Hmmm...What to say?

So Jen and Joel are officially gone now. I am all alone. I get Charlie back in just a couple weeks, and I cannot wait! I am so excited. I have missed him so much!

Mara's wedding was awesome. They are off in Honeymoon Land (aka Mexico). They get back the day before Bloomsday. I will post some pics as soon as I get them. I have a few, so I will post them at the end of this post.

Called a guy today about a softball league. Luckily I called him today, because he was turning in the roster tonight. It is a co-ed league, starts May 7th. Games are every Sunday in the afternoon or evening. I am pretty excited about it. I will get to meet some really cool people. Sounds though, like there are a few couples, so less chance to meet a special someone. But that is okay, there is always people on the opposing team. Hehe Wink-wink!!

Off again this weekend, so I will be running 8 miles. I never managed to get 7 miles in, but that is ok. I will be fine. I was gonna try to do it today, but I never got a run in. I had lots of errands to run!!

Got a new bed set for my spare bedroom. Before Jen/Joel moved in, I had a twin bed (it was theirs), but they wanted it back, so they could put it in their new house. They used their spare Queen bed while staying here with me, then left that for me. So I needed some new sheet/bedding set, so I went out and got one.

Went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, found a complete set that wasn't too spendy. When I got to the register, the lady checked it to make sure I had the whole set. It was all there. Package of sheets with pillowcases, bedskirt, and pillow shams, along with the comforter. So, I came home, washed everything, and went to put them on the bed...had two top sheets in the sheet package, and no fitted sheet. So, I had to go back to the store to get a fitted sheet. It was quite interesting. Now I have to wash the fitted sheet. Oh well. I just realized that was probably the most boring story ever. If you are still reading...you truly are a devoted soul. Thank you!

Don't know what else to say, so I will post a pic or two.

Pic of Mara and Brent at the reception...


Mara and Brent saying goodbye...


This is all the Bridesmaids with the Bride...


This is a pic of me giving my toast to the newlyweds...


This is a really washed out pic of me, but I still like it...

He is Risen...Indeed!

I went to church on Sunday. It was great. I had so much fun. I met a ton of great new people. Laura introduced me to most of them. Cheryl was also there. Cheryl and Laura are nurses I work with.

So, it was Easter Sunday, and due to time, there wasn't much of a sermon, but it was a good one. The only red flag I have is this...There were no mention of specific scriptures. No opening of bibles. A little thing that made me think, but then...maybe it was just because of Easter. There was an awesome music group, the kids sang, and he talked about the rise of Jesus, and the 12 apostles, and how their lives were changes with the rise of Jesus.

So, I will go back again next Sunday (by next Sunday I mean the Sunday after next, because next Sunday I will be in Spokane for Mara's Wedding!!), and see if he starts mentioning scriptures. If not, I will have to rethink, if this is the church for me. If not, I met another group of awesome people. They all go to Calvary Chapel. I may go there one Sunday, and see if that church is for me.

My friend Amber invited me over to her house for dinner. That was fun. There were a big group of church people there, and I met a ton of people I can see myself hanging out with again.

Change of subject...I contacted the Loft at Frontier.

You are probab;y asking what the Loft at Frontier is.

Well, I will tell you...

It is a doggie day camp at a vet's office. They are open M-F, 6:30am to 8pm. About $23/day, or I can get 20 days at a time for $17.50/day. Not bad. It will give Charlie a safe place to play with other doggies, and be watched, so he doesn't have to stay in his cage all the time. That is only a last resort, if I have to work more than 2 days in a row. He can go there during the middle day.

I know it isn't perfect. In a perfect world, I would stay home all the time, and play with my puppy, and be skinny. But I am not, and I cannot, so I do the best I can!!

Went for a good run this evening. Thinking I was running 7 miles, but once I got out there, I forgot which road to turn on. I turned on what I thought was the correct road...turns out, I was wrong. It ended up cutting my run down by 2 miles. I only ran 5. Too bad. Oh well. I will get my 7 miler in next week on Tues. I have to miss this Sat's run (which is the 7 miler), was gonna do it today, but obviously...DIDN'T!!

Outlook: Sunny

So, I have lots new things going on in my life now. First off...

