El Guapon and La Flaca

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2011-12-24T17:53:00.001-08:00

Cards of Christmas' Past: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Uncle Dale

2011-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

This week I am grateful for eternal families and the plan of salvation. My dear Uncle Dale passed away on November 11th. He was 84 and sick, so the news of his death didn't come as a surprise. Even so, it's not easy to come to terms with the fact that someone you love has passed away. It truly is the atonement that has helped me cope with his passing. Knowing that his time on earth was nothing more than a fraction of his life. Knowing that I will be able to see my sweet uncle, with my other family, again in the afterlife. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father that understood love and families, and provided a way to make them eternal.

I wish I could express exactly how my heart feels about Uncle Dale. My mother's parents died when I was very young, too young to recollect any memories of them. Uncle Dale and Aunt Lois understood this and filled the void I would otherwise have. They stepped in as my grandparents and treated me as if I were one of their own grandchildren. I have many fond memories of Uncle Dale.

Uncle Dale and me, 1988.

Many summer vacations at their cabin in the Uinta Mountains of Wyoming.

My week visit alone to the cabin and their home in Green River, Wyoming in 1988 when I wasn't quite six.

My visit with my cousins to their home in Thermopolis, Wyoming in 1995 when I was 12.

Uncle Dale and Aunt Lois's visit when I lived in Chicago, 2001.

Our lunch date at Little America when I was passing through on my move to Oregon, 2006.

The thousands of griddle cakes Uncle Dale cooked on an open fire.

The blue jumpsuit he always wore.

The way he always sang.

His smile.

His giant bear hugs.

Uncle Dale with my cousin Collette's kids. I love the smile on his face.

Uncle Dale had a way of making everyone he met and knew feel special. I know that every grandchild thought they were his favorite. He made me feel the same way; I felt like I was his favorite. He always called me "English" (derived from Brittany - Great Britain - England - English). He could light up a room simply by walking into it. He had an unwavering testimony of the gospel. He had an infinite love for my aunt.

I received a letter from Uncle Dale last December that I have cherished ever since. My aunt had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's for a handful of years and the effects of the disease were transparent. Even so, Uncle Dale met this adversity with a positive attitude. The following is an excerpt from the letter he wrote me, describing his feelings for Aunt Lois:

"I am thinking of moving her to another location closer to where I live... I love her so much so maybe I can spend more time with her also. She is doing amazingly well. She knows me and calls me by name. We told the beautician not to color her hair and it has come in the prettiest gray. Not white gray but gray gray, it is so pretty and shinny. It just enhances her looks. I take her for a ride in the car about at least once a week and some times twice. She seems to soak up everything and reads me signs, tells me when the lights are green for go and red to stop. Her health is excellent other than Alzheimer's. She tells me she loves me and wants to kiss me. I love it."

Uncle Dale and Aunt Lois at the cabin.

I can only hope that Wyatt will be in love with me after 60 years of marriage the way my uncle was in love with my aunt. He was chivalrous.

I am looking forward to seeing you on the other side Uncle Dale. I love you.

Marathoner

2011-10-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

mar·a·thon·er, noun. Someone who participates in long-distance races (especially in marathons).

In recent news, I have elevated to "marathoner" status. That's right my bloggy readers, I now have two marathons under my belt! "My name is Brittany Wilson, and I am addicted to running." My bud Jen and I dragged our husbands to Chicago two weeks ago so we could compete in the Chicago Marathon. Yay!

When we decided to run the Chicago Marathon, it was already filled. So we had to purchase bibs from people that were no longer able to participate. Jen bought a bib from Brynn (the butcher) and I bought my bib from Nupur. I had a friend draw the above picture, I added the words, made a silk screen, and printed matching shirts!

The Chicago Marathon had 37,000 runners! A far cry from the 800 in our Newport Marathon last year. Oh, and one lady ran 38-weeks pregnant and had a baby shortly after crossing the finish line. And another man died. So yeah, I ran in a race where one life was taken and another was given.

I won't bore you with all the details. Though, it has come to my attention recently that many people are unfamiliar with the ends and outs of a marathon. Notably that a marathon by definition is a 26.2-mile race. I've had many people ask me how far my marathon is/was. Also many people are unaware of how long it takes one (of average running speed) to run a marathon. I've had one person innocently say that they heard I ran the race in two-hours, and was able to qualify for Boston. Yep, that was me, drafting behind the Kenyans... (It's the elite runners that come in around the two-hour mark. The average time (at least for the Chicago marathon) is four-hours and 45-minutes. And my age group (female: 25 - 30) has to run a marathon under three-hours and 40-minutes to qualify for Boston.)

Us, running in the MASS of people. It never really did thin out... even at mile 26.

The Kenyans. I think the winner came in at 2-hours and three minutes. Like I said, I was right behind them. Because I look like I am an elite runner...

By now you're wondering what my time was. Drum roll... ... ... ... ... I was successfully able to shave 17-minutes from my last marathon, bringing me in at 04:02:37. Not too shabby. Especially considering that I was not feeling confident the morning of the race that I would even be able to beat my old time, let alone reach my goal (which was to run a four-hour marathon... I know, two-minutes over! Even so, I'm counting it).

Mile 12. The only time Wyatt and Jon were able to really cheer us on.

I could go on about how we walked the streets of Chicago far more than we should've the day before, how my ankle/shin was sore from all the said walking, how I didn't sleep very well two-nights before, how I woke up at 3am WIDE AWAKE race day and proceeded to stare at my clock for three hours, how I was successfully able to "go to the bathroom" before the race (a stress of any long distance runner), how I surprisingly felt GREAT the first 21 miles, how I peed my pants at mile 24 (yes, while running), how I nearly gave up at mile 26 (who's bright idea was it to add a hill 0.2-miles before the finish line?!!), and how great I felt at the end of the race. Yeah, I won't go into detail...

Another shot of the thousands of people.

Here are the highlights of the weekend:

1. Returning to my beloved city, Chicago! It has been five years since I lived in Chicago and I felt like I had never left. I was GRINNING from ear-to-ear the minute the plane landed.

Grinning from ear to ear!

2. Strolling (and running) the streets of Chicago with Wyatt (just strolling, not running), Jen and her hubs, Jon (also just a stroller, not a runner).

This is what Jen looks like when she's not running. (I thought she'd appreciate this picture.)

3. Absolutely PERFECT weather! Sunny, CLEAR, and warm (the temperature hovered around 75 d's the entire three days.)

4. Visiting with my Chicago friends I haven't seen for years (sad I missed all the others).

5. Running a marathon.

Happy finisher!

6. Seeing Wyatt act as the paparazzi as he sprinted by my side, camera in hand, trying to snap a few shots of us as we passed.

7. Chicago food. It is the best.

Yeah, so it was an awesome weekend. And I'm sure I'll be maintaining my "marathoner" status by signing up for another in the future. Next time, I hope I can come in sub-four-hours. And maybe, with a lot of training, someday I will qualify for Boston.

The marathoners (plus Jon) basking in the sun of a job well done. (About to gorge on some delectable Italian Beef sandwiches!)

The Summer that Never Came

2011-08-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Here it is, August 10th, and we have had roughly 15-days over 80-degrees since the start of summer. 15! And things are looking pretty dim for the upcoming ten-day forecast. I know, I know, I am obsessed with the weather. I'm not going to deny it, I am. But frankly when you've been counting down the days until your favorite season and it doesn't have the decency to show-up, you too might be on the verge of a hysterical break-down.

Wyatt said it best when he said, "Oh, Fourth of July must be around the corner". Because it feels like we're in eternal spring here in the Pacific Northwest!

So for all my bloggy readers that are amidst a heat wave, just take a moment and think of me and my suffering (I'm not being dramatic, I am suffering). Would you rather that your heater automatically turn on in the heart of July? Or that you needed your heated blanket in the middle of August? Because your dreams could come true if you simply lived in Oregon!

Let me just say that my worst nightmare has come true. And that I am still waiting for summer to start as of August 10th. And that La Nina is officially on my bad side. I hate her so much!

PS - I wasn't lying about the heater or the heated blanket. Both of these events did take place in my home this "summer". I feel so sorry for myself that I could cry.

PPS - It's no wonder that no one reads my blog anymore. All I do is talk about the weather... I guess that is what my world revolves around.

PPPS - I was going to blog about how I know of 66 women that have been/are pregnant this year. And how 53% of the babies are boys, 41% are girls, and 6% are unknown. And how April, June, and July were the most popular months to have a baby this year. And how 34% are first-time mothers, 21% had baby number two, babies three and four both had 17% of the pie, 11% had five or more. Yes, I am a nerd and have been tracking the stats in my trusty excel workbook. I know more than 66 women but I got tired of tracking and stopped. That is a lot of babies!

Summer Solstice 2011

2011-06-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I couldn't very well let my favorite day of the year pass without recognizing it. Especially since this is what the forecast was for the day:

And this is what we got:

And this is how I felt about it:

"excited"!

Let me just say, it was a summer miracle! Today would mark the second day in 2011 that the temperature exceeded 80-degrees. That was not a typo people, I did write "second"!

Now I find myself in a conundrum: Am I excited that the summer is here? Hopefully implying that warmer weather will accompany it? Or am I sad because the days will now be getting shorter? Perhaps if I lived somewhere that experienced summer temps pre-4th-of-July, I might not find myself awake at night analyzing the situation.

And for the record, my beloved swim park opened on Saturday (only to close early "due to inclement weather" - people, it has be BAD here! La Nina is out to make my life miserable!)! I've been scratching at the door for so long Wyatt finally had to take the leash off and let me run loose. Despite the fact that he has finals to study for this week, he took the trip to the park with me...twice! Happy day!

Wyatt + Brittany = Love

Wyatt + Brittany + Swim Park = True Love

National Debt Pay-Off

2011-05-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you’ve had your ear tuned into the news lately, I’m sure you’ve heard that the nation’s debt is on the verge of maxing-out. In other words, we’re about to default on some loans unless we get tricky with the books.

Everyone knows there are two ways to reduce debt: cut spending and/or pay it off. Naturally this triggers a debate on how exactly does one United States of America do this? Who gets the pay cut? Who gets cut-off? Who pays?

My initial thought was to work together. Let’s instigate a national one-time, flat-rate tax. Everyone over the age of 18 pays $5, one time. $5 is doable. $5 is a pizza at Little Creasers, three-hot dogs at Costco, five RedBox movies – surely it’s not too much to ask?! I decided to do the math to see how brilliant my plan was. Vote for me! I’ll reduce the nation’s debt!

SCREEEEEEEEEECH! (This is when my enthusiasm came to a screeching halt…) As it turns out, my piddly $5 per person doesn’t even make a dent! My $5 plan reduces our debt by 0.01%… What the?! It’s not until each person pays $1,000 that we pass the 1% threshold. And the magic number each person can contribute to bail the country from its financial burdens is $57,405. That means a total of $114,810 for my household of two.

US Total Debt: $14,300,000,000,000
US Total Population: 311,383,748
Estimated US Population 18 years + (80%): 249,106,998

After all is said and done, I have decided that I will not be giving the United States of America 57,405 of my dollars to rescue them from the chains of debt. Instead I will offer my two-cents of advice: stop spending money!

Thirty-Three

2011-05-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my beloved! You are my favorite!

(even if you refuse to share your birthday orange rolls with your classmates in fear that you might receive some birthday attention.)

Ode to Mom

2011-05-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Momma,

Because of you, I am who I am today... and that makes me happy!

Love you tons!
No. 6

PS - Wouldn't you agree that the best is always saved for last?

Dios Bendiga Saint George

2011-04-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Wyatt tells me about the movie "Windows of Heaven" he used to watch with his investigators on his mission. He went to New York City Spanish speaking, so of course the movies they shared were in Espanol. The particular thing about this movie was that everything was spoken with the typical Spanish accent, except for "Saint George". It wasn't a subtle difference but rather a quite obvious one. So now, anytime we talk about Saint George, Wyatt repeats the line from the movie, "Dios Bendiga Saint George". Making sure he uses his thickest Spanish accent for the "Dios Bendiga" and an all true American accent for the "Saint George". Very silly, but something I love!

Finally I had my opportunity to visit Saint George. My friend Amie, a friend from my Chicago days, moved there with her family a little less than a year ago and invited me to visit. So I decided to take her up on here offer. Amie picked me up from the Vegas airport last Thursday night and we immediately went out to dinner at a close by Indian restaurant. I felt like it was very important that we had Indian food since it is one of her favorites and one cuisine I recently added to my personal favorites (for the longest time I never could understand why she enjoyed it so much... I have since seen the light). It's so nice to be in the company of a fellow foodie! After gorging ourselves with food, we rolled ourselves out the door and made the two-hour trek to Saint George. We didn't arrive until after midnight, so after I received the grand tour of their lovely home (and after Amie made a delish lemon dessert) I crashed into bed.

Friday morning I was greeted by the door knock of little fists pleaing with me to get up. What a pleasant surprise to open my door and see two of the cutest kids eager to meet me! The three of us round-up their older brother for a quick game of Candyland before breakfast and school. While the two boys were at school, Amie and I spent the morning tackling errands and shopping. It was fun to tag along with Amie since she is in the midst of growing her year food supply, so she was full of useful tips and information. It gave me a bit of encouragement to begin gathering my own "crops" for my own family supply.

Friday night the whole family (dad, mom, three kids and me) made the trek north to Cedar City to see the comedian Brian Regan at Southern Utah University. The crazy part about this mini-trip is that it was SNOWING! Which, surprisingly, I didn't mind. I guess since we never get it in Portland it was nice to see... even in April. We had Navajo tacos for dinner (one of my Carroll family favs) and enjoyed a wonderful evening laughing our heads off!

Saturday was a lovely day spent with Amie's husband's (Patrick) family - we had a delish French Toast breakfast, played some games, had a tasty lunch and even a small nap... Unfortunately, this is where my stomach started to take a turn for the worst and would give me grief for the next 24-hours. Lame. That's right, I found myself with a case of the stomach flu! Double lame! I felt terrible physically, but worse emotionally. Patrick and Amie worked their magic to create a world-class meal and I could barely enjoy it. I was so disappointed. I tried so very hard to psych my stomach up to "enjoy it or else" but in the end my stomach showed me who was boss as I made several trips to the bathroom. Did I mention authentic Korean food and homemade Samoa cookies was on the menu? I know! Luckily, my stomach simmered down in time for leftovers the next day. Phew! Though let me say, it was a sight to see Amie and Patrick working side by side cooking dinner. It was as if I was watching the Food Network.

