the work you are doing and the people you are helping?
Thanks for your input. I've never been in charge of volunteers before. It's my desire to treat them well, not take advantage of them and ultimately have them leaving the job site feeling better about themselves. Any advice that leads to these results would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Friday, March 07, 2008
....
I found my retainer today. It's in my mouth.....OOOOHHH the pain!!! I can feel every tooth trying to shuffle back to "where it's supposed to be." Almost like a mad dash to be the first in line at the after thanksgiving sales!!! Only they don't get a cute little gadget from Target!
I don't know how long this will last.
I don't know how long this will last.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Sold the car!
I drove to State Farm today to finalize the car value settlement. They had me turn in my keys (not sure why...the car's totaled....mmm), and they gave me a check for what was left of it! Yea! I'm so glad that is all done. Now the fun part begins...hunting for the right car!
Meanwhile, Nate and I are getting re-excited about going on our trip to Idaho this next week. We're staying a few extra days for a mini vacation. We're both so excited!!! For those who don't know, we were about to leave for a mini vacation to Idaho the day after the car accident but had to cancel, so that's why we're excited to try this again.
We'll be recruiting college students at NNU (Northwest Nazarene University) to work at camp this summer. Last time we were visiting NNU we saw a camel on the side of the street in a very residential area....I love Idaho!
I just started training for an additional job. I'm going to start cooking at the camp. I'll be helping out there when groups stay in the Retreat Center. I'm looking forward to learning how to cook for larger groups of people.
Meanwhile, Nate and I are getting re-excited about going on our trip to Idaho this next week. We're staying a few extra days for a mini vacation. We're both so excited!!! For those who don't know, we were about to leave for a mini vacation to Idaho the day after the car accident but had to cancel, so that's why we're excited to try this again.
We'll be recruiting college students at NNU (Northwest Nazarene University) to work at camp this summer. Last time we were visiting NNU we saw a camel on the side of the street in a very residential area....I love Idaho!
I just started training for an additional job. I'm going to start cooking at the camp. I'll be helping out there when groups stay in the Retreat Center. I'm looking forward to learning how to cook for larger groups of people.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Update on Nate
Here's the latest news on Nate and the accident.
We made it to his family doctor this week. Everything checked out well from the x-rays and CT scans. It looks like he's severely bruised and VERY sore from the impact, but fortunately nothing is broken!!! amazing!
He is walking with crutches to keep weight off his right foot and he will still be on pain medication for the next couple of weeks. We are praising the Lord that he is so well off.
Yesterday we heard a little bit more about the people in the other car. The police officer said they are in intensive care still and will probably be coming out this week. We don't know too many specifics other than they have been having a couple surgeries. He told us they would both make it, but they are just very very injured. Pray they will recover soon.
We haven't been out to see them...not really sure what the protocol is on visiting people who have been in a car crash with you? thoughts?
It turns out too that they may have been uninsured, or at least current insurance has not been located on the car yet. The police officer is waiting to be able to talk with the driver. And that could take another week or so? We do have insurance for uninsured motorists...which I didn't even know we had...but am very thankful that we do!
We're just thankful that everyone is alive. Nate is recovering very well. We are out a car, but Tina and Grandma were thoughtful to let us use the blue crown victoria until we get another car down the line. So we're not pressured into finding something we like right now. Thank you for that!!! That will be a HUGE help.
All in all we're very thankful.
We made it to his family doctor this week. Everything checked out well from the x-rays and CT scans. It looks like he's severely bruised and VERY sore from the impact, but fortunately nothing is broken!!! amazing!
He is walking with crutches to keep weight off his right foot and he will still be on pain medication for the next couple of weeks. We are praising the Lord that he is so well off.
Yesterday we heard a little bit more about the people in the other car. The police officer said they are in intensive care still and will probably be coming out this week. We don't know too many specifics other than they have been having a couple surgeries. He told us they would both make it, but they are just very very injured. Pray they will recover soon.
We haven't been out to see them...not really sure what the protocol is on visiting people who have been in a car crash with you? thoughts?
It turns out too that they may have been uninsured, or at least current insurance has not been located on the car yet. The police officer is waiting to be able to talk with the driver. And that could take another week or so? We do have insurance for uninsured motorists...which I didn't even know we had...but am very thankful that we do!
We're just thankful that everyone is alive. Nate is recovering very well. We are out a car, but Tina and Grandma were thoughtful to let us use the blue crown victoria until we get another car down the line. So we're not pressured into finding something we like right now. Thank you for that!!! That will be a HUGE help.
All in all we're very thankful.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thank the Lord for air bags!
No, this is not modern art...although it kind of looks like it. Nate was in a bad accident last night.
He was on his way to pick me up at work when a car coming the opposite direction swerved into his lane hitting him head on. It happened in Hwy 240 out near Tilikum. The speed limit out there is 55mph....you can do the math on the impact.
He was able to push himself out of the car and check on the other passengers. They didn't seem to be in good shape at all.
Pretty much Nate's very fortunate to be as well off as he is. The other people in the opposite car were both life flighted out to 2 different Portland hospitals. We hope and pray they will be alright.
Nate was taken by ambulance to the local hospital here. They did several x-rays and CT scans to make sure he wasn't bleeding internally or that there weren't any broken bones. They didn't find anything immediately. We are however, waiting to meet with an orthopedic doctor to have them look at his right heel. It took most of the impact and is EXTREMELY painful to put any weight on. So we'll see how that goes. Other than the shock and some minor scraps and soreness from the whip lash, he's doing really great! He was checked out late last night and he's here at home now.
Today we were just resting and making a lot of phone calls to insurance people, car rentals, canceling our reservations for the retreat we were supposed to leave for today etc...
Now he's just taking it easy, reading, playing cards and sleeping a LOT! Thank goodness for pain medication. =) Praise the Lord for his safety!
We'll keep you updated as we know more.
Lissa
Monday, January 28, 2008
Oil Painting
This semester I decided to take advantage of my free audit class at George Fox. I'm taking an oil painting class. We meet two times a week for 3 hours each time. It's been a really great addition to my life. Once the jazz music starts to play, I get in a zone and the painting happens.
This is our first project that is actually due today. I was supposed to paint 4 different pears each from a different time period. The main pear is the early northern renaissance, the far left is the cubist, the middle is very tiny but it's supposed to be an impressionist pear and then the last one is an expressionist pear.
I'm learning that it takes a VERY long time for oil paints to dry. It can take up to a week for one layer to dry enough to add another layer on top of it. I guess for an oil painting to fully dry it takes 6 months to a year!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Forbes Christmas
Here are a few pictures from our Christmas in Michigan with the family. We forgot to take pictures of our weekend in Ohio with the Forbes family, but we'll try to get some from the family later to post them.
We've had a great time here seeing family and friends. It's snowed a few days while we've been here.
It's been a great vacation!
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