A List of a Different Sort

You all my know that I love lists. And this one was sent to me earlier today. It's a little different twist on the standard "tell us about yourself" lists.

So while I won't be hurt if you don't play my game, I hope you all will. Come on...it's fun!

Here's the scoop...post a comment in response to the following questions about me. Feel free to copy the whole list into the comments if that is easier for you.

1. Where did we meet?
2. Take a stab at my middle name?
3. Color of my eyes?
4. Do I have any siblings?
5. How many?
6. What's one of my favourite things to do?
7. What's my favourite type of music?
8. Am I shy or outgoing?
9. Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
10. Any special talents?
11. If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?
12. What is my favourite color?

Thanks for playing!

Snow Day

As a preface to this story, let me first just say that last Saturday Jacob and I were hiking in Horsetooth in 70 degree weather. We were wearing shorts. And yesterday I got sent home from work early due to severe weather.

Yep, I had the first snow day since high school. It was wonderful! I spent most of the time at Jacob's house curled up by the fire reading a magazine while Jacob worked from home. Then I was pleased to be able to spend some time with Aunt Carol and Uncle Jim because they were stuck traveling back from the Denver airport. We went out to dinner and had an enjoyable time visiting.

I was really hoping for snow day number two this morning, but apparently I have to go to work. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a waste of time because my only appointment for the day is one who travels from a mountain town down to see me and I'm sure they will be stuck. Oh well. I guess I can spend some time catching up on paperwork.

St Patrick's Day Date

I got to work yesterday morning and decided Jake and I needed to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by doing something. And then it came to me. I remembered all those times that mom would reward us for getting good grades in elementary school by taking us to the grocery store to make an "O" dinner or an "A" dinner where all the food had to begin with the letter of our outstanding grades. So...I decided we would celebrate the holiday by doing a "green" dinner, without using food coloring.

After I had made up my mind I called Jacob to tell him I would be picking him up at his home after work for a St. Patrick's Day themed date and let him know he was not to eat dinner. Those were all the details he got. So when I got to his door I was pleasantly surprised to see he had on a very nice, new green shirt. He was less than pleasantly surprised to see I was wearing NO green. First time in years I haven't worn green on St. Paddy's day, by the way. I had actually planned to wear my green shoes, but that is a different story.

I am lucky that Jacob is a good sport and was up for the green meal idea. I really wanted to aim for totally green food but as we were looking through the grocery store there were not a lot of totally green options. And then Jake came up with the brilliant idea to make a spinach quiche. There was enough green spinach in it to make it green enough to satisfy me. And it was delicious. We also made a lime pie. I would say it was a key lime pie but it really wasn't made with key limes. It was still green limey deliciousness!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!

Pente March Madness

You all may remember that I enjoy a good board game. You might also remember that I learned a new game, Pente, while I was in Oregon.

Since returning from that trip Jacob and I have introduced Heather and Lori to the game as well. So after having dinner together Sunday night we decided it was high time we had the much anticipated Pente tournament.

This was not something to be taken lightly. We played a "round robin" set of games to then determine where each player would be seeded in the official brackets. I won every game I played in the round robin set, thus earning the top seed. The rest of the round robin games ended in a tie...so Jake, Heather and Lori played another set of games. Trust me when I say it was very intense!

The intensity increased as we approached play off time. Being the first seed was full of pressure and apparently I cave under pressure. Heather and I were set to play and I must admit she beat me. It was a long game...and I think I was sweating. And then I lost and suddenly the pressure was off. It was the only game I lost, thus I was able to take a 2nd place finish.

Lori pulled off a victory against Heather after a very intense game.

And because this was serious Pente play, there was an awards ceremony. Lori was presented with the pineapple trophy while I earned my second place mango and Heather accepted her third place plout. And Jacob was kind enough to take photos of the winners stand.


I gained a greater appreciation for all those sports teams who are highly ranked and then lose in the first round of tournament play. I only lost one game the whole night yet still was only second place. It's wrong I tell you, wrong. Lori wanted me to be sure and mention her 1st place finish was well deserved. Also, I feel the need to mention that she and I played a game after the ceremony and I beat her. She also admitted she was afraid of my skills. I think that statement speaks much more loudly than the second place mango I received.

And...I declare a rematch. We'll be having another tourney soon.

I should also probably be fair and say that the outcome of the tournament was unexpected by all. Jacob usually kicks all of our trash and it was very strange for him not to be on the winners podium.

And the other highlight of the evening was sampling our Tillamook Cheese selection. It was delicious and the favorite of all was the cheddar hot pepper and garlic variety. MMM....MMM...Good.

A Compliment of a Different Kind

Shannon reminded me today that I have received an even better compliment than the one from my former supervisor.

Katie once told Shannon that Shae couldn't comb out Katie's doll's hair as good as Aunt Sandy. Shannon also informed me of a job alternative in case the social work thing gets old. The American Girl doll company apparently hires people to restore and repair damaged dolls.

I guess I can take my mad doll hair combing skills and put them to use.

And I'd probably make more money.

A Compliment of the Highest Kind

Indulge me a minute while I boast.

The story begins with my supervisor, Liz, resigning. Her last day was Friday and I must admit I am going to miss her terribly. She has been a huge influence and support in getting our program up and running. She has also really made an impact on me and the way I do therapy. She provided amazing supervision and we got along really well. I am somewhat skeptical of my new supervisor though I hear good things about him...

But...the new supervisor is not the point.

Liz had a going away party Friday night that I couldn't attend, partly because I was working and partly because I was going to institute. But Kirsten, my coworker, went to the farewell party and informed me that Liz was telling all the MST therapists (not the therapist in the Family Treatment Court team that I work for) that if she needed a personal therapist she would choose to come to Kirsten or I.

That, my friends, is a huge compliment. Just ask the MST therapists. They all agreed.

And now I'm done boasting.

"She is Growing Up"

The title of this post is an actual quote from one of my co-workers when I shared the following news this morning...

Jacob and I are officially under contract on a new house! Pending final inspections and official closing, this is our new home.

The front of the house.Front room near the entry

Kitchen

Dining area

Main floor family room

View of the upstairs looking toward the front door

Upstairs bedroom

Another upstairs bedroom

Upstairs bath
Master bedroom

Master bath (it has a shower and walk in closet too)

Basement

Basement bedroom

Basement bathroom

Backyard

There is also a half bath and laundry area on the main floor that weren't pictured.

So...let the moving fun begin! It will be a very slow process getting the house furnished and decorated but I'm already trying to decide which room in the house will be most suited for a new coat of red paint. Feel free to leave your suggestions and tips!

Question.

Which bear is best?

No, that's not really the question I have at all. But if you appreciate that reference we can be friends.

I am more interested in conducting a survey amongst all my married family and friends. I've been thinking a lot about getting married (I know that is probably shocking) and I have been wondering what are the most important things to talk about with my future husband before we tie the knot.

So, my questions are...

1. What is one thing you wish you would have talked about before getting married but never did?

or...

2. What was one thing you were most grateful you had discussed prior to marriage?

And I will thank you all in advance for participating in my little game!