Every year I take the time to reflect on the past year and look towards the new year. I don't really do resolutions, as they are mostly excuses for me to fail - I mean, seriously - how many times have we all joined the gym in January only to be reminded in May that you have spent $200 so far on one workout. No thank you.
But, I do find that reflecting a cathartic experience, and because I know you are all voyeurs (or you wouldn't be here), I now present Peanuts 2009 Year in Review. Enjoy.
Firsts
In January I was rear-ended on my lunch break, which resulted in back and neck injuries and therapy. While not completely disabling it was a struggle and a total pain in the ass to fit 3 weekly visits with a chiropractor into an already busy schedule. My insurance company cut me off months later, resulting in my first hiring-a-lawyer experience. But it all worked out in the end - turns out, my lawyer kicks some major tuchkas and now I can afford to eat.
In February, although still having physical trouble, I tried to snowboard for the first time. I suspected that I would be pretty terrible at it anyway, considering I can hardly walk without hurting myself, but was excited to try. Needless to say, the results had to do with me on my ass for most of the day, followed by more back pain. Good times.
Also in February, I hired a stylist. Yeah, you read that right - my own personal stylist. I had found a New Years special for Inspired Style, a company that focuses on determining your body style and the type of clothes that fit, at any weight. I figured that since my weight has fluctuated my entire life that I could at least learn to dress it better. So, Anne came over and took some horribly embarrassing photos and measurements and we went over my personal preferences. Other than the photos that have since been burned, it was a good experience and I learned some things - not that I've really done much with the results... you'll still fine me in jeans most of the time.
In March, Jayna and Eric came for the weekend and we went to Newport for the Seafood and Wine Festival. Veronica also came, which was such a nice treat. The 5 of us rented a house on the beach and had some good times. The festival was a bit of a disappointment for me - too crowded, too expensive and poorly planned - but we had fun anyway. We also climbed a lighthouse, and say some seals - I like seals so, good times.
In May, Rob and I went out to Bend and spend the weekend with my cousin Scott. It was my first trip to Bend and I was surprised to discover how much it reminded me of Flag - I was delighted. We drifted down the river on our inflatable Walmart rafts, which we named Full Sail and something else beer related. Scott taught Rob to shoot a bow & arrow and introduced us to the Red Beer. Excellent times were had. Oh, and we saw Star Trek - while no one will ever surpass Shatners acting capacity, I thouroghly enjoyed it.
At the end of June I departed for an amazing 2-week trip to China. It was simultaneously the most wonderful and most annoying trip of my life. I loved China - I mean, really loved it. To the extent that I was daydreaming about spending a year living there, learing the language and getting driven around in my company limosine by my personal driver. On the other hand, I learned that traveling on a guided tour sucks - and that's putting it mildly. While it's great that you get to see a ton of stuff, you spend most of your time on a crappy bus with no freedom to explore - I felt that I had minimal exposure to the real nitty-gritty. We were shuttled from one tourist trap to the next and one gift shop to the next. My favorite parts were the few times we were able to venture out on our own, and the beautiful countryside near Yangshao. I won't take a guided tour again, but I will gladly return to China any day.
In September, for my birthday, Rob took me one a wine tasting tour and night at the Hotel McMinneville. It was really a cute little town and we loved touring the wineries and taking photos of the countryside. Unfortunately, being the clutz that I am, I took a nice little slide down half a flight of stairs resulting in a really lovely set of stair-step bruises on my backside. Other than that, it was a really nice trip.
In October, Rob and I took a day trip up to Seattle - while not a first for me, Rob had never been and it was fun to experience the city through a newbies eye. It was really way to short a trip, but we managed to take a ferry to Bainbridge, hit up Pikes Market, ride the monorail and have a nice dinner. If only we had been there late enought to hit the hot-dog stand in pioneer square - mmm, hot dog with cream cheese - WIN!
In December, I finished my first year of grad school, and my first business plan - one that will lead to my eventual fame, fortune and internet domination. I'm currently working on two more, but I don't want to brag. December also brought me the Swine flu - something that was not so cool, and that caused my mother endless hours of worry. Obviously I survived this "vicious killer" and lived to tell the tale.
Not So Much Firsts, But Still Worth Noting
This last year also brought some weddings, some babies, some engagements - it seems that they go in cycles. Two years ago I was invited to seven weddings. Seven! This year I witnessed the fallout - babies galore. It seems that everyone I went to high school or college with popped out a kid or was talking about popping one out, and yet, I still don't feel the uterus kicking. Ce La Vie. But, weddings I like - can't complain about free booze, food, love and dancing.
Repeats from last year include Dogtober Fest, the NAU Alumni game, and the International Beer Fest - some of my favorite events. Storm Large also reappeared, when X and I went to see Crazy Enough,which was stellar, BTW.
