I've found him....

...the perfect man. That's right. He's amazing. Brown curlyish hair, not too skinny, good dresser, passionate about what he does. He showers me with gifts, takes every chance he gets to be near me and I have no question at all about how he feels. And today he asked me out. On a date. Wants to take me to Applesbee's for some nachos and then bowling. How sweet. There's just one problem. He's in 3rd grade. Yeah, bummer. I've been volunteering in Tiffany's classroom and have had a great time getting to know her students. One guy (we'll just call him "Pablo") is a real great kid and has developed a bit of a crush. Today when I came to the classroom he gave me a bag of Kissables and asked me out. Kid are bold. Pablo is great...maybe he has a single uncle.

The best random outing ever.

Seriously. This made my day.
I was heading downtown this afternoon to buy more envelopes (story of my life) and I came upon a wonderful sight. We have been watching this drive-thru Starbucks being built on our side of town. The nearest drive-thru Starbucks has been in West Salem (7 or so miles) and although there is one inside the Safeway near our house, and three others fairly close, not a drive-thru. I know what you are thinking and you are right. I am just that lazy. So, we have been watching, waiting with baited breath for the blessed Oakhill drive-thru Starbucks to open. Today was the day. On my way to the paper store I spotted what looked to be a ribbon cutting ceremony. I tend to have a sense for these sort of things, I have worked for a Chamber of Commerce and I know the importance of a good ribbon cutting ceremony. The big ribbon, the bow, the HUGE fake gold scissors, the suits, the smiling faces and the newspaper cameras. Really, it's a good time had by all. So, back to the story. I get my envelopes...I'm driving home and when I pass this time the drive-thru is filled with cars! What an opportunity I think to myself. This is great...we can experience this double shot wonder of an establishment on the first day it is open! So I head to Pringle Elementary. I pick up Tiff and we head over. But this is no ordinary day at Oakhill Starbucks...no. This is the best random outing ever. It's friends and family day, and yes, we are friends of the bucks and sure, we have spent enough money on their products over the years that we should be family. This is our day. And to show their appreciation to us. FREE. Yeah, whatever we want...on the house. To top it all off we were also treated to about five rounds of samples while we were in line. Seriously, amazing.

2 venti, non-fat, pumpkin spice, no water, chai lattes...check
1 sausage breakfast sandwich...check
1 reduced-fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich with no bacon...check
breakfast for dinner....nailed it.

Man, stuff tastes so much better when it's free.

It truly was a Christmas miracle.

Cheers!

Holidays Shmolidays....

It's that time again...I can't believe it! Click on over to my etsy shop and check out Simple Spiel's Holiday line! More updates on my crazy life will be here soon so don't give up on me! Happy Thursday!

Cheers!

It's been a long time comin'.....

Yeah...still alive and kickin' and I've got BIG news! After 4 attempts and countless annoying interactions I have conquered the Oregon DMV...I am officially a Oregon resident and I can now buy things not only in Oregon without tax but in any state in any establishment where they honor tax exemptness (not sure if that's a word)

Friday was the day, the DMV was in it's usual state of disarray. I experienced an old man who should no longer be on the road taking the driving test next to me who could not see line three on the vision test at all. And he's still on the road folks. Strange that the "nice" lady helped him cheat his way through the vision test but they gave me (a young, healthy adult with near 20/20 vision with my contacts) a tough time with my paper work. What's the world coming to? But then again the DMV has proved to be a world all it's own.

So I finally got to take the test. I haven't taken a test since college and even then I was not much of at test taker. I have test anxiety. So I'm freaked out. I've been waiting for this day for months. The day they finally let me take the written test. And there I sit staring at the screen thinking, "what if I fail?" I start thinking about speeds in school zones, safety corridors, etc.

I passed.

I missed one question.

Yeah one...about drunk driving...which I don't do...so why do I need to know? Right?

I got my picture taken, got my fake looking temporary licence and I was on my way. This could be the biggest accomplishment of the last 6 months.

No big deal, after the DMV I stopped by Bi-Mart and got a fishing licence too. I'm on a roll folks,and who doesn't need to be registered with fish & game as well?

So no one can stop me now...I'm taking over the world!

One thing I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season...never having to go back to the DMV...fo sho!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'll be ok...

...if I never have to go the the DMV again, ever.

So I'm not going to get to angry while I am typing this. I think I can, I think I can.

