Days with nothing to do are so much nicer when you know you have a job to return to in a few days, in my opinion.
After work yesterday I went downtown to have lunch with a friend (Kari Ann). We got food to go and sat in a park, where we were approached by the smallest, cutest, softest dog I have ever seen. He was a Bichon Frise Poodle mix. He was black and seriously so cute that I decided almost instantly that I want one. Are you shocked? I know! I was too. But he was so soft I just wanted to hold him! So I have officially put “Bichon Frise Poodle mix dog” on my to-get list. Don’t worry, it’s way far down on the bottom of the list. But it’s on there.
After lunch I went over to a grassy hill by the river and enjoyed some dozing off/reading/people watching. After a while I was so sleepy (considering that it was the time of day I have been sleeping all week) that I went home and napped for 2 hours. I was afraid that would keep me from sleeping all night-something I wanted to do since I wasn’t working this morning. But I slept for about 10 ½ hours without waking up once, and it was incredibly restful sleep. I plan to continue that pattern until returning to work on Wednesday.
Today I decided that 1) I needed to enjoy the sun and 2) I needed to explore the Max. The Max is the light rail system here. I had not yet used any of Portland’s public transportation, mainly because it’s kind of expensive if you already have a car that you have to use most of the time anyway (like driving to work at 1:30 a.m. when the buses and trains are not running). However there is a part of the system that is free, Fareless Square, and it starts on the east side of the river (the side I live on) and goes across and covers most of downtown. My friends Tricia and Kevin (hey Tricia!) live close enough to that first stop on the free part that I was able to park near their place and walk to the stop, therefore avoiding having to pay for parking at the stop. Paying for parking is not the only annoying thing about driving downtown instead of riding the train-just the stress of finding a spot down there is enough. Anyways, I rode the train downtown, did a bit of walking around, and went back to the same grassy hill to get some sun, which I did, read, which I did, and people watch, which I did-including a middle aged man in a speedo (tried not to look at him too often) and some sort of photo shoot going on with a girl in a bikini. There is much skin to be seen in public places around here. While I was there it dawned on me that I have the perfect schedule for getting and maintaining a great tan. I can take my afternoon naps outside! Sunscreen is now at the top of my to-get list. After a couple of hours enjoying the outdoors, I made my way back to the train and to my parked car, and then to a nice happy hour with Caitlin and Chris (hey Caitlin!). Now I’m at home, wanting to read, but finding myself being quite sleepy, probably because it’s rather warm in the house. Because it’s almost hot outside. And Portlanders don’t really do AC.
3 more days off left to enjoy!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Update
I haven't posted a picture of my scarf in several weeks, because very little has been done. It has been worked on, but only a tiny bit. Here it is:
Tonight/tomorrow (however you wish to view it) will be my 6th day in a row doing the baker hours. It has been a long week. I have 4 days off following that, and then next week I will be on what will become my regular routine as far as baking-Wed, Thurs and Friday. I'll train up front soon. I'm not sure what days my up front shifts will be, but I am really happy that I will only be doing these hours 3 days a week. I feel like that will be much more manageable. I think if you were to add up my hours sleeping this week and divide it out over the 6 days, it would come out to 5 1/2-6 hours a day/night. I can handle that 3 days a week. 6 days, not so much. I woke up from my 3 hour nap a little while ago and it took me a good 10 minutes to realize that I did not have bagels to be putting on pans here at home. It's good to be working. It's good to be baking. It will be good to be sleeping just a tiny bit more after this week.
