The panic has begun. This morning I woke with my mind ablaze. I had a million thoughts bungled inside my head and laid there slowly working myself into freak-out status. To help, I did what I do best, create a list. I sat down with my sasquatch notebook (the first week I was here in Vancouver, I needed a notebook. I went to Fred Meyer and started looking through all the office supplies. Once I found the notebooks, I spent several minutes trying to decide which one would work best. Then I saw the sasquatch one. Talk about a genius market idea, and a little predictable. Of course I had to have it. Besides, it came with a pocket in the front as well, handy for all the business cards I've been given in the last 3 weeks). I then made a page for every day this week, and started listing what needed to happen for each one. At first, my list had the calming effect I was needing. However, it slowly turned into sadness and delved into slight depression. It's the beginning to many lasts. Tomorrow, Bryan and I fly back 'home' for the last time...a few things will be fixed by us for the last time...it is our last week in our first place...I will clean my home for the last time...
We bought our home in the fall of 2001. Not long after 9/11 when the world had lots of uncertainty. Yet, we were at an age when the world was ours to conquer. I knew this would be our first home, but thought we'd only live there for 3-5 years. The 3-5 turned into 9 years, 1 month and 1 day. The spring after we moved in we borrowed a camcorder and made a tape of our first place. Now we'll load our camera and tape the end. Instead of big smiles and silly laughter, it will contain long faces, bright eyes and detailed explanations of what we accomplished.
Old age brings new uncertainty. Will the choices I made in my twenties have good lasting affects for the choices I am making in my thirties? Will I have the good sense I did at twenty with buying a home in a wonderful neighborhood with lots of potential into my next home? Life is full of new goals now. In November 2001 it was all about proving to ourselves and the world (mostly our parents) that we could be responsible adults. We would own a home, and take good care of it. We would create a family atmosphere that all would want to be a part of. We would set the foundation for our retirement. We would be self-sustaining. Now, in November 2010, it's all about adding to those original goals. Still being the responsible adult, and making wise investments. Investments that will allow us to help those we care about. To continue the home that is inviting to all, just in a new location that may become adventurous vacations for our extended family. Most of all, adding a new layer to our cornerstone. On paper all our plans and goals look sound. But that was the easy part; making that list in the comfort of our habits. Now that our habits have been jumbled up, I hope I'm able to wade through the mess of packing, hauling, and signing to see the end goal clearly.
So armed with Sasquatch, I will link arms with my thirty-something comfortable life, and allow the young twenty-something to emerge and conquer this world.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
And some more
While viewing Lucia falls a bald eagle swooped in with a salmon in his clutches. He was about 100 yards away so I wasn't able to get many good pictures as I didn't have a tripod and couldn't get closer. Halfway through his meal he accidentally dropped his fish. He turned around and stared at the ground for a minute looking heart broken then flew away.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Connoisseur or Food Snob?
Not that far back, a good friend of Bryan's told him he was a food snob. Huh?! Not possible! We have great taste, but now the seed of doubt has been planted and it makes me wonder...are we food snobs?
In the beginning, Bryan introduced me to all types of food. I was an extremely picky eater. Although I'll eat at most restaurants, I usually detail my order to have items removed and/or added, and then once it's delivered I pick off anything to my disliking. At first, I hated Mexican food and would usually opt to eat somewhere else. Then Bryan took me to Lorena's in Woods Cross, Utah. I ordered a ground beef flour enchilada. I know, why don't I just get the cheese enchilada, as I pull out all the ground beef? Well, the flavor just isn't the same without it. The enchilada sauce at Lorena's is AMAZING! I love it and have tried to replicate it since. Only recently did I receive a recipe from a friend that comes close to the real deal. Most enchilada recipes have salsa in them, and enchilada sauce does not, I repeat, does not taste like salsa.
Next I was introduced to Ho Ho's Chinese in North Salt Lake, Utah. Bryan had eaten here with coworkers from Willey Ford, and had been shown to order the chicken chow mein pan fried noodle style. I absolutely love this. We have become such regulars for this particular meal that when we do order, the elderly gentleman who owns the restaurant takes the time to come out and see us and say hi.
