. . . for the rest of the story!

I arrived home around 4:30ish and still needed to get the oil changed. I looked in the phone book and found an Oil Can Henry's near the skate park in Oregon City. I called to see what time they closed and what they were near. I knew generally where they were located so I didn't bother to write the address down. After all I had my landmark in the rare Burgerville, right? I told Nick I would take him and his friend to the skate park then go get the oil changed and be back. After dropping them off I headed to the O.C.H. that was oddly open until 10pm. I found the Burgerville no problem but could see no O.C.H. anywhere. I circled the Burgerville parking lot and drove up and down the street. In desperation I finally pulled into a gas station a few blocks from my landmark. I asked where the elusive O.C.H. was hiding. They looked at me as if I were crazy (hold that thought!) I told them I even looked it up in the phone book and called them! We looked it up and I showed them. They were stumped! Diane (nice mgr. of station) called them to see where they really were located. Turned out another gas station right across from the land mark Burgerville was listed mistakenly in the phone book as an Oil Can Henry's!

By now it 5:30 and I had to get back to the boys. I also had to get the oil changed before driving to Eugene the next day. Diane said we don't change oil here but there is a Lube Express on the other side of the street about two blocks down. "Tell them Diane sent ya." Thank you Diane! They changed it right away and gave me $10. off because she sent me. I was back to the boys before 6 and took a good 10 minutes to drool over my new map.

I had tons of laundry to do when I got home so we stopped at Costco by our place and got a pizza. After dinner the boys helped with the five loads of laundry. I was talking to DB on the phone a few minutes after 10 pm when I looked out the window. "The guy" was locking my 5 minutes from being done laundry in the laundry room! I threw the phone on the counter as I raced down the stairs. I caught him before he drove off and he let me back in. Whew!

This seems like the joining of two stories (or more) that came out okay and I got what I wanted and or needed because of my perseverance.

BTW any skate fans out there you probably already know the Couch Tour featuring the Adio Skate Team will be at Clackamas Town Center today. The fun begins at Noon.! FREE!

Yeah Team!

I'm excited to finally say . . . . I got the job I wanted with Team Estrogen!!! I got the call yesterday morning after (finally) getting the call from a vending company I applied to over a month ago! The vending company wanted me to come in for an interview tomorrow. Anyway, I now get paid a great salary and benefits along with a discount. I also get paid commuter bucks for using my bike and MAX to get to work. SWEET!! Causal work attire in a small (but growing) internet company run by a couple that is very laid back. The hours are great too Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm. I'm going into a new position they have made that fits me perfect. Customer service rep. Especially dealing with customer returns/ exchanges/ problems.

I'm really excited by all of this and it means I will be able to take care of my boys! We can move to NW Portland (where we all want to live) and be our little family unit. YES!

. . And now . . . .

I had an appointment downtown at 2:30 I could not miss. I'm so glad I paid for AAA! I asked to have a tow (ASAP) to the tire store in NW I always use. They told me it would be 20 to 30 minutes for the tow truck. Now I had just come off a long ride on a nice day so I was in need of a shower! I asked Wil to keep an eye out while I jumped in the shower. It was nearly 1pm when the driver showed up. He seemed like a nice guy. I felt complete confidence in him when he told me he had been on duty for 36 hours already. It took a long time to get the car hooked up and into NW Portland. It only looked like the car almost fell off the tow a couple three times.

We got to the store at 1:55pm. I called my appointment to say I might be late and why. Lee was totally cool with it. He was secretly hoping it was my ex that did the damage. (how would we prove it?) Anyway, They were helpful and quick and assured me it was a nail and would have it fixed for me by the time I got back at no cost! They even gave me tickets for the trolley! Thanks guys!

My appointment went well but the boys and I could use moral support in our upcoming days battle. That's all I would like to say about this for now. I just want the best for my boys.

On the way back to my car I stopped at Powells Books to see if they had the much wanted bike map. YES!!!! It isn't actually laminated but "water resistant paper." I was very excited to finally find it AND purchase it! After settling up at Powells I got back on my beloved trolley (that I miss so much) and got back to my car. What was supposed to happen on this day was getting the oil changed then dropping Nick at DOS (Dept. of Skateboarding) near the Rose Quarter on my way to my appointment with Lee. I finally got home at 4 something but still needed to get the oil changed before driving to Eugene Saturday.