In July, Rob adopted Bailey, my 2nd favorite dog - well, technically she's my favorite living dog but don't tell her or it will go to her head. It's surprising how much she reminds me of Beanie, and I sometimes wonder if she didn't guide her home to us. She's made everything so much more fun, if not dirtier.
The Best and The Worst Day, Ever
On December 11th, everything went to hell. Well, not everything, but it was the most emotional day I've had for awhile. It was my last day at work, my grandmother died, my niece Ameila was born, we celebrated Jenny's upcoming move to Eastern OR/WA and it was the anniversary of Sabines death. I'm not sure I've ever gone through more emotions in one day. The result was that I was reminded of how thankful I am for everything and, more importantly, everyone in my life. Thank you all for making this year a great one!
New Year, New Life?
No, but a lot changes - that's for sure. I plan to start it off the same as last year, with good friends at Stedman & Brians, although it wont be the same with Steddles being preggers and all! Woot!
After that, it's down to business. Literally - it will be my last year of business school, the start of a freelance career and hopefully the start of a new company for me. I'm excited, scared, hopeful and a wee bit cocky. But, hey, what else is new?
I think I'd like to try snowboarding again, and maybe this year I will start that marathon training that I've been thinking of for years. But, probably not - perhaps I will strive to complete the Shamrock Run without a stop for coffee instead. I also plan to ride my new bike a lot more and generally focus on my health, instead of striving to lose weight. I would like to get back to the point where the muffin top ceases and the chub-rub desists.
There will be a few more weddings (three announced so far), several more babies and getting to meet my new niece - maybe I'll even change a diaper. I'm sure that will kick the uterus into overdrive, yes?
Finally, I look forward to the sale of my house, possible cohabitation and a Caribbean vacation with the man I love. I also hope for visits from friends (yes, Monkey, that means you) and to visit others in Walla Walla, Anchorage, Denver and anywhere else I can afford. This year is all about change and spending time on things that are important to me - friends, family and beer festivals.
Happy New Year to You!
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Year in Blog
2008 has probably been the most interesting and favorite of the last few years. In January I was honored to be one of the lucky few attendees at Sara Lou & Stew's fabulous Timberline wedding. I'm not sure I had ever had so much fun at a wedding before, and I'm not sure I've ever been so cold in a hot tub! Soon after, in February, I was asked to take a big trip for work and started the long preparation & freak out process. I started blogging, and so did Sabine. Sadly, Sabinedog's blog seems to have been removed from the internet - too bad, because her posts were hella funny!
On March 7th, I departed for my two month adventure in Seoul. Flying to Korea in 1st class was the last easy thing about the trip, but I had a lot of fun and learned many things about the country, the culture, my job and myself. Highlights for March include staying at The Dormy, seeing Jason Mraz, learning about the layoffs at home and drinking Soju with friends.By April I had started to get a little homesick but was still trying to make the best of the trip. I got to see the entire city from Namsan Tower, along with the amazing cherry blossoms. I went shopping in Insadong and had the best night of my trip at Lotte World!
When I landed in California the first thing I did was send a text message to all my friends that said "I love this Country!" Being home had never felt better and I spent most of May enjoying the company of my friends and my dog. I bought my lovely little mac and started making plans to leave my employer.
BeansandNuts was born in July, I hired little Russian men to work on my kitchen, signed up for a great diet program and I attended my second wedding for the year. X and I took a little camping trip to Ft. Stevens State Park with the dogs in August. When I returned, I gave my notice at work and willingly became unemployed for the first time in five years.
The MBA program at Marylhurst seemed like a great fit, so I started classes in September and began making friends. I was down 30 lbs on my diet and I turned 30 years old! Jayna and Eric came to visit for the Miss White Trash Pageant, I attended a pub crawl, and I met the man. I think September might have been my favorite month. After just one (amazing!) month of freedom, I accepted a job in October. I went to see Matt Nathanson with a hot date and attended two more weddings - a small courthouse ceremony and a charming beach wedding that ended at the Sportsman Pub and Grub.
Obama won the election by a surprising (to me) landslide in November and I had an absolute blast with my date for Denim & Diamonds. For Thanksgiving, I traveled to Tucson for my fifth (& Final!) wedding of 2008 and reconnected with some amazing friends that I missed more than I ever realized. December brought the tragic loss of my Sabine but also a great, joy filled White Christmas and the birth of a close friends baby boy. I spent about 7 days strait lying on my butt and playing on the internet because I could not leave the house - the snow was beautiful but I'm glad to be mobile again.