From there, I was given Iggy's with shoestring beer battered fries. Sadly, Iggy's sold out to a couple of brothers who turned it into a franchise and no longer has the fries. But I've grown to love the Chicken Philly With, but minus onions and cheddar and add mushrooms. And it must come with the rice pilaf. Bryan also opened the world of sandwiches to me, like Caruso's deli, Grove's market and Bob's deli.
Once we moved to Logan, the world of restaurants became small. There is not much for dining in Logan, but over the years we have found our favorites. The Italian Place makes a great hot sandwich, but you do have to overlook the lack of hygiene in the place. For a germaphobe, this is difficult. We love Hamilton's, and will go there for prime rib whenever we can. Cafe Sabor works for decent Mexican, but any chance I get, I still go to Lorena's.
In the traveling we've done, we love going to new restaurants, and finding mom & pop dives. In San Francisco, there is a Greek restaurant that we found by accident on our first trip, and have spent countless hours finding it again each time just to have the rice pudding and homemade lemon rice. In North Carolina, we found Carrabba's and Sticky Fingers. Both are large chains, but are very worthy of our good food stamp of approval. But England takes the cake for food. I know, how do the Brits do it with their pie of every kind, gravies and yorkshire puddings? But that's home style cooking at its best. We ate in the local pub of every town we stayed in. The Welsh pub hands down was the best. I had a chicken & leek pie (which I've successfully recreated about a month ago), and Bryan had a steak & ale pie that we have recreated several times with great results. I actually posted the recipe to that one a while back.
Since being in Vancouver, finding good food has been a little difficult. It's hard to navigate this town, as it is sprawling and there's not really a defining neighborhood for food. On Sunday, I did a search for Greek food, and even though we never found the restaurant (I think it's no longer there), we did find Bruchi's cheesesteak & subs. It wasn't bad at all. Then on Monday at lunch, I noticed a Greek restaurant inside the mall as we were finishing up our pizza. So yesterday we went back, and had yummy homemade lemon rice. The first week I was here, we went restaurant hunting, and found Gustav's, a German restaurant. I've never had German cuisine so we decided to try it out. We got the sampler plates and found it to be pretty good. Definitely a cuisine I wouldn't want to eat every day, but it's not something I'd boycott. Then Monday night, we went out to the east end of town and found Roots. It had a menu that was a little over the top, with some higher prices. The decor didn't really fit the place either. They had paid a lot of attention to detail, but then used cafeteria style chairs and cheap faux wood top tables. It just wasn't jiving.
In the end, I find I now go to restaurants and critique everything. From the decor and cleanliness, to the service and smiles, to the food and presentation. I find myself noting areas that could use improvement and wishing I could speak to the general manager and head chef about the food and service. I will without hesitation leave a note on a receipt letting a restaurant know if the dining out experience was great, or what needs improvement. I love when a restaurant has a card asking for constructive criticism, as I give it my heart.
When Bryan was first called a food snob it was because he had called into question a Marie Callendar's pie. I was appalled that this label had been given to us; I just like good food and will not pander to those who don't make it. But now that I've allowed my mind to wander on the subject, maybe I am a food snob. But I think I prefer to call it food connoisseur.
In the beginning, Bryan introduced me to all types of food. I was an extremely picky eater. Although I'll eat at most restaurants, I usually detail my order to have items removed and/or added, and then once it's delivered I pick off anything to my disliking. At first, I hated Mexican food and would usually opt to eat somewhere else. Then Bryan took me to Lorena's in Woods Cross, Utah. I ordered a ground beef flour enchilada. I know, why don't I just get the cheese enchilada, as I pull out all the ground beef? Well, the flavor just isn't the same without it. The enchilada sauce at Lorena's is AMAZING! I love it and have tried to replicate it since. Only recently did I receive a recipe from a friend that comes close to the real deal. Most enchilada recipes have salsa in them, and enchilada sauce does not, I repeat, does not taste like salsa.