Here's a brief synopsis of the DMV saga so far. I'm trying to get my Oregon licence and it's been a fiasco. So, I have all my ducks in a row, my mom sent me specific papers from home. I've waited a few weeks to get some specific documents that show my residency here in Oregon, etc. Today is the big day, the day I brave the DMV lines, and take the dreaded written test to show that I do know what I'm doing. I studied up, felt ready, and got up at 6:00a.m. to be there right @ 7:30a.m. when they open.

So I'm standing outside the doors in the DMV "preline" (the line that forms before the bloody place even opens). What is crazy about this line is the there are no numbers to take to assure your place in it. And, you always get that one person who stands to the side of the line, carefully planning how they will make their "slip" into the line while attempting to be completely ignorant to the fact that an unofficial "preline" has formed.

So there I was entering the "preline" and truth be told I dominated it. See I got there early enough that it was just me and the good 'ol boys out and about in South Salem. Yeah, men who could have been my grandfather and looked at me like "I gotta come up with some dirty old man line to use on the blond girl, she might be into me." So the off hand comments began, and I decided to use the situation to my advantage. I proceeded to the front of the "preline" line.

Note: Being the FemaNazi that I am I would typical disagree with this type of behavior, putting up with comments and the such to get your way. But...I have decided that all bets are off when it comes to the DMV, it's a jungle out there my friends, a dog-eat-dog world and I'm sure as heck not going to be down wind from a bunch of stale cologne at the DMV.

So the doors open, I've got my little file folder of all my appropriate documents. I'm feeling good, looking good, which is important because I look about 18 and get carded all the time, so lots of peeps see my licence, I wanna be looking good.

My number is called and I approach the desk. After a bit of friendly banter I find out that all the info I was given the first time I came to the DMV was wrong. I don't have the right paperwork. I can't get my licence or even take the test today. I immediately loose it. I state my case. She won't help me. Yeah, she. See now I would give anything to be back in the "preline" to use to my advantage just the mere fact that I am a women.

Here's the thing that really got me. She treats me like an idiot, the whole time, telling me what a utility bill is, etc. And then she looked at my application. There was a box to fill in with how long you have been driving. This morning I wrote 11 years, and almost fell over. I've been driving for 11 years...proves my point...I am getting old. Anywho, she looks at the application and asks me,

"Are you sure you have been driving 11 years?"

Me:"Um, yeah, I turned 27 on Friday, got my licence when I was 16, pretty sure."
Her:"Oh....Ok."
Me:"Well, you have my Washington licence in your hand there and it has my birthday on it."
Her:"Right...." (with a questioning look, like I'm a minor trying to buy beer and if she can bust me she would be some sort of hero)

So not only is she being a jerk but now she is questioning my age/math skills, and we all know I'm sensitive about both.

So if I'm not already upset enough, I start to cry...yeah in the DMV. Call it lack of sleep, call it stress, call it what you will...I lost it. You should have seen the old men's faces on my way out.

Highlights....

Really there are too many to list. This may have been the best birthday yet. Turns out we took over 300 pictures this weekend. I've added them all to my blog, um, yeah right. But really this is just a peek. This may be a multiple posting day, I'm feeling generous. Read on with your bad self....

FRIDAY......

Tiff planned a whole weekend o' fun. I have wonderful friends, and she is one of the best.


Friday night dinner @ Montage with a few of my favs...Ashely, Jardon, Casey, Adrian, Tiff and Courtney!


Yeah, T.Middle was there too!


This guy was crazy! He was a fast mover, nearly running laps around the restaurant filling people's water (and sometimes topping off your wine glass with water, boo!) and making these rad foil art animals with leftovers. He made me this giraffe. Nice.

SATURDAY....


Saturday started with a great breakfast in McMinnville with the Palmer's. Thanks Gregg & Kerrie! We shopped around town, had lunch, and enjoyed the fall weather!

















SUNDAY.....

Um....yeah, the fun never stops...that's just how we roll.....














So, twenty-seventh birthday, check. It was a great one, thanks to everyone who made it special. I'll say it...I don't feel a day over 18...and that's the way I like it.

27 is the new 12.

Seriously...27. Please don't say it, "honey, you don't know old". See, to me 27 is old, it's the oldest I've ever been, you can at least give me that! When can you start pulling that "don't ask me my age" card? You know the type (and maybe you are one) the type that is forever 29. Well, I'll take forever 18. I woke up this morning to a mass celebration. Tiff has planned my entire weekend, along with a printed schedule. How perfect is that, not only has she planned super fun stuff but a schedule...she knows me all too well. 27 requires more pictures than previous days of birth so I will be sure to post a few. Happy Friday!

