Ever have the aching feeling that you want to say something -- something of significance, of importance...something that will be impactful? I have had that feeling for the last couple of weeks, but I just can not put my finger on it. Maybe I'm thinking about it too much - or maybe I'm over inflating the significance of anything I would have to share. I mean...who am I? Just little ol' Anna - from Oregon - working away and living life with my husband & family.
Hmm... I'll keep pondering, and maybe by some divine intervention or revelation I'll be able to conjur up what is whirling around in my head & in my heart.
Here's to the process...
<3
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Frustration
I hate being on the phone with banks trying to figure out their STUPID system for a short sale... they SUCK!!
<3
<3
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Filled to the Brim
This past weekend was so full, and so much fun - I even had a couple chances to sneak in a nap here and there. But it was so fun!
Isaac's dad Vernon got in LATE Friday night - so late in fact that I was already in bed. I had an early morning run to prep for. So I awoke bright & early for my 6 mile run at a local park with my running group, and man I felt good! Probably one of the best runs I've had in a while. I was a bit tired, but the good kind of tired - where you know you've been working but could still keep going. And it was great because my dear friend Kathryn was finally able to join us for her first Saturday training run (she's doing the Nike Women's Half Marathon w/ us in October). It was the first time Kathryn had run like we do - we do a run/walk combo... run for 3min, walk for 1min. So like myself, at the end she felt great - normally she says she just runs as hard and for as long as she can.
Because we were feeling so good - she suggested we hit up a zumba class at our local Courthouse. "Sure, why not?" I chime in... Now I had never experienced Zumba, even though I really have wanted to. Let me just say that it is a VERY fun class, super high energy - and after a 6.5mile run, I was hot, sweaty, red faced (thank you Scandanavian genetics), and exhausted! But all in all - so much fun!
Zumba was followed up by a quick shower & then a quick trip to the outlet mall for Kathryn. One sweater purchase & mostly window shopping. Mostly it was nice to be outside and in the sun with a great friend. Life was so good - and followed up by a quick nap & dinner w/ hubby Isaac & Vernon.
Sunday.... ahh Sunday, lazy morning, trip to Costco, cleaned the house, took a great nap, & then helped my honey cook dinner for our fathers. We were anxious to eat on our newly finished back deck (All thanks to my wonderfully handy husband!) but the weather was a bit too chilly for an evening dinner outside -- thanks Oregon weather! Sheesh! Isaac is truly a renaissance man - he builds & he cooks. Our dinner was outstanding! Steak, Salmon, Shrimp, macaroni salad, green salad, & ice cream w/ fresh strawberries. He rocks!
It was so nice to be surrounded by life giving things & people I love all weekend long. It really made me thankful for the family I have & the one Isaac & I are creating. What a blessing they are.
Here's to another weekend...hopefully this week goes by quickly! ;)
<3
Isaac's dad Vernon got in LATE Friday night - so late in fact that I was already in bed. I had an early morning run to prep for. So I awoke bright & early for my 6 mile run at a local park with my running group, and man I felt good! Probably one of the best runs I've had in a while. I was a bit tired, but the good kind of tired - where you know you've been working but could still keep going. And it was great because my dear friend Kathryn was finally able to join us for her first Saturday training run (she's doing the Nike Women's Half Marathon w/ us in October). It was the first time Kathryn had run like we do - we do a run/walk combo... run for 3min, walk for 1min. So like myself, at the end she felt great - normally she says she just runs as hard and for as long as she can.
Because we were feeling so good - she suggested we hit up a zumba class at our local Courthouse. "Sure, why not?" I chime in... Now I had never experienced Zumba, even though I really have wanted to. Let me just say that it is a VERY fun class, super high energy - and after a 6.5mile run, I was hot, sweaty, red faced (thank you Scandanavian genetics), and exhausted! But all in all - so much fun!
Zumba was followed up by a quick shower & then a quick trip to the outlet mall for Kathryn. One sweater purchase & mostly window shopping. Mostly it was nice to be outside and in the sun with a great friend. Life was so good - and followed up by a quick nap & dinner w/ hubby Isaac & Vernon.