Next I was introduced to Ho Ho's Chinese in North Salt Lake, Utah. Bryan had eaten here with coworkers from Willey Ford, and had been shown to order the chicken chow mein pan fried noodle style. I absolutely love this. We have become such regulars for this particular meal that when we do order, the elderly gentleman who owns the restaurant takes the time to come out and see us and say hi.
From there, I was given Iggy's with shoestring beer battered fries. Sadly, Iggy's sold out to a couple of brothers who turned it into a franchise and no longer has the fries. But I've grown to love the Chicken Philly With, but minus onions and cheddar and add mushrooms. And it must come with the rice pilaf. Bryan also opened the world of sandwiches to me, like Caruso's deli, Grove's market and Bob's deli.
Once we moved to Logan, the world of restaurants became small. There is not much for dining in Logan, but over the years we have found our favorites. The Italian Place makes a great hot sandwich, but you do have to overlook the lack of hygiene in the place. For a germaphobe, this is difficult. We love Hamilton's, and will go there for prime rib whenever we can. Cafe Sabor works for decent Mexican, but any chance I get, I still go to Lorena's.
In the traveling we've done, we love going to new restaurants, and finding mom & pop dives. In San Francisco, there is a Greek restaurant that we found by accident on our first trip, and have spent countless hours finding it again each time just to have the rice pudding and homemade lemon rice. In North Carolina, we found Carrabba's and Sticky Fingers. Both are large chains, but are very worthy of our good food stamp of approval. But England takes the cake for food. I know, how do the Brits do it with their pie of every kind, gravies and yorkshire puddings? But that's home style cooking at its best. We ate in the local pub of every town we stayed in. The Welsh pub hands down was the best. I had a chicken & leek pie (which I've successfully recreated about a month ago), and Bryan had a steak & ale pie that we have recreated several times with great results. I actually posted the recipe to that one a while back.
Since being in Vancouver, finding good food has been a little difficult. It's hard to navigate this town, as it is sprawling and there's not really a defining neighborhood for food. On Sunday, I did a search for Greek food, and even though we never found the restaurant (I think it's no longer there), we did find Bruchi's cheesesteak & subs. It wasn't bad at all. Then on Monday at lunch, I noticed a Greek restaurant inside the mall as we were finishing up our pizza. So yesterday we went back, and had yummy homemade lemon rice. The first week I was here, we went restaurant hunting, and found Gustav's, a German restaurant. I've never had German cuisine so we decided to try it out. We got the sampler plates and found it to be pretty good. Definitely a cuisine I wouldn't want to eat every day, but it's not something I'd boycott. Then Monday night, we went out to the east end of town and found Roots. It had a menu that was a little over the top, with some higher prices. The decor didn't really fit the place either. They had paid a lot of attention to detail, but then used cafeteria style chairs and cheap faux wood top tables. It just wasn't jiving.
In the end, I find I now go to restaurants and critique everything. From the decor and cleanliness, to the service and smiles, to the food and presentation. I find myself noting areas that could use improvement and wishing I could speak to the general manager and head chef about the food and service. I will without hesitation leave a note on a receipt letting a restaurant know if the dining out experience was great, or what needs improvement. I love when a restaurant has a card asking for constructive criticism, as I give it my heart.