Sunday presented us with beautiful weather so we spent a good portion of the day outside. I had a BLAST playing with the kids! On a side note, if I could bear five-year-old children, I would. (An unpleasant thought, I know). I just dig kids so much more than babies. They're far more interactive, funny, entertaining and fun! I was truly sad to part ways when it was time for me to return home. It was a fun trip! And I am very happy that I got to spend time with an old friend.

It's been so long since Amie and I have spent any in-person time together, I was wondering what it'd be like. But it was great! I admire Amie so much. She is one of the most compassionate people I know, constantly serving in the church, within her community and amongst her family and friends. She is an amazing mother and wife. She keeps an organized home, filled with the Spirit. And she has an unwavering testimony of the gospel. It was a pleasure to be able to spend the weekend with her! I think another trip is in order...

Missing These Guys...

2011-04-04T19:30:00.001-07:00

Wyatt and I have been teaching in Primary together since we returned from Hawaii... and have been LOVING it! We were the lucky ones that got to move-up with our old class to their new CTR-5B class! These six little guys have become the highlight of each of my weeks. I am often excited to go to Primary on Sundays just so I can hang with these little dudes and dudettes. They say and do the funniest things! Wyatt and I are often laughing at their spunky little personalities.

Since it was conference yesterday, I didn't get my fix of five/six-year-olds. Sad. Today I'm missing them and counting down the days until we get to play together again...

This picture captures each of their individual personalities spot-on. So cute!

What do you do if you never went to Prom...

2011-03-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

...attend your husband's dental school formal dance 12-years later. Complete with dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory with a group of friends and official dance pictures. I'm kicking myself that I didn't go as far as to purchase carnation corsages for the two of us. Snap!

(terrible picture of me...)

Though I can't say for certain, I think I enjoyed myself far more than I would've when I was in high-school. Really, I got to spend the night with my true love - embarrassing him with my unique dance moves - flailing arms and all. He loves it. Even when he begs me to stop, I know he really means to keep going. I think I also enjoyed the dig the night was on Prom in general. Kind of a silly event...

(Terrible picture of Wyatt. We can't seem to get it together.)

Meet Klaus

2011-02-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

After weeks of patiently waiting, I was finally able to adopt the newest member of our family - Klaus.

I first met Klaus at TJ Maxx when my mom was in town visiting. It was she who introduced us. Rescuing him from the heap of winter accessories he was so carelessly tossed into. The moment I laid my eyes on him, I knew we were meant to be together. Even the classy lady, shopping close by, admitted we were a match made in heaven.

(bumming around downtown Seattle)

However, he was a high price to pay and I couldn't swallow the costly ticket to make him mine. I began listing the options in my mind, determining the most plausible solution to my plight. Of course! I would exercise my rights as a customer and use the 30-day return policy in my favor! Surely I could secure the funds I needed to make Klaus forever mine in thirty days.

(enjoying one of the twelve donuts Wyatt bought me for Valentine's Day)

That first night I brought Klaus home, Wyatt expressed his voice of concern. “Real fox fur?” he would say, “We live in Portland. Someone is surely to douse you with red paint.” I stifled his unease with sound reasoning. “It’s not like I bought Klaus at a fur store. I’m not perpetuating the demand. Instead, I am saving the fox’s dignity. It did not die in vain because I decided to purchase Klaus at a secondary store. Imagine had I not bought Klaus, he could very well end up on the next shipment to Africa. An unwanted item, forced to become a donation.”

“But 70-dollars?” was Wyatt’s next dispute. My rebuttal was simple, “I’m going to return him in thirty days.” Though Wyatt didn’t know it (but I’m sure was very aware of the possibility) that I had every intention to keep Klaus.

(exploring the Seattle Public Library as Wyatt maintains his usual heavy reading)

The days passed as I formulated a plan to rescue Klaus from bonds of TJ Maxx. First, I determined I would sell my shoes. Surely someone out there would want to purchase them. I listed them on eBay allowing fait (and the free market) to determine their value. Next, the most serendipitous thing happened. I was granted a 25-dollar Visa gift card from my work! The gift card alone would result in a 35-percent savings!

(so that is where Oregon is...)

I counted the days until the online auction would reveal my earnings. Finally, a $30 price tag was agreed upon. That meant an additional 43-percent savings! I knew that although Wyatt (or I for that matter) would not agree to a $70 fox fur hat, he couldn’t say no to a $15 fox fur hat. So, with Wyatt’s blessing, I made my way back to TJ Maxx to officially adopt Klaus. I returned him at the $70 value and immediately repurchased him using my $25 Visa gift card and $30 earnings from eBay. Finally the papers were signed and Klaus was mine forever!

And we lived happily ever after…

(don't tell Wyatt I posted this picture, he specifically told me not to)

Epilogue: I consider myself a very conservative person. I am of the bread that has a set value for each article of clothing I buy and refuse to purchase anything for more than my predetermined price. Jeans: $25 or less. Shoes: $20 or less. Shirts: $15 or less. So it is beyond me why I was so determined to purchase a hat for $70. It was very much uncharacteristic of me to become so impulsive. Really, I get buyers remorse when I purchase our weekly groceries!

However, it is the advice my mom has continued to give me over the years. The same advice my friend Phoebe continues to reinforce: “Sometimes you have to ask yourself, ‘will this bring me joy?’, and if the answer is ‘yes’, hold onto it forever.” You better believe Klaus, my fox fur hat, brings me joy! And I can guarantee he will be hugging my head tight for many years to come.

And for the record, Wyatt told me that he thinks I look very cute in my new hat! All is well in the Wilson home!

String of Events

2011-02-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

There is more to my life than funeral planning. I'll prove it!

Two-weeks ago I received a phone call from my momma seeing if she could visit us for the weekend. Of course I said "yes!" and as a result we had a fun-filled weekend. Poor Wyatt had to study, so it was just Mom and me painting the town. Since it was an impromptu visit, we didn't have anything planned. I just dragged Mom around with me to run my errands. And we ate like we were in hog heaven! It was wonderful! Of course, the only picture I have to document her visit is the terrible self-taken shot at the temple.

We also went shopping at TJ Maxx where I met Klaus for the first time. (More about him to come later...) We also went to the fabric store and found a cute spandex print to make my latest swimsuit. Mom helped me design the pattern, which was a HUGE help since it's easier to do with four hands (especially when two of them aren't my own!) Thanks for your help Momma! I love you! Here is what the finished product looks like:

I was aiming for a retro 50's style. However, Wyatt informed me that it reminds him of a little girl's swimsuit. Humpf! Oh well. I'm still happy with the outcome. My only bit of frustration is that I made it a tad-bit too small. In the sense that if I gain more then five pounds it'll be too small. Waaa!

I finished my swimsuit just in time for Wyatt's family's annual adventure. This year his parents rented the entire local community swim center! Yay! I would share the picture of Wyatt and me together, but Wyatt requested that I not share a picture of him in his swim trunks on the world wide web. Instead, here is a picture of me on the rope swing...

Wyatt's family was also in town to celebrate his Gramma Beasley's 90th birthday! You read it, 90! Her kids planned a birthday party and invited anyone and everyone who knew Gramma. It was a wonderful celebration seeing all of the people and lives she's touched in her lifetime. I think the party made her week, month, year, and life! She was on Cloud 9 the entire afternoon! It also made me feel so lucky that even I have been able to be a part of Gramma's life. And most importantly, the influence that she has had in Wyatt's life. I know he is a better person because of her. We love you Gramma Beasley!

That pretty much sums-up the past two-weeks of my life. Not the most exciting two-weeks but pleasant none-the-less. And two-weeks I wouldn't want to trade for anything else!

The "F" Word

2011-01-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know. I’ve been awfully quiet lately… Perhaps you’ve thought I’ve been up to no good (much like those suspiciously quiet kids you discover using finger nail polish to paint the bed skirt (true story about one of my nieces)). But alas, I indeed have been up to no good. But let’s not talk about that. Instead, I thought I might briefly shine some light on the aspect of my life that has been occupying much of my time these days... My new job.

Yes, that’s right! I have a new job! Though, I wonder if I can really call it “new” since I’ve been working at my current employer for two-months now. Perhaps I’ve been delaying my announcement to my bloggy readers since I didn’t actually know how to explain what I do. That is, until this week. My company just wrapped-up the semi-annual sales meeting that unveiled some exciting new developments. Before I share with you the flashy version summarizing what I do, I’ll give you the same shpeel I used to gloss over when I was asked the question, “what do you do?”

“I am part of the business development team for a life insurance company that specializes in policies specifically for funerals. In other words, I work for a funeral planning company.”

I even had one friend go as far to ask, “What exactly do you do to develop the business for a funeral planning company? Do they give you a shotgun and send you out to develop business?” (It was actually quite funny. I’m actually laughing right now as I type.)

I still do work in business development… But after this week, I’m going to refer all inquires here: whypreplan.org. (Quick note: this isn't the official website of my company, Lincoln Heritage. It's merely a resource for potential customers to learn more about pre-planning a funeral.)

You should check-it-out. There are a lot of fun, touching, well-done videos. Our marketing crew did a fantastic job! I think it’ll make it easier for people to discuss the “f-word”. And most importantly, help people to understand a little bit better about what I do.

Ta-ta for now!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2010-12-24T17:09:00.001-08:00

Cards of Christmas' Past: 2007, 2008, 2009

We've been busy making lists and checking them twice. Perhaps next year I'll catch my bloggy readers up on the Wilson happenings... Perhaps not.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

I Hope You Like Jammin' Too

2010-11-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

What I've been up to this month... Jammin'. Our trip to Hood River yielded 24-pints of applesauce! Plus the five gallon-sized freezer bags of blackberries that I picked this summer turned into EIGHT quarts of blackberry pie filling and TEN half-pints of blackberry jam. I'm so happy!

What I've been doing since I finished all my fruit canning... eating peanut butter and blackberry toast every morning for breakfast. Could life get any better? I don't think so.

Thanks to Phoebe for surrendering her home to my canning projects. (And to her husband for picking-up the slack and finishing our applesauce adventure without us.) And to all my other friends with their words of advice. Maybe next year I'll take the training wheels off?

the (literal) fruits of my labor. yum.

If the shoe fits...

2010-11-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

Here I am at another boring receptionist job. This time, I'm at Keen. I can't really complain though since they GAVE me a brand new pair of shoes! A retail value of $90! One might suspect that perhaps I hinted at wanting to be the proud owner of a new pair of Keens but you're wrong. There was no such fishing. The lady that I'm covering for simply asked me what size shoe I wear and then excitedly announced that my size sevens are their sample size! She then escorted me over to the product department and they fitted my feet with a new pair of Chester Clogs.

Here's the catch - I don't like my new pair of shoes. I know, boo! Hiss! How can I be so ungrateful?! I'm not. I'm very grateful. I'm just anti-clog grateful . I think clogs make feet look fat. Since I couldn't very well say, "thanks for your generosity but do you have a pair that I like?" I've decided to sell them instead. (After my investigative work revealed that REI doesn't carry the Chester Clog model and I ruled out the option of taking advantage of Nordstom's world-renown customer service.) I'm looking forward to having the unexpected extra money in my pocket!

In other shoe news, my feet have been feeling very happy lately. I had an epiphany a few weeks ago that perhaps fuzzy slippers would make exceptional winter shoes. Target had some loafer slippers on sale for $15 a couple weeks ago so I decided to act on my novel idea. I was right! Fuzzy slippers really do make the BEST winter shoes! I bragged to Wyatt how my toes will never get cold again. His response, "It's called socks." I disagree! Foux fur is 100-times warmer, cozier and easier than socks! My only regret, why didn't I buy two pairs?!

...and I'm a Mormon.

2010-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

I don't want to let too much time pass away before I add an addendum to this post. It may sound like lip-service to some of you but I genuinely appreciate all the comments I received in regards to my feelings about my current employment situation and motherhood. I appreciate the different perspective brought from each comment and the simple words of advice or encouragement. Thank you.

Later the evening that I posted my feelings on the subject, some friends of ours encouraged us to check-out the new Mormon.org. Seeing that I had all the time in the world to surf the world-wide-web, I took-up their recommendation the very next day while I was at work.

I was blown away. Tears filled my eyes (remember I was watching these at work!) as I watched each profile, highlighting the unique life experiences each individual experiences each day. It is amazing how easily the Spirit can touch our lives through each other (even with people we've never met). It amazed me even more how each person spotlighted never said the words, "I bear my testimony" but simply through the act of living and recognizing God's hand in their lives they were able to testify of Him.

There were two profiles in particular that struck a chord with me (Rochelle and Robert). With all my uncertainty of what to do with my life, they helped put things back into perspective. They reminded me that God has a plan for me and that I need to continue to put my trust in Him, that he will guide my life so that I receive the greatest fulfillment. That it's not ultimately about me but rather about those I serve and the sacrifices I make. I'm certain that there really is no greater calling than parenthood - the role that requires continuous sacrifice and continuous acts of selflessness. It's funny how easily our thoughts can get off track and then we need to be reminded of the things we already know...

I find myself constantly singing to myself the words of the hymn "How Gentle God's Commands". It's been a nice reminder that both Heavenly Father and Jesus have my best interest in mind and I just need to "cast my burdens" and "trust in their constant care". Something that is very difficult for me to do when I think that I know what is best for me. Though, I am amazed each time as I look back and see that Heavenly Father's plan was much better than my own.

I often wonder if I am acting as a true disciple of Christ. Do I love and serve my fellow men? Do I carry the Spirit of Christ with me so that there is no question in one's mind Whom I ultimately love and serve? I'm afraid that sometimes I'm not on my best behavior and perhaps others can't even decipher that I am Christian, let alone a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always chalk my missionary work up to living by example... but am I? Perhaps I should be a little more proactive in testifying my beliefs...

So let me start here...

