Daffodil Chronicles

The Arrival of Kai

Last weekend my grandson was born!  Kai Elijah Warner weighing in at 7lbs, 5oz and measuring 20 inches long.  He was born on August 24, 2009 at 2:58am.  I couldn't be more proud of Jake and Katie if I tried.

We went to the hospital on Sunday around 5pm bearing food and games and movies, Jake told us the nurse thought it would be awhile.  We had a false alarm on Saturday morning at 4am where Katie just wasn't dilating so they sent us home later that morning.  George and I hung around, napped and waited for the next phone all which came at 2pm on Sunday that they were going to the hospital again.  They finally admitted her at 5pm so we headed over there. 

It was so wonderful to sit with Jake, Katie, her mom Kim and stepmom Cindy.  We all chatted and got to bond just a little more through watching our barely adult kids take on this new life change.  Jake was so touching to watch, his interactions with Katie were so loving and he just doted on her all the while.  Katie was the strongest mom I've ever seen, she was so focused through her contractions and just a calm mom to be.

Around 2am we were all dozing a bit and the nurse said she was dilated at 8!  We were told that it might not be until 7am on Monday but after her epidural, it really sped things along.  We all got up and were so excited.  Kate pushed 8 times and in 14 minutes we had the arrival of goregous Kai.

Thank you my lovelies for letting Nana and Papa G be a part of this joyful experience.  We love all three of you so much!

So Taxing

My brain hurts....no I'm SERIOUS....this week has been absolutely insane at work.  My boss (whom I adore) is leaving for a week next week and we are slammed with a ton of things to do; most of which I can't discuss in detail because a) its confidential and b) it's boring. I was really frustrated yesterday when I was asked to give an opinion on some memos that are floating around the legal department, to which I replied "You want MY opinion?" with my mouth hanging open.  Opinions come from lawyers not paralegals so I was a bit surprised and then sick to my stomach because I don't know how to do such a thing.  A leeeetle background for you, my boss does these things on purpose because according to him he just KNOWS I can do these tasks, I've learned a great deal from him and it's amazing to me that after nine years of working together he is still doing it and I still never see it coming!  I digress, so he shoos me out of his office and I slump down in my chair to figure this out, I go back to him a couple of times when I get sidetracked and know I'm going off course.  By the end of yesterday I had redlined quite a bit of his memo that he wrote and I felt pretty good about it but still felt like I didn't do THAT great of a job so I said as much this morning.  He said "Remember when you didn't know how to even write a memo?" and I said that I did and then he says "Now you're tackling opinions and you always jump in with both feet, it's why I give you this stuff, you like the challenge but you think you don't"

How does he know me so well?

So after he's proud of his analysis of my work personality he says "Oh I have another one for you, can you research this employment question for me?  I need it in two hours before I leave for vacation."

"Um..yeah totally" My elation at geting the opinion done was shortlived.

This question was most difficult and I again almost gave up and then I found it!  Proudly exclaiming that I did find it and he just smiled and told me to go up to HR and explain it to them.  "But I thought you wanted it" he replied "No you can do it" He's sneaky like that.

I also had to write four memos this week describing different technologies and their place in the marketplace, some were almost 20 pages and when I printed them out and looked at them, I couldn't believe that all that work came out of me! My job isn't exciting (and frankly neither is this post) but I like it and even though its fairly solitary I think it suits me.  It would have to after nine years. :)

So after my week of very taxing projects that I felt were to hard for me, I guess they weren't afterall. Although like I said my brain still does hurt.

The Brewery Tour Honeymoon

Last month I took a glorious two and a half weeks off of work for the wedding and our honeymoon.  I can't remember the last time I had more than just a couple of days off work so this was heaven to me.  The first week after the wedding, George worked but I took that week and spent it with Cole, we had the best time!  It was that super hot week, so Cole and I went to the pool every single day, we have this cool outdoor pool just about 10 blocks from our house, so we would bike (or drive on the 100+ degree days) and hang out for a couple of hours.  One day we went to the Lewis River in Washington, George's dad knows of a small swimming hole up there.  It was so nice to spend a week with Cole just doing things here in town.

The following week we dropped Cole with his dad and headed out to the coast, we had a very loose plan of what we were going to do and we liked it that way.  We drove to Astoria and our plan was to drive south on Hwy 101 until it was time to go home.  We had to be back by Saturday for a friend's 40th birthday party. 

