Christmas 2010

Prospectors

Nik and I decided to make the trip back down to Reno for a holiday with the family. It is not an easy drive and leaving Portland at 4 pm doesn't make it easier. We arrived into Reno at 2:30 am and went straight to bed. While in Reno we were on a strict agenda. Christmas Eve was lunch with the Kosach family at Prospectors, then to my Mom's to wrap presents and enjoy a wonderful dinner with Mom, Ben, Ali and the two of us. We enjoyed our dinner that ended with some holiday crackers (presents with toys, jokes, and crowns in them).

Steve, Keri and Nik (Kosach siblings)

On Christmas Nik and I woke just in time to head to his parents and unwrap gifts with the family. Nine people opening gifts can take quite a long time, but it was so much fun watching everyone and taking in the Christmas feelings. We joked about the Kosach family Christmas being sponsored by Patagonia, because everyone was getting and giving Patagonia gifts. My first Christmas at the Kosach household opening presents was so much fun. I look forward to the many to come.

That wasn't it for the day though, because Nik and I had to high tale it over to my Aunt Carolyn's for a brunch with the family (which was of course spectacular). We got to see most of my aunts family, including a set of new twins my second cousin Courtney just had. Adorable!! Then we headed on to Nik's grandmothers house to spend some time with his extended family as well. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, etc were all there and we spent a few hours catching up.

My cousin Melinda

Courtney's son Max

Again, we had to leave to make it back to Moms for our session of unwrapping. Ali, Mitch, Mom, Ben, Nik and I all had a great time opening our presents. It was a small group compared to some years, but we still had a very nice time together.

Ben's new reading glasses

Lastly, we all headed back to the Kosach house to enjoy a dinner with both families. The Kosach's were so nice and inviting having my family over for Christmas dinner. They served a traditional Serbian dinner. We all had a wonderful time and the food was delicious. Again after dinner we enjoyed the holiday crackers.

It was a fantastic holiday. One I will cherish for many years to come. Thank you Mom, Ben, Steve and Gail for having Nik and me to town. We enjoyed every moment we had with you.

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Patagonia Holiday Party

Last night was our Patagonia Portland Holiday Party. We met at Bridgport Brewery after a very successful day at work and had dinner and drinks with the entire team. This was my first time hanging out with my employees so it was a lot of fun to see them and their significant others in a relaxed environment.

Adam and his wife Meagan

Alex and Ari

Ruth and Dustin

In the past years everyone said it wasn't very fun, but since I was in charge of planning it this year, I was determined to make it better. We played the old fashioned White Elephant Exchange. There were definitely some interesting gifts (singing stockings, homemade fudge, bikes lights and a snuggie just to name a few). I think the team really enjoyed the gift exchange. My boss, Mike, won the snuggie and he decided to wear it around the rest of the night. It was pretty hilarious!

Mike in his Snuggie

Overall, I think the team really enjoyed the night (we closed the place down). It was great food, great beer and a fun time getting to see everyone outside of work. 

School Results!!

I am proud to announce that after the three months back at school and working full-time, I received a 4.0 (meaning I got an A in both classes). This just shows me I am capable of achieving work success and finishing my degree at the same time. Woot Woot!!!

Break for Christmas

I have officially finished my first term at Portland State. I must admit it was very difficult to balance work, school and then (most important) my personal life. But, in the end it was all worth it. I get a whole month off and I will be ready to go again after Christmas.
In the mean time things have really picked up at work, so it is nice to just come home after a long day of racing around on my feet... instead of heading off to school.

Nik is doing very well in his new job. He is already impressing his team and showing Everest College what he can do. We are very lucky, because our jobs are so close to each other. We are able to frequently meet on our lunch break. It makes it nice to spend a little time with each other in the middle of the day.

Nik and I decided to get into the holiday mood, so we headed across the river (basically outside of downtown) and went to a tree lot for a Christmas tree. We brought home a tiny little 2.5 foot tree. We decorated it with lights and hung some of my old ornaments. It was fun getting into the holiday spirit, because we really haven't done anything until now. The house smells like pine, we have ordered our holiday cards and the shopping has begun.