Sunday.... ahh Sunday, lazy morning, trip to Costco, cleaned the house, took a great nap, & then helped my honey cook dinner for our fathers. We were anxious to eat on our newly finished back deck (All thanks to my wonderfully handy husband!) but the weather was a bit too chilly for an evening dinner outside -- thanks Oregon weather! Sheesh! Isaac is truly a renaissance man - he builds & he cooks. Our dinner was outstanding! Steak, Salmon, Shrimp, macaroni salad, green salad, & ice cream w/ fresh strawberries. He rocks!
It was so nice to be surrounded by life giving things & people I love all weekend long. It really made me thankful for the family I have & the one Isaac & I are creating. What a blessing they are.
Here's to another weekend...hopefully this week goes by quickly! ;)
<3
Friday, June 18, 2010
Fill In the Blank Friday
Well it's Friday & I haven't followed a Fill in the Blank in a while.. So here it goes!
Many thanks to Lauren for always providing fun questions! :)
1. The best thing about being in school was/is: a constant source of activities & social events - there was something always going on! Especially towards the end of the year
2. The worst thing about being in school was/is: all the crazy nonsense drama that was based in such shallow-ness!
3. My favorite subject in school was/is: history without a doubt - I had great history teachers, particularly Mr. Jones & Mr. Litchfield. I nearly became a history teacher because of them, especially Litch. They brought history to life - connected all the dots, rather than teaching history as single isolated events. I loved my AP Lit class too with Mrs. Buchanan.
4. One subject I wish I could have mastered/would like to master is: Wow, I'm not even sure - I wish I had more opportunities to take sign language
5. I could never get tired of studying History -I'm a firm believer that if you don't learn about your past, you're doomed to repeat it. Plus - all thru high school & college I had great teachers/professors. They brought it to life
6. The most memorable teacher I had was: it's a three way tie... Mr. Jones, Mr. Litchfield, & Mr. Sheldon - two were my history teachers that I loved. Mr. Sheldon was my Senior Expos/British Lit & Public Speaking teacher - my one & only "regular" English class in high school. But I loved him - he is a Disney lover, a Christian, and just a flat out fun guy - he never held back his opinion if you asked, wanted the best from everyone. Plus - he had a great sense of humor! My friend Kelsey & I stole his beloved Christmas tree & Minnie Mouse tree topper one year and held it ransom.
7. If I could choose between going to school for the rest of my life or working for the rest of my life, I'd choose: probably work - but I'd love to find some way to integrate the two...maybe work for a school where I could take courses as I wanted.
Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend filled with laughter & love!
<3
Many thanks to Lauren for always providing fun questions! :)
1. The best thing about being in school was/is: a constant source of activities & social events - there was something always going on! Especially towards the end of the year
2. The worst thing about being in school was/is: all the crazy nonsense drama that was based in such shallow-ness!
3. My favorite subject in school was/is: history without a doubt - I had great history teachers, particularly Mr. Jones & Mr. Litchfield. I nearly became a history teacher because of them, especially Litch. They brought history to life - connected all the dots, rather than teaching history as single isolated events. I loved my AP Lit class too with Mrs. Buchanan.
4. One subject I wish I could have mastered/would like to master is: Wow, I'm not even sure - I wish I had more opportunities to take sign language
5. I could never get tired of studying History -I'm a firm believer that if you don't learn about your past, you're doomed to repeat it. Plus - all thru high school & college I had great teachers/professors. They brought it to life
6. The most memorable teacher I had was: it's a three way tie... Mr. Jones, Mr. Litchfield, & Mr. Sheldon - two were my history teachers that I loved. Mr. Sheldon was my Senior Expos/British Lit & Public Speaking teacher - my one & only "regular" English class in high school. But I loved him - he is a Disney lover, a Christian, and just a flat out fun guy - he never held back his opinion if you asked, wanted the best from everyone. Plus - he had a great sense of humor! My friend Kelsey & I stole his beloved Christmas tree & Minnie Mouse tree topper one year and held it ransom.
