Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, January 18, 2009
New Year...New Post - Part 1
So it has been FOREVER since I have posted and figured that while I was laying in bed watching it snow I should update my blog a little.
So here goes it...
September/October - My life revolved around a public client with a filing deadline and I did little more than work/sleep. However, with this client I was able to travel to Tacoma for two weeks (it was supposed to be three but I won't get into that here). I was able to spend time in Portland on the weekends (three in total) and visit with the family. One of the weekends mom, Pete and I made the trek down to Corvallis to pre-game with the Cole's which was fun. Once kick-off rolled around, we rolled on out of town. Once the reports were issued on Day 60, a plane ticket was issued and I was back out west for the ASU/OSU football game (November 1). I was going to try to surprise mom, however, when she started making plans that did not involve the football game I had to tell her. Another fun tailgate with the Cole's. We had to sit through a few sprinkles during the game but nothing our handy ponchos couldn't handle. The Sun Devils lost but not after staging a serious come back in the last four minutes...so we heard.
November - Work slowed a little. I was assigned to help out on an engagement but ended up doing a little more than helping (another thing I won't get into here). I was able to sneak away to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving and spent some quality time with Miss S. On her "first" Thanksgiving we all were thankful for the same thing...that she was FINALLY with our family. We went on walks, did some arts & crafts and checked out Zoo Lights...very fun weekend...can't wait to go back in the spring (pictures at the bottom of the post). On the morning I was to leave I saw my first snow flakes of the season, unfortunately it wasn't enough to cancel or delay my flight.
December - The countdown was on for the 19th to arrive and I could head west for two weeks. When the 14th rolled around and I got the call from mom that snow had arrived in Portland my thoughts quickly turned to "Dear Snow, Please be out of Portland on the 19th and not quite to Boston. XOXO EOB". Someone listened because my 6:30 am flight on Friday the 19th was able to take off close to on-time and I was able to land in Portland a mere 7 hours late. The day went like this:
4am - Alarm goes off (hit snooze a few times, obviously)
5:15 - Cab arrives
5:45 - Through security, breakfast, water & magazines in hand (reading - yea right, I need some sleep)
6:15 - On the plane and something is mentioned about Dallas...someone is clearly wrong because my layover is in Phoenix.
6:17 - The captain comes on that due to strong headwinds with the incoming storm we have to change our route and refuel in Dallas in order to avoid severe turbulence. I am so not making my connecting flight in Phoenix seeing that my layover was less than an hour and this is US Airways/America West (pick your poison).
Made our quick stop in Dallas for a little fuel and were back in the air. Luckily during our stop we were able to make calls and use the restroom. Called dad and told him our shopping date was on hold...see I hadn't done any shopping before I left so dad and I had these grand plans to go shopping after I landed around lunch time.
We landed in Phoenix, thank goodness I had upgraded to a "Choice Seat" and was in row 7, I was able to get off the plane and head right to customer service. The line was already pretty long (shocking, I know) and it would only get longer once the rest of the plane was emptied. After an hour I was rebooked on a flight to Las Vegas and then to Portland. BTW - The nice lady put me in first class for my flight to LV, all 45 minutes of it : )
As we landed in Las Vegas it was crazy to see the place with snow! I do remember seeing snow falling one December when I was driving to Scottsdale Fashion Square, that was as close to snow I got my eight years in the desert. Made it to my gate without incident and boarded for Portland. Landed in Portland to see snow falling and have my luggage waiting for me...it was able to get on the non-stop flight from Phoenix to Portland. Called dad and he headed across the river to pick me up. We went to dinner and then to the mall, but I was in no mood to shop. 17 hours, 5 airports and 4 take-offs/landings later I was ready for bed.
Woke up on Saturday to snow. By now my mom was not happy with the snow. Yes, she had a three week Christmas vacation (so not fair, we never got these when I was in school) but she was also stuck in her place (private drive to home = no plowing/sanding by city). Dad was called and made the trek to pick up Pete, mom & me for a trip to the mall. Thank goodness for the 4 wheel drive & studded tires! Did a little shopping but there is only so much a girl can do when the three people she needs to buy gifts for are with her...so I bought myself some boots. Uggs to be exact, even though I SWORE I would never own a pair of "Ugg-lys".
Sunday found mom and I staring at each other as the snow continued to fall. For real? This only happens where I reside. It was this day where I was truly thankful for my Boston home. Though I am not in Boston proper, I am within walking distance of a grocery store, gym, restaurants, and public transportation. Yes, I have to watch where I walk and walk a little slower but I can get places.
