Saturday, June 14, 2008
New Bike!
Last summer we purchased a road bike for Luke so he could commute to work, saving both time sitting in traffic and money on gas. We figured eventually the bike would pay for itself through the savings. All summer I was jealous and sad that we could not go on weekend bike rides together. Therefore, Luke and I decided to buy my birthday present a little early this year (My birthday is in September), so that we would not miss on the summer biking season. We started looking for bikes Memorial Day weekend and by the end of the weekend we settled on this beginner road bike. We even took it out the day we bought it for a quick ride. Today we are off to go on a family bike ride with Luke's parents and sister. I am sure we will have a great time. . Here is a quick picture of my bike off the Internet. I hope to have some of me actually riding the bike soon.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Spring Break
This break has been rather interesting. I usually look forward to this break as a time when I can break out my shorts and t-shirts and enjoy the new sun and fresh air. However, this break brought a completely opposite occurrence - SNOW. It snowed not just one day but two. I couldn't believe my eyes on Wednesday when driving home the thick rain turned to white flakes. As I continued to drive, the snow only became more intense and it continued through the evening. By the end we had almost two inches of snow at our house which lasted through the next morning. Once again, to my dismay, we had snow on Friday. This time however the snow was wet and slushy. It stuck just slightly to the grass but never to the roads.
Although the snowfall kept me from breaking out the shorts and t-shirts, it didn't keep from redecorating the kitchen. In fact it only encouraged me to stay warm in my cozy house and paint all day Wednesday and Thursday (with the exception of a few Home Depot trips). The redecorating started a few weeks ago when my dad came and installed new marble tile counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. We then decided that we wanted to repaint the kitchen and try out a suede technique by Ralph Lauren. Now that the project is finished, I have a few pictures of the redecorating process to share with you.
After Pictures
Although the snowfall kept me from breaking out the shorts and t-shirts, it didn't keep from redecorating the kitchen. In fact it only encouraged me to stay warm in my cozy house and paint all day Wednesday and Thursday (with the exception of a few Home Depot trips). The redecorating started a few weeks ago when my dad came and installed new marble tile counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms. We then decided that we wanted to repaint the kitchen and try out a suede technique by Ralph Lauren. Now that the project is finished, I have a few pictures of the redecorating process to share with you.
Before Pictures
After Pictures
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Maggiano's
Amy this post is especially for you. Two summers ago, when Luke and I were visiting Amy and Dan, they took us out to a wonderful dinner at Maggiano's in Nashville. We went solely for the famed family feast that consists of three all you can eat courses. The first course is your choice of two salads, two appetizers and of course bread. The second course consists of your choice of two pasta dishes and two meat dishes. The final course is dessert. The food is fantastic and when you are with two guys that can really eat the "all you can eat" is amazing. For the food, atmosphere, and great fellowship the price is definitely worth it. Therefore, when we found out a brand new Maggianos had opened in Bellevue, Luke and I were looking for any reason to go. We finally made it last November and convinced Jennie, Chris and Bekah to go with us. We had such a great time and of course left with our stomachs bulging. I only have one picture from the event which I stole from Bekah's facebook. If any of you are looking for a fun evening of food and great friends, we definetly recommend this place. Thanks Dan and Amy for introducing it to us.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
It has been a long time
Since I have failed to post much in the past few months, here is a quick update on what Luke and I have been up to.
In the fall I started my 4th year of teaching. And as if teaching wasn't enough of a commitment, I took on an assistant coach position for the girl's soccer team at Seattle Christian. Even though the time commitment was a little more than I had anticipated, I truly enjoyed getting to know the girls on the team and building relationships with them outside of the classroom setting. In the end we placed 3rd in state.
In the fall I started my 4th year of teaching. And as if teaching wasn't enough of a commitment, I took on an assistant coach position for the girl's soccer team at Seattle Christian. Even though the time commitment was a little more than I had anticipated, I truly enjoyed getting to know the girls on the team and building relationships with them outside of the classroom setting. In the end we placed 3rd in state.
Luke has also been quite busy. He is currently pursuing a his masters in Systems Engineering, and on December 14th he finished his first course, engineering economics. As a result he has been able to apply some of the concepts he learned to our investment portfolio and long term financial planning. It is rather interesting and just slightly over my head : ). In addition to class, he has been rather busy at work.
As our busy schedules started to come to a close, we found ourselves heading into the holiday season. This year we spent Thanksgiving in Yakima and found it quite relaxing. Christmas was spent with the Walker's. We were so anxious for the break and we thoroughly enjoyed our four days over in Bremerton. After getting together with Luke's extended family for some holiday parties, the five of us spent Christmas morning together. That evening my family joined us for dinner and had a great Walker/Maissen family feast.
Luke and I are now thoroughly enjoying our last few days of break before we have to head back to work on Wednesday. Below our a few pictures from Thanksgiving and Christmas.