Astoria: We stayed at the Commodore Hotel, a newly remodeled re-opened hotel.  I highly recommend this place for its very affordable and the staff is incredibly nice.  The rooms are small but very comfortable.  We walked all over and even got a morning run in, running along the coast is really nice.  We ate at the Wet Dog Brewery and then at Fort George.  (Our trip was geared by brew pubs) Fort George was hands down the best beer.

Pacific City: We decided to look for a campground along the way but a big attraction was the Pelican Brewery in Pacific City.  Pacific City doesn't have much to offer in the way of camping, shops or restaurants.  The beach access right next to the Pelican was nice but that was about it.  The Pelican is extremely popular and we had to sit at the bar or wait a half hour for a table at 3 in the afternoon.  See....I said there was nothing else to do here.  We liked the Pelican but still Fort George was the front runner.

Depoe Bay and Beverly Beach: The people at Pelican suggested Beverly Beach for camping so we headed that way after a quick stop in Depoe Bay, I can't even recall the name of the place we ate but it was terrible. We grocery shopped and made our way to Beverly.  The campground said "Full" but we tried it anyway and scored a spot!  Beverly Beach is a fantastic campground, quiet and tons of trees.  Great place to go with kids too.  We liked it so much we stayed two nights.  We played Bocci Ball on the beach, laid in the sun and played games.

Newport: I have to say, I've never spent much time in Newport but it is CUTE!  As you can guess, the draw here was Rogue Brewery where we had lunch when we arrived after finding a kitchy little motel called the Whaler.  We checked in and just walked all over the town, we shopped and looked at all the boats in the harbor and then spent the afternoon at Rogue.  Rogue had the best food of all the pubs and my favorite beer which was the I2PA, they just called it I Squared.  After more walking around and relaxing we changed and got ready for dinner (the weather was turning chillier) The server at Rogue suggested a place for dinner overlooking the harbor.  George and I had the best time sitting over a long dinner looking out at the bay and the Newport Bridge.  The next day we checked out and made our way back home - ending our brewery tour at none other than our favorite - Hopworks. :)

 

Back to Life, Back to Reality

I'm back!

I got a little sidetracked with the wedding and my high school reunion and that damn facebook.  That thing is a time sucker and such a distraction! A couple of people have commented that they miss reading my blog (I can't believe its that entertaining or informative) but upon some urging I did go back and read some of my old entries and it was so AWESOME!  I read about Jake moving out and the snow storm last year so it inspired me to keep this up because its SO nice to look back on what I wrote.

My Reunion was really fun, it was so much work to put it together but I also reconnected and gained some friends through the planning process that are dear to me.  I think we put on quite a party all weekend - so that was really satisfying.  The middle picture is the Reunion Team! I love them all.

You may have heard that I got married!  Yes, two weeks after the Reunion I got married to George.  It was at Mt. Tabor Park and was so gorgeous.  My mom and George's step mom and some friends did all the flowers and bouquets, my bridesmaids were amazing for the several months that I was planning this event, I'd be lost without you lovlies.  And most of all, George was so helpful and wonderful through the whole thing and I'm lucky to be his wife.  A few pictures ....

ps - I'll be MUCH better about posting almost every day now..... I'll blog about the honeymoon tomorrow.

10 Reasons To Sit on an Excercise Ball at Work

I recently mentioned that I'm sitting on an excercise ball at work instead of a chair.  I seriously sit on this damn thing every single day, all day.  Even when co-workers laugh at me and they do with witty little comments about what is going to hatch, you get the idea.  So I noticed during this busy week, I have yet to go to the gym save for one time on Tuesday and I'll be damned if I'm not getting more toned by sitting on this stupid ass ball.  So I looked online to see if that could be true and sho' nuff!  I ran into this article which helped me with my Friday List.

http://www.gearfire.net/10-reasons-to-use-an-exercise-ball-as-your-chair/

1) Spine Alignment (my back hurt the first day or so but now strong!)

2) Frequently change positions (you have to bounce when turning around to see people or answer the phone)

3) Fitness at your fingertips (I don't use it for excercise, I work in a cube and they laugh at me enough as it is)

4) Improve balance (SO true)

5) Get that 6 pack (well I never have a 6 pack unless its called IPA)

6) Improves your circulation (I like this one although haven't noticed)

7) More energetic (yes, TRUE!)