7. If I could choose between going to school for the rest of my life or working for the rest of my life, I'd choose: probably work - but I'd love to find some way to integrate the two...maybe work for a school where I could take courses as I wanted.
Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend filled with laughter & love!
<3
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Weekend Guest!
In nearly a year of marriage, Isaac & I will have our first guest from either of our family's staying with us for a few days. I'm a bit nervous! Isaac's dad, Vernon, will be staying with us & I just love him. I can see so much of Isaac in him -- wait, strike that. I recognize so much of Vernon in Isaac, in his general personality - and mostly, in their laughs. They have the exact same, full bodied, boisterous laugh. It is so fun!
Vernon will be staying with us for about 5 days, so I'm running around our house trying to get things in order.
Items left to do before he arrives on Friday:
Clean upstairs guest bath (darling hubby taking care of this today -- it's the last day of school, so he'll be home early!)
Set out towels & maybe some extra toiletries, in case he forgot anyting
Vacuum entire upstairs & downstairs
Finish shopping for some food items
Make sure his room has an extra blanket, just in case.
What do you do to get ready for overnight guests??
<3
Vernon will be staying with us for about 5 days, so I'm running around our house trying to get things in order.
Items left to do before he arrives on Friday:
Clean upstairs guest bath (darling hubby taking care of this today -- it's the last day of school, so he'll be home early!)
Set out towels & maybe some extra toiletries, in case he forgot anyting
Vacuum entire upstairs & downstairs
Finish shopping for some food items
Make sure his room has an extra blanket, just in case.
What do you do to get ready for overnight guests??
<3
Monday, June 14, 2010
1st BBQ of the SUMMER!
That's right - I said SUMMER! This past Saturday evening hubby Isaac & I went over to our friend Ashley & Scott's house for the first BBQ of the summer season. The two were recently married, and it was their first event having a group over for a BBQ. It was so great! We had margaritas, Coronas, hamburgers, some great macaroni salad, along with all the other BBQ fixings!
I have to admit - I had such a good time! It was incredibly nice to just sit outside in their backyard and visit while enjoying the great weather. It was the first time Isaac & I had done something like that with that particular group - but we both had a great time. And honestly, I feel a little lame by how much I've already said what a good time we had; but it's true & we did!!
After dinner we delved in to a hard core game of Scene It Squabble (read men vs. women)! We got beat horribly by the guys -- but I have to admit, we did get a couple last minute wins which were fun. My favorite moment: beating Isaac at a "Notting Hill" question...it was a little sweet because that is his favorite Julia Roberts movie.
It has been such a joy spending time with friends lately and I think it has really sparked in both Isaac & I the appreciation of quality friend time. This past 11 months we've been really good about taking time to spend together, and get to know one and to bring our two lives in to one. Which I have so appreciated! And now I'm looking forward to spending time together with other couple friends. We're ready for some fun! :)
Besides the email hack - it was a very full & fun weekend!
<3
I have to admit - I had such a good time! It was incredibly nice to just sit outside in their backyard and visit while enjoying the great weather. It was the first time Isaac & I had done something like that with that particular group - but we both had a great time. And honestly, I feel a little lame by how much I've already said what a good time we had; but it's true & we did!!
After dinner we delved in to a hard core game of Scene It Squabble (read men vs. women)! We got beat horribly by the guys -- but I have to admit, we did get a couple last minute wins which were fun. My favorite moment: beating Isaac at a "Notting Hill" question...it was a little sweet because that is his favorite Julia Roberts movie.
It has been such a joy spending time with friends lately and I think it has really sparked in both Isaac & I the appreciation of quality friend time. This past 11 months we've been really good about taking time to spend together, and get to know one and to bring our two lives in to one. Which I have so appreciated! And now I'm looking forward to spending time together with other couple friends. We're ready for some fun! :)
Besides the email hack - it was a very full & fun weekend!
<3
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Weekend Nightmare!
This weekend was a moderate nightmare starting at 7:30am yesterday morning.
I got tons of text messages, facebook messages, and phone calls from everyone I've EVER, I repeat, EVER have emailed with or have received an email from. What might they have called about??