Next installment will be the exciting conclusion!

What a beautiful morning!

I woke at 7:27 this morning to a beautiful day. The sun was shining and if I got going early enough I was going to get a ride in! I decided I wanted to have a focused ride without competing for the road so it was Springwater today.

Springwater corridor is an abandon railroad track that runs out of The Brooklyn Railyard to Boring Oregon. It is a multi use path that has very little cross traffic. The longest I have ridden lately is 24.71 miles. (I adore my on board system) I could of gone longer but time doesn't permit usually.

At 12 miles I saw the sign for the end of the trail in 4 something miles. I decided to go to the end of the trail! The thing is I'm not going to have the luxury to go on long rides a lot so I knew a 32 miler was a piece of delicious chocolate cake. I was curious what the end of the path looked like. I was so stoked to hit a long ride! Right after the sign that it was 2.81 to the end . . . it was gravel!!! I don't do gravel! Pooh! So I did a 28 mile ride instead. I'm smiling just remembering it. Let me share some with you.

The highlights of my ride besides the beautiful sun and perfect temperatures were as follows:

~ Racing Butterflies. They are fast and seem to do it for sport!

~ Seeing a woodpecker trying his best to drill a hole in cement.

~ Wondering when rabbits natural habitat became S.E. Portland and Gresham

~ Listening to the birds singing once "out of the city."

~ Enjoying the hum of my tire and no other sound.

~ The awesome feeling that I could ride for many more miles!

So I got back from my ride feeling on top of the world when I noticed my car sitting funny. I came round the back driver side to see a flat tire! My first thought was that yet another ex did the "I'm pissed at you thing " and took it out on my tire.

Next time I will finish the story! Got laundry waiting!

Heading where I am

I'm really enjoying my biking time. I missed biking sooo much the past few years. I had bought my old bike when I was pregnant with Wil who is now 16. Once it was exposed to the elements instead of a garage four years ago it died a quick but painful death. I really liked that bike and still miss it. I knew how it handled so well it was a part of me. I'm slowly getting used to my new one but it will take awhile.

I wanted to go a new route today instead of veering off the 205 and Stillwater bike paths. I don't know the area that well but as I have gotten around I have tried to get familiar with street names and to "connect the dots." I started out going the opposite way on the 205 I usually go and headed towards Oregon City. I knew the path "ended" and I thought I would make the turn off of 82nd and head to Estacada. As I was putting up to the crosswalk I saw a sign that pointed to a bike route. I changed directions and found more 205 bike path. I thought I would end up on the path that goes along the water front in Oregon City but no. I ended up near Clackamette park but on 99. I decided to head on 99 to the turn I know at the Oak Grove Fred Meyer. When I got there and was about to turn towards home it clicked that Oatfield Road (behind the Fred Meyer) intersected near the 205 path so I followed that back to 205 but saw another street I recognized the name of so I went that way. I knew I was going parallel to 205. I came out on a road I had found by exploring a couple weeks ago. Now that I have completely bored you the jest of this long story is this. I am proud of myself and unusual directional successes I have had since moving to this neighborhood. It's not to say I'm easily lost but it isn't my strong suit. I also enjoyed a long new ride that I can use at a later time.

It would probably make it much easier to pay the six bucks for the 2005 Portland bike path laminated wonder map. (that's not actually the name.) I would actually willingly do this were it as available as their web site implies. None of the dealers listed have the 2005 edition nor have they heard of it. Hum.

Play to learn

Last nights Pro-Am was fun! I was "Captain" but let Herb do it cause it was Fathers day. Now just cause he isn't a dad (that he knows of) doesn't make this sacrifice any less important. Actually I love to be Capitan. I find it makes the whole show more fun when the Capt. is high energy/enthusiastic. Keeps the show moving forward in general but for me as well.

