Christmas Wish List

Okay, first of all - I hope you like my temporary new look, just for the holidays!

Some of you have been asking for my wish list for Christmas this year so I thought i'd post it below for easy view and so I can add some links for some specific items I have on my list this year! And of course, as always I am adding some outrageous wishes but do not expect to receive them. ;-)

-Camp Stove (something like this would be awesome)
http://www.joessports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1973070& cp=2660363.713364.1346328.712663&parentPage=family

-New tent (big enough for four)

-Sleeping pad for camping

-Tires for the car (I am way over due!)

-Triple A subscription (Roadside assistance - the basic is just fine)
http://www.aaaorid.com/membership/benefits_single_view.asp?mem=Basic

-Bread maker machine

-New set of silverware

-Hooks for crocheting, a set of of metal ones would be cool

-$ for craft store (for yarn, etc)

-$ for passport

-Travel bag, accessories for my diabetes supplies from Stick It
http://stickmedesigns.com/shop/index.php

-Long sleeved tshirts and warm sweaters

-Walking Shoes

-Glass baking pans
http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2063690&cp=1331607.1331950.3189473&parentPage=family

Edited to add:
Cheese grater
popcorn popper

I think this is a good list so far - i'll add to it if I think of anything else. :)
Love you all, and Happy Holidays!!
OX

Lookeee, new curtains are up!

Look at how pretty it looks!

The living room is still missing the coffee and side tables which I already bought. I need to assemble them though!

Enjoy :)

Back.... for now!

Okay.. i'm back after a few months' hiatus. I gotta try and be better about blogging. Summer's gone and fall's here already! I still have a few weeks left until I start fall quarter. Another school is about to begin. It's gonna be an interesting year, no doubt about that!

I'm trying to get back on track with my diabetes and salvage what I can. It's going to be a hard road. I need to find me an Endo who will be willing to work with me and all my stubborn-ness!

In my boredom, I was looking up stuff and trying to become updated in the Diabetes world. You'll be amazed how much has changed in a couple of years with technology and new information. I discovered a new pumping system that looks pretty cool!

http://www.myomnipod.com/products/section/189/

This pump is two separate parts. One is the infusion set and a wireless PDA like controller. No tubing!! And it does the insertion by itself, no manually inserting!! I hated doing infusion changes. How cool is that? The device is also an blood sugar monitor as well. Pretty nifty.

My only concerns are: The company is pretty new. The cartridges only hold 200units of insulin, I use a lot and my old pump held 300 units. The other concern is how big the infusion sets actually are. I'd have to actually see it in person to judge though. I'll have to read what users think and like/not like about this particular pumping system.

The other website I discovered.

http://www.stickmedesigns.com/shop/index.php

I was looking for something new for carrying my diabetes supplies. I've used pencil/pen cases and make up bags in the past. They worked but not designed for carrying diabetes stuff and often I would need to organize it. I was thinking it would be cool to have something actually made to carry and organize my diabetes supplies, something compact and cute to boot. It took some sleuthing and googling, but I finally stumbled on this.

How awesome are they?!!!! I totally want the jetsetter bag! Too bad it's $60. :( The smaller bags are so cute too, as well as the compartments where you can keep used test strips and used syringes to dispose later. That's exactly what I was looking for. I want to purchase something from the website, not sure what yet. So, if you can't figure out a gift to get me, the jetsetter bag is it! I'll love you forever! *hint hint lol*

Okay, toodles for now. :) OX

More from Saturday :)

Pictures from Saturday :)

New Couch!!!!

After searching high and low, I finally decided on a couch. My mom ended up offering to drive down here to Salem and go shopping with me for one. She was such a good sport doing this for me. We looked in about 7 or 8 stores. We ended up going back to the third store we had gone to - to look at this couch. I fell in love with it and mom did too. She even said if it was her buying one, this would be the one she bought too. I could have gotten the couch in 8 different colors and have it at my house in less than 30 days. I looked through the colors but the color of the couch that was on display still stayed with me and was my favorite. So I bought it right there. It was just delivered to my home half an hour ago! (Free!). I spent way too much on it- but it is a worthwhile purchase. If taken good care of, it will last 15 years at least. Mom graciously lent me the money I didn't have to buy it. I'm waiting for my stimulus check to arrive then I will of course pay her back. Love you mom! Here are a few pictures. :)
(The red/black/white color scheme I had in mind is out of the window apparently lol)

Special People in my Universe

Tonight I was reading other blogs and got this idea. For once, I am not going to talk about me. I think for a change, I will talk about people who are important to me. People who have influence on my life. I will make posts from time to time, introducing one at a time and tell a story or make comments about them. Don't worry, if you find yourself up on my list - it's all good stuff! :)

To start this off, let me introduce the most important person in my life. Literally, I wouldn't be here if not for this person.....