Monday rolled around and dad was called again to come and pick-up the family for another day out and about. This day was huge for me, I was getting my haircut. (Yes, I still make appointments to see my hairdresser from high school when I go to Oregon.) I hadn't been able to get an appointment the other times I was home in the fall so I was WAY OVERDUE for the mop to be chopped. With the snow still coming down there wasn't much time for anything else but a haircut and lunch. It was decided that if we were going to attempt to make it to North Bend for Christmas we needed to leave on Tuesday. So dad graciously offered to help us retrieve Grams from "The Home" and bring her back to moms so we could hit the road when Pete got done with work on Tuesday morning. I attempted to make dinner that night and the three of us enjoyed a few games of Five Crowns.
Tuesday I won the "Sister of the Year" award. I shoveled the 12 inches of stuff (8 inches of powder, 1 inch of ice, topped with another 2 inches of powder) from moms driveway so Pete could get his car into the garage. Did I mention all she had was a pointed shovel? Who has snow shovels when they live in the valley? Luckily my hard work paid off and we were on the road a little after 2pm. Our first stop was in Woodburn to take off the chains as the roads were clearing and we expected them to be clear after Salem. According to MapQuest, Woodburn is approximately 25 miles from mom's house and it SHOULD take approximately 30 minutes, we made it in 3 hours...HOURS. We made it to the Cole's house in 8 hours (1 hour for dinner at Elmer's in Eugene).
Wednesday was Christmas Eve...the Big Guy is coming tonight I sure hope I have been good enough this year to have a full stocking! W had to work, the boys did boy things, Mom and Grams did their thing at The Mill, and I baked cookies with the girls (Santa's gotta have something to eat when he arrives). After the cookies were done, the kitchen cleaned and us girls showered and dressed we headed to The Mill to pick-up Mom and Grams. The Mill has a new pool so I watched the girls splash and enjoyed the humidity from the deck. Miss M was so proud of her new skills she has learned since we went swimming back in July. We met up with the family for lunch and then W and I went on our Christmas Eve shopping spree, I still had NOTHING for Pete.
With the state of the economy there weren't as many presents under the tree as in the past but I think everyone did ok (insert sarcasm here). Santa found everyone - thank goodenss!
To be continued...it's time to go shovel!
So here goes it...
September/October - My life revolved around a public client with a filing deadline and I did little more than work/sleep. However, with this client I was able to travel to Tacoma for two weeks (it was supposed to be three but I won't get into that here). I was able to spend time in Portland on the weekends (three in total) and visit with the family. One of the weekends mom, Pete and I made the trek down to Corvallis to pre-game with the Cole's which was fun. Once kick-off rolled around, we rolled on out of town. Once the reports were issued on Day 60, a plane ticket was issued and I was back out west for the ASU/OSU football game (November 1). I was going to try to surprise mom, however, when she started making plans that did not involve the football game I had to tell her. Another fun tailgate with the Cole's. We had to sit through a few sprinkles during the game but nothing our handy ponchos couldn't handle. The Sun Devils lost but not after staging a serious come back in the last four minutes...so we heard.
November - Work slowed a little. I was assigned to help out on an engagement but ended up doing a little more than helping (another thing I won't get into here). I was able to sneak away to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving and spent some quality time with Miss S. On her "first" Thanksgiving we all were thankful for the same thing...that she was FINALLY with our family. We went on walks, did some arts & crafts and checked out Zoo Lights...very fun weekend...can't wait to go back in the spring (pictures at the bottom of the post). On the morning I was to leave I saw my first snow flakes of the season, unfortunately it wasn't enough to cancel or delay my flight.
December - The countdown was on for the 19th to arrive and I could head west for two weeks. When the 14th rolled around and I got the call from mom that snow had arrived in Portland my thoughts quickly turned to "Dear Snow, Please be out of Portland on the 19th and not quite to Boston. XOXO EOB". Someone listened because my 6:30 am flight on Friday the 19th was able to take off close to on-time and I was able to land in Portland a mere 7 hours late. The day went like this:
4am - Alarm goes off (hit snooze a few times, obviously)
5:15 - Cab arrives
5:45 - Through security, breakfast, water & magazines in hand (reading - yea right, I need some sleep)
6:15 - On the plane and something is mentioned about Dallas...someone is clearly wrong because my layover is in Phoenix.
6:17 - The captain comes on that due to strong headwinds with the incoming storm we have to change our route and refuel in Dallas in order to avoid severe turbulence. I am so not making my connecting flight in Phoenix seeing that my layover was less than an hour and this is US Airways/America West (pick your poison).
Made our quick stop in Dallas for a little fuel and were back in the air. Luckily during our stop we were able to make calls and use the restroom. Called dad and told him our shopping date was on hold...see I hadn't done any shopping before I left so dad and I had these grand plans to go shopping after I landed around lunch time.
