Summer Beach Trip 2009

We arrived home from our week at the beach on Friday night. We had an amazing time, but were also ready to be home for awhile. The last few weeks have been crazy - for us and for the dogs. First our sudden move on the 7th, then a weekend trip to Seattle, then back for one week before heading out to the coast for our beach trip...WHEW!

The house we stayed at in Oregon was right on the cliff above the beach. It was a "round" house, so the sound of the ocean waves would come in the windows and literally bounce off all the walls in the house. So even sleeping in the back bedroom (away from the ocean), you felt like you were sleeping seaside with the window open. It was awesome! We also visited some amazing restaurants on this trip. The Blackfish Cafe in Lincoln City was AMAZING. Pan-seared scallops with pumpkin risotto - followed by a "homemade Ding Dong" for dessert. OMG (aqua sport class here I come!)

We also drove south to Depoe Bay one day and were amazed by the serious waves crashing on the rocky coast down there! All the tourists standing up on the lookout were trying not to get drenched by the huge fans of ocean spray being shot up by the sea. Enjoy the photos!

A lot going on...but not a lot going on...

Does that make sense? I'm feeling overwhelmed. Lots of stuff going on...but really nothing interesting to report here. Just tackling one project at a time. This weekend we were over in Seattle for my company's picnic, which was fun. Of course we also packed in back-to-back visits with all my family members while over there. Adding in the four-hour drive there and back (each way) and you've got a fairly action-packed weekend! And now here I am back at the new house. Which currently is a MESS. Not fun to come home to complete disarray - UGH. Here's a photo of my office:

...and here's one from the kitchen/dining area:

Can you tell the difference? Not really? Neither can I. That's the problem...and I'm surrounded by this...

I know it will get there eventually. I want to enjoy this house more, but right now it is somewhat out of control. I'm also trying to get into my routine of going to the gym 2-3 times/weeks again for Aqua Sport class. So far in the past two weeks I've made it four time...baby steps.

Also trying to get started on renewing my USCIS (immigration) paperwork for the adoption - which by itself could be a full time job with all the new hoops and bureaucracy that is involved.

On a positive note - we did fit in a quick trip to IKEA over the weekend in Seattle. We went in looking for a desk for Steve, and possible some framed artwork for the house...but I fell IN LOVE with this little girl's room they had mocked up:

Isn't it cute? The way it is designed reminds me of what it would be like to live inside a cartoon like Kai Lan or Dora...very anime-ish...but adorable - and very reasonably priced! I love IKEA.

28 Months...and a New House!

So yesterday came and went in a blur. I missed my 28 Month mark! The last week has been crazy. We literally got approved for the house on Monday, signed the lease Wednesday, and moved Friday! Because of some upcoming events out of town, we needed to either get moved now, or wait until September...and neither of us wanted to spend another three weeks w/out A/C (though the weather has cooled down somewhat this week).

We hired some folks to help us pack Thursday, and spent 11 hours on Friday getting moved. LONG DAY! But overall it was SO worth it, because the house we are in now is just amazing. We are a bit further from downtown, and Steve has to add about 10-15 min. on to his commute, but the space - as well as the peace and quiet of this neighborhood - have won us over!

The new house:

"The Sweet Life" (plaque above the front door):

Moving Day!:

Terraced backyard w/patio...our private oasis!:

Steve and Killer - taking a break from moving on the front porch: