Two French Fries Short

Bitter Sweet Parting

2011-07-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I parted with my precious little charges. Bitter because I love them, and they love me. But sweet because they now get their mommy's undivided time. They are blessed beyond measure to have such parents.

But I will miss their adorable faces, kindness and affection, and beautiful personalities.

Always the pensive one.

Always the dramatic one!

My life has been blessed by these two munchkins. I'm thrilled to see them continue to grow and I can't wait to see the men who they will become.

Burmese Days

2011-06-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

Since my brother became a career bookman I have uncontrollably bought every book that looks appealing. This has resulted in a large pile of unread (but very enticing) literature. Unfortunately I've been buying more books than I can read, so the pile only grows. Since my mother moved to Boise in April (moved, I might say, into the room with the TV, satellite, and wii), I have made a renewed effort to minify this collection.

My strategy is twofold. Read more books, buy less books.

Among recent conquests (and books that I would highly recommend): A Thousand Splendid Suns, How The Irish Saved Civilization, Devil in the White City, Rashomon and In The Grove, and most recently, Burmese Days.

Just when I thought that George Orwell was going to pull out a happy ending, to allow the protagonist a perfect, romantic and content Happily Ever After, he turns everything upside down, allowing evil to win, the hero to meet his demise, and selfishness to be rewarded with prosperity.

Thanks George.

Chickens part 2

2010-12-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

One chicken down. Darn those coons.

Then Hancocks, who so graciously provide boarding for my chicks, have decided to name the remaining two chickens Jem and Katie.

Stanley

2010-08-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Everyone in my family has always had a soft spot for Stanley, ID. Before I was born my family spent two summers living there, my father working as the pastor of the single church in Stanley.

Earlier this summer I eagerly bought a trail guide to hikes around Stanley. I thought "I would love to hang out more in the Sawtooths this summer!" So I relished the opportunity to spend last weekend camping at Little Red Fish Lake.

The weather was sketchy, but the company was delightful!

Melody - "Um, I think that's a huge storm headed straight towards us on the top of this mountain that we just hiked up. Maybe we should hike down!"

Nathan and Hilary

Run away! Before we get crushed by that typhoon! (Melody and Mrs. H, great hiking companions)

Little Red Fish Lake - This was basically our view from the campground.

Chickens

2010-07-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

According to the Portland Mercury magazine, urban chickens were the pet trend of 2009 (the new trend for 2010, apparently, is urban goats). Granted, I'm fashionably late on this one, but I've wanted chickens for, like, as long as I can remember. That counts for something, right?

Artamis, Deborah, and Troute joined our family in April.

They fit right in.

After living in my bathroom for 6 weeks they moved to the Hancock's backyard. They survive there 'til this day, just waiting until they can supply me with homegrown, fresh and tasty eggs!

Pictured on right side, their new chicken coup (what, you think that this is just an excuse to show off Sam? I would never do that!)

Mary Liked To Go To Funerals (Fife Lake, May 2, 1903)

2010-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Mary Murphy wept as her tormented brother opened his eyes and cried, "Hold me down, Joe, my feet will come up."

Mary Murphy, a kind, friendly and gentle person, loved to dress up for social occasions. And few social occasions in backwoods Michigan at the turn of the century equaled a funeral. A funeral, often the only occasion that brought an entire family together, was usually an almost festive wake that gave hardworking farmers an excuse to relax and their wives a chance to dress up.
Mary Murphy seemed to enjoy going to funerals, and death hung on the black taffeta dress, black hat, and vail she wore so many times. By the time she arrived in Fife Lake in 1899, she had already attended a sorrowfully impressive list of funerals. Mary's first husband, James Ambrose, died suddenly in 1887, and she also buried all her children from that marriage - three who died in infancy and two who died of diptheria at ages five and seventeen. Shortly after Ambrose's death, Mary married Ernest McKnight, and in 1889, the couple moved from Alpena to Grayling. Mary's father died in 1894, and, in 1898, second husband Ernest died.
After Ernest's death, Mary sold their property, moved in with her mother and a mentally retarded niece at the family's Fife Lake farm, and added to the funeral list. In late winter, 1903, Mary's brother John, his wife Gertrude, and three-month-old baby daughter moved into the farmhouse while John built a new house nearby. On Monday, April 24, 1903, Gertrude left the baby with Mary, a trained nurse and midwife, and went to help John at the house. When the young couple returned later that afternoon, Mary sobbed that the baby had tragically died of sudden spasms. John consoled the two grief-stricken women for several minutes then left for town to buy a small coffin. When he returned five hours later, Mary tearfully told him that Gertrude had died of an epileptic fit brought on by the baby's death.
A little more than a week later, on a cold and blustery May 2, John Murphy lay on his back across his bed, his twitching legs protruding stiffly from his gray flannel nightgown. Sweat rolled over his closed eyelids and down his red face, and foam bubbled from the corners of his moth. Joe Battenfield, a friend and neighbor who had been summoned by John's mother, moved to John's side and moved an open bottle of camphor under the stricken man's nose. Mary Murphy wept as her tormented brother opened his eyes and cried, "Hold me down, Joe, my feet will come up." Battenfield pressed his knees against Murphy's legs, and John's body twitched and heaved uncontrollably for two more agonizing minutes before he mercifully died.
The sympathetic and kind folks of Springfield Township felt that three deaths in a little more than a week was more than any family should have to bear. So did a suspicious Grand Traverse County prosecutor, E.C. Smith, who ordered John's body exhumed and sent the dead man's organs to Ann Arbor for analysis. A week later the report came back; the strychnine found in John's stomach would have killed ten men.
Smith then launched a thorough investigation into Mary Murphy's past and compiled an appalling report.
-James Ambrose, Mary's first husband, died in agony, his limbs twitching convulsively.
-Mrs. McKnight, the first wife of Marys' second husband Ernest, died, in Alpena, in July, 1887, after experiencing severe convulsions while under Mary's care.
-Two days after Mrs. McKnight's death, Mary's niece, baby Teeple, also died of convulsions while under Mary's care.
-In Grayling, after drinking tea with Mary in May, 1892, Eliza Chalker, another niece, foamed at the mouth and died.
-Nine months later, also in Grayling, Sarah Murphy, Mary's sister, died, also after drinking tea with Mary.
-Ernest McKnight, Mary's second husband, drove his wagon to cut some hay and, shortly after eating a lunch prepared by Mary, became violently ill but made it home. By the next morning, he had recovered, but that night, Mary reported, he died in his sleep..
-In 1896, Mrs. Carey, a relative of Mary's, mysteriously died.
-Dorothy Jensen, a child in the care of Mary, died on Good Friday, 1902, after uncontrollably twitching and foaming at the mouth.
Prosecutor Smith added the names of John, Gertrude, and baby Murphy to the horrifying report and continued his investigation. He ordered bodies of Gertrude and the baby exhumed, and the Ann Arbor medical examiner found large amounts of strychnine in both. A neighbor, present when the baby died, told Smith she had seen Mary give the baby a pill shortly before it went into spasms and died. Shortly after that, according to the same witness, Mary gave Gertrude a pill for her nerves, and Gertrude immediately fell to the floor, her limbs twitching horribly until she died.
Smith arrested Mary, and she admitted that she had given her brother and his family homemade strychnine-quinine pills but only to soothe, not kill, them.
Forty-year-old Mary Murphy McKnight was tried, found guilty of murder in the first degree of her brother John, and sentenced to life imprisonment. She spent eighteen years in the Detroit House of Corrections before being paroled.

Story courtesy of the Fife Lake, MI museum. Author unknown.

Michigan

2010-07-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

On a family vacation these last two weeks my aunt informed me that she checks my blog regularly and is getting tired of my old posts. I informed her that I only know of like 3 people who read my blog, so if she's going to be critical of my blogging schedule she should at least leave me comments to encourage me that I do, indeed, have an audience. She said that leaving comments is too hard.

This one goes out to you, Auntie! I miss you already.

My cousin taking a picture of my other cousin while their brother (also my cousin) plays in the sand. Glen Lake beautifully framed behind the model. Josiah thinks that Sleeping Bear, the biggest sandbox he's ever seen, is super cool.

Hiking over the dunes to Lake Michigan. A Peter Wierenga family tradition. (I thought that it was just a Wierenga family tradition, but my cousins all informed me that they've only hiked over the dunes like once, leading me to believe that it's really only my immediate family. My dad arrived at Glen Lake and promptly asked when we were hiking over the dunes.)

Cool barn, as seen from the dunes.

The face I make every time I jump in the water to wakeboard. Thanks for capturing that look, Anna!

Famous Glen Lake sunset, the view from our cottage.

It was wonderful to spend two weeks in such a magical place surrounded by my family. We got to meet our new cousin Kim's family and hang out with them for a few days while celebrating Jon and Kim's marriage.

This year we introduced the lake to Kim, Mia, Honnah, and Jess. They all approved.

Uncle Thom and I found about 45 petoskey stones through several expeditions to The Cove and Lake Michigan.

Everybody says that Aunt Mary and I are twins. Ben would say "they're, like, the same person."

The 7 single women of the family shared a camper affectionately dubbed "the nunnery." When I arrived in Chicago to spend two nights with Uncle Tim's family there was a sign saying "the nunnery" on the bedroom door that 4 of us girls shared.

Josiah is one cool Pistachio. And he rocks all games involving blue yarn. Props mom!

These two are my favorite accessory with any outfit. I did have to share them, however, with about 30 other family members.

Sonorah and Josiah played beautifully together, practicing sharing and helping each other out. Hopefully pictures forthcoming from Sarah.

A beautiful vacation with some of the world's most awesome people.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

2010-04-15T22:48:00.001-07:00

I thought it was time to introduce you all to the men in my life. After all, we do spend an awful lot of time together, and I'm really anticipating this being a long term relationship.

