Monday, June 8, 2009

Updates...

Hi my blog readers. Sorry I've been slow to post lately. Life has been busy... busier than usual, so I'll give you the quick updates and then I promise to be a better blogger this summer. My goal is at least 2x a week whether I have anything to say or not. ;-) I've found that some of my favorite of my blog friends' posts are when they are just random. But this one is purposeful, so here goes...

Last Wednesday I officially attended my last day of class as a student (ever) unless I go back to school for something else. The joke with my parents is that I should try law or medical school next, but I think I'm ready to see what it's like to be a member of the working world. As many of you know, I have accepted an internship position in Portland for next year as a Behavior Support Specialist, which means moving to Portland (2hours from here). I do still have graduate work to do--a dissertation to defend in October and internship requirements to fulfill. If all goes according to plan, I will graduate with my PhD next June.

Last Wednesday Ricky officially resigned from his job here in Eugene. He is on a ten month contract but spreads his pay over 12 months, so he will receive pay through August. He was hoping to take a leave of absence and have the option of coming back next year, but with budget cuts, his class was taken (for now) making his position either .8 or .9 FTE. The district won't grant leave of absences for less than full time, so he had to stay or resign. He chose to resign so that he can move to Portland with me and attend umpire school next winter. I know this was a very difficult decision for him, but he is excited about the opportunity to explore something he's always enjoyed. I'm excited for him (and for us). We will be completely out of our house in Eugene by the end of July.

So, last Friday we went to Portland so I could work for the day and we could look at potential houses to rent. It was a productive day, and we've found a house. You can see pictures if you follow the link:http://portlandcreativerealtors.idxco.com/idx/3112/photoGallery.php?idxID=037&listingID=8105432
The landlords are first time landlords who were trying to sell the house initially but had no luck. The furniture is theirs but you can get an idea. We're excited. It has a yard for the dogs and is in a good location. It's about 10 minutes from my office and about 15 minutes from downtown. There is a MAX stop a few blocks away, meaning we can take public transit to downtown easily. The bike path is only a couple of houses down as well, so we can take the dogs for walks or we can enjoy our bikes. There are a couple of great fitness centers within walking distance as well.

Speaking of fitness, Ricky has been working really hard to get in shape for umpire school and has lost at least 10 lbs. He started running on the treadmill and has made great progress. Somewhere along the way, he inspired me to try running (he seemed to be getting great "bang for his buck" in terms of an extensive workout in minimal time). I've joined him on the quest, and although it's hard, we are making progress. The first day I ran, I could barely jog about 6-7 minutes at a time. Now, I'm running 25 minutes straight at a brisker pace. Some days are harder than others, but I always feel great when I've done. So, thanks to my hubby for inspiring me. :) 

Also related to fitness, I'm headed to Arkansas June 22 to test for my fourth degree black belt on June 25 at World Championships. I'm excited. The testing requirements have changed some, and I now "get" to do a fitness test in addition to the testing. For the fitness test, I have to do a total of 300 techniques in 5 minutes one minute each of: push ups, sit ups, kicks, combinations, and punches. For my testing, I will demonstrate my form, sparring, and break 3 boards. Pray for my confidence for this. If I pass, I'll have the summer to work on my new form before moving to Portland. 

In other news, we are excited for Chris and Susan (Ricky's brother and sister in law) to come visit us early July. We are looking forward to seeing Kris Allen, the Idol concert (first stop is Portland). In addition, we are taking couple of days to head to Seattle and see the Mariners play, eat some great food, and do some shopping (at least Susan and I are excited about that). 

I think that's about it. Oh, and laura recognized my blog with this great award (the link to her blog is on the right of my page). Thanks, Laura!

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1 comment:

Laura said...

this was a good way to start my morning. :) I love the house too - it looks super cute. Wish we could be there in June - my billie jo tank is running low, needs a refill.