This weekend was a blast! It’s not often that Eric and I have Memorial weekend of, heck this is the first time in many years. It was so nice to be able to spend the day together… but also not have a heck of a lot planned. I think life gets to crazy sometimes and it’s hard to stop and pause and enjoy things. I’ve honestly been thinking about that a lot lately and how important it is to be in the moment and live life. Today in fact, I was talking with my friend Natalie’s husband, also named Eric, about the very thing. How it’s important to “go into your cave” and just “be”. I know pretty out there for me to say but as I grow older I recognize how much we’re hit with things and just “going through the motions” of life and not really living. I mean, I’m guilty of it. You know, the go to work, come home, turn on the TV, make dinner, eat, watch more TV, go to bed.. get up and do the same thing the next day. Well this weekend was really to break that cycle and just live and do things that I wanted and not feel guilty that things around the house weren’t getting done.
Friday night we went to dinner at Jenny and Jessica’s house. Those two girls are somethings else. Both are the sweetest every and Jenny is a cooking rockstar. After I finished work we headed over for some visiting, good food, and of course dessert. I have to share a super funny story though.. hope you don’t mind Jess. Ok, so we’re hanging out in the kitchen while Jenny cooks dinner and Jessica says she’s going to make dessert but she can’t remember what the dessert is called. She knows that it’s Italian and these light, fluffy cookie like things that you top with cream. We came up with all manner of Italian things.. but none were right. Then, out of the blue, Jessica says, “I know eclairs!” Without hesitation Jenny, Eric and I all looked at Jessica with “that look” that says.. “what .. are you nuts?”. Yeah, OK. we told Jessica they’re French.. not Italian. We all had a great laugh at that and in the end.. decided to head to Pix for dessert. Yummy French macaroons.
Saturday found Eric and I in our PJs, sitting on the couch, drinking the great lattes he’d made and reading our books. Yeah, ALL DAY! It was so awesome. I loved just sitting there in my PJs all day without a care in the world and enjoying my book. I have to do that more. I remember being able to do that when I was younger but I think now I just think of so many things that need to be done around the house.. or garden.. and feel guilty taking that time for me. I wish I could do a better job of switching off the type A in me because I enjoy the break and it does recharge my batteries. Between reading my book, cat naps, and having the cat sleep on me.. the day was made and not an ounce of guilt was felt. Note to self… DO THIS MORE!!!
Sunday morning we got up and did much of nothing until about 2 in the afternoon. I
figured we really need to leave the house if for no other reason that to get some air and see the outside. We ended up hitting NW 23rd with our friend Stephanie. The three of us cruised through Pottery Barn and found some great glasses for Steph. While we were there we also checked out the various couches. I really want to sell our couches and get a four seater sectional so we looked at them. This one Steph is sitting in was one of my favorites because of the colors. Of course the cost was crazy and it’s not the top priority right now but it was fun to look. Later in the day we ended up at this great Peruvian restaurant for happy hour. Oh, wow was the food great. I wish I could remember the name of the place. It’s right across from Ben and Jerry’s and down the street from Cost Plus. Eric would know. In any case.. super good food and drinks.
Today found me hanging with my friend Natalie. We hit Fabric Depot for fabric so I can finish her quilt and then of course I needed fabric for a quilt I’m working on. As like any other time.. Natalie and I found a ton of fabric we loved and some great patterns so now I have her quilt to finish, a couple of shirts for myself, a couple for Natalie and a couple dressed for her too. I love having projects to do. After Fabric Depot we headed to NW 23rd and the Crepe place for coffee and crepes. Natalie finished the sweater she made me while we were there so now I have a new sweater. It is the MOST AWESOME sweater ever. I can’t wait to wear it to work tomorrow. I’ll take a picture in the morning and try to remember to post it so you can see it. It’s green.. of course.. but it’s not just one tone.. it’s several different strands. She made the yard.. just for me so it’s a one of a kind. How special do I feel.. SUPER SPECIAL! Now I need to finish her quilt and things.
It’s been a busy weekend and yet pretty quiet. I have to say I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m ready to get back to work tomorrow. I’ve learned a lot about how to relax.. now I just need to do it with more frequency. Perhaps I’ll blog more.. journal more.. and just be.
I guess it’s been a while. I posted that Eric and I started our own Biggest Looser but since then I’ve not posted how were doing. I’ve had a few people ask how we’re doing on it. Honestly, that surprised me. I didn’t think anyone REALLY read this blog. Maybe it helps that it’s posted on Facebook too. I don’t know.
