I don't know if this is a sign that Nick and I are ready for maternity/paternity leave or what, but it made me chuckle and I had to share.
Nick came in to my office earlier today while I was finishing lunch to say, "Did you know screens come in different sizes?" He started to go on, but it was too darn funny to not stop him and remind him that this conversation was awfully familiar, as over a year ago, it was ME asking HIM this very same question (clearly the screen situation never got completely resolved, after a cat decided to chew his way through the screen. Again.)
Not to be deterred from getting in a laugh, I continued; "I remember having this very same conversation with you, and you said 'yes, they do as windows come in different sizes' and something about setting myself up for success! I even blogged about it!".
This wasn't as funny to him as it was to me, as he continued on, super unfazed by my wit, to say that McLendon's has screen workshops and repair events, and that he still has no idea why I was using scissors to fix anything.
Touche.
Either way, it looks like all of the screens on the house will get repaired AND i had a chance to quote my own blog (located: here), even though my point totally fell flat.
I may just have an incredibly patient man.
So here's to letting someone else play Bob Villa, even if they don't appreciate your creative tool usage.
Raina
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Current Events...
I posted this to Facebook, and then realized, not all of my readers know me in real life and are on my Facebook page. I'm somewhat political, more so around women's rights, but definitively so around mental health care. A change is needed, and while gun reform is something that is needed as well, it feels...well...like a band-aid. Good to stop the bleeding, but not the cause of the injury. My heart bleeds for the families. It terrifies me to think I could bring my child to school and home from the morgue in the same day.
It terrifies me that shootings happen in schools far too often, but they are in poor, and usually non-white neighborhoods. It breaks my heart that mass genocide happens daily in other countries, as well. There is heartbreak and tragedy everywhere. Does that limit my hurt for the families in Connecticut? Of course not, it's a reminder than we live in a cruel world and that more love and compassion are needed.
We don't just a better band-aid, but a better way to prevent the injury itself. Do I have the answers? No, but I have enough compassion to say something, to hold the ones I love and to not turn my back on those in need, near and far. To you, dear reader, may you go into the world, help who you are able, and hopefully leave your little corner of it a little better than when you came to it.
The post:
I'm probably going to piss someone off with the post that follows. If that's you, I apologize in advance for how you view my thoughts. This is my stance, and you're welcome to take it or leave it.
1. While I appreciate seeing the faces of the children who died in CT, real change doesn't start with an empty action. We can remember tragedy in our heads and hearts, but taking real action requires more than posting a picture. CHANGE to the status of mental health care in America will guarantee less crimes like this. Supporting parents of severely mentally ill children and adults will help ensure that there is enough energy to go around and that all people get what they need to survive. Call your local government official. Vote for money to be place where it needs to be placed: Social Service.
2. For those of you who have this to say about why the tragedy happened-"This is what happens when you don't let God in", or "God doesn't go where he isn't welcomed" Imagine me pinching my nose and squinting my eyes. My last understanding is that God is all loving, and supportive. That feels like a dick-move and a crap agenda. Again, my two cents on this. My gut says to say "Shut Up", but that's your belief, so I'll let it go.
3. Gun ownership. Now, most people don't know, I am a gun owner. I believe in the right to ownership, but I believe in people having reasonable access, and a boat load of training. I also believe that if you own guns, you better damn well ensure that they don't fall into the wrong hands. Lock it up, protect the key. Use common sense. As far as whether more guns in school would have prevented this: Please see issue #1.
Cheers
Raina
It terrifies me that shootings happen in schools far too often, but they are in poor, and usually non-white neighborhoods. It breaks my heart that mass genocide happens daily in other countries, as well. There is heartbreak and tragedy everywhere. Does that limit my hurt for the families in Connecticut? Of course not, it's a reminder than we live in a cruel world and that more love and compassion are needed.
We don't just a better band-aid, but a better way to prevent the injury itself. Do I have the answers? No, but I have enough compassion to say something, to hold the ones I love and to not turn my back on those in need, near and far. To you, dear reader, may you go into the world, help who you are able, and hopefully leave your little corner of it a little better than when you came to it.
The post:
I'm probably going to piss someone off with the post that follows. If that's you, I apologize in advance for how you view my thoughts. This is my stance, and you're welcome to take it or leave it.