I am getting Charlie back!!

I just miss him way too much, and I can't stand it any more. I called Steve up, gave him the news, and he was great.

"Uh, Steve, been meaning to talk to you"

"yeah, what's up?"

"I have been thinking...I really want charlie back."

"Sure! When do you want to get him? Or Should I bring him up to you?"

I was thinking...not only is he more than willing to keep the bargain, and give him back when I asked, but he was willing to bring him to me, if I needed/wanted.

"Well, I am running Bloomsday May 7th. Can I get him that weekend?"

"Sure."

Then he told me how he has been training him to wait for his treats, and all the cool things he has been doing. Of course, makes me miss him even more, but I am now getting him back.

We agreed on some visitation rights. He said he would be more than willing to take Charlie on the weekends I come home to visit. Since Mom and Dad don't like him at their house, it works perfect!

Other great news in the forecast. I am heading to church on Sunday. I know it is Easter Sunday, but what better way to start back at church, than with a celebration of his return. I finally found a church I feel like I could belong to. Of course, I need to check it out first, but all the others I have thought about going to, just haven't been that motivating. This church, I am excited about going to. I can't wait actually. Also, there are two girls at work (Cheryl, and Laura) that attend this church.

Next up, I am going to fix my bike. Gonna head out today, and start looking at places (and prices) to tune up my bike. I just want to be able to go out every once in a while, if I want to, just for fun!

Still running with PFit. 6 miles this week. Bloomsday is coming up, is is 7 1/2 mile run, tons of fun in Spokane.

Next week is Mara's Wedding...can't wait!!

Oh yeah, friend from work invited me to Easter dinner at her house. Guess she is having a ton of friends over. So yeah, have another friend.

Also, another girl at work (Khristina), she said she would be my friend, and also be willing to doggie sit, if I ever needed it! How cool is that?

So, things are looking up for me now. Only downside...Grason (and Jen/Joel too) are moving away soon. So I won't get to spend as much time with them anymore, but I know I can come visit often. At least I will have Charlie with me.

Have a Happy Easter weekend!!

The BIG 5

I had to work yesterday (Saturday), so I had to do Vancouver fit this week. It was fun, but when I got there, I wondered where all the people were. There, apparently, are only about 100 VFit members, compared to about 1200 PFit members. Big difference.

It was nice though. Nice to do a different route. Nice to meet new people. The only down side, if you don't know the route...you could get lost. There aren't that many runners, so you get spread out easily. Although today was only 5 miles, it wasn't bad.

Yes, I ran 5 miles today. No where near 26.2, but I will get there. 5 was tough for me today. I felt really good the second half of the run, but the first half...I was struggling.

I am not sure if it was the uphill, or the unknown. Sometimes when i don't know a route, I feel like it will never end.

As soon as one of the coaches said " You are over half way done", I started feeling better immediately, also, from then on, it was pretty much downhill, since the first part was pretty much uphill.

To make matters worse, my shoulder has been killing me the last couple days. I don't know what happened to it, but for a couple years on/off again, it gets sore tight, I can't even life my arm. I have tried Chiropractic...couldn't keep doing that. It cost me $20 every visit. And if you know Chiro's, they want you to come back 3 times a week for several weeks, just to fix one minor problem.

I have tried massage in the past, and that has worked. Not 100%, but better, then it goes away and doesn't bother me for a long time.

But, it is back.

It has been tough at work, since I am required to do lots with my arms. So, I am hoping it will be temporary, and it will go away soon.

Back to my run. I am done now, it was a good run.

One more down side. We were stopped at a stoplight waiting for it to turn so we could cross, and between two people I noticed bird droppings...dropping. So I loked up and sure enough, there was a bird, so I told them what had happened (they didn't notice), and I moved out of the way. Well, apparently the bird wasn't done, it got me on my shoulder. So I have bird droppings on my shoulder for the rest of the run! Nice!!

Portland Fit

Portland Fit is my new marathon training program. I started last weekend with them, March 25th. They are great.

I get to go every Saturday and run with a big group of people who are training for the same thing I am training for...the Portland Marathon.

The Portland Marathon is October 1, 2006 this year. I have been planning to run this race since I started running.