I have to say that I am enjoying getting fit. I’m enjoying working out a bit and really liking all the cool, new recipes Eric has been trying. My goal this week is to exercise for five out of the seven days this week. It’s really the exercise part for me that’s the most difficult. OK, I LOVE sweets and that’s REALLY my weakness but exercise is too. I just find it so easy to just come home and park it on the couch and watch TV or reading.
In any case here’s the update on the weight.
I’ve lost, two weeks in a row! Weight? Yeah, a little bit. Seriously though, I’ve lost to Eric two weeks in a row.
Week 1: Eric wins by .2%
Week 2: Eric wins by .18%
I suppose to most that may sound bad and a bummer, not to me. Since starting this journey I’ve lost four pounds. Not bad considering one of the weeks was my birthday and I was up in Othello for my mom’s birthday for part of it to. Did I eat well! FYI.. I make a MEAN carrot cake with cream cheese frosting (mom’s birthday request). I’ve also been exercising more, OK… I’m exercising. I’m not sure it can be more when you stopped doing it entirely.
Today was day one of WordCamp PDX and let me just say.. it was AWESOME! I attended last year and really enjoyed myself. This year was even better. I couldn’t believe all the people there. There were WAY more than last year.
Here’s a summary video.. or you can read below. Note that the video isn’t that great because I did it right into YouTube (Won’t be doing that again).
Jason Grigsby – Speed Up WordPress. Make Readers Happy and Your Site Green
The talk was very interesting and really made me think. Jason pointed out that since 2003 web page size has tripled and the number of objects on the page has doubled. Now that may not sound like that big o a deal but what I also learned was that this increase means more servers and more servers means more energy usage. I can’t remember the exact numbers but I remember Jason saying something like the amount of power used by the increase of servers can power all of Mississippi for a day. I’m sure I got that wrong, but it was something like that. I have to say I was blown away. I mean I just never made that connections. Jason went on to show us how to optimize a site and reduce the energy load that it’s using. Basically how to minimize the server drain and optimize the site. It was so neat! After seeing this presentation I’m going to optimize my site in the next couple of weeks and share the information with other bloggers in hopes that they too can help decrease the footprint on the environment.
Cami Kaos / Dr. Normal – Bondage: How to be your podcast’s Dom, not its Sub
The next presentation was by Cami Kaos and Dr. Normal. They share with us all about podcasting and things to consider when starting your own podcast. I think the biggest challenge for me would be to be consistent with it. They do such an amazing job of bringing great guests on the show. I love it.
Matt Mullenweg – WordPress Q&A
Matt Mullenweg was the next presenter. His session was more of a Q&A session with people asking hims all sorts of questions. It was interesting to hear the questions but also to hear his thoughts on WordPress. I also learned that you can post a blog posting from MS Word. Interesting stuff!
Shayne Sanderson – WPMU and Ecommerce
Shayne talked about WPMU and ecommerce and how to monitize your blog and start selling things. He did a great job discussing ecommerce and the plugin for WP that helps with that. I think the bummer was that the wifi wasn’t cooperating and so that made it hard but he was a trooper.
Unconference topic – Using WordPress as a CMS
I have to say this was interesting too. Not just because it was a non-conference topic but what began as a “how do you use WP as a CMS” really turned into what plugins do you us that help make WP a CMS. I loved the conversation and the recommendation of plugins I now have a TON of plugins to research and see if they could help in my blog(s). Thanks for the great conversation and ideas!
Tyler Sticka – WordPress-Powered Portfolios
Tyler was the last presentation of the day. I think it couldn’t have been better timed. I loved the topic of using WP for Portfolios. I really liked the fact that Tyler didn’t use bullet points in a presentation but used sketches to convey what he wanted to say. It was so nice and refreshing. He got me thinking about reposting my portfolio of ISD work and other things that I do. I really like Tyler’s website and how he has it arranged. I think I’m going to have to look at it more closely and see what I want to do with mine.
Now that I’ve attended the first day I have a HUGE list of things to look at. I thoughts I’d get them down here in case I lose my notes or someone has more to add.