As amazing as 2008 was, I think 2009 is going to be even better. I don't think there will be five weddings this year, but you never know.. in the meantime, I'm looking forward to continuing school, learning to snowboard, spending more time with my friends and my guy, meeting the new babies that have arrived or will be arriving soon, attending the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival and going to China. I hope each of you had a great 08 and have an even better 09!!
XOXO
On March 7th, I departed for my two month adventure in Seoul. Flying to Korea in 1st class was the last easy thing about the trip, but I had a lot of fun and learned many things about the country, the culture, my job and myself. Highlights for March include staying at The Dormy, seeing Jason Mraz, learning about the layoffs at home and drinking Soju with friends.By April I had started to get a little homesick but was still trying to make the best of the trip. I got to see the entire city from Namsan Tower, along with the amazing cherry blossoms. I went shopping in Insadong and had the best night of my trip at Lotte World!
When I landed in California the first thing I did was send a text message to all my friends that said "I love this Country!" Being home had never felt better and I spent most of May enjoying the company of my friends and my dog. I bought my lovely little mac and started making plans to leave my employer.
BeansandNuts was born in July, I hired little Russian men to work on my kitchen, signed up for a great diet program and I attended my second wedding for the year. X and I took a little camping trip to Ft. Stevens State Park with the dogs in August. When I returned, I gave my notice at work and willingly became unemployed for the first time in five years.
The MBA program at Marylhurst seemed like a great fit, so I started classes in September and began making friends. I was down 30 lbs on my diet and I turned 30 years old! Jayna and Eric came to visit for the Miss White Trash Pageant, I attended a pub crawl, and I met the man. I think September might have been my favorite month. After just one (amazing!) month of freedom, I accepted a job in October. I went to see Matt Nathanson with a hot date and attended two more weddings - a small courthouse ceremony and a charming beach wedding that ended at the Sportsman Pub and Grub.
Obama won the election by a surprising (to me) landslide in November and I had an absolute blast with my date for Denim & Diamonds. For Thanksgiving, I traveled to Tucson for my fifth (& Final!) wedding of 2008 and reconnected with some amazing friends that I missed more than I ever realized. December brought the tragic loss of my Sabine but also a great, joy filled White Christmas and the birth of a close friends baby boy. I spent about 7 days strait lying on my butt and playing on the internet because I could not leave the house - the snow was beautiful but I'm glad to be mobile again.
As amazing as 2008 was, I think 2009 is going to be even better. I don't think there will be five weddings this year, but you never know.. in the meantime, I'm looking forward to continuing school, learning to snowboard, spending more time with my friends and my guy, meeting the new babies that have arrived or will be arriving soon, attending the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival and going to China. I hope each of you had a great 08 and have an even better 09!!
XOXO
Thursday, November 6, 2008
No More Caffeine!
Seriously. My boss came into my cube this afternoon drinking a diet Pepsi and it looked soooo good that I just had to have one. And so here I am, at midnight, still up and running. Blargh.
But, it was a good day. I got taken out to lunch by one of the sales managers and a rep and had a great time. It's nice to have some social interaction outside of the morgue that I work in. I learned something about the company, the merger, and my boss. And I think I may have made a new friend. This new job is not perfect, but I'm starting to settle in and the rest of my life is going so well that it's just a side issue.
For the few Re-Pubs that read this site, I'm sorry for your loss. But, realize that all change is painful but also necessary for our growth. You've had a good run but things ahven't gone so swimmingly - maybe things won't be as bad as you think. I mean, four years ago I was ready to move to Canade, but here I am still breathing. And you should be proud that you have lived to see the first minority elected to the Presidential office in America. Regardless of your love, hate or apathy for the candidates that's fricking historic and hella cool, so quit whining. Nothing lasts forever and you will survive even this.
But, it was a good day. I got taken out to lunch by one of the sales managers and a rep and had a great time. It's nice to have some social interaction outside of the morgue that I work in. I learned something about the company, the merger, and my boss. And I think I may have made a new friend. This new job is not perfect, but I'm starting to settle in and the rest of my life is going so well that it's just a side issue.
For the few Re-Pubs that read this site, I'm sorry for your loss. But, realize that all change is painful but also necessary for our growth. You've had a good run but things ahven't gone so swimmingly - maybe things won't be as bad as you think. I mean, four years ago I was ready to move to Canade, but here I am still breathing. And you should be proud that you have lived to see the first minority elected to the Presidential office in America. Regardless of your love, hate or apathy for the candidates that's fricking historic and hella cool, so quit whining. Nothing lasts forever and you will survive even this.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Flowers
I was sitting at my desk eating some lunch when the FTD guy showed up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. What a lucky girl I am to have such a supportive group friends and family. Thank you Sara & Stew for making my day!
