the night before

In celebration of Bree and Steph's big day, Bree's parents planned a pizza dinner for friends and family. It didn't sound like it was a family only event, so I invited my nephew Christian as a date since I do not spend nearly enough time with him. When we walked in, it was clear that this was a small, intimate dinner. Good news was that Christian fit right in with the stories and conversation. He really is growing up to be such a wonderful young man....man..... Acknowledging his manhood makes me want to cry.The next pic is of Bree looking stellar in fall colors. She really sparkled this past few days.... Her and Steph's love is something I envy and am grateful to witness. They are such a beautiful couple.

Bree's extremely proud parents...

My extremely handsome nephew....
Bree's uncle and sister posing for the camera!

Fun times had by all!

First the bad news.....

This weekend I headed to Seattle to see my friends Bree and Stephanie make it official. I will blog about their magical day and time spent with family and friends.

• First though, I have to blog about crappiness that happened on Sunday night. After a beautiful ceremony, dinner, cupcakes and dancing, I was preparing to leave and forgot the present in the car. I walked towards my Mother's car in the darkness I sensed that something was not right. As I neared the car, I saw two strangely shaped silhouettes in the window and felt immediate fear. Someone had broken into my Mom's car and I was outside by myself in the dark in very high heels that would surely be a problem if I needed to run.

• I hurried back inside and grabbed my friend's sister Tegan who then grabbed a large man to accompany us back outside to have a look. It was bad. Glass everywhere and the fear that I had in someway endangered my Mom's employment. Providence had just recently experienced a huge lawsuit after a worker's car was broken into and personal info on patients was taken- a HUGE privacy violation. Each person who's privacy is jeopardized can cost any organization $250,000. So my immediate concern was for her and what I had exposed her to. Luckily my Mom is a fabulous rule follower and she had NO protected information that could be compromised in the vehicle. Kudos to my Mom, which is what her supervisor said to her this morning.

• My next concern was the absence of my Timbuk2 bag. Luckily I took my clutch purse into the ceremony. The clutch had my debit card, a credit card, my license and my cash. I also had my camera inside, which was a HUGE relief! But, the Timbuk2 bag had some very valuable things in it.... so valuable that I have been sick to my stomach for the last 24 hours..... so valuable that I'm ashamed to admit that they were in my bag..... Due to my unfortunate insurance circumstances, I needed my passport and social security card to qualify for a program. This was this past Thursday. stupid me, I left them in my bag. I also carry around my planner(or brain), my new leatherman, 2 jump drives with stuff on them, my diary, and my old wallet (which had a credit card, stamps, gift cards, etc.). They managed to rack up $172.00 before we could cancel the one credit card. I already put out a fraud alert on everything, but I will have to be very vigilant of my status for the next few years to make sure no one is opening accounts in my name.

• They also took my beloved snowboarding jacket. It was supposed to be dropped off at OR store in Seattle for repairs, but I didn't have time to drop it off.

• After realizing what was gone, I started to think about the shady car I had seen in the parking lot twice. My Mom's car was the only car to get hit and it was on the North end of the parking lot, which was where a ford ranger was parked right when I initially discovered the break-in. When I ran out the second time, I noticed this car was trying to leave and I stood in the middle of the parking lot with the confidence that there were 5 people out there with me. They drove slowly around me and made every effort NOT to make eye contact with me, even though I was looking at them. About 30 minutes later, I saw the same car waiting about 200 yards away with it's lights off. It then drove around a turn-about like it was looking for somebody. Looking back, I think they were trying to pick up their co-thief and I had potentially interrupted their spree. So I guess I should be very thankful that I'm safe and I didn't have to run in my heels.

• Mom and I went back the next morning hoping to find my bag and anything else we could salvage. We checked all the local dumpsters and garbage cans. I even found a homeless camp up by the railroad tracks(that was kind of freaky actually). We visited the station where they tested my card out with a $1.00 purchase. I have had luck before recovering stolen items and was hoping to have the same luck this time. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. I have had my car broken into before, but this time with my SSN, passport, planner and diary..... I just feel so violated.

