HGTV/Accents

I think it is almost a requirement that when you are planning a move/renovation you start watching HGTV obsessively. At least that's how it has been for me. With all my watching I've noticed something--a ton of the shows are filmed in Canada. Everyone seems to have a Canadian accent. Not a big deal, but for me this is a problem. See I have this weird habit to pick up accents I hear frequently. I'm sure a lot of people are affected by what they hear, but I'm extremely susceptible. And honestly it is so embarrassing. Believe me this is not an impressive trait to have. So now I'm driving Bill crazy because I cannot say "house" as an American anymore. I mean it's HGTV--how often do you think they say house?! He told me he can handle it, but he's drawing the line at pasta. If I ever say "pass-ta" he'll go crazy.

How old am I?

I've mentioned to a few friends that starting about a year ago I cannot keep my age straight; I always think I'm older than I am. Well, apparently I'm not the only one. Bill relayed a conversation to me that he had with a friend at work. They somehow got on the topic of my age, and Bill mentioned I was 26. His friend was hugely surprised and said he thought I was Bill's age. I'm not sure what is worse-the fact that Bill actually got my age wrong! (I'm 25) or the fact that his friend apparently thinks I'm 34! I of course responded to Bill with "What? I'm not 26, I'm 25 and what the heck? Do I look like I'm 34?" Bill said he assumed his friend didn't actually remember his age, so was more or less guessing. But let me tell you there is no way Bill could pass for under 30, so no matter what his friend was thinking 30 or over. It would be one thing if he thought I was 27 or 28, but 9 years over my age?

By the way-I'm not bothered at all with getting older, but at the same time I'm not willing to lose any years of my life!

overwhelmed

Who would have thought buying a house could be so draining? Well, I'm guessing lots of people. But I never thought it would happen to me. I have to admit that it has become so time consuming and annoying that I'm forgetting the good parts and not enjoying it at all. I'm sure there are many who can relate. I'm such a speedy person, so waiting on other people's schedules is annoying! When I find a house I like, I'm ready to go look at it immediately-but I have to wait. And then it isn't even what I want anyway. Or you put in an offer and not only do they completely ignore the deadline, but they take an extra WEEK to get back. I thought this was a buyer's market. And don't even get me started on the whole short sell/foreclosure thing. Amazing deals-but huge hassles. Thankfully we have some amazing people on our team helping us to find the right place. And I am excited to find the perfect thing-just wish I had more control.

What happens when mom gets bored?

I decided I had enough of LM destroying the house, furniture, toys, my things, his things, etc. I wanted to make my own mess...
Don't worry it's washable markers.

Remedy for vasoline in hair...

Cornstarch

"But mom, I wanted to spike it"

P.S. This happened two days in a row!

the only reason I will tolerate snow

We just got back from a quick weekend trip to Sunriver-which at this time of year equals skiing! Of course it isn't a fun trip without some good friends to enjoy it with. We went with the Bauer's, which pretty much guarantees a fun trip.

Although Nathan and Bill attacked the slopes, the trip was mostly first timers (me, LM, and Amy). We all decided the best way to keep our marriages intact was to get some lessons for Amy and I. We were lucky to have an amazing teacher and a small class (3 people, but the other girl ditched early, so really just me and Amy!). After a good 2 hours, we actually had enough of the basics down to enjoy ourselves. All I have to say is if I can learn to ski-anyone can!

LM also had lessons in between his fun at the daycare. I can't believe how quickly he picked it up! After just 2 days he was skiing down the little hill by himself--almost stopping/slowing everytime. Sometimes he would just fall-but he loved every second. Bill and I even spent some time skiing with him after his lesson. LM was lucky enough to have a personal ski lift aka Bill. (Bill admitted the was the biggest workout of the day for him.)

On our second day Amy and I hit some blue runs--although somewhat unknowingly--with the help of our coaches (Bill and Nathan). I've decided that as much as I love Mt. Bachelor, it isn't really the best for first time skiers. There aren't very many green runs, and almost all of them require some blues to get there. It was a challenge, and we both took our fair share of spills. But we survived and enjoyed ourselves! Of course we also enjoyed our little breaks at the lodge (where I pestered Amy into getting her picture taken repeatedly--she only relented after I let her take mine)

Of course every day ended with a trip to Goody's (ice cream/candy shop) and a yummy meal. The boys really spoiled us on this trip doing a lot of the cooking--(one of our friends, Jeff, makes the craziest most amazing pancake ever--it seriously has about 30 ingredients)

I think Nathan and Bill considered the trip successful since they created 3 new skiing monsters. I think the trip was successful because I truly found a reason to love snow, and it solidifies my commitment to the West coast (sorry grandparents). I can't imagine living somewhere where I would have to fly to ski.

I don't know how I forgot...

