kateratwilight

Number One

2010-01-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Job 2:10

"Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?"

The Bible in a Year

2010-01-04T23:50:00.000-08:00

I have never owned a Bible. Never considered buying one or taking one from a motel bedside stand. I chuckled when the idea was presented to read the Bible in one year with a friend. I would actually have to say that I had a full blown laugh-out-loud, do you know who you're talking to here?!?!, moment.

For some reason I agreed. I take this challenge, I honor it and I will finish.

It is day four of my 365 day task. And though my brain has learned little that it understands as fact, my heart has opened to the value of the print on each page I've read so far. I can only imagine that this will be a year of Bible verses and quotes on this blog. Not from a die-hard Christian, but from a non-believer who, though typically remembers quotes from Chevy Chase movies and David Sedaris books, is beginning to take note of some of the best advice ever given.

Hope you're up for it.

What happened...

2009-11-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

to 2009?

No seriously, does anyone know?

- Katera

Life

2009-01-27T13:35:00.001-08:00

This is what my life has looked like for the past month. It's been beautiful.

From now on...

2008-12-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

I'm going to make things happen.

Well Hello.

2008-12-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

Things I've enjoyed lately:

1. Spending time with my family in Yreka.
2. Embossing Christmas tags with Nickel.
3. Running in the rain with Jasper... this one could be re-named "Running in the rain FROM Jasper" but that's for another day.
4. Working craft fairs.
5. Replacing headlights.
6. Christmas shopping for Carter... that kid is SO easy to buy for.
7. Thinking about Seattle.
8. Finding new music.
9. Wearing leg warmers.
10. Baking.

Just thought you should know.

Awesome

2008-10-26T13:59:00.001-07:00

I plan on practicing this in the mirror later.

Follower...

2008-10-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been at a loss lately. Original thoughts or emotions are hard to come by right now, so I look to others for motivation and inspiration. My friend Carly is a devout blogger. She posts daily, frequently multiple postings per day. This LINK is the same one she has linked currently on her most recent posting. The images are so powerful that they made me cry, so I felt the urge to share it with you. I apologize to those who have already been to Carly's Blog... but sometimes the masses need to stick together. This is one of those times.

My Favorite So Far

2008-10-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite Palin bit yet. I swear one of these days she is gonna be rushed to the hospital, have a brain tumor removed, then watch this clip and say something like "I actually said that?".

PARTY ON!

2008-09-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

With the exception of a recent occurrence involving a single door-to-door poll analyst wearing an Obama pin, my pride in my political views stands strong. Though I have friends who see the world in different light (very few of them actually) I am typically surrounded by people who are movers and shakers, and they want to move and shake (the crap out of) the same things as me.

What I have learned through the past 8 years of political mischief running rampant in this country is that most people are good, and most people want about the same thing. Some of us are willing to pay for better schools, and better roads, some of us are not. Some of us believe that love between two people is beautiful, whether or not one of them is the "outlet" and the other the "prong". And some of us truly believe (because it's true) that a woman's right to choose is a HUMAN RIGHTS issue and not a religious ploy.

What I have to say to the group representing the latter half of the example groups above is - THE REST OF US ARE DONE BEING NICE.

We're going to win this one, and whether you like it or not in 8 more years we'll be closer to having ACTUAL equal rights for all citizens, closer to free/affordable health care for everyone who needs it, and we'll even boast current books in our public schools. So SUCK ON THAT!

Join Us For Noodle Fest 2009

2008-09-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

I desperately want these two to get along. And sometimes (obviously), that dream comes true, other times I walk into Carter's room to find Jasper peeing on his rug - and smirking. Other times I come around the corner to find Jasper running for his life from my child and his lightsaber.

All in all, the situation is nearly perfect, I am just fully realizing the term "boys will be boys" for the first time.

Yreka 2008

2008-09-07T09:32:00.001-07:00

A much needed vacation turned out to be exactly what the doctor ordered!

MOTHER OF THE YEAR

2008-08-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have firm beliefs when it comes to parenting. I have standards, I have morals - and I have made mistakes.

My son and I communicate in a positive fashion 99% of the time. His father and I seldom use confrontational language or negative scenarios in disciplining and we put a lot of effort forth in making our respective homes - RESPECTFUL homes. I can accept that my child will tell me no - and can handle the occasional backlash back-talk.

