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The joys of half-day tuesday! I finished at t...
September 30, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
The joys of half-day tuesday! I finished at the city planning office, had eggplant for lunch, then had enough time to open a checking account at a local bank. I should probably transfer everything from my old bank now that I'm living and working in the area, but I'm just so gosh darn attached to UlaneO. I mean Oregon Community Credit Union. Maybe the name change is a sign.
I'm off to a city planning and development conference on thursday morning at Hotel Northampton- very fancy, very exciting.
Saw Finding Nemo, at last, this evening. Clever and fun for a whole family of college kids.
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We took Emma in for her four-month checkup ye...
September 30, 2003 by Adam in Emma
We took Emma in for her four-month checkup yesterday. She's 15 lbs, 6 oz, quite the big girl. She also got three shots, much to her displeasure. Like before, she was pretty good about the whole thing, crying for only a few minutes before settling down and smiling again.
I think we might start her on solid foods fairly soon, if only as a little experiment. The doctor gave her the green light for rice cereal so we'll see how it goes.
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Today Sam and I took off hiking this morning ...
September 29, 2003 by Adam in Family
Saturday started with a wonderful breakfast prepared by Jamie. I had stayed up late getting my computer semi-working, and continued again early that morning. It was nice to hear the birds outside our kitchen as we had eggs and sausages.
Sam and I headed out for Jake's birthday party, one of his good friends at preschool. It was wacky fun, taking place at an "adventure golf" course. It was essentially minature golf near streams and rocks, but Sam thought it was quite cool. Then it was way too much candy and running around with all his friends.
 Today Sam and I took off hiking this morning and had a great time. I'd been continuing to stress over my new computer, which is having weird problems (I'm running memory tests on it as I type on my "old" computer). It was a beautiful day and Sam and I ran about Hendrick's Park, exploring some new trails that were recently made.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet, with a trip to Circuit City to get more fans (my new computer ran too hot), then I did a solo library trip while Sam watched a movie. Now we're winding down for bed and trying to get the kids settled down. Soon it will be time for my nightly cereal then bed.
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I'm typing this from my new computer as it's ...
September 27, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
I'm typing this from my new computer as it's busy installing software. Installing the operating system was a bit exciting, as I needed to have hard drive drivers installed. Unfortunately, you had to have a floppy drive to do it, so I had to mess around for over an hour getting it all arranged. There was a moment of terror when things started to crash and boot up with garbage on the screen. It turns out I had blocked the CPU fan with a cable and it overheated. Slowly getting there.
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I think Emma's cold is finally over
September 26, 2003 by Adam in Emma
I think Emma's cold is finally over. She's been sniffly for the last week or so, trying hard to be cheerful but failing when her noggin is full of goo.
It's amazing how quickly she's been growing up. She's lately discovered the joys of her exersaucer, playing with all the different toys attached to it. There's a funny little dog that she keeps trying to stuff in her mouth. It probably looks enough like a breast that she gets overly excited, then later upset when it doesn't produce any milk.
She can sit up if you let her hold your fingers, and stand with some assisted balancing. She's definately a strong girl.
She also gets pretty excited about vocalizing, though her talent tends towards belting out noises rather than exploring different types of sounds. Mostly they all sound like "AAHHHH!" with very slight variations.
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The last of the components arrived at my hous...
September 26, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
The last of the components arrived at my house yesterday. Somehow I managed to watch the kids and start putting components together. It's slow work, especially the elaborate heat sink for the CPU. It should do a great job, however, and really help out when I start overclocking.
Before I went to bed last night, I turned it on only to hear a series of loud beeps. It turns out I had forgotten to plug in the additional power supply for the video card and it was gently reminding me. After that was done, it booted up fine and detected all the drives.
Tonight I hope to actually install an operating system, as all it does is fire up. Then it'll take a while to patch up the OS and get all the software I want installed on it. I want to try some overclocking too and test it out with some serious gaming tests. Yippie!
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It's always a bad sign when it's 6 p
September 26, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
It's always a bad sign when it's 6 p.m. and I'm still at work. We have a trial tomorrow and ten other things that have to be taken care of "right now," but will rarely hear of an appreciated lawyer!
Anyway, Mom has decided to make it up to Robbie by taking him to the game this weekend (not sure that make's it up to me though, as I will be the one home babysitting Isa). He had a lot of fun at the Michigan game last weekend, and unless any of you speak up will happily hord away as many of the remaining tickets as possible.
What I really want to know is if Adam took up the hospital on any of those free donuts! (If not, send them our way - we'll be quite content with the free calories, um I mean goodies)
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They were handing out doughnut holes, coffee,...
September 25, 2003 by Adam in Family
They were handing out doughnut holes, coffee, tea, and water for the people who rode their bike to work this morning. I looked at the coffee and doughnuts and thought that it was the complete antithesis of the healthy bike-riding attitude. Irony.
Our family seems to keep chugging along. Sam seems to enjoy school more than ever, actually wanting to go and see his friends. It's a very good sign after years of feet-dragging and crying when left. Our boy is growing up.