ANNOUNCEMENT
Bill has a job. Assuming he graduates, and then passes the bar he will be working for GHR. (also known as Garrett, Hemann, Robertson, formally known as Garrett, Hemann, Robertson, Jennings, Comstock, Trethewy--thank goodness they shortened that!) The official job offer was made in November, but we had to keep it on the dl until it was officially announced to the firm in the end of December (which is why I even forgot to post about it until now). We feel incredibly blessed to be a part of such an amazing firm. They are not only the most friendly and accepting people, but also happen to have some absolutely amazing attorneys. And congrats to Bill--the hard work is starting to pay off. He definitely had to earn this job. So we are now true blue Oregonians, stickin' around for awhile. (the best part about all of this? I get to stay in book club!)

Most Random Photo

I loved going through all my pictures from 2009 for the last post. It brought back a lot of amazing memories. However I also found a few pictures I forgot about. The most disturbing is one I know Bill took, although I don't know why. I hope he had some purpose-but I can't imagine what that would be.
Update-back story on bird photo: "There was a bird; it was injured. I wanted to show LM, but he was asleep. I put the bird in a cage. In the morning it was dead. So I took a picture of it and forgot about it."

A Review of 2009

I'm actually stealing this idea off of one of my friend's blogs, but I feel like it is such a great way to end the year and start another. Without further ado, here is 2009:

January:

I got a new camera in anticipation of my trip (see March) and LM got eaten by a wave. Thankfully it did not affect his feelings about water or the coast.

February:

I spent the month bike riding in chilling rain. Bill probably did the same thing.

March:

Trip of a lifetime to Cambodia-I hope it isn't my only trip of a lifetime. Amazing experience, lots of new friends. Met Somaly Mam. As if biking 300 miles in Cambodia wasn't enough, I came home and did a short tri with friends. It was cold, and the whole time I was wishing I was not on a bike. We went to breakfast afterward, that was fun.

Also of note in March, LM's 3rd b-day. He got his first musical instrument-a guitar.

April:

Upon coming home from my cathartic trip to Cambodia I quit my job. My last day was April 1st. Bill and LM gave me a welcome home party. I said goodbye to my work friends (of course, I still work on-call and manage to see them quite a bit-still isn't the same)

May:

I-phone! I only dreamed about it for over 6 months. Bill didn't get one--he gets one this year.

LM and Bill go camping. I get to spend a night alone in my own house.

June:

5 year anniversary--went to San Francisco to knock something off the bucket list, to see Andrea Bocelli in concert.

July:

First sibling to get married-Max. He married Lisa--still not sure how he managed to pull that off. She is only the most wonderful person ever. We all take a big trip to Utah for the wedding.

Also of important note-Bill can still beat his brother at arm wrestling.

Oh yes, I turned 25-supposedly 25 is one of the greatest years. Considering it is the age I will be when Bill graduates, I have to agree. (Although I already feel like I'm 26, not sure why but it is always the age I think I am.)

August:

I take my sister Bonnie home with me-we go to Seattle and Forks! Another lifelong dream fulfilled :)

First running event: Hood to Coast. FUN!

September:

Sold a car, bought a car and a boat.

The great flood-thankfully the only thing it ruined was one filling cabinet drawer of pictures, which weren't too bad after I dried them out.

LM starts preschool 2 mornings a week.

October:

Second running event: 1/2 Marathon. Not as much fun as Hood to Coast, but still a worthwhile experience.

LM's first girlfriend and the only person he will play with without any fighting.

November:

I hurriedly finish up my photography class--LM and I work out a deal. I can take as many pictures of him as I want, if he can take as many pictures of me as he wants. I routinely go through his camera to delete the 1/2 naked photos of me and Bill.

December:

Year finishes up with a bang. Lots of visitors (Gma and Papa Weidner, Uncle JJ, Aunt Liz, Uncle Max and Aunt Lisa). Lots of fun (sugar cookies, g-bread houses, zoo lights, presents) Bill turns 34?! Year ends on a good note (at least for LM) with snow. He insisted on wearing a scarf--I didn't get one for him this year, so he is wearing one of mine.

Here's to 2010!

3 year olds are not good interior designers

LM and I were discussing the fact that he would have his own room in the near future. I suggested a huge map would make a great decoration for one wall of his room. He told me no way, instead he wants a huge gun. And the other walls should be blue and the ceiling should be orange. I promptly decided he is not old enough to make these decisions.

Holiday wrap-up

This year we were lucky enough to have many visitors during the winter break. It started with my sister Liz. Then my brother Max and his wife Lisa came up for the weekend. We took them all around Portland and even made them do a 2 hour tour of Salem. I hope they actually want to come again.

Bill's brother JJ joined us the Monday before Christmas. This gave us a chance to really bug all the college kids at once. We sat them down and made each one tell us their "plan." I know they loved it. It was fun for us to pretend like we know everything and give loads of advice.

Lisa and Max left for her family's house on Tuesday, the same day Bill's parents flew in. I had enough time to wash the towels and vacuum, and then it was more fun!

The fun started ending early the day after Christmas. My sister left Sat, Bill's parents late Sunday night, and his brother Monday morning. We loved having a house full of guests. It was so nice to celebrate the holidays with more than just our little family.

As per my usual self-every day was planned with activities and food. I tried to keep it reasonable, but I certainly kept everyone busy. Even though we still have one holiday to go, New Years, for our family everything is pretty much wrapped up. We're anxious to move on to Jan and the last semester of school!