We landed in Phoenix, thank goodness I had upgraded to a "Choice Seat" and was in row 7, I was able to get off the plane and head right to customer service. The line was already pretty long (shocking, I know) and it would only get longer once the rest of the plane was emptied. After an hour I was rebooked on a flight to Las Vegas and then to Portland. BTW - The nice lady put me in first class for my flight to LV, all 45 minutes of it : )
As we landed in Las Vegas it was crazy to see the place with snow! I do remember seeing snow falling one December when I was driving to Scottsdale Fashion Square, that was as close to snow I got my eight years in the desert. Made it to my gate without incident and boarded for Portland. Landed in Portland to see snow falling and have my luggage waiting for me...it was able to get on the non-stop flight from Phoenix to Portland. Called dad and he headed across the river to pick me up. We went to dinner and then to the mall, but I was in no mood to shop. 17 hours, 5 airports and 4 take-offs/landings later I was ready for bed.
Woke up on Saturday to snow. By now my mom was not happy with the snow. Yes, she had a three week Christmas vacation (so not fair, we never got these when I was in school) but she was also stuck in her place (private drive to home = no plowing/sanding by city). Dad was called and made the trek to pick up Pete, mom & me for a trip to the mall. Thank goodness for the 4 wheel drive & studded tires! Did a little shopping but there is only so much a girl can do when the three people she needs to buy gifts for are with her...so I bought myself some boots. Uggs to be exact, even though I SWORE I would never own a pair of "Ugg-lys".
Sunday found mom and I staring at each other as the snow continued to fall. For real? This only happens where I reside. It was this day where I was truly thankful for my Boston home. Though I am not in Boston proper, I am within walking distance of a grocery store, gym, restaurants, and public transportation. Yes, I have to watch where I walk and walk a little slower but I can get places.
Monday rolled around and dad was called again to come and pick-up the family for another day out and about. This day was huge for me, I was getting my haircut. (Yes, I still make appointments to see my hairdresser from high school when I go to Oregon.) I hadn't been able to get an appointment the other times I was home in the fall so I was WAY OVERDUE for the mop to be chopped. With the snow still coming down there wasn't much time for anything else but a haircut and lunch. It was decided that if we were going to attempt to make it to North Bend for Christmas we needed to leave on Tuesday. So dad graciously offered to help us retrieve Grams from "The Home" and bring her back to moms so we could hit the road when Pete got done with work on Tuesday morning. I attempted to make dinner that night and the three of us enjoyed a few games of Five Crowns.
Tuesday I won the "Sister of the Year" award. I shoveled the 12 inches of stuff (8 inches of powder, 1 inch of ice, topped with another 2 inches of powder) from moms driveway so Pete could get his car into the garage. Did I mention all she had was a pointed shovel? Who has snow shovels when they live in the valley? Luckily my hard work paid off and we were on the road a little after 2pm. Our first stop was in Woodburn to take off the chains as the roads were clearing and we expected them to be clear after Salem. According to MapQuest, Woodburn is approximately 25 miles from mom's house and it SHOULD take approximately 30 minutes, we made it in 3 hours...HOURS. We made it to the Cole's house in 8 hours (1 hour for dinner at Elmer's in Eugene).
Wednesday was Christmas Eve...the Big Guy is coming tonight I sure hope I have been good enough this year to have a full stocking! W had to work, the boys did boy things, Mom and Grams did their thing at The Mill, and I baked cookies with the girls (Santa's gotta have something to eat when he arrives). After the cookies were done, the kitchen cleaned and us girls showered and dressed we headed to The Mill to pick-up Mom and Grams. The Mill has a new pool so I watched the girls splash and enjoyed the humidity from the deck. Miss M was so proud of her new skills she has learned since we went swimming back in July. We met up with the family for lunch and then W and I went on our Christmas Eve shopping spree, I still had NOTHING for Pete.
With the state of the economy there weren't as many presents under the tree as in the past but I think everyone did ok (insert sarcasm here). Santa found everyone - thank goodenss!
To be continued...it's time to go shovel!
Photos to accompany Part 1
Yes - In the 4th photo Miss S is wearing an Oregon Duck sweatshirt. That was partially remedied by the Cole's at Christmas and will be fully remedied by me at somepoint this year!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Restaurant Week - Summer 2008
Here in Boston we have a Restaurant Week two times a year (now, it's actually done for two weeks). These weeks give folks like me a chance to check out the fancy shmancy place for relatively "cheap". Most restaurants have a three course fixed menu (I say most because my roommates both went to a place where the regular menu was the Restaurant Week menu). Some restaurants offer lunch and dinner, while others offer one or the other. Lunches are $20.08 and dinners are $33.08 (get the .08?). Over the last two weeks I have been to four meals (three lunches and one dinner).