During the past few months I have had some health problems (not serious) that have kept me consistently loopy on a painkiller of some sort or another. This means a few things; good sleep, mellow mood and a difficult time waking up in the morning.

Recently one of those mornings made me contemplate toughing it out and nixing the pills. I woke up at about 7:00, Carter in my face saying "mama, I'm up... mama I'm up.... mama I'm up... mama GET UP... mama GET UP PLEASE" - but put that out of my mind
because I could. I woke up about 20 minutes later, to find him eating cereal out of the box because I wasn't awake to pour it and some milk in a bowl. Where a typical mom would get up, slap herself in the face and make breakfast, I fell asleep for another 30 minutes. By the time I woke up the next time I caught Carter sitting on the rug, my checkbook in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other... worse things have happened but I don't want any of them to happen here.

Consider me AWAKE.

Getting out of Dodge, and into Subaru

2008-08-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer and closer to my vacation. I have never needed one more. It seems like a great escape, though I am only crossing one state line. It's funny how easily I get excited about the small things. Jasper and I plan on heading out of the house while it's still dark. Wandering through the Willamette Valley to Eugene to see mom, Lily and the rest of the family. Then spinning to Yreka to see my dad's brother and his crew. This is an entirely satisfying destination for some incredible reasons. Not that I don't enjoy seeing my mom and niece (brother and sister-in-law too), but the lifestyle being experienced in the somewhat desertish town of Yreka by my somewhat distant family is just killer. My aunt owns a restaurant that basically defines charm to me. It's in a historic building in the downtown area, with an outdoor dining spot that is to die for. I have worked in restaurants/food related businesses for 15 years now (yes I said 15 and I meant 15) and have finally -and gleefully - made my way out of the front of the house yet I secretly wish that during my visit someone will call in sick so I can go in for a shift. The rest of the family on that side is pretty incredible too. The kids are wonderful, smart, funny and all in all fantastic people. My uncle is great just for being him, but there is an added bonus in the reality that he reminds me of my dad who passed away just over a year ago.
The next stop will be a two-night stay in San Francisco with my pal Carly who is currently spending a lot of time in bed recovering from a major surgery. Again I pray that my skills (might be the wrong word for what I mean) in the kitchen will come in handy. I happen to know that waiting for me there is a home that smells as good as it looks - and is ready to furnish my brain with decorating ideas that I will forget just as I pull in to my driveway a few days later.
The last leg is the one I look forward to the most (sorry everyone else) - a brief stay in Gold Beach with Stormee and Justin and their new baby. New baby has not arrived yet, but will be here by the time I get there, I can't wait.
Here's to the countdown of days.

Jasper

2008-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Take two.

Just took 5 days to name him, no wait, make that 6. He's loved. He's despised. He's sleeping under my bed. He's going to make the cut.

Click Here

2008-08-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

No, really, CLICK HERE.

Laying Low

2008-08-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

I posted (I believe it was last year) an entry about my son being sick and how it basically diminishes my life as I know it every time this happens. Today is no exception. What seems to amaze me the most is that through it all he still has the insight to tell me that his "tummy feels much better" and that he's "ok mama" sporadically throughout the day as if he knows that while watching him muscle his way through feeling yucky, I too feel sick. I say this a lot, but I'm a very lucky gal.

Rupert, the finale

2008-07-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

Through it all, he wound back up in the shelter. A battle I lost with myself. He's a one woman man, and I can't be exclusive right now... The Sauce is my main squeeze at the moment.

Rupert, the sequel

2008-07-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

In a nut shell, I have accomplished the following over the past few days...

1. Cleaned up poo from my house.
2. Cleaned up poo from my yard.
3. Cleaned up poo from the field across the street.
4. Cleaned up poo from a bath-mat.
5. Cleaned up poo from a dog crate.
6. Cleaned up poo from the bathtub.
7. Cleaned up poo from my hands.
8. Cleaned up poo from my neighbor's driveway.

The rest has been a blur. I'm taking a nap.

PS I forgot to mention that I had to clean up poo from my leather seats and car mats too.

Rupert

2008-07-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to the Woodbridge/Skoglund household. A 13 lb, Chocolate Yorkie. I never thought I'd be a "small dog person" but this lunatic is completely great. I found him at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. Ok, Nichole and I found him on our lunch break and she was kind enough to let me adopt him instead of her. After working out the details, and returning to the shelter, I knew I had made the right choice. Either way, that dog would have wound up with one of us.