Oh just the mere fact that some LOSER hacked my email and used my email to spam out to my entire contact list, and I have spent the last day and a half trying to reverse what he's done. Every time I would get logged in and get things set up with the proper security - I would get kicked out and my password would get changed on me. I wanted to scream & cry! I hadn't experienced that kind of pure frustration & the feeling of being attacked so much ever in my life. It was unreal! And of course it hampered my ability to log in here!
Even now, I have my password changed and am checking to see if anyone else is logged into my account from other locations than my own or my phone -- and closing it out. Thankfully one time I was logged in I caught his email address & an IP address which I promptly forwarded to my favorite computer gal to see if she could help me in any way.
We'll see how long it takes for me to take back my account fully without concern -- but until that time, I have set up a new hotmail account just to use in case something else goes wrong with the gmail account.
Cross your fingers that lame-o has moved on -- he's certainly wreaked havoc on my life & internet life for this weekend, and honestly - that's more than enough for me!!!
Hope you had a great weekend though! The weather here is so nice now! Summer has arrived finally!!
<3
I got tons of text messages, facebook messages, and phone calls from everyone I've EVER, I repeat, EVER have emailed with or have received an email from. What might they have called about??
Oh just the mere fact that some LOSER hacked my email and used my email to spam out to my entire contact list, and I have spent the last day and a half trying to reverse what he's done. Every time I would get logged in and get things set up with the proper security - I would get kicked out and my password would get changed on me. I wanted to scream & cry! I hadn't experienced that kind of pure frustration & the feeling of being attacked so much ever in my life. It was unreal! And of course it hampered my ability to log in here!
Even now, I have my password changed and am checking to see if anyone else is logged into my account from other locations than my own or my phone -- and closing it out. Thankfully one time I was logged in I caught his email address & an IP address which I promptly forwarded to my favorite computer gal to see if she could help me in any way.
We'll see how long it takes for me to take back my account fully without concern -- but until that time, I have set up a new hotmail account just to use in case something else goes wrong with the gmail account.
Cross your fingers that lame-o has moved on -- he's certainly wreaked havoc on my life & internet life for this weekend, and honestly - that's more than enough for me!!!
Hope you had a great weekend though! The weather here is so nice now! Summer has arrived finally!!
<3
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Mental Vacation
I have a strong feeling that today is going to be a quiet day - and I'm going to take advantage of that by taking a small mental vacation. How might one do this, you may be asking?
Easy...Re-live peaceful, wonderful, sweet moments from vacations past...in effect, tapping in to my stored memories & emotions about times on vacations & times in my life that I loved. So I'll share some photos with you of what I'm remembering & treasuring right now! :) ** All photos taken by me
Easy...Re-live peaceful, wonderful, sweet moments from vacations past...in effect, tapping in to my stored memories & emotions about times on vacations & times in my life that I loved. So I'll share some photos with you of what I'm remembering & treasuring right now! :) ** All photos taken by me
Day one of our honeymoon in Kauai, hubby Isaac & I took a small hike out to this lighthouse...so peaceful
Waterfall we stopped at on our helicopter ride around the island of Kauai
We had such a fun day being together & snorkeling. I think we were planning
a late night trip for saimin at Hamura's -- local spot for killer saimin!
Brother came & supported me as I accomplished my first 1/2 marathon in San Fran.
What a great brother!
Any true Disney fan will appreciate this :)
Palm Springs - love it
My thoughtful husband - planned a getaway for us the last weekend
before football started....love my Oregon coast!
Even though it was sad at the time - this picture makes me so incredibly proud
to be a part of the family I am. Love my veteran dad & active duty brother - they're the BEST
Daddy's girl from day 1!
Beautiful Hawaiian sunset -- Princeville, Kauai Hawaii
<3
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Some People
Despite the fact that today I have dealt primarily with wonderful people who I like very much....
I have come to the end of my day dealing with one of my least favorite clients, who is a bully, rude, and passive aggressive.... And we all know how much everyone loves a man who's passive aggressive!