Emma was a bit cranky last night. We did a Chinese fire drill with beds last night, with Sam ending up in Jamie's bed, me in Sam's, and Jamie in mine. Around 5 am this morning, I spent some time playing with Emma before she got hungry again and it was time for me to get ready for work.
My computer parts are nearly all here, minus the important CPU cooler. I'd like to assemble it this weekend, but I'm not sure what I'm up to yet. We haven't heard from Rainbow Valley as to when the remodel starts and I haven't heard from my dad about the great computer project. We'll see how it goes.
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This is me in my beautiful kitchen! The door ...
September 24, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
 This is me in my beautiful kitchen! The door behind me goes to Lindsey's room, with our pantry in between. When it's warm we eat on the back porch, and there's a built-in ironing board just behind me in this photo. I get to iron my sheets and cook fall stews at the same time!
Today is Mountain Day at that big womyn's castle on the hill, so Anna and I have a country (campus) picnic schedualed after my internship this afternoon. After very heavy rains on tuesday, it's crisp and chilly- the absence of humidity the first sign of fall. However, I am at City Hall all morning, cringing as the self-important lady yells at poor Wayne Fiden, director of planning and development. She knows I want to run her out of the office with my icy (yet depressing and resigned) stares, but I don't think I have the authority. Everyone else, including the odd but cheery James, owner of the dogs, seems not to notice the tongue lashings she gives to Wayne. I can't imagine why he communtes to work for this. Nevertheless, knowing the aching joints resulting from retail, I appreciate the three hours of prescribed sitting every day.
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That pirate eye patch has certainly made the ...
September 23, 2003 by Adam in Family
 That pirate eye patch has certainly made the rounds. Sam turned it into his "Lost Puppy" costume to good effect. He's also started making me wear it when playing cards together, in order to get my character just right.
Sunday was nice, with the kids both being pleasant for breakfast. I continued moving things out of my office and preparing for the remodel. Monday was fairly low-key as well, with Sam still enjoying his school. Emma's got a cold that keeps her up, though it doesn't seem to affect her cheerful demenor all that much. I think I have a touch of the cold as well, taking care of the headache with a mocha run this morning.
Oh, and happy first day of Fall!
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What a weekend! We all gathered to watch the ...
September 23, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
What a weekend! We all gathered to watch the Eugene Celebration parade, and a good time was had by all. I decided not to walk with the League of Women Voters, fearing I might poop out in the middle of the route.
Then Robbie and I went to the Michigan-Oregon game. Games like that need to have a calorie usage rating. It was a cliff hanger but the Ducks won. We were all so grateful.
I had Isa over night, and we went down to Baskin-Robbins for an ice cream cone. Sunday morning we picked up Sam and drove out to the farm, armed with carrots for the horses.
They got to watch Jerry lasso the baby, who is definitely getting bigger. Then Sam, Isa and I walked up the path, where Isa discovered the delights of blackberries, to the tune of Mumbo Jumbo, God of the Congo, and Sam fought off the man eating trees blocking the path. There were deer all over - it's dry, so they come to the pond to drink. I need to get something done to my heart; I hate it that I can't carry Isa, especially when there are monsters around. The weather was gorgeous - 80 and clear. Love to all...om
PS memorial service for Irene next Monday evening - the synagogue in NW Portland. I have the address.
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The owner of Squeeky doesn't know what to do ...
September 21, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
The owner of Squeeky doesn't know what to do with Squueky's new affinity for me. Three years without a bum scratch must be hard for a dog, I suppose. I learned from the best, of course, if anyone remembers Sobaka's love for the ass rub.
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In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, we dresse...
September 20, 2003 by Adam in Family
 In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, we dressed up Emma for the occasion. Arr, matey!
It's been quite the whirlwind last couple days. Jamie signed the contract yesterday, so we're definately going to do this remodel thing. It felt good to have Victoria's boyfriend, who's a contractor, look at the plans and say that the cost was reasonable. Remodels are just spendy, I suppose.
Last night Jamie had both Victoria and Angie come over, giving gifts and goodwill. I had the kids for as much as I could, so I was a bit tired going to bed. Unfortunately, bedtime didn't go very smoothly. Jamie woke me up after I had slept for an hour, letting me know that Emma was still not sleeping. I rocked her in a daze for a long while, finally getting her to sleep, but having her wake up when I put her in her crib. Jamie dismissed me and I feel back asleep again. Later Sam woke up, but wanted Jamie and not me. I think Jamie ended up sleeping in the tiny twin bed with both kids. Fortunately she got a little nap this afternoon.
In the morning, we had my mom over for breakfast which was nice. Later, Sam and I raced down the hill in the stroller to see the parade and meet up with most of my family. My dad came back to the house afterwards and we discussed great plans for turning the sauna into a computer room, as well as cutting holes in the wall for a control panel. Should be cool.
Since then, we've mostly been taking it easy. Jamie's holding Emma and watching Sam roll down the hill repeatedly. Good times.