The first year, my sister had already ran portland and she wanted to do a destination marathon, so I went with her to Victoria, Canada. The second race I ran in the spring, in Seattle, at Whidbey Island.

Both were great races, and I enjoyed them very much. Whidbey Island was filled with hills, and not a lot of support along the way, in terms of cheering. But Portland...Portland has a reputation for having one of the best supported courses along the way. I am so looking forward to it.

Portland fit is a 26 week training program that teached me how to train, and how to run. It offers seminars on hydration, shoes, safety, injury prevention, etc. So I am not just running, I am learning how to run.

I went out again on Sat, this was the first week we ran with our deignated color groups. I am red. Which means I run a 10min/mile or slower run. I personally am closer to 12 or 13 min./mile. I will increase. As some of this extra weight comes off, and I get better, I will get faster. I did last time, so I will again.

First week was 3 miles, last week was 4...next week 5. Bloomsday is also coming up. That is 7.46 miles (12K)is Spokane, WA. I ahve ran that race every year for six years now. It is fun. 50,000 runners pile on this 12k course. It is a blast. This year, my family is running with me! Possibly, my old neighbor and friend, Kat. She said she wanted to run it too.

So, lots of good runs and races coming up. After Bloomsday is the Helvetia Half Marathon on June 10th. So that will be fun.

Last Fling before the Ring...

That was what was written on the back of Mara's Bachelorette shirt. And on the front...

Suck for a buck!!

I will get pics as soon as Mara emails them to me!!

So last weekend was Mara's bridal showers, and bachelorette party. We had a very busy, fast, but wild weekend.

First, flew into Spokane, late I might add. Southwest is great at starting the day off early, but somehow, everytime I fly in the afternoon or evening, it is always delayed at least 15-30 minutes. Oh well, managed ok. Brent came and got me from the airport, that was really nice of him.

Arrived at the bridal shower fashionably late, but not too late. Besides, party can't start without me, I was the host!! Guest of Honor was already there.

Had a great shower. Played some fun games, and ate some good food, and had an amazing cheesecake.

Then, we went and picked up the van. I was the designated driver for the evening, so we rented a big, 12-person van, so I could drive us all around without having to be squished into a small car.

Then, headed to Mara's to get ready for the bachelorette party. We dressed Mara up in the most we could put on her. She had a penis veil, she had a penis necklace, she had penis beads, she had her suck-for-a-buck shirt, and a miss bachelorette sash, along with some cool pins, and a penis nametag. She was decked out!! We, all the other girls and I, had a penis nametag as well, and we all had penis straws to drink out of!

So everyone showed up, we had some daquaries (?spelling), and then headed off to the bars. WE went to three different bars, all downtown. Each bar she had a task she had to acclomplish. At first she did great, but as the evening went on...the tasks kind of disappeared. She found other great things to do and say to the men.

The suck-for-a-buck shirt was a hit.

After we were all danced out, all drunk, and closing time hit, we all headed back to Mara's for some late night barby!

Brent was nice enough to BBQ some (yummy) hamburgers for us. They were the best ever.

By 3 or 4 am, we were all in bed (or couch) and sleeping.

Up at 7am...I kept dozing till about 9. Then we had to get ready, so we could drive to TC for another bridal shower. That was fun. The trip went fast, but we couldn't get going until after we delivered the van off. By the time we got out of town, we had absolutely NO time to spare!

We managed to arrive with about 5 mins before the party started. Quickly decorated, and a few guests arrived.

The party went good, they completely understood, and we had a great time at the second party as well.

Hopefully Mara had fun as well. Next up...Mara's WEDDING!!!! Yeah, I can't wait for that one!!!

Pictures...

This is a pic of Kaitlyn Nicole, isn't she bee-utiful??...



Me and Kaitlyn...


This is Mom & Dad's new puppy...Autumn. She is such a cutie. She is so hyper, and flies all over the place. I swear, she would jump off the couch, and about 5 seconds later you would hear her land on the ground.


My visit with my Charlie...Only get to see him when I go home now. Only had time to see him for one evening, but I made the best out of it. I love my Charlie!!


Grason sitting on his own...


