It’s so hard to believe, but; one year ago this week, my sweet Grandma passed away.
My heart still aches. And, I don’t see that ever going away. I think of her every single day, at least once. I don’t ever want to stop thinking of her.
I’ve struggled a lot with what to do this week to honor her memory. I don’t know. I visited her grave last weekend, as well as one of her very favorite spots in her hometown. It’s not enough.
But, I love you Grandma. I love you.
My lovely friend Angella was recently interviewed by the equally lovely Kristin. You know I hate to be left out, so I asked Angella to interview me, too. Because she is awesome, she promptly sent me five interview questions, which I accidentally deleted. I was then ashamed to comment on her blog for nearly a week. Then, in an effort to get me to comment on her blog, she posted a giveaway for something I really, really wanted to win. So, I had to comment and then I had to fess up to my laziness (but to be fair? I have been sick). Today, I searched my deleted items folder, dug out her questions, and well…here’s what she had for me!
1. You commented on one of my posts before that The Boy and you knew pretty quickly that you were a good fit for each other. Will there be wedding bells any time in the near future (Because NOBODY HAS ASKED YOU THAT LATELY)? (And also. I could use a reason to finally come to Oregon) (Assuming I’d be invited) (And if not, I’d crash it)
We did know pretty early on that we were a good match. At the risk of sounding SUPER CHEESY, he’s definitely everything I didn’t know I was looking for. We’re asked ALL THE TIME when we’ll get engaged/married/have a baby, which is really freaking annoying. (Angella, I give YOU a pass for asking this because a) I love you and b) I kind of walked right into this line of questioning, didn’t I?) In the past, I’ve been quite open about my relationships – I mean I’d talk about ANYTHING. And, those relationships didn’t work out. So, I’m calling this relationship a closed book and not being quite so open. Also, there are things I know about people’s relationships that I’m just not that comfortable knowing. I’m also quite certain that if the other party in these relationships knew what was shared about them? They’d be horrified.
Anyway, obviously, we’re on a tight-ish deadline. I have to be completely done having kids by the time I’m 34, which is 4 years from now. I’d like to be engaged for a while before getting married, and then be married a while before having kids. We’re definitely moving in that direction, and I’m quite certain I’ll spend the rest of my life with this fantastic boy. But, other than that – you’ll have to wait and see. And, of course Angella, if it happens, you’re invited.
2. I know that you work for tourism in Oregon (Or did…I know you just started a new job). If I had only a weekend, what would I need to see in your fair state?
This is a tough one – there is SO much to do and see here that it’s hard to just spend a weekend. My hope is that you would come for one weekend and have so much fun that you would just have to come back again, and again and again. I’d suggest you spend the weekend (wait, can it be a 3-day weekend?) in Portland, and I’d take you (wait, am I invited on your weekend?) out to my favorite winery, Sokol Blosser where we’d taste awesome Pinot Noirs and also my most favorite wine ever, their Pinot Noir Rose. We’d hit one or two more wineries, and then head back into Portland for TAX-FREE SHOPPING in Northwest (where Kerri and Chris live!) and the Pearl. In the Pearl, we’d stop for a pretzel at Deschutes. But, that’s all we’re allowed to eat, because I’m taking you to my favorite place for dinner, Andina. We have one more stop before I take you back to your posh hotel (they have a pillow bar!) – we’ll have one last delicious cocktail at the Teardrop.
The next morning, we’ll head out early-ish to get pedicures with Kerri, then we’ll go to Muu Muu’s afterward. It’s what we ALWAYS do. Now, here is what is going to happen: Kerri and I will each PRETEND that we’re going to order Eggs Benedict. But, when the waiter arrives, we’ll actually order the Brutus Smash, which is what I recommend you order, too. Because it’s a 3 day weekend, we’re not worried about time, so after lunch, we’d hop into the car and head to Hood River. There is lots to see on the way – so I hope you brought your camera (because you like to take pictures, right?). After a long day, we’d have dinner at my second favorite restaurant, Belly Timber, and I’d drop you back at your hotel.
I’m sure you’re booking your ticket RIGHT NOW.
3. I know that you like pink (Duh), and that you have a Barbie mouse pad. Is there anything else we need to know about this love of pink that you have?