In other news....

Simple Spiel is in full holiday mode...putting together holiday gift packs and such. I'm headed to Cali. next week to get some inspiration from people I love in a place where I love spending Christmas. Look for all sorts of holiday fun real soon. I am also taking orders for custom Holiday cards....fun stuff. Please let me know if you would like a custom design or if you are interested in joining the revolution by giving Simple Spiel this year.
Cheers!

It's been awhile....

Sorry!
Once again things have been crazy. I know, that's not much of an excuse anymore. I need to get over it. Anywho...I spent last weekend Grandview & had a great time! Here's a few shots from my trip.

Trev had a soccer game...and you can't miss that sort of thing. He totally dominates (surprise, yeah right)and he's real cute to boot.


Ahh, high school football. Turns out Cade is cute AND fast, I'm a big fan! Prosser beat Ellensburg 70-0, again no surprise there!


Little man had his 2nd birthday...Bob the Builder...did we party? Yes we did!










Yeah, so he's pretty much amazing. Nice shot Jon.

I also need to thank Sarah, Bre, Ty and Mandy for my early Birthday gifts...I love 'em, you guys rock my world.

McMinnville Art & Wine Walk

What a amazing day it has been. The McMinnville Art & Wine walk was a ton of fun. We had a great time hanging out, meeting new people and selling a few cards. Big thanks to Tiffany, Courtney and Liz for all their help. You girls are amazing! I'm looking forward to more events like this one. Don't worry I'll keep you updated to where Simple Spiel will be next!

Represent!

Need something to do this weekend? Or looking for a distraction from what you should-a, could-a, would-a been doing on Saturday? Head over to McMinnville and check out the McMinnville Art & Wine Walk. It's a great event where the downtown shop owners open up their businesses and showcase some of the best local art and wine. It's a fun opportunity to shop at some fun shops, see awesome local art (including Simple Spiel!!) and taste some amazing local wine.

The Mac Art Walk blog is a bit neglected at present but check it out, September's info is the same.

I'm so excited to be a part of this event! My wonderful friend Liz asked me to be the featured artist at her shop "All Fired Up" and I can't wait...so if you get a chance stop by and say hi! I'll have plenty of cards for sale and will be featuring the new "straight up" line. Come on, who can resist a bit of witty slang?

The next couple days are going to be full of "prep", getting my table ready, packaging cards, etc...I love stuff like this, yea for Mac Art Walk!





McMinnville Art & Wine Walk
Saturday, September 15, 2007
11:00am - 8:00pm
on and around 3rd Street in downtown McMinnville, Oregon


See you there!

Boy Band!

I can't help but share this pic. Looks like these cuties are taking after their uncle Jon. If the nephews were a boy band, this would be the album cover...here they are in all their rockin' glory. Love it!

Home....

In attempts to keep the revolution alive I must admit it seems as though over the past few weeks Simple Spiel has been on the back burner. This was not intentional and, truth be told, I haven't been home.

Home where I have my home office, where I am free to create, spread out, and don't have to clean up unless I feel like it. See, I tend to make chaos when I create. I am visual, I have to see everything, the colors, textures and layers inspire me. I'm longing to be in a place of great inspiration. At "home" in my design, which has lead me to thinking about home. Really what is home? And when does the place I live feel like home?

I must admit that I (at the present time) feel homeless. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, I have someone greater than I realize, who provides all, and recently I have been so clearly reminded of that fact. So the roof is there but it seems like a different roof every night.

I try to think back to when the last time was that I felt at home. Honestly, I think it may have been my junior year in college. It was the last time I didn't feel transient. Time passes so quickly, I have moved 8 times since then and I felt "at home" where I was living, but I have never felt like my place of residence has been my home.

I know that some may envy my situation, not being responsible for much, able to "fly by the seat of my pants", and living my dreams. But with dreams (I have come to learn) come sacrifices, and some of those are so unexpected. I'm starting my own business, I expected to sacrifice, time, finances, etc., but never my home. And I'm to the point where I miss home, and it's so much more than a place to put my stuff, although that is part of it.