Mike Meyers didn't show up for call (or call) so we were going to play a three person team. The blue team was Jenny, Gary and myself. About ten minutes before show time Herb hopped on our team. I have never played with Herb period. It was interesting to see how he plays vs. "coaching". I think after that experience that not only should he side coach but he should play rounds with folks to really hit it home what he is teaching. It made some games easier and click the light bulb on. Herb said in circle before the show "Now Farm teamers, learn from the Pro's on your team." Karen and I looked at each other and said "Yeah, whatever. You guys learn from us!" Well, I guess we did learn something. She had a similar experience with Jay and Craig on her team.

I had a good show with some great moments. In "Dinner at Joe's" the only character trait I was given to work with for Ann was she wears glasses so she is "four eyes." Eric (audience volunteer) picked me to play his wife's best friend. We ended up looking for our fourth "person", Noah the cat. (when asked who a fourth person might be to join the group he said the cat) In looking for Noah I took off my glasses and used them as a second set of eyes to look in high/low places. That was a lot of fun.

I also got to guess at 5 things which I adore. I used to only like to guess but my clue giving suffered. I really worked on clue giving so that I feel I can really do well in the first couple clues given in teaching the game. I had a lot of fun playing guesser last night.

Lots to do today so I will leave you with this thought. Remember that everybody wants to belong and asked to (insert event here) go be part of said event. If they are not included for whatever reason don't rub it in by discussing it in front of them. How would that make you feel?

" Get fucked four eyes!!" Shaun

Good times

I wish I could post and knit while cycling. That would make it perfect! I really get a lot out of cycling and it lets all the great thoughts and ideas float to the surface. The bad part is I have brilliant posts that come to me while I'm out on my bike but by the time I'm near a computer again - gone! At least I got to enjoy them.

Here are some random thoughts and snipets of the brilliance I got to enjoy so I will pass them on to you.

I will say I enjoyed my lazy time yesterday. I never finished a movie or show but had a great time doing it. I (as you can tell) had time to be and play on the computer. I don't think I have given myself permission to do that for a long time. I even updated my LJ that has been abandon for a long time. The only part about a lazy time is you usually have nowhere to go. I did have to go pick Wil up from his friends house in the 'Couve at 11pm. He was at a birthday party that was gaming and viewing zombie movies.

Not long after I moved out from the house where I had lived with my ex and the boys (over four years ago.) "they" gave me a present. It was a cycling jersery. I really had to fight for my cycling time when we were together since it was taking time away from the family. Things he wanted to do however. . . Anyway, I found it to be an odd gift as he never supported my need and desire to cycle. I always felt it was a consolation prize. He got (took) the kids and I got a jersery. Today I felt it was right to wear it for the first time. It might not make sense to you but meant something to me.

Could someone please video tape me while I'm cycling? Not in a stalkerish way but without me knowing it. I get comments constantly from (mostly) men when I start up from a stop. I know I do my cycling like I do other sports - full on. I take no prisoners. The knick name given to me many years ago is "Butch biker Babe" if that tells you anything. I've had guys make astonished comments from open car windows, bus stops, other cyclists and passers by.

"If you look out your window and they are there - they are a stalker." DJ

What does your birthday mean. . .

Your Birthdate: August 6

A birthday on the 6th of the month adds a tone of responsibility, helpfulness, and understanding to your natural inclinations. Those born on the sixth are more apt to be open and honest with everyone, and more caring about family and friends, too. This is a number associated with responsibility and caring - this birthday lends a degree of concern for others.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Seems accurate in a odd way. See for yourself and feel free to share the results.

Surprise Lazy day

Not really having big plans has it's advantages. The only planned things for the weekend were last night's concert and the Pro-Am on Sunday. It has turned out that I am alone in the apartment for the first time since the boys moved in. There is so much I should do, could do, want to do and yet I finally settle on a lazy late afternoon eating linner in front of a movie. Nice.

More on the Pro-Am

I'm really looking forward to playing in the Pro-Am on Sunday.I haven't signed up for one in a long time. I was not available for the most recent ones. I spent Thanksgiving at DB's. Christmas Eve and New Years as well. Mom's day I spent in a traditional "Trailer trash" way with DB. Sadly no wrestling this year but there is always next year.