List of things to check out now
Gzip
Sprite Me
PHP Speedy plugin
Podcaster iPhone app
Podpress
blip.tv
intensedebate plugin
sitepoint.com
wordpress.org/showcase
wordcamped
wordpressme.org
wordpress.tv
bluelimemedia
exclude pages plugin
page mash plugin
flexi page
custom post templates
wiki plugin?
more fields plugin
flutter
pods plugin
customize post listing plugin
multilevel navigation plugin
breadcrumbs plugin
roles and responsibilities plugin
advanced category excluder plugin
Final Thoughts
Today ROCKED! I can’t wait for tomorrow. I also got spurred on by the conversations and things. I’m now thinking about working with those that are interested to start blog/site for corp training, informal learning etc. I think it could be really cool. Bring together “training” people and “techie” people. If you’re reading this and interested, DM me on Twitter (@jltitus) and let me know.
For the last three years I’ve been taking about a week off the end of July and heading to Othello, Washington (my home town). I go and hang out with my mom, visit with friends, and just enjoy being there for a time. This time was no exception.
I got to visit my friend Cyndee and her family. She and I had a great girls day in Tri-Cities while Ryan and Daniel went to the Puz’s so Daniel could play with his friend. Cyndee and I went to Tri-Cities and got a pedicures. It was so much fun. It’s not often that I get pedicures so it was a nice treat.
I think after that we ran around to a few other places and then headed back to Connell to work on dinner. Once we got back to Connell Cyndee and I chilled and chatted about everything from what’s she’s doing now, to old teachers we’ve worked with, and more. I miss being closer and visiting her more. I’m so glad she’s lovig her job and working in Connell. It’s great too that Ryan is working there iin town too, so much better than the trips to Walla Walla.
We ended up BBQing for the night. It was so much fun! Cyndee was running the grill while Daniel and I were playing on his swing set, trampoline and soccer. Daniel is such a cutie pie and so full of energy. After dinner we headed to the pool so Daniel could go swimming. I decided I wasn’t going to goo swimming so no suit for me. I was so surprised with Dainel. He’s walk up the four flights of stairs to the top of the slide. He’d then slide down. I couldn’t believe it. he’s only 5 years old and he just does it by himself. I would be totally freaked out if that were me. He’s just fearless! It was an awesome visit! Now I just need to convince Cyndee to bring Daniel down here for a visit. I think he’d love the Children’s Museum, the Zoo, and OMSI.
Friday July 24th was the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. I’ve been going every year for the last three years. Our team is a bunch of teachers, friends, and family. I love the relay it’s such a great community event. Othello is a small town, about 6K, with a lot of heart. There are so many people that come out for this event every year. I’m always surprised at how many come out. I think we started out about 7pm with a few words from people that have survived cancer. One of those that talked this year was my mom’s friend, Kristi Spohr. She was actually my French teacher in high school. She did such a great job talking about her experience in finding out she had cancer. I stood there listening to her tearing up and thinking I should really go and get my mammogram done soon. After the talks those that have survived cancer did the survivor walk. It’s the first round around the track and done by those that have survived cancer. It’s really cool because you see a sea of purple shirts walk the track. It’s neat, and yet bitter-sweet to see all those survivors. I know so many of them too. Some are even people I’ve gone to high school with. I’m so glad they’re survivors.
Every year we raise money and every year we try to do better than the last year. This year we raised $1,700 from our team, the Studs and Duds. I was so happy we’d done so well. I’m always happy if we make more than 1K, maybe next year we’ll make 2K. This year was a ton of fun too because “the kids” (Alex, Cade, Drake, and Gabriella) got to spend the night with us. I think they had a great time! I was proud of myself too because I walked 13 miles straight in the relay. I could have walked farther but I got a blister on my foot so the last 3 miles were hard.
Once the relay was over mom and I headed home. Saturday was a day of sleeping and relaxing since we’d not slept the night before. It was so nice not to do anything. Saturday night we went out to Penny and Israel’s place to have dinner and visit with the kids. I love hanging out there with them. The kids are so full of energy and just fun to play with. Cade had recently gotten a new goat so we went out to the pasture to see his new goat and everyone else’s goat too. We also got to see the new chickens.
Monday I headed to Ellensburg to visit with Eric’s parents. I think it’s so great that we have such a great relationship. I love my in-laws, they’re the best. Tuesday I got to go with Julie to her book club luncheon. It was so much fun. I love Julie’s friends. We all enjoyed a great potluck luncheon and chatted about all things from books, to movies, to computers, to potatoes. I can’t remember everyone’s names but here’s a picture of everyone in attendance at the lunch. A bunch of great ladies.