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The memorial services were hard
September 20, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
The memorial services were hard. Everyone at Skye's was desperately trying to focus on his life time rather than how it ended. I completely lost it, seeing all the parents and all the kids Sadie ran around with at school. What an amazing bunch of young people. I told someone or another that I wouldn't be surprised if they could levitate. It was sad at Lucas' too - but I think it's too hard for parents and family members to speak at these services. The brunch was great. The girls called Jenny, but by the time everyone got here, Sadie had gone to work. Seraph is going to Chicago for Baba's panahida service (this is a service about 40 days after someone dies - it is supposed to mark the time their soul leaves earth.)
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Well, I'm off to Chicago tomorrow morning
September 19, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
Well, I'm off to Chicago tomorrow morning. I'll be staying with Anita and John until Monday when I head home.
Robbie and Isa have a full schedule this weekend with the Celebration parade and the Duck football game. Mom's taking Isa Sat. night and to the farm on Sunday, so Robbie should have a little quiet time. His story is taking on a life of its own and he's hoping to reach page 200 by Oct. 1st!
As summer is nearing an end I'm starting to realize all the house projects that I didn't get to. Maybe a lack of work next spring will be a great time to catch up on all the lose ends flooting around.
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It's done
September 19, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
It's done.
I just made the last of my orders, bringing together all the components of my new computer:
AMD 2500+ Barton (hopefully overclockable to 3200+)
Alpha PAL heatsink
DVD writer (Panasonic LF D521)
SEAGATE 160GB SATA hard drive
ASUS A7N8X DLX motherboard
Radeon 9800 Pro
2x Crucial 512 MB memory
AOpen case and power supply
The hope is that I'll be able to overclock the processor right away, as the particular stepping I purchased can supposedly make it into the 3200+ range without problems. It should be an easy overclock too, though these things are rarely certain.
I'm also meeting with my dad to start work on the infamous control panel. Should be fun.
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Jedi Academy showed up yesterday
September 19, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Games
 Jedi Academy showed up yesterday. So far, it seems a lot like Jedi Outcast in terms of how it plays. You get to create your own character, giving them a certain appearance and light saber color. Sam must have spent twenty minutes going through the different races and fiddling with their look.
We got a little stuck yesterday trying to finish the first mission. I was stuck with Emma, so Josh was helping Sam play. Unfortunately, they got to an unopenable door and couldn't figure out what to do next.
The game also came with a keychain lightsaber that has tiny LEDs that light up a glass rod. It looks quite cool, flashing red, green, and blue in quick succession.
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Ar, matey!
It's Talk Like a Pirate Day tod...
September 19, 2003 by Adam in Adam
Ar, matey!
It's Talk Like a Pirate Day today, the same as Jamie's birthday. Concidence? I think not.
I think Jamie and I are slowly getting over the sticker shock of the remodel. As a theraputic activity, we get to demolish large portions of our basement. Yippie!
As for other exciting Adam news, I'm in the process of buying new computer parts. It's amazing how much power you can get for so little these days. I also got Jedi Academy in the mail yesterday, though I'll talk more about that in the gaming section.
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Huge news from the homefront! I'm excited to ...
September 19, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
 Huge news from the homefront! I'm excited to hear about mom's new situation, Yayoe's new paint job, and Adam and Jamie's bourgeoise upkeep. Happy birthday, Jamie- I hope you find something wild to do. I'm in the middle of another 12 hour work day, but at least the internship is at my own pace. The rain might keep consumers away from Essentials this weekend, but one can't really tell. Maybe we'll sell all of our thirty dollar illuminated umbrellas. Yayoe- I sent Dorothy several thank you cards, but if she's not checking her P.O. Box, her not getting them is her own choice. The smooth haired chihuahua at work, Squeeky, is finally warming up to me. If I scratch her bum at regular intervals, she remains civil.
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It's Jamie's birthday today, though we've adm...
September 19, 2003 by Adam in Family
 It's Jamie's birthday today, though we've admittedly been slowly celebrating over the last week or two. Last night, Dave and Kirsten came by to get Josh and stayed for dinner, plying Jamie with gifts and lemon chiffon cake. It was all quite tasty.
It's Friday, and there's a mocha waiting for me when I get to work. Hopefully it'll be a little less crazy than yesterday, as things were a bit intense for awhile. I think I've got some reboots and installs waiting for me when I show up.
I think we're slowly getting to the Acceptance stage of the huge remodel estimate. It also turns out that it'll take longer than they originally thought. They person who first did a rough estimate a month ago came in with a price half the final estimate and a timeline that was a third as long. Poor estimating skills.
No exciting plans this weekend, though perhaps we'll get started on ripping things out. I'm not sure how long we'll have to live with things in a demolished state, so it may not be wise to start just yet. There's always the Eugene Celebration, parades, and a visit to my dad to plan my next computer project.
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Hi There,
So here it is September already! I...
September 18, 2003 by Lohring in Lohring
Hi There,
So here it is September already! I can't believe we last posted in May. Scheesh. So much has happened since then.So many losses of loved ones, etc. When I wake up in the morning I say a little prayer of thanks to the universe for still being here and of course I also ask that I will find just the right piece of junk at Good Will for 99 cents or less!
