Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Beauty and Brains
It freaks me out a bit that my 3 1/2 year old grasps abstract thought. Little dude has also already started trying to use reverse psychology on us. What the what? Oh my he's going to give us a run for our money.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Kids These Days
Nothing like watching my 3 1/2 year old son search for a show on netflix to make me realize he's going to be smarter than me someday.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
We're Moving!
I wish I could say that. I'm SO ridiculously sick of the weather in WA that I think about moving at least once a day. Aaron is actually looking at statistics of other possible locations, things like weather, schools, housing market, he's that sold on the idea. I think if I told him we should do it now, he'd start finding a way to make it work. Jude himself is sick of the cold and wet. He's tells me regularly that he doesn't belong in it, or that he wants it to stop. Even since we returned home from HI we've been hyper aware of how the weather here effects the quality of our life, from our ability to simply get outside and play to the depression it causes, we hate it.
The only thing holding us back is family. Primarily my mother. The others are all capable of visiting us, and frankly, of taking care of themselves, but mom would be an issue. I would just take her with us but she would not have it, she loves it here, loves where she lives, loves the green and doesn't mind the rain.
So will we move? It's a real possibility, just not quite yet. It would be exciting to start fresh somewhere, but I would miss my friends... if we stuck to the West coast we could still visit relatively easily though. I don't know, I feel like were all stuck in limbo. Why can't we just move to HI!? Oh yeah, because a gallon of milk cost $8... stupid high cost of living.
The only thing holding us back is family. Primarily my mother. The others are all capable of visiting us, and frankly, of taking care of themselves, but mom would be an issue. I would just take her with us but she would not have it, she loves it here, loves where she lives, loves the green and doesn't mind the rain.
So will we move? It's a real possibility, just not quite yet. It would be exciting to start fresh somewhere, but I would miss my friends... if we stuck to the West coast we could still visit relatively easily though. I don't know, I feel like were all stuck in limbo. Why can't we just move to HI!? Oh yeah, because a gallon of milk cost $8... stupid high cost of living.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Paradise Is Our Reward
It's been a bit since I last posted anything here. Thinking you might be bored, so let me update.
Hawaii was perfect. Well, aside from the stomach virus and Aaron having to work it was perfect. The stomach virus hit me on the big island and laid me out for two and a half days. Gross. Aaron had to work far more than his boss had promised and it's annoying because the primary reason he wasn't able to do the bulk prior to leaving is because he's one of the last in the line and people are selfish and don't consider that in putting their work off, they'll affect someone else... grumble grumble. BUT----
It was lovely. The islands never fail to deliver. Life is good when you can wake up, grab a cup of coffee, step outside to 70 degree weather in February, hear the wind in the palm trees talking to the waves on the beach, walk across the street and sink your feet in to warm, wonderful, golden sand. That my friends is what life is all about. Those moments; those soul healing, heart swelling, mind relaxing moments. Really, I couldn't ask for much more.
So the run down. We arrived on Kauai on Saturday the 11th of February. Jude was decent on the flight, and can I just say I LOVE Seatac? Out of all the airports I've been in they are by far the best. Everyone that we interacted with when it came to service, from the Alaska crew to the security, all of them were pleasant and helpful. And they have a kids play area, which is awesome. Flying with a three year old is a heck of a lot more of a pain in the ass then flying with an infant though. Jude's a good boy, but a 5 1/2 hour flight is a bit much. We were a bit cranky afterward, but over all it wasn't terrible. My only real issue is that he uses the bathroom as a way to get up if he's bored... so that meant five trips during the flight.