Last, but not least...one more pic of cutie Kaitlyn. This is the day she was born (March 19), before she was taken away to get all cleaned up.


Hope you enjoyed my picture album of updates, more to come as Kaitlyn and Grason grow like weeds. Next up...Mara's Bridal Shower and Bachelorette party this weekend!!!

Babies and Puppies

Alright, lots of good updates today.

It's a girl!!!

My brother had his first baby on Sunday.

Her name is Kaitlyn Nicole, she is 9 lbs 2 oz. She was born Sunday, March 19th at 10:21 am. Ashley is doing great, they are both very protective little parents, it is soo cute.

I will post some great pics when I get them uplaoded to my computer. I am still at my parents till WEdnesday.

Some more great news...my parents got a puppy.

She is adorable too. She is tan with some black accents, short with some long-haired parts. She is a mini-dachshund.

Her name is Autumn. She is 4 months old, and full of spit and vinegar. She hops all over the place.

Mom and Dad and everyone who knows about her kept it a secret. Mom has had her for a week now. She wanted it to be a surprise, and boy it was a surprise.

Again, I will posts pics of her too, when I get home.

That's all for now. I haven't seen Charlie yet this trip. I really want to, I miss him so much. He is doing so good at Steve's house. I guess he hasn't messed at all, and hardly chews on things.

I think he was just mad at me for keeping him in a cage for so long. I would be mad at me too. Charlie is good with Steve, and I hate to admit this, but I am better off without him too. I really love him so much, and miss him a lot, but he needs to be with Steve now.

I know he is well taken care of. I will just visit regularly, so he doesn't forget me, and he knows how much I love him!!

Hmmm

Feeling better now.

Alittle dissapointed everyone in blogland has left. Hardly any blogs are updated on a regular basis anymore. I refuse to do MySpace. It is stupid and not personal at all. People become "friends" just because they viewed your site. I hate it. I will not go.

So, if all you bloggers out there go to MySpace, I will not follow. I will stay here, stay tru to blogspot, and will continue to write in my blog. I will, however, keep posting nastys on your blog, to continue to update until you finally come back.

Okay, now that my threat is posted to all bloggers, I can continue with my post. Nothing much going on. I jsut got a new schedule for the next 4 weeks, and I have a great schedule. I get 5 days off almost every time I have time off.

I have requested every Saturday off so I can run with Portland fit as much as possible. I am very excited about starting training again. I really hope I can keep up with it, and get up (at 6am) every Saturday and go running.

I am also gonna try training for the Race for the Roses Half marathon. It is April 9th this year. I have ran the Half marathon the last three years, and each time, I have trained for it in about 2-3 weeks. I don't mean to, but that is how it happens. So this year will be no different. I have set out a training schedule for the next few weeks, and If all goes as planned, I should be fine. I have been running for the last two months now, so I should be good to go.

I am off to meet Jen and her friend Erica for a 4 mile run tonight. I'll let you know how it goes!!

Down Under

Unfortunately, the title is a little misleading. It sort of implies I am on vaction in Australia.

But I am not.

I am sick. I am down under the weather.

I don't get sick often, but when I do, I get sick bad, and it sucks!!

I have the head cold thing. The runny/stuffy nose, the sneezing, the cough...oh the cough.

I think the cough is the worst. I can't stop. I have that tickle in my throat, and I just can't seem to get rid of it.

I feel so tired. I worked extra on Sunday. 8 hours, so I got to go home at 3. Came home, went to bed around 4, woke up at 6am the next morning.

Still feeling like crap, but it was too late for me to call in sick. Besides I had just worked an extra shift the day before. Wuldn't look good, to work the extra shift, then call in sick for my regular shift.

So, I managed to plunge through work, taking care of all the other little sickies. I was so exhausted by the end of the day, I hope I finished everything.

I have three days off now, so I am gonna rest up, and get plenty of sleep/fluids.

Gotta be a good role model, since I am a nurse and all. Must drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. Those are the rules. Don't go see the doctor, unless I get worse or don't' get better in a few days.

Most colds are viral, and seeing the doctor will not help, since you can't take anything for viruses. You have to wait them out. Even though it sucks. Your body will kill it off.