We're heading east (October 15-22nd) to help Dorothy move into her new house. It close to being done and she's very excited about it. Her new address is 893 Annesley Circle, Meadville 16335. Phone is 814-332-9096. She doesn't use her P.O. box so please address all correspondence to the new address. Danica is back at work! She's doing arts administration and managing a large dance company in Rochester! Andy is looking for work and Ben is back in school doing his music.
Lohring's work schedule has changed again. He will be working a Monday/Tuesday schedule with some Wednesdays thrown in as needed. He seems content with this for now. The racing season is almost over but does that mean he will be home more? Not sure? Stay tuned!
In November I'm off to California to celebrate another reunion of my junior high school friends who are now 60! We're planning 4 days of fun, hiking, shopping and sight seeing along the Santa Cruz/Monterey coast. It's really weird saying that I met these friends 50+ years ago. None of us feel 60 but then again it's hard to know what 60 feels like. By the way, none of these gals like to go junking (they don't even wear used clothing!) so I guess I have to forego looking for a second hand junk store in Carmel. Sigh. I'll live through my disappointment.
My fall project is having the kitchen painted! Hold on to your hats because I'm choosing a pallet of sage green colors. We also squeezed out our last water bed and went to a conventional bed after a major leak occured about a month ago. It's sure weird not sloshing around at night.
Good newz: I heard from Josh. His inlaws have been helping to finish the house which should go on the market in the spring. The house has 4 bedrooms, heat, real bathrooms and all the ammenities! He and Jody are off to Hawaii in October to see if they want to settle there. Sayer is back in school and he's studying to be an accountant! He likes numbers! Sasha is working as an oncology nurse at OSHU! They're doing very well! So enough for now....
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It has felt like a small lifetime pushed into...
September 18, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
It has felt like a small lifetime pushed into the last week.
We went to Skye and Lucas' funerals this weekend. They were both really sad, but reminded me for the millionth time how glad I am that we never had guns around when we were growing up.
It was nice to see all of Sadie's old friends and their parents, even though the circumstances were not great. I even ran into several of my old teachers from Edison, Roosevelt and South.
Monday we evacuated work because of the hydrogen leak. It made me miss Dick that we couldn't just call up and ask questions about the weight of hydrogen gas, etc.
Most of this week at work has been organizing Chris, Mom's new associate. She doesn't officially start until Oct. 1st, but we're trying to transition smoothly. It will mean the loss of my job the first of next year, but I'm happy that Mom is slowing things down.
I don't know yet if I am going to Chicago this weekend. As the week progresses it looks like I'm not, but who knows these days! If not, we'll probably hit the Eugene Celebration.
I'm hoping that Sadie doesn't feel to much of Hurricane Isabell in MA, but it will probably feel a little like winter in the Northwest with the additional rain!
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As suspected, the final estimate for the base...
September 18, 2003 by Adam in Family
As suspected, the final estimate for the basement remodel required a stiff drink before reading. It was indeed a huge amount of money. So big, in fact, that we said we couldn't do it and we started to go down the list and make compromises. We ended up committing to doing some of the work ourselves (the demolition and painting), as well as changing some of the plans (e.g. less cabinets and more shelves). We managed to get it down to something reasonable, and should have a contract to sign today.
Other than that, life's been pretty typical. I had Emma from the time I came home until bedtime. Jamie left for Yoga and Emma woke up a few minutes after she left, basically crying until Jamie came home again. I think she was either hungry or gassy, as almost nothing I did make a difference. Being outside helped some, as well as giving her a bath. It's just strange to have her so grumpy.
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Sam's really been enjoying school this year
September 18, 2003 by Adam in Sam
 Sam's really been enjoying school this year. He's been getting ready quite happily, then going off to play with friends. One friend, Jake, was a bit wild last year but seems to have settled down and things have smoothed out a bit.
Sam's also gotten used to having Emma around, slowly working her into the routine.
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Well, the computer parts are slowly coming in
September 17, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
Well, the computer parts are slowly coming in. The LCD panel arrived yesterday and the DVD burner the day before. I ordered the CoolerMaster Musketeer today (the weird control panel pictured below). It'll probably get disassembled along with the LCD in order to make the ultimate wall-mounted computer control panel. I'll probably have to buy my dad some extra chocolate and coffee so that I can coerce him to do my bidding. I think he has some fancy patterning that he's thinking of for the aluminum surface. Should be cool.
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Fall is coming
September 17, 2003 by Adam in Family
Fall is coming.
The morning ride to work was beautiful, the sun peeking over the hills and the faint smell of smoke filling the valley. I had to stop a moment and let the crisp air work its magic on me as I looked down from College hill.
Yesterday evening was Xtreme parent time. I was either rocking a baby or entertaining Sam until nearly bedtime. Then Jamie and I sat on the couch for a half hour watching E! Online thing about MTV's Real World. Such wacky times.
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My first day off! No more for me though- I st...
September 17, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
My first day off! No more for me though- I still have the internship in the mornings on tuesdays and wednesdays. Anna and I saw a great lecture by a latino cartoonist and I convinced her to check out the Pirates of Penzance from the music library and watch it with me. Ahh, the good life.
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I have some cute pictures of Emma and the dee...
September 16, 2003 by Adam in Family
 I have some cute pictures of Emma and the deer that decided to camp out in our back yard, but I'm at work and won't be able to post anything.