Tonight/tomorrow (however you wish to view it) will be my 6th day in a row doing the baker hours. It has been a long week. I have 4 days off following that, and then next week I will be on what will become my regular routine as far as baking-Wed, Thurs and Friday. I'll train up front soon. I'm not sure what days my up front shifts will be, but I am really happy that I will only be doing these hours 3 days a week. I feel like that will be much more manageable. I think if you were to add up my hours sleeping this week and divide it out over the 6 days, it would come out to 5 1/2-6 hours a day/night. I can handle that 3 days a week. 6 days, not so much. I woke up from my 3 hour nap a little while ago and it took me a good 10 minutes to realize that I did not have bagels to be putting on pans here at home. It's good to be working. It's good to be baking. It will be good to be sleeping just a tiny bit more after this week.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Working
Just a quick note to say that you might not hear much from me for a bit, while I am getting adjusted to this new schedule I am on. Going to work at 2 or 3 a.m., getting off between 10-11 a.m., messes with more than just your sleep schedule. It also messes with when you shower and how many meals a day you eat (yesterday that turned out to be 1, today it's been 2, maybe by tomorrow I'll be back to a 3 meal a day plan). Today was better than yesterday, mostly due to more coffee being consumed. As of right now, I go to bed as early as possible, which is not really very early, get a very few hours of sleep, work, nap for 2-3 hours, get up in time for church or social events, and then try to stay awake through the rest of the afternoon so that I can fall asleep earlier at night. Does that make sense to you? Not to me either. Which is why it might be hard to find much blogging time until I get this down and my brain is working a little better.
The good news is, once I am awake, I am enjoying the job so far.
Hope you had a good long weekend and that you enjoy a short week.
The good news is, once I am awake, I am enjoying the job so far.
Hope you had a good long weekend and that you enjoy a short week.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Three Months
I’ve been here 3 months today, and tomorrow I start my job. Those two facts led me to some reflecting, which I’ll share with you.
My first 3 months in China were the longest 3 months of my life, and the 4th one was only faster because I was leaving at the end of it. I had doubts beginning in my first 2 weeks there about why I was there and wondering if staying or leaving was the right thing to do. My heart was never at peace there. That’s not to say that my heart was instantly at peace with the decision to go home either. I struggled for a long time, even after getting settled back in there, with whether that had been the right move. That’s not a struggle I talked about much, because I wasn’t sure how to convey it. I can now, with a calm assurance, say that leaving was the right thing.
And then there are the 3 months I’ve been here in Portland. Really? I live in Portland? Yes, yes I do. When I think of this ridiculous job hunt, 3 months seems long. But in general, time has flown. There have been days of endless boredom, but I can’t believe I have already been here 3 months! There were moments of complete break downs about the job hunt, and I am definitely breathing easier now that I have a job, but all along I’ve felt good about being here. I never doubted the decision to come; not once have I thought that this was a mistake. My heart has been at peace about being here, from the first morning I woke up here.
Speaking of days of endless boredom during my 3 months of unemployment: I have read 17 books. That makes 24 for the year. Last year I had a goal to read 30 books in one year, which I just barely did. This year I had no goal but I will probably pass last year’s number in just over the first half of the year. I’ve also seen 30 movies this year (not including TV shows I watch on DVD), 22 of which were watched during unemployment. I suspect that my movie watching and book reading will slow down some once I am into the routine of being a productive member of society again. This is good. I will enjoy what movie watching and book reading I do more because my life will be structured once again. I like a little structure!
That’s really as far as my reflecting went. I guess I was just thinking about how fast time has gone here. Is the year going by oh so quickly for you too? And it’s not likely to slow down now, since pretty soon I’ll actually have things to do with my day! Yippee!!
My first 3 months in China were the longest 3 months of my life, and the 4th one was only faster because I was leaving at the end of it. I had doubts beginning in my first 2 weeks there about why I was there and wondering if staying or leaving was the right thing to do. My heart was never at peace there. That’s not to say that my heart was instantly at peace with the decision to go home either. I struggled for a long time, even after getting settled back in there, with whether that had been the right move. That’s not a struggle I talked about much, because I wasn’t sure how to convey it. I can now, with a calm assurance, say that leaving was the right thing.
And then there are the 3 months I’ve been here in Portland. Really? I live in Portland? Yes, yes I do. When I think of this ridiculous job hunt, 3 months seems long. But in general, time has flown. There have been days of endless boredom, but I can’t believe I have already been here 3 months! There were moments of complete break downs about the job hunt, and I am definitely breathing easier now that I have a job, but all along I’ve felt good about being here. I never doubted the decision to come; not once have I thought that this was a mistake. My heart has been at peace about being here, from the first morning I woke up here.