- Lunch #1 - Oak Room (Copley Square) - Creamy New England clam chowder, five-ounce flat iron steak with pomme frites in a rosemary jus and individual brulee tart with seasonal fruit.
- Lunch #2 - 33 (Back Bay) - Ursula's caesar salad, root beer braised short ribs, and summer berry pannacotta
- Lunch #3 - Stanhope Grill (Back Bay) - Chopped salad, rosemary marinated grilled flat iron steak, and decadent chocolate brownie.
- Dinner - Smith & Wollensky's (Back Bay) - Caesar salad, filet mignon, and chocolate cake. (This dinner is a now a tradition with Dan and Alison, usually we visit Flemings but we weren't digging the menu this time around.)
If there was ever a concern of an iron deficiency, I think I have taken care of that over the last two weeks! Now I must get to the store for some fruits & veggies!
Three Babies and a Bride
So I have completed SLACKED with posting since I returned from my hiatus, and haven't even finished my hiatus updates. Tonight seems like a great night to get caught up (even though it is a Friday and Super Diamond is in town)!
I woke up on Saturday (8/9) to emails from two different friends that they were expecting babies mid-February. Very exciting. For one friend it will be baby number 2 and for the other it will be baby number 1...Congrats to both the Satter's and the Jagger's. These two babies will join Baby C who will make his or her appearance in December. Auntie E is going to be busy!
Last Saturday (8/16) I got to celebrate my friend/classmate/co-worker Ann's upcoming wedding by going to her bridal shower thrown by her sisters. It was a great afternoon to honor Ann. A few things that I thought were great (read as "Note to Winnie" for when that day comes)...her sisters had it at a hotel, the games were voluntary, and two people helped with the gifts.
I woke up on Saturday (8/9) to emails from two different friends that they were expecting babies mid-February. Very exciting. For one friend it will be baby number 2 and for the other it will be baby number 1...Congrats to both the Satter's and the Jagger's. These two babies will join Baby C who will make his or her appearance in December. Auntie E is going to be busy!
Last Saturday (8/16) I got to celebrate my friend/classmate/co-worker Ann's upcoming wedding by going to her bridal shower thrown by her sisters. It was a great afternoon to honor Ann. A few things that I thought were great (read as "Note to Winnie" for when that day comes)...her sisters had it at a hotel, the games were voluntary, and two people helped with the gifts.
- By having the shower at the Marriott there was room for everyone to mingle and sit down to eat. The food was all prepared for the event, they even cut the cake. Once things started to wind-down the hotel staff got a cart, loaded up gifts and took them to the car. The sisters were able to enjoy themselves and visit with the guests just as much as Ann.
- There were two (2) games, the first was a picture board where we could guess Ann's age in each picture (12 pictures in total). The sisters "corrected" the guesses during lunch. The second "game" was wearing a clothes-pin and if you said the groom's name it could be taken by whoever you were talking too.
- While Ann opened her gifts one sister was taking notes as to what was given and the other was making sure the bows were saved for the rehearsal dinner and putting opened gifts aside.
While the above makes it sound like the shower was rushed, it did not feel that way at all. We were there from 1-4 and the time flew by in a good way. Congrats Ann & D! Nice "crafty" work Sisters!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I'm back!
So my "plan" to blog everyday while I was away didn't quite happen. However, I remember very well what happened and am going to add posts below documenting my month away. My time away was GREAT and I am very relaxed and ready to start my 5th year at work. I have some new challenges ahead of me and am very EXCITED for them to start. So check out below for what has been going on with me for the last 4 weeks!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Hiatus - Day 28
I get to sleep in my own bed tonight - yesssssssss!
I didn't know when this "hiatus" started that I would look forward to this day so much. Of course, it didn't go nearly as quickly as I wanted it to. I woke up for this final day of training feeling like I had been hit by a Mac truck...and I didn't even drink the night before! Must have been a sympathy hangover for all of my fellow tablemates. Training started promptly at 8am and finished at 3pm (no getting out early for us). We made our way to the train station in Newark at the same time the others made their way to Newark Airport.
Today, the new thing I learned is that there are 2 Penn Stations - Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station.
Got to the train station with plenty of time to spare only to find that the bar was closed (not my idea but an ice cold water sounded great at this point). Got onto the train headed home, keeping tabs on the progress of the flight that we could have taken. We made it home first. I later found out that they sat on the tarmac for over an hour with no air conditioning - I love the train.
Made it home to a big pile of mail - I love getting mail. The majority was junk but it was mail to sort through none the less. My bed looks fabulous and I can't wait to jump in!