The weekend came and went. We all went to have a picinic on Sunday at the park and watch the city league baseball game. Nothing too exciting, though Emma seemed to like being outside quite a bit. Sam yet again showed off his Cheese-climbing proficiencies.
Jamie's birthday is sneaking up this Friday. She couldn't wait to open up her present from me, so she ceremoniously opened it up with much ooohing and aaahing. Nothing too exciting - some pyjama bottoms and foot lotion.
Tomorrow Jamie meets with the contractors for a final bid on the great remodel project. I have a funny feeling I should have a stiff drink before we get the numbers.
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Do government employees ever arrive at work o...
September 15, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
 Do government employees ever arrive at work on time? Perhaps Northampton is just very low-key. Mom worried that I'd have to wear stockings, but it looks like the director is the only one in a tie- no jacket, for sure. the rest in jeans.
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I've been looking around for cool things to a...
September 14, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
 I've been looking around for cool things to add to my little control panel. I came across this thing called a CoolerMaster Musketeer, which has a fan control, temperature monitor, and sound levels. It's admittedly mostly for looks, and the style is essentially what I'm looking for (30's analog electronics). I'm hoping my LCD comes soon, then I can sit down with my dad and come up with options.
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Yesterday Sam went to the park a boy and came...
September 14, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Yesterday Sam went to the park a boy and came back a man.
The nearby park is informally called "Cheese Park", due to a large yellow concrete structure that vaguely looks like a big cheese. Since we moved into our current house, Sam's been having me pick him up to sit on the top and slide down the side. Last night, he figured out how to get up to the top, using a series of complex maneuvers and sheer grit. He then proceeded to go up and down over and over, just to prove it wasn't a fluke. Great fun.
Yesterday was relatively low-key. I had hoped to get my mom over for breakfast, but she's really busy with the funerals for Skye and Lucas. The big event for us was a family walk to the library, where Sam picked up some I Spy books. They're his current favorite and have kept him and the whole family entertained for the last week at bedtime.
Jamie's dad and uncle came by yesterday afternoon to watch the Nebraska game. We had to spend $15 to activate all the ESPN channels for the day, but evidently ours was the few places that could actually get it. Jamie picked up fried chicken and cole slaw, giving the whole occasion a very American feel (I stuck to my usual vegitarian fare).
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I'm slowly preparing the stage for a new computer
September 12, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
I'm slowly preparing the stage for a new computer. It's been a couple years since my last one and I'm going to try some different things. One of the joys of being a home owner is that I can cut holes in walls and not really have to answer to anyone. The current plan is to put as much hardware in my closet as possible and string all the cables and such into the office.
I already purchased an LCD panel for the server, which I'm hoping my dad can turn into a piece of art. I'm thinking it would look nice embedded in the wall with a shiny aluminum engine-turned finish, complete with nifty buttons. I also want to make a "control panel" with a similar look, with 1930's controls for the various computers within the closet. Where possible, I'll be using wireless (for the keyboards and mice), though I'll have to string cables through the wall for the monitor and such.
I'm also making a fairly major change in video card vendors. It looks like I'll be going for an ATI card instead of my usual NVidia. The benchmarks for Half-life 2 are coming out and NVidia's latest offerings don't look so good.
I also ordered a DVD writer, with hopes of transferring my home movies to DVD. I think it's an easier to manage Christmas present that my past CD-based videos.
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Isabel has been upgraded to a Catagory 5 - th...
September 12, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
Isabel has been upgraded to a Catagory 5 - the Storm not our child! But life does feel a bit like a hurricane these days.
I took a walk at Alton Baker at lunch today. Just needed a little time to recollect my thoughts and remember that there are things in this world that do not involve dying or tragedy. I fact the ducks were doing what they always do, which felt nice to see.
Love, joy and peace on earth and of the mind to all.
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First Dick, Baba, Skye, Lucas, and Irene
September 12, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
First Dick, Baba, Skye, Lucas, and Irene. And now Johnny Cash. What a fabulous six months. I feel too pressured to come home, if that makes any sense... a little burnt out on grieving.
It's my first day of work. I also started a big new project at the internship- life here has finally started to accelerate. I might work two instead of three and a half hours a day at the internship, as one full+ one part time job will get tiring very quickly.
My work schedual:
internship: 8:30-12 mon-fri
essentials: thursday, friday, saturday 1-9, sunday 12-5, monday 11-7
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Finally Friday
September 12, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Finally Friday. My schedule for the last couple weeks has been weird, with last Friday taken off due to illness and yesterday off so that Jamie could get her massage. I'm hoping work isn't too frantic today, but odds are it will be. At least it's a Mocha day.
Jamie and I went to Ring of Fire last night and had some tasty curry. We were so tire that we had a hard time getting the energy to have a conversation. I think the most animated we both got was discussing Apollo 13, for some odd reason.
We're hoping my mom can come to breakfast on Saturday and give us a few moments of quiet, though it looks like the weekend is already filling up for her. It is sad that Irene passed away - I fondly remember endless Thanksgivings with her and her son.
