Crazy MLK Day

Yesterday was a crazy up and down day. My day started with a session with a client I never work with at home anymore (since I take him to school) and I realized how much I miss that relationship with him. Then I got to go to OMSI with another client which was super fun but ended in tears because he didn't want to leave.


Then I went to the zoo as a farewell session to a client I have worked with for a few years. It was very fun but pretty sad trip for me. He isn't the first client I have said good bye to but I feel like this is the first good bye of many as I transition into my new field. This is going to be a tough transition! But, I did get to see the new baby elephant.



Steve and I ended our day going to see the Bucks stay within a point range that they could pull ahead but never did. They ended up letting over 50 rebounds go to the Blazers! Kind of embarrassing.



One thing about the game that totally surprised me was the National Anthem. I realized that I haven't been proud of my country for quite some time and I was moved to tears. I am so excited that I am able to intern from home today and watch the inaugaration. I am anxious to see what we as a country can accomplish in the next four years.

Love them!!!

I was going to wait until we had the walls painted as well but I am too excited about our counters. Here they are...

It has been awhile since I have had time to update. Needless to say, the start of the term/internship/remodeling/work/life has been a bit overwhelming lately. I think I am finally getting a grasp on what my next month or so will be like but I am already looking forward to spring break, and even more importantly, graduating.

The remodel has experienced a few minor set backs, but we have faith that all will all be resolved. We spent a very long Saturday priming the lower cabinets and painting the bathroom. Currently, the counter tops are being tiled, and looking beautiful. I am hoping to spend some time this weekend working on painting the upper cabinets as well since when the plumbing is done (1/19) it would be GREAT to be able to start washing up some of the dishes and putting them away.





As for my internship...I realized that I haven't had a new job in almost 6 years and it is crazy to not know what I am doing again. That being said, I am having a great time. I have spent a lot of time reading literature and getting acclimated. Next week, I will start working on the communication and outreach plan as well as starting the evaluation for the EcoSafe Home class I will be working on. Last Tuesday, my hours were spent at a rally at the Oregon State Capital. I have never been to a rally before and I had a lot of fun. There was lots of energy and a bunch of politicians whom I voted for but have never seen in person.



Steve hasn't been doing a whole lot out of the ordinary. He took his First Aid, CPR class and learned how to use a defibrillator. I guess the videos were pretty graphic so he is glad he doesn't have to do it for another 2 years. He has been too busy with house stuff and Mario Cart to get much done on his cd cover but hopefully, that will be done shortly. Other than that, work as usual and getting excited about the crazy weather nationwide. We CANNOT believe how cold it is in WI.

Remodeling

Things are going to start happening pretty quick now in our kitchen. The wall guy is finishing up the mudding and priming early next week. The tile person will be starting our counter tops mid week. The plumber will be coming in a week and a half to hook up the sinks, dishwasher and toilet (so excited for the dishwasher!). Looks like we are a few weeks out still but I am finally starting to see the end of the work part...then comes the painting, washing (everything!!!) and reorganizing. Hopefully, we will be able to cook a nice dinner for Valentine's day in our new kitchen.


This is an area that is unusable with cabinets (due to where we wanted the dishwasher to go) so Pat is turning it into a little cat hiding space.


Our bathroom


Most of the cabinets are up now.

What Crazy Weather

This is by far the oddest winter weather year we have had in Portland. We had about 3 to 4 inches of rainfall last night. Our basement had a few areas of a little standing water. Steve ran around the house readjusting the downspouts and setting up cardboard to keep the rain away from the house. Around 1am, all that rain changed into a white out of snow. We woke up to beautiful blue skies and a covering of 1 to 2 inches of snow. Our basement is wet but not too bad.

The Estacada area (where Steve works) is having a bit of trouble with flooding and mudslides. There are a lot of road closures out there and for some reason, Sandy has lost all 9-11 services.

Crazy days in PDX, espeically since we are ill equipt to handle extreme weather.