Later Tuesday night Greg, Hollie, Miles, and Beth came over to Bob and Jullie’s to visit and play for a while before we headed to dinner. I can’t believe Mile’s is going into 2nd grade this year. I think Beth has one more year before she starts school. I just can’t believe how much time has flown by. It seems like just a bit ago when they lived up the street from us and we saw them more often. I really wish we saw everyone more often but that darn work just gets in the way of it all.
I had an amazing vacation! I actually extended it to include Thursday and Friday so I could spend time with Eric. I was go glad I took the time off.
Yesterday was a long day, not only at work but on the way home. I was heading home last night, going the back way because of traffic, when Eric called me to say he’d been in a car accident. The phone call went something like this:
Eric: Hi, I just got in a car accident.
Jona: You OK? Was it your fault?
Eric: Yeah, I’m fine. This girl just ran into me. I almost hit a fire hydrant, but I’m OK.
Jona: You want me to come pick you up?
Eric: I think I can drive the car home.
Jona: I’m on 99W already so I’ll just come where you are.
Eric: Ok, I’m on First and Lincoln in Newberg.
Jona: On my way.
So I drive there and when I get there the girl that hit him was there and another girl and guy. It looked like it was a “fender bender”. Eric got hit on the front right of his car, hopped the curb and just barely missed the fire hydrant and a metal pole. He did take out the one-way sign though. I was so glad he appeared OK.
Apparently the girl that hit Eric works for an insurance company so when she got in the accident the first thing she did was call this guy from her work and he was there in just a few minutes. I asked Eric if he’d called the police so that we had an incident number. He hadn’t so I had him call. They said the craziest thing. Apparently unless you’re hurt or your car isn’t drivable, the police don’t respond. I thought that was nuts so while Eric called our insurance company I called the police. It went something like this:
Jona: Hi, this is Jona Titus, my husband was just in an accident on first and Lincoln. Can you have an officer come so we can get and incident number for our insurance?
Dispatcher: Is anyone seriously injured, or the car un-drivable?
Jona: No.
Dispatcher: We do not respond to simple accidents. If everyone is Ok and the car is drivable just exchange information and call your insurance.
Jona: Seriously?
Dispatcher: That’s the policy of the Newberg police.
Jona: Um…. OK, I guess.
I could NOT believe it. I mean neither Eric nor the girl got any immediate medical attention because it wasn’t a “serious” accident? There was no police to take an official statement? I was so floored. It was then that I started taking pictures of everything, including the one way sign Eric hit when his car hopped the curb. Good thing I’m a scrapbooker and pack my camera everywhere. I couldnt’ help thinking how wrong the whole situation was and honestly how the city of Newberg opened itself up to liability. I mean, what about Eric and the girl and any pain they may have due to the accident? What if a person goes the wrong way on the one way street?
I was peeved to say the least at the city of Newberg.
Eric drove his car home slowly while I followed him. I was so glad I’d gone down to his accident because the though of his car having issues and breaking down on the way home was not something I would have wanted. It took a while to get home, but we made it.
I was worried… but now I’m even more worried about Eric today. I drove him to pick up the rental car this morning and then he headed to work. He worked until about noon and then went to the doctor because his neck was hurting, he couldn’t concentrate, and wasn’t feeling “right”. The doctor looked him over and told him it was a result of the accident. He’s now on some muscle relaxers, doing a lot of sleeping, and trying to feel better.
Crossing my fingers and hoping Eric feels better soon.
I think I’ve told everyone I know that I’m working out, trying to get healthy, and yes…. loose some unwanted pounds. I’ve been walking with a couple people from work and attending WeightWatchers. Well I was doing really good before the trip to Victoria, BC. I haven’t been doing as well since I got back. I mean I haven’t gained, but I haven’t really been loosing much either. I know the month just started but I’m committed to getting back into the grove and back into the gym because, well, the more I work at it the more the weight will be removed.
Enter the cross-training elliptical machine at my gym.
I don’t know how many of you have seen this, I hadn’t until I joined my new gym. This elliptical kicks your tail. I mean between the walking and the arm thingy you’re never without something to do. I’ve been trying to get on this thing and just “rock it” and last night I did. I actually worked out on that machine for a full 60 minutes… at one time. By the time I was done it said I’ve burned 400 calories. Just think, if I do that for 10 days that’s a pound of loss.
So far I’ve lost a little over 15 pounds and I feel great! It’s so nice to be able to fit well into clothes. I’ve gotten lots of compliments from people too that I look good. That’s so nice and something I wouldn’t have expected with just a 15 pound loss so far. I’ve still got another 15 pounds or so left to go. I’m hoping I reach my goal weight before Thanksgiving and then maintain it so I make Lifetime member at WeightWatchers.