Speaking of days of endless boredom during my 3 months of unemployment: I have read 17 books. That makes 24 for the year. Last year I had a goal to read 30 books in one year, which I just barely did. This year I had no goal but I will probably pass last year’s number in just over the first half of the year. I’ve also seen 30 movies this year (not including TV shows I watch on DVD), 22 of which were watched during unemployment. I suspect that my movie watching and book reading will slow down some once I am into the routine of being a productive member of society again. This is good. I will enjoy what movie watching and book reading I do more because my life will be structured once again. I like a little structure!
That’s really as far as my reflecting went. I guess I was just thinking about how fast time has gone here. Is the year going by oh so quickly for you too? And it’s not likely to slow down now, since pretty soon I’ll actually have things to do with my day! Yippee!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
A glorious weekend
We are having the most wonderful weather! Bordering on hot, in the mid 80's, abundant sunshine and a nice breeze every once in a while. It made for a very nice weekend!
Friday night about 15 Hope ladies came over for a wine and chocolate party which was really nice. Saturday morning I went to the market, where I did not buy anything (but found several new cheeses to try soon) and did not see Keri Russell. Maybe next week. I then helped a Hope family move to their new place. Later in the afternoon/early evening, I did some napping/movie watching, and then late last night met up with a few Hopers for a late dinner. Today I slept in, stayed around the house for the morning, and then went to a park where some friends were playing tennis. I laid in the grass reading and people watching, which included a lady in a g-string. Yep, a g-string, in a park. Somewhat amusing, mostly disturbing. Tonight of course was church, followed by dinner and great conversation while enjoying the oh so pleasant evening air. Splendid, really.
Hope your weekend was just as nice!
Friday night about 15 Hope ladies came over for a wine and chocolate party which was really nice. Saturday morning I went to the market, where I did not buy anything (but found several new cheeses to try soon) and did not see Keri Russell. Maybe next week. I then helped a Hope family move to their new place. Later in the afternoon/early evening, I did some napping/movie watching, and then late last night met up with a few Hopers for a late dinner. Today I slept in, stayed around the house for the morning, and then went to a park where some friends were playing tennis. I laid in the grass reading and people watching, which included a lady in a g-string. Yep, a g-string, in a park. Somewhat amusing, mostly disturbing. Tonight of course was church, followed by dinner and great conversation while enjoying the oh so pleasant evening air. Splendid, really.
Hope your weekend was just as nice!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Little Bits of Excitement
My work uniform is jeans, a t-shirt and a hat. One of the reasons I love food industry jobs :) A guy in high school once told me that jeans, a t-shirt and a hat was my best look. I don't know what that says about me, but I still think of it as a compliment because it's definitely my favorite ensemble!
I was only at Noah's today for about 30 minutes, but they sent me home with a dozen hot bagels and two kinds of cream cheese. I've already eaten one and am fighting the urge to eat another one. I feel like I should at least see what flavors Jamie would like before I get two in a row :)
A little about Noah's: It's a chain, but only on the west coast (something that seems to make it more acceptable to people here-Portland is not very chain friendly). Its parent company owns Einstein Bagels, which most of you have probably at least heard of.
It's not a from scratch baking position, since it is a chain, but it's a place people seem to love, and I think I will really enjoy it. The shifts where I am baking I will be working 2-10 a.m., so if you call me during the day and my phone is off, you know I'm sleeping! But I'll be working other shifts too that won't be those crazy hours. The store closes at 5 though, so no evenings, which is nice.
I don't get to start as soon as I was hoping. I have orientation next Wednesday and then I start training later that weekend. While I was hoping to start sooner, at least I can enjoy the amazing weekend we have coming up (highs near 80 with lots of sun) with the peace of knowing that I have a job!
As for my living situation, nothing is going to change soon. I'll be staying here with Jamie until probably around the beginning of July. I will casually start looking for places to live in the next few weeks but won't be moving just yet.
That's all for now. I'm going to do some stress-free reading for a while and maybe go on a stress-free walk later :)
I was only at Noah's today for about 30 minutes, but they sent me home with a dozen hot bagels and two kinds of cream cheese. I've already eaten one and am fighting the urge to eat another one. I feel like I should at least see what flavors Jamie would like before I get two in a row :)
A little about Noah's: It's a chain, but only on the west coast (something that seems to make it more acceptable to people here-Portland is not very chain friendly). Its parent company owns Einstein Bagels, which most of you have probably at least heard of.
