The Endless Weekend

On Friday after Kevin got off work we drove straight to our mechanic to get new brakes for the Saturn. We walked around the neighborhood and hung out at a park while my car received some much needed TLC. They finished in less than an hour, and when we came back they were topping off all my fluids, told us what to watch out for, and had rotated my tires without us even asking. We love our mechanic. We drive pretty far to go to him, but he is honest, has fair prices, and does great work. We got home, and I got to work on the promised "man meal." When we came home Kevin was greeted with my surprise for him. I had baked his favorite- carrot cake. I made it from scratch, with cream cheese frosting of course.

I am coming to terms with the fact that I am my mom, yes that is a hostess apron around my waist thank you very much.



I worked on our dinner of New York Strip steaks and "chuck wagon potatoes." Oh man it turned out sooo good. I was nervous as this was my first time making steak. We seasoned the meat with "Jamaica Me Steak."



We ate it up. I could only eat about 2oz. of my 8oz. steak, but Kevin cleaned his plate.



After dinner we watched Shaun of the Dead. Then we sat down with tea, and carrot cake and watched some British sitcom on PBS. At this point Kevin and I looked at each other asking ourselves if we have become my parents. If you know them you understand. Our favorite quote from the British sitcom- Son- "She was your wife before she was my mother." Father- "Not necessarily."

Saturday we went for a hike to work off the calories from the night before. We used our left over steak to make yummy tacos, therefore justifying further the purchase of this delicious meat.

After church on Sunday we were feeling adventurous and decided to check out a dog show. We loved the movie "Best In Show." As well as the series on Bravo "Showdog Moms and Dads." It seemed a natural next step to go to a dog show.

Admission was free and we paid $3.40 (for both of us) to ride the Max round trip to the show. I was in dog heaven. We went home and took a nap and then we did laundry. I swear we did as much in one weekend as we normally do in 3 or 4.

Birdie, Mulli, Bogey

On Sunday Kevin and I volunteered at an event for the hospital he works at. We signed up to help out at their 12th annual golf benefit. Our previous experiences with volunteering have involved early morning, long hours, and heavy lifting. We enjoy volunteering and try to do it when we have an opportunity.

We were told to wear khaki shorts (blech) and that they would provide a polo shirt when we arrived. We spent a good part of Saturday searching for khaki shorts for me because I have not owned a pair since 7th grade. That shopping trip was an ordeal I will save for another day- but I did find a pair for $11 so it worked out.

Sunday morning we started the day slow with coffee and bagels and drove 30 minutes West to the event. We arrived at The Reserve which is a very beautiful golf course.

We parked and walked to the club house to register. We were given our volunteer polos, a gift bag, and hats. I was expecting some hideous over-sized men's polo, but to my surprise, we were given really really nice Nike golf shirts. The men's are maroon with white stripes, and the women's are burgundy with pink stripes and totally cute and fitted. This was when we realized this would not be our common volunteer experience. We put our shirts on and walked to the lunch tent. The catered food was fresh and delicious.

Next this crazy old man drove us to our hole in a golf cart. He drove the cart as fast as he could cutting straight through the course. Our hole was #5, and was a prize hole! The deal was that if any player could make a hole-in-one they would win a $12,000 motorcycle that was parked at the tee.

Our job was to stand at the putting green and watch for a hole-in-one. We sat in the sun for 4 1/2 hours and watched golf. Every once in a while a cart would deliver cold water to us and ask us if we needed anything. We didn't see a hole-in-one but I did learn a lot about golf and now I really want to play it! Plus some of the players tried to bribe us into calling a hole-in-one. It was a fun day and I told Kevin we can use our new shirts to find each other in Disneyland, or to be serious players if we go mini-golfing.

There were a lot of players, and a lot of golf carts



The majority of players looked something like this



It was hot and I think we all got sweaty

Jesus Jeopardy

Does that sound like blasphemy? Maybe. But it wasn't my idea- ok, maybe it was. I took a summer school class this summer, and for our final assignment we could write an 8-10 page paper chosen from a myriad of topics- or create a board game. The game was to be similar to Jeopardy, but needed to be a playable board game based on Christology.

