Well, last weekend we went to downtown Portland (insane) and visted Powell's City of Books. It's the biggest independent bookstore in the world...or something like that. www.powells.com Just driving around downtown was quite the adventure. There's almost no available parking and you have to fight for what you do get. The best part is that it's really expensive...oh wait nope that's another reason it sucks :P The actual bookstore was really cool but having my 2 little girls with me...well...made it a little more difficult to enjoy looking around.
My in-laws were in Montana from last Saturday until Wednesday. The girls were sleeping in until 8ish while they were gone. I have not slept in that late in years!!
One of my biggest frustrations here is learning where everything is. I am HORRIBLE at directions. Even in Arkansas I'd have to use my mapquest directions to get to places that I had been multiple times...ie Amber's house in Nixa or Mandy's house fairly close to where I used to live! Not everywhere required mapquest...I could totally get to work and Walmart just fine!! Now that we live in Oregon.... I'm just a retard in the wilderness. I get so stinkin' mad at myself it makes me wanna scream sometimes!! I'll be like I GIVE UP!!! I CAN NOT DRIVE HERE!! And Hannah will tell me what a good driver I am. haha Yes, I still know HOW to drive (mostly :P) but I really need to work on getting from Point A to Point B. One thing I've thought about trying is always turning in the direction opposite to what my intuition tells me to turn. I think my driving intuition is broken :( I'll let you know how that works out for me.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Week 3
So this is our 3rd week in Oregon. Things have been great while we've been here but we're definitely overly anxious to get settled in to our own place. It's very difficult to adjust to a new household after you've run your own for the past 8 years. Erik is going to a company that he's really interested in tomorrow to see if they will at least talk to him. One position requires German knowledge which he has so it makes it all the more appealing for him.
I guess I could back track a bit and catch you up with the latest happenings. Last Thursday Erik, the girls, and I headed to Lincoln City, OR which is on the coast for a long weekend at the beach. His parents had rented a house that we stayed in through Sunday. My MIL-Becky, SIL-Cori, and 2 neices joined us Thurs evening. Then on Friday, my FIL-Martin, BIL-Matt, SIL-Wendy and another neice completed our group. We spent quite a bit of time at the beach. The weather is cooler by the ocean then it is here in the valley where we're living. The highs were in the 60's and 70's every day. The water is a bit cool to swim in but the girls would run in up to their knees or so. They had a blast! They also had a lot of fun playing in the sand and looking for shells. Cori and I somehow became the grocery shoppers of the group but it was nice to break away from the chaos a couple of times. We roasted hot dogs on the beach Saturday afternoon and had some really good Mexican food that night for dinner to celebrate Becky's birthday. The girls have a lot of fun playing together but as they are all girls there are usually an argument or 2 to break up.
When we headed back on Sunday, I insisted upon a Walmart stop since we were passing it on the way back. Walmart is like a 30 minute drive from us. Not too far but not close enough to go as often as I'm used to. In the 3 weeks we've been here, I've only been to Walmart twice!! Target is a little closer so it will soon become the total replacement I'm sure! They have a store really close called Fred Meyer that is like a slightly more upscale Walmart or Target. They have decent sales though.
I still feel a little bit lost everytime we're in the car. I think I could get to Wilsonville by myself and I like that area so I hope that's where we end up getting our own place. I would love to know we're moving before school starts so Hannah would be in the right district but that's very doubtful! She starts back on Sept 8.
So Monday was our day of errands. Erik was about to go crazy because the children were along for the ride. We went to the library. I've started a book!! I haven't read a book for pleasure in well over 6 years!! ;) Then, we went to register at Knight Elementary. I signed Hannah up to ride the bus...but we'll see how that goes. I hope we don't end up screwing up her 1st grade year by moving too much. Just not sure at all what the future holds. 1st grade was my favorite elementary year and I hope she enjoys hers as well. Then, we went to West Coast Bank to open up some new accounts. We started the girls a saving account, got one for us, and then opened a checking account. It's a really neat bank and I think we've chosen wisely and we'll be happy with this selection. Then we had to go to Fred Meyer and get Erik a phone with a local #. This is something a recruiter he talked to suggested he do. He got a Net10 phone with 300 minutes so I hope he has a job by the time they are gone!! Lastly Erik took his suit to Men's Warehouse to get it steamed...or pressed...or whatever the heck it is they do to them.
