This just in...

I am the worst blogger ever.

I am a meticulous list writer, and every day this week the first item on my list has been, "write a blog entry". I dutifully settle myself in front of the computer screen, position my hands for some "QWERTY" action, and then....I go blank. I mean I....got...nothin'. It's not like things haven't been happening in our corner of the world, I just can't seem to figure out what's worth talking about and how to make it interesting.

But, rather than despair over my inability to deliver our little family updates creatively, I'll just give you a list of a few random tidbits to keep you all from wiping my URL from your computer forever:

-For the first time in 8 years, I am on SPRING BREAK. That's right, two weeks into the job and I already have a week to rest. In my opinion it's the only way to work. Two weeks on, one week off. Definitely my kind of schedule :-)

-Speaking of which, the job is still going well. There really is A LOT to learn, but I'm slowly getting myself organized. I'm lucky to have very helpful and understanding coworkers and am looking forward to getting back to work on Monday. I think. I'm almost positive. ;-)

-I've managed to get a few things done around the house this week...for instance, Sassy-pants finally has stuff on her walls again! And the purple walls and pink ceiling are NO MORE!! We finally broke down and bought some paint, and I spent two afternoons ridding her room of glued on glow in the dark stars, and purple and pink madness (seriously). It's now a simple off white with all our favorite framed photos and artwork bringing a little color into the room. As soon as my camera is charged, I'll snap some pics to share.

-Sassy-pants has her first ever (very small) ear infection and I am super bummed. I've been forced to revise my long "to do" list for the rest of the week in order to keep my little girl comfy, which is difficult since she has a nasty cough, ear infection and small eye infection (not pink eye, thank goodness!). Despite all of that, during our three hours at Urgent Care today, she didn't complain once. What a champ!

-Along those same lines, we recently found out that Miss C will not be needing glasses (whew!). Some of you know that we've been a little concerned about the fact that one pupil has always been larger than the other, especially since Handsome was in glasses at age 3...but luckily after going to two doctor's appointments and hearing from an eye specialist in Portland, there are no concerns with her eyesight. We have a follow up appointment a year from now, and we can rest easy knowing that all is well.

Ok, to sum up- Spring Break, painting, ear infection and eye appointment. Really? That's all I got? I wonder why I've had such a hard time finding something to blog about lately!

Let's hope Spring brings warm, dry weather soon so we can get outdoors and find stuff to do. We have big plans this spring/summer to hike around some of the state parks, Yurt on the coast, and maybe camp in SE Washington...and we're counting the weeks until visits from Handsome's Mom, my cousin The Dish, and Uncle H and Auntie S.

Bring on SPRING!!

Dear Faithful Blog Readers

I have been meaning to post something on here for WEEKS!! Things have been so busy and I have been so very tired, which has made it a tad difficult to keep up in the blogging world. I'll just go over the basics to catch y'all up to speed:

1) I got a job! This time it's FOR REAL! I started Monday in the front office of one of the local high schools. So far, so good- there's a lot to learn and it's a totally new environment, but I'm excited to be working again and I'm really enjoying everything so far. The best part: I work 7-3:30 and I have winter, spring and summer breaks off! Though I don't particularly delight in hearing my 5:30AM alarm, I sure love having the afternoons with Miss Sassy-Pants, and am happy to be able to easily put dinner on the table each night. Also, I can't help but be proud of myself for beating 91 applicants!

2) We were able to get Sassy-Pants into the dream daycare that I visited a few weeks ago! She started with two half days, and has been going full time since Monday. This afternoon I had to persuade her to leave, she was not happy about leaving "the girls and boys". I watched her for a few moments this afternoon and she was interacting with one of the other kids- it was so wonderful to finally see her playing with kids her own age! I can't wait to hear (and share) her stories each day. And as soon as she is potty trained, she'll start daily swim lessons!

3) We spent a week in Minnesota in February visiting family and friends- it was a blast but it went by far too quickly. I've got all kinds of pictures to post, but I'll have to save that for tommorrow's energy. It's quarter to seven and it feels like 10:00...how will I ever make it to bedtime?

4) A quick note about Handsome- he was one of only three managers that were recently selected to speak on a conference call with all of the area managing staff (50+ individuals) about his recent branch success, and goals/tips for improving in the coming months. I think that's pretty great, especially in our current economy! He is always finding new ways to impress!

That's about all the updates I can think of for now, which is good since my energy is flagging considerably! I'm hoping that after a week or two of this new schedule, I'll find some energy and get into a good, restful routine. Thanks for all who have sent their congrats on the job, it's been a long road and I'm so happy to be working again! I'll end on a ironic note- I received the job offer on the same day that we celebrated exactly one year as Oregon residents!

Bear with me as I adjust to our new schedule, until then I will be the best blogger I can be!

From Oregon,

With Love