Sam

2.5 years old. He counts and knows all his letters, he memorizes everything easily, and he loves sports, books, singing and cooking. He also adorably uses huge words like "beautiful" and "organized." When asked what music he wants to listen to, he says "the blues." I'm pretty sure that's my influence on him.

Eli

14 months old. He's extremely coordinated for his age, and does great at basketball, tennis, soccer and swimming. He doesn't talk too much, although he loves saying 'apple' because he knows it'll make me smile. I tried to use operant conditioning to teach him the names of animals, but it didn't work. Enough time and graham crackers, though, and he'll get it.

I'm pretty darn blessed.

Swimming

2010-04-10T14:18:00.001-07:00

I recently got a membership at the YMCA for two reasons: primarily to be a part of a rock climbing club, which I'm enjoying tremendously, but also to try and get back into my old hobby of swimming.

The last two days I've gone to the pool. A little timid at re-entering my old stomping grounds after such a long absence, I nonetheless donned suit and googles and bravely set out for the pool.

Both aquatics center trips, however, have been doomed. On thursday I swam 150 yards before everyone was kicked out of the pool due to ickyness needing to be cleaned up. Yesterday was even less successful. I stepped out of the locker room to see an empty pool with no estimation of reopening soon.

It seems that God or the universe is telling me not to swim. Despite all signs to cease my efforts, however, I will press on. I'm off to the downtown YMCA to try their pool.

East-West

2010-03-07T13:13:00.001-08:00

I just returned this week from an enjoyable (and action packed) 10 days in Maryland.
Highlights of the trip...

View from the airplane

Butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum

National Gallery of Art

Sonora learning about dimonds (Hope Dimond exhibit)

Sonora being tickled by Jon and Val while Honnah and I look on.

Happy President's Day!

2010-02-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Via Le Me

Grandmother's Birthday

2010-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Last week was Grandma's birthday, giving me the always appreciated opportunity to cook a fine meal and have company over. We invited our neighbor, Lori, to join us. On the menu - Grilled salmon in a creamy wine sauce, roasted asparagus and basmati rice. For dessert, gluten free lemon cheese cake.

Grandma was delighted at all the hype for her birthday. Why not? You only turn 85 once.

Me as an Idahoan

2010-02-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

The fact that I'm now living in Boise seems to have caught up with me. I had a wonderful 6 years in Eugene, and now I'm moving into a new adventure in my life. So how do I put to rest my time in Oregon and move forward?

Possibly by remembering time with friends

Or a pedicure with my sister

How I love the Oregon coast

And how I love Rain Rock

To Oregon and Oregonians, thank you.

My first week in Boise

2010-02-06T16:12:00.001-08:00

One week ago right now I was pulling into the driveway of my new home on Columbine Ave. My first week here started with watching Jem perform with the Idaho Dance Theatre, which was a real pleasure considering I haven't seen him dance in a few years. The rest of the week was a mixture of cooking, puzzling, and cleaning. In in the middle of the week I had a flurry of job-related activity, including two interview. I seem to be zeroing in on a wonderful nanny job in the north end. The family is checking my references this weekend, and short of unknown and catastrophic results, I think the job is mine.

Today I watched Jem perform as a guest with the Idaho Ballet Company. I told him that I think they should replace some of their current dancers with him, as he had better balance, poise, and technique than some of the company members. Oh well, so much for a sister's opinion.

Me as a blogger

2010-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

You may have notice that my blogging is rather irregular. I have been analyzing the reasons behind this and come to this conclusion: I have confused my intentions in blogging. My core desire is to write insightful, smart and artistic blogs that will provoke thought and discussion in you, my meager audience.

This amount of pressure makes it nearly impossible for me to write anything out of fear that I'm not upholding the long and wonderful tradition of talented writers in my family. The best remedy I can imagine for this situation is to give up my artistic dreams and simply convey the interesting events and stories of my life without delusions of brilliance.

In this spirit, here's the new of the day - This week I'm moving to Boise to help with my grandmother and work. I've come to a good pausing point in my education, but I'm looking into nursing programs in Boise. I have several good job leads and will be meeting with people when I get to Boise.

Post-finals

2009-12-14T22:45:00.001-08:00

My last several months and weeks have been filled with adventure, as is usual in my life. It has culminate in finals last week. This term for me has included (in chronological order) swine flu, trying to make pottery, food poisoning, dissecting a kidney, east coast trip, pneumonia, and finals (and these are just the highlights). Unfortunately my term hasn't included much blogging, but I hope to remedy that now that school is over.

The last week has been interesting. I finished school, and did well (which was actually a little surprising, it wasn't an easy term). I canceled a party at my house friday night because of freezing rain, I got a tragic pool playing injury (it's better now, but my finger really hurt for like a day), rescheduled my party for last night (fun and food with a few friends). I've had two clients vomit in front of me since saturday, and tonight I got news from nursing school.