Today, after several days of procrastination I finally got back in the swing of things and went for a jog. I took the dogs because I have felt like a bad mom because I haven’t taken either dog for a walk for a while. For some that may not be a big deal but our back yard is small and no conducive to hosting dogs at play.
So today I took them with me. First let me say… MY DOGS are lazy. Well, Baylee is. After we’d gone about a mile she was pittering out and I had to slow down for her. Not really my idea of a workout but good bonding time with the dogs.
I’m feeling great that I took them with me and that I went almost three miles today. I’m trying to get back in the saddle with exercise. I was doing really well before I left on vacation to Victoria, BC with my mom. Since I’ve been back.. well… I’ve been a slacker to say the least.
In other news, my weight continues to come off. Ok, last week I was sick so that may have helped. In any case, I’ve lost a little over 15 pounds so far and well on my way to my next recognition at WeightWatchers. My goal is to loose another 20 or so pounds. I know, some may think I don’t need to but if you knew what my weight was you’d be fine with that. Let’s just say, I hide my weight well. I’d love to say my weight is muscle, but it’s not. So I continue on the journey hoping that I’ll reach goal before the end of the year. I would love it if I hit goal before the end of 2009 and never look back.
You know there’s nothing better than spending time with friends you haven’t seen for a while. Tonight Eric and I met up with our friends Eric and Natalie at Toro Bravo for dinner. It was such a nice time. We all had some AMAZING food. Thanks Eric for ordering the Paella because that was the bomb!
What’s even nicer is that the four of us talked about all sorts of things; politics, greenhouse emissions, farming hemp, American history, and more. It’s so nice to have friends that are well rounded and able to hold conversations well. I always learn so much from Natalie and Eric each time we get together. It’s fun too because I can share the things I know a little bit more about too. Thank you both for a great night. We need to do it more.
After dinner and after dinner drinks Eric and I headed to southeast Portland for the infamous Whiffies Pies that I’ve heard about from people I follow on Twitter. All I can say is YUM! I had the marionberry pie and Eric has the pineapple pie. They were both so tasty, nice and warm.. and well… just good.
Friday night we went to dinner at Jenny and Jessica’s house. Those two girls are somethings else. Both are the sweetest every and Jenny is a cooking rockstar. After I finished work we headed over for some visiting, good food, and of course dessert. I have to share a super funny story though.. hope you don’t mind Jess. Ok, so we’re hanging out in the kitchen while Jenny cooks dinner and Jessica says she’s going to make dessert but she can’t remember what the dessert is called. She knows that it’s Italian and these light, fluffy cookie like things that you top with cream. We came up with all manner of Italian things.. but none were right. Then, out of the blue, Jessica says, “I know eclairs!” Without hesitation Jenny, Eric and I all looked at Jessica with “that look” that says.. “what .. are you nuts?”. Yeah, OK. we told Jessica they’re French.. not Italian. We all had a great laugh at that and in the end.. decided to head to Pix for dessert. Yummy French macaroons.
Saturday found Eric and I in our PJs, sitting on the couch, drinking the great lattes he’d made and reading our books. Yeah, ALL DAY! It was so awesome. I loved just sitting there in my PJs all day without a care in the world and enjoying my book. I have to do that more. I remember being able to do that when I was younger but I think now I just think of so many things that need to be done around the house.. or garden.. and feel guilty taking that time for me. I wish I could do a better job of switching off the type A in me because I enjoy the break and it does recharge my batteries. Between reading my book, cat naps, and having the cat sleep on me.. the day was made and not an ounce of guilt was felt. Note to self… DO THIS MORE!!!
I think I’ve told everyone I know that I’m working out, trying to get healthy, and yes…. loose some unwanted pounds. I’ve been walking with a couple people from work and attending WeightWatchers. Well I was doing really good before the trip to Victoria, BC. I haven’t been doing as well since I got back. I mean I haven’t gained, but I haven’t really been loosing much either. I know the month just started but I’m committed to getting back into the grove and back into the gym because, well, the more I work at it the more the weight will be removed.
You know there’s nothing better than spending time with friends you haven’t seen for a while. Tonight Eric and I met up with our friends Eric and Natalie at Toro Bravo for dinner. It was such a nice time. We all had some AMAZING food. Thanks Eric for ordering the Paella because that was the bomb!
