October 02, 2007
Been a while
It's been too long since I've updated my blog, it's been nagging at me like a spoiled kid. "When ya gonna update me?? Huh?? whine...."
Lots been going on, art classes, vacations, sabatticals, and lots of life.
I'm just getting back from my 8-week sabattical I get every 7 years from work. Pretty nice. A chance to shake off the work routine and catch your breath.
Mom proposed a 10 day cruise to Hawaii, and I was a little unsure at first. I'd never been on a cruise, but thought it might be fun, just us "girls".
Before Dad passed away 4 years ago, he and Mom had gone on quite a few cruises, all over the world. So Mom knew what she was doing and what to expect. She flew down from Spokane, and we flew to San Diego. From there, we took a bus to Ensenada, Mexico. Our ship, "Rhapsody of the Sea" left from there on Sept 18th.
After 5 days at sea, which was very cool... no land to be seen ANYWHERE... we finally came to port at Kailua, Hawaii. Stayed the day, and on to Lahaina, Maui. We stayed in port there 2 days, then back to the big Island, to Hilo.
After doing so much shopping, we decided to take a bus tour up to see the Kilauea Caldera (volcano). We actually hit several stops along the way... Rainbow Falls, the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, the Thurston Lava Tube and finally to the volcano and the Jaggar Museum. Truly amazing! No lava currently flowing, but vulcanologists predict activity in the next 3-6 months!!! After that, lunch at the Kilauea Visitors Center.
And, finally on to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory. Actually, it was more like a huge gift store selling all flavors of macadamia nuts. Yum!!
Finally, back to the ship to get ready for our second "Formal night". Funny, I don't typically get dressed up, but it was fun. We even got a formal picture taken!
The ship traveled overnight, and we woke up to Waikiki Beach on Oahu. Mom & Dad took us to Waikiki when we were in High School, but I hadn't been back to Oahu since. Still, there were a lot of memories there. The hotel where we stayed, Park Shore, is still there with a fabulous view of Diamond Head and across from the zoo and the beach. The Moana Surfrider, where the Banyan tree is in the courtyard is there, and all the shops.
After the long day of exploring the entire strip, we headed back to the ship to finish packing. We left the ship around 9:00 to head to the airport... and we flew out at 1:00 to L.A., and from there, home. We got in around 12:30, and crashed at a hotel across the street from the airport. Mike picked me up the next day, and I saw Mom off on her flight home.
I made blank journals for both Mom and me, and we had a lot of fun recording our journey. Sure helps to remember the little experiences you would typically forget after time, but those experiences add so much color and texture to memories. At the end of my writing, I had purchased a tropical sticker that said "Paradise Found". But I realized that for me, paradise is being here at home, with Mike. And Sean, Peach, Tahoe, Sierra, and the 2 rats. "There's no place like home".... right on, Dorothy!
Posted by Sherri at 10:36 AM | Comments (0) | General
March 01, 2007
What kind of cookie are you?
I saw this little goofy thing on Lauren's blog, and thought it would be fun!!
Hmmmm....... interesting. My favorite cookie, btw... as long as it's soft, chewy, and tons of chocolate chips!
| You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie |
 You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying! |
Posted by Sherri at 08:33 AM | Comments (1) | General
December 26, 2006
Christmas gifts
This year has been a mixture of homemade and bought gifts... one I did for my brother Tom and his wife Lois is a colored pencil painting of their two dogs...
Sophie and Sammy. Last Christmas I promised I'd do this for them. Lois supplied me with several photos of them, which I took Sophie from one and Sammy from another.
The colored pencil portrait took quite a while, as I am taking classes towards my MFA and working full time.
Here's the final...
Posted by Sherri at 09:29 PM | Comments (7) | General
November 29, 2006
A new motorcycle for ME!!!
Geez, I'm so excited!! Mike bought me a BMW 2004 R1150R motorcycle and I can hardly wait to get it!