On the job front, I had an interview on Monday with Logitech for a marketing position in their International packaging department. I was super excited about it but during the interview I got the distinct feeling that they were seeking a mid-level professional that would work a lot of overtime but were only willing to pay an entry-level salary. Also, one of the interviewers reminded me of a troll.... short, round and super grumpy. I know that's a mean thing to say but she had a scowl on her face the whole time and I talked down to me like I was five and incapable of grasping basic concepts. Needless to say, I don't think I will be taking that position.
On a strange and ironic note, it's been brought to my attention that -OMITTED- is looking for a part-time temp to do some data entry and odd projects. I'm not sure if it's a long term stint or not but it could work out while I go to school. **edited for content**
On the job front, I had an interview on Monday with Logitech for a marketing position in their International packaging department. I was super excited about it but during the interview I got the distinct feeling that they were seeking a mid-level professional that would work a lot of overtime but were only willing to pay an entry-level salary. Also, one of the interviewers reminded me of a troll.... short, round and super grumpy. I know that's a mean thing to say but she had a scowl on her face the whole time and I talked down to me like I was five and incapable of grasping basic concepts. Needless to say, I don't think I will be taking that position.
On a strange and ironic note, it's been brought to my attention that -OMITTED- is looking for a part-time temp to do some data entry and odd projects. I'm not sure if it's a long term stint or not but it could work out while I go to school. **edited for content**
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Busy
This week has been a busy one... on Saturday I met a co-worker for breakfast and then I spent the hot, beautiful evening celebrating new beginnings with friends and eating ate out on the patio. On Sunday, two of my cronies from high school came into town and we met for bunch. Have I mentioned before that I love brunch? I mean, breakfast & lunch at the same meal? Genius.
It was slightly awkward since we hadn't seen each other in nearly ten years, but it was great to catch up and talk trash about our classmates (kidding). In the afternoon was a bridal shower for a coworker. I spent a good portion of the time thinking about how much I'm going to miss my friends at work. But I'll just have to work harder to see them outside these walls!
All in all, a fabulous weekend but I did a real number on my diet. I had bacon, cake and booze. So, imagine my surprise when I weighed in on Tuesday and lost two pounds!! That brings my total with MRC to eleven pounds in about 4 weeks. Added to the five I had lost before I started the program, I'm down sixteen pounds. Whoo-hooo! I'm well on track to make my birthday goal - two pants sizes- and to meet my total goal of fifty-five pounds by new year.
I was also pretty excited that Dr. Atack got me in for a teeth cleaning. Isn't that the most hysterical name for a dentist? He's really quite gentle... anyway, they worked a little magic to get me in before my insurance is gone and it's a good thing too because it seems I have a little baby cavity. Right next to my little baby (freaky) extra tooth. But that is another story for another time.
Finally, I had an informational interview last night with another recruiting agency and have a pretty good feeling about the company. The situation was highly entertaining - during the group meeting they ask a few standard questions... what kind of work are you looking for, where do you see yourself in three years, who's your daddy, etc. Because the agency focus is on recent grads and young professionals, several of the kids in my group were, shall we say, a bit awkward. There was one guy in particular that I just wanted to pat on the head and tell him life would get better. But my favorite was the little accounting major whose dream job is to be a controller. Bless his little heart.
It was slightly awkward since we hadn't seen each other in nearly ten years, but it was great to catch up and talk trash about our classmates (kidding). In the afternoon was a bridal shower for a coworker. I spent a good portion of the time thinking about how much I'm going to miss my friends at work. But I'll just have to work harder to see them outside these walls!
All in all, a fabulous weekend but I did a real number on my diet. I had bacon, cake and booze. So, imagine my surprise when I weighed in on Tuesday and lost two pounds!! That brings my total with MRC to eleven pounds in about 4 weeks. Added to the five I had lost before I started the program, I'm down sixteen pounds. Whoo-hooo! I'm well on track to make my birthday goal - two pants sizes- and to meet my total goal of fifty-five pounds by new year.
I was also pretty excited that Dr. Atack got me in for a teeth cleaning. Isn't that the most hysterical name for a dentist? He's really quite gentle... anyway, they worked a little magic to get me in before my insurance is gone and it's a good thing too because it seems I have a little baby cavity. Right next to my little baby (freaky) extra tooth. But that is another story for another time.
Finally, I had an informational interview last night with another recruiting agency and have a pretty good feeling about the company. The situation was highly entertaining - during the group meeting they ask a few standard questions... what kind of work are you looking for, where do you see yourself in three years, who's your daddy, etc. Because the agency focus is on recent grads and young professionals, several of the kids in my group were, shall we say, a bit awkward. There was one guy in particular that I just wanted to pat on the head and tell him life would get better. But my favorite was the little accounting major whose dream job is to be a controller. Bless his little heart.
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