1. While I appreciate seeing the faces of the children who died in CT, real change doesn't start with an empty action. We can remember tragedy in our heads and hearts, but taking real action requires more than posting a picture. CHANGE to the status of mental health care in America will guarantee less crimes like this. Supporting parents of severely mentally ill children and adults will help ensure that there is enough energy to go around and that all people get what they need to survive. Call your local government official. Vote for money to be place where it needs to be placed: Social Service.
2. For those of you who have this to say about why the tragedy happened-"This is what happens when you don't let God in", or "God doesn't go where he isn't welcomed" Imagine me pinching my nose and squinting my eyes. My last understanding is that God is all loving, and supportive. That feels like a dick-move and a crap agenda. Again, my two cents on this. My gut says to say "Shut Up", but that's your belief, so I'll let it go.
3. Gun ownership. Now, most people don't know, I am a gun owner. I believe in the right to ownership, but I believe in people having reasonable access, and a boat load of training. I also believe that if you own guns, you better damn well ensure that they don't fall into the wrong hands. Lock it up, protect the key. Use common sense. As far as whether more guns in school would have prevented this: Please see issue #1.
Cheers
Raina
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Inside jokes
Today was potentially my last day working from the office before Tiny Beast gets here. She's been head down for a while, and I'm starting to dilate. In theory, I have less than 4 weeks, but this little bear has a mind of her own. At yesterdays appointment, the midwife suggested more rest, less hours, and working from home. There were other recommendations in there, like pick a day to stop working. She and Nick didn't seem to keen on my answer, "My last day is when I go into labor".
So here I am...
It's odd thinking that she could come any time. It's odd that I get to work from home full time. It's just plain odd that I am no longer in control. I'm trying really hard to let that go, but as it turns out...I suck at that. Here's to trying.
A few weeks ago, I felt hiccups for the first time. From inside. That weren't mine. It was the most amazing, yet weird experience yet. Movement, I get. Hiccups, just another experience. I do have to say that it makes me giggle now, feeling the tiny jolts that make my belly slightly expand rhythmically. It's nice to know she's doing well in there, and that she and I know what's happening, but no one else does. I'll admit I probably look nuts smiling down at my belly, trying not to laugh.
I also think...man, what are you doing in there that you get the hiccups so often? Who knows.
Outside of baby-ness, things are good. Nick is clocking close to 70 hours this week at work, and we're trying to arrange a guys night for him, and dinner for our friends. Busy days! We picked up a tree, which is sitting in it's stand, undecorated. Meh-we'll get to it tomorrow. Saturday, my Mom is coming up to help with some house stuff and to cook us a big dinner. We're trying to hang out as much as possible, without me getting overwhelmed/annoyed. Moms are great, just in small doses. We may get in some photography and shopping.
Craft-wise, I have some photos I want to enter in some contests, and there's the food blog that needs updating. I have a few sewing projects to complete this week and next, as well.
Other than that? It's put up my feet, relax, get in some dog park time and wait. Not a bad way to spend the winter. :)
What's on tap for you all this December?
Here's to the final weeks wrapping up!
Cheers,
Raina
So here I am...
It's odd thinking that she could come any time. It's odd that I get to work from home full time. It's just plain odd that I am no longer in control. I'm trying really hard to let that go, but as it turns out...I suck at that. Here's to trying.
A few weeks ago, I felt hiccups for the first time. From inside. That weren't mine. It was the most amazing, yet weird experience yet. Movement, I get. Hiccups, just another experience. I do have to say that it makes me giggle now, feeling the tiny jolts that make my belly slightly expand rhythmically. It's nice to know she's doing well in there, and that she and I know what's happening, but no one else does. I'll admit I probably look nuts smiling down at my belly, trying not to laugh.
I also think...man, what are you doing in there that you get the hiccups so often? Who knows.
Outside of baby-ness, things are good. Nick is clocking close to 70 hours this week at work, and we're trying to arrange a guys night for him, and dinner for our friends. Busy days! We picked up a tree, which is sitting in it's stand, undecorated. Meh-we'll get to it tomorrow. Saturday, my Mom is coming up to help with some house stuff and to cook us a big dinner. We're trying to hang out as much as possible, without me getting overwhelmed/annoyed. Moms are great, just in small doses. We may get in some photography and shopping.
Craft-wise, I have some photos I want to enter in some contests, and there's the food blog that needs updating. I have a few sewing projects to complete this week and next, as well.