I am hoping I get better, so I can enjoy a day off or two, sinc when I go back...I have to work 4 days in a row. That sucks too.

Two or three in a row isn't bad, but 4 really sucks! So, I will just get better, then go push myself again at work. Let's hope I don't get sick again!!

New Things

So Jen and Mom/Dad think I am depressed and unhappy. They think I need to find people to do things with and go out and find new things to do.

So, here is my plan...

I have always wanted to do a photography class. I am gonna try to find one at Parks and Rec, and do that.

I am joining Portland Fit-starts the end of March/Beg of April-this year. I found someone at work that wants to do it too. I will do it regardless of whether Zoe really does it or not.

I am gonna try to go to church. I will have to find a good one around here, but I will keep trying till I find one that suits me.

I think those will do for now. I am open to suggestions. Anything that will help make me happier and less "depressed". Even though I personally don't think I am depressed.

I am sad about Charlie still, but my family really believes it was the right thing for me. They think it is the wrong time for me to have a dog. They want me to be free, to be able to travel, and do the things I want to do, without having to deal with taking care of a dog.

So, because I love them all, I will try to do those things. I will go out and have "fun".

Surviving

Well, I am home now, without Charlie. It was really hard to come home and see his bed, toys and food dish exactly the way we left it. I wasn't expecting to say goodbye at all, little lone this weekend. It just kind of happened.

I am surviving without him, but it is very sad. I miss him jumping up at the side of my bed wanting to be up there with me.

I miss him rolling on the floor with his toy in his mouth.

I miss him laying on my lap at night while I watch tv.

I miss his big beautiful brown eyes.

I even miss his licking me. I know, I never thought I would miss that since I hated it so much. But, it was a part of him, and I love him so much, so I miss that too.

I know that Steve can provide attention and training that I never could. I know that he will have fun with Steve's other dog, Tux. I know that he probably just thinks he is staying with Steve for a few days, and he expects me to walk in the door any day now.

I will keep trying to live without him, but I am not sure it will last. I miss him so much, and I still cry everyday for him. I hope he knows how much I love him, and miss him.

If I can't stand it anymore, I will drive home and pick him up! I miss him so much!!

In Loving Memory of Charlie...

Well, I did it. I had to get rid of Charlie. I found a great home for him to go.

Steve took him.

Steve is my cousin that I lived with for a year before moving out here. Charlie knows Steve. And Steve loves Charlie. He used to take him everywhere Steve went.

So, I am happy that Charlie has a good home now. He will be able to spend more time with him than I can, and hopefully will get him trained.

So, the best thing about this deal is two things.

1) I can see him whenever I want, since he is still in the family.

2) Steve said I can have him back anytime I want him. If my situation changes, where I can spend more time with him, then I can have him back. He also promised never to get rid of him without first checking with me!

So, even though Charlie is gone, he is still with me in a way.

I am very sad though. I cried myself to sleep last night. It is very hard saying goodbye to someone you love with all your heart. Especially when they don't really know what is going on.

I don't think he realizes he isn't going to snuggle with me anymore, play with the same toys, sleep in his bed, or do any of the things he loved to do with...me anymore.

I am crying just thinking of all the good times we had together, and I cry to think of all the good times we will never have again. He is so cute, and so lovable. I am goona miss him so much!

I love you Charlie!!

They have moved in...

Jen, Joel, and Grason have officially moved in. It is great waking up and seeing Grason in the morning. We are gonna be very cramped for two months, but it will be fun! I don't even hear him in the middle of the night, so I am not concerned about not getting sleep.
Weight update...I have lost 14 lbs so far with running, weights, and weight watchers. I haven't been doing as good with running as I would have liked, but at least I am running again.
I am homoe for the weekend, I am gonna try to get lots of running in. I haven't ran since last Sunday since I have been picking up so many shifts at work. Plus, the weather has been really cold, windy, or both. Cold I can handle, its the wind I hate.
Next...everyone wants me to get rid of Charlie. I know that it will be best for him, to go to a home that can love him all day long. That has a big backyard, and maybe even some kids. I cry just thinking about it, but no one in my family likes Charlie.
He isn't house broke, he pees/poops occasionally. Sometimes he will tell me, but sometimes he doesn't. So, they all think I need to pass him on to a family that can train him. I tried, and I love him so much, but I just don't think I am doing him justice. He has so much potential. You see, I too can have soo much more potential. I will be able to do things without having to worry about my dog, or what to do with him for the weekend when I want to go out of town. I am so sad to think of handing him over to someone, but I think it will be the best for us both.
So, if anyone knows a great family, that wouldn't mind training an old dog new tricks, then let me know. He is a pure bred Dachshund (no papers), and he just turned 2 years old. He mostly tells me when he needs to go out, but he does have his "accident" several times a week. I just don't have the time to devote to train him properly. I work 12 hour shifts, so sometimes he has to be in a cage for long hours.
Please, if you know anyone, let me know!