I've been preparing myself for the worst for a few weeks, but it still feel really horrible. I know that last spring I got my hopes up too much about nursing school and subsequently crashed into the most difficult 6 months of my life. I did not want to repeat that. But once I found my inspiration again, remembered my desire to pursue nursing, it's only natural that I got excited. And I'm now equally disappointed that I did not get in.

I have an abundance of feelings right now. Why wasn't I good enough? Why should I keep trying? Was I just arrogant to think it was even possible to get into Johns Hopkins? I thought that getting into nursing school would fix how stuck I feel in my life. Stuck in Eugene, stuck at a job that I've outgrown, and stuck away from my family. But without the "quick fix" of my ready plan, my plan to escape all of this, I suppose I have to face myself and how I feel about my current state of life.

I guess I just have to face a bunch more uncertainty. I guess I won't be leaving Eugene in 2 months like I had despirately hoped. I guess I don't know where/if I will get into a nursing program. I guess it's probably OK to not know these things, although it feels pretty aweful right now.

European History

2009-11-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The wall was up for 28 years, separating Germany into east and west. The wall was constructed because 3.5 million Germans left east Germany for the freedom of the west in the years after WWII. After the construction of the wall 200 people were killed trying to escape across the wall. Up to 5000 escaped successfully using such routes as tunnels, zip lines, hot air balloons, or simply driving full speed through the check point. Finally, with thousands of people revolting in the streets of East Berlin, the wall was opened on Nov. 9th, 1989. Two days later the deconstruction of the wall began.

We all remember those powerful words of our great president,

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

And I Follow My Nose

2009-11-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

My week, in smells:

Monday - On mondays I make dinner at Rain Rock, and it smelled amazing. Garden burgers and cheese!
Tuesday - Smelling my lunch heat up at school activated the smell receptors in my brain. It made me hungry and my Thai noodles were tastytastic.
Wednesday - Fall days smell like clean air and wet leaves. They also smell like cold!
Thursday - Kidneys, when dissected, smell like formaldehyde.
Today - Coffee, bagel, and orange for breakfast smell like comfort, warmth, and happiness.

The Unsinkable

2009-10-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Molly Brown - Born 1867 Margaret Brown is famous for her efforts to help survivors of the 1912 Titanic disaster. Molly was born to humble means and grew up in Missouri and later Colorado, where she married JJ Brown. Molly is quoted to say that she always planned to marry for money but then JJ came along and she couldn't help herself. Luckily he hit it rich with the Denver mining industry and Molly got to be rich anyway!

She is know as a socialist and womans' rights activist. When the Titanic was sinking Molly only entered a rescue boat when forced to and then took over her rescue boat, leading the women aboard to return and find survivor, although it is reported that they found none.

Changing seasons

2009-10-02T17:04:00.001-07:00

I've had several indications this week that fall is here. First, I changed the air in my car from AC to the heater. And I don't anticipate turning it back for about 8 months. Of course school has started, and it is impossible to deny the new season when all of my syllabi say "fall term." I've also retrieved sweaters, scarves and gloves from storage bins. I even brought an umbrella with me to school this week, although like a true oregonian I did not use it.

No more leaving the windows down in my car. My shoes, which each have at least 2 places where I can put my finger all the way through the sole, may need to be upgraded. Cute hats and gloves are comin' back!

A Letter

2009-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Recently we had a young girl leave Rain Rock to go home and finish her last year of high school. She asked me to write her a letter, and this is what I wrote.

My Friend,
You are embarking on a wonderful and dangerous journey. I know that you are aware of all the traps and pitfalls, so I will speak to you of the joys.
I have seen your amazing ability for friendship and connection. I believe that t his is your greatest tool in this battle. Strive for self reflection and inner peace, of course. But never isolation.
Acknowledge and appreciate your strengths, but do so without arrogance. See others with eyes that do not judge, and just so do not judge yourself. When you sway from your resolve do not be downtrodden. Know that this is a part of your journey. Take the experience; make peace with those you have wronged; learn something about yourself; precede without guilt.
And always, my friend, seek Truth, Virtue, Beauty, and Wisdom. Through these you will find fulfillment, through that epic search. Remember those who love and support you. We will always be here for you.

Five Friends

2009-09-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

I met you last week, and you said we connect. I see your value, I love your soul. I wish you knew your beauty, I wish you weren't killing yourself. Your heart needs love, your body need food. You allow yourself love, but not nourishment. I hope you don't have to die to realize that you want to live.

I met you two years ago, this month we became friends. You take care of everyone, the eternal big sister. Your soul oozes art, and you give it expression. I've seen your pain, I know your struggle. But know, little one, that you will find peace. You will fight and you will win; your prize will be safety. And know, sweet girl, that I will always love you, no matter the distance between us.

I met you five years ago, we were not instant friends. But now you are the world to me, you have been my salvation. Your path will change, our friendship will change, but I'm so happy for your new life. You have grown so much, with such keen growing pains. But the product is breathtaking, and you are beautiful. I will be there for you as you have always been for me.

