Small talk can be really funny/lame sometimes. For example, here is a conversation I just had at the mailbox with a neighbor I don't know at 9:00 at night.
Me: "Hi, how are you?"
Her: "Good. (awkward pause) It sure is dark outside."
Me: "Yeah, it really is. (another awkward pause) Well, I'll see you later."
Her: "Bye."
Even if you are going to vote for McCain/Palin... come on, this is funny. Tina Fey is so dead on with her impersonation, it is crazy! I really don't have the energy to start political discussion again, but the thought of Sarah Palin being the next president (McCain has had cancer), is enough for me not to vote for him. Enjoy the video.
Here is the second round. Tell me which ones are "framers." I am feeling very stressed about finding the right frames and making a nice arrangement of pictures, because I have no idea of how to do it!
We went up to the Portland Pearl District a few weeks ago to do a family photo session swap with an another photographer who has been a second shooter for Chris. This was such a cool place to take pictures, and I am so grateful to Steve for capturing some great shots, because let me tell you, the kids were not cooperative at all. I will start with some couple pictures we took. I feel like we were taking an engagement session again :). Many more pictures to come.
I got a new bike last month, and I love love it. Chris calls it my grandma bike, but don't mind him, because it is an awesome cruiser. You know that old saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans?" Well, here in Corvallis people ride bikes, so we thought that we should as well. We have been riding to church, parks, and we just got home from riding to the swimming pool. Our bike trailer is an old old uncomfortable Burley, so maybe someday we will upgrade, but it is working for now. I was really scared riding in traffic at first as that wasn't something I did growing up, but I am slowly gaining more confidence. If anyone ever comes and visits... bring your bike!!
This is Chris posting.
A few months ago I was watching the Haka War Dance on youtube. It got me all fired up! I love the intimidation that one team tries to instill in the other team, and how intense it was. I kind of want to play rugby with some Polynesians just so I can do the dance. Anyway, yesterday when we were at the aquarium in Newport Sofia actually started doing a Haka dance. All I gotta say, is watch out New Zealand. Here comes Sofia!
Here is the New Zealand Team:
And here is my little warrior.
As of now, my official blog poll shows that McCain and Obama are tied! Interesting. At first Obama was kicking Mcains booty, but all of a sudden a few more Mcain supporters started casting their votes.
Ah... good old political discussions. Although I am no where as intense and passionate about politics as my dear hubby, I must say that I am getting very excited this election. I am a registered Democrat, but any one who has talked politics with me knows that it is hard for me to full on choose a side, because no topic is black and white to me like both parties try to make them seem. With that said, I will say that after watching good chunks of both conventions, I do know that I am way closer to being a democrat than I am to being a Republican... and here's why... (bye they way, feel free to discuss your differing opinions with me if you would like :).
*No child left behind has left a lot of children behind. It has done bad things for students, teachers and programs. Teachers are supposed to implement crappy canned curriculum that is not in the best interest of children. Programs like the one I helped run (Even start) are being cut as early childhood education hasn't been valued.
*Socialized health care is a good thing. I know that it would undoubtedly have it's flaws, but I feel like every human being is entitled to some sort of affordable health care. I strongly believe that it is morally wrong for HMOs to be making billions off of sick people or to deny coverage or treatment. I feel like many people in our country are happy as long as their family is okay. It is not okay for me to worry only about myself. We need to take care of each other. (The social worker in me is coming out)
*Taxes are important. I realize that in order for us to have roads, libraries, social services etc... we need to pay taxes. I would definitely be okay with people who are really rich having to pay a little more... so that might mean they can only own 5 houses instead of 6. I know how tax money is used is really important, but I try not to complain too much about taxes when it comes to important things that we all benefit from or who help those less fortunate than myself. I know that we can all (myself included) get a little frustrated with people who work the system, leaving less resources for hard working families who really need the money, but I don't feel it is my job to judge.
*Immigration. Building a fence is a horrible idea. We are talking about human beings here, not numbers. I know that things need to be done to tighten security, but let's treat these people with some respect. Most of them are just here for better lives.
*The war. Why are we in Iraq? I am still sincerely confused. There were no weapons of mass destruction. The terrorists who attacked us were not from Iraq. I truly appreciate all of the sacrifices that our soldiers have made for us, but there are things about his war that worry me. If any of you have read "Three cups of tea" you know that helping educate people is key to ending oppression. I am not saying war is never necessary, but President Bush sure has messed things up even more.
Okay, those are a few of my feelings. I am sure that some of you totally disagree with the a lot of my ideas.. .and that's okay. That is why our country is so great. We can all have our opinions and respectfully (hint hint) disagree.
Aside from a couple of classes that I teach a couple of mornings a week, I am a full time stay at home mom. For those of you mommies who have spotless houses... my questions for you is: How do you do it? Seriously. I takes all of the energy I can muster up just to keep up with dishes and laundry. It is always funny to me when I go to someone's house that is spotless, and the mom is apologizing for how dirty her house is, when my house has never once been that clean. How do you make this happen? Do you stay up until 1:00 in the morning cleaning? Do you ignore your kids all day to get the house clean? Do you have a maid? Do you confine your kids to one room all day so that they can't touch the rest of the house?
I realize that part of my problem is that my stuff isn't organized in the first place. There are piles of bills on the table and toys everywhere. Any volunteers to help me get organized? As for staying up really late every night to clean? I do that on occasion, but there are many other things I would rather do at night. I don't even have a clean house, and I feel like I have to distract my kids to even get dishes and laundry done, so I am not willing to ignore them any more than I have to. I am actually at peace with the fact that I will never be a super super tidy person, but even with my low standards, I have let it go. Let it go to the point, that there have been a few times in the last couple of weeks that I really hope that no one makes a surprise visit, because I would be really embarrassed if anyone saw my house. (For those of you have been to my house, you probably remember it being cluttered when you came over.. so you know this must be bad). I feel like there are things I do good as homemaker like cooking and getting down on the floor with my kids to play, but this is one area that is definitely not my forte.
Sofia and her friend Will picking flowers at Gather Together Farm.
Some people are Hunters. Some people are gatherers (and I guess some are neither). I my friends am a gatherer. In fact, if I would have lived in a tribe long ago, I would have been the rock star gatherer. I love living in Corvallis, because there is so much local food to take advantage of. Strawberries in the late spring.... blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in the summer. Right now in the month of September, I can also buy any other produce I need at a local farm. Hey, I even pick my own flowers (please refer to pictures:). No need to wait for the husband. Sofia also thinks that it is so fun.
I've been thinking lately that I am a little manic for always having to have fresh food around, but I have given some thought to why I do it..... and this is what I have come up with:
1)It gets us outside in nature
2)It is affordable.
2)Sofia can help. Heck.. Gabe can even help. When I wear him on my back, he picks blueberries and eats them (and them wipes his hands all over my shirt).
3) The food tastes so much better fresh and ripe.
4)It feels good to know where your food comes from. Most food travels so far and is picked unripe under who knows what circumstances. I feel some sort of satisfaction for providing my family with fresh, healthy food.
5)It supports local farming.
Does anyone want to come picking with me?
I don't know how many times I have been to the aquarium in Newport since I have lived in Corvallis. My sister Heather used to have a membership where I could get in for free when I went with her, and now we have a membership. Last weekend, we went with Heather and her kiddos again, and the kids never get bored with it.