I didn't know when this "hiatus" started that I would look forward to this day so much. Of course, it didn't go nearly as quickly as I wanted it to. I woke up for this final day of training feeling like I had been hit by a Mac truck...and I didn't even drink the night before! Must have been a sympathy hangover for all of my fellow tablemates. Training started promptly at 8am and finished at 3pm (no getting out early for us). We made our way to the train station in Newark at the same time the others made their way to Newark Airport.
Today, the new thing I learned is that there are 2 Penn Stations - Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station.
Got to the train station with plenty of time to spare only to find that the bar was closed (not my idea but an ice cold water sounded great at this point). Got onto the train headed home, keeping tabs on the progress of the flight that we could have taken. We made it home first. I later found out that they sat on the tarmac for over an hour with no air conditioning - I love the train.
Made it home to a big pile of mail - I love getting mail. The majority was junk but it was mail to sort through none the less. My bed looks fabulous and I can't wait to jump in!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hiatus - Day 27
Training Day 4 - One more night in a foreign bed and then I get to sleep in my own!
After a long day of training we have "hospitality" tonight. They advertise Wii and Guitar Hero - my thought is sweet I have never played either one. Little do I realize that Guitar Hero is played on the Wii. So after a few rounds of pool and foosball, Guitar Hero opens up. I watch a few rounds before I take a shot. Let me just say I didn't finish with a goose egg for a score, but the score wasn't that great. Definitely need more practice.
This leads me to something else, does anyone who reads this blog own a Wii and have the Wii fitness? I am contemplating getting one (only because it's subsidized by work - the fitness part, not the entire console). Let me know your thoughts!
After a long day of training we have "hospitality" tonight. They advertise Wii and Guitar Hero - my thought is sweet I have never played either one. Little do I realize that Guitar Hero is played on the Wii. So after a few rounds of pool and foosball, Guitar Hero opens up. I watch a few rounds before I take a shot. Let me just say I didn't finish with a goose egg for a score, but the score wasn't that great. Definitely need more practice.
This leads me to something else, does anyone who reads this blog own a Wii and have the Wii fitness? I am contemplating getting one (only because it's subsidized by work - the fitness part, not the entire console). Let me know your thoughts!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Hiatus - Day 26
Training Day 3
My thoughts for today:
My thoughts for today:
- Only 2 more nights in a foreign bed
- Only 5 more meals at this place (the foods not bad but I am ready to cook for myself)
- Yay for Grams she gets out of rehab on Friday
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Hiatus - Day 25
Training Day 2
Hmmm....it's hard to focus at training when what is taught is not specific to my industry, in fact I deal with very little of what we are discussing. I find myself thinking about what the next few weeks at work will look like, how Grams is doing and counting down the nights until I get to sleep in my own bed again. I find myself (with work applications open in the background) getting up to date on the most recent celebrity gossip instead of paying attention to what is being taught. One thing I do like about this place (that is in dirty Jersey), is the iced tea they serve outside of our classrooms. The thing that sucks is that I can't seem to find it at the grocery stores around here.
Hmmm....it's hard to focus at training when what is taught is not specific to my industry, in fact I deal with very little of what we are discussing. I find myself thinking about what the next few weeks at work will look like, how Grams is doing and counting down the nights until I get to sleep in my own bed again. I find myself (with work applications open in the background) getting up to date on the most recent celebrity gossip instead of paying attention to what is being taught. One thing I do like about this place (that is in dirty Jersey), is the iced tea they serve outside of our classrooms. The thing that sucks is that I can't seem to find it at the grocery stores around here.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Haitus - Day 24
Oh training, you are so fun. We start bright and early at 8am (and this means we have to have made it to the dining hall for breakfast before then). I go to our big group session and then haul back to the break-out rooms to get a decent seat (read as a seat towards the back in a spot where no one can see my computer screen). I sit at a table with my fellow Bostonians and we promptly name ourselves "Dirty Water" (thank-you Charles River). However, we could end up being too much for our fellow classmates and facilitators.
The rooms are nice, but I am very much looking forward to getting back to Boston and sleeping in my own bed.
The rooms are nice, but I am very much looking forward to getting back to Boston and sleeping in my own bed.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hiatus - Day 15
Bye bye to the Hamel's, hello quiet house...too quiet. I kind of liked the little voice of Miss S, running around in her squeeky shoes, saying "Ra Ra", "Pee", "EE", "My", "Bubbles", "Dada" and "Mama". Thank goodness I do live close enough to be able to hop on a plane to go and visit her on the occasional weekend.
Mom, Pete and I spent the day getting stuff for Grams so she would be comfortable in rehab with a few of "her" things and getting myself packed for my work trip to Tacoma.
When we took Grams her good, Pete and I helped her get all prettied up...