I met you seven years ago, since then we've been friends. I admire your calm, it gives me peace. But don't be deceived, you have strength under the sweetness. You know what is true, and you fight for what is right. You will always feel like home to me, you will always be safe.

I met you twelve years ago, I haven't seen you for seven. We have seen the world like in a house of mirrors. The truth is evasive, and we have not agreed. Under all our love are layers of misunderstanding and distrust. I will always love you, but I struggle to believe you. I hope we can clear the fog, for I want to support you. I hope we can find what we had as children.

A weekend's Repose and an Old Hobby

2009-09-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

After a stressful weekend culminating in a stressful friday night, I decided last week to take off work and take off for Reno. A delightful weekend was spent filled with sushi, music, a good friend, books on tape and a little gambling and absinthe, mixed with some GRE studying. I have to say that the opportunity to get away from Eugene and responsiblity was wonderful.
The next 6-8 weeks will be filled with new adventures, like taking the GRE, applying for nursing school (again), starting my last term of pre-nursing classes, and hopefully taking a sailing trip around the San Juan Islands.
The next 6-8 months might be filled with adventures too. I haven't ventured to dream for a very long time, but picking up on that old hobby is quite delightful. If I had my way my near future would involve vising orphanages in Africa and Asia, buying a sailboat, getting in to nursing school, and moving. Big dreams, but it's better than no dream.

self reflection

2009-08-22T11:04:00.001-07:00

The last 3 months in my life have been a roller coaster ride. When reflecting on the changes, growth opportunities, and heart aches, I am constantly reminded to return to my core values and desires. The chaos of my job situation reminds me of my ultimate career goals and pushes me to pursue my education to that end. Broken romance reminds me that I am a person who spends my energy seeking truth, virtue, wisdom and beauty, and I cannot be with someone who doesn't value this as highly as I do. The darkness that I feel in my heart (a combination of personality, missing my siblings, and keen insight into the pain in the world) reminds me that I can see good and happiness if I look for it.

I am blessed with amazing friends and family who support me completely. I have a job that I am passionate about. My school studies are truly fascinating to me. This beautiful summer weather inspires me to hike, camp, and take bike rides. I play guitar and piano, ride my motorcycle, surround myself with the people, places and situations that I love. Indeed, there is much goodness to see in the world, if only I seek it.

A little summer crisis to keep me healthy

2009-07-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time to post since my last post, what with working 3 jobs for a while plus moving. The new apartment is wonderful, but completely full of boxes which I haven't had time to unpack. The comcast guy came this week so I can actully get on my blog. I didn't have internet for couple of weeks. I still don't have a washer or dryer (going on 4 weeks now) but I'm going up to Portland today and I'm going to do laundry there.

Yesterday at this time I was unsuspectingly getting ready for work. It was my 9th day of training at my new job and the routine is in my body to be awake at 6 AM. I went to work and performed my morning tasks. At about 10 I had a meeting with the woman who was training me and the owner. They told me that they didn't think I had enough time to train and they didn't want me as a manager. They offered me a job as a caregiver. I'm not really clear about what happened; what they wanted from me that I wasn't giving them. I don't know what I could have done to show them that I could handle the job. Because honestly I would have done anything, and I would have been perfect for the job. I got the residents through lunch, turned in my name tag, and walked out of there forever at 1 PM. Oh what a difference a few hours makes.

I spent the rest of the day with friends. I filed for unemployment, hung out of Gary's (where the owner gave me free coffee because I needed it), and was encouraged and loved by friends. We went out for dinner and the waiter gave me a free drink and two free lunch coupons because he knows what it's like to be down on your luck.

I'm quite disappointed and even distraught. I'm hugely dumbfounded, self-conscious and embarassed. I was so happy and proud that I was offered such a cool job, and all of that pretty much has turned to embarassment.

But there are blessings in this too. I spent my evening with very supportive friends. Oddly two from Rain Rock and two from Elder Health, plus one from the upper peninsula. All of them were very loving and reassuring, and I couldn't have had a better evening. I can now go to my family reunion in MI in August. I wasn't going to go because I would be working. I have lots of new opportunities open for what I want to do. I liturally have nothing tying me down right now.

I definitely wish that that hadn't happened, beause it isn't fun. But everyone tells me that it's for a reason and won't feel so icky someday. And honestly I'm starting to feel that in my soul.

More updates later about my life, once I know I'll tell you.

change change change

2009-06-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

This title is not a reference to popular song lyrics or the constant request that I get from friendly veterans on the corner of 8th and Washington (or almost any other Eugene corner, for that matter). Not, it is more a reference to my life right now. There is a lot going on.

I've settled in to the idea that I'm not moving next year and I'm not going to nursing school for the indefinite future. So what better to do in Eugene than get a new job and a new apartment?

Dad and I are moving into a little townhouse closer to Eugene. It is absolutely adorable and most definitely ours, provided neither of us has a criminal history. I'll post pictures when we've moved.

