One Month Progress Report

Jack's really cool birthday cake!

Jack, Megan, and Joseph waiting for lunch to come off the grill.

Happy to be in the company of people other than his mother and dog.

Joseph and little Natalie fishing under the bridge.

Megan giving Joseph a tour of the fort.

Natalie can use the hammer, too!

More pictures of the fort.

Showing love

Goofing around

It's been almost a month (September 1) since we've moved from Hawaii to Washington. Things have been pretty crazy. After Joe left for Connecticut, Joseph and I really had to learn how to get around this place. It's been a challenge for this island girl, that's for sure! Thank goodness for TomTom. Sometimes he gets us lost once in a while. It's kind of frustrating but I can't get too mad because the TomTom uses Mr. T's voice and it sounds funny. "Fool, don't make me come out of this thing!"

Our new friends (see above) are our neighbors across the street. They have spent a majority of the summer at their cabin but will be leaving tomorrow morning. We will miss them for sure!

Our lawn, thanks to Uncle Charles, is already green and healthy. We're just waiting for it to thicken up a bit before we mow it. It rains every few days and that saves us time and effort in watering. I can't wait for Joe to come back and see it.

I just completed another course for school and I'm so relieved! It was the worst course ever and there was so much going on that I could hardly sit down and focus on the assignments. I just have 2 more terms and my "Shadowing" experience before I graduate. It's very exciting! A Masters in Educational Administration- how cool will that be?

Joseph started home care with Miss Masami last week. He didn't really care for it because there aren't any kids his age to play with. He spent most of the week playing with Masami's son who is much older and not as willing to play Candyland 400 times a day. Miss Masami couldn't look after Joseph last Friday and we went to see Miss Amy. That was awesome because there were 3 boys Joseph's age and tons of toys to play with. Miss Amy is also VERY loving and affectionate. I think she's a better fit. Joseph should be starting school at Jackson Park on the 8th of September. It's about time! I've had him on the waiting list for months!

I started my job and it is going pretty well so far. The best BEST part about it is MARY! I am in absolute love with the woman that I work with! We were both hired together; we're both Assistant Curriculum and Training Specialists. It's amazing how similar we are! We both have an education background, both have 4-year old sons, both adore public radio, both the youngest child, we both LOVE Bill Maher, both feel the same way about Rush, both are self-proclaimed snobs... the list goes on and on and on and on! Soon, I'll be completing her sentences, I'm sure.

Things seem to be moving along here. I can't believe I've been here for an entire month! Hopefully the time will fly by and Joe will be here with us again. We both miss him a lot. At least we get to talk to him every day. We're excited about visiting him in Connecticut soon.

Housework

I'm sitting here after a burst of housework energy has been released from my body. Vaccuming, check. Dinner planned, check. Dishes, check. Change sheets, check. My mom can always tell when I have a looming deadline for a paper because I start to become desperate for housework. I'd rather do just about ANYTHING other than schoolwork. It's not difficult and I actually find it interesting but building the motivation to accomplish it is beyond me.

Last night Joseph and I went to Wye Lake to go swimming. It was soooooo hot yesterday! I think it reached 90 degrees! Joseph had a really great time! We went with our neighbor, Cheryl and her three kids, Megan, Jack and Natalie. They are all around the same age as Joseph and he loves hanging out with them. They live just across the street in a cabin that was left to Cheryl by her recently deceased parents. They passed about 6 months ago within just days of each other. That is so heartbreaking. She seems so strong and at peace but she said that it hasn't sunk in yet. Talking to her makes me think of my own dad. I dream about him a lot and it makes me sad when I wake up and he's not there. I dreamed that he drove me to the mall and I was concerned about his vision but he could see just fine. It made me feel good because I know that when we pass, we're restored to our healthy bodies.

Joseph went in loops as he walked to the dock and jumped off then walked (ran) around to repeat the process about 100 times. I was curious to see how he'd react to the water not being salty but he didn't mention anything about it. The fresh water on my lips is a salient memory that I instantly recall when I think about lakes. He had a good time splashing about and playing with the other kids. The lake has a playground with swings, teeter totters, and monkey bars. Joseph loves the teeter totter but there isn't anyone his size to balance it with him. Jack, who is only 5, isn't a good partner because he's far too heavy (tall and strong) and Megan who's 8 certainly won't do. Little Natalie is only 3 and would probably be perfect if she weren't glued to the monkey bars and swings.