**Grams does not like having her picture taken, but we did it anyways.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Hiatus - Day 14
Sad day - must say good by to teh C family after spending the last week and a half with them. I honestly don't remember the last time I spent so many consecutive days with my cousin - it was great! (Note to self: Must move closer so we can do this more often...maybe sometime on my turf.) I had spent the night at mom's house so I got to wake up to Miss S - so fun! We got ready and headed to Elmer's for breakfast. I visited Elmer's quite a bit as a youngster, often on a Sunday after church...or maybe that one time when mom tried to make pancakes for dinner...I won't go there, she reads this blog.
The C family showed up - yay, we get to see Boo again! She is growing up way too fast! Must say that breakfast was super fun with the girlies. They got along great - wish we could have had a few more days to play with all of them.
Said our goodbyes in the Elmer's parking lot and headed back to Mom's. I had some work to do and Miss S needed a nap (so did her mom). Mom and the Uncle headed to the hospital to get Grams loaded into her transport van and then headed to Wilsonville so they could meet her at the rehab facility. They got her settled and figured out what she would for her stay there.
We headed down to what used to be Mazzi's (one of the best all-time italian restaurants) and had dinner at Macadam's Bar & Grill. This bar also serves as the host to a bunch of Sun Devil alums during football season. Yay for college football!
Back to mom's for a final game of zilch with the Aunt and Uncle before they take off tomorrow for the other O state.
The C family showed up - yay, we get to see Boo again! She is growing up way too fast! Must say that breakfast was super fun with the girlies. They got along great - wish we could have had a few more days to play with all of them.
Said our goodbyes in the Elmer's parking lot and headed back to Mom's. I had some work to do and Miss S needed a nap (so did her mom). Mom and the Uncle headed to the hospital to get Grams loaded into her transport van and then headed to Wilsonville so they could meet her at the rehab facility. They got her settled and figured out what she would for her stay there.
We headed down to what used to be Mazzi's (one of the best all-time italian restaurants) and had dinner at Macadam's Bar & Grill. This bar also serves as the host to a bunch of Sun Devil alums during football season. Yay for college football!
Back to mom's for a final game of zilch with the Aunt and Uncle before they take off tomorrow for the other O state.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hiatus - Day 13
The zoo, the zoo, we're going to the zoo!
Up until this morning, the stay in Portland had been very warm - actually rather hot. This morning we woke up and it was barely 60 degrees outside - I think we all cheered a little when we saw this on the news. (I even wore a sweatshirt tied around my waist in case it was "cold".)
Up until this morning, the stay in Portland had been very warm - actually rather hot. This morning we woke up and it was barely 60 degrees outside - I think we all cheered a little when we saw this on the news. (I even wore a sweatshirt tied around my waist in case it was "cold".)
We arrived at the zoo fairly early and got our Dino package. (Dino's are huge this summer...did I mention there was a dino exhibit at OMSI?) The first "attraction" we went to was the 3-D simulator ride, we laughed and screamed, Miss M promptly took off her glasses (same thing happened at Disney last summer). Next was planning our way around the zoo so we could hit every attraction, which we almost did. We met up with one of M's friends after lunch and went on the train. I don't remember much of the route from when I was younger, and I definitely don't remember the parts where you are either looking at the mountain side or looking straight down to the mountain side with Highway 26 at the bottom. Luckily for me, I got to stare at the mountain side when heading back to the zoo from Washington Park (and breath again). Miss M clearly enjoyed the view much more than I did, as evidenced in the picture below.
M's friends had to leave after seeing a few more exhibits so we headed over to the Dino walk. Along the walk they had half-size to full-size replicas of different dinosaurs...very cool. Even more cool - Miss M talking ("Hi buddy!") to the ones that "talked" (aka made noises). Each time W and I giggled a little.
I got dropped off at mom's for a quiet dinner with mom, brother, Aunt, Uncle and Miss S. Headed back to the hotel to pick up my stuff so I could spend the night at mom's house.
Grams is getting better - she heads to rehab tomorrow! Way to go Grams!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Hiatus - Day 12
Day 12 found Miss M in bed all day...boo!
Mom came and picked me up and I spent the day with her, Aunt, Uncle and Miss S.
Just to mix it up, here's a bulleted list of what we did:
Mom came and picked me up and I spent the day with her, Aunt, Uncle and Miss S.
Just to mix it up, here's a bulleted list of what we did:
- Picked up lunch at a cute cafe near Grams' home
- At lunch in Grams' apartment (mom & Uncle had some tasks to complete)
- Played "Who's who?" with Miss S and the pictures in Grams' apartment
- Went to Wilsonville to check out the rehab facility, yes Grams' "They're gonna make you go to rehab" (it was a nice place and didn't smell)
- Costco run to pick up groceries for dinner (FYI - the $1.50 smoothies at the food court are awesome)
- Mom's house to make dinner with the Aunt and Miss S (the other 2 went to the hospital)
- Dinner - yummy pasta (whole wheat) with chicken, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, a little bit of italian dressing, black olives and cheese (parmesan and feta). So good!