I just found out who the Portland Pro players are for the show. Jenny, Craig, Mike Meyers and Jay Rambo. It should be a fun show for all. Bring your Dad down for free admission. (for him)

I have tried to make biking more a life style for me. I really missed it terribly those years I didn't have a bike! It really does help my ankle but more importantly it helps my soul. Things that are bothering me float to the surface and I am able to solve/let go of them during me ride. It's very cleansing. When I really want to ride and cant I get irritated! I wish I could do it at least once a day. Its almost better than sex but not quite (thank you DB.)

I hope to do some races this year that I have always wanted to try. A 100 mile or more would be awesome. Two that come to mind are Reach the Beach and the Bridge Pedal (already missed?) I like to ride 20 to 50 miles just for fun. I just don't usually have the time. Much to indulgent especially now. :) I did get an 18 plus ride this morning before the rain hit.

I will know about the job early next week. They had two more interviews then they would decide. Keep something crossed for me! I would be encouraged and even paid for commuting on my bike! SWEET!!!

YEH Nick!

Nick got through the last of the school year (since living with me) without getting in trouble! Who is a bad parent? Not me!!! I doubt it will send any clear message but I feel I had something to do with that. My secret is simple. Listen, love, be there and participate in their world.

I have a job interview today I'm very excited about. I would really like this to be a good fit and that I hope to be just as excited after the interview. It would mean some changes for our little family. I don't think Wil wants to live next door to the school he isn't attending anymore. If anyone knows of a great apartment or house in NW near the MAX let me know. The job is in Hillsboro but I would live in NW since all of us like it. Closer to CSz, Portland State, and peeps I would hang with. I do miss NW. That would make their school Lincoln unless Nick gets into Benson. He is on the wait list.

As we go into summer I have not had much time to figure what the boys will be doing while I am at work. CSz camp would be fun for both but money is an issue. Wil would like a job but that leaves Nick on his own too much. I think he would enjoy helping at the dog shelter but he would need a ride there. Any ideas?

It's good to be me

Some great things, awesome happenings and lovely everyday occurrences have made my world a good place to be. It's been very fast paced for the last bit of time but the people and enjoying the simple things make it well worth it.

I'm really enjoying the challenges of having two teenagers full-time. I don't get as much sleep as I would like but for the most part it is wonderful. I really like having them around. Lots of changes and decisions to make but I'm glad to be able to make those changes. I know there will be ups and downs but isn't that life anyway?

I have enjoyed DB around for a couple weekends in a row. We have had some good times. We have gone to concerts, book stores, farm team shows, yarn shops, as well as some slower paced stay at home days. I have been a bit spoiled with three weekends in a row either with our kids and some time alone. I treasure our time. No matter what we do we have a good time. I was sad to see him go this morning but he always leaves me with a smile on my face and in my heart.

I have been able to spend some time at Portland CSz lately. I have had a good time and learning in workshops. We have a good bunch of folks on the farm team. I always leave workshops happy I went. I was in the show last night and had a great time. My team was Deep Dish minus Deeg. We sooo should have won but the sound guy had it out for us! ;)

In related CSz news:

7pm Sunday, June 19th, we have another holiday PRO-AM - a Comedy Sportz Show featuring veteran professionals alongside some of our best from the Farm Team, our advanced class for adults. This show is a great value at $6, or just $5 with a can of food for the Oregon Food Bank. And does Dad pay when he comes to the Pro-Am? No, he does not. But just on June 19th!

Not sure of the Pro players but the F.T. players are Karen, Gary, John R. and myself. Come out and enjoy a rocking show!

BTW Please notice the subtle changes here and there in this blog. Some of the changes are due in part to Ken the funny computer (geek) guy.

A bit of fun

Last night I was able to go to CSz workshop. It was a lot of fun to learn some "new" games and play some games rarely played. John (DD fame) recently was in a town far far away (Indianapolis) and got to play (as an exchange from the Eugene team) and learn some new tricks. We played Stunt doubles, Asylum, Telephone And Waiter Waiter. It was a lot of fun and I hope to incorporate these into Sunday's Farm Team show. I get to play!!!