Other than that? It's put up my feet, relax, get in some dog park time and wait. Not a bad way to spend the winter. :)
What's on tap for you all this December?
Here's to the final weeks wrapping up!
Cheers,
Raina
Thursday, December 6, 2012
6 months later
I look at this picture, and it still doesn't seem real that he's gone, or that it has been 6 months since he died. In some ways it seems like a lot longer, and some it seems like the time has flown by in the blink of an eye. In some ways, it makes sense, in some ways it still doesn't click that he's gone. Some days I still find myself planning to call him. Habits, I guess. I don't know that losing a parent ever gets easier, it just gets to be different than it was.
Sunday was the first time I have gone to visit my Dad since we laid him to rest in June. I don't have a good excuse for not visiting. The cemetery isn't that far. I just haven't made it. Work, life, baby, everything has kept me busy, and I really didn't know what to say. We found his spot, and I stood there, and cried. I didn't have any words, just an outpouring of emotions. I missed my Dad at that moment so much, I grieved for my loss, for Isabella's loss, my mom's...I just hated that he was gone.
When he first died, a friend of mine said, "It doesn't ever get easier, it just becomes different". The happy memories start taking over the bad. I still remember how frightened he looked a few weeks before he passed away- wild-eyed and panic stricken as I tried to find any facility that could take him. That is slowly fading, and his happy dance that he did when I told him I was finally pregnant is replacing it.
I was, and still am, so fortunate to have had an amazing man as my Daddy. He was smart, artistic, funny, and brave. He put others before himself and his safety. He taught me to love travel and to rebel against a stagnant life, to seek out happiness, but not at the expenses of others. He tried to teach me to not take myself so seriously (something I am still working on), and to concoct odd food combinations (kipper snack ramen, anyone?? No?)...He gave me my huge hair, and my love of 80's music (hmmm...the two go well together), and to help those less fortunate than myself.
In short, he made me who I am today, and gave me the traits that I hope to instill in my child.
Again, I still miss him so much, and I loathe the PTSD that took him away from us too early, but I am so lucky to have had him in my life as long as I did.
Here's to you, Dad. You're still so, so missed and always loved.
Raina
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Holy Gravy...a blog on turkey, thankfulness, my ever-growing self and caving in.
How's THAT for a title? Impressive, right?
Its been a big week, and it will continue to be a big week, so let's recap it out!
Turkey Day happened, and it was good. If you haven't checked out my other blog, you should-I posted a crazy delicious menu that included wild game, mushrooms and gravy. Oh, and bacon. You can't have a holiday without bacon. You could, but that wouldn't be very tasty. For more on what I ate and ongoing bacony homage, go to: blackberrysage.blogspot.com.
With Thanksgiving comes giving thanks. I am pretty darn lucky, and have a lot to be grateful for. I look back at where my life was a few years ago, and give thanks every day for what I have now. Is it easy? Not always. Is it frustrating? Sure, but whose life isn't? Are there things I would change? You bet your sweet bacon I would. But each of those moments, the good, the bad, the heartbreaking have led me to where I am in life. What matters is that I have love, shelter, food and a career that allows me to make enough to travel and support my craft and food habits. You can't ask for much more than that.
And my ever-growing mid section. Izzy is due in just about 6 weeks. "They" say that this is the time where everything slows down and the last few weeks start to drag out. So far, I haven't seen that. Things are flying by, and my impending mommy-hood is starting to freak me out. I have so much to do at work, and here at home, that 6 weeks (and that's a ball park, folks; I am a weebly-wobbly time bomb!) just doesn't feel like it is logistically enough time to get it all done.
What you don't always hear is that this is the time that shit starts getting real. You're going to be a mommy. You're going to have a little life, living outside of you. That's some amazing stuff to wrap ones head around. I have to admit, I am more worried that something will go wrong in these last few weeks than I am about having the tiny beast here. So many people that I know have had issues, so many late-term miscarriages have happened. These are the things that pop into my head when Izzy hasn't moved in a little while. I don't know how many times I have drank cold water and jumped up and down to wake her up, just to be comforted by feeling her move (yes, I do realize that is more than likely super annoying). So I am torn between wanting to keep her in me as long as possible to get as much done as I can with the opposite drive to get her out of me so I can see her, and protect her, and not just have to trust that my body can get through these last weeks. Oh, and don't even Google cord complications. You won't want to sleep, or want to roll over. Yep, welcome to the crazy. So between that, and the constant soundtrack of Europe's "The Final Countdown" running through my head, its a wonder I am ticking things off of the list. Meh, it'll all get done.