Kevin and I spent a weekend at thrift stores searching for the perfect board game for me to re-work. We finally found the perfect one- "Movie Mania"



Originally priced at $29.95 (why??) We bought it for $1.99. I went to work painting over the box and game board. Kevin helped me create some rules of play, and he helped me get it done on time. I painted the box a bright blue and copied the Jeopardy logo onto it. I outlined the letters with yellow paint and then filled them in with gold glitter. Snazzy! I even did the same with a small box that holds my category and question cards for the game. The main purpose in creating the game was to come up with 30 questions on Christology.

My professor titled the assignment "the Jesus game" and so we ran with it. When you open my game the first thing you see is a bright yellow cardboard square that reads "Jesus Jeopardy rules of play." So maybe I am the blasphemer, but I had a lot more fun making a game with Kevin than writing an 8-10 page paper.

Post Script
I would like to tell you that I took a picture of the final game, but I took the picture on my camera and I cannot load those photos onto here. Sorry to be a bum.

Shell Shock

Growing up in California, every 4th of July my mom made fried chicken, macaroni salad, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. We would pack up the coolers, fill our trunks with blankets and folding chairs and usually one or two soccer balls. As mom would pack the caddi or the van we would all whine and complain that she was bringing too much. We just wanted to get to the park! By the time we would arrive at Central Park (San Ramon) we were all thankful mom had packed all she had. We would set up and claim a large piece of lawn for the four kids and two parents, plus whoever may stop by throughout the day. At the park we would listen to weird live bands, inevitably cross paths with our school friends, and watch skydivers land with red white and blue smoke streaming from their shoes. Throughout the day we would wander the park, and kick the ball around. When night fell we would gather together to watch the fireworks. After the show ended my dad, my brothers, and I would stand in a circle passing the soccer ball while we waited for traffic to die down.

As I got older I would notice the couples around me, snuggling up under a blanket or holding hands as they watched the sky burst with color. I wondered if someday I might have someone to hold my hand and watch the show with. Kevin and I have been together for about 2 and 1/2 years now and last night was our third 4th of July as a couple, but the first time we have been in the same place. In 2005 Kevin was in Yemen, and in 2006 I was in San Ramon with Kevin here in Portland. So we were really anticipating this holiday.

We were happy to be together but we were missing our families so we chose not to pay to get into a park. Fireworks are legal here in Portland, but some are illegal- if they travel more than 12ft. Last night we walked our neighborhood where we watched a constant show of legal and illegal fireworks. It was amazing, and for the first time I had a hand to hold as I watched the sky. Our neighbors called out "Happy 4th!" to us as we passed. The romance and sweetness of it all ended when we came across some kids playing with fireworks. Their parents were close by, but they were lighting firecrackers and throwing them. We paused to watch a firecracker burn down before walking forward. As we began to walk again this kid chucked a lit firecracker right at Kevin and I. We quickly moved in opposite directions and the firecracker landed between us. The cracking of it was so loud my ears were ringing. The kid claimed he "didn't see us." Right. We were done at this point but it was still a great evening.

What's the gorge?

Today I felt like we had gorged ourselves when we had some friends over last night. So I proposed to Kevin that we head to the gorge to work it off with a rigorous hike. To my proposal Kevin asked "What's the gorge?" I paused, thought to myself well it is a gluttonous meal- much like the meal consumed the night before of shrimp scampi, ciabatta bread, and raspberry ice cream:



But it is also the canyon 30 miles East that the Columbia river runs through:



I explained- "You know, the place we hike near Multnomah Falls." As soon as the slight confusion was gone we changed clothes and drove East to hike Elowah falls. It was beautiful and any guilt that remained from our hefty meal has dissipated. Man I love Oregon!

It's my party, or it was my party

So Tuesday was my birthday, and now I am the big 2 3. Right. So I had a really great day- made especially enjoyable by my husband, Kevin. First, he woke me up and we went to my favorite coffee shop for a bagel and coffee. Then he had work and I had Summer school. Around 11:45 a.m. mid-lecture I looked out the window of the classroom to see Kevin carrying a big bouquet of pink and yellow balloons!




This was so surprising because he was at work, and I had our car. Behind him were Erik and Erin they all walked into class with a bag of cupcakes and milk for the whole class! That was pretty special.

