I feel like I win when I lose

This year has been a banner year for the M&M's. (that is how the manager listed us on the apartment call box.) As always there have been up's and downs but overall we are finally on our way. Wil has stalled out but I think we can get that moving soon into the new year.

A year ago I found out that I had been accepted in school and had my funding. That was the first step down the hilly path I have been on this year. While in school I worked hard and was frustrated (and scared) at times but look where I am now. I am very proud of myself. It has been an amazing year!

The departure of Nick has been very hard for the mom in me. He is my son and I love him. He is in a totally weird place right now in his thinking of what he is owed by the world. He takes no responsibility for his actions but pins it all on everyone else. He turned 18 the day after Christmas. What he does now is up to him and his pocket book. It has been hard for me to let him go. I hope one day soon he grows up and comes back. I really miss him and regret how things played out. Having him here was even harder on both Wil and I. It was like living in a hostage/terrorist situation.

I was ready for a better (easier) life. I can really see and use the physical changes in my apartment. The paint on the walls makes this apartment more mine. It feels warm and cozy. It is amazing how some color on the walls makes such a difference. It is a great color for my art to hang on. I would not have been able to purchase art from Carly or any of the wonderful furniture I have gotten this year. All I had been able to do before my new career is dream and wish. I appreciate what I have more than I might have. That brings me to my washer. I feel completely spoiled by having it! I can come home at night and put in a load of laundry at midnight if I want! Laundry used to be such a chore and hassle. I had to have quarters, time and patience. Now I have gotten into the habit of doing it every couple of days as needed.

I don't want to give the impression that happiness is found in the stuff. The happiness I found in a comfortable living environment I have created for us surrounded by these things I have chosen and paid for. I'm pleased that I was able to do it. The other part of that comfort and pride is being able to do the work. Painting the walls, re-covering the seats for the dining chairs, painting the locker, making the cow butt frame shelf and the other smaller projects I have done. My parents have seen the change and supported me in many ways. They drove all over the city to help pick up furniture. They have lent the tools for my projects and assisted when I needed. The final validation is they gave me tools of my own so I can continue with new projects. I really have come along way this year.

I feel like I have made a good start in 2008. I am still standing and then some. The best is yet to come.

Marta Montgomery CPhT

My Christmas adventure

The weather tried to cancel Christmas but you cant keep the Irish (Swedish, German . . ) down. I was going to try to get my car out to go to my parents but it started to blizzard again around 1pm! We were supposed to be there at 2ish. I was already snowed into my parking spot and the snow plow really helped with a extra bank of snow. My brother could not drive me and Wil since he had a passenger already and his car is a four seater. My Dad was not helping with the cooking (better that way) and my mom needed her sous chef (Wil) so he came with a shovel to help get my car out. Once he arrived and saw how much snow was on the roads and in the parking spots (or burying the cars) of my hood he said he would be our taxi. He picked us up around 1:45. I'm glad for that since I do not like to drive with the crazies on the snowy road anyway. Once we were off the side streets it was mostly clear or at least a path.

I had seen a lot during this storm taking the bus and MAX back and forth but I was still surprised how much snow was around the city. We just don't get this type of snow here!

We had a nice time just kicking back at my parents. Everybody was content to eat good food, enjoy the fireplace and watch stupid people trying to drive the side street outside my parents living room window. Probably the more relaxed holiday I have had in a long time. We headed for home around 8:15 since we were not sure of refreeze. The outside thermometer was working down to 32 so better safe than stuck. My mom came along for the ride since she has been snowed in for the whole time. She got out the last Tuesday before the big crippling snow hit. They did the Christmas dinner food shopping that day. Glad they did because it was a great dinner.

As for presents. I was extremely surprised and pleased to receive a cordless power tool set from my dad. He got up at 4am the day after Thanksgiving to stand in line at Home Depot to get this set for me. Drill, skill saw, hand held vac and flashlight. It comes with one battery and charger. It also included a tool box. (not for the set but regular) The bit set for the drill is crazy! I have drill bits for any job imaginable, screw bits of every job and it's in a cool roll up kit. I have already used the drill and vac for a small project. Very cool.

