LEGAL

Well, my 21st birthday was more than a week ago, so I thought I'd better write about this monumentous occasion.

Festivities started Friday the 13th. Though for some it was doomed to be an unlucky day (like Morgan's near death by umbrella episode), I felt pretty lucky.

We were laid off short term at the Particleboard Plant Thursday and Friday and all of the following week, though I had already requested the time off to go to DC.

Friday Randy picked me up and we went up into the mountains, around the Meacham/Kamela area. We picked a spot overlooking miles and miles of tree dotted mountain. We sat on the tailgate of his little Mexican-like dodge pick up and had a picnic. After eating we shot some guns (later Grandma voiced her grave dissaproval). I shot my first 9mm. What some police officers carry. It's a light gun but has a ton of power and was a blast to shoot. I outshot Randy with the .22 rifle, I got a bullseye! Then we ate some brownie cake, Randy kindly sang the birthday song, then we cuddled up and watched the sun set. Then I opened my presents from him.... The Garth Brooks boxed concert DVD set, an Isaiah study guide, and some delicious body mist. We drove back into town where we duked it out on his cousin's Wii. We boxed five rounds and I beat Randy 3-2. He dropped me off at home, where I proceeded to ring in my actual birth-day by watching an hour of Garth Brooks concerts...

Saturday was a beautiful day. I went over to my mom's fairly early and ran errands. I was in such a great mood that I was even nice to Tobi. While out and about we went down Adams Avenue, which is one of La Grande's main streets. I got to see all the flags up, just for me! Randy and I went to a matinee showing of the Hulk. A movie he's been overly excited for, but I enjoyed it. We went back to my mom's where we ate icecream cake and I opened my presents, which included a beautiful silver vase, in which now sits many beautiful white peonies, a Martha Stewart Classic Cookbook, two really neat paper lanterns, and the Knot magazine. That wasn't awkard at all opening in front of Randy.... Thanks Ma! Steph stopped by and brought the cutest little silver chest. Inside was 21 bucks! I loved it. My Grandma had given me a silver locket that my mom had given her many many years ago. And, I had gotten a really nice card from my Grandpa Lee in California.

After cake Randy and I ran to Penney's where we picked him out a whole new outfit. I love to shop! Especially if I don't have to spend the money. Later that evening we went to Foley Station, the nicest restaurant in La Grande, where we met up with some of my old friends for a really nice dinner. After two hours of eating, catching up, and continuing to eat, we finally left the joint. It was a great dinner and I really appreciate Crystal's efforts in putting it together for me.

A few of us went to Duke's, a bar in town, where I beat Randy at a game of pool, and then left. Bars are silly.

My birthay was great. I wanted to be with friends and family, and that's exactly how it was. Now I just have to get used to being 21. It seems just as soon as you get used to an age, it changes on ya.

One more day...

Wow, I can't believe the week is nearly over. We got to DC late late Sunday and leave tomorrow. It has been a surreal experience. I will give more details and post more pictures later. I have just been so grateful for this chance. There are things about home I miss, though work isn't one of them. And I realized just how much I love history, politics, and journalism. I have seriously considered what a life in DC would be like, be it a summer, a school year, a whole year, or more. I think I would love it...at least short term. I would always miss wide open spaces, fresh air, and clean natural water. Anyway, there will be more about my trip, excuse me, our trip, to come.

The Sawdust Festival

Here I am in all my dusty glory. My official job title is "Line Clean-Up." Real sophisticated, I know. To give the illusion that the job was more enjoyable than it actually was and to trick our brains into not dreading work so much, Kara and I deemed the Particleboard Plant "The Sawdust Festival." The nickname hasn't fooled me, but it has kind of stuck.....

Do what cha gotta do....

My good friend Garth Brooks once sang a song entitled "Do What You Gotta Do." That is often my anthem, especially at work. It isn't the funnest of jobs, in fact it is pretty painful. But, I do it because I gotta. I need the money for bills, debts, school, and fun. Sometimes, whether we want to, or whether or not we know things will work out, or whether we can see the benefits immediately or ten years downs the road, you have to put your nose to the grindstone and go....

I will be 21 in six days. Whew! Bet my mom feels old right about now....

I leave for Washington D.C. in seven days. Whew! A dream about to come true...

"These Are My People"

This week was a bit rough for me. I was so tired all week. Work was exhausting! I was so grateful for the weekend. I start graveyard, which is 11:30pm to 7:30am, this Monday night. So I basically have had a three day weekend. I am staying up late tonight so I can sleep in tomorrow and try to prep for a long night tomorrow.

Good ol' Kara Baxter came to town this weekend for the stockshow. I was so glad to see her again! I miss her all the time. Friday night I went out to Union and just hung around her house. We had a good conversation with her parents about the important things in life, mainly God, family, love, marriage.... The meat and potatoes of life.

We also made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and laughed. I laugh so hard and so often with KB.

Saturday was the ro-day-o, translation, rodeo, translation, good times. Crystal Kevan drove out to Union with me where we took in some bare back bronc ridin', calf ropin', steer wrastlin', barrel racin', horse racin', and bull ridin'. Kara met up with us after a funeral, and we had good times. I also had the best hamburger I've had in a year, the stockshow burger with grilled onions and full of deliciousness.

After the rodeo, Randy kidnapped Morgan and brought her out to Union where we all piled in his dodge pickup and headed up to Medical Springs. I love Kara's uncle Jerry! It was a cold day and the hot springs felt so great. We sat in there for probably 2 1/2 hours, talking, laughing, and soaking up the medicinal goodness. We watched the sun go down with its intense pinks and purples in the blue skies and gray clouds, and the sliver of the moon come up. Saw the snow capped peaks of Anthony Lakes, the green rolling hills of Baker Valley... Heard a coyote pack in the not so far distance. Watched an increase of steam over the water as the temperature dropped. I was content to just sit and prune in that water the rest of my life.

We went back to Kara's where Morgan left because she had to work early. The remaining four of us squished on Kara's couch and watched "Hope Floats," while munching on chilli cheese fritos and chips and salsa. Randy soon fell asleep. After the movie we girls talked until 3:30 in the morning.

It was a great day.