Rained out weekend in Sun River, OR

It was to be the big ski trip weekend of the year with all of our Portland friends. We had been planning it since November and we all were so excited for the weekend to arrive. Unfortunately the weather wasn't in our favor. The temperature had risen to an unseasonable high and it was raining where it is usually skiing. Not just raining, but it was pouring and the snow was in terrible condition. Our friends, Gus and Colleen, have a nice cabin in Sun River (near Bend) so we stayed with them. There was a total of about 10 of us in the house. Our other friends rented a house near by which added another 8 people to the mix. It was quite the group.

Since skiing was out of the question, we spent the weekend playing games, sitting in the hot tub, making big meals and enjoying everyones company. Even though the ski sessions were shot, we still had a great time with all of our friends.

Maybe next time Mt Bachelor will be ready for us!

Promotion!!

Picture found on the internet

I am proud to announce I have recently been promoted to Store Manager for the Patagonia store in Portland. I have fallen in love with the company I started to work for 8 months ago. They must feel the same way about me, because they decided to offer me this great opportunity. I will be working a little bit longer and a little harder, but I know I will make a big difference in the store and with the company. This is a wonderful opportunity. I look forward to this new and exciting chapter!!

New Year Coast to Hood

Bringing in this new year we wanted to do something fun, but we weren't quite sure what our options were. Last minute, we were invited to spend the night at the coast. Gus and Colleen (our friends from town) invited us to their cottage in the beach town of Seaside. When we arrived Gus and Cols made us a great lasagna dinner, then following we played all sorts of card games. By the time the ball was dropping for the New Year we were struggling to stay awake. I had such an incredible 2010, I was a little sad to see if go. But, looking forward, I am excited for 2011.

The next morning we awoke to a beautiful day on the coast. We walked the dogs along the beach. Wanda fetched many sticks and she did a great job of getting nice and wet and dirty. She had a blast! Afterwards we drove down to Canon Beach for some brunch. We ate at this incredible cute place called Lazy Susans Cafe. It was very rustic and it had a ton of character. The food was delicious too. Later we walked around town and along Canon Beach, enjoying the beautiful views of Haystack Rock.

On Sunday we decided to head the opposite way from Portland and head to the mountains. It was going to be a ski day with some friends and Nik and I were super excited. This was to be the first day of the year for us. We went to a resort called Ski Bowl which over looks Mt Hood. We had incredible views of Hood, Mt Adams and Mt St. Helens. We could even see Mt Rainer way way in the distance. The weather was great (except for the wind) and the snow was kind of crusty, but we still made sure to have the best day.

  
It was a fantastic weekend to start off the new year. Thinking back Nik and I were on a plane to Thailand last new years. Then, we spent most of the year traveling. This year we spent our time with friends and exploring the areas around us. Maybe that is what this year will be about. I look forward to it!

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.