Home to me is a place where worries drop at the door and confidence thrives. Where self-expression surrounds me. Where I can be myself with those I love and a place that you never want to leave. I want home. This whole rant is not intended to be a downer. See what I realize about home is that it can have different forms. It's not only a roof. It's the people you are surrounded by, it's where you find peace when the world is crazy, and it can be any place that you find yourself at your best.

The truth is this home is temporary, so it's ok if I never feel at home. I don't want to become too attached when there is a better home, one that is forever.

So I keep on keepin' on. My etsy shop may not reflect it lately, but I have been working. The revolution is alive and expect new things to be happening real soon. So take some time today to send some snail mail...to someone @ home.

Cheers!

Back to School...

I hate to study. I'm not good at it. I've never done much of it. But I did graduate (twice actually)from college and I'm still pretty stoked to be done. Well, because of recent events, involving the Temptress, I'm back to hitting the books. More on that later, but first here's a quick Temptress update...

...she's back, and she runs. Still making a few weird noises (I'll give her that, she's old)but she has developed one new "special feature". My key no longer opens the driver's door. That's right, if I want to enter my car I must now unlock the passenger side door, push the power lock thing (that only opens the driver's door) and then manually lock the passenger door (the power to that one broke a couple years ago) and then walk around to the driver's side a get in. What a process, I'm thinking of buying some mace. I mean come on, it's quite a routine and in a dark parking lot at night, yeah, I'm going to be prepared. And I'm pretty sure my Uncle Brian would agree with me.

So why school? It's not really school, it's more like at home learning. Ok, here's the deal. I have realized, and I've been talking about it forever, that I need to get a new car, it's time. But the thought of looking, test driving, buying, hoping it's not a lemon and, getting to know where all the new buttons are, really overwhelms me. So I have decided to finally buck up and get a new car, which requires me to get an Oregon drivers licence if I want this whole thing to be as economical as possible (no tax). This in and of itself is a huge deal. I have lived in three states and countless cities since leaving home and have yet to change my residency. So I'm taking the plunge.

Here's the thing, I go to the DMV,take a number, which now is a box that prints a receipt looking thing (they have really advanced DMV tech. in the last 11 years). I'm number D52. At the front of the building I find the little red sign showing what number they are currently helping. 12! WHAT! It looks like there are only 20 people in the waiting area. This is what always surprises me about the DMV. The people come out of the woodwork when their number is called. They just kept appearing out of no where and I'm wondering if there are people who wait in DMV lines for other, busier people. This could be big business, it could be an untapped market. I'm considering standing at the entrance to busy DMVs and offering my services. I'd take a number, wait, and then phone my client when their number is approaching. My charge could be based on the number of minutes spent waiting. Genius. And think about it, it really is a win, win, the DMV is great for people watching, and I'm totally into that. Also,as a side note, my number was D52, no one ever addressed the letter at the beginning of the number, weird. I should have asked.

My number is finally called and I approach the counter, bracing myself for DMV peeps, you know the type, mostly never friendly, always mad at the world. The lady I spoke to actually broke all DMV stereotypes. She was near nice and very informative, even though what she informed me of was bad news.

*I MUST TAKE THE WRITTEN TEST TO GET MY LICENCE IN THE STATE OF OREGON*

What the ___________!?!

This is something that I have not done in 11 years, count 'em ELEVEN! Not cool DMV, not cool.

So here I am studying my little book that the quasi-nice lady gave me with big smile. It's like they find joy in my pain. And yes, I'm actually studying. I figure I should, because if I fail, I have to wait 28 days to try again. Sheesh!

Wish me luck.

Sarah...is a kick in the pants!

Back to the women of She!

This is Sarah...and I love her! Sarah has been one of my best friends since high school. And when I say best, I mean love, hate, I stole her boyfriend, she was mean to me (I wonder why?) and we still made it through. To tell the truth I am glad that we have been through it all. She has proved to be one of the most loyal people I know.

Sarah inspired the card...you...are a kick in the pants. And anyone that knows her knows that this is right on. Sarah is the kind of friend I find a fiasco with. We revert back to high school together...and oh man it's always a good time. She's always up for a prank!

One of my favorite stories with Sarah was in high school. We were in Yakima trying to visit a boy I liked. While driving to his house and I really, really had to go the the bathroom. With no where else to stop but an outhouse I got out of the car and did my business. Now Sarah, being the thoughtful friend that she is pointed the headlights of her car towards the outhouse (it was darker than dark outside). So I'm sitting there thinking what I great friend I have and all of a sudden she rams the outhouse with her car, yeah, no kidding. I jumped out, as quick as I could. So funny. All we could do was laugh. Really, what would we have done if it had fallen over? Aahh, the memories!