My name is Brittany Wilson. I am a runner, I am a pseudo-bakestress, a travel enthusiast, a happy wife, a world-class eater, a lucky daughter and sister, a child of God... and a Mormon!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to make our annual trip to Hood River last weekend for the Edelweiss Festival. However, Wyatt was overwhelmed with the thought of two exams the following week, that we decided it'd be better for everyone if we postponed the trip a week. The good news is, we missed the terrible weather from our originally planned weekend. The bad news, we had the same terrible weather on our trip. I guess it was only a matter of time before our good fortune (three years of perfectly blue skies) ran dry.

Here we are overlooking Mt. Saint Helen's at our favorite cookie stop - Packers. They seriously have the BEST coconut macaroons I've ever had. Wyatt is in love with their black and white cookies. They usually have a 20-cookie spread with plenty of bite-sized samples to enjoy seconds. However, this time around they FORGOT to keep the samples supplied and we were greeted with crumbs! Can you believe it?! I know! So after Wyatt and I paid for our 10-dollars worth of cookies the lady slowly started to break the cookies one-by-one. So we decided to slowly follow her one-by-one and partake of the delish cookie samples. I'm sure we appeared to be a couple of free-loaders. But need I remind her that we already spent !0-dollars on her cookies? I didn't think so.

Since the clouds were too low to enjoy the vibrant colors of the beautiful fall scenery, we focused all our efforts on buying apples. We ended up buying five boxes (roughly 40-pounds each)! Don't you worry, we were on an errand and three of those boxes were for other people. They had 25-cent/pound apples that we loaded-up on for making applesauce. Now I'm not an applesauce connoisseur but if the apples are good enough to make fresh apple juice, surely they're good enough for some homemade applesauce. Really, how could they not be? How could you go wrong with mashed-up, cooked apples? Ask me if I still feel the same after I finish canning...

Did I mention that on top of the rain it was FREEZING cold? I had little ice cube fingers by the time we were done picking apples from the barrels. I've reminded my friend that she now owns "blood apples". You know, like blood diamonds?

After our rendezvous to Hood River we prepped our car for our ward's annual Trunk-or-Treat. Let me preface by saying, I think this year's car costume was a total FLOP! I promise, this is not me fishing for compliments. We had such a great idea but FAILED TERRIBLY to execute it! I don't know if we didn't have enough time, or if the weather had an affect, or what - it just simply was no good at all.

We decided to dress Sam (my car) up as a flying saucer. Wyatt had the great idea of using tent poles to create a round frame. Then we decided to use white plastic table clothes (thank you dollar store!) to cover the frame. Glow-in-the-dark bracelets were used to accessorize and a terrible antenna on top (many commented that it reminded them of the flux-capacitor from Back to the Future). Lastly, we positioned two stuffed pandas in the front seats with makeshift space helmets. See, doesn't this all sound like it'd make a great car costume? Yeah, we thought so too. But this is what we ended-up with...

Again, I'm not fishing for compliments, so don't go telling me that it looks good because the pictures make it look even worse than it really was. (If you can believe that...) If you need some more convincing, check out our efforts from years past: 2007 (our favorite), 2008, 2009. See?!

I think the part that was most perplexing is the amount of compliments we received on our own individual costumes. Really, we looked nothing like the "space rangers" we were supposed to be (if we weren't standing next to our flying saucer). Wyatt maybe. But me? No. Not to mention that there really was NO effort put into our individual costumes. And compared to all the exceptional costumes of our fellow ward members, we were really pale in comparison. I was amazed at the kinds of ideas people came up with. Not to mention their ability to execute their ideas with such perfection.

I think we both decided after this years Trunk-or-Treat flop, that'd we'd scrape our car costume and work on our own individual costumes. My vote is for Bert and Ernie. Wyatt thinks he vetoes it... but I won't let him. We shall see what Halloween 2011 brings.

From the Mind of Brittany Wilson

2010-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at the front desk of the office of my current temporary position. I'm the receptionist for the week. Not a glam job by all means. Actually, it's quite boring. I'd be completely miserable if it weren't for one thing... the company I'm working for has a personal chef that makes me (and the rest of the office) FREE lunch EVERYDAY! How rad is that? I know! It really is the highlight of my day - one that consumes many of my thoughts.

Since I've had a surplus of time to do nothing (no books aloud (and surfing the web can be entertaining only for so long...)) - I've been able to allow my mind to wonder. Here are some of the things that have been occupying my brain space:

Talking About the Weather...
I am amazed at how well this works. I've taken note of the conversations I've had with people for several years now (and especially now as I find myself moving from job to job) and talking about the weather is one sure way to get a conversation moving. It's a common ground everyone can relate to. I guess it seems so odd to me because for the longest time I thought it was simply a saying:

"What'd you talk about?"

"Oh, the weather."

I think many people (including myself) use this tactic to fill the otherwise awkward silence. I think I've had at least ten conversations on the subject this week.

Interesting People
I've been pondering for the past several months about what makes a person interesting. Are they interesting because interesting things happen to them? Or are they interesting because they make interesting things happen to them? Or perhaps it's either one but it's all about the delivery? Maybe I am interesting but I lack the charisma to relay my interesting life? Yeah right. I am not interesting.

Choosing a Career
I am not one of those fortunate people that knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up. Instead, I had a million ideas floating through my brain. Then when it came time to commit, I floundered and chose something that (I thought) would open many doors of opportunity. Instead, the dual degree I received in business management and marketing is far too broad. I have some qualifications for many jobs, when in reality what I need is all the qualifications for one job. I am envious of Wyatt who in four years will come out of school without a doubt in his mind about what kind of job he will be looking for. I should've narrowed my discipline and chosen a career that would make looking for a job much easier. (i.e. an engineer, a teacher, a psychiatrist, etc.) Instead I now find myself marching through life aimlessly, with a constant internal battle, wondering what I should make of myself. It is exhausting.

Quality of Life
I can honestly say, despite the fact I am frustrated with myself for not being able to "make something of myself", I have no regrets about quiting my last job. For two-and-a-half years I was miserable. And I can honestly say that even though I am unemployed and am making peanuts as a temporary employee, I am happy. I am really happy. I didn't realize what kind of negative effect my previous job had on me. So maybe it doesn't matter what kind of career one pursues as long as they are happy with the atmosphere of their job? I've always thought company culture to be a major influence in the happiness one experiences at work. Especially now as I've had the opportunity to temp at other companies. (Especially here as I'm fed lunch each day!) So does it matter what you do as long as you like where you work, if you like your coworkers, and feel like your company values the work you do? Perhaps.

The Importance of a Degree
Yeah, all my recent thoughts are job related. Something that has been heavy on my mind is my degree. I've entertained the thought several times to submit my application to wait tables at the little French bakery just down the road. The number one thing that keeps me from doing this is that I'd be turning my back on my degree. What was the point of going to college if I'm just going to bag it anyway? I'll admit, I'm even more concerned with "What will people think?" It seems like as humans we measure each other's value based on income levels and by the title on our business cards. Why? Right now, as I sit as the fill-in receptionist, I feel like people are judging me and are making the assumption that I'm a dim-witted broad. I feel like announcing over the PA that I did go to college, I did graduate, I did hold a semi-impressive position for the past 2.5-years, and that I can do far more than answer phones. Perhaps I'm just reading into things that aren't there? I might be a bit sensitive.

The Nobility of Motherhood
I think this whole job/career thing has taken an extra toll on me lately because of my current situation in life. I'm in between "jobs". I'm wrapping-up my twenties (years associated with education, working and holding a career) and moving into my thirties... those child-bearing years. I've entertained the thought of "biding my time" until I do receive the blessing of becoming a mother. My qualms with this: 1) who knows when that will be and 2) shouldn't I aspire to something more than just looking for something to "pass the time"? And then I let society creep into my mind and wonder if I want motherhood to define my life. A noble role I sincerely believe. I'm just afraid of what I have to say for myself when I look back on life. About what I did with myself when I didn't have children, what I aspired to be, how I utilized my strengths and talents, did I come out stronger?

I just feel like I've been in Wyatt's shadow lately. That he's the one doing all the hard work to provide for our family. That my work in the background (cooking, cleaning, shopping, paying bills, etc.) is insignificant. I'm not jealous, I'm just discouraged. I think in today's society there's very little acknowledgement of the role of a mother (or wife in my case). Society is just concerned with what you do to bring home the bacon. They couldn't care less that you're the one shopping for the bacon.

Then other thoughts cross my mind, what happens if something happened to Wyatt (who we're planning on being the sole provider)? What if I need to go back to work and I don't have a "foundation" to build upon because I chose to "bide my time"? What if (I really hope this isn't the case!) Wyatt and I split up and I need to fend for myself? Perhaps there is a lack of faith on my part but I just can't shake the pressure I feel to become more successful than I am.

Am I alone in my thoughts? Does anyone else feel this way?

Sunny Colorado

2010-10-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Since my momma is a flight attendant for United, it is very rare that I get to see her while I'm visiting in Colorado. She's usually up flying the friendly skies. So when she told me her vacation was set to be the first week in October, I made arrangements to visit her during the duration of her break... It was so many months ago that we had planned my visit that it's hard to believe it has already come and gone. Sad. I had a blast hanging with my mom for ten straight days!

There wasn't one specific moment that stuck out, it was simply fun to spend time with her. Some things we did while I was visiting were: cook and eat some Nichols family favorites, walk around Johnstown Lake every morning, attend the temple, go shopping, go to the movies, sit and chat, stayed up late every night, and worked on a special book project my mom has.

It was a pleasant trip and it seemed like our time together had drawn to an end too quickly. Though I was happy to return home to Oregon to hang with Wyatt, I was terribly sad that I couldn't stay longer with my mom. It's true, home is where mom is.

I love you momma! Thanks for making me feel so special!

Walking around Johnstown lake. (Notice how SUNNY it is?)

Mom modeling the delish pumpkin pie I made

Hanging out with my big sis Burgandy

My "brother-in-law" Jason on his wedding day, with my two nephews

All the Colorado grand people and me (sad the other three weren't able to play with us)

Wyatt had flowers waiting for me when I returned home - what a sweetie!

I Heart Radio Lab

2010-09-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested in adding a little variety of radio listening to their lives, I have a diamond in the rough for you. Radio Lab. "It's a radio show and podcast, with Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, that weaves stories and science into sound and music-rich documentaries." I stole that from the website. Seriously though, it's a great show. If you're a This American Life fan - and you should be, I recommend this show too - you're naturally going to heart Radio Lab. They make science fun! Covering an array of topics from animals, to tumors, to limits, to time, to phantom arms, to statistics, to... you get the picture.

The episode that got me hooked was the one about a phantom arm. A man no longer had his arm (I forgot how he lost it, the military?) and for several years had severe (phantom) pain coming from where his arm once was. He said it felt like his fist was clinched tightly and like his nails were digging into the palm of his hand. It was all psychological. He visited several doctors for many years and no one was able to cure his pain... since there wasn't any arm to treat. Finally the man went to see a new doctor (with a Eastern European accent, it seems appropriate, doesn't it?) who McGyver'd up a mirror that created the illusion that he had his real arm. The doctor instructed him to move the hand on his real arm (that looked like his phantom arm while looking into the mirror) as if he was un-clinching his fist. After several weeks of doing this, he no longer felt any pain in his phantom arm! Cool, huh?

I know, I didn't do a very good job of explaining the story. You're just going to have to check it out yourself. Along with some other Radio Lab podcasts. I think you're going to heart it too. :)

Pond Oswego

2010-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

My lake...is gone! Apparently they're fixing the sewer line because they thought it was going to bust or something, something. Whatever the reason, it better be back to normal by Memorial Day Weekend 2011! That's a threat! Aside from Hawaii, the Lake Grove Swim Park is the place I prefer to be in the summer. I never thought these words would pass my lips, but I hope it rains a lot this winter... since that is the means they're using to refill Lake Oswego. Until then, we will refer to it as "Pond Oswego" in our home.

Lake Oswego before (courtesy of Jen VW :) )

Lake Oswego after (notice the dock of the swim park - from the picture above - located in the background of this pic? I know, I too shed a tear...)

Pond Oswego (it kind of makes me think of a movie about the apocalypse - or Arizona)

The Brave Little Toaster

2010-09-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here trying to enhance my resume in hopes to catch the eye of at least one perspective employer. Needless to say it is mind-numbing work. So naturally my mind started to wander... This time to the Adobe class Wyatt and I took four years at the local community collage. I wanted more skills I could list on my resume. And as it turns out, I had the opportunity to apply what I learned (which was peanuts) while employed at my previous job to create newsletters, brochures, ads for industry journals, and the new company business cards. Did I fool you? It sounds like I'm a lot more advanced than I really am. Believe me, I have a ways to go...

Even so, I thought I'd share one of my assignments from ART225. We were asked to take an existing movie and create a new poster and DVD jacket. I chose to add a different twist to the "Brave Little Toaster". It kind of has a "Brave New World" feel to it. Despite my novice skills, I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out. Even four-years after the fact.

Poster

DVD Cover

(Twenty -) eight is GREAT!

2010-08-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Wyatt and I really have had the time of our lives this summer. Ever since he finished his classes in June we've just been playing our little hearts out. Five-weeks in Hawaii, a family reunion on the Oregon Coast, throw in a couple visits to the swim park, and finally the grand finale with my birthday celebration. I have been so drunk with fun the past several weeks I nearly felt like I was hit by a semi when I awoke to reality this morning. And I don't even have a job yet!

For those who are curious about our recent happenings, please read on. You didn't really think I was going to let my birthday pass without a peep, did you? I may be older but I still have a lot of growing up to do.

PS - Really, I'm not trying to brag about the cush' life I've had the past while. I really just want to tell you about my birthday.

Carry on...

Let me just say this was one of the best birthdays ever! In my opinion, the day was already off to an excellent start when I woke to CLEAR BLUE skies and a weather prediction of 96-degrees! I mean this with all sincerity, I couldn't have asked for more. But wait, I did get more, Wyatt made me a birthday poster that I absolutely LOVE! My favorite is the picture he drew of me running. Check out those draft winds. Wowza! I am speedy (but only in 2D drawings)!

First we went to the temple for the LONGEST temple session ever. I'm not saying that to be rude. I mean it matter-of-factly. It was long. There were two "special events" so there were lots of people and lots of late people, then there was a medical emergency in the middle of the session (I'm not entirely clear about what happened. I think the lady passed-out while she was sitting down. She finally came-to once they wheel-chaired her out.) , and lastly one pregnant lady that needed to go to the bathroom (she probably would've made it through the entire session under normal session times). Add these three events together and you get one extra-long session. Even so it was nice, just like always.