But I have to admit, I was really concerned at first. I have a little BMW F650 CS which I totally love. She's light, comfy, fun, and goes where ever I want. Only problem, she's a one-cylinder and tough to take on long trips.
Here she is... my "YEEHA"
So, Mike bought me a BMW 1200 GT. Big sucker, but really pretty. And absolutely wonderful on long rides, smooth, lots of pep.
But me having 2 bikes just doesn't seem right... I really don't want to give up my 650.
So, a couple of weeks ago while out at A&S Cycle in Roseville, I saw this really cute bike, an R1150R. I sat on it, and amazingly, I could *almost* flat-foot BOTH feet!! It had a lower seat. And, I was amazed how light it felt. So when we got home, Mike started thinking about how that might be a good solution... and found a bike for me on eBay and bought it.
Hmmm... well, ok, cool. I think. I was still pretty unsure about the whole thing... I LIKE my 650CS!!!!!!
But then yesterday, I figured I should at least see how this model rides, so I trucked all the way back out to A&S, and test-drove their model. And, now I'm majorly way jazzed!!!!!!! Here's a pic of my new baby, as she was on eBay...
So, what do you think of her?? :D
Here's a part of what was on the eBay listing...
2004 BMW R1150R has many options and is in great shape. It is under Factory warranty until April 2007, for options it has ABS brakes, heated grips, Hi and Low windscreens, BMW SYS Bags, with lower pipe for full size left bag [stock muffler is included], BMW rear rack, tank bag, hi and low seat,lower pegs, barbacks, throttlemeister throttle lock.It is in great shape and has not been down, the tires are about 40% gone, brakes are like new, oil has been changed every 2000-2500 miles by service shop.
I guess I'll know more about her after we pick her up... she currently lives in Tempe, AZ.
Posted by Sherri at 01:30 PM | Comments (0) | General
October 30, 2006
Stress?? Who, me?
Sometimes I would love to look into a crystal ball and see what my future holds. Where will I be in one year, five, or even 10? How can I prepare for what lies ahead?
Other times, I'd rather not know, anticipating the currents and eddies of my life.
Right now, knowing is on my mind.
The company I work for is undergoing a reduction in workforce, and I've seen lots of good friends leave. I know it's tough to get the word that your job (or entire group) is being disbanded. Hurt, disbelief, anger, it's all there. Fortunately, I'm still employed.
But something almost palpable is in the air at work... a mild to moderate depression. Those of us who are left feel the empty space once filled by our co-workers, and it's a cold lonely feeling. Work isn't as exciting as it used to be, and working from home is preferable to going into work.
And, it sounds like the layoffs are not over. So, we wait, trying to ignore the black mist hanging over us... will I still have a job in a year? If so, just let me know so I can get on with my job. If not, let me know so I can start looking for something else. But please, just let me know.
Posted by Sherri at 07:39 PM | Comments (0) | General
December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas!
The time of year when all is hustle and bustle, I try to take a few minutes to stop and count my blessings.
This year is no different... this small tradition of mine started when I was very young. My mom would put small white Christmas trees in my brother and my bedroom windows. At night, with all the lights out except the tree, I would lay in bed and sing Christmas carols. It was a warm, sweet time to feel the joy of season and count my blessings.
So, this year, as I "count my blessings instead of sheep" (just watched "White Christmas" where Bing and Rosmary sing this to each other...) I find so much to be thankful for.
My wonderful husband, Mike, who is my knight in shining armor. He's all the colors of the rainbow to me, encouraging, inspiring, with a warm loving heart.
Sean, our 11 year old son, who continues to amaze me with his bright mind and sense of humor. Sometimes I miss the little boy, but then see the young man he is becoming, and am so proud!
My mom, the strongest person I know, who comforts and encourages me through her wise words and actions. She is everything I've ever aspired to be... a teacher, artist, a mom.
My brother Tom and his wife Lois who are my friends as well as my family.
My family on Mike's side... who have all lovingly accepted me into their "clan".
And, my friends. Thank you, Kathleen, for being such a good friend for so many years, through laughter and tears, births and deaths, thick and thin. Thank you for your patience with this pack rat.