Shelley, my MAMA.

See, just like I said. I wouldn't be here if not for her!

My mom was only 17 when I was born. She took on the hardest job of raising a child, starting at such a young age. I turned out not half bad, didn't I? That shows the dedication and love of a wonderful mom. I think the most poignant event (or a series of them) that showed how much she cared and how much she wanted me to succeed was when she fought the school district for a full time interpreter. Let me tell you, she was only about 23 when this all occurred. She spent months fighting the school district to provide an full time interpreter for me in the hearing classroom I was in. Mind you, this school didn't have a Deaf program. I was the only Deaf student in the whole school. At one point, I had to commute to another town to attend the Deaf program half-day and spending the other with an interpreter at my local elementary school. Well, that was at the inistence of the school district. My mom wasn't sastified, she fought them until gradually the school district gave in and provided an interpreter full time for me. Mom again and again showed her dedication towards the best education for me later when I was older by moving a state away, leaving dad behind so I could go to CSD in Fremont, CA. When we arrived in San Francisco, the school district there refused to approve sending me to CSD. What did my mom do? She refused to send me to the local school until they would give in and approve the paperwork for me to be transferred to Fremont. I missed two months of school.

There are so many more stories and instances I can tell you about my wonderful mama. I could probably write a book! But this is just an example why I love her so much and am so thankful to have her in my life. Love you mom!!! OXOX

Oh Yeah!

My favorite picture of my California trip. My girls and me! :)

This and That!

It has been a couple weeks since I last posted. I apologize for the lack of posts lately. Things have been pretty steadily busy.

Sac-Town was fun. It actually was pretty relaxing too. We partied one night, hung out at home, walked around the mall and had dinner at Fresh Choice another day. We unfortunately also wasted a whole day in Santa Rosa waiting to meet my aunt who we didn't get to see until 8pm. Then I stayed behind while the girls were at work. My last day, I went with Shari to work and met her cute kids she works with.

I returned to Portland, spent the rest of the week catching on sleep and visiting a couple of friends. It went by wayy too fast. Last week, I started my first week of the spring term. It was crazy! I had classes then ended up traveling to Vancouver twice in a week to help Sarah out. Sarah, I know you will read this- don't feel bad! I didn't mind doing it at all! :)

In fact, the weekend I spent with dear Sarah and the cutest baby in the world, Lilah was fun. It was nice just hanging out, watching some marathons on TV, and getting to know Lilah better. Its awesome seeing her personality bloom, getting to see her on a daily basis - her schedule, developments, likes and dislikes. Sarah and Brian have been blessed with a beaut-i-ful, and easy-going (right now - knock on wood)baby. I can't wait to get the chance to babysit Lilah sometime! ;-)

Classes have been good so far. I'm definetely enjoying Tuesdays and Thursdays for those days I have ASL 9 and ASL Linguistics. I never thought I'd appreciate having Deaf instructors so much. The last ten years I've had to take classes with interpreters. I have mostly no complaints about interpreters - they're usually awesome. However, it's always a struggle to juggle between the interpreter, the teacher and the material being taught. So right now, it's just sooo nice to have Deaf instructors that uses ASL! I'm feeling a little spoiled right now, and unfortunately I know that won't last. :( I might as well enjoy it while it lasts right?

OX!
(p.s. Sarah - I hope this gives you a little something to read finally LOL)

Hello from Sac-Town!

Last night, to start my vacation - we all went out to Faces, an awesome nightclub. We had such fun, drinking and dancing. Here's a few of my favorite pictures. :-D

Last final and Spring Break!

Whooo! I am so close!

Yesterday I was so productive! Got the house cleaned. Packed everything. Had dinner with dear Zachary. Studied for my Economics final for 4 hours straight.

This morning I got stuff done as well! Got the car cleaned out. Packed it up. Now i'm just sitting here with my Economics notes.

My final is at 2pm. Then i'm DONNNNNEEEEEE! I'm leaving right after the final, to pay two bills, get gas and hit the pedal towards Salem to pick up the B-Rit Girl! Then we will be on our way to Portland.

We fly out of Portland for Sacramento earllly tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at 6:10am and lands in Sac-Town @ 7:30am. I totally can't wait to see my Shari friend!

Don't be surprised if I don't post for the next week or so, but you never know. I might make a surprise appearance, so keep watching.

Peace out until then! OX

In honor of St. Paddy's!

Here's a picture of me in green. Brit (also in green!) surprised me this morning when she arrived at my door. She had her hair DOWN!!!!! Such rarity!

Stardust

This movie, "Stardust" caught me by surprise. I didn't expect much from it but turned out to be a good one.

