God blessed me with the joy of a snow day! I took a short run outside and tested out my "yak tracks" and running gators (fun purchases from the REI buyback sale that I hadn't used yet). They both worked great!
Here's some photos of the beauty!
Monday, January 28, 2008
...And the drive home!
Well, the weekend was amazing, but I still had to get home so that I could get to work on Monday. I left Keizer, OR around 3:15pm. It was partly cloudy with the sun shining through. It had rained just a bit, but there was no "adverse" weather around. We had heard reports of snow coming, but we thought I might be driving ahead of the storm. Well, as I drove out of the driveway I realized I had two messages on my phone. One from Tobin saying there was snow in Medford and to drive carefully. The second was Marty (my mother-in-law) and she told me that she had heard of closures on I-5 near Medford. So as I drove out I called Maryanne, who soon became my "The Weather and Road Report" (cell phones are wonderful)! She told me there were closures near Cottage Grove and that I would be encountering snow soon.
Snow came at the Kuebler Blvd exit, and for those who don't know that is merely South Salem. But just as the "mail must go through" "Patients must be seen." I had to get to work on Monday, so I felt I had no option but to keep going. The drive actually was quite good and there weren't really any "problems" until I saw a readout just south of Eugene, "Accident 30 miles ahead, use caution, and expect delays."
Sure enough just 4-5miles south of Cottage Grove, I came to a complete stop, with a line of cars and trucks, of which I could not see the front. I called Maryanne and she told me there was an overturned truck blocking all lanes. So I sat,
and sat,
and sat,
and SAT! Get the point? I was there waiting at a complete stop for 2 HOURS!!!!!! When I had gone by the exit in Cottage Grove I had thought to get out and use the bathroom, but I figured, "No I need to keep going because the snow might just get worse." So as I started to wait I already needed to go. And then it got to an hour, and I was starting to get desperate. I HAD TO GO!!! If I had been on the Santiam Pass with 2 lanes and trees on each side, I would have just went. But as you picture I-5, 2 lanes each side, a large concrete median, and a large barren embankment on each side because I was right under an overpass (without an on-ramp). So I had NO WHERE to go without 100 people seeing my bare bottom! So I started going into survival mode, I distracted myself with talking on the phone or reading my NP magazine (with a flashlight because it was dark and I didn't want the battery to run out on the car). But I couldn't concentrate because my eyes were floating. I starting thinking about using the Nalgene; the only container in my car! And you know you're desperate when a girl starts to think about using a container to go number one! Well, the line started to move after 1 1/2 hours. So I had hope, allowing me to hold it! I moved 200 feet then stopped again for another 1/2 hour! Then FINALLY, the line moved and cleared the Semi that was still rolled on its side!
I then drove to Sutherland and stopped at the Taco Bell and was able to relieve myself! I don't know if I've ever experienced such relief! The drive wasn't over because I had to go over the pass between Roseburg and Medford. I was going 35-40mph almost the entire way because it was snowing hard! But I didn't have to put on chains, which would have been an adventure because they are new chains, that I've never put on!
After 7 hours I finally drove into our garage (with the help of Tobin so I wouldn't spin out in the snowy driveway) at 10:15pm!
Was it worth the drive to see everyone? Definitely YES!
Oh...And by the way....the clinic I work at is closed today due to the snow. The Irony. =)
Snow came at the Kuebler Blvd exit, and for those who don't know that is merely South Salem. But just as the "mail must go through" "Patients must be seen." I had to get to work on Monday, so I felt I had no option but to keep going. The drive actually was quite good and there weren't really any "problems" until I saw a readout just south of Eugene, "Accident 30 miles ahead, use caution, and expect delays."
Sure enough just 4-5miles south of Cottage Grove, I came to a complete stop, with a line of cars and trucks, of which I could not see the front. I called Maryanne and she told me there was an overturned truck blocking all lanes. So I sat,
and sat,
and sat,
and SAT! Get the point? I was there waiting at a complete stop for 2 HOURS!!!!!! When I had gone by the exit in Cottage Grove I had thought to get out and use the bathroom, but I figured, "No I need to keep going because the snow might just get worse." So as I started to wait I already needed to go. And then it got to an hour, and I was starting to get desperate. I HAD TO GO!!! If I had been on the Santiam Pass with 2 lanes and trees on each side, I would have just went. But as you picture I-5, 2 lanes each side, a large concrete median, and a large barren embankment on each side because I was right under an overpass (without an on-ramp). So I had NO WHERE to go without 100 people seeing my bare bottom! So I started going into survival mode, I distracted myself with talking on the phone or reading my NP magazine (with a flashlight because it was dark and I didn't want the battery to run out on the car). But I couldn't concentrate because my eyes were floating. I starting thinking about using the Nalgene; the only container in my car! And you know you're desperate when a girl starts to think about using a container to go number one! Well, the line started to move after 1 1/2 hours. So I had hope, allowing me to hold it! I moved 200 feet then stopped again for another 1/2 hour! Then FINALLY, the line moved and cleared the Semi that was still rolled on its side!