We met more neighbors: Sarah, Richard, and (I think) their daughter Helen. They have labradoodles that are too cute. Their hair curls up after a dip in the lake. We met them on their way back. One is named Barney and the other Kai. Yes! Kai like Hawaiian for ocean! So cool how far the Hawaiian influence goes!

I don't want to go back to my papers... but I guess I really have to since they are due very, VERY soon! I work best under pressure (that's what I tell myself). Ooooh! I really don't want to go. Perhaps I'll watch some tv. :) Yah! That's the ticket! While I fold the load of laundry that just beeped at me!

Another Reason

I have so many reasons to love living in Washington! This morning I took Emi out to go potty and as soon as I cracked the front door open it smelled like summer camp! Imagine waking up every day and having the best time of your youth flash back at you because of the fresh aroma of crisp pine trees and dirt! Ahhhhh! Interlochen Arts Camp in Northern Michigan! I can't wait to send Joseph there. He'll look so cute with his Junior Boys Badge and navy blue belt on!

Everyday I discover lots of reasons this place rocks and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to experience it. I knew that I'd move away from Hawaii but I thought that I'd end up somewhere more important. That doesn't matter now and I'm finding that it's important that I love it as much as I do!

Actually?

Joseph: I want more water, please!
Me: More water? Okay...
Joseph: Actually, I want milk. Thank you!

I can't believe the things this kid says! "Actually?" Where did he learn that word?

Mora's Iced Creamery

Today was another beautiful day in Washington. I don't know what everyone was whining about when I mentioned moving to this state. The weather has been nothing but pleasant! Yes, it's only been a couple of weeks and it *IS* summer for goodness sake but, even with the mist, bouts of fiery sunshine, and torrential rain, I still have no complaints! I love the rain. I remember frowning at the sun in Hawaii. When it rained, I was delighted but annoyed at the same time because of the humidity. Sometimes the rain was perfect and that's the kind of rain there is here in Washington!

We have a neighbor who is a retired Navy Chief who lives across the street from us. We knew he was gem when he walked over a pair of chairs and told us we could borrow them until our furniture arrived. Lately, his project is our yard. When we purchased this house, we didn't realize that the yard was in abject shambles! Upon arrival at midnight, the last thing on our mind was the landscaping. Now that we've pulled our heads out of the packing boxes, we noticed how completely grotesque the situation is. So Charles, our neighbor, has decided to tackle the half acre of land solo. When Joe or I offer to help he just smiles and starts to till the soil in the opposing direction. His wife, Dorothea, told me, "You make sure you tell him exactly where you want the vegetable garden and where you want the flower beds. Make sure he does it how YOU want it." In my head I'm thinking, "Lady! This man is an angel! If he wants to plant poison ivy, I'll let him! As long as it LOOKS nice, that is" We got a landscaper to come in and give us an estimate on how much the project would cost. $1,500! And that was a "conservative" estimate. There were NO guarantees. Thank you, Charles! I'll be baking him cookies for the rest of his life.

Today, we went to Bainbridge Island. There was a mammoth playground that Joey wanted to check out. It was amazing! Joseph was a little difficult to keep up with. He was running this way and that. I couldn't even get a decent picture because he wouldn't stand still. I think he had a great time! After that we went to Mora's Iced Creamery! Talk about HEAVEN! The ice cream is so... so... I can't put it into words! It's thick and rich and just... ono! Joseph ate his and half of mine! He really loved it. I had chocolate (just plain chocolate- not their Mexican chocolate, not their Swiss chocolate or their other varieties of chocolate), Joe had mint chocolate chip, and Joseph had chocolate as well. Not a well-rounded family, I suppose. Joseph ate so much ice cream that when we were in Costco on our way home, he had to lie down in the cart because his tummy hurt so much. I know that's not funny but it was so cute. At least he'll never eat too much ice cream again!

More Fun in Talent

Poor child! Doesn't he look frightened?

Soaking the plums is essential for de-bugging! No earwigs swimming out of here!

Nana and Poppy bought Joseph his first big boy bike for his birthday. Joseph goes so fast that I can't even watch him without freaking out. It will be better when we're at home and I can pad him with knee, head, and elbow pad-age!

I totally picked these babies myself!

These pears are not quite ready for picking yet. I wish they were. Pears are my FAVORITE!