I'm also thankful for my job, I get to do such fun things with such fun people! Now, who can really say that these days?
My home, my health, my life. All comes under the heading "blessings". I realize, as I do each year, what a rich person I truly am, to have such a wealth of blessings!
So as we start 2006, may you also count your blessings and find you are a rich person!
Love,
Sherri
Posted by Sherri at 11:26 AM | Comments (0) | General
October 30, 2005
Home Alone
Well, not really alone. Mike's traveling for work, and has been gone since Oct. 22, and he get's back Nov. 2. Sean and I sure miss him a lot...
Fortunately, because of the "miracle" of email and phones, we've been in contact almost every day. Amazing, considering he's been in Taiwan, and is now in New Zealand.
A couple of new things around the house... We had some folks come and clear all the trees and brush from the "back 40"... so now we have an incredible view out the back of our house! Not sure if the deer like it, we've taken away some of their cover. But we're going to level some of that and put a small structure down there... part storage, part studio for me!! That's the best part, my own studio where I can paint/draw/create to my heart's content. Wow!!
Tomorrow is Halloween. Tonight Sean and I carved pumpkins, and had great fun! He cleaned up the mess, as I made dinner. Then he called me outside... he had arranged the carved pumpkins around our front porch! I got candles, and all 3 pumpkins glowed spectacularly! We also have some Halloween lights strung across the kitchen window... we turned those on and went to the front yard to admire our work. I wish I had a picture of that!!
While out there, I remembered that I'd heard Mars was going to be visable this weekend. Sean ran inside and brought his telescope out. He checked out a bright light, which turned out to be Venus. I checked out the sky in the back yard, and sure enough, low in the sky was a bright red light. Sean brought his telescope out back and we had a terrific view of Mars. Thank goodness it was a clear night, with just a slight chill in the air. Definitely a perfect fall evening.
Posted by Sherri at 04:59 PM | Comments (0) | General
September 21, 2005
Job News!
Good News, Good News!! I've accepted a new position!!
For almost 3 years now, I've been a webmaster where I work. I've designed (or redesigned!) several websites, newsletters and various projects. And, created the majority of the graphics.
I had done some newsletter templates for a friend of my boss, Scott... who was in a different group. It was no problem... a fun project and the fellow was fun to work with. Over the course of several months, Scott continued to call with requests regarding the newsletters, and I always enjoyed talking with him
Then, just a few weeks ago, he sent me a job description for a webmaster in his group, with the subject line "Interested?". As I read the description, it sounded as if he'd written the job description for me. My only hesitance was that I loved what I was doing, loved the people I work with, and am not one who embraces change.
However, he piqued my interest. So, we met, I applied, and went through the formal interview process. Scott mentioned he had several excellent candidates and I figured the job would go to someone else. Boy was I surprised when he called to offer me the position!! I asked if I could discuss it with my husband, and he said of course, but he'd call me the next day.
Mike was excited for me, and I was getting really pretty excited about the possibilities myself. So, of course, I accepted the position!! There are several new (to me!) technologies I want to learn, and already getting a jump on the game by reading what I can on them. Fun stuff!!
So my last day in my current group is next Thursday (9/29/05). So many things have changed in the past 3 years, and I've come to count many of my co-workers as friends. For right now, I'll stay sitting at the same desk, until either side wants me to move. Which is terrific, as I still get to see friends, and I don't have to pack and move.
Like starting anything new, I'm a little nervous too... will I really like this change? Will I get in over my head?? But, I keep thinking of my favorite quote: "I am not afraid of storms as I am learnig to sail my own ship."
Yep, this is gonna be cool!
Posted by Sherri at 08:16 PM | Comments (0) | General
August 23, 2005
Mike's BMW, blog face-lift, and meanderings
Mike's bike is in the shop, our blogs got some really snazzy updates, and I'm finding the time to stop and smell the roses....