Second we went to brunch at La Provence around the corner from where we live. I like it quite a bit. My brother Harold said (when he and family were visiting last summer) that it reminded him of his mission in Paris - the food that is. I like it because it's tasty and charming. (I really, really, really want to work there. But money kind of is an issue and I wouldn't make any there.) I had the Monte Cristo and an almond brioche. Yum!

Third, we drove to Wyatt's parents' house to float the Clackamas river. Did I mention the beautiful weather? Hot weather + floating the river = best summer activity. Wyatt's sister, hubby, and son joined us. It was very cool and relaxing. Ahhhhh.

Next, I got sick. Can you believe that?!!! On my birthday I came down with a fever of 102-degrees! I know what you're thinking - heat stroke. But I promise it wasn't. I was feeling woozy on Friday to the point that I nearly passed out. I thought maybe I was over it when I awoke on Saturday morning but no, I was wrong.

So we scrapped the rest of our plans (bbq at the swim park and movie in the park) and ate Chipotle at home as we watched Eureka. Wyatt promised we could finish the remainder of my birthday celebration at a later date. In fact, I am eating the blackberry pie (we were supposed to have on Saturday) as I type. Soooo good.

And now it's Monday and I sent Wyatt off to his first day of dental school. I really feel like I am the emotional mother having a hard time parting with her child on their first day of kindergarten. And I'm nearly certain Wyatt is like that small child happy to finally be free from my apron strings. Sad. I really missed him today. After spending every day together for the past six-weeks, it was really quiet and lonely. I am going through Wyatt withdraws. I need a job...

Hawaii: Week Four and Five

2010-08-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

We're home! I now see how people can get "stuck" in Hawaii because I was tempted more than once to spend the next four years on the island of Oahu as my sweet hubby slaves away at dental school. Hawaii really has a way of drawing you in so you NEVER want to leave! The good news is that we came home to summer in Oregon and, as I've said a hundred times before, I LOVE summer! We were greeted Thursday morning with blue skies... AND warm temperatures! Happy day! I like to look at it as a tender mercy of sorts. So even though I miss Hawaii I'm not too heart broken about enjoying Oregon's best season. Though the Lake Grove swim park (as much as I love it (and I'm not being sarcastic - it really is my favorite place in Oregon)) doesn't really compare to the beaches of the North Shore. Sigh. (cloudy + smelly + lake water < clear + non-smelly < ocean).

I think I've become quite the snob. Even being Waikiki was disappointing since it was over crowded with people, the water was infested with sunscreen, and the sand was as hard as concrete. Yeah, big snob. I'm just saying if you have the opportunity to spend time on the island of Oahu, go to the North Shore. You won't be disappointed.

I've had several people ask me how our trip was since we returned home. It's kind of hard to to maintain one's attention when there isn't anything terribly exciting to report... seeing that we spent the majority of our five-weeks on the beach...swiming. Don't get me wrong, it was really nice. But not a very grabbing narrative. And now I'll finish off the last two weeks of our trip with pictures. (If you'd like to see more pictures from our trip, take a look at our Facebook pages. Or if you're really crazy, we can invite you over and give you a personal slide show). Enjoy...

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I have no regrets about quitting my job and taking off for paradise. I am certain I will not be contacted about being the poster model for provident living. I just wanted to add this part because I was thinking about my old job the other day and had this overwhelming feeling of relief wash over me that I no longer have to think about it. My burden has been lifted, and I'm poor. Here's to finding a job that I like! Wish me luck!

Hawaii: Week Three

2010-07-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

The truth of the matter is that I'm TERRIFIED of the ocean. It has nothing to do with swimming and everything to do with not being able to see what's in the water. But then, I'm just as scared when I'm snorkeling and CAN see under the water. I'm still debating in my head which is worse: not knowing something creepy is next to me under the water or knowing that I'm swimming with something creepy. Whenever Wyatt and I go snorkeling I'm practically on top of him the entire time we're in the water. He reminds me that he likes his space while he swims...

I guess my fear has slowly crept into my dreams because I dreamt that Wyatt had been eaten by a shark. In my dream he knew there was a shark in the water and deliberately got in despite my pleas and chomp, chomp he was gone. After I awoke from my dream I woke Wyatt with a punch in the arm and made him promise he would not go into the water if he knew there was a shark present. Well, yesterday we were snorkeling with a friend (who lives in Hawaii) and managed to swim FAR AWAY from the shore and into the middle of the ocean. And then my friend announces, "I've never snorkeled this far out before." I was certain my dream the night before was about to come true... so I suggested we return to the beach. And then I swam my little legs as fast as they would carry me to land. I bet you thought I was going to say there was a shark? Nope. I was just scared is all. This is probably why I will never be a surfer. Oh and the fact that I probably wouldn't be very good at it.

We have two-weeks remaining and I am digging my heels in the dirt trying to make time slow down. I am not ready to go home. If we didn't have to return for Wyatt to start school I might consider setting up camp here for another couple months... or even years.

Thanks for all the book recommendations. Unfortunately we couldn't make it to a real bookstore and I had to settle on what I could find at WalMart and the thrift store. So I picked up 'To Kill a Mocking Bird', 'The Informant', and 'Neither Here nor There'. I am planning on picking-up 'The Help' when I get home (since I had so many recommendations for it) - or maybe my momma will send me her copy? Mom? I'm halfway through To Kill a Mocking Bird. I don't think I gave this book as much credit as it deserved while I was in high-school. I am really enjoying it and am in love with Scout (and her name) and Atticus.

Oh, and they're filming Pirates of the Caribbean FOUR just up the road. Does anyone else think it's ridiculous they're milking that series? I really liked the first one and personally feel like it went downhill from there. They're being real hush-hush about the set so I don't know if Johny Depp is within proximity. I hope so.

And now pictures:

Laie Temple at Night

cheif of the Samoan village at the PCC - note his GIANT calves!

Laie Temple during the day (closed for construction until November 21st - sad day

giant flower - little head

something we do frequently... wait for the bus

our PCC uniforms

amazing sunset!

Hawaii: Week Two

2010-07-14T00:33:00.001-07:00

I think this pictures sums up my feelings on Hawaii pretty well

So... our camera broke. It was such a silly way that it broke too. Both Wyatt and I are kicking ourselves for being so careless. We bought a small water-proof-pocket-thingy that holds our bus passes, credit cards, cash, and camera all while not getting them wet. Well, we got a little too brave and started taking pictures of ourselves in the water (might as well since we had our camera in the water (in the water-proof-thingy) anyway) and next thing we know an unexpected wave comes in and submerges our camera under water. And now it doesn't work. Sad. It's beyond me how Wyatt's Bluetooth headset can withstand an entire wash cycle in the washing machine but our camera can't handle a little (maybe a lot?) of water. As a result we spent nearly the entire day yesterday making the trek to the nearest Costco for a new camera... only to find out they no longer sell the one we wanted to buy (a waterproof Fuji). BUST!

As a side note, the bus has been GREAT for getting around Laie, especially up to the North Shore. It has not been so great to get to any "big" town - any with WalMart and Costco. We spent all last Tuesday getting to and from WalMart - only to find out that it wasn't a super center and the prices weren't any better than the ones in Laie. And of course yesterday was a waste of time since we left without a camera. I talk as if we are short on time... Still, who wants to spend unnecessary amount of hours on a bus when they could be playing at the beach?

Plan B was to buy one on Amazon but after we made the purchase it said it wouldn't ship until next Monday. And then it would take another five or so days to get here. No good. So we canceled the order and found one on (just like ours) Craigslist for $45. I like this option the best. The downside... it's located in Honolulu. Which means another ALL-DAY trip on the bus. I am really hoping the needs to come up to the North Shore for some reason and can meet us somewhere up here. Otherwise, we're going to have to take our fancy camera with us to the beach. And that means we won't be able to leave our stuff unsupervised on the beach.

That has been the news of the week. Everything else is status quo - beaching it nearly every day. Oh, we did finish-up orientation for volunteering at the PCC. Our official first day was last night. We're helping out in the dining area for the nightly buffet. Wyatt and I both have mixed feelings about our experience. I will comment more on this later when I have had more opportunities to evaluate what we're doing exactly.

In other conversation, I am HAPPY to say that I have read TWO books and am in the middle of my third! I have MISSED reading and am thrilled that I finally have all the time in the world to do so. Maybe I have my priorities listed differently than most but while I was working full-time I just couldn't seem the time to sit down and read a book. I finally had to use an alternative method to get the job done and listen to books on CD while driving in my car. Which is quite enjoyable but still not the same as actually reading a book. The last book I read was in Costa Rica - "Remember Me" by Sophie Kinsella (which was a fun light-read book).

Last week I finished "Cold Sassy Tree" and I polished off "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" in two days (the book I was supposed to read with my book club last year but it wasn't available on CD). Now I'm in the midst of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" one I've read before and LOVE.

If you're at all interested, here are my book reports:

Cold Sassy Tree - I knew nothing about this book when I started reading it. My friend Jen (marathon Jen) loaned it to me when I told her I was in need of something to read while in Hawaii. I really truly enjoyed myself the entire time I read it. It takes place in Georgia during the early 1900's and I think it paints the perfect portrait of what it must've been like to live in that part of the country during that era. The story is told by a 14-year-old boy, Will Tweedy, and I just loved hearing things told from his perspective. Especially his constant dwelling on kissing! It's a good story about family, life and death. If you're looking for a good story you won't be disappointed with this one.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Creatively written, this story is told through letters. It takes place in England (London and Guernsey Island) post-WWII. About a young author and her correspondence with the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Light-hearted in many ways it did a great job touching upon the affects of war, as well as life during war. My only grip, I kind of feel like the authors felt like they needed to wrap up the book and that the ending was a bit rushed. Even so, I enjoyed the book. Another recommendation from me to you.

I only packed three books with me and seeing that I'm half-way threw my third book I need some recommendations on what to read next. Hoping that I can find a book store close to Laie so that I don't need to spend another entire day on the bus to find a good read. Please let me know if you have something you liked and think I would like too. I have three more weeks and will need something to entertain me while at the beach... and on the bus.

More pictures to enjoy:

Hawaii: Week One

2010-07-06T22:45:00.001-07:00

Remember last October when I put out an ad for a summer job? So...we're in Hawaii. I know most everyone acquainted with us from Lake Oswego is pretty aware of this bit of information. I've received mixed reactions from people once we went public with the news and I've spent the last six weeks debating whether I'd post anything about it on my blog. I didn't want to come off as boasting or fooling folks into thinking we're living life at the Five Seasons.

But I got to thinking about it and decided that this was our blog about our life and five-weeks in Hawaii is a pretty significant chunk of our life (maybe not so much in the sense of quantity of time but quality). I'm sure Wyatt and I will still be talking about it for the next fifty-years. At least through all those childbearing and kid-raising years. "Remember that time we went to Hawaii for five weeks, just the two of us? That was nice...". So for the next month you can expect to see pictures of our short stint in Hawaii. And then you can feel smug when we return to the mainland jobless, broke, and on the verge of being thousands of dollars in debt with astronomical dental school student loans.

For those who don't know the details of our trip: We flew to Hawaii late last Tuesday night. So as of 9pm (Hawaii time) tonight, we'll have been here for a whole week. We're living in Laie, Hawaii on the island of Oahu, on the BYU Hawaii campus in the Temple View Apartments. For all those prospecting travelers - you can sublease an apartment at TVA for super cheap! There's nothing fancy about these apartments. Just a place to sleep and as a bonus a kitchen for cooking. So there you have it, we're slumming it in Hawaii. But we're LOVING it!

We discarded the idea of working while here a while ago. We figured it wasn't worth the hassle since it was too short to make anything of it. We are, however (as of today), volunteering at the Polynesian Cultural Center a few days a week. I'm super stoked about this! I think it'll be good to do a little something productive with our time, and let's be honest, I'm hoping to score on the extra food from the luau they have each night. I heart mac salad!

Things we've done so far: beach (Temple, Hukilau, Bikini, Sunset, Shark's Cove, Waimea, and some beach northeast of Haleiwa), made several trips to Foodland, watched fireworks at Turtle Bay, hiked to Laie Falls, went to church, ate de'lish food at our ward BBQ, waited for the bus...several times, killed six cockroaches, and (I) nearly finished reading a book.

And now for your viewing pleasure, pictures:

view of Laie from Laie Falls
waiting for fireworks at Turtle Bay
sunset at Turtle Bay
fireworks at Turtle Bay
seeking shelter from the rain (notice the rainbow in the sky?)

more rainbow

to the untrained eye, it may look like giant rocks in the background...
WRONG! they're sea turtles!

the second swimsuit I made

the third swimsuit I made!

Year Three

2010-06-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Wyatt,

Remember that time we got married three years ago? That was awesome.

Love,

Ode to Summer

2010-06-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Summer I just want you to know,
It's about time!
Perhaps now you'll convince the sun to show?

All right, I'm just going to quit my attempt to rhyme and cut straight to the point. Look here summer, I understand that technically up until this point it was "spring". But tomorrow the calendar says "June 21st" on it. That means it's summer solstice. Which means you have to be here whether you like it or not. It has been cold, rainy, and frankly I'm sick of it. Even my web-footed Oregonian husband has been complaining about your late (but technically on-time up to today) arrival. So get out there and give it your 100%! I promise you I will make it worth your while. Have I ever let you down?

Your biggest fan,
Brittany

PS - Have you ever read the short story "All Summer in a Day"? I have been feeling like perhaps you were trying to act out the scene in this story. I would be an emotional wreck if you did decide to ever do this to me. So don't.

Run a Marathon: Check.

2010-06-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I can officially cross running a marathon off my list! Yipee! I think it has always been on my list but I think I had planned on tackling it later in life. However, this past January I received an invitation from my friend Jen to run the Newport Marathon with her. So I bumped the goal up to number one and now I can officially say I'm a "marathoner". Or can I? Do I have to run two marathons to be qualified for that title? I won't bore you with all the details (since my blog seems to have a reoccurring theme of food, running, and summer...). I'm just going to touch on the highlights of the event.