When Bryan was first called a food snob it was because he had called into question a Marie Callendar's pie. I was appalled that this label had been given to us; I just like good food and will not pander to those who don't make it. But now that I've allowed my mind to wander on the subject, maybe I am a food snob. But I think I prefer to call it food connoisseur.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Astoria, Oregon
I arrived back in Vancouver late Friday night. Bryan said it had rained from the moment I left, and it was still raining when I got here. We stopped at McDonald's for some comfort food and then crashed at the hotel. I awoke Saturday to the sun lightly shining in. It was partly cloudy all day, but it made for beautiful scenery and gorgeous pictures once again. I decided we were going to have some fun, so we drove out to Astoria. In 2004, we took a road trip out to the Pacific coast and then drove north to Seattle. We passed through Astoria with lots of rain, crossed the giant bridge and headed straight for the freeway as we were sick of winding roads. Along the way was a covered bridge that we missed. I decided we should try and find that covered bridge. We drove north and turned at Longview. Originally this was the location for the store we had applied for. However, due to oddball circumstances, Bryan was passed up, mostly due to his rookie status. Our first pass through was in the industrial part of town. It was near the port and pretty rundown and dirty. We then drove along the highway, and missed the turn off for the covered bridge. Along the way we saw a gargantuan eagle in a tree. He was a mottled brown and white. After zipping past, Bryan said we should have taken a picture. I said why not, so we screeched to a halt, three point turned and went back. But he was gone. Darn. We three point turned again and kept heading west. It wasn't until we saw the signs for Long Beach that we realized we had gone too far (no, not Long Beach, CA). Luckily, there was a sign for Astoria, so we turned there. We happened upon Fort Columbia and took a short drive through it. I don't know why we didn't get out and take pictures there. It was beautifully sunny, and there were some great views. Must have been one of those zoned in focused moments where you're too hungry to realize you're seeing something wonderful. We continued on to Astoria and crossed the giant bridge that goes over the mouth of the Columbia, which spills into the mighty blue Pacific. We chose to go to Astoria Column and climb the steps to the top to get panoramic views. The top of the hill is the tallest point in Astoria, a whopping 600 feet above sea level (we live at 4700 feet in Logan). Halfway up the stairs I started to panic. It was very cold and windy, and there were a few people running up the stairs towards the top. This caused the stairwell to shake some and me to shake a lot. I told Bryan to go slow, and he kept saying don't look down or up. But that wasn't my problem. I'm not really afraid of heights, but I am afraid of rickety staircases. And of a platform that sways a little in the wind. Besides, I do not enjoy being cold whatsoever. So after a couple minutes hugging the side of the column, I told Bryan I was heading back down. It wasn't til I got to step 6 that I felt 'safe'. I was very happy to be back on the 600-foot hill, and not at 725 on top of the column. Bryan got some amazing pictures. Next on our list was lunch. We headed east on the 30, and ended up halfway back to Longview before we found something, a small restaurant that served huckleberry pie. Lunch was surprisingly good. Bryan had a reuben and I had a BLT on sourdough, mm-mmm! And of course it was finished with yummy pie. We bought some huckleberry syrup for when we finally have moved into home and can cook up some delicious waffles. On our way back, we stopped in Longview and went by the store. Everyone in Vancouver tells Bryan he's lucky he didn't get Longview as it is just a town of hicks. We were sad; this town reminded of us so much of Logan. Too bad the circumstances didn't work out. We would have felt extremely at home in this small town. Maybe in the future one day. We passed a turn off for Mt. St. Helen's, but we'll have to do that once it's spring again and the snow has melted. There was also a sign for tourist information, pointing out a bulb farm is located here. We will have to definitely check that out. We have probably over 300 bulbs in our current yard and I love springtime. I have everything from tulips and daffodils, to mini irises, gladiator aliums, star of nature, crocuses and on and on.
Today we were able to go by the house and see the progress that has been made. The driveway in front of the garage has been poured, the trim work around windows and doors is complete, most of the cabinets are in place, and the travertine bathroom floors are laid. Today, the landscapers are working on the sprinkling system. Our driveway for the shop will now be concrete, as you need hot days to lay asphalt. We will also be getting a thicker granite countertop, as there was not enough in the color we picked for the thinner size. The wood flooring is inside the house acclimating to the temperature, and will probably be laid tomorrow. Our appliances should be delivered on Friday, and carpet should be going in next week, and sod should be laid by end of week too. It's all coming together and we hope to be moved in by December 10 like promised. I can't wait, as hotel living is...hotel living.