Much like my brother, I did not realize that we were moving until two days ago. And yet here I sit amidst all my belongings in boxes ready to leave either for Boise or the new apartment. Much thanks to my devoted Jessica for her help the last two days.

But I know that what you are all truely interested in is the new job. I have accepted a position at an elder care facility for folks with dementia. The company is a very nice, beautiful campus with about 9 houses, each of which has 11 residents. My job will be the Resident Manager of the Birch house. This means that I'm in charge of working with the families, medical team, and the reast of my team to take care of my 11 residents, as well as supervising my staff.

This job is a phenomenal opportunity for my career. It offers a lot of responsibility and new areas for me to grow. The company that I'm working for is amazing, and I know that they will offer all of the education, training, and support that I need. I will be working a normal 7-3:30 day, monday-friday. This means that I will have time in the evenings and weekends to join a knitting club, book group, take gymnastics, piano and karate. I'm also going to cook wonderful dinners, have friends over, take road trips, and learn to garden. Ambitious, you say? Maybe. But I'll sure try.

I am truely heartbroken at leaving Rain Rock. I will continue to work weekends for about the next 6 weeks to give me and Rain Rock the opportunity to adjust. I love what I do, and I love my girls and my coworkers more than anything. I have felt a heaviness for days, but as I get more excited about my new job and get used to all of these changes it gets better.

Change does not often sit well with me. I am very excited about my future, but right now I'm in that uncertain in-between. I suppose it's necessary to go through this place in order to get where I'm going.

A True Story

2009-06-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

In a far off country, on a hillside, under the shade of the trees, within a cottage there was a child. She was a beautiful girl with deep brown hair and eyelashes that made everyone jealous. Growing up in the shade of her cottage the beautiful girl was happy. But as she got older she realized that this home was her parents, and she needed to find her own home.

The beautiful girl set out to find her new safe home, but she did not have the skills and tools to navigate the mountains, rivers, and meadows. She used only fear and confusion to guide her, and quickly she became hopelessly lost. For a long time the beautiful girl was so excited to be on an adventure that she did not realize how lost and scared she was. She knew only the dark forests and foreboding mountains around her, and she forgot all about the happy, safe home that she was looking for.

One day, as the beautiful girl pondered how to find her happy home, she met a gypsy child.

"Are you lost?" Asked the gypsy child.

"I am hopelessly lost." Said the beautiful girl.

"Would you like to find the place that you are looking for?" The gypsy child inquired.

"Very much so. Can you show me a happy home for me to live in?"

"I cannot show you your home. Only you have the intuition to find your home. But I can help you find your intuition."

So the gypsy child brought her back to the gypsy people. The beautiful girl lived with them for many months, learning how to follow her heart and her intuition instead of fear and confusion. At first she could not hear the voice of her heart. But finally she learned to separate her fear from her true intuition. It was her habit to listen to fear, and that came very naturally, but she knew that only her heart could guide her to a true, safe home.

Finally it was time for the beautiful girl to leave and find her home. As much as she loved the gypsy people, their home was not right for her. Before she left on her journey the gypsy child took the beautiful girl to the river to look at the stars. She gave her friend courage and confidence, because she knew that her path would be difficult. For every shooting star that she saw the gypsy child wished safety and happiness on her friend. The beautiful girl was prepared for her quest.

The rest of the story is quite simple. The beautiful girl left the gypsy people with enough food and water to stay healthy and strong. Usually she followed her intuition and her heart, but sometimes, when things were very hard for her, she followed her fear. Those were the moments of truth, because it took strength to put aside her fear and follow her heart. It took her a little while, but eventually the beautiful girl found her home. It was a wonderful haven with sunshine in the mountains and a bay to the ocean. The beautiful girl was safe, and had enough food that she did not go hungry. When she looked into the harbor and saw her reflection, the girl saw how lovely her face was and how safe her heart was, and she realized that she was happy.

A little about my personality

2009-06-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

My family will attest to the fact that I am a very active person. Whether it's threatening to built a submarine at age 10 or building a motorcycle at age 19, I'm always doing something. I think that this is how I deal with life, by just filling my time with projects and activities.

This active personality has driven me to situations where I can have a serious impact on people. It started when I was 9 and saved a cousin from drowning, and from there I became a lifeguard, ski patroller, and EMT. I've always been able to save people.

But I am learning that I cannot always save people. This week I have been faced with this ugly truth. When someone is drowning and I swim to them with a rescue tube, they do not push me away and say "I'm fine, I don't need your help." But real life is not so easy or clear as the lifeguard analogy.

I have painfully been learning this lesson this week. I have been faced with a friend who needs love and support, but who does not have the humility to admit that she is struggling. I go to her with open arms, offering her my help, only to have her blatantly deny that she needs encouragement.