This is shocking, but I’m kind of letting my love of pink go. I KNOW. I kind of limit the pink to my kitchen and bathroom (although I do have pink accents in my bedroom). I’m not drawn to it as much as I used to be, though I do still consider it my favorite color. Oh, and, my coworkers might tell you that my cubical is very pink. And, they would be telling the truth.
4. Have you ever been to Canada? If so, where? If not, WHY NOT?
I HAVE been to Canada. I think I was 16 or 17 and I went there with my mom, step-dad, and half brother. It was supposed to be a “family vacation” but it was actually terrible. My brother was a complete ass on the drive up and the only “FUN” thing we did was swim in the hotel pool. Teenage Rhiannon was very unimpressed (with the vacation, not Canada). The boy and I talk often of taking a ski vacation to Whistler, or spending a long weekend in B.C. Flights are pretty cheap, so you may see us up there pretty soon!
5. Are you working in your dream career? If so, what do you love about it? If not, what would you love to be doing?
Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. The industry I work in (tourism) is a perfect fit for me, and I’m absolutely positive that I have the BEST STATE in the U.S. to promote. Travel is SO IMPORTANT to the economy and it’s also something that makes people happy. As for my job function, I think online marketing is a good fit for me – and as it turns out, I’m kind of addicted to this social media thing. So, there you have it! (also, I think question 2 kind of proves that I love this state, and my job)
That is all. Tell me, what are you doing this fine weekend? And, will you come visit me on my deathcouch?
Hello. I’m writing you from my couch where I’ve been writhing in abdominal/back pain all day long. Also, I threw up twice, which you do not care about, but I can’t get a hold of my mom and she’s the person I’d normally tell these things to. This morning, I diagnosed myself with Appendicitis. But, it’s probably just a kidney stone, which I can deal with on my own. But, I reserve the right to complain about it every step of the way.
Anyway, that’s not why we’re here. We’re here because some people drive like complete assholes, and because I’m not one of those people, I’ve decided that I should share my driving wisdom with you all.
And, you thought you all missed Lupron Rhi…
I’ve just remembered that I have a blog. A reminder WOULD HAVE been helpful. It’s just easier for me if I blame someone else for my non-bloggy streak. I really have been busy. I started a new job, if you haven’t heard. And, I do not care this is the start of my first week, IT IS STILL NEW.
So, the thing about my job is that it’s 45 minutes away. And, I have road rage. The morning commute isn’t so bad, but OH MY GOD, there are a lot of assholes out on the road in the evenings. But, there is a lot to be said about not dreading going to work every morning, so the commute does not really bother me.
If you’re wondering what the boy and I did for our first Valentine’s Day together, I’ll tell you: We went to the beach, I drank a lot of wine, I gave him a gift, he did not give me a gift. And, here’s the shocking part: I do not care that he did not get me a gift. Being away with him for two whole days was quite enough for me. And, also, the wine did not suck.
Also, last week we went to a Blazer game. They played the Seattle Supersonics Oklahoma City Thunder. Our seats were so close that I SERIOUSLY could have used my Go-Go Gadget Arm to reach out and touch Joel Pryzbilla. I’ve thought for a long time that I should have an athlete on my Do-Me Boy List, and now I do. Adam? You’re gone. One other thing to note about the Blazer game is that the girl sitting right in front of me a) needed to brush her hair b) was wearing a WHITE SUN DRESS (please note, IT IS FEBRUARY IN OREGON) c) must have realized at the last second that, “Hey! It’s February in Oregon and also 34 degrees out today, I’m going to go ahead and put my faux Uggs on with this dress”, and d) was so shocked at the sight of the blimp that flies around the arena dropping t-shirts, that she felt the need to point it out to everyone in the vicinity. She is so damn lucky that she didn’t turn around and point it out to me, because I surely would have popped her one.
Which brings me to my last “story”: Lupron Rhi is back and she is PISSED. Things were smooth sailing for a while, but apparently Lupron Depot and I are going out with a bang. Things I currently have ZERO tolerance for are: hearing my name be mispronounced, over 15 items in the express lane, bad grammar, poor gas station etiquette, being called “HON”, and actually any breathing that is not mine. And, if you’re wondering just how much longer you all have to deal with this, the answer is 5 weeks. It’s a wonder I’ve made it this long.