T Minus 1 week...and counting...

Jen, Joel and Grason move-in in one week from today.

Yeah!!!

I am trying to get some last minute details all doen for them. I have finished cleaning out my closet, threw away a whole bunch more stuff. I still have to find places to put a few things, but mostly all cleared out.

I still have to clean out my bathroom. I have so much stuff, it is hard to find places. I know this will be tight living for a while, but I know it will be fun!!

Besides, after this, I won't get to see them, but a few times a year. I moved over here, because that is the way it was before I moved here. Me only getting to come visit a few times. Now, I have to go back home to visit. Oh well, more excuses to go I guess.

Plus, I have my neice due March 12th. I personally have predicted March 4th, but we will have to wait and see. Doctor told her she can have it any day now. I can't wait!! I hope I can be there for the birth, but I may not cuz I have a job.

So, point to my post. T minus 1 week and counting...Jen moves in next Sunday!!!

RN=Real Nurse

I got pulled into my bosses office yesterday.

She said the words " I need to talk to you."

I thought to myself, crap, what did I do this time?

So, in the afternoon, I managed to get a moment off the floor, and go see what she needs to talk to me about.

I knock on the door.

The door opens, and my 2 bosses are in there.

They say "come in."

The door closes. My heart is pounding, I have no clue what I have done wrong to need two managers in the office to speak to me. I thought I was doing good. Almost ready to be done.

"CONGRATULATIONS!!!" they say.

I was shocked. Sort of, I mean I have been waiting to hear those words for days, weeks, months now, but was expecting some constructive criticism today.

Yeah!!! So that means, I have been set free. I am officially "on my own". I no longer need a preceptor. They all feel I have reached the safe level of critical care nursing.

They got me a card, and a $25 gift certificate to PF Changs. I don't eat Chinese food, but hey, I may try some now!!

Oh yeah, and I was the first one of the new grads to be cut free!!! That makes me feel better too. I don't know why, it just does. They are all close behind me, but it just feels good to be the first.

So, RN now equals Real Nurse!!

Wasting some time!

I am cleaning today.

I hate cleaning, but I need to. My sister has sold her house. But, she isn't moving until April, so she has decided to stay with me for a couple months.

She is gonna stay in my spare room, with her husband and 4 month old child. I know it will be tight, but it will work out great. I can't wait. I get to see Grason every day.

Then they will be gone, and I will only get to see him like 4-6 times per year. I will not like that part.

Of course, my neice (who is due March 12) lives near Mom and Dad too, so I won't get to see her much either. That sucks!

My family has bets on when i am gonna move back.

I am not moving back!!

I am staying here in Portland. I like it here. I have a great job. I still need to find Mr. Right.

I may move back someday, but for the meantime, I am here, and I am staying here.

So, I am cleaning. Yes, there was a point to this post. I am a packrat. My mom has been telling me that for years. I seriously keep everything...just in case I may need again later.

Then I find it again later, and I am like...Why did I keep that. Seriously. I am getting rid of a ton of stuff.

I even sold (tentatively) my papasan chairs on Craig's List. They went quick. i just posted them last night.

I am finding lots of things around the house I can sell, or try to sell anyhow. there has got to be a market for everything.

Back to cleaning...I need to clean out my spare closet, so they have a closet, but I don't have much storage space, so it is hard. I may have to use a small corner, it is a walk-in closet, so there will be plenty of room. It was jamm packed, so if I can get it all to fit in one small corner, I'd say I did pretty good.

