Pillow Talk

So last night we had one of those conversations that really are every once in a blue moon around here...the ones that you have oh so frequently when you're newly in love with your head on the pillow or sitting in a coffee shop surrounded by your philosophical loving cronies, the type of conversation that leads you toward examining life, explaining and questioning concepts, and asking about what you want out of the bigger picture......which is exactly what the hub has been pushing me to reflect on throughout the last month.

It's amazing how quickly this gal went from being someone who never stopped thinking/dreaming/examining/wanting to talk about the big philosophical statements of life to being one who had to force herself to re-examine the big picture and take some time to ask the big questions all over again. Somehow this role, this (military wife) life has made me realize how easily one can deny themselves in order to aim for a larger picture of happiness or maybe status quo. Sometimes we end up having to put some of our tendencies on the back burner but that's not always a bad thing.......and everything in life teaches us something else toward the next step.

So after a week of more "deep" thoughts than normal, I finally started talking last night about some of the realizations that I've had lately....

A recurring thought of mine in my teens was that I just wanted to aim for being average. After being pushed through the educational experience as an intelligent female encouraged to achieve, achieve, achieve (educationally and professionally)....somehow deep down I knew that middle ground is where I wanted to end up. I realize that compared to many throughout this nation and the world, I have had amazing opportunities available to me...even though hard work and commitment were always required and I don't know that I would say that "opportunity" was ever just handed to me on a silver plate (even though in the bigger picture, I imagine that it was....). When I first started embarking on a re-examination of my life priorities in my early twenties, I recognized how my desire for average and lack of materialist tendency (especially in comparison to many of my peers and the US society as a whole) coincided nicely with the values and philosophy of the simple living movement.

NOW what I've also realized this last week is that...I sort of feel a sense of settling or maybe even completion. Sure, I still have things that I'd like to do in life, some more than others of course, and some that it's okay if they never happen. But in the larger picture, I already feel like I've had the opportunity to see, do, and achieve... I'm a couple years shy of 30 and I've already been able to live and/or travel on 4 continents, to complete three degrees, to travel throughout 75% of my nation, to recognize my body's ability to physically go where I never thought it could, and to interact and help individuals from all walks of life.

Thus at this point, I feel myself already having "achieved." I feel less of a desire for achievement of personal goals and am wondering more again about enjoyment. And I'm not talking enjoyment in that sense of waste of resources enjoyment, and maybe more of it is wondering about how to increase enjoyment for others.....

Ironically one thing that I have come to enjoy while being here is the one thing that I never expected to really enjoy....and that is work aka in the form of a full-time job. Sure, all things considered I'd probably enjoy a lil bit under full-time, but at this point I feel fortunate to work and to work in a position that actually brings me: enjoyment. (And truthfully, it'll be a while before any amount of work pays off those half-a-mortgage size graduate school loans....)

Doubly ironically, my realization of this focus not on achievement, happens to be when the hub needs to most focus on achieving....which hopefully will turn into a win-win situation, a sort of needed balancing act I suppose.

So while I don't have all the answers and maybe this is all a round about way of getting me back to Square One of simplicity and appreciation.....it's sort of nice to be moving back into a stage of deeper thinking, evaluating, (hopefully) increased giving, and maybe even a bit more life enjoying...

But then again, maybe I need to just stop asking "what's next?"

4 Human Feet, 2 Dogs, 8+ Miles

You all have already seen these pictures but I wanted something to demonstrate the awesomeness that was this evening. I've posted lately about the hub joining in on my evening runs and it really has become one of my favorite things of the day. The first year of running I primarily spent covering mileage on my own (although the last 3 months I had my gal pal and then also the neighbor down the road), but throughout the last month the hub's been pretty excited about coming along and the dogs are loving have the two of us leash them up almost every evening.

So after many miles on the last pair of running shoes (Oct, 60+ in Nov, 75 in Dec, and 80 in January) and the last two days being able to feel the gravel through my shoes and the start of shin splints coming on, we went to the local store this afternoon and picked up a replacement pair of the same pair of running shoes I've been using throughout the last year ($30 Asics!). (On a side note: Hub primarily runs in Vibram Five Fingers shoes and he loves them!) I've been covering 15-25 miles a week throughout the last 2-3 months and we'd talked about taking today off.....

However this evening was too nice to just sit inside....so we pulled on the shoes, scrounged semi-clean running gear out of the laundry pile, leashed up the dogs and set off with the intention to take a new side trail today. And take a new route we did.....as we kept going, and forking, and going, and forking, and going, until finally we came out in the direction where we knew we would eventually come out....and then we spent the next four miles running the paved trail and road back home. We ran just about every type of surface you can imagine: gravel, sand, dirt, pavement, grass. We ran through amazing woods and grassy clearings and alongside ponds. We ran across bridges and up hills, hopped around streams, and around corners. We followed the setting sun and made it home about 40 minutes after dark had set....making me very glad indeed to have hub along.