It's not a from scratch baking position, since it is a chain, but it's a place people seem to love, and I think I will really enjoy it. The shifts where I am baking I will be working 2-10 a.m., so if you call me during the day and my phone is off, you know I'm sleeping! But I'll be working other shifts too that won't be those crazy hours. The store closes at 5 though, so no evenings, which is nice.
I don't get to start as soon as I was hoping. I have orientation next Wednesday and then I start training later that weekend. While I was hoping to start sooner, at least I can enjoy the amazing weekend we have coming up (highs near 80 with lots of sun) with the peace of knowing that I have a job!
As for my living situation, nothing is going to change soon. I'll be staying here with Jamie until probably around the beginning of July. I will casually start looking for places to live in the next few weeks but won't be moving just yet.
That's all for now. I'm going to do some stress-free reading for a while and maybe go on a stress-free walk later :)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
PRAISE THE LORD
I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's with Noah's Bagels and I go tomorrow to do paper work and set the schedule for my training. I will be baking some shifts and working at the front counter other shifts.
Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying for this for 3 months. It has been an emotionally exhausting time and I appreciate you keeping up with me and continuing to pray for me. Our prayers have been answered!!!!!
I HAVE A JOB!
It's with Noah's Bagels and I go tomorrow to do paper work and set the schedule for my training. I will be baking some shifts and working at the front counter other shifts.
Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying for this for 3 months. It has been an emotionally exhausting time and I appreciate you keeping up with me and continuing to pray for me. Our prayers have been answered!!!!!
I HAVE A JOB!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New Things
My new city has lots of new-to-me things to offer. I thought I would share with you a few of those new things that I have discovered and really enjoyed.
I’ve been a fan of vegetables for a while. I thoroughly enjoy a lot of them. But here there are all kinds of fresh vegetables (thank you Farmers Market) for me to explore. I’ve loved asparagus for a few years now and we have it in abundance here right now, which just makes my heart happy. A few weeks ago I was at the smaller Wednesday market (Saturday is the big one), picking up some of that yummy asparagus, and I noticed a sign for white turnips nearby. Had I just seen the sign and the turnips themselves, I would have kept walking because they don’t really scream out “I am delicious.” But this particular booth had a plate of them sliced up and sautéed with just a little salt and pepper, so I tasted one and it was so good! So now I pick up a bundle of white turnips every time I go to the market and I sauté one up at least every other day, along with my asparagus and sometimes zucchini and onions and whatever else might be around. Next on my list of new vegetables to try: Bok Choy. I just have to figure out exactly what to do with it.
Cheese. I loooooove cheese. I thought I liked any cheese except Blue, until I moved here and realized there a million kinds of cheese I have yet to try. My favorite cheese booth (so far) at the market is the Willamette Valley Cheese Company. The first cheese I tried there, and then immediately bought, was havarti cheese. It is oh so good, eaten alone and cold, or cold on crackers, or put in tomato soup, or on a roast beef sandwich, or my favorite way: as a grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes (technically tomatoes are not quite in season yet but I have still been getting some). Last week I bought a cheese I already knew I loved: Gouda, and have been enjoying every bite. I’ll try a new-to-me cheese next time.
Rhubarb is one of those things I’ve known existed for a long time but had never really seen until last weekend, much less tasted. And all I can say about it right now is that it doesn’t look like anything that should go in a pie, but once it’s all chopped up, mixed with strawberries, sugar, butter and other goodness, it makes a really good pie.
I’ll keep you posted on any other new things I try as I come across them.