8) Burn up to 350 calories per day (jigga WHAT??  Seriously??  I LOVE THIS)

9) Really cheap (mine was FREE from someone here at work who couldn't handle the ridicule- Bring it!)

10) It's FUN (okay I think this journalist ran out of items and he really wanted 10 but yes its bouncy and fun and actually makes me feel kinda cute)

The Ball

Friday List: Really?

Things that Make You Go "Really? really?"

1) Justin Long pontificating on the inappropriateness of Johnjay and Rich asking him about dating Drew Barrymore again.  I'ts an INTERVIEW. Pompous, much? You're not Brad Pitt.

2) Jon and Kate on the cover of my US Magazine for 5 weeks in a row.  Really?  I'm beginning to hate them.

3) Donut Friday here in my office.  Really?  Can we have fruit or yougurt or something else?

4) My Blackberry rolly ball that doesn't let me roll to the right so I can't lock it therefore it calls people from my purse.  Sorry, April.

5) My favorite white cargo pants that used to be too big and now are just too tight.  Really?  Come on.  Can't some of that weight just fall off, please?

6) Four Day work weeks that feel longer than the regular Five Day.  Really?  How in the world? 

7) Me promising you guys that I'd blog every day.  Sorry, I'll be better.

Happy Gorgeous Beautiful Friday!

Friday List

Things I'm Going to Do This Memorial Day Weekend:

1) Run

2) Shop at IKEA for vases for the wedding and whatever else hops into my cart

3) Yardwork

4) Run with Michelle and Lisa

5) BBQ

6) Rent "Paul Blart Mall Cop" because Cole really wants to see it

7) Go to Goodwill

8) Organize my basement and Garage

9) Go to the Dump

"HI!"  This is me sitting at my desk today :)  Happy Friday

Simple As That

I was driving into work today on this beautiful Wednesday and I had promised Cole that I would take him to the new donut (doughnut? why is it spelled correctly both ways according to spellcheck? Its dough, right?)  anyway.....DOUGHnut shop right on Powell (insert jump up and squeal of delight! New cool stuff going into my neighborhood left and right!) It's called Acme Donuts (Oh...that's why I spelled it that way) AnyWHO!  It's the cutest little place, its all retro with its bright colors and colorful round dots on the signs and door, very clever.  The place is empty and the woman behind the counter pops up off her stool and says "Good Morning!" and Cole starts looking at all the rows of doughnuts in front of him......so many! 

Donut Girl: "What are you up to this morning?" (she's about my age, totally hip in a cute skirt and two tshirts layered and a super cute apron on, her hair is up in that side french braid that looks like a headband - she's so cool)
Cole: "Mom said we need to try this place and I love donuts!"

Donut: "Are you on your way to school?"

Cole: "Yes, I went to bed really good last night so we got to stop here before school!:

Me: I'm just quiet getting my coffee listening the Chatty McTalkalot and Donut.

Donut: "What grade are you in?"

Cole: "Kindergarten."

Donut: "How many weeks until school is out?"

Cole and Me: "Four!"

Donut to me: "Are you a teacher?"

Me: "oh...no....just ...no"

Donut: "Huh...you look like a teacher, really.  That's a good thing. Like a cool fun teacher."
Cole: "SHE WANTS TO BE! AND I WANT HER TO TEACH AT MY SCHOOL! She's going to be a teacher as soon as George, he's my stepdad, gets his job and then MOM IS GOING TO BE A TEACHER!"

Me: laughing turning bright red: "Boy, they repeat everything huh?"

Donut: laughing "Awww...that's awesome!  Good luck!"

Cole's mubbleing out the door ".....well you ARE, wow! I like that place, she was really nice, can we come here every day?" Me shuffling Cole out the door after I paid $2.75 for two donuts and a 16 oz coffee!  I love Acme Donuts! And the woman who owns it.

So yes, I was driving into work today after dropping Cole off at his school and thinking "Huhn...hmmm.....yup..."  I've got to find a way to become a teacher and soon, its just as simple as that.

Tinsletown Tuesday

In another effort to keep blogging every day - I'm only going to incorporate one more weekly topic.  Tuesdays will now be "Tinsletown Tuesdays" where I report and give my ever so coveted opinion of the crap I read every day on the homepages of MSN, Google and Yahoo. 