We both hit our groove and probably could have kept on going, especially since even the dogs were doing great, but altogether we landed a new distance Personal Record (PR) for me as we figure we covered at least eight miles today. So maybe a half marathon isn't a too far fetched idea after all.....hmmmm.

Regardless a pretty fun and incredible evening spent together, enjoying a beautiful southern spring evening!

Balanced Re-Integration

So one thing on my mind a lot these days is how to re-integrate ourselves into our social circles back home. Anyone who has followed this blog for a while, has some knowledge that most of the hub's and my married life has been spent together here in Louisiana and that our separate families and friends have had limited exposure to the other half of our couple. Aka he has yet to meet a good chunk of my friends and family and vice versa. While we know that everyone back home is looking forward to getting more time with us, we also don't want to be overwhelmed by social obligations straight from the get go. There are quite a few things that we want to do for ourselves upon getting back and so while it may seem selfish to some, a good chunk of time may be spent initially just trying to get ourselves settled and do the things we've been wanting to do rather than jump straight back into how things were socially before relocating. We're going to want and need time to get settled and unpack, time to lesson plan and get my upcoming term in order, and time and space to take the trips to the coast, to the mountains, and the hub's week long hike that have been calling us throughout the last year.

In truth, the hub has really only been back in Oregon for maybe 60 days total throughout the last 5 years, and I personally think it's important for him to have some time to enjoy and process the change from the military back into a "regular" lifestyle. We also have gotten really good at being the other person's entertainment and social support, and while we definitely do hang out with other people, I don't know that we're as used to hanging out with a whole LOT of people nor used to having a steady stream of social engagements.  Now that being said, I'm sure we're going to re-integrate fine and I'm looking forward to being able to get together with family and my old coworkers and friends. It's going to be fun to participate in family parties, make the drive to see Granny on a regular basis, and help my gal plan her wedding---there are going to be a lot of perks to returning! But I also know that we're probably going to take some of the social integration at a slower pace than others.

We're not even back yet and the calendar is already spattered with things to attend throughout the next two months, so I don't think it's going to be that hard to keep busy and our minds a bit more engaged than they have been here. But I also am a strong proponent of having low key moments interspersed amongst those busier ones. Moments to plant, moments to play, moments to grade assignments, and moments to just relish being back in Oregon together lounging about alone in our rental home. A bit of re-integration balance is all it takes ;)

Flexibility is King

"The best made plans are those made in pencil."

This is similar to a quote that was posted on an old friend's fridge for years and it's one that has stuck with me ever since I first noticed it. It's one that I consistently tell my clients as I attempt to help them de-stress and successfully plan their own transitions out of the military.

And it's one of the first thoughts that came to mind today when the hub let me know that a slight miscalculation on the military's part has pushed back the day we'll be leaving Louisiana by a few days. So we're doing what every good military family does.....we're being flexible. Maybe the new "plan" brainstormed today will follow through and maybe it won't, but we're rearranging what we'd started out planning and changing up reservations. We'll also be spending a few days with our pals down the road.....but regardless, this weekend, we've got to start packing!

So we're hauling out the boxes I've used, flattened, and reused for the last 10 years of moves. We've collected extra boxes from shipments to my office and the local GNC store. We'll haul out the old packing paper I've used throughout the last ten years and we'll pull down extra towels and bedding for packing filler. We'll pack what we can now from the kitchen and spare bedroom. We'll start to clean up parts of the house. And then we'll just enjoy what we can until we can get to the next stage of the moving process. But better to start now on what we can than leave it all to the end.

Hope you each enjoy a wonderful weekend! 

Mutty Dog

This morning on New York Times, I saw a photo slide show of the Best of Breed Dogs at the Westminister Dog Show. The minute I saw the picture for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, I did a double take. We've known that Roxi is a mutty dog, but we always assumed she looked more like an Australian 

Shepherd than anything....and then I saw the Nova Scotias. While her coloring is totally different, everything else about these dogs from their personality showing through in the google image photos to the fur length and texture to her absolute love of water matches so closely to this breed.

SO....What do you think?! Is she or isn't she a Nova Scotia mutt? ;)

Above image taken from here.

Above image taken from here.