- Gift boxes - everyone got a stretchy frog, candy and a water gun (and a few other personalized trinkets)
- Zilch - we played again, I didn't win but it was fun.
Back to the hotel for the night with M, W & Miss M.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Hiatus - Day 11
Woke up in the hotel we booked at the very last-minute and headed down for some continental breakfast. I had barely finished when I was told by Miss M "Auntie Erin it's eight dot dot five nine", which translated into "It's 8:59 and the pool opens at 9:00". I was reminded again at nine dot dot zero one. I threw on my new suit that I had purchased at Wally World the night before and off we went, leaving M & W to themselves. I got to play catch in the pool...Miss M would jump off of the edge and I would catch her. She hasn't started swim lessons and didn't have her water wings with her, so I was her catcher. I got plenty of pool water up my nose which was rather unpleasant. After an hour it was time to get out of the pool (the one hour time limit had been established prior to even leaving the hotel room) and there was no push-back my Miss M - yay!
We all got ready and headed up to the hospital for a quick visit with Grams. Miss M took her kindergarten book to show Grams the progress she made through the year. We also took her a goodie box from our Rattatoille dinner party that we were going to have. Grams got a stretchy frog, some pretty kleenex and a water gun. We weren't sure if water guns were allowed in the hospital but we filled it up for her, telling her to squirt the Uncle if he got unruly. She giggled at that one. It was nice to see her out of the hospital bed and sitting in a chair. Just before we left one of mom's good friends and her mom showed up for a visit. We knew she was excited to see them when her heart rate went up!
After the hospital visit we were off to lunch with the favorite uncle, not mine but Miss M's! Headed downtown Portland for lunch at Henry's. (Here is a picture of M & Miss M in the lobby of Uncle Pete's building...M loves the big beaver!) 
Dinner at mom's then off to another hotel for the night.
We all got ready and headed up to the hospital for a quick visit with Grams. Miss M took her kindergarten book to show Grams the progress she made through the year. We also took her a goodie box from our Rattatoille dinner party that we were going to have. Grams got a stretchy frog, some pretty kleenex and a water gun. We weren't sure if water guns were allowed in the hospital but we filled it up for her, telling her to squirt the Uncle if he got unruly. She giggled at that one. It was nice to see her out of the hospital bed and sitting in a chair. Just before we left one of mom's good friends and her mom showed up for a visit. We knew she was excited to see them when her heart rate went up!
After the hospital visit we were off to lunch with the favorite uncle, not mine but Miss M's! Headed downtown Portland for lunch at Henry's. (Here is a picture of M & Miss M in the lobby of Uncle Pete's building...M loves the big beaver!)
Miss M was feeling under the weather but was a trooper and after lunch we went to OMSI. We didn't see very much of the first exhibit before M, W & Miss M headed to their submarine tour. I had been on it before and opted to sit out...hot day+ close quarters does not = fun for me. The Aunt, Uncle and adorable cousin (Miss S) arrived just as the three finished their tour and we headed to the kid's zone. We closed it down. It was so great to see Miss M and Miss S running around together, someone has some great pictures of them holding hands...I must get a copy.
Dinner at mom's then off to another hotel for the night.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Hiatus - Day 10
Got up somewhat early this morning to pack our bags for the trip to Portland. I spent most of the ride in the backseat with Miss M, which is never dull. We watched the "Bee Movie" for the second time, I opted to watch without headphones. We knew as soon as we hit Portland we were heading to the hospital to check on Grams, but had to make one quick stop in Woodburn...the outlet stores. W had a Gap giftcard that HAD to be used and I wasn't stopping her. I took Miss M so W could shop on her own (Mikee headed to the hat shop), and we did plenty of damage on our own. With Miss M's birthday coming up I let her pick out a few things (she wanted everything pink, sparkled, and the jelly shoes with heels). We also picked out an outfit for Miss S - gotta buy clothes for baby in the family. Met up with W in the check-out line where I found a few sweaters for myself. (Since I am writing this after the fact, I can tell you that the sweaters were quite popular amongst us girls at training this past week.)
Made it to the hospital mid-afternoon to check on Grams. Met up with the Aunt, Uncle and Miss S in the hallway - what a fun surprise! Miss S was cute as ever. Made it to Grams' room to check on her. She was looking better than when I saw her in the ER but was still quite pale and was on oxygen. She was still fighting the pneumonia and was either too hot or too cold. We visited for a while and had fun with the latex gloves (the Uncle showed us how he could be a chicken). After our visit we were off to mom's house for family dinner and then to a hotel for the night.