Long run

Yesterday I did not want to go running, but I did.

I ran 5.5 miles. I know for those who know me, that isn't that far. Those who know me, know I have run 2 marathons, 8 half marathons, and a handful of smaller runs.

Well, since I haven't been running consistently for almost two years, I think 5 1/2 miles is pretty damn far. Plus I am carrying an extra 60 lbs on my frame I wasn't carrying when I was running.

So, today, less than 24 hours later, I went for another run. It wasn't nearly as long, but I would say at least 3 miles.

So far, I have completed two full weeks of WW, running, and Power of 10. I have lost 7.8 lbs. Yeah!!

I am starting week three. I am also going out of town this weekend, so I have to work extra hard while I am gone to be good. Mara, I will need your help on this one, please?

Oh yeah, I am bringing my running stuff, so plan to go for a short (about 30 mins) run, ok?? I am slow, and I will be easy on you. But, I truly believe it relieves stress, and I know you have got to be stressing on some level about all this wedding stuff.

Okay, enough talking to Mara on my blog. I am very happy with my progress so far. I am really hoping to be about 30 lbs lighter by the time I start training for Portland marathon.

Yes you heard me correct. I am going to try to train for Portland this year. I have been wanting to do it for years now, and well, since I live here, and I am running again, I have no excuse!!

Grason

Here is a cutie pic of Grason. I know I haven;t posted many pics lately, so here you are...

Ummm

I know it has been a few days since I have posted. I have been working alot these last few days. WW is doing great. Lost 6.2 lbs the first week. YEah. I was so excited. I was really hoping for at least 3-5 lbs for the first week, and I exceeded my hope.
This week I am doing pretty good. Going running this afternoon. I am also cleaning my house today. It is the biggest mess. Stuff everywhere. My room is even messy, and I normally keep that really clean. ASt least I have since I moved here.
I am also going to go see a movie with one of the fellow new grads from work. She called and asked if I wanted to go, and I never turn down a movie. Too bad it wasn't a guy calling and asking for a date. I guess I will have to settle with a friend to hang out with.
Good Story for ya all...

So, babysat my nephew yesterday. That was a blast. Joel was home, but needed someone to keep an eye on Grason, so he could get some stuff around the house cleaned and repaired.

No problem! I was there to the rescue.

Well, the day went great until in the afternoon, Joel decided he was gonna "clean" the bottles, by putting them in some boiling water for a while.

He thought I was watching them (in which he never asked me too). I thought he was doing the cleaning (since he said, and I quote, "I am gonna clean the bottles").

So I played with Grason, and when he got a little fussy, I put him down for a nap.

Well, I was tired too, so I layed down in the room next to his (so I could hear him if he cried).

I woke up about 45 mins later-Grason still sleeping, to the house filled with smoke.

Yes. I said smoke.

There was one wimpy smoke alarm going off downstairs.

The smoke was clear/white, and it was a light haze throughout the house.

Just waking up, not really knowing what is going on, I am thinking to myself, why is the house filled with smoke...what is going on here?

Well, I get downstairs, hard to breathe, and I see the stove red hot, and the frying pan bursting with...
no not flames, but mass amounts of smoke. I shut off the stove, move the pan, and I discover...

Burned plastic boiling in a pan.

Yes, the entire bottle melted and was burning. The only thing that was still in any shape was the rubber nipple.

It was hilarious...not during the issue, but after the fact of course.

First check in Grason's room proved clear. No smoke, so I shut the door, and went on fanning out the house. Second check revealed...smoke. He was crying by that time, so I grabbed him up, and went downstairs. By that time the ground floor had cleared out mostly.

I know Grason had no clue what was going on, but it was still funny looking back. This is something we will remember forever.

JOEL trying to burn down the house.

What makes it even funnier...Earlier in the day, Joel was going to warm up some milk for Grason, and said he was starting to boil water. Well, apparently he saw it was boiling, so added the milk, but then got busy. Didn't bother to tell me the milk had been added.

By the time I discovered it, the milk was boiling too. So we lost a little bucket of pumped milk, but that was ok. We had plenty left for the day.

I teases him about trying to burn the house down twice. Jen just said don't make the third time a charm!!