Today we were able to go by the house and see the progress that has been made. The driveway in front of the garage has been poured, the trim work around windows and doors is complete, most of the cabinets are in place, and the travertine bathroom floors are laid. Today, the landscapers are working on the sprinkling system. Our driveway for the shop will now be concrete, as you need hot days to lay asphalt. We will also be getting a thicker granite countertop, as there was not enough in the color we picked for the thinner size. The wood flooring is inside the house acclimating to the temperature, and will probably be laid tomorrow. Our appliances should be delivered on Friday, and carpet should be going in next week, and sod should be laid by end of week too. It's all coming together and we hope to be moved in by December 10 like promised. I can't wait, as hotel living is...hotel living.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
So much to see, plenty of time
We went for a drive while the realtors were looking over our offer on our house. We just picked a road and kept driving. The amazing thing about this area is the number of things to see. Here are some pictures from just a 1 1/2 hour drive.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Offer accepted
We've been dickering back and forth on our new house but finally our offer has been accepted...Here are some pictures of the house under construction. We actually found a house we liked more that was on a hill over looking Lacamas Lake but it was bank owned and it takes many months to go through the process of buying one and months we don't have...
Friday, November 5, 2010
The House Hunt
Have I ever mentioned I'm picky? I have a preference for everything and homes are no different. Our list for our next home is:
a) MUST be new. No major upgrading and outdated is just that. No grand envisioning is allowed.
b) a three car garage with pad for parking a 30' trailer
c) a large enough yard for our two large enough dogs
d) a space for me to work from home, without feeling like I live at work (is that possible?)
e) a view of mountains would be nice, but not necessary
f) no budget busters!
This list has been difficult to accommodate. Around here most of the homes are only a car length from the curb (and a small car length, no extended cab, long bed trucks fitting here), the backyard is a hop, skip with no jump, with your neighbor's front yard directly behind your backyard. It looks like apartment living made gourmet. Add in the tricky street system and scary neighborhoods and it has been difficult. We narrowed our search down and with the help of a realtor I went looking at homes yesterday. The first home is in Washougal. The town is east of Vancouver and right on the Columbia River. The home was beautiful, but the backyard was three sets of terraces only wide enough to walk along. Although wonderful and bigger than our current home, I didn't feel myself in this home. It was like all the others, drive by and give a maybe, with a furrowed brow thinking it might work. We then drove around Vancouver past several homes, but none really had the parking for our 30' trailer. The realtor treated me to lunch and then we headed for our next destination, which was a group of homes being built. As we drove around looking for the correct address we stumbled upon it. When the realtor pulled to a stop I had to fight back tears in my eyes. Just looking at it I knew...I was home. It's funny how you get that feeling. As a kid, my dad would always let out a small gasp of happiness when we rounded the bend from Provo and entered the Salt Lake valley. After our first couple years in Logan, I found myself giving the same happy sigh when we popped out of Sardine Canyon. I wasn't sure if I would ever have that feeling again, but somehow, Atlas walked over and picked up his giant world off my shoulders. I wanted to skip, shout, jump over the moon, but my reserved nature kept me in check. I'm pretty sure my realtor felt the pressure release, as she was giddy too. When I went to take a picture with Bryan's phone, I had the sinking realization I had left it at the restaurant. Bryan was in a store in Milwaukie, Oregon (a suburb of Portland) for a store manager meeting. I was his only lifeline and ride back to Washington. When I called him using the realtor's phone, it was hard to relay my happiness as he had been waiting 45 minutes already for me to pick up the phone and drive the 30 minutes there to pick him up. The realtor and I hurried back to the restaurant, saved the phone and went to get the rental car. I then drove like a maniac through Portland rush hour to save Bryan. Just for you to know if you ever come out this way, Washington drivers haul butt and do NOT stop at red lights or stop signs. It's kind of a pause, but only kind of. Oregon drivers are slower, but will suddenly jump lanes and zoom off. The driving here is not for the faint of heart, and it's weird to get used to. Nothing like Utah where every driver is far too involved in their own world to realize they're plugging up the left lane.