After a 5 week tour of Germany, Norway and Sweden, which Mike and bike both came through with flying colors.. the bike finally decided to quit. All things considered, Mike and his 'bike were pretty lucky. His account of what happened is here.
After a lot of looking around and dinking with code, Mike has found some really cool looking pages (templates) for us to use for our blogs. I really like both of them, not sure which I like better! I worked on a new header graphic for his blog tonight, adding a BMW R1150RT to it, coloring it to match his bike, and doing some minor tweeks. I think he'll be adding that header soon!
And looking inward... Every once in a while I'm reminded of how lucky I am, and how happy! Seems as if life passes so quickly, that just slowing down long enough to appreciate things takes effort. But there's so much for which to be grateful, and I find that if I don't slow down a bit from time to time, I miss a lot.
Mike finds ways everyday to amaze me. Nothing grand or expansive, just in the gentle ways he does things. When work gets me flustered or stressed, he's my calming influence. Just a few soft words, a hug, and his big glowing smile does it. All of a sudden, what REALLY matters comes into focus, and the rest is just noise.
Small things matter more, big things less. Or, at least, I'm more adept with just dealing with the big things, and have more time to appreciate the small everyday things. Ok, did you follow that?? :)
Like tucking Sean in bed everynight and telling him I love him. Taking the back road to work just to enjoy the sights and smells. And, taking the time to express my feelings, which makes them all the more real and valid.
ok, enough for today... goodnight!
Posted by Sherri at 10:13 PM | Comments (0) | General
August 21, 2005
School Daze...
Back to school for Sean, back to our regular routine for Mike and me. I've always felt that the start of school was really the "New Year", it comes with so many beginnings, more so than in January. New teacher, new classmates, new subjects, and all new school supplies, shoes, and clothes!
Tuesday of this week was Sean's first day back to school. And, boy was he excited! Old friends to catch up with, and new friends to meet, and a new teacher! This year he has Mrs. Richards, who I've yet to meet. Open House is next week, and I've heard really good things about her. And, of course, Mrs. Kennedy whom Sean dearly loves, is still there. She pops in on him from time to time... and has called recently to remind Sean of an upcoming meteor shower!
We all found the meteor shower to be very exciting! Sitting on chairs in the back yard one night, we watched the night sky. And were rewarded with some small and some spectacular sights. Unfortunately, the meteors were due between midnight and dawn, and I just wasn't up to an all-night vigil. So, after a half-dozen meteors were spotted, I headed for bed. The boys came in shortly after... and we all slept in the next morning.
We're all settling back into our regular routine, with a little reluctance. With this routine comes the knowlege that the weather will be turning cooler and the days shorter. Oh well!
I'm back in an art class... Painting. A new teacher, and only one day a week! We have the option to paint with oils or acrylic, and I've chosen acrylic... less expensive, less smelly, and less health risk. I hit Rocky's Art Supply yesterday, and loaded up. Boy, every time I go in there, I feel like a kid in a candy shop!! So many cool art supplies, so many potential projects just waiting to be done!!
But, I have a current project I must finish. I've been doing a portrait for a friend (Jeff) of his brother. It's from a picture taken when the boy was about 3 or 4, during a family vacation to the Grand Canyon. The picture is stunning, and I'm hoping to do it justice. Jeff, who is an extremely talented person, intends on writing a book about his brother, and wants me to illustrate it, and the picture I'm doing now will go on the cover. I'm very excited about it!
A big project for me is to scan all my art and post it on a website. Seems like such an easy thing to do, but it's amazing what a difference a professional photographer makes. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who could do this at an "acceptable" price. But I need to do this, I'm getting a real backlog of pictures! Watch this site, I'm hoping to get something up here soon!!
Posted by Sherri at 09:32 PM | Comments (0) | General
August 03, 2005
and it's STILL HOT !!
They say it's getting cooler... I'm sorry, but 103 degrees IS NOT my idea of cooler... possibly 85 would be good. ;)
I rode my motorcycle in to work yesterday, what a beautiful ride in. Cool breeze, not too much traffic... Unfortunately, the ride home was not as enjoyable. Hotter than all get-out, and even with my summer riding gear on, I was REALLY HOT. So, I drove the car to work today.