If you google image the breed, there are so many other photos that have so many of her same expressions, it's pretty amazing! ;)

Portland Resource Awesomeness

So I recently found another blogger from the PDX area and from her site had seen some pretty neat links, some of which I had never heard of before....and all of which leave my little heart so glad to be returning to earthy, health minded Oregon. So then I started thinking, researching, and stockpiling links to all sorts of great resources that will be available to us locally...including all the great recycling opportunities that my husband will be glad to deposit all of the items I've been collecting for proper disposal in Oregon. ;)

So here are some of the highlights:

FOOD:

You've heard me mention Organics to You before, which uses biodiesel vehicles to deliver organic food boxes to your door step in the greater Portland area.

We'll have both Hillsboro Farmers Markets and the Beaverton Farmers Market nearby.

McMenamins brew pubs/restaurants/entertainment are within easy distance.

And although this includes multiple resources, I just learned of the Chinook Book which I may have to look into the app and/or print version of this resource. Usually I'm not into coupon books but much of the information in this resource seems usable to our situation.

RECYCLING:

Beyond the fabulous reality that we will again be able to recycle glass and more plastics just from curbside service...

Two thumbs up that since Jan 2010, Oregonians have had to recycle electronics. Due to the prevalence of electronic recycling options back home versus here (where I haven't found any in a 3 hour radius), we're bringing back a few extra TVs from a coworker for recycling/reusing, two TVs of our own that are broken, and two old laptops for recycling/donation.

Additionally, for any hazardous waste disposal needs (aka used car oil from hub changing it when needed) there are regular weekly neighborhood collection dates and locations. Beyond this within 15 miles of the home (using Earth911), we can easily access drop off recycling sites for single-use batteries, CDs, hard to recycle plastics, and smaller electronics.....good thing I've been stockpiling our batteries in a bag since I moved here.

METRO also is where you can recycle paint and pick up recycled paint options (including colors!!). Oh how I love my green state.

OUTDOOR PURSUITS:

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District maintains several short trails, acres of parks, the dog park, and recreation facilities for use in the surrounding area.

REI hosts a variety of free and low charge classes and events via their local stores.

Over 5,000 acres of hiking and woods via Forest Park.

And via a little research Hagg Lake is a 45 minute drive away.

Beyond our home stomping grounds of the beautiful and majestic Oregon Coast, of course and one of my favorite hikes at Silver Creek Falls.

OTHER RESOURCES:

And for once, we'll be able to tie into more environmentally friendly resource options via Portland General Electric.

Beautiful Morning

It's amazing how much good news can change one's entire demeanor toward the upcoming days. And today of all days is that magical and commercialized day of Valentine's Day. No need to discuss hub's and my outlook toward prefabricated Hallmark events again however, it's a beautiful day!

Today I intended to wake up slow and in a sense I did. While the rest of the world has been running around about its Monday, I have the blissful opportunity to relish my cup of coffee and toast smothered in butter and jam while listening to my favorite tunes and wake up slowly and lovely this morning. I'm reporting to work about 11am and in a few minutes the hub should be home from his night out in the field working. The dogs are always thrilled to have their owners around any extra moments and today they'll doubly benefit from my late morning and the hub being home to sleep off the night--no kenneling today!

Sunlight has been streaming through the windows, there's a slight breeze swaying the trees behind our home, and the air is that type that although slightly chilled has the excitement of a spring oh so close around the corner.  My daffodils have been peeking their leaves out of the front beds for the last week, albeit hesitantly due to the chilly nights we've been having.

And today is Valentine's Day....a day when many around our nation (and maybe even the world) will focus their presence and desire on the one they love. And I can't help but wonder what would happen if that energy and feeling could be shared with EVERY one throughout every single day. I'm pretty sure if we all infiltrated a little more love, excitement, and energy into our interactions with others....the world would be a much better place indeed.

So here's to a beautiful morning and to what will hopefully continue to be a beautiful day....and one through which I can keep my love toward my fellow human at the forefront of my actions and thoughts.

Sending love....and prayers....in your direction!

A Home, A Home

So I'm a lil hesitant to post about this as it's never 100% official til we sign the rental agreement and fax it back tomorrow............BUT we're pretty sure we have a home to head toward! Many kudos to my aunt for asking for suggestions from her contacts, as it was one of her contacts who happened to have a home that needed to be rented out in the coming months. (Additional proof that it's 90% who you know rather than always what you know. Additionally, her email message may just connect and fill the need for another housing situation between two contacts--so it's sort of the inquiry that just keeps on giving!)

We feel incredibly fortunate for the flexibility being demonstrated with this rental agreement and are now able to breathe a sigh of relief and feel much more enjoyment at the upcoming return to Oregon! It feels so great to be honest about the number of pets and the upcoming financial situation and still get a positive and trusting response.

