Dum, dum da dum...

Adam proposed! We're engaged! After 6 1/2 years of being together and knowing him for half my life, we're making it official. I am so happy!!

Dude - I can add pics through picasa! That's pretty cool.
This is the Peregrine Falcon at my work - she's pretty breathtaking!

Don't Drink the Water...

Adam and I are leaving for China! He was invited to speak at a conference there, and, the opportunistic girl I am, decided to go along. I never thought I'd see China and now we get to see two cities: Shanghai and Beijing. I am very nervous... I am a hermit by nature so leaving 'home' and the kitty for a while is hard. Also, I have never been in such a culturally different place - I cannot wait to feel what it feels like to physically, culturally, emotionally, and linguistically stand out. It's something probably everyone should feel in their life. I'll let y'all know how it goes : )

I'll send everyone some love from the Wall!

I suck at this game...

Whew.... so blogging isn't for me. Who knew.
For my next post, I'll share some pictures I've taken of my backyard regulars. Our apartment is positioned perfectly for optimal wildlife viewing... Neko is quite pleased.


Our apartment with the cat in optimal A regular female Cardinal
viewing position

























A Chipping Sparrow regular Male Cardinal regular













Blue Jays are too big A house sparrow waits




So I bet I can manage to post more of these. We'll see.

Lemming Impressions...

Amber and Kari did it, so I guess that means I must...

BLUES (Motive: INTIMACY)

BLUES are motivated by INTIMACY. They seek to genuinely connect with others, and need to be understood and appreciated. Everything they do is quality-based. They are loyal friends, employers, and employees. Whatever or whomever they commit to is their sole (and soul) focus. They love to serve and give of themselves freely in order to nurture others' lives.

BLUES have distinct preferences and have the most controlling personality. Their personal code of ethics is remarkably strong and they expect others to live honest, committed lives as well. They enjoy sharing meaningful moments in conversation as well as paying close attention to special life events (e.g. birthdays and anniversaries). BLUES are dependable, thoughtful, and analytical; but can also be self-righteous, worry-prone, and moody. They are "sainted pit-bulls" who never let go of something or someone once they are committed. When you deal with a BLUE, be sincere and make a genuine effort to understand and appreciate them.

--and everyone says my need to be needed doesn't hold water! It's why I go get plants from people who don't want them anymore! It's why I got Neko at a shelter! It's why I volunteer to do things!

Past-little-while update

SO! It's been a while, again.
Update on the faceplate: bought a new one on eBay. It works great. I now lock all doors all the time.
Here's what's going on in the past little while:
Adam visited Washington and brought back glasses! I know, right!? How weird. His eyes are vertically misaligned, so his left eye is straining to align the two images both eyes give the brain to blend into one.

Our bookshelf totally died yesterday - Adam, bless his heart, was putting away his books from homework on the shelf for perhaps the 5th time ever, and the whole thing comes crashing down. This is a cool picture showing not only the new glasses, but the bookcase carnage. We decided, after a few trips to local furniture stores, to hold off on a new shelf. Adam and I are moving in two months, so we just boxed up the books and officially started packing to move about a mile down the road. I really wish we had the skills/space to create our own bookcase - but alas, living in apartments have their drawbacks.
Working at REI has been fun - but working 50-60 hour weeks have been, well, tiring. Having bonus money is great, and once the familiarity of summer camp sets in at the science center, all will be well.
Neko is enjoying the wildlife outside - the bunnies, deer, raccoons, ducks, and birds at the feeder keep him very entertained. This is from the last snow flurry we got in March, was it? (ps... you'll need the volume up for this one - it's the reason the video is cute : )

but the man there said the music wouldn't play...

Well I've finally discovered what blogs are for: to make you feel better. To make you feel as if you're yelling or telling someone off who wronged you.
Our faceplate in our car was stolen yesterday. I think it was because I left the car doors unlocked, so I deserved it. I guess I have been lucky - I've been leaving the car unlocked since I got it in 2004. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. Who would steal the stratus?! Then this morning, the faceplate was gone. Nothing else - just the plate. The AUX cable for our iPods was even connected to it - they had to disconnect it. It looks like a tool was used rather than just pushing the button to release it since there is a small dent and the little plastic frame has popped out. I can get a new one on ebay, but geez.
Screw stealing. Screw people who steal. And screw me for not respecting our things enough to lock the door.