White Christmas
Luke and I (someday we will send out Christmas cards!)
Family picture with the Walkers
Cousins and significant others
Christmas dinner
Puzzles have become quite the holiday tradition
Thanksgiving with the Maissen's
Monday, September 10, 2007
What's in a Name
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
My middle name is Rache'e with the long A sound like Renae.
R- Random - I think this mostly takes place at night when I start to become tired. This could also be described as loopy, since it seems I say and do rather peculiar things around this time.
A - Athletic - Well, at least I used to be. Now I just try to work out. However, since I started coaching soccer it seems that my workout schedule has plummeted. I am hoping to get back into the routine soon.
C - Coffee fanatic - After working at Starbucks for a year or two, I became addicted to coffee. Since then, I have been unable to break the habit, and 1st period is just not going to get the best of me unless I have my morning cup of Joe.
H - Huge Office Fan! Luke and I became addicted to this show during the second season. Since we had missed part of Season 2 and all of Season 1, we borrowed the DVD's and had a Office marathon to catch up. Essentially we spent an entire weekend laughing hysterically. It is now my new favorite show, and the season premier is September 27th! Yippee!
E - Eventually I will learn to cook! I have been practicing more, and after three years of marriage I have decided it is time to learn. I have mastered a few meals and am looking for great recipes. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
E - English Teacher - I know this is boring, but I needed a second E and I was having a hard enough time thinking of the first. Therefore, I am sticking with the basics. I am in my 4th year of teaching and for the most part really enjoying it. I have a great group of kids and the year has started off really well. I guess we will see how I feel next June. Until then, I am having fun. : )
I tag Amy : )
My middle name is Rache'e with the long A sound like Renae.
R- Random - I think this mostly takes place at night when I start to become tired. This could also be described as loopy, since it seems I say and do rather peculiar things around this time.
A - Athletic - Well, at least I used to be. Now I just try to work out. However, since I started coaching soccer it seems that my workout schedule has plummeted. I am hoping to get back into the routine soon.
C - Coffee fanatic - After working at Starbucks for a year or two, I became addicted to coffee. Since then, I have been unable to break the habit, and 1st period is just not going to get the best of me unless I have my morning cup of Joe.
H - Huge Office Fan! Luke and I became addicted to this show during the second season. Since we had missed part of Season 2 and all of Season 1, we borrowed the DVD's and had a Office marathon to catch up. Essentially we spent an entire weekend laughing hysterically. It is now my new favorite show, and the season premier is September 27th! Yippee!
E - Eventually I will learn to cook! I have been practicing more, and after three years of marriage I have decided it is time to learn. I have mastered a few meals and am looking for great recipes. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
E - English Teacher - I know this is boring, but I needed a second E and I was having a hard enough time thinking of the first. Therefore, I am sticking with the basics. I am in my 4th year of teaching and for the most part really enjoying it. I have a great group of kids and the year has started off really well. I guess we will see how I feel next June. Until then, I am having fun. : )
I tag Amy : )
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Road Trip: Lennox, South Dakota
The purpose of this road trip was to go and meet Luke's relatives out in South Dakota. After being together for 8 years, I finally had the chance to meet Luke's Grandma Ruth, Uncle Steve, Aunt LouAnn, and cousins Kyle and Justin. We had a great time on the farm visiting and making trips into the small town of Lennox. I even had the chance to drive a tractor while I was there. Here are some pictures from the trip.
Welcome to the farm!
The farm house was built in 1918, and Luke's grandma has lived there for 60 years. The house was originally built by Luke's great-grandpa.
Family picture with the Walker's and Luke's Grandma
Picture with Luke's Uncle Steve, Aunt LouAnn, Kyle, and Justin
A little painting farm style
LouAnn's weekly concert in the park
Here I am learning to drive the tractor
This was taken just after Luke's Uncle Steve abandoned me!
Here is Uncle Steve proudly walking away
Luke finally jumped in and taught me how to park.
I was a little calmer when this was taken.
I was glad to be back on safe ground.
Luke's Uncle Steve farms both soy beans and corn.
Here is a shot of the soy beans at dusk.
Bekah walking towards the farm after the boys threw a water balloon at her
Luke in front of the old barn.
Kyle with his dog sparky driving around in his Ranger.
Justin hanging out at Grandma's house.
Bekah, Luke, and I in front of the Sioux Falls
A little painting farm style
LouAnn's weekly concert in the park
Here I am learning to drive the tractor
This was taken just after Luke's Uncle Steve abandoned me!
Here is Uncle Steve proudly walking away
Luke finally jumped in and taught me how to park.I was a little calmer when this was taken.
I was glad to be back on safe ground.
Luke's Uncle Steve farms both soy beans and corn.Here is a shot of the soy beans at dusk.
Bekah walking towards the farm after the boys threw a water balloon at her
Luke in front of the old barn.