It's a fairy tale kind of movie, however it had a good plot and story to keep me going. Gwenolyn Paltrow and Michelle Pfiffer star in this movie.

I give it four stars.

First VLOG!

Going on strike.

Starting after Spring Break, I'm going on strike.

I'm staying put. I'm not traveling anymore to visit people. It will not be until after people come visit me, that I will again make trips.

This is not meant to be mean or anything. I am just tired of being the one who makes the time and spending money on traveling, when others don't do vice versa.

Yes, that also means Portland and Ashland.

Girls Night Out.. and Ikea!!!!

Well.. Saturday afternoon, I drove up to Vancouver to see Sarah and Lilah. I got to play with Lilah for a few hours before Brian came home from work. I handed the lil beauty to Brian so Sarah and I could escape for a girl's night out.

Sarah who desperately needed a break from home and the baby, and I quickly headed over to Ikea to do some shopping. I had this 50 dollar gift certificate that I had gotten from my uncle and aunt in S.F. many years ago. I wasn't even sure if it'd still be valid. So off we went to the customer service counter to check. The woman who first served us, didn't say anything and walked away. Sarah and I thought she was being rude, until we realized she had brought somebody else around. Turns out they have a Deaf employee there who is the supervisor at the As Is department. Cool! We were able to easily get the issue resolved. He went to talk to the store manager and he said for me to tell the cashier to call him if needed to verify my gift certificate. Otherwise, it would be fine. So I did have $50 dollars to play with! By the time we were done at the customer service, we had just a bit more than an hour to shop. For those of you who know IKEA, that is not a lot of time at all! Sarah and I had so much fun shopping and I got a new rug for my apartment so hence I finallllly used the gift certificate. I feel better! I need to go back though, we didn't have time to finish looking at the curtain/draperies section.

After we left IKEA, we discovered that Red Robin had just opened down the street. We were starving. So we went in for dinner. We had a good time just chatting. It's always awesome to spend the evening chatting about stuff with Sarah. ;-) The manager walked up to us and asked in ASL how our food was and if we needed anything else. What are the odds?! Twice in one night.

We hopped over to Walmart in Vancouver on our way back to Sarah's. We ended up spending some time in there. We didn't leave until 1am! (Actually, 2am - I didn't realize the time change until the next day after waking up thinking it was 11:30am but turns out it was 12:30! Aughh!!)

Bottom line, IKEA rocks and so does Sarah. You're an awesome friend! :-D

Haircut part 2

Well, this morning I actually had a few moments to fix my hair before running out of the door for an doctor's appointment then to work.

It turned into a good hair day, which is rare! So I thought i'd take a few pictures with my new bangs and hair down in curls. I'm loving my bangs more than I thought I would. :)

Yikes...this is when you know you've been single too long!

Tonight we had ASL club social at Rick's place on Main Street. It was awesome. About 30-40 people showed up. It was good to see some people and meet others.

Somebody asked me, "are you straight?". I replied "VERY straight". We laughed.

SIGH! See what happens when I go without dating for so long! :-/

California, here I come baby!

Im tired after a long day of classes.

On the bright side, I'm so close to the end of the term. My classes are getting old. I'm tired of the schedule and classes I have right now. I'm ready for spring break!

For those in CA - I am flying to Sacramento early Friday morning, March 21st. Leaving at 6:10am and arriving about 7:30am I believe. I fly back on Tues, March 25th about 9pm. So, Sacramento people! Get ready for my arrival and to have a good time! I am there five full days. Let me know if you want to see me, make plans and we'll make it work! I so can't wait for a little vacation!

Ok, off to eat dinner then study, well maybe if I don't fall asleep first! ;-)

Bad day...

Well, Monday turned out to be a bad day. One thing after another!
- Got test result back for my economics class. I failed. Again! I was especially upset this time. I studied so hard for three days straight. I felt good after I finished the test thinking I passed. It wasn't to be. This was just the tip of the iceberg.
- I drove to Salem after class(20 minutes away)needing to deposit a couple of checks I had. Also to get a roll of quarters so I could do laundry. I arrived to discover the bank closed at 5pm and not 5:30pm. I arrived at 5:05pm.
- I proceed to the atm machine to make the deposit there instead. It was a while later when I realized that I had wrote the total amount of only one check, not including the second check and entered that number as well as I was depositing the checks. I am sure i'll be hearing from the bank soon, notifying me that I had made a mistake.
- By this time, I was even more mad. I thought, well okay, lets go to Old Navy for something to do. BIG mistake. They had tons of new cute stuff. I was grabbing stuff to try on. Of course, nothing fit! I walked out without anything. I proceed to hop over to Target across the street. More of the same. Walked out with nothing. I guess I saved money.
- By the time I got home, I was frickin' MAD as you can imagine.