And the week in store! Phew. Work, and more work of course; baby class tonight (more than half way done!) and lots of Art Events this weekend-South Park Arts Under $100 Art Sale and Urban Craft Uprisings Sale are both Saturday, and I'll be hitting them both. Should be a fun time! :)
Caving in...A few posts ago I mentioned my disdain for getting my picture taken in a studio. In realizing that I could make this a Christmas present for my mom, I caved in and set up an appointment to get "portraits" done. All in all, it didn't suck, and Nick came with me. Less than 30 mins and a little bit of money later, I have cute Weeble Wobble pics and will be able to give my Mom just what she wanted all along. I'll consider this a win for both of us. And I am pretty sure I win Mom of the Year points, since I insisted that Izzy only get one set of monthly pictures done.
Lastly, Thursday is the 6 month anniversary of my Dad's death. I can't believe that it's already been 6 months. In some ways it feels like it was a lot longer ago, but in some ways it still feels so recent. I'll have another post on that in the coming days, but just wanted to call that out, since it's also been on my mind.
So I think that is it-bacon, gravy, crazy, busy, art and family...Sounds about right!
How's your week looking folks? Hope fabulously!
And on that note...I leave you with...Europe! This is going to be stuck in your head forever. The video can't be beat-that hair, the explosions, the synthesizers? Pure 80's awesomeness wrapped into my maternity theme song. You're both welcome and sorry.
Cheers,
Raina
Its been a big week, and it will continue to be a big week, so let's recap it out!
Turkey Day happened, and it was good. If you haven't checked out my other blog, you should-I posted a crazy delicious menu that included wild game, mushrooms and gravy. Oh, and bacon. You can't have a holiday without bacon. You could, but that wouldn't be very tasty. For more on what I ate and ongoing bacony homage, go to: blackberrysage.blogspot.com.
With Thanksgiving comes giving thanks. I am pretty darn lucky, and have a lot to be grateful for. I look back at where my life was a few years ago, and give thanks every day for what I have now. Is it easy? Not always. Is it frustrating? Sure, but whose life isn't? Are there things I would change? You bet your sweet bacon I would. But each of those moments, the good, the bad, the heartbreaking have led me to where I am in life. What matters is that I have love, shelter, food and a career that allows me to make enough to travel and support my craft and food habits. You can't ask for much more than that.
And my ever-growing mid section. Izzy is due in just about 6 weeks. "They" say that this is the time where everything slows down and the last few weeks start to drag out. So far, I haven't seen that. Things are flying by, and my impending mommy-hood is starting to freak me out. I have so much to do at work, and here at home, that 6 weeks (and that's a ball park, folks; I am a weebly-wobbly time bomb!) just doesn't feel like it is logistically enough time to get it all done.
What you don't always hear is that this is the time that shit starts getting real. You're going to be a mommy. You're going to have a little life, living outside of you. That's some amazing stuff to wrap ones head around. I have to admit, I am more worried that something will go wrong in these last few weeks than I am about having the tiny beast here. So many people that I know have had issues, so many late-term miscarriages have happened. These are the things that pop into my head when Izzy hasn't moved in a little while. I don't know how many times I have drank cold water and jumped up and down to wake her up, just to be comforted by feeling her move (yes, I do realize that is more than likely super annoying). So I am torn between wanting to keep her in me as long as possible to get as much done as I can with the opposite drive to get her out of me so I can see her, and protect her, and not just have to trust that my body can get through these last weeks. Oh, and don't even Google cord complications. You won't want to sleep, or want to roll over. Yep, welcome to the crazy. So between that, and the constant soundtrack of Europe's "The Final Countdown" running through my head, its a wonder I am ticking things off of the list. Meh, it'll all get done.
And the week in store! Phew. Work, and more work of course; baby class tonight (more than half way done!) and lots of Art Events this weekend-South Park Arts Under $100 Art Sale and Urban Craft Uprisings Sale are both Saturday, and I'll be hitting them both. Should be a fun time! :)
Caving in...A few posts ago I mentioned my disdain for getting my picture taken in a studio. In realizing that I could make this a Christmas present for my mom, I caved in and set up an appointment to get "portraits" done. All in all, it didn't suck, and Nick came with me. Less than 30 mins and a little bit of money later, I have cute Weeble Wobble pics and will be able to give my Mom just what she wanted all along. I'll consider this a win for both of us. And I am pretty sure I win Mom of the Year points, since I insisted that Izzy only get one set of monthly pictures done.