All I want to do right now is scream! And if I didn't have a splitting headache, or about 50 other things to do before I leave to go run, I just might!!
I need a vacation to start a countdown for... Sheesh!
<3
I have come to the end of my day dealing with one of my least favorite clients, who is a bully, rude, and passive aggressive.... And we all know how much everyone loves a man who's passive aggressive!
I need a vacation to start a countdown for... Sheesh!
<3
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Bit Stressed
I hate when things are up in the air - I hate when things are not certain - I hate when I don't have more control over things.
And now...I believe that I will be on the part time job hunt to add to my full time job currently. Adios vacation I so wanted to go on - Adios....
A little down in the dumps today -- humph :(
<3
And now...I believe that I will be on the part time job hunt to add to my full time job currently. Adios vacation I so wanted to go on - Adios....
A little down in the dumps today -- humph :(
<3
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday Thoughts...
Two of mine & Isaac's friends were recently divorced - which in itself was heartbreaking. They were our "go to" couple friends, we matched with one another so well and got together often. We so loved our friendship.Through the divorce though we have remained friends with both - and still treasure our friendships with them. They are two of the greatest people we have met and spent time with. And in this year, my friend has come to know the Lord as her personal Savior, she has accepted His gift of forgiveness & transformation & has become a new creation through & through! It's been so sweet to see how God has softened her once distant heart - and changed it in to a soft place, yearning for the love & guidance of Christ. Her desire for the Lord is so evident - it is so clear - so concrete.... it challenges me to find that place within my own relationship with the Lord. To put my earthly self aside and seek out His will, His wisdom, His power, His forgiveness, His love first above all.
There have been some definite hard times in the last couple months that she has faced and is facing now - but I know and am incredibly confident that her primary focus will be on leaning on the Lord & on His understanding. There are so many scriptures that come to mind when I think of this friend & the situation... But I lean on this...
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39
Regardless of the situation - no matter how desperate the circumstances I am not alone - nothing can come between the love my Father has for me and I for Him.
So I will wait & trust in that.
Hope all have a great weekend -- it's time to rest for sure!
<3
There have been some definite hard times in the last couple months that she has faced and is facing now - but I know and am incredibly confident that her primary focus will be on leaning on the Lord & on His understanding. There are so many scriptures that come to mind when I think of this friend & the situation... But I lean on this...
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39
Regardless of the situation - no matter how desperate the circumstances I am not alone - nothing can come between the love my Father has for me and I for Him.
So I will wait & trust in that.
Hope all have a great weekend -- it's time to rest for sure!
<3
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Parker Backyard Project UPDATE!
I think perhaps going out of town is beneficial to the completion of our backyard project! Isaac gets so focused and zeroed in on completing about 100 projects. Have I mentioned lately how grateful I am to have such a handy and creative husband? What luck?! A man who enjoys building things - and has the deep love of creating & designing it as well.
Here are the latest photos of the pergola out back - the biggest part of the project to date:
Here are the latest photos of the pergola out back - the biggest part of the project to date:
He even angled off the over hanging boards!
It looks so great!
We're thinking of putting some shade beneath the boards -- a sort of roman shade. And my dad, who's an electrician, will be helping Isaac switch out the light & add an outlet for some patio lights that we'll string up.
Next on the agenda: sod the back yard (my hubby enlisted some of his football players to lay a couple yards of fill dirt to start leveling out the yard), barkdust, finish flagstone side spot for garbage cans (get those puppies outta the garage!!), & finishing touches -- i.e. patio furniture, flowers, colorful pillows for patio furniture, etc. The best part about this entire project was a text message I received from Isaac while I was in San Diego... He said that even though he's exhausted, what keeps him going is the excitement of being able to enjoy & play with our future children in our beautiful backyard. What a sweetie!
Any other ideas on who to really finish off the yard project? Or what projects do you have for your yard this summer??
<3
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Home & Back At It!
I survived the road trip with Brother -- but now is the time to work work work!
Will catch up on the blog & photos soon!!
<3
Will catch up on the blog & photos soon!!
<3
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