He's a year and a half old, he has a beard & grey hair and he has already let me give him a bath with no problems-this was a shocker to me because I've always had large dogs, and a few of them needed to be wrestled to the ground in order to work up a lather. But this miniature beast was a true gentleman, and even waited until he was a few steps away from me to shake!

I am already ready to get another dog. This time something bigger, maybe a golden? I'd like a pup this time. I think I'll wait until Rupert's bad habits have gone good, so he can train the next addition. I know he'll be fantabulous.

Their Minds Are Sponges

2008-07-16T21:14:00.001-07:00

Us Girls

2008-07-08T21:58:00.001-07:00

I Love This Picture

Amaza-zing

2008-06-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today I found myself in a state of amazement that I'd previously never experienced.

Allow me to begin this post with a short story about myself... and a feature of the past few weeks of my life.

I think of myself as a fairly balanced individual. Anxiety strikes me about once per decade, depression is a reality in this world, but an uncommonly experienced side-affect to the life I call mine. I do however find myself afflicted with an intense case of "buyers remorse" about once every 6 months. I can't explain it, but it strikes 2 times per year whether or not the purchase in question was a $2.99 rubber stamp at the Craft Warehouse or a $400 handbag at Coach. In a rage (rage=tizzy) I decided that I need to be in control of these feelings, therefore I'll no longer allow myself to experience such afflictions. Translation: I will no longer buy anything, ever.

So there I was... not buying anything... when I suddenly realized that I really needed a new cell phone. Considering that I am one of the last remaining Verizon customers, therefore I am not eligible to purchase and use an iPhone, I decided to make a commitment to Verizon's version. I got her in the mail only 24 hours post purchase. And was immediately pleased with a few features but not head over heels... rather than revert into a state of remorseful frenzy I convinced myself that for $99, this phone was an incredibly decent addition to my life. I reveled in the convenience of my new pal, and thought to myself " the next time I buy a cell phone, I want to be able to add more contact information into the phone book, yeah that's what I want, I am satisfied with this phone for now, but it'd be really killer if I could put birthdays in... a spot/reminder for birthdays would make my day."

Fast forward three weeks.

I'm standing at the counter of a local business, having a conversation with the owner, when I spot out of the corner of my eye an open People Magazine. I manage to miss 94% of the crap on the page, but made eye contact with the most disturbing reality I'd seen all day... not only can we vote for Americas Next Top Everything via our cell phones, now to make life just that much more exciting and fulfilling, we can receive celebrity birthday reminders via the incredible invention of the "Text Message".

"Disturbing" just redefined itself in front of me, and it was horrific.

Rituals

2008-05-20T23:12:00.001-07:00

I can't remember ever having rituals. No set daily schedule, no routine in the morning or progression of how "things get done around the house". I begin my days randomly. Some days I push the envelope, getting out of bed at precisely 23 minutes before I need to BE at work, some days I am a perky morning person at 4:47am. My day begins at work with one of any number of tasks, some days I don't even turn my computer on until 10am. When "The Sauce" and I return home from school and work you may "catch" us practicing swings in the back yard or baking cookies in the kitchen. There is one thing -however- that I do on an almost compulsive schedule... that is hop up from bed at around midnight each night to check on my son who is nearly always sound asleep, at the foot of his bed - curled up in a ball, head pressed up against the food board, blankets on the floor. The obvious discomfort of his position typically has something to do with a Dr. Seuss book being used as a pillow, a large rubber dinosaur in tow and/or a Spiderman action figure shaped crease in his cheek. I have started to wonder what my life would be without this one small detail, this one daily chore, the best word I have to describe that alternate universe is "uncivilized". And that's that.

Overload

2008-05-14T21:13:00.001-07:00

Over the past few weeks my brain has been on overload-mode. Dealing with the constant, yet at times subtle, pull at me from all sides has kept me moving but just barely. I am looking forward to the upcoming 14 days. Let me tell you why... First, this Saturday is the annual Mutt Masters Dog Show and Olympics which is an event that I plan for work. I've run in to some speed bumps along the way but overall it's looking like the event will be spectacular. We've moved it from a local school to the beach at the south end of LC-and the weather is supposed to be fabulous. Second, I've been at my job for a year, and have wanted to go to a Travel Oregon workshop or seminar since I started and Monday will be my first! Third- My pal Sarah will be arriving from New York this weekend. We'll be scouting out wedding sites down the Oregon Coast for her 09 event then possibly visiting another long time friend near the ORCAL border. There's nothing like keeping busy to keep yourself from realizing that you're too busy... there's nothing like a road trip with an old friend to make you completely forget about it.