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You all remember Thanksgivings with Irene
September 12, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
You all remember Thanksgivings with Irene. Cousin Marty called and said she died yesterday. I think I need to watch
"Avalon" and have a good cry.
Seraph and I are doing a brunch on Sunday morning at 11:30 for friends of Skye and Lucas. Morgan is home and organizing the guest list. I forgot to tell her that parents are welcome. Love to all, om
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I've been at home all day today, mostly to gi...
September 11, 2003 by Adam in Family
I've been at home all day today, mostly to give Jamie time to head off for a massage. She said it was wonderful, so I suppose it was all worth it. In the morning, Sam and I got new tires, then headed to the mall to get Jamie a birthday present. I also picked up some rain pants so I should be ready for weather most foul. Emma didn't sleep much, so after our return I was doing a lot of jiggling with the girl.
I suppose I should make some comment about September 11th, but my view on this is most muddled. Mostly I feel bad for all the dead and injured from the events that cascaded from those few hours two years ago.
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yes, lead air and lead cookies
September 11, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
yes, lead air and lead cookies. but i'm staying and praying here for the weekend. second interview at essentials today. the two hairless dogs at work are giving me the sniffles. one can't even touch them without being growled at, as if they weren't already perfectly shaped for a drop-kick. with the new black hair i feel like a real bad-ass, joan jett meets lydia from beatlejuice. it makes it a little easier to meet the day when one feels like biting it.
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Hi, Sade, I'm having a little e-mail trouble
September 11, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Hi, Sade, I'm having a little e-mail trouble. Are you sadierynmiller@hotmail or sadiemiller@. I talked with Katie's mom tonight. Incidentally, I just got the $255 the government sends toward funeral expenses yesterday. I'm glad to pony that up toward a ticket if you want to come home; I can't think of anything Dick would rather have it spent on. Services for Skye are noon on Saturday at St. Jude's, and for Lucas at 3:00 on Sunday at Gerlinger. It's been a week when it feels like we've been breathing lead air and eating lead cookies.
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while i toyed with the idea, i don't think i'...
September 10, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
while i toyed with the idea, i don't think i'll be able to come home for the weekend. i simply can't budget a short-notice ticket in right now. but thank you for your kindness and calls this week.
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hangin in there
September 09, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
hangin in there.
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Today may be my last bike ride to work
September 09, 2003 by Adam in Family
Today may be my last bike ride to work. I was extremely soggy upon my arrival, looking like a half-drowned dog. I'd need quite a bit of rain gear to make it through the next few months, I think. Sam and I taped a square of plastic to the inside of my "rainpants". There was a dry square shaped spot on my pants, while all the rest was pretty damp.
Sam came in to my bed this morning, wanting me to escort him to Jamie. Jamie ended up sleeping next to Sam while I lay next to Emma. It was a rare switcharoo.
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The news is indeed tragic
September 08, 2003 by Adam in Family
The news is indeed tragic. I feel for Sadie and the family of her friends who died a few days ago. I think I met Skye once or twice, though it was a long time ago. I don't really have any words of wisdom for this one. Life seems so fragile.
Sam went to school today and a quick report from Jamie suggested that he had a good time. She called from Oakway mall not really knowing what to do with herself. It's been three months of having two kids to deal with. Now that it's just Emma, who sleeps a lot in the mornings, she suddenly has a bunch of free time. Jamie might bring Emma to work while she uses the gym for a half hour. I'll watch her in my cubicle or walk her around if she's up. We'll see how it goes.
Work has been busy. Lots of things to catch up with since I was out Friday.
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I want to send all of my heart out to both Sk...
September 08, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
I want to send all of my heart out to both Skye and Lucas' families. I remember discussing the fine art of cooking with Lucas and Latin dancing with Skye. One of my favorite memories of Skye was a night before a cross-country race he came over and Sadie drew an eagles wing spand on his back.
Life and death have become a blured mystery to me in the last few years. I'm not sure I'll ever understand.
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Tragic news
September 08, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
Tragic news. In the RG this morning was a report of a shooting, with two young men killed on Saturday night. The article was sketchy and they weren't named because their families hadn't been notified.Later this morning, while I was talking with Sadie, Katie Freund's mom, Joann called. She told me that one of the young men was Skye Balkwell, who was in the same group of friends as Sadie, and the other was Lucas Gibbons,who ran around with the same bunch of kids. Lucas had lived for some time with a young woman named Kim, but after they broke up, Lucas introduced her to Skye, and Kim and Skye began to date. Lucas told one of the kids this summer that he had expected that he wouldn't mind them dating, but that he wasn't doing well with it. I talked with Skye's stepdad for a few minutes tonight, offering extra beds and Seraph as a secretary. He said Lucas went to Kim's apartment and shot her several times (although she is apparently recovering), shot Skye once, and then himself. A small calibre hand gun. Remind me again what constitutional rights I'm going to lose if we all can't carry handguns. These were smart, funny kids.
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I downloaded this little bridge builder game ...
September 08, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Games
I downloaded this little bridge builder game yesterday and somehow can't get enough of it. Basically you can build a bridge then run a train across it to see if it collapses. It turns out there's an entire site about the genre. It's such a simple concept, yet addictively fun.