I love that Sarah, can always make me laugh. I love that she feels everything I do and cries with me. I love that she listens with her whole heart, and does not judge me. I love that no matter where I am in life it does not matter to Sarah, she love me unconditionally.

So here's to you kick in the pants!

You really are are a kick and for that I'm thankful! Thank you for never giving up on me, for always making me feel welcome, for giving the best gifts and for believing in me. You are wise beyond your years, more genuine than you know, and I'm so very proud of you! CHEERS!

Get Over It!

They say everything comes full circle. I agree. Like yesterday...
I followed my usual routine, I weekend in Salem (beginning of the circle). My schedule was full, leave Tiffany's drive to McMinnville, interview, drive to Tigard, interview, drive to Beaverton, unpack, get ready to repack for Thursday when I head back to Salem. Have you ever read the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day? Well, that was me.


I left Tiff's apartment, got the heel of my cute interview shoes caught in the deck. Propelling me forward, ripping my foot out of the shoe and causing one of those situation where you get up and look around to make sure no one is watching. If someone was watching, I 'm pretty sure I made their day, it was pretty funny. In fact, I wish I could have seen me!

So I get to my interview, it went fine, we will see what happens.

Driving to my second interview I thought I would stop to grab something to drink, that's when it happened. The thing I have been dreading for about 6 years, yes it has happened before, but it's happening more often, and friends, I feel that the end may be near....


....for the Temptress. She has put in her time. Yeah, so she broke down, in a random Taco Time parking lot in Newberg, Oregon. Thank God (and the 'rents) that I have AAA. So she gets towed, by a guy who is missing most of his teeth on the top. HOT!

So, because I weekend in Salem, and who knows how long it will take to fix the Temptress, I have it towed to Salem. And there we are full circle. I am sitting in Tiffany's office/my weekend bedroom typing this blog entry. It all comes back to Salem folks.

And yes, I was able to reschedule my second interview, it's this afternoon, wish me luck, but even more wish me a typical day, you know one full of things NOT to write home about. Truth be told, I always find a fiasco so looks like I'll be writing home...

Goodbye Scranton...

...hello Seattle! I'm so sorry to report that I never met Jim Halpert, darn it! But I did have a wonderful time. I never thought I would want to, but I can totally see myself moving to Penn. I love the people, the food, the history, and the way the world disappears while I'm there. There is just something I love about not knowing at all what's going on in the world. I had not watched tv (except for baseball) the whole time we where in Penn. until yeaterday. And what is the first thing I see, Sen. Larry Craig, crap, AAaaahhh, the great state of Idaho, how I miss thee...now back to the real world. :)

Ready, Aim....

I've got a new hobby, and just to prove it here are a few pics. My birthday is coming up, and just so you know, I like guns.





I can't believe we have to leave tomorrow...I have had a blast and the past two weeks have just flown by. Now it's back to my little world of Simple Spiel, paper, tape, flowers and my cutting board. I love what I do but I have enjoyed the break.



FIRE!

Fashion @ the farm...

So today is another day of "hunting" treasure. I call it that beacuse we have to "hunt" trough ALL the mess to find all the treasure the farm holds. We found out that the farm and land has been in our family since 1856. Crazy. On the west coast we just don't have history like that! Here's what I found that other day in the parlor...Evan and I are really serious about it. Here's our Penn. take on it...pitchfork & all!



And yes, I do feel the need to try it all on, seriously!

Penn. Update!

So I'm still around. Things have been crazy in Penn., crazy busy that is. I've been taking tons of pictures and I'm really excited to share a few. With all that has been going on I'm sure that I could blog for rest of my life about all the new experiences and stories that have unfolded over the last week. I love it here and it will be hard for me to leave. Although I am "so west coast" I really envy the slower pace of life here. Everyone knows everyone and I must say there is just something enchanting about it. So here's are quick look at what we were up against in the farm house.


Yeah, seriously, it was everywhere...stuff!




So the first order of business was to get rid of the crap, and what better way then to dig a big hole and start a big fire. I got to help. I thought I was driving a back hoe but I guess it is more accurately called an excavator (sorry Caleb) and everyone made fun of me for driving with my legs crossed.




Digging big holes, no big deal.
Turns out I've been learning all kinds of new things...more to come....