I hope all had a nice day and enjoyed the snow. Second white Christmas in a row.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

My lovely Henry (female Golden Retriever) was terrified of Billy Blitz (the cocky bird). The first time they met Billy was sitting on my ex's shoulder when we brought Henry into the kitchen. She had been a stray dog that my ex gave me. (abandon at the end of the school year.) She had obviously been trained. Anyway, Billy wanted to see what was going on from the comfort of the top of his cage. He forgot that his wings had recently been clipped. He did not get the loft he was used to and flew right by Henry's nose. She opened her mouth and soft mouthed him. (hunting dog style) We all yelled her name so she let go. Billy was not hurt but extremely pissed off. He was dropped on the couch next to his cage so he stalked (he had a way of stomping like he was Godzilla not six inches tall) to his cage and glared at all of us for bringing this hairy demon into his house. From then on Henry was terrified of Billy. Whenever Billy flew around Henry would hit the deck and try to liquefy into the ground. If she could in her flattened state she would slink from the room. Billy took great advantage of this. He would land on the floor and stomp over to her and eventually walk over her. What an asshole. I took this photo in 1982. My favorite dog and bird in front of my favorite collectible, Snoopy. My then boyfriend now ex was studying abroad for six months and could not come home for Christmas.

Henny was the best dog I ever had.

Merry Christmas Eve

This is a oil painting my mom painted of Henry. This was not a photograph but insightful look at Henry. She was a very intuitive dog. She knew when you were having a hard time. She would try to climb in your lap. She also did not understand why she did not fit. In her mind she was a tiny dog and did not know where the big dog in the mirror came from. She was not afraid but curious.

My love of Snoopy continues. I have a wonderful collection but currently no place to show them off.
This CD is really wonderful to listen to. It has the music from the show and more.

All the snow we have got these past days have been crazy amazing. We don't normally get this much snow but what is more amazing is the amount of snow I have in my hood. I am at 50 ft or less above sea level since I live right by the Willamette river. When the Portland hills get a few inches I usually have some floating flakes but none sticking. We have had several inches!

I took a taxi ride (a crazy story I will get to in the next couple days) to get to work yesterday morning but a bus home. There is a bus that tootles all over the city. My friend from school that got hired on at my pharmacy showed my were to catch this bus. When we got Downtown I was surprised by the amount of snow there and the all the people. I got off the non moving bus in the bus mall and hoofed it up the trolley. As I was hiking the several blocks uptown I was stunned. I suddenly felt as if I was in a made for TV movie set about Christmas. I have not had this happen in my adult life here in Portland. We have had smaller storms but I stayed home. It was really pretty cool. The things I saw were amazing. The roads Downtown normally three lanes one way are two in the middle with plowed banks of snow on the sides. Even my two way street outside my building are two lanes in the middle and the parked cars (like mine) are stuck in a snow bank. The snow bank is part snow plow and part all the snow we have got the last 10 days. I dug my car out yesterday in hopes things were going to be better for traveling this morning. Nope.

As I have been typing this it has not stopped snowing. We are to get another two to four inches before it gets to 34 degrees. Right now at 10 am it is still 27 degrees in DT Portland. When it warms up it will switch to rain. As it goes to evening and cools off it will turn to snow again and all the moisture on the ground will freeze. We may get freezing rain which means I will be stranded at work. I work this evening. I will take Tri-met to work but signed up for the labor pool to get home. I'm not sure if it will be Security or someone else that works in the hospital. They have a command center for rides and people needing a bed for the night. I hope I make it home tonight.

Unless the weather gets drastically better we wont be celebrating Christmas tomorrow with my family. My parents have been snowed in from the beginning. I don't have chains and my brother cant drive us since he has an extra person in his car. We will get together when possible. Wil and I can hang and nibble on the spiral cut ham I got from work. I think 12 pounds will hold us during the "Deep Freeze '08". I have hash browns in the freezer and eggs in the fridge. We shall feast tomorrow!

Happy Christmas.

Snow Ball and flower pot from 12-22

Some snow photos

Look back at the first photo of my Christmas decorations. It was before the snow and you can see there was not much to the plant left in. each day it gets bigger. Even now tons more snow is falling instead of freezing rain and regular rain.

The last pic is actually the first day 12-20.