I then drove to Sutherland and stopped at the Taco Bell and was able to relieve myself! I don't know if I've ever experienced such relief! The drive wasn't over because I had to go over the pass between Roseburg and Medford. I was going 35-40mph almost the entire way because it was snowing hard! But I didn't have to put on chains, which would have been an adventure because they are new chains, that I've never put on!
After 7 hours I finally drove into our garage (with the help of Tobin so I wouldn't spin out in the snowy driveway) at 10:15pm!
Was it worth the drive to see everyone? Definitely YES!
Oh...And by the way....the clinic I work at is closed today due to the snow. The Irony. =)
The Weekend!
Since Tobin had to work all weekend long and wasn't even going to be home while I was off, I decided to drive up to Salem to visit my family: brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew, brother-in-law, and sister. I wanted to go shopping for a bridesmaid dress for my sister-in-law, Shannon's wedding. And there really isn't many stores in Medford, so going up to Portland to shop with Maryanne sounded like a great idea. And it was a wonderful weekend. Somewhat wet, but lots of fun.
Maryanne and I had fun as we took Grace and Benjamin to the Carousel in Salem and an exciting trip to Walmart. I only got one picture of Benjamin at the Carousel and realized my camera was out of batteries. =( But you can "picture" Grace on the "Rainbow Horse." Benjamin is still a little intimidated by the horses and we road on the Oregon Trail Wagon!
This is Benjamin having fun on the Wagon! He made me smile and laugh the entire time with the things he would say and comment on!
Then Maryanne and I headed up for an afternoon of Shopping in Portland! We made it around very well. We had lots of fun looking and not having a time schedule and finding a few cute items.
Sunday we went to church at Mosaic in Portland. I saw my old roommate Allison, which it was lots of fun to see an old friend! Then AJ, Maryanne, and I went to "Bread and Ink" off Hawthorne in Portland for breakfast. And I had yummy whole wheat blueberry pancakes!
Great sisters!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Our new "Couch-able"
Well, I don't know if there's much else to say. I guess you never know how "resourceful" you can be. This was a free coffee table, but since we don't have a couch we converted it for now. It actually works better than you might think. Not necessarily the best for entertaining, but ok for now. I must admit though, I'm praying that the Lord will provide us with a real "couch" soon. Thanks for your prayers too! =)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
My new job....
Well, I have completed the second week of my employment at La Clinica. It has been good, stretching, and exciting all at the same time. My hours are Mon, Tues, Thursday, Friday from 8:30am-when I get done, which seems to be averaging around 6pm. Right now I get all my weekends off, and once I start working weekends, I'll only be working one Saturday a month. And the first one is in March! It's such a blessing to get such great hours. And I love being able to more closely follow my patients and learn more, rather than working two different jobs! And it's great to get a day off during the week!
Thank you everyone who prayed for a great job opportunity, because this definitely was it! And the Lord provided just the right thing. I have the admit that it isn't "easy," but that's not what I wanted. Instead, I want to be challenged to be a thorough and knowledgable provider who is a witness of Christ as I'm working. So thank you for your continued prayers!
Y yo voy a aprender mas espanol. Cuando yo no trabajando, yo estudiando espanol con "Rosetta Stone." Esta muy bien!
Well, that's not perfect Spansh, but "farely" correct. If you can't understand then maybe you should starting learning Spanish too! =)
Thank you everyone who prayed for a great job opportunity, because this definitely was it! And the Lord provided just the right thing. I have the admit that it isn't "easy," but that's not what I wanted. Instead, I want to be challenged to be a thorough and knowledgable provider who is a witness of Christ as I'm working. So thank you for your continued prayers!
Y yo voy a aprender mas espanol. Cuando yo no trabajando, yo estudiando espanol con "Rosetta Stone." Esta muy bien!