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The weekend comes to a close
September 08, 2003 by Adam in Family
 The weekend comes to a close. I'm feeling mostly better, though I was a little slower than usual today. Still, we managed to do quite a bit. I watched Sam water the slugs in the front yard, despite the fact that it was raining. I managed to put up a new light fixture in the bathroom, much to Jamie's happiness. We ended up going to the grocery store as well. Finally, we had Victoria and her boyfriend over for a lovely dinner that Jamie prepared.
Tomorrow is the first day of school for Sam. He'll be going three mornings a week, which will be hopefully fun for him. School has always been a bit of a challenge, though he's gotten better interacting with other kids over time.
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I should be careful what I wish for
September 06, 2003 by Adam in Family
I should be careful what I wish for. Sure enough, the flu hit me today, though I didn't get it quite as bad as Jamie. Still, I wasn't good for much and generally moped about the house.
Jamie called in reinforcements, with Brant and Josh coming by in the morning, and Margo coming this afternoon (she's the neighbor who occasionally babysits). I held the baby once or twice, but generally lurked about moaning.
I'm feeling a touch better. If I'm still, I don't really notice the nausea. I think I'm really hungry, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what sounds good. Ginger ale and saltine crackers have been my friend today.
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A quick "hi"
September 06, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
A quick "hi". Jenny and I are going to the football game today. It should be fun! She and Jeannie were going to be watching the game on TV in the bar at that apartment complex across the street and so she will run over at halftime. I'm going to get Lohring to help me with figuring out how best to advertise Dick's computer for sale. I would love to sell it and my laptop and get a really light laptop.
We (Sadie and I) decided that her plan would be to get a Masters at someplace so prestigious that if she came back to Eugene that they would have to hire her. Eugene is pretentious when it comes to education. loveom
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I can tell that video game season is soon app...
September 06, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Games
I can tell that video game season is soon approaching. Fall tends to be the big time, perhaps because no one wants to release a game during the Summer as well as getting the word of mouth out before the Christmas rush. Who knows.
In the meantime, I've downloaded a bunch of demos, including Homeworld 2, Chrome, and the latest Jedi Knight game. Homeworld 2 is beautiful and relatively interesting, though there's not much new gameplay there. Chrome reminds me of Unreal 2, though driving vehicles is a novelty. Jedi Knight also seems like the last one, with slightly better looks and far cooler lightsaber moves.
I'm sensing a theme of "more of the same, but prettier". I think that's why I'm so interested in the more novel games, such as Half-Life 2 and Knights of the Old Republic. Sure, there are other games similar to those as well, but I hear great things about them and they seem to be pushing the envelope a bit more. Rare are the games that try to be completely novel, as the development costs for games these days runs into the multi millions.
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These are the days that try men's souls
September 06, 2003 by Adam in Family
These are the days that try men's souls.
Well, actually it's not men, it's just me. And it's not "days" in general, it's just today. The day began at 6:00 with Jamie coming into my room to announce that she's been throwing up. I scampered downstairs to get Emma, who was fussy, and head to Safeway to get Pepto Bismol and diapers. Everyone is really nice at Safeway at 6:00 in the morning.
I returned to find Sam in Jamie's bed, so we medicated mom and plopped Sam in front of the television. I made scones, believe it or not, while Emma slept. After that, it's a blur of taking care of both kids and periodically checking in on Jamie as she alternately threw up and moaned throughout the day.
Somehow I managed to water the plants, trim the roses, do laundry, check on my sister's computer, and go to the movie rental place over the next eight hours.
It's now pushing 9 pm, both kids are in bed, Jamie's feeling a bit better, and I'm exhausted and a little nauseous. Perhaps tomorrow will be my day to rest. Constantly throwing up seems such a small price to pay.
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Well, I just returned from a successful meeti...
September 05, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
Well, I just returned from a successful meeting with Wayne Fieden, the director of city planning in Northampton, who took me in and told me that because I am unpaid, I get more exciting work than work-study students. Classist, but to my benefit. However, I think his idea of 'exciting work' is internet research on sewage systems instead of filing.
This afternoon is an interview with Essentials, the stationary and fancy home stuffs store. I'm wearing my glasses to look extra funky sophisticated. I doubt I can compete without ANY retail experience, but at least I'm arty.
The apartment is coming along, although the former roomate just took our one counter in the kithen, and without it (the wonderful wooden cutting block on wheels she took) we must butter our bread in the pantry.
This will all make sense once my friend returns to Northampton from Weslyan with her digital camera and I can take a few pictures of the apartment for you.
I had friends over last night and we watched Wonder Boys. Felt a little grown up to have friends over at my place. It's a good thing.
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Jamie's off at a preschool meeting while I wa...
September 05, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Jamie's off at a preschool meeting while I watch Sam. It was a fairly good day, with my headache mostly gone. Emma seems a bit cranky these days. Perhaps she had a headache too. Jamie and the kids did a store run and that's about it.
Josh is back, much to Sam's happiness. They played and played today.
Tomorrow's Friday, mocha day, with a quiet weekend ahead.
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Sam called me today to let me know that he'd ...