More snow photos

A photo out my window of the hood

Out my bedroom window 12-20


Trying to see the Fremont Bridge through the snow. 12-20

Today when the snow started again. Where the hell is my well photographed bridge?

Carly's photo of BFA Screen

These two photos were taken by Carly at her place when she was finished. You can see the detail better. She has a better camera and mad skills. You have to admit you are jealous. I own the Basically Fucking Awesome Screen!

Wil must have said something to Danny who was coming back from Europe because when he walked into our place last night one of the first things he said was "Is this the screen? Wow, it is pretty cool!" Take that as high praise, Carly. Wil told Danny about it before he even got into town?!?

My snowy adventure

When I got up this morning it was not the skating rink I expected to see. I called into work to see if any of the folks from the evening shift ended up staying the night. The night person that answered the phone was not forth coming in info. It was a weird call. Anyway I said I would start making my way there. I got ready and headed out to the car. Last night after driving home Wil came to help get my "in case of being stranding bag and areobed" into the apartment. I forgot my hiking boots in the car. I was not going to drive but take the bus. The snow drifts around my car were knee deep!

I spent a long time just getting downtown. Before I hiked more through snow that was like walking through deep sand I called into the pharmacy. By now it was 7:20. I said I had made it downtown to the MAX. My bus never came so I hopped the trolley downtown. The other folks at the MAX stop said they had been there awhile. Everybody else had made it in. I asked if they needed me and the Pharmacist told me to go home. I was glad to hear that! I was pretty tired and cold by then.

When I got off the trolley (that runs while the MAX does not) the snow was not sand like but crunchy. Thankfully I got home before I wet my pants. I was so cold I headed for my bed. I had two down comforters and an Irish mohair blanket on me but was still cold! My legs were still as cold as if I was outside. It was a really long time before I felt not so painfully cold. I finally fell asleep and woke a couple hours later. I was stiff and in the same position I feel asleep in. My hands were in fists that would not open. It is several hours later and I am still over covered and cold.

I'm sure in the scheme of things my adventure was G rated but to me it was tough. I have not been able to get to Doc Bones so my back is very stiff. I would have continued to get to work but I am glad I could come home. I don't work Monday but I do Tuesday morning. My dad told me to arrange a cab Monday night and he would pay for it if the deep freeze continues. I hope things thaw but it does not look promising.

Typhoon Snow Blizzard

Well, for once the weather reporters were right. They predicted a huge dumping of snow and I am looking at it. I am thankful that I worked the day shift instead of night. I made it home and am cozy in my place. For most of the evening I have not been able to see the Fremont Bridge through the snow.

I am strongly expected to get into work tomorrow. I understand people do not want to get trapped there as I did not. I do not want to risk my life and injury. The blizzard is supposed to turn to freezing rain then regular rain. The transition will be messy. I love me more than my job.

Happy (early) Christmas for me!

Basically Fucking Awesome Screen!
A closer look but still does not do it justice! Carly took photos too and will post them on her blog. She is proud of her job. I am feeling very lucky to have such beautiful art thanks to Carly. PLEASE support your local artist! I got one of the Hand Eye Coordination for Wil for his birthday. I showed him the photo from her site. He thought it was cool so - done!
Wil's new office. Carly painted the back i the darker color like the outside so he would not have glare.

BFA Screen/Wil's office. The dining room table is behind his "office" during the holidays. I did not want the tree on my pretty table. Oh, the dining chair seats my mom and I recovered look wonderful with the screen.

Thank you so much Carly! Merry Christmas everyone!

Waiting and Wondering

We in the Pacific NW are waiting for the other shoe to drop. A huge snow storm for our area is bout to hit. The remnants of the typhoon floated over Alaska and got cold air. Now it is gunning for us to hit tomorrow. Right now it is snowing and sticking. I'm sitting by my Christmas tree, (lit up) watching the snow flurries and watching "It's a Wonderful Life". It is sticking so my commute to work might be iffy but I hope to get out at the end of my shift and home before the worse hits. I do not want to spend the night at work. The end of the snow will be turning to rain which means freezing rain in these parts. Wish us luck and stay warm and safe!

Photos!