Tuesday (yesterday) Erik went to a job fair in downtown Portland. He took the bus into the city so he didn't have to worry about down town parking or crazy traffic. Wendy and I took our girls plus Cori's girls (Cori was working but her mom came with us to help) to the fair. Wendy's friend came with her 2 little girls also so we had 7 girls aged between 4 and 9. We watched a band play, watched some dancers, and part of a magic show. We also checked out the animals and the freebie booths. The girls (especially Hannah) were really impressed with the police car and getting to talk to the officers. Naomi stepped in a cowpile. Yep. That was fun. :P We did the "free stuff" and left out the rides. The girls didn't say too much about it. It was $8 for adults to get in but kids were free. We didnt want to spend a fortune!! We got the girls good and tired....and filthy too!!
Today was REALLY exciting. Laundry day! Ok so that was slightly sarcastic. It was a slower paced more relaxing day. Those arent too bad. I did get a chance to talk to my sweet friend Mariana. She just had a baby on Aug 3 but had to stay in the hospital for like 10 days due to a horrible infection. Can you imagine having to have someone else take care of your brand new baby while you fought off a horrible infection at the hospital?? But thankfully she's doing much better now. She was upbeat and happy when I talked to her. Though I think she was slightly worn out! lol ;)
I guess I could back track a bit and catch you up with the latest happenings. Last Thursday Erik, the girls, and I headed to Lincoln City, OR which is on the coast for a long weekend at the beach. His parents had rented a house that we stayed in through Sunday. My MIL-Becky, SIL-Cori, and 2 neices joined us Thurs evening. Then on Friday, my FIL-Martin, BIL-Matt, SIL-Wendy and another neice completed our group. We spent quite a bit of time at the beach. The weather is cooler by the ocean then it is here in the valley where we're living. The highs were in the 60's and 70's every day. The water is a bit cool to swim in but the girls would run in up to their knees or so. They had a blast! They also had a lot of fun playing in the sand and looking for shells. Cori and I somehow became the grocery shoppers of the group but it was nice to break away from the chaos a couple of times. We roasted hot dogs on the beach Saturday afternoon and had some really good Mexican food that night for dinner to celebrate Becky's birthday. The girls have a lot of fun playing together but as they are all girls there are usually an argument or 2 to break up.
When we headed back on Sunday, I insisted upon a Walmart stop since we were passing it on the way back. Walmart is like a 30 minute drive from us. Not too far but not close enough to go as often as I'm used to. In the 3 weeks we've been here, I've only been to Walmart twice!! Target is a little closer so it will soon become the total replacement I'm sure! They have a store really close called Fred Meyer that is like a slightly more upscale Walmart or Target. They have decent sales though.
I still feel a little bit lost everytime we're in the car. I think I could get to Wilsonville by myself and I like that area so I hope that's where we end up getting our own place. I would love to know we're moving before school starts so Hannah would be in the right district but that's very doubtful! She starts back on Sept 8.
So Monday was our day of errands. Erik was about to go crazy because the children were along for the ride. We went to the library. I've started a book!! I haven't read a book for pleasure in well over 6 years!! ;) Then, we went to register at Knight Elementary. I signed Hannah up to ride the bus...but we'll see how that goes. I hope we don't end up screwing up her 1st grade year by moving too much. Just not sure at all what the future holds. 1st grade was my favorite elementary year and I hope she enjoys hers as well. Then, we went to West Coast Bank to open up some new accounts. We started the girls a saving account, got one for us, and then opened a checking account. It's a really neat bank and I think we've chosen wisely and we'll be happy with this selection. Then we had to go to Fred Meyer and get Erik a phone with a local #. This is something a recruiter he talked to suggested he do. He got a Net10 phone with 300 minutes so I hope he has a job by the time they are gone!! Lastly Erik took his suit to Men's Warehouse to get it steamed...or pressed...or whatever the heck it is they do to them.
Tuesday (yesterday) Erik went to a job fair in downtown Portland. He took the bus into the city so he didn't have to worry about down town parking or crazy traffic. Wendy and I took our girls plus Cori's girls (Cori was working but her mom came with us to help) to the fair. Wendy's friend came with her 2 little girls also so we had 7 girls aged between 4 and 9. We watched a band play, watched some dancers, and part of a magic show. We also checked out the animals and the freebie booths. The girls (especially Hannah) were really impressed with the police car and getting to talk to the officers. Naomi stepped in a cowpile. Yep. That was fun. :P We did the "free stuff" and left out the rides. The girls didn't say too much about it. It was $8 for adults to get in but kids were free. We didnt want to spend a fortune!! We got the girls good and tired....and filthy too!!