I’ve been a fan of vegetables for a while. I thoroughly enjoy a lot of them. But here there are all kinds of fresh vegetables (thank you Farmers Market) for me to explore. I’ve loved asparagus for a few years now and we have it in abundance here right now, which just makes my heart happy. A few weeks ago I was at the smaller Wednesday market (Saturday is the big one), picking up some of that yummy asparagus, and I noticed a sign for white turnips nearby. Had I just seen the sign and the turnips themselves, I would have kept walking because they don’t really scream out “I am delicious.” But this particular booth had a plate of them sliced up and sautéed with just a little salt and pepper, so I tasted one and it was so good! So now I pick up a bundle of white turnips every time I go to the market and I sauté one up at least every other day, along with my asparagus and sometimes zucchini and onions and whatever else might be around. Next on my list of new vegetables to try: Bok Choy. I just have to figure out exactly what to do with it.
Cheese. I loooooove cheese. I thought I liked any cheese except Blue, until I moved here and realized there a million kinds of cheese I have yet to try. My favorite cheese booth (so far) at the market is the Willamette Valley Cheese Company. The first cheese I tried there, and then immediately bought, was havarti cheese. It is oh so good, eaten alone and cold, or cold on crackers, or put in tomato soup, or on a roast beef sandwich, or my favorite way: as a grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes (technically tomatoes are not quite in season yet but I have still been getting some). Last week I bought a cheese I already knew I loved: Gouda, and have been enjoying every bite. I’ll try a new-to-me cheese next time.
Rhubarb is one of those things I’ve known existed for a long time but had never really seen until last weekend, much less tasted. And all I can say about it right now is that it doesn’t look like anything that should go in a pie, but once it’s all chopped up, mixed with strawberries, sugar, butter and other goodness, it makes a really good pie.
I’ll keep you posted on any other new things I try as I come across them.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
More progress than ever!
Thanks to celebrities leaving my neighborhood, and lots of rain coming in, I've stayed inside a lot more this week, so my scarf got worked on quite a bit. Maybe it will be finished before the next scarf season!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Rainy Weekend
My stalking days are kind of over. After I saw Keri (and family) on Wednesday, they all packed up and left the neighborhood. They are still filming in Portland, just not up here. So I can't walk in order to hopefully see/meet her. But she's still in town, was seen at the Farmers Market this week, and the Little's even met her. Yes, met her. Caroline chatted with her, Jason talked bicycle stuff with her husband, and the kids did art with her and her son. I have not given up hope that I will meet her, and become good friends.
It's been a rather rainy weekend, with days of overcast and rain ahead too.
Last night I met some of Jamie's friends, who have curly hair and recommended people who cut curly hair. This is huge and important and something not understood by straight haired people.
Today I wandered around downtown. I spent more than 2 hours at Powells. The past few times I have gone, I've been with other people. This time I was by myself and I had no time frame and I spent as much time as I wanted in whatever sections I wanted. I really could live in that place. I also wandered through a nice kitchen store, finding things I never knew I needed but of course instantly wanted (but did not buy), and finding a schedule of the many, many cooking classes they offer, and decided to sign up for one or more as soon as possible.
Pat's sermon tonight was so encouraging and spoke directly to my life. And there was mention of some long term plans for the church which got me really excited and made me happier to be a part of Hope. After church we had a potluck, which is really great and allows everyone to get to know everyone else a little bit better, while eating great home made food. Quite enjoyable.
I hope you've had a nice weekend, whether it was rainy or sunny. I hope it included good food, quality people time, and great books.
It's been a rather rainy weekend, with days of overcast and rain ahead too.
Last night I met some of Jamie's friends, who have curly hair and recommended people who cut curly hair. This is huge and important and something not understood by straight haired people.
Today I wandered around downtown. I spent more than 2 hours at Powells. The past few times I have gone, I've been with other people. This time I was by myself and I had no time frame and I spent as much time as I wanted in whatever sections I wanted. I really could live in that place. I also wandered through a nice kitchen store, finding things I never knew I needed but of course instantly wanted (but did not buy), and finding a schedule of the many, many cooking classes they offer, and decided to sign up for one or more as soon as possible.
Pat's sermon tonight was so encouraging and spoke directly to my life. And there was mention of some long term plans for the church which got me really excited and made me happier to be a part of Hope. After church we had a potluck, which is really great and allows everyone to get to know everyone else a little bit better, while eating great home made food. Quite enjoyable.
I hope you've had a nice weekend, whether it was rainy or sunny. I hope it included good food, quality people time, and great books.
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