Nana and Poppy have just purchased a home in Talent, Oregon. They have such a beautiful property! There are peach trees, plum trees, pear trees, rose bushes, a gazebo, and ponds with fish! It's such a beautiful house, too! It makes me want to find a job and save, save, save so I can retire as successfully. Americans are such bad savers. I heard on public radio (here I go again) that although saving has risen to a level not seen since 1998, it's still pitifully low especially in comparison to our Chinese counterparts.

Tikis and Karaoke

A few pictures of my last night in Hawaii. Taryn organized a great get-together with my friends. She's such a good planner. We all had an amazing time!

Last Day of School

Miss Judelyn, Miss Colleen, and Joseph

Joseph eats things at school that he wont touch at home... It's frustrating!

His cute classmates

Hungry for a good lunch

I will miss Jayden saying, "Hi Auntie Tiffany!" He's Mr. Aloha!

Listening intently to Miss Colleen's story.

We will certainly miss the caring and responsible staff at Seagull School- Kapolei. They were such an important influence in Joseph's development. Especially now, since I am spending 24/7 with Joseph, I am understanding how difficult it can be to challenge him. He's always on the move. Bless Miss Judelyn and Miss Colleen for being so patient and kind to our family!

Joseph still recreates morning circle time. We start with the Welcome Wand song. Then we sing the "Joseph's here today" song and choose the helper of the day. Joseph likes to be Miss Colleen and he wants me to be his special helper. I love it. I'm working on a temporary curriculum until his school at Jackson Park starts in September.

Outback with the Neighbors

I love, love, LOVE our neighbors at Aoku Street! They are the very best neighbors that we could ever ask for! What makes me so sad is that we didn't take time during our four years to hang out more with Lisa, Flo, and Diane. Although I know that we'll NEVER have neighbors like this again, I know that we'll always be in touch with these guys. Hopefully Flo and Lisa will visit his relatives in Washington and stop on over at our house. Flo is the best fisherman alive and it will be cool to have Joseph learn from him. We have a lake in walking distance to our house and they stock the fish. I guess I will have to learn to like eating it.

My Budding Scientist

Gotta love this look of deep concentration!

We went to the Science Museum in Oregon this weekend and it was a blast! Man, the Children's Discovery Center in Kaka`ako has nothing on this baby. The theme this weekend was the 1970s and there were a lot of demonstrations related to it. The kids got to tie dye a shirt, make lava lamps, go into Greg Brady's craft room, and make a light show. It was far out!

We were in Oregon spending some time with Nana, Poppy, and Great Nana. It was nice to be together for no reason at all. Usually, when we're all together it's because of Christmas or some other holiday. It's nice to just hang out because you're in the area. Yes, it is true that Washington is hardly in the area of Southern Oregon. However, since experiencing the extreme shock of 8.5% tax in Washington, shopping in Oregon has been a pleasure! We had some items from Pottery Barn and Costco sent to Nana and Poppy's house before we made the move over to Washington. They were nice enough to hold on to it until we made the trip over. I can't wait to put together his new furniture. I'll be sure to show you pictures of his room and the rest of the house soon.

Moving is SO expensive! I wince at the thought of the escalating costs! My school tuition is due soon, too! When it rains, it pours. Thank goodness for the Bowfin Memorial Scholarship. It will pay for the rest of my schooling! The check wont be here for a while since it has to be forwarded from Hawaii. Surprisingly, our Netflix have been making it quickly. That's a blessing we haven't been able to enjoy as a result of the mounds of boxes yet to be unpacked. I thought the movers unpacked everything and took away the garbage. I guess I was wrong. I told Joe we're not moving for a VERY long time if we can help it.

The Tipsy Baker

Lately, many of my sentences begin with, "There was an interesting piece on Public Radio about..." but I maintain that it is not simply because I am a victim of circumstance. Yes, I live in the middle of nowhere. Yes, I navigate through formidable terrain on my way from the computer to the bathroom. This isn't why I'm glued to the radio. There is nothing more delightful than listening to Market Place, Fresh Air, or As It Happens! This particular broadcast mentioned a blog in which the author examines the cost effectiveness of producing consumables versus purchasing them at the store. Who has time for this, you may ask? Well, if you've lost your job, time is torturously abundant, as I am about to discover. She compares the price and quality of her home-produced bagels with that of the mega-chain supermarket and the specialty bagel stores as ubiquitous as Starbucks and finds that while she could be spending as much as $.79 per bagel, her concoctions cost a scant $.15! Impressive savings, if you ask me! As soon as I heard that, I added her blog on my list. She can be found at tipsybaker.blogspot.com

Check it out!