Today was REALLY exciting. Laundry day! Ok so that was slightly sarcastic. It was a slower paced more relaxing day. Those arent too bad. I did get a chance to talk to my sweet friend Mariana. She just had a baby on Aug 3 but had to stay in the hospital for like 10 days due to a horrible infection. Can you imagine having to have someone else take care of your brand new baby while you fought off a horrible infection at the hospital?? But thankfully she's doing much better now. She was upbeat and happy when I talked to her. Though I think she was slightly worn out! lol ;)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Tired...
First off...It is very distracting writing anything right now with Hannah's loud snoring!! haha They are sleeping in the study and she sounds a little congested or something tonight!
We had a fairly eventful weekend. Friday afternoon we went to the zoo in Portland. It was a cooler day with highs in the low 70's so it was perfect for walking around at the zoo. We got to experience the horrible Portland traffic on the way home. Note to self...do not be out and about on Friday afternoon during rush hour.
Saturday was my neice's birthday party. We went to their house for a BBQ at 1:00. The kids left with another Uncle and Aunt for a sleep over so Erik and I ended up going out to a movie and getting take out Chinese with Matt and Cori. We saw The Proposal which was really cute!! I recommend it! ;) Then, we grabbed food and stayed at their house for awhile talking. We didn't get into bed until after 1 a.m. so I'm tired tonight.
Today we picked the girls up before church and went to the service. Then, Erik, his dad and brother went to help out a recently widowed family member who has about 20 acres to take care of and no idea how to keep it up. Hopefully, she'll be able to sell the place soon so it won't be such a burden to her. My mother in law, sister in law, 4 kids, and I hung out all day. Cori and I decided it could be "movie marathon" day and let the kids watch a bunch of videos.
Not sure what all is going on this week. Wednesday Erik is meeting with a recruiter who is trying to make him more marketable. Thursday we're leaving for Lincoln City. We'll be spending a long weekend on the beach. Don't be too jealous. The temps are supposed to be in the lower 60's so we'll just be enjoying the view and playing in the sand.
Hope you all have a good week. If you read this, you should "follow" it so I know who all I'm talking to. I'm trying to make it "private" but I'm not exactly sure how to do that.
We had a fairly eventful weekend. Friday afternoon we went to the zoo in Portland. It was a cooler day with highs in the low 70's so it was perfect for walking around at the zoo. We got to experience the horrible Portland traffic on the way home. Note to self...do not be out and about on Friday afternoon during rush hour.
Saturday was my neice's birthday party. We went to their house for a BBQ at 1:00. The kids left with another Uncle and Aunt for a sleep over so Erik and I ended up going out to a movie and getting take out Chinese with Matt and Cori. We saw The Proposal which was really cute!! I recommend it! ;) Then, we grabbed food and stayed at their house for awhile talking. We didn't get into bed until after 1 a.m. so I'm tired tonight.
Today we picked the girls up before church and went to the service. Then, Erik, his dad and brother went to help out a recently widowed family member who has about 20 acres to take care of and no idea how to keep it up. Hopefully, she'll be able to sell the place soon so it won't be such a burden to her. My mother in law, sister in law, 4 kids, and I hung out all day. Cori and I decided it could be "movie marathon" day and let the kids watch a bunch of videos.
Not sure what all is going on this week. Wednesday Erik is meeting with a recruiter who is trying to make him more marketable. Thursday we're leaving for Lincoln City. We'll be spending a long weekend on the beach. Don't be too jealous. The temps are supposed to be in the lower 60's so we'll just be enjoying the view and playing in the sand.
Hope you all have a good week. If you read this, you should "follow" it so I know who all I'm talking to. I'm trying to make it "private" but I'm not exactly sure how to do that.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
So far so good....
Things are going well for us here despite the lack of having a job. Erik has spent the last couple of days applying for stuff online. It's a slow horrid process because you don't know if you've just spent hours for nothing! I'll be much more settled when he has a job and when we have our own place.