First, we had AMAZING weather! Considering Oregon has had one of the wettest springs on record and that it has rained nearly ever day the past month - it truly was a miracle that we woke to clear blue skies yesterday morning. And a double miracle that we had sunshine for a race that took place on the Oregon Coast. It's times like this that I KNOW the Lord loves me!

I can draw several analogies between running a marathon and life...but I'll spare you. I will say that I have a true understanding of the power of the mind. In January I was uncertain that I would be able to tackle 26.2 miles. However, the more I trained and the longer distances I ran, I was able to convince myself my goal wasn't too lofty...and was actually obtainable. I spent the whole week last week reminding myself that I was going to do great...and check me out, I did!

I've also come to realize the strength of human companionship. Jen and I ran nearly every long run together during our training. Over time I became more and more dependent on her company during our runs. I was amazed at how difficult it was to tackle the long runs alone when we couldn't run together during training. I can honestly say that I would not have done as well as I did running the marathon yesterday if Jen was not by my side. She truly made the marathon fun (I don't think they're supposed to be as fun as I had) and kept me distracted from the miles we were conquering. I really felt like the race was done in a blink of an eye. Wyatt teased me and said that he felt like he was interrupting us whenever he met-up with us along the course.

Which brings me to another important point. Wyatt is awesome! I love that man! I know he could probably list a thousand things he'd rather be doing on a sunny Saturday then spend his time following Jen and me along our marathon playing the role of official J&B photographer, official J&B pit crew, and official J&B cheer leading squad. But he did it anyway because that's the way he rolls... And roll he did. He skated (on his longboard) 10-miles in order to snap some pictures of us! Now that is dedication!

Lastly I want to say how amazed I am at how GREAT I feel. Sure my legs feel sore but I would say aside from that I don't feel like I ran 26.2 miles yesterday. And that is how I felt the entire time during the race - great. I honestly felt like I could keep going the entire time, I never hit a wall and I never felt like I needed to stop. Several people at church commented that they would probably be at home in bed if they had just run a marathon. I'm not saying this to brag. I just think that goes to show what practice, practice, practice can do! I've spent the last six months dedicating my time to running (more so than I usually would). I spent all last week preparing myself for the race - went to bed early, loaded up on carbohydrates, drank plenty of water, mentally prepared myself, etc. I even prayed and told the Lord that I had done everything I possibly could to prepare myself for this event and I asked him to make up the difference. And I know He did! I think that I feel as great as I do because I worked hard to achieve this goal. I think when you put hard work into anything you will encounter great results.

My goal was to finish the race in 4-hours and 20-minutes. We came in just shy of that at 4-hours and 19-minutes (and 21-seconds). That comes out to a 10-minute mile pace. I am happy with those results! It was a good pace where I never feel like I was overextending myself. Part of me wonders if we could've gone a tad bit faster. But then I think we probably wouldn't have been able to chat the entire time...and that would've been boring running in silence. I guess that is what marathon number two is for...running faster to shave off some time.

Yeah, I'm happy I ran a marathon. It was a wonderful experience! And I must say, I've truly enjoyed gorging myself with food and knowing that it is okay because I burned x-thousand calories running. The perks of running...
(PS - I just want to announce that all though I did run 26.2 miles yesterday Jen was the star of the show! She encountered a foot injury (among other life-challenging events) in April which kept her off her feet for two weeks. When she finally could start running again she had to grit her teeth to get through the painful runs. Running with her yesterday I would have NEVER guessed she had any foot issues! She is a tough cookie!)

PPS - I made two delectable treats this weekend for our Young Women Cake Auction (the fund raiser for Girls Camp). I made a Neapolitan Cake and Chocolate Souffle Cupcakes with Mint Cream. Both from my fav food blog - Smitten Kitchen. I thought the cake was delish but Wyatt gave me a hard time because it didn't meet the traditional definition of "cake". However, the souffle cupcakes were fantastic. As I've mentioned before on my blog...I'm not into cake. And these tasty treats didn't share the same consistency of cake. They weren't made with flour so they were dense and CHOCOLATLY. YUM!!!

International Epicurean

2010-06-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's been brought to my attention this past week that the past 27-3/4 years of my life have been void of something(s) wonderful. Thanks to our friends and neighbors, two new world cuisines have successfully been integrated into my repertoire of gastronomy.

It all started several years ago when I was living in Chicago. A group of us decided to be "adventurous" and went out for Indian food. To say the least, I was not impressed. And for the several years following the Indian-food-outing, it has been beyond my comprehension that people actually enjoyed the stuff. So when our friends Craig and Becky moved into the ward and raved about Indian food (Craig served a good part of his mission in Sri Lanka) I decided that perhaps I should give Indian cuisine another chance. It actually got to the point that I was asking them when they were going next so Wyatt and I could tag along. So last week when C&B requested our help to move their newly purchased couch, they treated us to dinner at their favorite Indian restaurant - Chennai Masala. And now for the past week I can't stop craving Chicken Vindaloo - YUM! I really think it made all the difference having "experienced palates" with us to recommend what to order. (As a side note, as soon as we walked in the restaurant my mind was flooded with memories of my childhood friend Anisha Malholtra. Her house always had a distinct smell and it took me years to realize it was the curry.)

Oh and if you've never ordered Indian food before, let me give you a tip. When the server gives you your side options...he is not asking if you would like "rice or non", as in "non-rice". He is asking you if you would like "rice or naan" - Indian bread. Just remember this tip and you will save yourself the humiliation that comes with your hosts and server laughing at you... I laughed at myself too. It was pretty funny!

Next up. We had a knock on our door at 9pm Tuesday night. It was our (awesome!) neighbor Lem. Lem and his roommate Mben (sp?) are from the Gold Coast of Africa (I don't remember which country). Knowing this I have said on more than one occasion that I would like to try African food. (I am not that rude - I always make this comment after he suggests having us over for dinner.) Ask and I receive... Lem brought us some African food to eat! Similar to many international dishes, it consisted of rice and some kind of meaty sauce, like a curry. Had I been the one to answer the door, as opposed to Wyatt, I would be able to offer you more details about the dish...for instance, its name. Surprisingly it reminded me of the time I had African food when I was in the fourth grade for our African lab. At the time I thought perhaps the food tasted like peanut butter to try and coax the ten-year-olds into trying the dish. But it's true! Lem's dish had a trace of peanut butter...chased by a spicy punch! It was incredible!

My eyes have been opened my bloggy readers! My poor, poor taste buds have been in captivity for all these years. What was I thinking for snubbing Indian food for so long?! And why did I think I could wait until I visited Africa before I ate the food?! I am a firm believer in eating like the locals when I'm visiting a new place...but perhaps I should get to know potential locals here? And then manipulate them into sharing their food with me. I agree, it's a good plan. :)

PS - I've been told that when Chinese people greet each other, it can be translated into "have you eaten?" I like the Chinese...always thinking about food.

Ta-Da!

2010-05-31T21:49:00.001-07:00

I did it! I finished my project. Who knew sewing a swimsuit would be so difficult? There were several hours devoted to pulling out stitches... Not to mention the disproportionate body I have. Cutting the pattern was a chore in itself. My measurements really did fall into four of the five sizes: Torso, XL. Waist, M. Hips, S. Bust, XS...of course. And trying to alter the pattern to mimic this swimsuit, YIKES!

Thanks to my sister (the one who made this dress) who coached me through the process. Several times I had to resist the urge to throw my half-finished project in a box and ship it to her to finish the job. I'm really happy I didn't. Though I'm very aware that my new swimsuit looks very homemade. Oh well.

Now I'm onto my next project:

Thanks to Spandex World (for all my spandex needs)!

Fragile as a Flower

2010-05-18T21:24:00.001-07:00

Brittany Ray

My mom-in-law is a dahlia collector. She has a garden full of them in a variety of shapes and sizes and...names. Two of the dahlias share the same name as two of her daughter-in-laws. So when she received the 2010 catalog from Swan Island she was thrilled to see they added a Brittany Ray to their collection.

Katharine decided to relieve my stress of what to buy her for Mother's Day and requested that Wyatt and I buy her the Brittany dahlia. Well, we were too slow for her liking so she decided to take matters into her own hands and order the dahlia herself (we'd reimburse her of course). With credit card in hand she called Swan Island to place her order. To her dismay, Swan Island told her they could not fulfill her order because, and I quote, "the Brittany dahlia died because it was too cold." HA! Coincidence? I think not.

hbw3

2010-05-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Wyatt!!!
I wish you many more years of swinging over sharp rocks
from a sketchy rope tied to the bottom of a bridge!
Love you mucho!

(crappy pictures taken from iPhone)

Polka-dots

2010-05-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Just a little preview of summer...for me...if I'm disciplined...and skilled. And hopefully I'm referring to summer 2010 and not 2011. That's all I'm saying...

PS - It's almost here (summer 2010 that is)! Happy day!

Look what's growing in my window at work...

2010-04-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

HERBS!!!

cilantro, oregano, marjoram, basil

I guess I don't have a green thumb after all. Okay, that's a lie. These little guys are round two of my attempt to grow plants. The first take didn't take. So with a little coaching from my gardening-love'n co-worker I got the little guys to sprout! Happy day!

I must say, there is something about being the author of life. Even if it is for a few simple plants. The little guys are growing up so fast!

Milk or Refried Beans?

2010-04-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have a friend...we'll call her "Josette." She always poses the question, "Which do you prefer more - milk or refried beans?" If you're like the majority of the world I'm sure your answer would be milk. If you're a bit of a strange cat then your answer would be refried beans. Here are my qualms with her ultimatum:

Milk and refried beans don't even fall into the same category of food
Regardless of what Josette says, I don't even think Mexicans eat refried beans. I'm pretty sure the beans they eat are not refried...or even fried once for that matter. But I could be wrong...
Milk is more versatile then refried beans. You can find an application for it in nearly every meal.
Refried beans have a limited amount of uses: side dish (usually with melted cheese on top).

So here is my question for you:
Have you ever ate mayo by the spoonful?

she's a bestie for sure.

Y...

2010-03-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

...is for Yosemite! It's good enough for me!

Other places we visited during our spring break road trip:

Oregon Coast

Redwood Forest

California Coast

San Francisco

Oakland Temple

Other pictures for your viewing pleasure:

ghost car

sexy mountain man Wyatt (okay, this one is for my viewing pleasure...)

Elephant in the Room

2010-03-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I said I'd discuss the elephant in the room over three weeks ago. The truth of the matter is the elephant isn't cute. And I've been told that if you don't have anything nice to say, to not say it at all. This is why I've postponed this post.

The elephant in the room is...the fact that we'll be living in Oregon for another four years. And you already know how I feel about Portland. Yeah, things haven't really changed. I am a horrible wife. What is wrong with me?!?!? My husband has this HUGE accomplishment in his life - in our lives - and the sole thought on my mind is the fact that we'll be living here another four years. I am pathetic.

I guess I was a little too optimistic that we'd take on an adventure elsewhere. Submitting nine applications to nine different schools - I thought maybe the odds were on my side. Lo and behold, I was wrong. I think I'm mostly just disappointed. Disappointed that we don't get to try a new adventure. Frustrated because I feel like I'm stuck. That we'll never leave Oregon. I am fearful that come four years it'll turn into, "well, we've already been here for eight years, and this is where we went to school, and we already know x-amount of dentists to work for - so we should just stay here." Sometimes it seems like my hopes, dreams and desires get trumped by whats "practical". (Or even more so, the will of God. Which I'm still trying to submit my will to His.)

It's not that Oregon is a bad place. It's not. It has a lot to offer. And we do have good family and friends here. The only way I can explain it is - Oregon just doesn't click for me. It's like that cute, smart, funny, well-dressed person of the opposite sex that you were never attracted to. That is what Oregon is to me. I'm just not attracted to Oregon.

If I think about being here for another four years I seriously start to hyperventilate. And have this overwhelming feeling of suffocation. Talk about weird people, I know. I have finally come to the point where I can't think about it. And that is how I've come to terms with my current situation, ignoring it.

Elephant exiting the room...

The good news as of late (besides my smart husband being accepted into dental school) is that spring came early for Oregon! A tender mercy for me, for sure! So with the renewal of life comes my renewal of attitude. I am turning over a new leaf and embracing my current four-year situation. I am going to take advantage of everything Oregon has to offer! I am going to treat this like the adventure I was hoping for elsewhere and make the most of it! And then I'm going to move. :)

Happy Spring!

taking advantage of the willamette river

mt. saint helen's came out to play

...as did mt. hood

one of my favorite things about spring in oregon - driving to/from home and seeing the pink trees on this road

See. New leaf!

Dr. Wilson

2010-02-14T18:30:00.001-08:00

I just thought I'd share our exciting news with our bloggy readers...

Wyatt's been accepted into dental school at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)!!!

HAPPY DAY!!!

Thanks for all your hard work, sacrificing summer of 2009, and thinking of what's best for our family! You rock my world!

(elephant in the room to be discussed at a different time...)

Boston

2010-02-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity last weekend to leave rainy Portland (which actually wasn't rainy the day we left but instead was unseasonably warm and sunny) to jet off to sunny (but FREEZING) Boston. Wyatt was invited to interview at Tufts Dental School and there was NO way I was going to let him have all the fun of Boston without me. So he was kind enough to oblige my requests (threats) to accompany him on his trip east.

We took the Friday night redeye and arrived in Boston at 7am Saturday morning. As a tangent, perhaps I'm a bit biased since my mom works for United but American Airlines' planes suck. Usually I have no problem sleeping on a plane and can spend the majority of a flight center stage in my dreams. This was not the case this flight. I even took (don't judge me) a half-dose of Benedryl to try and stimulate some sleep. Perhaps I've never grown out of the "may cause excitability" my mom said she used to encounter when I was a kid and she gave me medicine. Or perhaps I am tainted since I've had the fortune of flying first and business class several times before. (The joys of being an airline brat.) Yes, it could be anyone of these reasons I didn't receive any sleep. But today I am going to blame the plane. I mean, it didn't even have those headrest side-thingys that you can extend to rest your head on to prevent it from breaking off from your neck. I regress...

It is for this reason that Wyatt and I were elated when our hotel let us check in seven-hours early! Hallelujah! Had they not let us check-in early we would've been wandering the streets as zombies, ornery from little sleep, and probably at each others necks. Thanks Holiday Inn for saving our marriage. After a MUCH needed nap and some cleaning up - we took to the streets of Boston.