I want it

2008-04-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

There are many things that I want. Many, many things. There are many things that I "have", again; many, many things. Among the most important of these things is my brilliant and handsome son who has made an incredible impact on the world as I once knew it. He calls me beautiful in the morning, asks me if I'm ok when I sneeze and kisses me on each cheek before we part ways. Knowing that he is compassionate, and isn't afraid to show it, is the kind of knowledge that resonates within my heart, making me smile for hours on end. I'm blessed to "have" this feeling, this child and these sore cheeks. I have these things, and I want them.

Rotten

2008-03-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, my obsession with all things compost-able has become a real issue. Currently in front of my office door (mainly because "he's" too big to fit into my office) is a brand spanking new compost bin. He shines like the dawn of a new day, like the glassy sheen of the Pacific on a calm summer morning... Just sitting there, he represents the hope I have for spreading my quirky kinship with rotting vegetables and lawn clippings (dried of course) to another unsuspecting victim. My well wishes for his new owners (once we find him a suitable home) stem far beyond success in proper nitrogen content, I wish for them; a life of the cleanest dirty hands and fingernails a human could ask for, and of course the ever popular backyard-mom&dad&kids-huddled-round-the-composter-family-portrait-holiday-card.

Once upon a time...

2008-03-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been among the most interesting and confusing in my life. Though I have waded through loss and disappointment, I have achieved triumph and grace and satisfaction. Strength has brought me here and strength continues to guide me. Today though the substance is obscure, I am walking in moonlight, day and night.

Above you see me in New York City with my pal Sarah, a trip I have been putting off for years... opportunity comes to those who walk out the door to get it, I will no longer live at home.

Mine!

2008-03-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

I recently earned the right to call this spot "mine" - I will continue to make the absolute best of that reality.

Star of the show...

2008-02-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

Carter and his "Brookwinn"

2008-02-18T15:18:00.001-08:00

Winter Beach Day

2008-02-18T15:15:00.001-08:00

Work, work, work

2008-02-04T19:54:00.001-08:00

A while back, I realized that I really really like my job. Soon after this realization, I noticed that this phenomena is a rarity which is sought after by many people in the world, therefore, I have learned to cherish these cold hard facts with fierce veracity. Let me jump into some details... these of course are sure to wow you, of this I am sure.

My official job title is "Special Events Coordinator". I work as "Special Events Coordinator" for the City of Lincoln City here on the gorgeous Oregon Coast. When I applied for the job in question, I was actually happily involved with the Pelican Pub and Brewery - working in merchandising and event management. The job was challenging and rewarding, a killer combo if you ask me. The downside to this job was that I live in Lincoln City, and the Pub is in Pacific City. A 25 minute drive on the best of days, and an (up to) 45 minute one during storm season. Considering that I actually enjoy spending time with my family, this reality truly began to set in after nearly 2.5 years with the Pelican. I decided to keep it closer to home.

In my research of the office in which I'd be working, I realized that the offices were big, the days were 8 hours, and the benefits were great. I applied myself and I got the gig. Within the first few months I began to see that my duties as "Special Events Coordinator" would be diverse and interesting... what more could I ask for ey?

Currently, for the City of Lincoln City, I manage/coordinate the program for a Culinary School, I make all calendar and website updates, I oversee a Dog Show and a Cooking Competition.

I am one of the lucky ones. And I know it.

Brill

2008-01-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of things that I consider totally brilliant, in no particular order of brilliantness:
1. Rounded bobby pins - it's about time!
2. POM in reusable glasses. I won't ever have to shop for drinking glasses again.
3. Non-toxic wall paint.
4. Lifetime warranties.
5. Pizza Pringles. Why not?
6. Wikipedia.
7. Christmas tree recycling.
8. Wrinkle resistant pants. These feed perfectly into my laziness scheme.
9. The power of putting "CC: David Hunt, Esq" at the bottom of letters to my property management office.
10. Co-mingled recycling.

Cookies

2008-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that I make incredible chocolate chip cookies... seeing as how those cookies are the only thing I can think about right now - I have decided to elaborate on that a bit.