We had a great weekend. Sunday we went to church. The girls were unsure of it at first but really enjoyed their classes. I'm hoping Naomi will get to go to the part time preschool there. I'm not sure how much it is though so that could be a problem!
Monday, my mom turned 49!! I was sad that I wasn't with her but probably wouldnt have been able to see her anyway! If I was living the AR life still, I would've been at work. We went to the Oregon Garden. It's a fun place for the kids to run and play while the adults can enjoy the view. It was me, my mother in law-Becky, my sis in law-Cori, her 2 girls-Alexis and Ainsley, my other neice Katie (her parents were at work), and my 2 girls. The 5 girls got to have lunch together, ride a tram, play in the children's garden, then get some ice cream before heading home. On the ride home I learned a good friend from back home had her baby! How sweet to share mom's birthday!! Congratulations Mariana on your sweet baby Camilla!
Then, we headed to West Linn to go out on the boat with my neice Katie and her parents Todd and Wendy (Wendy is Erik's sister) We had a great time riding on the boat and playing in the water with them. The Willamette River is like a 2 minute drive from their house so boating is a hobby of theirs.
Today we took it easy. Erik and I were looking up jobs. All for him of course! I talked to my cousin David about unemployment. He unfortunately had to use it for awhile after he got laid off...but he just got an awesome new job!! Yay Davie!! I'm not sure that I'll qualify since I quit my job but I'm gonna at least give it a shot. Mom thought there were some rules regarding relocation being a job loss factor. I finally got to go to Walmart today! I was desperately in need of hangers, a loofah, and shaving cream! A girl's got her needs, right?? The closest one is 30 minutes a way so I'm gonna have to cut down on the Walmart runs... YIKES! How does one do that??
Tomorrow I'm going to take the girls over to Cori's house to play with Ainsley. I'm also planning to take them to the library soon.
We may be crazy for uprooting our lives and going jobless in this economy, but the extra time I've had with my girls makes it seem all worthwhile. They are growing up so quick and I want to be with them much more than I have been the past few years. They are often crazy but I love them to pieces.
Gotta get the little ones in bed so Good Bye for now! Geez...I think I wrote a book tonight! ;)
We had a great weekend. Sunday we went to church. The girls were unsure of it at first but really enjoyed their classes. I'm hoping Naomi will get to go to the part time preschool there. I'm not sure how much it is though so that could be a problem!
Monday, my mom turned 49!! I was sad that I wasn't with her but probably wouldnt have been able to see her anyway! If I was living the AR life still, I would've been at work. We went to the Oregon Garden. It's a fun place for the kids to run and play while the adults can enjoy the view. It was me, my mother in law-Becky, my sis in law-Cori, her 2 girls-Alexis and Ainsley, my other neice Katie (her parents were at work), and my 2 girls. The 5 girls got to have lunch together, ride a tram, play in the children's garden, then get some ice cream before heading home. On the ride home I learned a good friend from back home had her baby! How sweet to share mom's birthday!! Congratulations Mariana on your sweet baby Camilla!
Then, we headed to West Linn to go out on the boat with my neice Katie and her parents Todd and Wendy (Wendy is Erik's sister) We had a great time riding on the boat and playing in the water with them. The Willamette River is like a 2 minute drive from their house so boating is a hobby of theirs.
Today we took it easy. Erik and I were looking up jobs. All for him of course! I talked to my cousin David about unemployment. He unfortunately had to use it for awhile after he got laid off...but he just got an awesome new job!! Yay Davie!! I'm not sure that I'll qualify since I quit my job but I'm gonna at least give it a shot. Mom thought there were some rules regarding relocation being a job loss factor. I finally got to go to Walmart today! I was desperately in need of hangers, a loofah, and shaving cream! A girl's got her needs, right?? The closest one is 30 minutes a way so I'm gonna have to cut down on the Walmart runs... YIKES! How does one do that??
Tomorrow I'm going to take the girls over to Cori's house to play with Ainsley. I'm also planning to take them to the library soon.
We may be crazy for uprooting our lives and going jobless in this economy, but the extra time I've had with my girls makes it seem all worthwhile. They are growing up so quick and I want to be with them much more than I have been the past few years. They are often crazy but I love them to pieces.
Gotta get the little ones in bed so Good Bye for now! Geez...I think I wrote a book tonight! ;)
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