Made it to the hospital mid-afternoon to check on Grams. Met up with the Aunt, Uncle and Miss S in the hallway - what a fun surprise! Miss S was cute as ever. Made it to Grams' room to check on her. She was looking better than when I saw her in the ER but was still quite pale and was on oxygen. She was still fighting the pneumonia and was either too hot or too cold. We visited for a while and had fun with the latex gloves (the Uncle showed us how he could be a chicken). After our visit we were off to mom's house for family dinner and then to a hotel for the night.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Hiatus - Day 9
Time to pack up camp and head back to the city. Spent the day getting the camper cleaned, parked along the side of the house, and laundry. Our plans changed and we were no longer heading to Black Butte for the next few days, we were off to Portland. We ordered in pizza for dinner and I spent the evening with Miss M watching her favorite (so she says) movie "13 Going on 30".
Grams Update - Now the waiting game as to when she will be moved to a skilled nursing home for rehabilitation.
Grams Update - Now the waiting game as to when she will be moved to a skilled nursing home for rehabilitation.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Hiatus - Day 8
I am getting used to this camping thing...at least the way that W does it. We enjoyed the day at the farm/pond chatting, watching the kids fish (Miss M caught a few), and another BBQ for dinner. W and I opted for Gardenburgers over Elk burgers (I am not that adventurous). We opted to crash in the city this night as Mikee isn't feeling too well and the girls were heading to the Mill for a few hours of "girl time".
After dropping W's friends off at the Mill, Miss M quickly realized what was going on and did not like the fact that we (W and I) were going to be heading back to the Mill once we dropped her and Mikee off. In order to calm the upset little girl, W told her she could watch "Mean Girls" (a treat since the flick is rated PG-13). Miss M appeared satisfied with this for a short time but then piped up (from the back of the car) that instead she wanted to watch "Your Dogs ARE Gay". For real? I turned to W, with tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard, to ask what she was talking about...Legally Blonde 2. Tears are subsiding, stomach not hurting so much, and Miss M pipes up "Mom, do you know what gay means?". W and I look at eachother not knowing what will come out of this 5 year olds mouth next. W calmly replies "No, what does it mean?". Miss M is quick with her response of "It's when boy dogs wear pink". The tears start flowing again...where do kids come up with this stuff?
We head back to the Mill, listen to a few songs played by the band in the bar (not the greatest cover band I have ever seen) and then head out to play a few "games". Those games make me $200 richer and I am ready to head home, so is W so we take off.
Grams update - The family from the other "O" state has arrived and Grams remains stable.
After dropping W's friends off at the Mill, Miss M quickly realized what was going on and did not like the fact that we (W and I) were going to be heading back to the Mill once we dropped her and Mikee off. In order to calm the upset little girl, W told her she could watch "Mean Girls" (a treat since the flick is rated PG-13). Miss M appeared satisfied with this for a short time but then piped up (from the back of the car) that instead she wanted to watch "Your Dogs ARE Gay". For real? I turned to W, with tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard, to ask what she was talking about...Legally Blonde 2. Tears are subsiding, stomach not hurting so much, and Miss M pipes up "Mom, do you know what gay means?". W and I look at eachother not knowing what will come out of this 5 year olds mouth next. W calmly replies "No, what does it mean?". Miss M is quick with her response of "It's when boy dogs wear pink". The tears start flowing again...where do kids come up with this stuff?
We head back to the Mill, listen to a few songs played by the band in the bar (not the greatest cover band I have ever seen) and then head out to play a few "games". Those games make me $200 richer and I am ready to head home, so is W so we take off.
Grams update - The family from the other "O" state has arrived and Grams remains stable.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Hiatus - Day 7
Happy 4th of July!
I survived the first night of camping at the pond/farm. It wasn't really that tough as there was a toilet that flushed, a sink with running water, and we headed back to town for showers in the morning (I love W's way of camping).
We spent most of the day lounging at the pond/farm. I was able to start my new book and watched Miss M frolick with the other kids while her mom and dad were off playing paintball. W loves this picture and was pretty proud of her bruises afterwards.
We enjoyed a nice BBQ for dinner and waited for it to get dark to start the fireworks. Greg did a great job of arranging the fireworks and claims that next year he will have music. I enjoyed the show from my spot near the firepit until an unruly spark hit my leg. I quickly moved far away from the action and went to bed when they were done. The spark did not damage my jeans but drew blood...go figure.
Grams update - stable but she still can't keep her eyes open. Cell phone reception wasn't the greatest so updates were few and far between.
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