Thank you Aaron and Adam for the kind words passed on to me through DB. Kisses!

Good news. . . Bad news

Hello all! Things have been very busy these last few weeks! I'm happy to report that although my boys are sick with the latest "cold" that's going around they seem happier and kinder than in past months. It's good to see them smile, laugh and even pay kindness to one another without being told to!

We have lots to do to get comfy in our space. They say it's not necessary but I feel I should switch bedrooms with them. That is gonna be a task! We still need furniture for them but that will come. The loft bed I got Nick is not working here. The ceilings are not tall enough so nick cannot sit up in bed. He doesn't want me to sell it but I have to get him a more suitable bed.

I have not had much down time lately with new responsibilities and them being sick. I gotta share one "how cute is Nick" story with you. On Saturday I finally made it down to Lint to get help with my sweater. (a side story is here too) I was really excited to finally get back to knitting! It wasn't until Sunday after a dinner of homemade garlic chicken pizza I had a chance. Nick was on the Living room couch watching TV so I sat to join him and knit. He took my needles and used my leg as a drum. Then he was doing summer saults on the couch landing on my legs/lap . Finally after asking him to sit still and let me be the light went on. I put my knitting aside and he snuggled up to me to watch TV practically in my lap. He just wanted his mommy.

I was very proud of myself when I was showing the nice ladies at Lint my sweater. The pattern had a big flaw in it. I had reasoned thru it and wrote out what I thought it should be. After going over all of it I was right! Yah! Just needed to go with the gut!

Thank YOU

I would like to say a big thank you to all that have taken the time to respond to my post. The moral support, kind words and inquires as to how you could help us have given me even more strength in my fight.

Kisses!

It is awful stormy

I have had many ups and downs since I last posted. I'm not really sure where to begin. I'll start with what it all revolves around and go from there.

Last Thursday when I was on the way home from the boy's house I got a call from their father. He told me to come and pick them up. I asked to speak to my oldest son to see what really happened. After hearing I told them I would be right there. They were ready to go by the time I got there and I have had them ever since. I'm very glad! I was hoping to wait til they were out of school but . . .

I was thankful that they changed my work schedule when I asked on Tuesday to accommodate me until my 14 year old is out of school in mid June. After that I have to follow the new shift bid without any other special treatment. In a twenty four hour period I went from dreading my job to great positive feelings to a not so happy place. This is what happened yesterday.

I got suspended without pay until Monday. This is after a short work week last week with hours/days cut because of less than anticipated amount of calls. So I worked 7 1/2 hours Tuesday and 5 hours on Wednesday. Not much to pay bills and feed two teenage boys. The reason for my suspending is I don't have speedy calls and I actually help the customer. Yes, I put the service in Customer Service. They like everything else I do but don't like my calls per hour stat.

I really need your help right now. I'm going to fight for custody of my children. They are soooo much happier since coming here to be with me. I see the difference! They have been having such a hard time. I could see them both getting worse and Nick was getting into trouble at school.

What I need is resources, a better job, and support. I'm talking whatever you can do for us. We need furniture and clothes for them, food, summer activities/job/mentoring and money to pay court fees. I would really like to be in a better financial position for this fight but I'm hoping I can keep this job until I find something else. I'm running out of time on this one. They need me now and going back to their dad's house is NOT an option.

As they say " When it rains it pours " Everything is happening at once but I'm holding together remarkably well. I knew it was a matter of time before things got sticky at the job. I have made huge improvements in all areas but the CPH. I have been looking and sending resumes out almost daily. My printer is suddenly not working (naturally). Hopefully when Ken comes over tonight to look at it he can fix it (keeping fingers crossed).

My rent is paid through to July but with the cut hours I'm nervous. The boys brought what they had from their dad's but Nick had no socks at his house, Wil only has 4 pairs of underwear and they both need some summer clothes that fit them. I don't even have a shelf or dresser for them.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give us. My boys deserve to be in a home where they know they are loved by words and actions. I want them safe and happy.