• Some good news..... They took everything in the front seat but the wedding gift. Glad as time goes on that event gets further and further away. My rage will hopefully start to fade soon.

lazy weekends in rainy Portland

My new favorite rainy day Sunday Portland hangout is St. Honore Boulangerie off of Thurman and NW 24th. This French inspired restaurant has amazing baked goods, soups and lunch entrees. The interior also boasts a Frenchy rustic feel with exposed beams and decorative woodwork.
My goal last Sunday was to eat brie cheese. I was successful in finding an awesome panini with caramelized onions, Bartlett pears, brie cheese, and prosciutto served with fresh greens. It was amazing! Erica and I shared this strawberry delight.

After enjoying the atmosphere at St. Honore, we walked around the NW perusing all the cute boutiques. Someday when I have a job, maybe I will buy something from one these cute boutiques. It was a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.

music magic

What is it about live music that makes you feel so good? An intrinsic connection to witnessing in person the magic that we listen to on a CD over and over again? Last night, I was lucky enough to see Missy Higgins and Joshua Radin here in Portland. Both of these artists have a plethora lyrical ballads that I kind of like to listen and sing along to when I'm by myself. They make me happy... along with Brandi Carlile of course.

Flashes were not allowed in the Crystal Ballroom and I don't have a tripod, so my pictures are blurry. I do like the first photo of Joshua though. It has an existential, glowy, mystical feeling to it. Too bad I haven't learned how to insert a soundbite yet.

A view from the inside of this huge ornate ballroom with a spring loaded floor! Missy Higgins was also amazing! She sounds very similar to Fiona Apple, who I love. She is also one of those artists that tells really funny stories between songs, like how certain paintings in hotel rooms inspired entire songs. What an imagination!This reasonably priced concert was well worth the money! Wish we could have heard more from Joshua (i.e. lovely tonight). Maybe next time-

history from the hospital bed

Tonight we are watching the election coverage from Heather's hospital bed. Heather, my Peru Heather, had to be hospitalized yesterday. She had to have IV antibiotics to fight an infection and she will be well soon! This girl is tough as nails! She has been battling painful symptoms for nearly a month. Her cup is definitely half full. In the last three months she has dealt with a psycho landlord, a car totaling accident and now this! Yet during these adverse times she has kept a smile on her face and counted her lucky stars.  

photobooth fun....
This is her 'I'm sick in the hospital bed' look, with my rockstar wig and Flagyl the bear.
Check out the size of that needle!

Wow- 8:01pm Obama was just projected as the winner and the next president elect. I have been waiting for this moment for 4 years. 

I vividly remember camping out at my friend Shannon's house in Corvallis 4 years ago. I cried that night. I have been looking the other way for the last four years and now I feel like I can be excited about real change. 

Got a call from a Erica who said that people are dancing in the streets of Portland right now. Much to be happy about tonight. Yay for America!

Friday night frolicking

Halloween on a Friday night? What else is there to do besides going out for a night on the town? Not really much to write about. There was pool playing, socializing, dancing, french fry eating, wine drinking and of course picture-taking.

Check out scary normal guy with weird hair? His hair was just realistic enough NOT to ask him about it... awkward.....Sarah Palin and her Hockey boyfriend (Not Todd!). It was a great night and I even managed to stay out later than midnight! Much later actually. This is a rarity as I get older. This was a great Halloween and I think it was a great start to the holiday season. Next- Thanksgiving with the fam!

Happiness is a donut

I blog mostly about my frustration in not being able to get a full-time job, but some of you may not know that I do have a part-time job as a coordinator of a day program for people with dementia. This job fell perfectly into my lap when I moved to Portland and has served it's purpose. It has allowed me to stay connected with people who have memory loss. This need to stay connected has caused me problems along the way. Some of my professors believe there is 'no time' to be doing 'that work', but I believe that work continues to drive me to make things better, not to mention that it actually keeps me clued into what the real needs are of this demographic. This soapbox episode is really besides the point. What I want to say is that the holidays are a blast, but when you are celebrating with 20 to 30 people with needs, it is exhausting. Amidst exhausting conditions, you really come to appreciate the little things like smiles and fresh donuts!I have been so fortunate to work with GREAT people at Lifeworks! You know they are dedicated when they come in to volunteer after they have quit to attend nursing school (the witch in the middle)!!

Yay for donuts and punch!