Creepy Vans

Yesterday while walking out of my apartment I saw two people around the corner. Even though it didn't look abnormal, for some reason I had the feeling that they were fighting. Sure enough after this thought popped in my head they began yelling at each other and using their arms and feet to convey their message. They were in a serious fight. I was on my way to catch the max to meet my parents downtown so I had to keep walking. But the funny things is that the farther away from them I got, the more I could hear them. Funny how that works. From my glances over my shoulder every few seconds I could see that the boy had now moved into the van they were arguing next to and the girl was still standing outside of it yelling at him. She was kicking and screaming and everything. I got semi nervous.

This van has been parked outside of my place for the longest time. It's slightly creepy, mainly because it hasn't moved much. Parking outside my place is metered parking. Leaving a car there for days can get quite expensive and annoying having to feed the meter every five hours from 8am to 7pm. Anyway. I never do this, but I called 911. And reported a domestic dispute. As I was talking to dispatch I could still see the couple and the girl seemed to be giving up and starting to walk away. I debated whether or not to tell the dispatcher this though, because I still thought it best for an officer to come make sure everything is alright. Who knows if anything bad was about to happen. I decided to tell her. She asked if the police were still needed. I said it would be a good idea for them to at least drive by. She said they would only come if there was hitting. Our conversation ended there.

Right then the max came and as I hopped on I felt great about being a good citizen/neighbor. But I know somewhere in Portland at least one police officer could have ended their donut break a few minutes earlier in order to make sure things were ok. The van was still there when I got home that night. I was half tempted to peek inside to see if the boy was sleeping in there. So weird.

In other news. Kelli and I walked to get our nails done a few days ago. I was wearing a Cardinals shirt and she was wearing a Red Sox sweatshirt (one that I had given her ;) As we walked across the street we not only passed by a Cubs fan, but also a Yankees fan. What are the odds?

Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under

I did karaoke last night. My friends and I actually go quite often. I don't usually sing when we go though. A beautiful voice is not something I was blessed with. So I usually sit it out and let others shine on the stage. So nice of me, I know. But last night Lauren came with me. And right away she chose a song for us to sing. Before I knew it I was handing our slip to the DJ. After what seemed like eternity, we were up on the stage singing a good country tune. "Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under" would have been much better if we were both wearing our boots that we bought together in Dallas. But it was still great nonetheless.

That song prompted me to do this before church this morning...


I spent my whole first paycheck from Southwest on these boots. And I never wear them now. Lauren got some that were way cooler. But I am not completely in love with mine anymore. They are so huge on me. That's supposed to be the style, but when you already have large feet, there's nothing cute about wear boots with an elongated toe. So, any takers??

My BFF, MAX

I now regularly commute to work on the MAX. Although it requires being ready 30 minutes earlier than if I drove to work, it's worth it. I hate driving my car lately. I park it far away from my apartment downtown so it's inconvenient to use it. I like to challenge myself to figure out alternative ways to get around. Apparently it didn't take me long to return to the Portland roots I left behind almost 7 years ago. Living with the parents in Beaverton made using public transportation a little difficult, but now that I am downtown it's so much easier than driving around.

Last month I was starting work at 5am. The first MAX gets to the airport at 4:45. And the next one isn't until 5:15. So I only have one option. I can't miss the train. I was doing so well until the final week on the dreaded schedule. I was down at the station in enough time but I had a feeling I didn't have my badge on me. So I quickly scanned my backpack. I didn't find it so I ran up the stairs to my apartment. Threw apart my room to look for it. After a minute I decided to check my backpack again. It was in there the whole time. So I flew back down the stairs. Ran to the stop only to see the back of the train already gone. My instincts kicked in and I started to run. See here's the thing. The weekend before that I had decided instead of driving home in rush hour traffic I was going to leave my car parked at the airport and take the MAX instead. It seemed like a great idea until this moment. Of course I had to miss the train on a morning when my car wasn't parked downtown. After running through downtown unsuccessfully I walked up to a parked cab, bartered my way down to a $20 ride instead of $35. After that I swore I would never leave my car at the airport.

I love my commute though. The crazy things I see every day keep me coming back. Exhibit A:

How did you forget that you weren't wearing your shoes anymore?

I do have one suggestion for TriMet. Everyone riding should be required to be clean and smell good. I'm just saying...

SHOUT IT OUT!!

A few weeks ago my cuz, Laura texted me and told me she was craving my cupcakes. Funny, cause I was too. (The baker inside of me has disappeared for awhile :( ). I told her she must come up to Portland and visit in order to get some. She told me she couldn't right now. Why? Because she's feeling a bit under the weather these days... Why? Cause she's PREGGO!!!!!!!! I got so excited I called her right then (even though I was working). I didn't care if I got busted on my phone.
THIS was BIG news! She's been trying for years and not having any luck. Finally a little Field baby is coming to Clovis!! Then she proceeded to tell me, I couldn't tell anyone yet. WHAT?!?! how was I supposed to keep a huge secret like that?? Well, I am happy to report that I was successful. I almost slipped a few times. But she has finally announced it to the world, so now I can be super excited for her and tell everyone. I just read all of her blog posts about the pregnancy and couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed. This was a looooooong time coming for a well-deserving couple.

CONGRATS LA AND DREWSK!

You guys are going to be great parents. I can't wait for September 17th!
I love Christmas miracles :)

WANTED: Roommate for SWF

I successfully convinced someone to move to Portland! All it took was two visits and she was sold. Actually I am pretty sure she was sold during the first visit, but she had to pass a little thing we like to call probation before she could transfer... It's official now though and I am SOOOO excited! I wish I would have held off on moving just a month longer. But I am here in my new place for a few more months and there's not a whole lot of room for two people in here. So that means we've got to find Lauren a place to stay in Portland. Anyone looking for a roommate or know of others looking for one? She starts out here March 1st.

If you know of anything let me know!

Under the Weather

The fact about music is its power to evoke emotions. Music has the ability to inevitably tap the still, mysterious deep well of our emotions. What's also interesting is the different emotions that come from a single song depending on your current state. I have listened to a certain song many times and thought nothing of it. But when I listened to it last night, I felt the words speaking to me and really comforting me when I needed it. Music has so much power!

I am also amazed at the perfect timing of some things. The inspiration we receive to help others along, is truly a testament that there is a God. Many times I have done things for others without a single thought that it would be just what they needed at that time. We are the hands of God on this earth. Phillipians 2:13 says "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." When I recognize this in my life I can't help but thank God for the people he has placed in my life. I am surrounded by amazing people!

Thank you Ty for sending the CD. It arrived yesterday and could not have been at a better time. I love every single song you chose. It's exactly what I needed to feel comfort from a friend when I felt so alone.

On my agenda today:
Listen to this playlist on repeat. All day.

New Life, New Hope, New Joy He Brings

Heard this song on my way home from work last night. Reminded me of the Holidays back in Provo a few years ago with Malpal. We LOVED to blast this song and sing at the top of our lungs. How about a repeat of that when I fly out there next week??