I could not see the Fremont Bridge from the snow! I took this photo early in the morning before it warmed up.
Here are some photos of our Christmas tree and decorations. I had to finish decorating yesterday since it was my Christmas! I picked up the Basically Fucking Awesome screen. It is totally better than I ever imagined it would be! After paying respect to my lovely Artist I brought my BFA screen home and placed it in my home.

My tree and holiday decorations.

Another Artist to support

I looked Jodie up on Craigs List. She does beautiful work. She does a lot of her work by commision meaning what you want done. Check her out.
Jodie Tieman

She is a very nice lady and has talent.

Paint transforms

You might not be able to see much change in this photo but the paint color has made a big difference to me! Since taking this photo I have hung paintings again but not in the same places. Things are not complete but with Christmas and all. I moved the Dining room table from in front of the window to behind Wil's desk chair. I moved the green gateleg table from the hall (where the book case is now) to in front of the window. I'm going to put the Christmas tree on it and some of my light up Christmas houses. I have not had a place to put them up since we moved here. Carly is going to have the "basically fucking awesome" screen done soon. She is waiting for the varnish to dry. She said it is worth the wait. It will be like a Christmas present!

Once I'm done putting up the tree (hopefully tomorrow) and decorating I will take more photos.

Go support a "basically fucking awesome" artist. She has some cool stuff for sale in her store front. She also has wonderful paintings to see and buy.
Carly
and her shop
and her Etsy

Photos of my bookcase

These are the photos of my new to me bookcase. I took these during my painting frenzy but had no time to upload and post. For now it will live in the hall while I get things straightened out.

A Snowy Day

Today has been a very snowy day in the Pacific NW. It is cold and at times a white out with the amount of snow trying to fall. All this unusual weather did nothing for me but make me very tired. I did not even take any pictures as I am very lazy this day.

I'm thankful I do not work tomorrow morning. It wont make it above freezing and the two or more inches we have where I am is turning to ice. I'm currently watching the news and it sounds like we will have more opportunities this coming week for cold, snowy and crazy windy conditions. Super. Working at a hospital means you get to work no matter the weather. I don't have chains and do not trust the other drivers out there. I need to give myself plenty of time to get there and wish I still had AAA. Damn my need for art, a washer and non Ikea furniture.

I looked on CL today at personal ad's. I'm not sure what I expected to see. Most men say they are uber happy but really are not. I also read between the lines and see anger. Is this how it is everywhere? This does not give me incentive to try to date. BTW what does HWP even mean?

Virtual Garage Sale - more!

Ikea stainless candle sticks
Set of three used $8
Custom collage frame 12x12 in size. Holds a variety of various size photos or up to a single 8x10. Easy to change out pictures by lifting top wooden bar and sliding glass out. new $5

JVC Double Cassette Deck Great for live recording even off the mic link. "A" deck has auto reverse pitch control. Deck "B" "Compu Calibration" and auto reverse. Dolby B-CNR HX Pro. It works great but I don't need it. Paid too much but will sell for $35.

More Virtual Garage sale Goodies

Three hand knit purses I knit. Two are felted and one is an original Marta. (picture 3 purse) The gray with pink accent is ribbed body with seed stitch strap. $15.

Felted Purple square with rainbow fun fun accent yarn. (picture 1) $10
Felted Black and Red purse with beads $10

Womens XS cotton denim jacket $8

Virtual Garage Sale

Virtual garage sale! Apartment dweller with no garage to host a sale. Got lots of items here for for sale. Please put item/s you are interested in the subject line of e-mail. If you want to see some of the clothes. Womens sz S to L. Too much to advertise but all quality. Good prices. If you see something you like I have photographs I can e-mail you.
Household items Ikea KARBO Key Locker 11 hooks with room on the bottom for storage. Gray Metal that can hang on the wall or stand. $5.

Sponge Bob Square Pants car seat covers 2 Bucket seat covers (fits all bucket seats with built-in or adjustable headrests) with the Square pants himself on it. The set of two for $15.


Sponge Bob matching car mats For front and back seat - used $15.


Banana Republic Picture Frames Stainless frames still in boxes. Outside measures 3 1/2 x5. it is h made to stand either way. The photo opening is square 2 3/4. 3 this size for $7. each


Ikea Stainless frames 2 frames still wrapped. 8 1/2 W x 5 1/2 T Two spots measuring 2W x 3T for photos. $7

JVC Double Cassette Deck Great for live recording even off the mic link. "A" deck has auto reverse pitch control. Deck "B" "Compu Calibration" and auto reverse. Dolby B-CNR HX Pro. It works great but I don't need it. Paid too much but will sell for $35.