September 05, 2003 by Adam in Sam
 Sam called me today to let me know that he'd received a number of tattoos from Jamie. It turns out that Sam had given one to her as well, though he didn't say what it was and it was on the back of her neck so she couldn't see it. I reported that it was the letter S in a heart, which Jamie thought was very sweet.
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Having children is like belonging to a 24-hou...
September 04, 2003 by Adam in Family
Having children is like belonging to a 24-hour comedy club that's edgy and funny, though a bit loud.
Last night at dinner, Jamie was relating her "f-ing" day. There was a pause and them Sam asked what "f-ing" meant. I laughed out loud, wondering how she was going to weasel her way out of that one.
Jamie: "It was a slip of the tongue."
Sam: "What does that mean?"
Adam: "It means her tongue is slippery, like it was covered in soap."
Jamie: "Yeah. I suppose I should wash my mouth out with soap now."
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It sounds like Isa enjoyed her first day of s...
September 04, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
It sounds like Isa enjoyed her first day of school. Robbie said she cried briefly when he left, but was happily painting when he picked her up. I guess they were working on colors and numbers, so Isa spent the evening telling us what color everything was and counting to ten again and again!
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A quick hi - it's nearly 7, and I'm still at ...
September 04, 2003 by Sue in Wielesek
A quick hi - it's nearly 7, and I'm still at the office. What a crappy idea! I am back in trial tomorrow. Many hugs to all.
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Well, Isa went off for her first day of Pre-s...
September 03, 2003 by Seraph in Cortez
Well, Isa went off for her first day of Pre-school this morning. I haven't yet checked in with Robbie to find out how that went. Sigh...they just keep growing up.
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Wednesday already! I had a splitting headach...
September 03, 2003 by Adam in Family
Wednesday already! I had a splitting headache last night and was up for a couple hours. This morning I'm cruising on Advil and a mocha. Painless and bouncy.
There's not a lot of high adventure at our house. Jamie left to return carpet samples and get shrimp last night, leaving me with both children for an hour. Sam was bored out of his mind and Emma was happy in her front pack. I ended up telling an elaborate story where Sam was a prince and I was a lowly sheepherder. Emma was either a sheep or a baby lost in the woods, depending on what the story required.
Jamie fortunately returned home and we eventually got all the kids to sleep before collapsing to bed ourselves.
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I'm slowly doing my part to prepare for the b...
September 02, 2003 by Adam in Adam's Projects
I'm slowly doing my part to prepare for the big remodel coming up in a month or two. One of the changes will be that my closet will be annexed for the rec room. Because of this, I turned the sauna into a walk-in closet, putting up shelves and a bar to hang clothes from. It works quite well, though it isn't especially fancy.
The next thing I'd like to do is to move my computers in there, having just the necessary cables move back and forth between the wall. I'm hoping it cuts down on noise and clutter quite a bit.
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Everyone made it back home, safe and sound
September 02, 2003 by Adam in Family
 Everyone made it back home, safe and sound. Emma seems even more wiggly and vocal than before.
Sam and I played with Legos a bit, then went off to Jenny's house to go through Grandma Dorothy's things she shipped over. I returned home with the glasses Jamie requested and a couple knick-knacks. Ironically, Jamie also was given things from her grandmother this weekend. We ended up picking almost identical glasses. Mine were slightly green tinted, but definately in the same style.
Another work week begins today. Fortunately it's only four days long.
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Campus turnover has begun, no more laughter, ...
September 02, 2003 by Betsy in Betsy
Campus turnover has begun, no more laughter, no more fun!!! Well its my busy time of the year. I had 213 apartments go vacant on Saturday in the midst of the first home football game of the season. What joy, what a mess!!!
Words cannot describe the effects of having 20,000 people get up and play musical apartments on top of 50,000 drunks.
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I am sitting in Anna's new half-unpacked room...
September 01, 2003 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg
I am sitting in Anna's new half-unpacked room, feeling like... nothing. I cannot say that being in Morris house is uncomfortable (yet) nor that I feel settled into my new apartment (yet). It is total and complete limbo, hopfully until I start the internship and find a rut. I have miraculously found a bed, and all of my sweaters in the Morris house trunk room are safe and unmoldy, so all in all things are lining up. Will keep you posted.
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It's the first day of September
September 01, 2003 by Adam in Family
It's the first day of September. My, how time flies. Sam and I had another fun-filled day yesterday. We went to breakfast with my mom, then played with Legos until close to noon. I stopped by the gas station to get air for my tires (which hasn't been driven seriously in 6 months or so), then a quick shopping trip. Finally, we headed off to see Spy Kids 3D in the early afternoon.
It was okay, with cool special effects in some scenes, but not much of a story. Sam seemed to like it even though he reported that the glasses were uncomfortable. Later that night, he seemed to have a lasting mark across the bridge of his nose.
Towards the evening, we went over to Dave and Brant's house to have a Bar-B-Que with them and say hello to Josh, freshly returned from California. They all seem well.
I'm going to try to take it easier today. Jamie's coming back sometime and there's a shindig at Jenny's house. Hopefully I can calm the boy down a bit . . .
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