Finally got my little Honda Nighthawk up for sale... out on Craig's List. She was my first bike, and terrific to learn on. Just right for a woman, not too tall or too heavy. Very manageable and easy to ride. Hopefully someone will take a liking to her and give her a good home!
I need to scoot and go pick up our son, Sean. He's in extended day while Mike and I are at work. I can't believe he'll be in 5th grade this year!! He's growing up so fast. His world is expanding from just the here and now to world events and even farther. Sean's latest interest is space. When NASA launched the Mars probes, Sean was in hog heaven!! He knows all the planets AND their moons.
He's also becoming intersted in reading... every parent gives a sigh of relief when their child loves to read. His current passion is a series of books about a boy named Bobby Pendragon, and his adventures traveling through space and time. I've been reading along with him, and I must admit, they're fun and exciting.
Here's a picture of Sean and our yellow lab, Sierra, taken earlier this summer.
Posted by Sherri at 09:06 PM | Comments (0) | General
July 29, 2005
Yay, it's Friday!!
Just renewed my membership to NAPP (Nat. Assn. of Photoshop Professionals) and got some really cool goodies in the mail! A double CD of "the best of photoshop user: the 7th year" and "100 photoshop CS2 HOT TIPS". Everything is so tasty, just makes my mouth water!!!
Friend Kathleen just got back from a trip to Hawaii with her 2 kids. She's all tan and skinny... Hrumph... looks like it's back to carrot sticks and rabbit food for me for a while. I HAVE lost about 27 lbs, but would like to lose more. Ya know, never too thin or too rich :)
Hubby Mike is looking forward to getting his BMW 1150 back (for the uninitiated... it's a sweet motorcycle!). He took her in for general tune up after his 5 week trip thru Germany. So tomorrow he'll be reunited. Here's a pic of him all loaded up at his Tante Uta's house.
He really enjoyed his visit, getting to walk down memory lane (this is the house where he spent a lot of his youth), sight seeing (fabulous castles nearby) and chatting with Uta, Aubrey, Cliffy, and Barbie.
I'm off for now, I plan on doing some art this weekend. I'm working on a portrait for a friend who is writing a book and plans to use this as the cover. I really need to make much more headway on this, but as I'm using Colored Pencil, it's soooo slow and tedious. I also plan on taking pictures of it at different stages... maybe I'll even post them here, just for fun!
Posted by Sherri at 03:36 PM | Comments (0) | General
July 28, 2005
Meander with me
Ok, so I've figured I need to exercise the part of my brain that enables me to write. Mostly because I dont' do it well or often, and have begun to avoid it like the plague. Mostly, I either don't have time or don't have anything to say.
Today isn't any different... I live and work in northern California, and it's been hot here lately. Not sure what the high has been lately, but I'd guess 105 - 107. I believe we are heading into a cooling trend... only 95-98. 'whew'... I was worried there... ;)
My commute is about 1/2 hour each way, so I have just enough frustration to start my day. But, I like what I do, and the air conditioning is always on at work!! I'd like to ride my motorcycle in to work, but just too hot lately.
Here's a picture of her...
she's a lot of fun to ride! I got her last December from some nice folks in the Bay area. I'd only been riding for about a year at that time, which also includes an accident on my first bike, a Honda 250 Nighthawk. I'd only been riding for 1 week, and hit some gravel going around a corner. I was lucky... only a broken clavicle and a bruised ego. Soon as everything was all healed, I was back riding. The Honda took everything well too.. just a couple of scratches. But, I realized the Honda just didn't have enough power, so that's when the BMW came into my life. My husband Mike found her on Ebay... Amazing.
Posted by Sherri at 03:25 PM | Comments (0) | General
June 18, 2005
Latest Harry Potter
The Half Blood Prince was a very dark book, with an unexpected, sad ending.
Posted by Michael at 12:15 AM | Comments (0) | General