To those history buffs out there, I apologize ahead of time for the disappointment you're about to encounter. I don't remember the name of all the sights we saw, and I'm ashamed to say that we didn't give them the attention they deserved. It was freezing! We really had to approach the situation like one would skiing. Brave the cold for a bit...then go into the lodge to warm up...brave the cold...go to the lodge. I have forgotten what bone chill'n cold means. And it wasn't more than four years ago I lived in Chicago. Yikes!

Day 1: Beacon Hill, Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, famous graveyard, Fenual Hall, Quincy Market, Paul Revere's house*, Mike's Pastry, Brown Sugar Thai restaurant, Boston University campus

*We didn't actually make it inside Paul Revere's house since we blew all our $17 cash at Mike's Pastry on four cannolis and a slice of Boston cream pie. Yeah, we're pretty awesome. Clearly we have our priorities straight - food over American history.

Beacon Hill

Boston Commons

(graveyard where Paul Revere, John Hancock, Sam Adams, Mary (Mother Goose), Ben Franklin's family is buried)

Boston Chowda at Quincy Market - YUM!

(high-five Paul Revere!)

process of enjoying a cannoli from Mike's Pastry, demonstrated by Wyatt

Day 2: church, Harvard campus, Pizzeria Ragina

We took it easy on Day 2. For one, we were still exhausted from the lack of sleep from our redeye flight, and two, it was freezing cold, again. We took the T across the river to church (on MIT campus) and a bit further to Harvard Square to visit the campus.

You'll never guess who we ran into at church. I promise you, you never will, so I'll just tell you. My cousin Dane (and wife) Bridgette! The reason you'd never guess it was them that we ran into is because they don't even live in Boston. They just happened to (on a whim) fly to Boston the same weekend we did to visit Bridgette's brother and fam. I was shocked to see them walk into church on Sunday. What a small, small world. We had a pleasant short visit that had to be cut short so they could get to the airport for their flight home to Houston. So fun!

waiting for the T

church (behind us) - the building was an old factory - very cool!

Dane, Bridgette, me, Wyatt

walking in the freezing cold trying to find Harvard campus (yeah, we're pretty blind)

found it! Harvard campus

brick oven pizza from Raginas - oh so good

Day 3: Wyatt's interview at Tufts, running along the Charles River, Fenway Park, more Fanual Hall/Quincy Market, Dunkin Donuts, and home

I sent Wyatt off to his interview in the morning then bundled up for my run along the Charles river. Monday was noticeably warmer then the previous two days but it was still cold. I've forgotten what running in the freezing weather is like. No complaints though. Once I warmed up I was just fine...plus there was a giant ball of sunshine in the sky!

Next stop was Fenway Park. Too bad it wasn't summer time, I really would've enjoyed going to a game here. After my walk around the park I noticed some people on a tour. I'm kind of kicking myself for not inquiring more about it since it would be even cooler to see the actual field. Oh well, maybe next time?

Next on the list was Quincy Market again. What caused the double visit you ask? The food of course. Food pretty much sums up our whole trip - the variable that influenced everything we did. This time it was the seafood chowder at Boston Chowda that called me for a return. Oh so yummy! I indulged. And I topped it off with a chocolate chocolate donut from Dunkin Donuts. I'll admit it, I was a bit disappointed. I think this is one of the cases where nostalgia has corrupted my memory and has inflated the real deal. It was okay but not like I remember. But then again, what can I expect from a cheap donut chain?

Wyatt looking sharp for his interview

Charles river
running along the Charles river

Fenway Park

We had a grand time in Boston! It was the perfect weekend getaway. I wish I could say that we'll be back...in the "to live" sense of the phrase, but I don't think this is true. Not that I have a lack of confidence in my husband and his ability to be acceptance into the school. And not that I don't think the idea is glamorous, or appealing or something I would really LOVE to do. I just don't see it in the cards for us. Don't you hate it when that happens? It's just that sometimes someone else has a better plan in store for you... (at this point I'm still in denial that it's a better plan then the one I had).

Distinguished

2010-02-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of girls hearts were broken on June 30, 2007... How could there not have been? Just look at this hottie!

Looking good in your new suit Wyatt!
(PS - I am one lucky lady)

Say Cheese

2010-01-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

We had another beautiful January day at the beach! Of course the highlight of the day was our trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Nope, not my first visit...but it was the first time I've ever tasted Sticky Bun ice cream! It was delish!

I think I make a great cow. I can eat like one, that's for sure.

Creature Comforts

2010-01-17T22:03:00.001-08:00

A little something Wyatt and I have enjoyed recently. I think you'd enjoy it to. But don't take my word for it...check it out at your local library...Netflix...Blockbuster...or YouTube!

Creature Comforts

Available in British and American English...

While in Costa Rica We...

2010-01-03T21:29:00.001-08:00

Enjoyed the scenery:
Saw lots of animals:

howler money

hermit crabs

cocodrilo (aka: crocodile)

"Jesus Christ" lizard (named for its ability to walk on water)

two-toed sloth

some animal i don't remember the name of

carriblanca monkey (eating a stolen sandwich)

Costa Rican deer

Scarlet Macaw (aka: parrot)

another hermit crab

toad
iguana

(animals not pictured: toucans, squirrel monkeys, purple eels, geckos)

Were beach bums:

Ate lots of good food:
(my prize was a giant ball of crystallized sugar. a far cry from the fruit loop prizes in the states.)

Relaxed in hammocks (which turned out to be nearly a daily/nightly event):

Swung from trees (or cables tied to trees):
Drove through rivers:
Made phone calls (on the phone booth with the most beautiful view in the world):
Went swimming in "La Picina Natural" (that had cloudy water):
Hiked through the jungle:

Went shopping (aka: " WalMart Latin America"):
Saw a volcano (at least the crater of one):
And went to the temple...or rather saw the temple:

Yeah, so it was a great trip. And now I feel smug because I have a mid-winter tan. Although, going back to work wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be. It's only day two and I already feel like I need another vacation. Yikes! I guess for now I'll have to escape to my memories of Costa Rica... Sigh.

Faliz Navidad, a todos!

2009-12-26T18:49:00.001-08:00

Merry (belated) Christmas from the jungles of Coasta Rica! We're having so much fun we barely noticed yesterday was the big day. More to report later... Adios!

On My Mind...

2009-12-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

1. Wyatt bought a heated blanket for me. I was apprehensive of the idea at first (images of my home and body going up in flames). However, my eyes have seen the light! I LOVE this little gem. I literally laugh with glee each night as I get into my toasty warm bed.

2. In reference to the story of the birth of Christ, Joseph doesn't get nearly as much attention as he deserves. Not that Mary and Jesus don't deserve the attention they get. I just think that it took a lot of faith, support, love, and courage to do what Joseph did. I have come to have a great love and appreciation for him.

3. We had a 10-day (or around 10-day) streak of clear blue, sunshiny skies. It was bitter cold though. It made me miss Chicago terribly. I prefer "sunny and cold" over "rainy and warm". Because when it is "rainy and warm", warm is really like 45-degrees. Which is still cold in my book. And when you're getting rained on in "warm" weather you end up getting wet...and cold. So really it's not "rainy and warm" but it's "rainy and cold".

4. I may be calling the kettle black since I am not one who typically speaks grammatically correct. In fact, Wyatt is constantly correcting me. I guess I'll blame him for this point. It hurts my ears when a person says, "He took a picture of Wyatt and I." Me, it's ME! "He took a picture of Wyatt and ME." It drives me crazy when people use the word "I" incorrectly. Rule of thumb; drop the other person to determine how it sounds. You wouldn't say "he took a picture of I."

5. Equally as bad is when a person gets the order mixed up and says something like, "Me and Wyatt are going to the zoo." Be courteous and put the other person before yourself. :)

6. Along the same lines of grammatically incorrect is when a person says, "I could care less". Really, you could care less? How about you couldn't care less?

7. I like life best when Wyatt isn't stressed about school. Life is still good when he's stressed about school. It's just more good when he's not.

8. I really like the Christmas song "Silent Night". It took me several years to really appreciate it. Each time I listen to it now, I get a little misty eyed. I think it captures the spirit that was probably present at Christ's birth the best.

9. I've decided to graph my level of happiness compared to what day of the week it is:

(note: Friday's are my day off from work)

10. Someone in my office stole some customer samples off my desk while I was at home last night. They were there last night when I left work...and they weren't there when I arrived this morning. Usually I'm the last to leave at night but last night was an exception. This is the second time something has mysteriously walked off my desk. Why does this only happen to me? My coworkers are going to think I'm sabotaging my stuff for attention...

11. My husband is smart. He earned straight A's again this term! Let's hope our kids inherit his brain.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T13:18:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is my hands-down, all-time favorite holiday! What other holiday is centered around food? Okay, I'm not that shallow. There are other reasons I love the day... Like family, football, movies, lounging, mingling, eating, cooking, sleeping, relaxing, laughing, and eating (again).

For FHE on Monday, Wyatt and I watched this video. And then afterword we both listed off the things we were grateful for. Once I started, I felt like I could keep going, and going, and going... I love how addicting being thankful is! So for the purpose of "feeding my fix", I'm going to list of some of the things I am thankful for:

Wyatt
my family
the gospel of Jesus Christ
my friends
my home
indoor plumbing
food
my oven
my microwave
my fridge
my education
my job
my eyebrows and eyelashes (I would look pretty weird without)
my teeth
my contact lenses
my car
my elbows (eating would be difficult)
my knees (Wyatt laughed at the image of me running without any knees... it would be funny)
baseball
sunshine
SUMMER
airplanes
mail (snail mail especially!!!)
my computer
music
books
my library
OPB (aka: NPR)
my taste buds
water
RICE PUDDING (still battling a four-month addiction)
my YW calling
my imagination
Nordstrom...

Note to self...

2009-11-19T18:12:00.001-08:00

become the First Lady. Then you will always look cute and NEVER have to shop again! Just look at how fashionable you'll be...

Mrs. O

Sesame Street turns 40!

2009-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else enjoyed the Sesame Street Google Doodles as much as I have this past week? My most favorite is Cookie Monster, and Oscar, and Count Dracula, and Bert and Ernie, and Big Bird, and... Yeah, I still might have a lot of growing up to do.

Trunk or Treat 3.0

2009-11-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here it is. The moment everyone has been waiting for! Okay, that's not entirely true. I'm pretty sure that everyone, besides Wyatt and me, couldn't care less about what we dressed Wyatt's truck as for Trunk or Treat this year. Even so, I'm going to share our hard work with the world. (This is what happens when two people don't have any kids or pets to dress for Halloween.)

Clearly Wyatt was too exhausted from decorating his truck with a giant (homemade) octopus, he couldn't muster the energy to dress-up himself. I was a lone scuba diver that night...navigating the sea alone.

I jetted off to Utah the next morning for a long weekend of visiting friends and family. I helped my brother Harold and his lady friend (aka: wife) Jeanna ring-in their 4th decade in life. That's right, my oldest brother is 40! Yikes! :)

"40 Sucks"

If I look as good as these two do when I'm 40, I'll be ecstatic!

Jeanna's birthday was on Halloween so we spent the entire day celebrating! She made sure that every trick-or-treater over the age of 12 that graced her doorstep sang Happy Birthday to her. She is a smart lady.

We also carved pumpkins. I have to give a shout out to my creative niece and nephew. Their pumpkins are the Reese's and "burning sun" pumpkins. Compare their talent to my simple smiley face. And to think I stared at my blank pumpkin for a good 15-minutes before I came up with that one. I'm pathetic.

And if you're super observant, you'll notice something different about me...

WANTED: Summer Jobs

2009-10-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Wyatt and I have the opportunity to take advantage of our 'no kid' status next summer and embark on an adventure. However, we're not sure what adventure we are going to embark on. So I thought I'd reach out to my bloggy readers and see if any of you knew of any summer job opportunities for 2010. Yeah, that's right. We're going to throw caution into the wind and be totally irresponsible, impractical, and irrational!

Please contact me if you know of (or know someone who knows of (or know someone who knows someone who knows of (you get the picture...))) a seasonal summer opportunity that includes the following:

an income (even if it is for peanuts)
an job/income for both Wyatt and me
something that includes free room (or inexpensive housing)
something out of the norm and exotic (moving to Utah Valley is not out of the norm - think NYC, San Francisco, Idaho ranch, fishing charter in Alaska, Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

On a different note, Wyatt and I went to Hood River yesterday! I am feeling extremely smug because we were blessed with PERFECT weather (it rained ALL day Friday and today but not a cloud in the sky yesterday)! Happy day! We went to our favorite cookie shop to purchase an array of tasty cookies. Then headed over to another fruit stand for their Edelweiss Festival. I had such a pleasant time. Something about eating German sausage beneath the canopy of fruit trees, feeling the warm glow of the afternoon sun on my skin, and listening to the sounds of the accordion drift through the air. It was quite dreamy. I just love our little tradition of going to Hood River each fall to enjoy the colors and fruits of the season!

apple pick'n

wagon full of apples

engagement picture mockery

Mom is Rad

2009-10-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

My mom is rad. Let me explain…

My friend (and old roommate) Liz from Chicago got married in Boise this past weekend. Ever since I received the news that she was getting married I wanted to go. Boise is a mere seven hours away, so I felt like it was doable. However, as the date drew closer, the more I dragged my feet on committing to the occasion. You see, Wyatt has school and work on Fridays. And the wedding was scheduled for Saturday morning…which means I would need to:

a.) have Wyatt drive to Boise with me leaving Portland at 2am (an hour added for time change)
b.) leave Wyatt behind and comfortably drive to Boise on Friday
c.) not go

The answer seems clear, doesn’t it? B. Did I mention how much I hate road trips alone?