Kyle with his dog sparky driving around in his Ranger.
Justin hanging out at Grandma's house.
Bekah, Luke, and I in front of the Sioux Falls
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
This is my first tag, so we will see how I do.
The Rules:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
1. I have a habit of dancing/singing to TV commercials. Typically my only audience is my husband, and he thinks the whole thing is pretty hilarious. He keeps threatening to buy a video camera and submit my antics to AFA.
2. I just recently overcame my nail biting habit. I am rather proud and have since treated myself to a couple of manicures. If you haven't had a manicure, it is kind of fun. However, I went to one place that took a full hour. I was a little tired of sitting by the end.
3. My mom says I have to include this next random fact. When I was just 15 years old I crashed a pick-up truck into a 5 wheel trailer. Since this truck was parked close to the house, when the truck pushed the trailer it scraped the side of the house. I guess you could say it was not the best time to learn how to drive a stick shift. The sad part is that I still don't know how to drive a stick shift.
4. Even though I teach English, I am a terrible speller. I also struggle with grammar. I am sure you have noticed that in a few of my posts. I typically triple check my writing and often ask someone else to read when I am finished. And even after all that checking, it seems the mistakes still slip through the cracks.
5. I like to read novels/stories that don't have a pretty or neatly wrapped ending. One of my recent favorites is "Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. It is about a man who wakes up one morning and he is a giant beetle. Interesting and somewhat sad themes run throughout the short story. It is a fast and rather intriguing read.
6. Just like Amy, I am not a huge fan of this whole technology business. I bought my first cell phone just 2 1/2 years ago, and I just learned how to text message last spring when Braxton was born. I still don't have an ipod, and I also can't seem to figure out how to download music. Most of my skills on the computer are limited to the Internet and Microsoft word. The sad part of all this is that Luke is a computer software engineer. I guess since he is my husband, I can have him fix all my technology problems.
7. I am still trying to learn how to grocery shop and plan meals. For some reason it did not come naturally to me after I got married, and my repertoire is limited to about three dishes that I know will turn out when I fix them. If you have any great suggestions about planning meals, cooking, and grocery shopping, PLEASE send them.
8. I like to think of home improvement projects for Luke and I. As you saw in a previous post, we designed built-ins and my dad installed them. We are one room and hallway shy of painting the entire place, and within the year I hope to tear up the floors and put down hardwood or the fake laminate (depending on price). Seems like I inherited the project bug from my mom, and fortunately have a dad who is brilliant with construction.
I am tagging Jen Green and Keriann.
The Rules:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
1. I have a habit of dancing/singing to TV commercials. Typically my only audience is my husband, and he thinks the whole thing is pretty hilarious. He keeps threatening to buy a video camera and submit my antics to AFA.
2. I just recently overcame my nail biting habit. I am rather proud and have since treated myself to a couple of manicures. If you haven't had a manicure, it is kind of fun. However, I went to one place that took a full hour. I was a little tired of sitting by the end.
3. My mom says I have to include this next random fact. When I was just 15 years old I crashed a pick-up truck into a 5 wheel trailer. Since this truck was parked close to the house, when the truck pushed the trailer it scraped the side of the house. I guess you could say it was not the best time to learn how to drive a stick shift. The sad part is that I still don't know how to drive a stick shift.
4. Even though I teach English, I am a terrible speller. I also struggle with grammar. I am sure you have noticed that in a few of my posts. I typically triple check my writing and often ask someone else to read when I am finished. And even after all that checking, it seems the mistakes still slip through the cracks.
5. I like to read novels/stories that don't have a pretty or neatly wrapped ending. One of my recent favorites is "Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. It is about a man who wakes up one morning and he is a giant beetle. Interesting and somewhat sad themes run throughout the short story. It is a fast and rather intriguing read.
6. Just like Amy, I am not a huge fan of this whole technology business. I bought my first cell phone just 2 1/2 years ago, and I just learned how to text message last spring when Braxton was born. I still don't have an ipod, and I also can't seem to figure out how to download music. Most of my skills on the computer are limited to the Internet and Microsoft word. The sad part of all this is that Luke is a computer software engineer. I guess since he is my husband, I can have him fix all my technology problems.
7. I am still trying to learn how to grocery shop and plan meals. For some reason it did not come naturally to me after I got married, and my repertoire is limited to about three dishes that I know will turn out when I fix them. If you have any great suggestions about planning meals, cooking, and grocery shopping, PLEASE send them.
8. I like to think of home improvement projects for Luke and I. As you saw in a previous post, we designed built-ins and my dad installed them. We are one room and hallway shy of painting the entire place, and within the year I hope to tear up the floors and put down hardwood or the fake laminate (depending on price). Seems like I inherited the project bug from my mom, and fortunately have a dad who is brilliant with construction.
I am tagging Jen Green and Keriann.
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