After grabbing Bryan we drove straight back to the house so he could see the outside. And he felt that this was it too. I don't know if it was as strong as my reaction, but I think he felt relieved to have found a place in the time frame we had allotted. The home is in the northeast corner of Vancouver, in a more 'rural' area of the city. There's still many fields out this way, but the building boom of new homes has started. The home is about 7 minutes from Bryan's work, which is convenient, as right now we're exactly 6 minutes. It's also not quite finished yet, which is perfect because then we can choose our floors, cabinets, counters, bathrooms, etc. It also has a two car garage...with an 18x30 SHOP! Plenty of space to park a 30' trailer and plenty of space in the shop to completely overhaul a car. Now that we've spent the last 10 years doing DIY on our home, we can spend the next 10 doing DIY on the three hot cars we own. Two 1970 1/2 Chevrolet Camaros and a 1940 2 door Chev. We've also been pre-approved, with no contingency of the sale on our current home. PHEW!
I've also spent the last two days doing work remotely. It's been wonderful! I'm able to answer all my emails, look up problems and get them solved, as well as create email judging packets. The dry run test worked and I'll be able to keep the job I've grown to love over the past 9 years.
Through all of this we've been blessed. Although the dreams of growing our family have not happened, the dream of becoming a store manager has been achieved. All of this has been quite smooth, extremely fast, but easy. Bryan's new co-workers are great! He loves his new management team and is very excited and eager to get going. I still have worries about the sale of my current home, but maybe the good luck will continue to flow. In the three full days we've lived here, I've found peace. The landscape is gorgeous, just as everyone said. The people are 'good people' (per Tom Poulson). And the moving roller coaster has become a Sunday drive. We may actually get to have a fun day tomorrow, a day off to have a little fun and explore; something we do best.
a) MUST be new. No major upgrading and outdated is just that. No grand envisioning is allowed.
b) a three car garage with pad for parking a 30' trailer
c) a large enough yard for our two large enough dogs
d) a space for me to work from home, without feeling like I live at work (is that possible?)
e) a view of mountains would be nice, but not necessary
f) no budget busters!
This list has been difficult to accommodate. Around here most of the homes are only a car length from the curb (and a small car length, no extended cab, long bed trucks fitting here), the backyard is a hop, skip with no jump, with your neighbor's front yard directly behind your backyard. It looks like apartment living made gourmet. Add in the tricky street system and scary neighborhoods and it has been difficult. We narrowed our search down and with the help of a realtor I went looking at homes yesterday. The first home is in Washougal. The town is east of Vancouver and right on the Columbia River. The home was beautiful, but the backyard was three sets of terraces only wide enough to walk along. Although wonderful and bigger than our current home, I didn't feel myself in this home. It was like all the others, drive by and give a maybe, with a furrowed brow thinking it might work. We then drove around Vancouver past several homes, but none really had the parking for our 30' trailer. The realtor treated me to lunch and then we headed for our next destination, which was a group of homes being built. As we drove around looking for the correct address we stumbled upon it. When the realtor pulled to a stop I had to fight back tears in my eyes. Just looking at it I knew...I was home. It's funny how you get that feeling. As a kid, my dad would always let out a small gasp of happiness when we rounded the bend from Provo and entered the Salt Lake valley. After our first couple years in Logan, I found myself giving the same happy sigh when we popped out of Sardine Canyon. I wasn't sure if I would ever have that feeling again, but somehow, Atlas walked over and picked up his giant world off my shoulders. I wanted to skip, shout, jump over the moon, but my reserved nature kept me in check. I'm pretty sure my realtor felt the pressure release, as she was giddy too. When I went to take a picture with Bryan's phone, I had the sinking realization I had left it at the restaurant. Bryan was in a store in Milwaukie, Oregon (a suburb of Portland) for a store manager meeting. I was his only lifeline and ride back to Washington. When I called him using the realtor's phone, it was hard to relay my happiness as he had been waiting 45 minutes already for me to pick up the phone and drive the 30 minutes there to pick him up. The realtor and I hurried back to the restaurant, saved the phone and went to get the rental car. I then drove like a maniac through Portland rush hour to save Bryan. Just for you to know if you ever come out this way, Washington drivers haul butt and do NOT stop at red lights or stop signs. It's kind of a pause, but only kind of. Oregon drivers are slower, but will suddenly jump lanes and zoom off. The driving here is not for the faint of heart, and it's weird to get used to. Nothing like Utah where every driver is far too involved in their own world to realize they're plugging up the left lane.