Well, that's not perfect Spansh, but "farely" correct. If you can't understand then maybe you should starting learning Spanish too! =)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
"Steam" Alarm
So for anyone who cares, I was taking a very nice shower this afternoon after I had gone on a wonderful bike ride in the sunny crisp air, when suddenly my smoke alarm starts going off. Now to get somewhat of an idea, I had just soaped up my entire leg to start shaving when the alarm starts going off! Apparently, since the alarm is just outside our bathroom door, if you forget to turn on the fan, the alarm "thinks" that steam is "smoke." Last time I checked those two things are very different. Anyways, as to not bother all the neighbors and have the fire department come while I'm in the shower, I jumped out of the shower (all soaped up remind you) and had to run to wave something in front of the crazy alarm for it to stop. In the process our entire bathroom got shaving gel and water all over it (just after I had cleaned it this morning). Anyways, it was quite the ordeal, but I'm okay now. Just wanted to share this funny moment.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Mt Ashland #1
Well, we decided that we needed to go enjoy the nice snow that the Northwest got this past week. So Tobin, I, and our friend Jenna (who is also a Medical Student rotating here in Medford) all went up to Mt Ashland and did some boarding on the slopes! It was great. The sun was shining because we actually were ABOVE the fog and clouds that seems to sit in the Rogue Valley! It was a great day, so wanted to share it with y'all!
This is evidence that we were above the clouds! Looks crazy huh?!
This is Jenna
This is me getting stuck, once again, in the powder in the trees.Tobin was there, but he was the main camera man. =)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
December, Christmas and New Years!
We arrived in Medford, to turn around and almost immediately go up to Sunriver, where the Miller, Rummel, and DeBacker family surprised my Dad to celebrate his 60th Birthday. It was a lot of fun and a great weekend!
We left Trout Lake on New Year's Eve, and decided to make it another travelling adventure and drive through Bend. We had a few stops to make, had a nice dinner with my parents, and rang in the new year by unpacking our car in Medford...since we arrived at 11:55pm.
Cute nieces and nephew. =)... Zoey is there, just not in this photo
You wouldn't imagine what we did to get a smile. But it made us all laugh! Tobin was actually the best to make all the funny faces to get the kids laugh. =)
We came home, unpacked, and then left Christmas Eve's Eve to see the Miller and DeBackers in Salem, and then left for Trout Lake. There we spent an entire week. Relaxing, playing games, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, playing basketball, and more snowmobiling, playing in the snow, snowmobiling, and did I mention snowmobiling?! Maryanne and AJ even came up for some fun!
That's me in a hole that Tobin found...the snow was deep!
Maryanne and AJ having some snow fun too!
We left on a BEAUTIFUL Trout Lake day, the sun was so bright it was hard to keep your eyes open for the photo!
We left Trout Lake on New Year's Eve, and decided to make it another travelling adventure and drive through Bend. We had a few stops to make, had a nice dinner with my parents, and rang in the new year by unpacking our car in Medford...since we arrived at 11:55pm.
Pomona to Medford
Well I've also been meaning to post this for a while. But here it is:
Our "moving" story would not be complete, had we not included the "Fridge Poisoning" story. Yes, it's true, the few days before we moved out of our apartment in Long Beach, it was our goal to "clean out the fridge" and throw nothing away. Well, we basically accomplished this on our last night in Long Beach. We had a large meal of shrimp, noodles, and some cold stone ice cream. And well, at 3:30am, lets just say, the meal came back to haunt us. Tobin started heading for the bathroom sooner than I did, and at first I just thought it was "that time of the month for me." But to my dismay, I too had fairly severe food poisoning. The horror of this was that we HAD to be out of our apartment the following day. We eventually made it out, but not without the amazing help of our roommate, her friend, and lots of crawling around on the floor zipping up bags and closing boxed, just to flop right back on the bed out of energy! Needless to say, we've learned our lesson, GO OUT TO EAT OR GET NEW FOOD, don't be cheap and risk the old food in the fridge.
We recovered slowly over the next 2 days, while staying at our friends Jeff and Lynette's place. Then on a dark early Wednesday morning we left LA for Medford. I documented the time here:
As you can see the time was EARLY, yes that's AM, but LOOK AT HOW MANY CARS ARE ON THE ROAD!!!!
Here's some of the scenery I saw...the back of the Subaru. =) We had great 2 way radios to talk about anything and everything.
We stopped, at yes, a California tradition that we will miss.
This is leaving northern California.....look at the mountains and the trees!!!! YEAH!!!!
And now this is entering Medford, during what LA would consider Rush-hour 5:30pm. Note the time, and note how many headlights, etc you see...Hmmmmm...
Our Year End Letter
I still have yet to get out our Christmas Cards this year. Now it's going to be more like New Year or January card. But I thought I'd include the letter we wrote here. So if you eventually get one in the mail, look at the picture and know you've already read our update.