So I explained my predicament to my mom and she offered to drive the seven hours with me to Boise. Yipee! So she flew into Portland Thursday night and drove to Boise with me on Friday. That is why my mom is rad. Other details on why she is rad include:

It was her vacation from work - she could’ve very well spent the time relaxing at home
She overlooked my tendency to talk about myself nearly the entire trip
She and Louis (her husband who flew into Boise to meet us) treated me to dinner at the Cracker Barrel (one of my favs! (I think you may have just created a new opinion of me with that bit of information.))
They treated me to a 3D movie, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatball” (I highly recommend!)
They let me stay for free in their hotel room
They did a temple session with me
They took me to buy a pair of red shoes on Friday night and spent half the day Saturday driving around Boise to try and find a cheaper pair of red shoes…(I settled on a pair of $7 plum pumps instead)
Tolerated my grumpiness on Saturday after a restless night accompanied by a chorus of snoring…
They filled my car with gas
She let me eat half her crispy burrito at Taco Time without batting an eye
They let me pull the “youngest child card” even though I am 27 years old

It was a fantastic trip! I’m so grateful that my mom is rad and was willing to sacrifice her time for me. (Oh, and it was really good to see Liz too! But you know how weddings go…I didn’t really get to spend much time with her at all.)

Thanks momma! I love you!

Moto Momma

2009-10-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

in case you were wondering, that's me on the back of the bike. we traded bikes with Wyatt's dad so I could have a more comfortable ride. Wyatt's real bike is the black one parked next to us.

I got to be Wyatt's Biker Momma last weekend. What a blast! Wyatt and I were both so excited the night before our trip, we had a hard time falling asleep. We took a short tour of Eastern Oregon with Wyatt's Pa, brother, and friend from church. I don't have much to say about the trip, just some singular thoughts:

I like Eastern Oregon, it reminds me of Colorado.

It got pretty steamy in our full moto gear cruising around in the hot, hot sun. I can't complain though, I had some eye witnesses tell me that Portland didn't see the sun until 2pm the whole weekend. I was feeling pretty smug for dodging the clouds. HA!

I like riding on the moto. It's fun to just relax and enjoy the ride.

Sometimes I wish Wyatt wasn't such a stickler about wearing full moto gear so I could feel the wind on my face and fully enjoy the sunshine.

I'm always grateful that Wyatt makes me wear full moto gear because it means he loves me and wants me to be safe. Even if I don't want to follow his rules sometimes...

I'm glad my shower on Friday morning was hot. It made it easier to take a shower Saturday morning knowing that the water was hot...even though the shower tricked me on Saturday morning and it was really FREEZING cold!

I like breakfasts at "taxidermist dinners". The biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and eggs were really good.

I like Wyatt's dad a lot. He makes me smile.

I like going on moto trips with Wyatt when he doesn't have any classes to worry about. I just wish his "summer break" lasted longer than four days.

our first and only camping trip of the year.

i LOVE waking up to clear blue skies!

Things I Have Made Recently That Isn't Rice Pudding

2009-09-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

I think I'm pretty predictable. By now you've probably figured out that one of the most reoccurring themes of my blog is food. As of late, not only have I been into eating food but I've also been into cooking/baking food too. And that, my bloggy readers, is what brings me to the subject of this post: "Things I Have Made Recently That Isn't Rice Pudding."

I have mentioned my favorite cooking blog Smitten Kitchen a few times thus far. I think the reason I love it so much because she provides pictures. Not only pictures of the final product but the various steps along the way. The pictures make the recipes seem doable. Not to mention I love her commentary. (I told Wyatt that Deb (aka: The Smitten Kitchen) and I would probably be bff's if she lived next door. We do share one major thing in common and that is our love for food. I could actually relate to her excitement for tomato season. I too drool at the thought of the delectable Sun Gold tomatoes Wyatt's dad plants for me each year. I can hardly contain myself as I count down the months until I get to eat them again. I think it's the feeling most people have about Christmas.) Okay, major tangent...

Anyway, here are some of the things I've made as of late:

Nectarine Galette
I have NO idea how to pronounce the latter word of this dish but could hardly resist the need (yes, I mean NEED) to make this. It's so beautiful. Plus it seems like nectarines are always overshadowed by their sister the peach when it comes to desserts. I had to bring them to the center stage. I've also been looking for the opportunity to brush-up on my homemade pie crust making skills.

The result was, well, if you'll excuse my pride - STUNNING! I have NEVER made a pie crust so perfect in taste and texture. The secret - I used a cheese grater (yes, cheese grater) to grate a frozen (yes, frozen) stick of butter into the flour mixture. I got this idea from the local newspaper the Oregonian. What a BRILLIANT idea! That was my huge issue before - trying to get the mixture to look like "coarse corn meal". Grating the butter into the flour automatically makes it like corn meal! I also learned that the less you mix/handle the pie dough the better the crust.

(the perfect pie crust - may have to enlarge to see the full effect)

The final product was, I'm sad to say, good. Just good, not great. The pie crust was perfect, the almond/sugar mixture was very tasty, it was the nectarines that didn't shine. Perhaps if they were more ripe... I don't know. Perhaps this is why peaches seem to get all the attention?

Next up, Ratatouille
Ever since the movie about the cute little chef rat came out I wanted to make this. Who knew that a cartoon could make something look so good? My oldest brother Harold served his mission in France said that it was in fact, not good. I dismissed his opinion since he has a reputation for not liking vegetables; and since he told me not to order the pizza while we were in Paris (which he did end up ordering and RAVING about as I tried to choke down my cooked brie pasta).

I decided now was a better time then ever since I have accesses to all the vegetables from Wyatt's parent's garden. As much as I hate to admit it, Harold was right. Despite it's array of colors that make it so appealing, it does not taste good. I tried. I really tried to like it. I wanted to, desperately! But leftovers don't lie and they sat in the fridge for nearly a week without any desire from Wyatt or me to polish them off. I can't tell you why exactly I didn't like it. I like all the ingredients otherwise. Maybe it's the combination of them?

Last, but not least: Tomato and Corn Pie
I've never had (nor heard of) tomato pie before. Again, it was the pictures that sold me on it. Plus the abundance of tomatoes that I have access to (Wyatt's dad planted 14 tomato plants this year). I again took the opportunity to improve my pie crust making skills and successfully made my very own tomato pie! Again, the crust turned out perfect (I love my frozen butter cheese grater trick!) and the final product was delish! Well, except for the part at the very end when Wyatt asked me if I used "old" cheese because he had a bite that tasted like old cheese. My heart sunk. I swear the cheese looked (and tasted) fine to me!

(Wyatt's winking. Not giving pirate face.)

Other recent food adventures include the Sun Gold tomatoes that I roasted (I knew I should've took them out of the oven when I checked on them!) and proceeded to char. What a disappointment when the air is filled with tomato-garlicy goodness, only to discover the culprit of the wonderful smell passed its prime 45-minutes prior. My only redemption is that I have two more weeks of tomato season.

I also spent nine-hours canning salsa with my friend Phoebe on Friday. "I'll be home at 5pm Wyatt." 6pm that night, "Um, do you want to come over to Phoebe's and have pizza while we finish canning?" We finally left at 11pm. It was quite the adventure and my it was my first stab at canning using a canning pot. Sorry I trashed your kitchen Phoebe...you've got to admit, it was fun! Too bad we didn't take any pictures to document the day.

If you've made it this far, I'm sorry I'm always talking about food. It's just something I think about all the time. Even as I'm drifting off to sleep... Hopefully for your sake I'll have a kid some day and dedicate my blog to life as a mom and not as a pseudo chef.

Hood to Coast 2009

2009-09-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! I am one of the lucky 12,000 people that got to participate in the "mother of all relays" Hood to Coast. What a fantastic event to be a part of! For all those Hood to Coast virgins out there, let me outline a few key facts:

192 miles (from Mt. Hood to the Oregon Coast)
6,000 feet (of elevation descended)
1,000 teams
12,000 runners (12 runners per team)
2,000 vans (2 vans per team - 6 runners per van)
36 legs (3 legs per runner)
1,000+ HoneyBuckets (port-o-potties)
15-35 hours of running (depending on how fast your team is)
4 hours (or less) of sleep

I got a call from the Jamison's in my ward the week before the race to see if I would fill in for a last minute drop out on their team. Happy day! I am so glad they called me! (Since we don't know where we'll be living next year, I was beginning to think that my opportunity to run Hood to Coast was passing me by. Sign up for the race is 10 months before the race.) I was given the choice to run either the most difficult leg of the race, or one of the easiest legs. I decided to take the challenge and go for the hardest. Let me give you a visual of what my legs looked like...

Leg 5:

Miles: 6.08; Time: 53 minutes; Pace: 8:43.0

Notice the 400-feet gain in elevation? In case you're wondering...I did run the entire leg!

Leg 17:

Miles: 5.69; Time: 48 minutes; Pace: 8:26.2

Ahhhhhh....nice and flat. This is the route I ran at 2am in the morning...in the pitch black! For me this was the hardest of my three legs. Have you ever run in the deep dark of the night? It's hard to see your final destination...or how far you've come. I kind of felt like I was running for-ev-er! Not to mention my fear that I'd get abducted. Did I mention I was running alone (except for the runners that passed me) in the pitch black? Yikes!

Leg 29:

Miles: 6.11; Time: 55 minutes; Pace: 9:00.1

The first point I'd like to make on this route is that I climbed 600-feet the first 3.5-miles. The second point I'd like to make is that 300 of those feet I climbed in 1-mile! I assure you that as slow as I was going, I did "run" up the hill. (Thanks to my favorite run around Lake Oswego - which includes my nemesis McVay Hill - that prepared me (unknowingly) for Leg 29!)

Be sure to take note of my competition - "one of these things is not like the other." Who are these crazies that fly past me as if they're conquering an ant hill?!!!

What a feeling it was when I finished my three legs - I was so proud of myself! (Is that bad?) I was so nervous before the race because I didn't know what to expect and...well, you saw Leg 29! Wouldn't you be a little intimidated too?

I'm so grateful for the Jamison's and all the hard work they put into planning, coordinating, and figuring out the logistics. I'm especially grateful for Paul Jamison. He was the driver/manager of our van. He made us dinner after our first legs, made sure we were at each exchange on time, met us in the middle of our routes with water, ran by our sides while we drank the water, calculated our pace as we were running, cheered us on, and was simply our support. I can almost make a church analogy using Paul and his role as team manager. Seriously, it was such a comfort to have him waiting for me in the pitch black of night, in the middle of my 600-foot climb, and at the end of my leg. He was my personal beacon. Thanks Paul!

I also want to give a shout-out to my dear hubby! He was also a HUGE support! He made sure I had all the stuff I needed for the race, took care of all the chores at home I couldn't do, drove all the way to the coast to meet me, arrived at the coast 5-hours earlier than I did, brought me a dozen "job well done" donuts, and drove me home to Portland while I slept in the car. What a man!

Needless to say after it was all said and done, I was POOPED! I think I may have got a total of 4-hours of sleep in a 36-hour period.

It was a grand experience and definitely one I'd like to repeat! What better way to spend 30-hours than in a van, getting to know three strangers (I already knew two of them)? It really did give me a rush of adrenalin, a boost of self-confidence, and some nice bragging material. I'm trying to convince Wyatt to run with me next year. He's the only thing I think would make it a better experience.

Rice Pudding

2009-08-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the rice pudding I can't get enough of. I have made it every Friday for the past month and could still eat it every weekend for the rest of the year. I'm even thinking of making it again today - which would mean I'd have it twice this weekend. In case you're curious and want to try something yummy (and easy) check out the recipe here Smitten Kitchen. Is this considered an addiction?

On a different note - Wyatt finishes up his summer terms of Organic Chemistry this Wednesday! Happy cheers all around! He has been busting his brains the past 12-weeks and is much deserving of a break! Not to mention our social life has been, well...pathetic. We get to play with friends again! T minus 3...

The Birthday

2009-08-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I didn't get to spend my birthday for free with the mouse - it was a really good day. Unfortunately there was little documentation taken of the day and the above picture is the most flattering one we have on file (we're really striking out over here).

There wasn't any one thing that stands out. Except for the part of my day where my loyal friend met me at the swim park (with her three kids) for our summer Friday ritual (despite the fact it wasn't even close to swimming weather) with a yummy gourmet sandwich and cookies. I am very grateful for her dedication to my 27th-year-in-life cause. (Did I mention it was also her anniversary?) My birthday was also filled with many birthday salutations - so thank you to all for making me feel special!

I ate a ton this weekend! Which you would think would warrant enough reason to stop eating but no... Why stop doing something when you're good at it? My stomach is going to have a rude awakening tomorrow when I'm not stuffing it full at every available minute. Sorry stomach...

Stay tuned for a later post on my recent obsession of Julia Child. I saw the new movie that highlighted part of her life and I really enjoyed it. (I think the other story about the Julie chick wasn't as exciting...) I am currently reading a book about Julia Child (a birthday gift) and am in love with her! She has such a cheerful persona - a very admirable trait! Did I mention she was in love with food? I think we might've been friends in heaven...

Twenty-Seven

2009-08-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

My good friend wrote me an email this morning telling me she was surprised that I haven't posted anything about my birthday yet... Let's just say I'm trying to "tone-down" things down. I had the thought the other day that I'm no longer a kid and don't need the attention that once accompanied birthdays...that I should act like any other respectable adult. But heck, who am I kidding?!!!!!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Please proceed to make me the center of your attention - I know I will. Thanks for all the birthdays wishes so far... I will be sure to keep you posted throughout the day on the glorious event! TTFN! I'm off for my birthday run...

Heat Wave

2009-07-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

I know that most of the webbed-foot Oregonians are melting this week but I just wanted to let the world know that I LOVE this weather! The Pacific Northwest is amidst a heat wave and temperatures are in the 100s! I have thoroughly enjoyed taking advantage of the local swim park (despite my fear of riding my bike there) and the Clackamas River Wyatt's parents live on. Now only if I could get out of working... Isn't summer wonderful?!!!

PS - Wyatt is grumpy this week. Which is a true testament to his Oregonian'ness. He announced on Sunday that I can expect him to always be grumpy if we move somewhere hot.

Police Man Pulls Bicyclists Over

2009-07-24T16:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Police Officer that pulled us over while we were riding our bikes,

Really? You had nothing better to do today? It's not like we were fully clad in spandex and helmets. We obviously didn't know the rules of the bicyclist road. But I guess you thought otherwise with our swimsuits and flip-flops - I'm sure it's what most bicyclist wear these days. Okay, I can understand your desire to get the word out that bicyclist follow the same rules as motorist...but did you really have to write a ticket, for BOTH of us?! We paused at the stop sign! We looked both ways! It's not like we completely blew it! Don't you have meth labs to bust or drunk drivers to arrest? Just know that we don't like you. And we probably won't be going to Costa Rica in the winter like we planned since we each owe the City of Lake Oswego $250! Next time I think a warning will be sufficient.