Custom collage frame 12x12 in size. Holds a variety of various size photos or up to a single 8x10. Easy to change out pictures by lifting top wooden bar and sliding glass out. new $5

Starbucks "Flower" box from store display Spring 2005 4 "boxes" of stems with three flowers. Each box measures 16L x 2 1/2 W x 6 1/2 T ($25).


Billy shelf insert - it takes one shelf space into 8 cubbyholes for display or storage. 29 7/8 W x 5 7/8 D x 11 3/4). It is birch. Fits inside Billy bookcases that measure 31 1/2 W ($10)

Women's Clothing and shoes

I had to get orthotics so my lovely shoes wont fit! I have taken very good care of my pretties.

Jonnie Fluevog's Amiee1 Black size 7 1/2 Very favorite Mary Jane style heel $30.

Keen Shoes Presidio Black oiled leather - gently used.Women's Size - US 8 38.5 EU Paid $85. sell $35

Nike zip close wallet - new cool logo on the front. belt attachment $4.00

Doc Martens Brown Leather Wing tip size 5 (US 8) $15.

Double Heelix Black and Dk. Green wing tips size 8 $10.

Black leather sexy boots Nine West Nwneola brought me good luck. size 7 1/2 $50.

Berne Mev NY Didi Red leather size 38 $8

Liz Claiborne black leather sexy heels size 7 1/2 (like new) $10

Hanna Andersson Pink Lepord print clogs Wonderful wood clogs size 40 $15

Pink Timbuk2 MP3 Holder hardly used attachable MP3 padded holder $5.00

Mens Etnies Sal 23 Navy Blus/Marine US 12 EU 46 like new - $15


Womens Eddie Bauer Denim Jacket
Wonderful 100% cotton Denim Jacket size XS. Gently worn. $8.

Anthropologie Belted sweater.
Seafoam green button up fitted belted sweater with white removable collar. XS
$20.

lots of clothes as well. Gap jeans, Gap polo style cotton shirts, Banana Republic sweaters and skirts sized S-L. gently worn.

Me in the black boots, Anthropologie sweater and Banana Republic pleated wool kilt. All for sale

Virtual Garage Sale Photos

Ikea KARBO Key Locker
11 hooks with room on the bottom for storage. Gray Metal that can hang on the wall or stand. $5.

Sponge Bob Square Pants car seat covers
2 Bucket seat covers (fits all bucket seats with built-in or adjustable headrests) with the Square pants himself on it. The set of two for $15.

Sponge Bob matching car mats
For front and back seat - used $15.

Banana Republic Picture Frames
Stainless frames still in boxes. Outside measures 3 1/2 x5. it is h
made to stand either way. The photo opening is square 2 3/4.
3 this size for $7. each

Ikea Stainless frames
2 frames still wrapped. 8 1/2 W x 5 1/2 T Two spots measuring 2W x 3T for photos.
$5 each

Starbucks "Flower" box from store display Spring 2005
4 "boxes" of stems with three flowers. Each box measures 16L x 2 1/2 W x 6 1/2 T ($25).

Pink Skechers Sightsee size 8 $5

Hanna Andersson Pink Lepord print clogs Wonderful wood clogs size 40 $15

Mens Etnies Sal 23 Navy Blus/Marine US 12 EU 46 like new - $15

Monday thoughts

I think everything happens for a reason. We may never see or understand why. I believe I got my bargain washer because of the upcoming accident. I cant imagine lugging laundry back and forth to the laundry room! Actually I would not be able to. I am thankful all over again that I looked on CL that morning. It was not intentional but look at the outcome. Things are good.

Stiff and sore today but Doc Bones and the massage gal are helping. I will be three days a week for a bit but hoping to heal quickly. Enjoy the sunny days Oregonians while we have them!

Long awaited before Photos

These are the before painting photos. It sure was in need of paint! Wil is glad the "Pink" wall is gone.