December 2007
Hello again parents, siblings, friends, aunts, uncles, far-off friends, pets, and plants (well, maybe not the last two, but you get the drift)-
Yep, “It’s” upon us again, probably the opening for many Christmas letters, but definitely rings true with all of us. So much happens each year! The theme for this year and several years to come of Christmas letters should and will be “Continual Change.” This year commenced by spending time with family for The Holidays. Since I (Christy) had just started a new job I worked Christmas; then for New Years, we flew up to Portland to visit family and a few friends for a 6-day vacation.
Spring came, and we began finding out the plans for our future. Tobin was accepted to be part of the school’s “Teaching Fellowship.” This means, an additional year of medical school as Tobin is Junior Faculty for 3 extra semesters. For our Spring Break, we got to go to Colorado Springs for an Osteopathic Convention. We stayed in a very fancy hotel, “The Broadmoor.” Tobin went to some learning sessions; I was able to get osteopathic treatments from some of the best; and we spent an entire day and night skiing in Breckenridge and Keystone. We suffered some sunburns (me the worst), but it was worth it because the Colorado Rockies are incredible!!!
In May, Tobin finished his second year of medical school and began studying practically 24/7 for Step One of the National Osteopathic Medical Board Examination. We also made a glorious exodus out of the ghetto—Pomona, though the experiences we take from there will never be forgotten, and moved to the Beach—Long Beach!!! Tobin then took his board exam and passed in June!!!! Yay!!! The day after the exam, he flew to Portland for his first medical school rotation with an osteopathic physician in Portland. He was gone a month; I then flew up to meet him; and we spent some more great time with family. One highlight from the weekend was our family playing the Wii video game together. It was fun and a good time of laughter as we played tennis, and successfully suffered “Wii injuries!” We also got to see the cute nieces (Grace and the new little one-Zoey) and nephew (Benjamin)! After visiting family, we celebrated our 1st Anniversary!! We did this by driving our two new cars (a Subaru Outback and Toyota Corolla) from Portland to Long Beach. On our way down, we camped in a state park near San Francisco. Even though we drove in separate cars, we had lots of fun with the two-way radios my brother let us borrow. It made the drive a lot more fun!
Summer ended with Tobin starting his first semester of the Fellowship. He has since been enjoying teaching, organizing meetings, directing practical exams, etc. Since he works eight hours, five days a week, that leaves our weekends free. So any weekend I’ve had off we’ve been able to enjoy together and with friends. We’ve gone rock climbing several times, near Malibu Beach and Malibu State Park. They are both beautiful areas! We’ve gone mountain biking, running on the beach, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and snorkeling in La Jolla, camping on the beach, and a little hiking. It’s been wonderful to actually enjoy this beautiful state that we live in—basically once you get AWAY from the freeways, So Cal is beautiful!
This fall, we survived the “Big Fires.” All we really suffered was some smoke-filled lungs, sore throat, and watery eyes. And in perspective of what other families suffered, this was nothing. Our hearts and prayers have gone out to those that have struggled and lost, that they might see the Lord and realize this material world is NOT what we are living for.
As I write this, it is actually barely November, but once I send this out, we will be moving or already relocated to Medford, Oregon. This coming move, we are completely depending on the Lord to find a place. Tobin’s parents are graciously going to drive down here with a covered snow-mobile trailer (from his uncle), and we are going to caravan up to Medford together. Once we are there we will begin looking for places to land our stuff. We know and trust the Lord will provide just what we need. Besides, it’s more exciting this way!
As we look forward to next year, 2008, we continue to trust in the Lord as He provides a new job for me (Christy) and for good and understanding teachers during all of Tobin’s medical school rotations (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/Gyn, Family Practice, Psychiatry, etc). Our prayer and prayer for others is that though this life can be “busy, full, daunting, tiring,” we would instead live each day with Purpose to Glorify the Lord, and to continually, “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:12-14
Hello again parents, siblings, friends, aunts, uncles, far-off friends, pets, and plants (well, maybe not the last two, but you get the drift)-
Yep, “It’s” upon us again, probably the opening for many Christmas letters, but definitely rings true with all of us. So much happens each year! The theme for this year and several years to come of Christmas letters should and will be “Continual Change.” This year commenced by spending time with family for The Holidays. Since I (Christy) had just started a new job I worked Christmas; then for New Years, we flew up to Portland to visit family and a few friends for a 6-day vacation.