The Gosselin's: my favorite diss on Kate this week has to be when she reportedly had the sextuplets birthday a week later than their actual birthday because their birthday landed on Mothers Day and she was at the "spa" instead of "with her kids".  WTF!  I mean, Really?  We are going to disparage a woman who has 8 freaking kids under the age of 5 for spending a couple hours a spa on MOTHERS DAY?  Good lord, if I was on tv with 8 kids, I'd have a friggin' nanny and be at the spa!

The Gosselin's Part 2: They are on every cover of every gossip rag and this week Kate "admits" to having problems in her marriage.  Really?  You do?  Well, you're probably the only one.  The media acts like its newsworthy that she has problems, the only thing newsworthy here is that she actually admits it.  We all have problems, and I'm not on tv, don't have a spineless husband or 8 kids!  Good job Kate for standing up and actually saying it. 

Jessica Biel: Jessica (Miss-I-Landed-The-Coolest-Most-Talented-Man-On-Earth) will grace the cover of Allure Magazine and in her interview cries about how hard it is to be so darn beautiful.  She can't land those coveted roles that Scarlett gets because she's not what they are looking for.  And she surmises that its because she's TOO pretty.  Has she looked at Scarlett lately??  Oh Honey, maybe it's because you suck as an actress.

Biel Part 2: Jessica also reveals that she probably doesn't want to get married.  Dumbass. 

Precious Choices

Saturday Lisa, Michelle and I met for our weekly run, we usually either run on Saturday or Sunday mornings, on this particular Saturday we opted to run from Michelle's house to the Springwater Trail and down into Sellwood, its a really nice run, or rather is used to be.  We were headed down 62nd to cross Johnson Creek Blvd to get to the trail, I was really looking forward to the break at the walk signal. 

We were chatting at the signal waiting for it when it turned to the little white crossing guy and we started across the street, we got about 2/3's of the way through the crosswalk when we heard this horifying crash which sounded quite like an explosion for just a milisecond.  The three of us bounded up to the sidewalk turned around to see a Toyota truck had been rear ended so hard that it narrowly missed hitting the three of us, and coming at our feet was the back tire from the truck.  The three of us stood there stunned, looked down at the tire at our feet, looked at each other, looked back down at the tire.  As we look back up, the woman who had rammed into the back of the Toyota was careening through the intersection toward the sidewalk where we were waiting for the light, the only thing that stopped her (thankfully not US) was a fire hydrant.  She slammed into that and the car sounded like it might explode, she was struggling to get out of the driver seat, got out, looked dazed and confused, dropped to her knees and laid down on the ground.  Some runners ran over to her to aid her until help arrived.  I sort of shook off the shock for a moment and ran over to the boys in the truck.  They were all in shock and very confused, there were three of them and they all looked about 20 years old.  I stayed with the driver after getting the two other boys to the other side of the street to sit down, they were starting to wander around in a dazed manner and we didn't need more crashes!  So Michelle and Lisa stayed with them on the curb and I stayed with the driver.

A cyclist came up behind me and was out of breath, he said "It started way back there about 20 blocks, she hit someone in a parking lot and had no tire and was driving like a bat out of hell! I've been following her on my bike!"  Then the Parking Lot victim drove up and starting telling Michelle and Lisa about how he was trying to follow her but had to stop at all the lights she ran.  We were all concluding that she was either super drunk (yes, at 11am) or on something stronger. 

My 20 year old driver kept saying over and over "I was going to hit you guys, she hit me so hard, all i could do was slam my foot on my brake - I was headed directly for you."  His friends were saying the exact same thing to Michelle and Lisa, how scary it all was.  How close the three of us came to getting smooshed on Johnson Creek Blvd.  Then Michelle thinks about it and says "Well we were about 1.5 seconds away from just being hit - we were about 5 from being killed by her.   I'm not sure we would have had time to see her coming and get out the way. 

The cops came and took all our statements and told us that she was indeed inebriated and probably fine, we pleaded with the boys to get checked out because of the sheer force of the impact.  The drivers brother in law showed up and was more forceful about them seeking medical treatment.

I learned a couple of things on Saturday: Always carry a cell phone when running, people are inherrently good (all the people that ran to everyone's aid and were following her to stop her) choices that take just a second can save your life, life is precious and can be snapped away from you, and the little things that bother me were just catapulted into perspective. 

I've never wanted to hug Michelle and Lisa tighter and longer than that day.