The hall was full of of the boxes of stuff that had been in the Billy bookcases. I will be moving that into something soon. I found a wonderful side board from Whales that eventually be my TV entertainment center. First I need to sell the big screen TV we have there and that center and be able to purchase a flat screen. With all that said it will be awhile. The side board was mostly financed by the selling of the Ikea bookcases. I'm hoping the garage sale will finish it up. That will go where the Billy b.c's were.

There is always a positive to everything (at least in My World)

Yesterday driving into the parking structure at work I got front ended. Now that statement sounds very dramatic but the way it happened is less so. I was following a pick up into the lot and structure. They kept slowing way down like they were going to turn a couple of different places. The last time they "slowed" was right inside the parking structure. By this time I was hanging way back not knowing what they were doing. When the back up lights came on I looked to see if there was anyone behind me. Since it was an employee arrival time there was. I looked forward in time to see the pick up come flying 10 or so feet back into my pretty Volvo. While I saw this happening in my head I was thinking "He is not going to connect with my Volvo!" It seemed so unreal. When he did hit my Volvo in my head I heard two words simultaneously saying FUCK and CRAP! I'm only guessing what happened only because the gentleman that hit me was hard of hearing and I was distracted by the fact that an off duty security officer from my hospital witnessed the noise and he was calling it in. I needed him to tell the pharmacy where I was. (I went from being 3 minutes early to 16 minutes late.) I suggested that Mr. Smack and I pull out cars in to the two spots (that I thought he was pulling into before he hit me) and exchange information and check for damage. I am glad I wore an actual coat for the first time this winter! I usually wear my RCR zip hoodie. It was very cold that morning (35 degrees) and the adrenalin kicked in to make me tense. Well, I was pretty pissed on the inside too. I know that even a "fender bender" causes a lot of hassle with insurance calls, getting your car repaired and generally things are disrupted. Anyway, my theory is his truck died and he "put it in neutral" but it was actually reverse so when he gunned it to get up the hill he rocketed back into me. As for damage it was still dark so I could not really see. We got done and parted ways agreeing my car needed to get checked. I did not even think about me.

After getting into work and busy did I realize I was not okay. My low and mid-back began tightening up. As the day wore on I was walking worse. I had stiffening up and started to hurt. I spent my lunch time trying to get a claim started so I could get checked. My insurance guy insisted I see a chiropractor after work and that day. I called Doc Bones and they agreed to fit me in. I was going to have to be patient as they were booked. I just wanted to make things feel better that day and in the long run. I cant afford to be injured!

So you are waiting for the positive side of this trauma day. Wil asked me to bring home five bucks to give to Josh for gas. They wanted to go to Corey's for a gaming night with Josh driving. Since buying the washer I'm busted until payday but wanted to let Wil have some fun. Walking out to the lot on my way to Doc's I found a wadded up $5. Sweet. It saved me. I found just what I needed.

Next was getting into Doc Bones and getting a treatment plan in place. He said it was smart to get in that day. I will be seeing him three days a week and then having a therapeutic massage right after. I have been wanting a massage so - cool.

My parents were already taking Wil to his physical. He has not had one in more than a year. They also went to see if the dentist had any cancellations. He got in after a half hour wait. He got his teeth cleaned and found out that his other wisdom teeth are still okay. So he got it all done in a couple hours! On the way home my parents picked up a Papa Murphys pizza for all of us. We all got home at the same time. I was sore, had a headache and was exhausted. It was nice to have dinner done so I could just relax. Josh showed up after dinner so he and Wil left. My mom cleaned the kitchen and they left. I went to bed at 7pm and spaced out on my medication and slept!

It has been a couple of days now and I'm stiff, sore and still have a headache but I think I'm better off since I started out seeing Doc right away. I could be so much worse off. I'm kicking back today (my day off) and catching up on movies, blogging and photographs.

Happy Holidays!

There is no place like Home (no Ikea inc.)

Today was a very good day. I bought a washing machine for $75. Actually My parents helped get it here and install it. It is five years old and works awesome! It is pretty quiet and well balanced. I am so happy that I can do laundry in the comfort of my newly painted apartment. Let me put it this way. Washer seventy-five dollars. Doing laundry naked - priceless.

Between the newly painted living area and hallway, getting rid of the Ikea Billy bookcases and now doing laundry in the apartment this really feels like a home to me now.