Lastly, Thursday is the 6 month anniversary of my Dad's death. I can't believe that it's already been 6 months. In some ways it feels like it was a lot longer ago, but in some ways it still feels so recent. I'll have another post on that in the coming days, but just wanted to call that out, since it's also been on my mind.
So I think that is it-bacon, gravy, crazy, busy, art and family...Sounds about right!
How's your week looking folks? Hope fabulously!
And on that note...I leave you with...Europe! This is going to be stuck in your head forever. The video can't be beat-that hair, the explosions, the synthesizers? Pure 80's awesomeness wrapped into my maternity theme song. You're both welcome and sorry.
Cheers,
Raina
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A Quick Chuckle
I have a fascination with facial hair. Men should really take more advantage of the groomy-goodness as there are so many possibilities! I came across this site in an attempt to not get actual housework done, and thought I'd share:
http://www.dyers.org/blog/beards/beard-types/
Read on, and enjoy the facial-hairy goodness!!
Yours in lack of facial hair,
Raina
http://www.dyers.org/blog/beards/beard-types/
Read on, and enjoy the facial-hairy goodness!!
Yours in lack of facial hair,
Raina
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Fuzzy loves
I don't know if this quite falls under the "relaxation" category, but Nick and I adopted a new fur baby. We've missed having a pup around the house so much, and we found a little guy who needed adopting! Kip was chucked out of a car and abandoned in Eastern Washington a few years ago and has been in and out of foster care for a few years. He's been living with a great foster Dad for about a year, but he just hadn't found his forever home. We found him a month and a half ago on petfinder.com, but we just weren't sure if we were ready. We missed Mia so much!
A month later, we saw he was still there online....still looking for a home. We knew we wanted a pup in need, one who wasn't your typical dog that everyone wanted (i.e. a puppy). We started the interview process, to find out that he was adopted. We were happy to hear he got adopted out though!
A week later, we got an email from his foster Dad-he had been returned-it just didn't work out, and the back up family never even came to meet him. We were up! After many emails and phone calls, we opted to drive out and meet him. It was love at wiggly first site. On the drive over the pass to meet him, I joked that I wanted to give him the nickname of Kipper Snack. When we met him and his foster Dad, we learned his nickname had been Kipper. :) It was clearly a good match! He was pretty shy at first, but he integrated quite well, and has been doing amazing ever since. He's great with kids, babies, adults, and crowds. He's a big fan of the dog park, and snoozing on the couch!
We're so very lucky to have found this little guy, and we can't wait to give him many, many years of love, snuggles and adventures. Now, without further adieu....Kip!
The first pic is of his first day home with us. You can see, he's pretty nervous. That didn't last long. Less than a week later, he's stealing antique quilts to snuggle under. Can it get any more cute?
I am so lucky. I have great fur babies, great friends, and family. Here's to all of us finding our happiness, fur-covered or otherwise!
Raina
A month later, we saw he was still there online....still looking for a home. We knew we wanted a pup in need, one who wasn't your typical dog that everyone wanted (i.e. a puppy). We started the interview process, to find out that he was adopted. We were happy to hear he got adopted out though!
A week later, we got an email from his foster Dad-he had been returned-it just didn't work out, and the back up family never even came to meet him. We were up! After many emails and phone calls, we opted to drive out and meet him. It was love at wiggly first site. On the drive over the pass to meet him, I joked that I wanted to give him the nickname of Kipper Snack. When we met him and his foster Dad, we learned his nickname had been Kipper. :) It was clearly a good match! He was pretty shy at first, but he integrated quite well, and has been doing amazing ever since. He's great with kids, babies, adults, and crowds. He's a big fan of the dog park, and snoozing on the couch!
We're so very lucky to have found this little guy, and we can't wait to give him many, many years of love, snuggles and adventures. Now, without further adieu....Kip!
The first pic is of his first day home with us. You can see, he's pretty nervous. That didn't last long. Less than a week later, he's stealing antique quilts to snuggle under. Can it get any more cute?
Even Iggy had to get in on the snuggles! :)
Raina
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