Kauai is my favorite island. We've been to three, Kauai, the big island, and Oahu, and Kauai is hands down where I would prefer to spend my time. It's got this small town vibe that is laid back and a little hippie. No matter where you go it feels like your can walk into any shop, cafe, bar and strike up a conversation with anyone as if you weren't really strangers. The beaches are grand. I especially like those on the South shore, the courser sand is easier to cope with, build sand castles with, and it makes a good exfoliant :) The finer sand is a real pain when it comes to kids too because it's more likely to end up in eyes... and explaining to a three year old why they shouldn't throw sand into the wind isn't as easy as you'd think. The South shore also has more sun overall. The North shore is lovely, and I do enjoy a stop in Hanalei, it's magical, but when it comes to where I want to spend most of my time, it's Poipu.
We got hitched! Oh yeah, there's that now too. Just one more reason to keep Kauai up there on my list. We were married at Lydgate Beach Park, on Valentines day. It sprinkled just as we were leaving the condo, stopped and became absolutely perfect for the ceremony, then rained a little more on our way back to the condo. They say that rain on your wedding day is a blessing; with all that rain represents it's easy to see why. We couldn't have asked for a more lovely symbol or a more gracious way of providing it. It was a small ceremony with just us and Aaron's folks. It was... so easy. I'm very glad we did it this way. We waited until on the island to get rings, left it up to fate and it worked out great. We also left the flowers up to fate and the farmers market. Man, people be crazy at those things! But I got some gorgeous flowers and only spent $25 on my bouquet and had a bunch left over for the condo. We had dinner at The Plantation Gardens Restaurant, which had some amazing food and drinks.
The rest of the week was spent relaxing at the beach and pools (Aaron working some). Hit up Hanalei Bay, and Princeville, shopped.
The next week we spent on the Big Island. Aaron had to work even more there so we spent more time at the Condo. Jude loves swimming so the pool was likely his favorite place. He really has no fear of the water, although he won't put his head under yet. We did get a chance to take him to The Place of Refuge, where he spent his time taking a ton of photos with Tutu's camera. Kids got an eye already. I love that. We also took him to a Luau, but the Hilton's Luau really wasn't impressive. It had the general vibe of being held with the express intent of making money. This was the third one Aaron and I have attended and it really couldn't live up. The Smith Family one on Kauai is much better, kind of bummed we decided to put it off until the big island. Jude was not having it until we took him off to the side where he could dance and make noise without being shushed.
The flight home wasn't too bad either. Jude slept for a couple of hours, so that helped. Home was cold, it was snowy, it was gloomy, it wasn't Hawaii and due to that we're seriously considering moving elsewhere. I wasn't aware of just how depressed I get here. I lack almost all motivation. I don't want to go outside because even if it's sunny (which is not that often) it's cold. If it's not sunny it's rainy and blah to that. We'll see where the next year takes us. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live except of course Hawaii, but that's not really plausible... it's ridiculously expensive. $8 for a gallon of milk will definitely give you pause.
Hawaii was perfect. Well, aside from the stomach virus and Aaron having to work it was perfect. The stomach virus hit me on the big island and laid me out for two and a half days. Gross. Aaron had to work far more than his boss had promised and it's annoying because the primary reason he wasn't able to do the bulk prior to leaving is because he's one of the last in the line and people are selfish and don't consider that in putting their work off, they'll affect someone else... grumble grumble. BUT----
It was lovely. The islands never fail to deliver. Life is good when you can wake up, grab a cup of coffee, step outside to 70 degree weather in February, hear the wind in the palm trees talking to the waves on the beach, walk across the street and sink your feet in to warm, wonderful, golden sand. That my friends is what life is all about. Those moments; those soul healing, heart swelling, mind relaxing moments. Really, I couldn't ask for much more.
So the run down. We arrived on Kauai on Saturday the 11th of February. Jude was decent on the flight, and can I just say I LOVE Seatac? Out of all the airports I've been in they are by far the best. Everyone that we interacted with when it came to service, from the Alaska crew to the security, all of them were pleasant and helpful. And they have a kids play area, which is awesome. Flying with a three year old is a heck of a lot more of a pain in the ass then flying with an infant though. Jude's a good boy, but a 5 1/2 hour flight is a bit much. We were a bit cranky afterward, but over all it wasn't terrible. My only real issue is that he uses the bathroom as a way to get up if he's bored... so that meant five trips during the flight.