Through conversation with the home owner and pictures posted by my cousin, there are so many perks about the home that are amazingly perfect for us, even if the blue carpet may clash slightly with our red sectional. ;)
--The primary blue carpet is one they're wanting to replace so while we'll continue to be vigilant with the dogs and wipe their paws before entering on bad weather days, it is less of a headache than worrying about the dogs on brand new carpet.
--The backyard has both a covered patio and a wooden deck for entertaining.
--The square footage and space in the home will easily hold all of our furniture without having to store anything (unlike some of the other homes we'd looked into).
--Already in existence in the backyard are: raised beds (at waist level so the dogs can't get into them either!), a grape arbor, a producing kiwi tree, a compost pile, and a clothesline. Can hardly believe just how perfectly those components are for us!!!
--The home has two fireplaces to help with those cold winter months.
--A huge dog park is within easy walking distance.
--There's a cat door for Major to get into and out of the garage.
--Two aunts live within easy walking distance for those moments when I need some family involvement.
--It's a 15-20 minute drive to the campus where I'll be instructing, making for an easier commute.
--The swimming pool is within walking distance and there are a wealth of outdoor opportunities, parks, community events, and farmers markets easily accessible.
--Organics to You delivers on Thursdays.
--And the price is well within our budget!

The best part is really just the relief of having some place to head to finally, and we'll be looking forward to getting situated, reconnecting with family and friends, and hopefully getting that garden going to boot! :) Whew, a return to the community-minded, organically focused, and nature loving PNW is less than one month away!

Shout Out for a Week

It's been a week of moments, some good, some frustrating, but such it is in a normal week of this thing we call life! This week has reminded me of the generosity of strangers and the love and support that can be so evident through family & friends. The hub and I have been covered in positive thoughts and prayer from individuals I've never met and from many who so deeply know just what it is that we need.

So this evening I want to give a few shout outs:

To my brother and his wife, my dear undergrad gal, and my cousin for investigating, photographing, and exploring potential housing options.

To my aunt for contacting friends who are involved in the rental market.

To my coworkers for listening to me moan and groan when I was at my wits end Friday morning.

To my texting friends and family, who have responded to my questions, encouraged me through my disappointment, and supported me from afar.

To my parents for agreeing to cat-sit for an extended while if necessary, even when Dad just might be allergic.

To the dogs who never fail to greet me with a smile and a wag of the tail and a million tons of energy.

And to my husband, who seriously carried the larger burden of contacting SO many potential opportunities throughout the last week, who has begun to join me on trail runs, who has been much more available the last several weeks, and who continues to love me even though my melodrama has been reaching new (or maybe old) levels.

I am blessed, I am humbled, and I am hopeful. Here's keeping fingers crossed and prayers lifted....

It's Icy & Dicey

Winter overtook much of the mid-west and east coast this weekend, but it officially landed for the first time this season upon our local area. While we have had a relatively dry season, the recent rain and freezing temperatures led to the closure of most of the surrounding area for icy cautionary reasons. This led to a Friday of working from home for me and an extra day off for the hub. We hunkered down for most of the day but did venture out with the dogs to explore what was actually icy. The coldest temperatures arrived last night but today's sunshine has already melted what ice did exist and we're projected to be in the 60s tomorrow.

Beyond the actual thermometer, its been a bit icy & dicey in our home as well as the hub and I continue to refine and research the choices of our upcoming transition back to Oregon. We have official dates and paperwork is beginning to move, but our housing options so far have been limited due to the dogs (especially with Anna looking so much like a German Shep) and much of the information that should determine the ideal area to live won't arrive until after we need to be relocating. It's beginning to feel that 75% of our "free" time is spent researching and contacting housing options and that the areas that appear to be more dog flexible are less conducive to our commuting needs. In addition, we're both researching and applying for additional employment opportunities. To say there is much still up in the air is an understatement.

So instead, I've taken the morning off and the hub's done a great job of emailing and contacting places. Instead I've been catching up on blogs and thinking about the wonderful opportunities that will be available upon a return to the Pacific Northwest. Such as:
----Receiving a monthly food box from Organics to You and getting eggs and other goodies from local Farmer's Markets
----Increased recycling options, including glass, batteries, and electronics
----Wading and walking along the Oregon coast and watching the dogs enjoy their coastal initiation
----Enjoying a local microbrew with a plate of tots or garden burger
----Supporting causes important to our family & friends
----Attempting to find a church home suitable to our needs
----Fabulous hiking and outdoor activities
---Participating in family events & BBQs

---Frequenting bulk bins at Freddies

I just have to keep believing that everything will work out for the better! And soon instead of iciness, we'll be surrounded by spring showers, sunshine, and flowers....