The only thing that put a slice of light in my day was when my mom imed me in the evening and said I had mail from the electric/gas company in S.F. I was puzzled. I have not lived in California in a while. Mom asked me if I wanted her to open it to see what it was all about. I told her no. I dreaded it was a letter telling me that I owed for an old bill or something that had caught up to me. I didn't need anything else to make my day worse. Well, mom then told me that from outside of the letter, it was what looked like a check. That got me curious. I told her, "well you better open it then!"

Turns out it was truly a check for nearly $350 dollars! I couldn't believe my eyes when my mom said it. She went on to tell me that the utility commission had done an investigation on PG&E and found that between 2000-2005, they had made several misreads of meters and delays in sending out bills to customers. They were refunding people for their mistakes. I almost fell over my chair. Guess I can pay for the tires my car needs now.

This week

Holy Moly! This week was crazy!
I spent the first half studying my butt off for a big Economics test I had on Wednesday afternoon. I was so worried about it. I had failed my last two Economics tests badly, so if I want to pass this class I have to do well on the test I took on Wednesday and the next one as well.The good news is I *think* that I passed, I knew about half of the answers with confidence and was able to answer two essay questions out of three with no problem. But, you never know with those damn multiple choice questions. I won't know how I did until Monday. I'm tempted to e-mail the instructor and ask though! lol. The joys of college.
The rest of the week, I was just busy busy busy, on the go with classes, work and having a little fun with Britni. Tonight, I just crashed at home. Watched the 2nd and 3rd Bourne movies (they were badass!) and napped. It has been so long since I got to just nap, chill and watch movies. This weekend is going to be all about RELAXING!
Hope you all find the chance to do that too, once in a while. :)

Why is it that....

Ok, i'm a tad bit annoyed. Why is it that I'm always driving to see people and not vice versa? I get it that I have my parents in Portland and it's a good reason to visit, and I do visit my friends when I am there. I get it that I live in a TINY town with not much to do, and middle of no where but is that a good enough excuse? I get it that people are busy, and may not have much free time, which is understandable. I am also busy with school, studying and homework but I make the time to see people I care about. It's just too bad this happens. :-/

Flashback!!!

My cousin, Torin sent me this photo a short time ago. It totally brought flashbacks of happy times of childhood. This picture was in the yearbook of our elementary school that we went to in Ashland. The strange thing is, this photo actually shows me in one of my few moments of un-akwardness and I don't look half bad! ;-) Surprisingly, I also remember those girls' names: Elizabeth (left) and Jessica (right). Thought it would be fun to share. Ignore that heart around my face, my cousin must have drew that when he was quite young. He's a couple of years younger than me (LOL).

Bangs.....

Well, it's been a couple weeks since I got my haircut. I haven't gotten any pictures of it yet, so I thought i'd take a couple of poses to get the look of it. Yes, that's right, I added some side swept bangs. I like it even though it is annoying sometimes when I'm looking down at homework or taking a test. I carry a couple of bobby pins around all the time now for that reason. LOL. Here is a picture.

I'm back, well for the time being!

Well well, I disappeared for quite a while! I got caught up in the crazy world of living life. I was shocked to find how long ago it was that I last blogged. The last bog shows the date was just two months after I moved to Oregon. A LOT has happened since, that much I can say! It has been at least two and half years and you would be surprised at how much can change in two years
I'm a student at Western Oregon University, and have been for nearly a year. I'm nearly done with my LACC (general education core requirements) and am starting to get into my upper level major and minor courses and yes, i'm a Junior. I actually never thought i'd arrive to where I am. It's been a long time coming. This time around, I am very confident that I will graduate with a degree, and that will be in Business with a minor in Special Education/Vocational Rehabilitation.
Believe it or not, it was not until I moved here and was well into my third term that I found a part time job and shockingly that venue was easy to get. I was hired immediately and its a great part job on campus, working for WRIEC (Western Regional Interpreting Education Center) doing database work, coordinating the lending library and other specific projects as assigned to me by my boss. What I love most about this job is the flexibility! I am able to work my hours in around my class schedule.
It has definetely a turmulous couple of years. I fell hard in love, but unfortunately it wasn't returned, have tried dating a couple of times with no luck, changing cities and moving a few times (yes, moving seems to be my "thing"), changing schools, classes, tests,issues with my health, not having medical insurance, being broke, still there has been a few bright spots such as re connecting with Nicholas, meeting Sarah, Brian and then being there when beautiful Lilah was born, finally finding a four year University that I like and know I will complete my degree here, and some other things i'm forgetting here.
I've always known that writing helps in ways I'll never completely understand and for that reason, I hope to continue and post here more often. Ta-ta for now.