After grabbing Bryan we drove straight back to the house so he could see the outside. And he felt that this was it too. I don't know if it was as strong as my reaction, but I think he felt relieved to have found a place in the time frame we had allotted. The home is in the northeast corner of Vancouver, in a more 'rural' area of the city. There's still many fields out this way, but the building boom of new homes has started. The home is about 7 minutes from Bryan's work, which is convenient, as right now we're exactly 6 minutes. It's also not quite finished yet, which is perfect because then we can choose our floors, cabinets, counters, bathrooms, etc. It also has a two car garage...with an 18x30 SHOP! Plenty of space to park a 30' trailer and plenty of space in the shop to completely overhaul a car. Now that we've spent the last 10 years doing DIY on our home, we can spend the next 10 doing DIY on the three hot cars we own. Two 1970 1/2 Chevrolet Camaros and a 1940 2 door Chev. We've also been pre-approved, with no contingency of the sale on our current home. PHEW!
I've also spent the last two days doing work remotely. It's been wonderful! I'm able to answer all my emails, look up problems and get them solved, as well as create email judging packets. The dry run test worked and I'll be able to keep the job I've grown to love over the past 9 years.
Through all of this we've been blessed. Although the dreams of growing our family have not happened, the dream of becoming a store manager has been achieved. All of this has been quite smooth, extremely fast, but easy. Bryan's new co-workers are great! He loves his new management team and is very excited and eager to get going. I still have worries about the sale of my current home, but maybe the good luck will continue to flow. In the three full days we've lived here, I've found peace. The landscape is gorgeous, just as everyone said. The people are 'good people' (per Tom Poulson). And the moving roller coaster has become a Sunday drive. We may actually get to have a fun day tomorrow, a day off to have a little fun and explore; something we do best.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
And on the First Day...
Vancouver is beautiful! The leaves are in the middle of changing colors still, and the reds up here are glorious. It's been fun experiencing fall all over again. The landscape here is very different than I had expected. We had seen pictures on the web, and I had created a Vancouver world in my mind's eye. With the number of pine trees and hills, along with views of Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Hood, you start to believe that you are not at sea level. You find yourself thinking you're at 10,000 feet living atop many mountains, with gargantuan ones in the background. It's easy to keep yourself hoodwinked into this idea. I've never had trouble adjusting to the time difference, but here is a different story. I find by 10 AM that I am starving. I know it's 11 in Utah, but couldn't I last til 11 here? And right now it's just past 4 and I'm starving again! Yesterday I had Bryan with me as we started our house hunt. Homes are very different here. Most are about 6 feet from the curb, with a lawn barely big enough to lay down in, and then the backyard is about 3 big jumps to the fence. It makes the homes look huge, but it's sad to see no yard. Especially after we've been used to having almost a 1/2 acre for the past nine years. I'm sure the neighbors will have a good laugh when we mow the lawn in one swipe with the riding mower. Poor Nivia and Jax; they'll really fatten up now. I should invent dog fitness centers. You could hook your dog up to a tread mill for running and walking, have a large arena for fetch, and all the trees, posts and mailboxes for marking (and maybe a few postal workers to chase)!
Bryan started his first day here and finds the store and people to his liking. They were very excited to meet him and couldn't wait to show him around the store. It's made a lot of our anxiousness go away. Now just finishing our house search and putting in an offer that will get accepted. And then finding a buyer for our home. And then pack everything, move...
Bryan started his first day here and finds the store and people to his liking. They were very excited to meet him and couldn't wait to show him around the store. It's made a lot of our anxiousness go away. Now just finishing our house search and putting in an offer that will get accepted. And then finding a buyer for our home. And then pack everything, move...
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