Spring came, and we began finding out the plans for our future. Tobin was accepted to be part of the school’s “Teaching Fellowship.” This means, an additional year of medical school as Tobin is Junior Faculty for 3 extra semesters. For our Spring Break, we got to go to Colorado Springs for an Osteopathic Convention. We stayed in a very fancy hotel, “The Broadmoor.” Tobin went to some learning sessions; I was able to get osteopathic treatments from some of the best; and we spent an entire day and night skiing in Breckenridge and Keystone. We suffered some sunburns (me the worst), but it was worth it because the Colorado Rockies are incredible!!!
In May, Tobin finished his second year of medical school and began studying practically 24/7 for Step One of the National Osteopathic Medical Board Examination. We also made a glorious exodus out of the ghetto—Pomona, though the experiences we take from there will never be forgotten, and moved to the Beach—Long Beach!!! Tobin then took his board exam and passed in June!!!! Yay!!! The day after the exam, he flew to Portland for his first medical school rotation with an osteopathic physician in Portland. He was gone a month; I then flew up to meet him; and we spent some more great time with family. One highlight from the weekend was our family playing the Wii video game together. It was fun and a good time of laughter as we played tennis, and successfully suffered “Wii injuries!” We also got to see the cute nieces (Grace and the new little one-Zoey) and nephew (Benjamin)! After visiting family, we celebrated our 1st Anniversary!! We did this by driving our two new cars (a Subaru Outback and Toyota Corolla) from Portland to Long Beach. On our way down, we camped in a state park near San Francisco. Even though we drove in separate cars, we had lots of fun with the two-way radios my brother let us borrow. It made the drive a lot more fun!
Summer ended with Tobin starting his first semester of the Fellowship. He has since been enjoying teaching, organizing meetings, directing practical exams, etc. Since he works eight hours, five days a week, that leaves our weekends free. So any weekend I’ve had off we’ve been able to enjoy together and with friends. We’ve gone rock climbing several times, near Malibu Beach and Malibu State Park. They are both beautiful areas! We’ve gone mountain biking, running on the beach, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and snorkeling in La Jolla, camping on the beach, and a little hiking. It’s been wonderful to actually enjoy this beautiful state that we live in—basically once you get AWAY from the freeways, So Cal is beautiful!
This fall, we survived the “Big Fires.” All we really suffered was some smoke-filled lungs, sore throat, and watery eyes. And in perspective of what other families suffered, this was nothing. Our hearts and prayers have gone out to those that have struggled and lost, that they might see the Lord and realize this material world is NOT what we are living for.
As I write this, it is actually barely November, but once I send this out, we will be moving or already relocated to Medford, Oregon. This coming move, we are completely depending on the Lord to find a place. Tobin’s parents are graciously going to drive down here with a covered snow-mobile trailer (from his uncle), and we are going to caravan up to Medford together. Once we are there we will begin looking for places to land our stuff. We know and trust the Lord will provide just what we need. Besides, it’s more exciting this way!
As we look forward to next year, 2008, we continue to trust in the Lord as He provides a new job for me (Christy) and for good and understanding teachers during all of Tobin’s medical school rotations (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/Gyn, Family Practice, Psychiatry, etc). Our prayer and prayer for others is that though this life can be “busy, full, daunting, tiring,” we would instead live each day with Purpose to Glorify the Lord, and to continually, “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:12-14
Our New Home in Medford
Our move to Medford was also accompanied with inheriting a new rendition of things. See Tobin has a Great Aunt that was a chiropractor, and she wanted to give this special table to Tobin that osteopaths use. Anyways, in addition to this she wanted us to take whatever else she had in her three car garage size storage unit. So in it we inherited some very nice antique furniture pieces, however, they came with 30+ years of dust, mice droppings, stains, paint, etc, etc. Therefore, as we moved into our new apartment, we used a LOT of elbow grease, muscle power, and home improvement wood working to get them in ship shape to use. We did a pretty good job...if I must say so myself. So I thought I'd share what some of them look like.
This probably took the most work! But is looks great!
Our new "entertainment center." It's kind of like old meets new.
And a Beautiful new chest!
The Vanity and a beautiful comfortable rocking chair.
So as the nature of the beast goes, instead of consolidating stuff before the move, we have definitely expanded. But we think it for the better. Besides, we have to move my trailer now anyways, and Tobin's parents have blessed us with the gift of the trailer. So now we'll be using it! We do though in all of this, want to keep "material" possessions in perspective. These new items have definitely helped our apartment become a home.
Oh, and one more thing that I am very excited about is we have our OWN washer and dryer in our apartment!!!!! YEAH!!! We've finally become true adults. =)
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