Kauai is my favorite island. We've been to three, Kauai, the big island, and Oahu, and Kauai is hands down where I would prefer to spend my time. It's got this small town vibe that is laid back and a little hippie. No matter where you go it feels like your can walk into any shop, cafe, bar and strike up a conversation with anyone as if you weren't really strangers. The beaches are grand. I especially like those on the South shore, the courser sand is easier to cope with, build sand castles with, and it makes a good exfoliant :) The finer sand is a real pain when it comes to kids too because it's more likely to end up in eyes... and explaining to a three year old why they shouldn't throw sand into the wind isn't as easy as you'd think. The South shore also has more sun overall. The North shore is lovely, and I do enjoy a stop in Hanalei, it's magical, but when it comes to where I want to spend most of my time, it's Poipu.
We got hitched! Oh yeah, there's that now too. Just one more reason to keep Kauai up there on my list. We were married at Lydgate Beach Park, on Valentines day. It sprinkled just as we were leaving the condo, stopped and became absolutely perfect for the ceremony, then rained a little more on our way back to the condo. They say that rain on your wedding day is a blessing; with all that rain represents it's easy to see why. We couldn't have asked for a more lovely symbol or a more gracious way of providing it. It was a small ceremony with just us and Aaron's folks. It was... so easy. I'm very glad we did it this way. We waited until on the island to get rings, left it up to fate and it worked out great. We also left the flowers up to fate and the farmers market. Man, people be crazy at those things! But I got some gorgeous flowers and only spent $25 on my bouquet and had a bunch left over for the condo. We had dinner at The Plantation Gardens Restaurant, which had some amazing food and drinks.
The rest of the week was spent relaxing at the beach and pools (Aaron working some). Hit up Hanalei Bay, and Princeville, shopped.
The flight home wasn't too bad either. Jude slept for a couple of hours, so that helped. Home was cold, it was snowy, it was gloomy, it wasn't Hawaii and due to that we're seriously considering moving elsewhere. I wasn't aware of just how depressed I get here. I lack almost all motivation. I don't want to go outside because even if it's sunny (which is not that often) it's cold. If it's not sunny it's rainy and blah to that. We'll see where the next year takes us. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live except of course Hawaii, but that's not really plausible... it's ridiculously expensive. $8 for a gallon of milk will definitely give you pause.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
An Open Letter To Tacoma Community College
Dear TCC,
1. I'm a person, not an id number, please start treating me like one. If I call on the phone or visit any office/service, it would be nice to be talked to like I'm an adult and not a child. I understand that I only look 20, but I passed the big 3O a bit ago. While there are some gems in the staff (I met a very sweet lady at the cashiers office recently who was particularly pleasant), most that I've encountered are either cold and machine like in their duties, or just down right rude. I mean neck snapping, finger wagging, R U D E.
2. Your web site sucks. It's hard to navigate and search. The old one may not have been as pretty, but damn it, I could find what I was looking for.
3. More of a question than a point. Do you provide contact information for ANYONE that might be able to assist in a complaint about services? Because I've looked on the aforementioned web site and found information only for sexual harassment complaints and financial aid academic probation complaints. I'm starting to believe this is intentional. I mean, claiming that you are tops in student services may just mean that those that are unhappy can't flipping contact you to tell you so! Seriously, look into this.
4. You have gone from a nice little community college to a machine. There is this overall feeling of garbage in, garbage out, going on. A student mill intent on fitting as many students in as possible to make sure to get that extra buck. This has led to a problem getting into classes that are required for particular areas of study. That leads to taking classes that are superfluous in order to stay enrolled long enough to get a good registration time so that necessary classes can be taken. And that? It's a big waste of money! I have paid for my education with a combination of Federal Pell Grants and Student Loans and I feel no less pissed off about wasting the money the government has been kind enough to bestow upon me than the loans I will have to pay back. Our country is in an economic crisis and here we are wasting money on classes like Aerobics and A Study of Shakespeare (which I enjoyed but I didn't NEED the class) when I'm trying to earn my Paralegal cert. This also leads to more time spent in study and less time being part of a productive society, working, making a difference, earning my own living.