Questioning your tactics to fight crime,
Brittany

Indulgence

2009-07-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Indulgence. That is what I experienced yesterday at Lake Oswego's Farmer's Market. I just couldn't resist the beautiful bouquets of flowers lined up calling my name, enticing me to buy one. I HAD to have one. And for $15 - why not? I purchased my much needed bouqet of flowers and defiantly rode my bike the four miles home. It wasn't until I got home and couldn't find a vase large enough that I second guessed my purchase...

Thank you Wyatt for smiling when I came home with my over sized bunch of flowers and not questioning my impractical thinking.

Mi Familia

2009-07-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

My oldest brother Harold, his wife Jeanna and their two kids Savannah and Mackson visited us last week for their summer vacation. It was FUN! There wasn't any one activity that stuck out - it was simply a joy having them around. I've outlined some of the highlights below...

A dinner picknic at Rocky Butte (the perfect location for plane watching...).

A trip to Voodoo doughnuts (a must for a family full of doughnut connoisseurs)

A trip to the coast (Wyatt was stuck at home studying for his 4 quizzes and 1 test the whole week - YUCK!) I'll Photoshop him in the picture later...

A trip to the Tillimook Cheese Factory. Notice Harold's face of complete satisfaction? I think it looks like he might've had a bit too many free cheese samples...

I think my favorite part of their whole trip was being in the company of people who live to eat. We indulged ourselves everyday on a variety of treats, enjoying a sampling of the finest baked goods in Oregon (I know what you're thinking..."Voodoo? Fine?"). From nobake cookies (aka: "gaggies" ) to baguettes, to cupcakes and tarts and brownies, and cookies, and doughnuts, and pastries, and many more delectiables. It was glorious!

Even better than the food was the company. I got a little emotional when they left Saturday morning. It was so much fun having them around! Especailly while Wyatt is busy, busy in school. If only I were a teacher (and a millionaire) then I could keep myself occupied all summer.

Thanks for the visit HJS&M!

TWO

2009-06-30T07:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Anni Wyatt!

Death

2009-06-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

I'd venture to say that most people don't like death. On the contrary, I like death. Hear me out before you think I'm some morbid person... I was thinking today how death brings out the best in people. It brings out the best qualities in the deceased by reminiscing on all of their positive attributes and accomplishments. And it brings out the best in the living by allowing them to reflect on the happy memories of the person that passed away. Think about it, when have you ever been to a funeral where the eulogy was a laundry list of unfavorable stories?

I was pleased to hear nothing but kind remarks about Michael Jackson today. Despite his shady background and questionable actions, people were able to overlook his imperfections and see him as a good person.

I hope that when people die they have the opportunity to eavesdrop on earth and hear all the good things people say about them. I think sometimes people don't hear it enough while they're living.

On a different note, I am LOVING summer! I spent the longest day of the year (aka the first day of summer) playing baseball with Wyatt's family until it was too dark to see. I can't think of a better way to start the summer off. Other summer treats I have been enjoying are: s'mores, corn on the cob, shorts, sunglasses, flip-flops, windows rolled down, more bicycle riding, light until 9pm, and so on. I am so happy it's finally here!

Triathlon Addendum

2009-06-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot two very important parts of my triathlon that need some recognition...

1. If it weren't for my friend Melanie I never would've done the race. More importantly I just wanted to share how awesome she is because she completed the race after having a baby less than five months ago. She is a warrior!

2. I never did have to use the $25 helmet I begrudgingly bought at Walmart because Melanie's cousin happened to have an extra helmet. Given it was for a little kid so it was purple and pink with flowers...but it fit fine and allowed me to return the unused $25 helmet and receive a full refund! Thanks Melanie! I laugh thinking about my ammature self, participating in the triathlon, wearing a little girl's helmet. If I didn't stick out like a sore thumb to begin with...the helmet really put the frosting on the cake. But hey, I didn't get disqualified! :)

The Triathlon

2009-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

My triathlon went much better then planned. I guess anything would be better than what I had envisioned...sinking unnoticed to the bottom of the lake.

Here is how the race played out: 10-minutes from the park (20-minutes from home) I discover that I have forgotten my bike helmet. Which normally wouldn't bother me any other day except that I was participating in a race and would be disqualified if I didn't wear a helmet. So after a quick prayer, we were gently guided to the right exit which just so happens to have one of the three Walmarts in the whole metro Portland area. And it was open! So I ran in and begrudgingly paid the $25 for the needed helmet.

There were a line of cars about a half-mile long waiting to get into the park about 30-minutes before start. So in order to be at the start line on time I took my bicycle out of the bed of Wyatt's truck, hopped on, and rode into the park. And already at that point I had one bicyclist pass me. This is what I like to call "foreshadowing".

I organize all my gear at the transition station, throw on my wetsuit and get to the start-line at the same time the first wave starts. Finally it's my wave's (women 25-29 years) turn to go. I strategically place myself on the side closest to the shore at the back. I knew the swim was going to be hard but I really had no idea. Seriously, 2-minutes into it I had the thought in my head, "what were you thinking?" and "I don't know how I'm going to swim a half-mile". It was NOTHING like swimming my half-mile in the pool. Most noticeably there weren't any lines painted on the bottom of the lake. Which is a nice segway into this video:

Yep, that's me cutting across all those swimmers. Imagine my surprise when I finally did stop to see where I was and found no one in front of me and everyone behind me. Wyatt said he was going to yell "you're going the wrong way!" until the lady next to him said aloud, "what is that women doing cutting across all those swimmers?" He made no indication that he was related to me... :)

Next was the 12-mile bike ride. In a nutshell it was 12-miles of seeing the backsides of fellow contestants as they raced pass me on their road bikes. Did I mention I had the crazy idea that I really could do it on my bulky mountain bike? The worst part is that everyone had their age written on the back of their left calf, so I saw the last little bit from my age group pass me, plus the 30-year-olds, then the 40-year-olds, then the 50-year-olds...you get the picture. And yes, there were some 60-year-olds passing me by too. At one point one passer-byer suggested I raise my seat two inches and I would find better results. I didn't take his advise, not because I didn't believe him but because I was already lagging and didn't want to take the time to fuss with adjusting the seat height of my bike. I think the frustrating part was I was peddling just as hard as the people passing me up. I knew I was because I was measuring my revolutions against theirs and it was the same. I was just driving a suburban and they were driving a fancy sports car.

Last was the 3-mile run. FINALLY something I knew how to do! Sure my legs felt like jello at first but it felt so familiar it didn't seem to phase me. This time I was the one who did all the passing - where's your bike now?! I am pleased with the run and even feel like I could've shaved off another minute or two. I was in my element.

Here's the deal. Comparing my results to myself I did quite well. Especially for only swimming maybe a total of 5-hours before the event took place. Compared to everyone else, I think there is room for improvement. Wyatt thinks had I used a road bike I could've shaved off 10-minutes. I don't know if I could lose that many but perhaps a few.

And the results are...
Total Race Participants - 609
Total Division Participants (women ages 25-29) - 47
Race Ranking - 461/609
Overall Division Ranking (1:42:05) - 33/47
Swim Division Ranking (21:55) - 42/47
Bike Division Ranking (48:18) - 44/47
Run Division Ranking (26:19) - 13/47

Yeah, I think I'm going to stick with running races...

Things I Learned Today...

2009-06-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am not a swimmer. Nor am I a biker. But I can certainly run! More to come later on how I got creamed on the first two legs of my triathlon.

Recent Happen'ns

2009-06-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hi. My name is Brittany. You may know me from such posts as "Food Blogs", "Blackberry Pie", and "I Don't Like Cake". (Yes, food is one of my most favorite things in the whole wide world!) I just thought I'd reintroduce myself since it's been a while since I've posted anything about us - Los Wilsons. So here goes...Things We Did in the Month of May, by me.

1. Shared a dozen Voodoo doughnuts with these fine folks and our very cute niece, Maisie. (PS - You should update your blog with your new adventures in MN.)

2. Celebrated my true love's 31st year in life. The celebration consisted of one of my favs - blackberry pie! Contrary to what you may be thinking, I made it because Wyatt requested it. Not because it was one of my favorites. Though, I'm not going to lie, I was ecstatic that it was what he chose. After the celebratory eating of this most delicious pie, Wyatt went into the other room and studied for the Chemistry test he was going to take the next morning. Besides the pie, It was pretty sad.

3. Explored Portland with our BFF's (I don't know if they know they're our BFF's - maybe we're being too agressive and now they're scared away) Jake and AJ. We spent the day driving around and listening to this song... Thanks for reintroducing me to Beirut! I like their new stuff better then their old!

yep, that's Mt. Saint Helen's

For all you Twilight fans...this is the little cafe that Bella and her dad eat at.

4. Visited our California friends in...California! Though the temperatures were a bit on the chilly side, the sun was shinning and we still had a blast! Our fun-filled trip consisted of tasty food, good friends, very cute kids, beaches and impromptu jam sessions. I played the maraccas. Actually there was just one maracca that I played.

And now we're on to June... Does anyone else think this year is FLYING by?!!!

Summer

2009-05-17T18:59:00.001-07:00

We had grilled corn on the cob tonight. It made me happy. And now I excitedly wait for summer to come...

OPB

2009-05-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to be one of those people answering the phones in the background during PBS pledge drives. It probably piqued my interest while I was watching Sesame Street and Big Bird was with the phone answerers asking for pledges. Perhaps I thought I would be able to meet the giant yellow bird that way. Finally twenty-some years later my dream came true. I was an OPB volunteer this weekend! I have been addicted to OPB radio lately and felt like it was a way I could give back. It was a very positive experience (even if Big Bird wasn't there) and something I look forward to doing again. What an eye opener to see how important OPB radio was to others. I had several people call and say that they had already donated but wanted to donate MORE. How fantastic! Maybe come this fall I might be the one to answer the phone when you call to make a pledge...?

Happy Goat is Happy

2009-05-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

(Happy Goat makes me happy)

Day of Disaster

2009-04-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Picture of water dripping from ceiling. This was taken AFTER the hole was cut in the ceiling and even more buckets of water fell to the floor - adding to the already existing three-inches.

In honor of my friend Kim's 30th birthday this week I thought I would write a fun little story about her. Kim, Liz and I were roommates for four years while I lived in Chicago. Liz got the swanky master bedroom and bath, while Kim and I had our own rooms but had to share the same bathroom.

One winter morning at 3am I here Kim knocking on my bedroom door. I pull myself out of a deep sleep and stumble to open the door. Kim leads me to our shared bathroom and points out the three inches of water covering our blue pool-tiled floor. I look up and see water steadily dripping from the overhead light (see above picture). So we proceeded to call our landlord...only to find that his cell phone was turned off. Certain that something needed to be done about our crying light bulb, we put on a coat, braved the frost of the winter air (this is a chicago winter I'm talking about), and walked over to the building of the on-site maintainance man. The problem was we couldn't remember his name so we couldn't buzz his door. So instead of possibly calling the wrong door we got it the car, drove the 1.5-miles to our landlord's house (at 3am) and knocked on his front door. I can only imagine what his wife thought when she opened the door to us in our pajamas greeting her on her front porch. To be honest I don't remember exactly what happened next. Whether she sent us home to wait until the morning or if she followed us to asses the damage and then told us to wait until the morning. Either way, this is what happened later that morning at the more reasonable hour of 8am.

The maintainance man rings the bell and Kim goes to answer the door. She turns the knob and makes the motion one does when they pull a door open. Only in her case she finds the door is still shut and she is now holding the door knob in her hand. Unable to open the door she has to explain to the mantenance man that she can't let him in ecause she is holding the knob in her hand. Through some instruction and some savvy mechanical skills, the maintainance man finally is able to enter our apartment.

Meanwhile, as the maintainance man is in the bathroom trying to asses the situation, the cable man shows up to install our cable. The poor, poor man. The cable plugs were in the corner of our living room behind a small tiled table with a green study lamp sitting on top. This man was not a pettite man...and I don't know why we didn't offer a little help by moving the table (perhaps it was the desaster taking place in the bathroom?). Next thing we know we hear crash coming from the living room. Kim and I run to see what the suspicious noise was only to find the not-so-pettite cable man on his hands and knees, the table top lying on the floor and shards of green glass surrounding him. Needless to say he was embarrased and felt horrible.

At that point, the only think Kim and I could do was laugh. It really was A Day of Disaster.

Happy Birthday Kim!

I Love My Bike

2009-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

Lately, my most favorite thing in the whole wide world is my bike. It's not a fancy bike. In fact, it is my friend's (and old roommate) old bike. She was very generous to donate it to my cause (the cause of not owning a bike). Thanks Liz! I find myself wanting to ride it EVERY where. It is so much fun! My recent adventure has been riding it to work. Don't let me fool you into believing this is some extraordinary adventure. My work is 4.5-miles from my house. And it's all downhill from my house to my office...which does make the return trip a bit tough. In fact I have a funny story about that.

Yesterday when I was riding home I encountered a long, steep hill. I had set my gears to the absolute lowest. Which you would think would be enough but no, I still had to power pedal (pedaling while standing up) the majority of the hill. Once I reached the summit (and was gasping for air) another biker came up from behind me and told me how impressed he was that I pedaled the whole way. And how much I inspired him to do the same because that was the first time he had ever pedaled up the whole hill. Did I mention that he told me all of this as he zoomed past me in his spandex outfit? I'm pretty sure he was lying.

I'm a recreational biker (remember my post from last year?). That's right, sidewalks the whole way! I think the moment I have to ride in the bike lane is the moment it'll stop being fun. In fact I just recently caved and bought a helmet (against my will) in order to be able to ride to work along the more trafficy roads. Wyatt is concerned that I'm acting a little too much like an Oregonian (bike riding, NPR loving, half-veggie eater) and that it'll be too late once we move - the damage will have been done. I like to relate it to the movie ET. You know, when ET was so far away from home how he got really sick? I think he's worried that I might get contaminated/sick from being in Oregon too long. I'm not too worried., I don't wear spandex while riding my bike...yet.