When I see pain, I want to fix it. This is not some great virtue or blessing, it is simply a part of my personality. What I have not learned is that I cannot fix most things; I can only offer support and love. The virtues that I must learn are to have the humility and faith to know that I cannot fix the pain in the world but God can.

answers to questions

2009-05-28T12:11:00.001-07:00

A few question have arisen over my short career as a blogger, and I'd like to answer those now.

What is mitosis? This happens when the chromosomes (DNA, genetic material) of a eukaryotic cell (that's us, and animals, and plants, etc.) separates into two equal and identical sets of DNA. Then the cell divides and you have two daughter cells each with an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic material. So when your skin cells 'regenerate' because their constantly being sluffed off, this is what is happening. Meiosis, by contrast, is when a cell's genetic material is halfed. That means that each daughter cell has half of the parent cell's genetic material. This is what happens with reproductive cells. Each has half the necessary genetic material for life, so when you put those two halves together...well, you get the idea.

How did Portland get named Stumptown? Apparently back in the days of the old west, Portland was colonized in the middle of a forest. They cut down the trees all around, leaving stump. Portland was like a little city in a sea of stumps, so people started calling it Stumptown.

Anything else anyone would like to know about anything?

post-birthday post

2009-05-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been a struggle to return to my blog, although I've been bursting to share about my birthday. So, 1 week late and on my brother's birthday, sitting on the corner of 13th and High St, drinking espressoish chocolaty frosted goodness, and stealing WiFi from Mcmenamins, I update you.

Last tuesday was my 23rd birthday. I was not excited about this event, and let me tell you why. Most of you already know that my carefully thought out and delicately executed plan of going to nursing school next fall fell through. The way I had figured it, I would go to nursing school from 9/09-12/10, then grad school for my psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner degree from 6/11-9/12. This would have me graduated and starting my career at age 26, a good time to begin life. Now that I'm not starting nursing school in the fall I won't be finished with my PMHNP degree until I'm 27. Although that is not old, it is an odd number. Odd numbers are messy and not very cool (with the possible exceptions of 15 [start driving] and 21 [start drinking][not together, of course]). Mostly I think that I'm just upset because my plan didn't work out and my mind hasn't adjusted to that yet.

So I wasn't thrilled about my birthday. But I went to Hood River to see Jon and Ben (Ben moved to Oregon a couple of weeks ago). On tuesday we got up early to have Dutch Babies (traditional Wierenga birthday breakfast), then Jon was off to work while Ben and I had coffee in Hood River. We dutifully looked for a coffee shop that would give me free coffee on my birthday, but there was none to be found. For the last 4 or 5 birthdays I've consistently gone to Full City for my birthday drink (then the other Full City location later in the day), and I missed this little tradition.

Next Ben and I jumped on my motorcycle to drive to Stump Town (I just learned the origin of that little nick-name for Portland. Anyone wanna hear?). Ben is 6 foot something, and was wearing jeans and a sweater, but he wasn't the last bit ashamed to hop on my bike for a ride. We took the scenic hwy that goes through the hills and next to all the waterfalls, and it was beautiful. Right as we were getting into Portland a torrential rain storm almost knocked us off the bike. I instantly pulled over that the airport exit, and we parked in the FREE motorcycle parking (next to departures) and rode the MAX to downtown. We briefly saw Jessica for coffee, then spent the evening with Jon (who drove in after work), Jason, Robin, and her friends Amy and Jimmy. We went to The Sauce Box (best happy hour in Portland), Powells, VooDoo Donuts, and Mcmenamins.

It was one of the best birthdays that I can remember. It didn't involve school or work, but it did involve friends, family, good food and drink, and phone calls or text messages from my loved ones who weren't with me. It left me with a warm and fuzzy spot in my heart, and I will always charish this birthday.

A sincere apology and a genuine promise

2009-05-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last week, as I sat in the soho blue and brown dining room of Zeb and Sarah's Annapolis apartment, breathing in the smell of middle eastern meatballs and familial love, I recieved a bit of shocking news. My dear sister, who is a faithful and talented writer, claims that she has checked my blog every day and apparently has noticed my lack of dedication. A combination of emotions and character traits has lead to this unfortunate occurance. First, I stand apart from my siblings not only in my insatiable love for science but also in my lack of inclination to use writing as an artistic expression. Although I enjoy greatly reading the works of brilliance that issue from my siblings, I'm more inclined to express myself by cooking a phenomenal meal or folding an origami crane. Second, my own "go, go, go" personality does not leave a great deal of free time for writing. Even now I'm shoving down feelings of resentment toward Sarah who has dragged me back into this time consuming hobby. For those of us who lack the inspiring breath of Erato in our ears, a simple blog post can be the work of an entire afternoon. With hard work, however, I may be able to cut this down to a more reasonable time commitment. And thirdly, there is a small amount of fear and intimidation at the thought of trying to live up to the quality of writing exhibited by my siblings.
All of this aside, however, I am making a renewed commitment to be more faithful to Two French Fries Short. I know, at least, that Sarah is reading, and that is enough for me.