On that note, the reason I'm nearly shaking with rage right now; I took ONE quarter off. Just one. I only had funding for two quarters this year and it happens that I'll be out of state for two full weeks in the middle of Winter 2012. I didn't feel it was worth the risk to my academic career to attempt to make classes work during that time frame and since the money was trimmed I thought that was best... of course no one thought it necessary to mention to me that that one quarter, that measly little quarter off, would then have me sitting back at "new student" status yet again... so this Spring I will likely be wasting even more money taking classes I don't need because the classes I do need will be full. Did I mention that I already have an associates degree? From your fine institute even, and yet that counts for naught on this issue. Super. Here we go again.
Way to be a hindrance toward the greater good TCC. I'm sure all those fancy new buildings and all that fantastic landscaping are well worth it. That ornamental grass sure makes me feel better about you wasting my time and cash.
1. I'm a person, not an id number, please start treating me like one. If I call on the phone or visit any office/service, it would be nice to be talked to like I'm an adult and not a child. I understand that I only look 20, but I passed the big 3O a bit ago. While there are some gems in the staff (I met a very sweet lady at the cashiers office recently who was particularly pleasant), most that I've encountered are either cold and machine like in their duties, or just down right rude. I mean neck snapping, finger wagging, R U D E.
2. Your web site sucks. It's hard to navigate and search. The old one may not have been as pretty, but damn it, I could find what I was looking for.
3. More of a question than a point. Do you provide contact information for ANYONE that might be able to assist in a complaint about services? Because I've looked on the aforementioned web site and found information only for sexual harassment complaints and financial aid academic probation complaints. I'm starting to believe this is intentional. I mean, claiming that you are tops in student services may just mean that those that are unhappy can't flipping contact you to tell you so! Seriously, look into this.
4. You have gone from a nice little community college to a machine. There is this overall feeling of garbage in, garbage out, going on. A student mill intent on fitting as many students in as possible to make sure to get that extra buck. This has led to a problem getting into classes that are required for particular areas of study. That leads to taking classes that are superfluous in order to stay enrolled long enough to get a good registration time so that necessary classes can be taken. And that? It's a big waste of money! I have paid for my education with a combination of Federal Pell Grants and Student Loans and I feel no less pissed off about wasting the money the government has been kind enough to bestow upon me than the loans I will have to pay back. Our country is in an economic crisis and here we are wasting money on classes like Aerobics and A Study of Shakespeare (which I enjoyed but I didn't NEED the class) when I'm trying to earn my Paralegal cert. This also leads to more time spent in study and less time being part of a productive society, working, making a difference, earning my own living.
On that note, the reason I'm nearly shaking with rage right now; I took ONE quarter off. Just one. I only had funding for two quarters this year and it happens that I'll be out of state for two full weeks in the middle of Winter 2012. I didn't feel it was worth the risk to my academic career to attempt to make classes work during that time frame and since the money was trimmed I thought that was best... of course no one thought it necessary to mention to me that that one quarter, that measly little quarter off, would then have me sitting back at "new student" status yet again... so this Spring I will likely be wasting even more money taking classes I don't need because the classes I do need will be full. Did I mention that I already have an associates degree? From your fine institute even, and yet that counts for naught on this issue. Super. Here we go again.
Way to be a hindrance toward the greater good TCC. I'm sure all those fancy new buildings and all that fantastic landscaping are well worth it. That ornamental grass sure makes me feel better about you wasting my time and cash.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Controlled Breeding
Oh... yes... if only it were up to us...
Because if it were, there would be birth control in the water supply.
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