When I was younger, my mother would bake us chocolate chip cookies for various occasions. When I was about 7 or 8 I remember watching her in the kitchen, dumping ingredients into a bowl without a recipe, without a set of measuring spoons. The last step in the mixing process was always magic to me... she'd rip open the bag of chocolate chips and pour the entire bag into the blue-striped bowl. This process made my mother seem like a goddess to me. The goddess of Chocolate Chip Cookies.

By the time I was 10, I was making these treats by myself, without the aid of recipes or measuring devices. Without much more than a bowl, a baking sheet, a spoon and the ingredients necessary. Since realizing and developing this "gift" I have had illusions of grandeur... dreams of becoming a pastry chef, dreams of decorating a cake like Martha... this photo is an example of why I am so excited about my insanely good chocolate chip cookies. After 17 years of dreaming - I have finally realized that those cookies are in fact the only things I can bake.

Sick Day

2008-01-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

The allure of a sick day dies when you are ACTUALLY SICK. The allure of a sick day is ripped from your arms, thrown to the concrete ground below and shattered before all in attendance when you are ACTUALLY SICK and taking care of a two year old child who is also ACTUALLY SICK. Of all of the true horrors in life this ranks number 9 in my book. Taking a backseat to such calamities as being stuck under a bookcase at the library and not being "allowed to" peep more than a whisper, getting a shoelace caught in an escelator, and the ever popular being stuck behind a broken down Pinto in the drive thru with 3 cars behind you. Thank you and good night.

On the 4th day

2008-01-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

there was peace. It's incredible how much we can control with the power of thought. I've been incredibly lucky to realize this at such at the ripe young age of 27... I'm in my prime and I know what I am doing. I actually like my job, I enjoy my child's company and I live in a warm comfortable home with lights strung around the deck in the summer and pumpkins on the stoop in the fall. I have chosen these things as the simple pleasures in my life, and they're here and I love it.

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Christmas Tree,

If I'd have known then what I know now, I would have done things differently. If I'd have known that I needed to saw your "bottom" off before plunging you into the deep waters of the Fred Meyer special Christmas Tree Stand I'd have done so. And if I'd have known that, I'd have of course waited to light you until after I'd done so, and put off decorating you with the 100 golden stars I purchased specifically for you to wear during our Christmas feast and celebration.

Next year is the year, and you my dear will be in Christmas Tree Heaven - thank you for teaching me such wonderful lessons.

Katera

Here's What I Know - Volume 1

2007-12-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

1. If you love the house, make the offer.
2. When purchasing new furniture, make sure that the cushion covers are washable and that they COME OFF.
3. Save your receipts.
4. All of the picture frames on one wall DO NOT have to match.
5. Young boys emulate their mothers; yes this includes an affinity for makeup.
6. Spray tanning beds are worth it.
7. I make KILLER Chocolate Chip Cookies.
8. It doesn't matter how much you spend at the craft store; scrapbooks don't "make themselves".
9. C&H Sugar is worth the extra $.17.

To Be Continued...

My Favorite Things

2007-12-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

I like a lot of things. Beets, The Foo Fighters, paper, Coach, Sudoku, my Subaru... but it's hard for me to find a favorite thing in any given category. For example I don't have a favorite movie, book, cd, band, food, toothpaste, juice or dinosaur. But I do have a favorite quote, it's been my favorite since the first time I read it, and it continues to keep me goosebump prickly for a few seconds each time I read it. Another favorite: having the common sense to be friends with a girl who sends me a refrigerator magnet bearing that exact quote. Thanks Charles.

Create

2007-12-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know if my dining room table will survive if I take any more projects on right now, what a trooper though...

Power Outage 2007

2007-12-05T21:26:00.001-08:00

We are becoming pros when it comes to Power Outages. Currently on our list of necessities during such a "catastrophe" are the following items: Friends, camp stove, Coors Light, a ton of pasta, PBR, ice, whiskey, pens, slips of paper and lots of candles. You haven't lived until you've played charades by candlelight with a bunch of people you didn't know until you invited them to shower at your house. It's a beautiful thing, just beautiful.

One of my favorite days of the year

2007-12-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Boys and their lashes...

2007-11-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

Feeling Bloggy

2007-11-29T19:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first blog post. Of course it's been a long time coming. I have two friends whose blogs are checked by me regularly and I realized today that I feel very in tune with their lives, but have been skimping when it comes to sharing details of mine with them... and my life, by God, is worth sharing!