Hugs

2008-08-07T02:04:00.000-07:00

This evening I have been reflecting on the phenomenon of hugs, and I don't mean drops of chocolate love in a tin foil wrapping. Indeed I have a small handful of raspberry chocolate kisses in my bag. But despite the literary genius of J K Rowling, these little morsels are incapable of warming my heart (although I have often used this as an excuse for excessive consumption).

The current state of my heart (i.e., tepid) is not a result of lack of hugging today, but rather the kind of hugs that I have given. I say given because, indeed, they were anything but received. It seems that there are three kinds of emotional hugs (these being a subset of the greater category "hugs"): hugs that give emotional support, hugs that receive emotional support, or hugs that both give and receive emotional support (this is sounding remarkably similar to a chemistry lecture I heard this morning on chemical reactions).

I have given several hugs this evening that were my way of showing how I care for someone else. I love this kind of hug, and I love the fact that I can provide that service when needed. But I am not in a position (right now) to receive a hug which says "Katie, you're loved too." That is mostly because it's 2:30 in the morning and I'm at work. I'm desperately counting down the hours until a coworker gets here to give me a much needed hug.

Tonight has brought a new revelation for me. I had never thought that I could give so many warm embraces and yet so badly want to receive one.

Cops, Doctors and Mitosis

2008-07-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

DOCTORS - as most of you probably know, my older cousin Jon had a nasty encounter with gravity two weeks ago, and now has a fused spine as evidence of the ordeal. Although this is not the preferred motivation for a family reunion, it is one method. Several days in the hospital waiting room proved ample opportunities for our family to bond by rallying together in support of Jon.

MITOSIS - one of my summer activities is taking biology and chemistry at the community college. This experience proves challenging to self discipline and motivation skills. I'm trying to see the relevance of knowing all about mitosis and DNA replication to my dreams of becoming a therapist. I'm still waiting for an epiphany.

COPS - much to my annoyance, my motorcycle was stolen last sunday. As I walked out my front door to hop on and drive to church, I could feel that something was wrong, and I was right! Luckily the culprit got tired of driving it around after a couple of hours and left it, get this, with my neighbor! It was literally 200 yards away across the street. The police called me and I brought it home. Although I need to fix some wiring, there is no permanent damage that I can tell. The good news is that this experience has sped up my search for a car, meaning that soon I won't need to drive a motorcycle and endanger my life and my progeny.

of cats and the government

2008-07-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting experience this week. I have my own ideas on the government's involvement in my life, and I would love to hear yours' as well.

A couple of weeks ago I got a notice on my door. It was from the Lane County Animal something or another, and they were citing my basically for abusing my cat. She had gotten out a couple of times, and one of the neighbors reported that she was "underfed, sick, and has fleas." It is true that I have been fighting the flea battle with her, she's on meds. But I was surprised to discover (by way of government involvement) that I was basically abusing her. The citation said that I had to take her to the vet or I would basically be taken to court for animal abuse and fined $1500.

Like a good little citizen I took Mina to the vet. She looked over my cat and concluded that she's very healthy for her age. Her weight is totally normal for her size, her heart and lungs are strong, and she's doing great for a 13 year old. I got her vaccinated and dewormed (just to be on the safe side) and my total bill was $150. I could have gotten her vaccinations at PetsMart for $30.

So here's the question. Does the government have the right to tell me that I'm abusing my cat and then force me to spend $120 to avoid a lawsuit? I'm glad that they're looking out for the cats and dogs in the world, and people definitely should take care of their pets, but still, I'm $120 out because one of my neighbors decided to be a jerk.

Well, at least my mind is at peace. I was a little freaked out to have the government inform me that I was abusing my cat.

Fantasies en pointe

2008-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today marks a momentous occasion in my life. It is the culmination of years of dreaming and training. I'm not talking about my midmorning nap (9-11 am, a new skill taught to me by my own dear Sonora) or seeing several different kinds of cells under a 400x microscope. No, this joyous event happened this evening, when I engaged in my first ballet class en pointe. This landmark is a dream for any ballerina, and probably just about any little girl.

Although the class was challenging, my muscles are strong and my technique is solid, so with a little more time and practice I'll be on a roll. I'm in class with a bunch of 11-13 year olds, a very humbling experience. It just goes to show that it's never too late to try something new.

Let's Start At The Very Beginning

2008-06-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

As I have watched my siblings develop a keen taste for blogging, I have often wished that I had the style, finesse, and time to cultivate my own blogging skills. And now, at last, it is the time.

Just over a week ago I graduated from college, and by all my calculations that makes this the perfect time to start a blog. The next year, for me, is an adventure in the making. Thus far my future is idealistic, ill thought out, and not necessarily healthy. I'm still in the process of working out the bugs. If nothing else this blog is an easy way for my friends and family to keep tabs on my craziness.

Right now the plan is primarily to dance, work, and start on prerequisites for the next phase of my education. I'm still trying to figure out how to dedicate myself completely to all three of these areas of my life. Stay posted, and I'll keep posting.