After school and work we came home and I opened presents from Kevin and his mom. Nancy made me an apron!



We changed clothes and went to our favorite sushi place....mmmmmm



6 rolls, plus one extra special "crazy roll"!





After this we went to Papa Haydn for some really good dessert. During the day I talked to my parents and Tiff, and all three of my brothers called. I felt pretty special. On Wednesday we had a package waiting at our door. My mom and dad shipped me their cards, plus my mom bought me some really fun gifts for my house. My favorite being this really bright patterned table cloth. All in all, a great first married birthday.

Be-Ach

Mama's in the O R and yesterday she, Kevin and I adventured out to the beach. We walked possibly a total of 18-20 miles. I kid you not. My mom is crazy! She insisted on walking to the spot on the beach where Kevin proposed to me. I told her we should drive there, but hey she won't back down from some stinking beach walk.

Here's a pic of the adventurer's:


It was such a fun day. On Friday I cooked some yummy yummy shrimp scampi and we played a fun game that resulted in a face off of Kevin vs. Cheryl in who knows me better. It was hilarious. (mom is very competitive) We'll just say they each won in their own right.

Now mom is with J&K and the bowz. Kevin and I are taking it easy. All in all a great long weekend, thus far.

Seattle, Space Needle, Sanjaya, Suttens

On Saturday morning we hopped in a car with Erik and Erin. We drove up to Seattle and our first stop was the Space Needle for some lunch. Kevin being the smarty that he is, thought we should walk around the a little more before taking off. Well, thank goodness we did! We were lucky enough to happen upon an autograph signing for the one, the only- Sanjaya! If you don't know now you know. Please enjoy the video I shot, and note his shimmy as he walks toward the girls.

Wow

It was special to say the least. Regardless of what you (or I) think of him it is pretty nuts to see a faux celebrity, in person.

I will apologize to erin, I don't know who that guy was...I just assumed you were using straight and not strait...silly me

It's a wild world, wild wild world

This has been a weekend of weekends. In one way it has felt like a month has past, and not in the "oh my goodness I am exhausted sense." But in the "wow, I have seen so much, heard so much, walked so much sense." I doubt that either of those count as "senses," but yeah I said it.

First we had a visitor staying with us, and it was great to see him. Pastor Bill, who discipled Kevin, and who married us came to Portland, and stayed at our little house. We enjoyed debating theology, and sports, ate some good food, and rented a movie. Plus, we successfully hosted someone who is not (exactly) family, so I feel pretty accomplished with that. I will say that I have my mom to thank, because without her example I would be lost.

On Saturday while Bill took care of some things in Portland, Kevin and I headed downtown. We went to the farmers market and enjoyed a tasty little lunch of baguette with goat's cheese, and jam. We then met our friends Erik and Erin at the Saturday market. We walked around, didn't find anything to buy, I almost got in a fist fight and we capped it off with some stumptown coffee which made me forget the lady I wanted to fight. Erik and Erin are pretty much our favorites.

On Sunday morning I got a text from Matt letting me know he and Steph were in town, sweet! So we had lunch with them, and Jonathan and Kristin. I am tired, but so happy and satisfied with the weekend. I will say that laying down with my husband for a rest made my weekend complete.

California.....

So I am at my parents house in California, the weather is unbelievable and yesterday for lunch I got a salad and iced tea at a restaurant. Strange as it may sound, such a meal is hard to find in Portland. After sleeping for some 10 hours last night I was woken up with Abby in my bed. She was quite excited to be up on the cloud bed, since she is not usually allowed. Today Gma&Gpa are stopping by to say hello. I miss my Kevin so much but I know I will see him soon. It's weird to sleep in a bed alone now. I think last night I was much too sleepy to realize I was alone. I am off to eat some lunch and try my hand at some homework.

p.s. I love you kevin!

m-a-s-s-a-g-e

Guess who is super duper lucky to be married to Kevin? Yeah, well that better be me. I don't think there any others...anyway. For valentine's day my handsome man surprised me with a professional massage. I am finally cashing it in, and today is the day that I will enter the world of pampering. At 1 p.m. I will be dead to the world getting my back worked. I pretty much can't wait. I will let you know how it goes for me.