Resurrection

My poor poor little neglected blog!

Instead of saying that I have been too busy to write, I choose to say that I’ve been on blog sabbatical for the past 6 months. Now I’m rested and ready to write. (It’s not completely true, but my life is calming down enough that I can spend some time on personal improvement and enjoyment.) As London Tipton says “yeah me!”

So let’s see what’s been going on in my life while I’ve been on sabbatical:

I’ve been working on a committee exploring the option of a county-wide metropolitan park district. (We met almost weekly for most of that time.) Unfortunately, although it is a good idea, the economy is such that it not the right time. (I think we’re either 3 year too early or too late.) There is still some serious interest to pursuing a North County MPD and so we’ll see where it goes from here.

I have also been part of a citizens group who opposing the Bonneville Power Administration BPA’s proposed new substation and new high voltage power lines. They want to build the 10-15 acre substation right around the corner from my house and the biggest power lines in the industry running from it across Kelso / Lexington down to Vancouver / Portland. So far we’ve been somewhat successful, they are looking to move it to a less populated area. However, I am still very concerned about the exposure to the high EMF levels and the risk of cancer. The citizens group would like to have them bury the lines or shield them better. There is a public meeting in Castle Rock on August 30th.

I am also the co-chair of the Finance Counsel for my parish. Unfortunately, we have not had an active Parish/Pastoral and Finance Counsels for the last 5-6 years. Which means there hasn’t been a working budget in all that time for our parish and our sister parish. It was a very, very difficult process, and after many, many difficult meetings we were able to create a balanced budget. Unfortunately, in order to do that we had to slash staff levels. That was such a horrible experience!! I felt sick for weeks!!! The one silver lining to come from this was that we were able to make sure that our parish was able to at least have our own clerical staff – even if it’s not full time.

In February, I was appointed to the County’s Parks Board for a 6 year term. I’m very excited to be on the committee! It is something I applied for 5 years ago, but they didn’t have any positions open for the North County area where I live. They finally did and now I’m able to participate. (Unfortunately, the park’s board meetings are on the same night as my bunco group. I was pretty bummed to give up bunco. They are a very fun group of women and I really enjoyed it.) I came on at a very fortuitous time. We have been working on our 20 year strategic plan for the county’s parks system. (Not sure we will have a parks system in next year - let alone in 20 years, if we don’t get a dedicated funding stream. Currently, the county is down to only ONE parks ranger to do all the maintenance and upkeep for all the 17 parks properties. They call him the Lone Ranger.) Hopefully, with a comprehensive strategic plan in place, they will be able to apply for grants too keep the department open.

My kids and I are actively fundraising so that we can go on pilgrimage to the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain with our church youth group. Due to a number of factors, our group got a late start on fundraising, so I’m not sure we’ll get enough money. We’re sure making a valiant effort!! So far, we’ve sold raffle tickets to a gorgeous quilt, ran a rummage sale and rented the parking lot for KHS graduation, did a plant sale, held car washes and managed a raspberry patch. W.

Bipolar Summer – can’t decide if its going to be hot or cold. The highs are either in upper 60's or in the upper 90's. Don't like the extremes. Just give me 75 degrees. It's perfect.

Well, off to work

Fall Sports Abound

We are completely in the throes of fall sports. Most nights we don't get home until 7pm or later. (Well, I don't get home then but we're all on different schedules so it's really more accurate to say that we ALL don't get home until about 8pm.) The nice thing about middle school sports is that practices are right after school and NO GAMES ON SATURDAY!!!!




M is playing middle school soccer. All that conditioning with high school team over the summer has paid off and she is one of the starting midfielders and is one of the goalies. They've had a pretty good season so far. She is also reff'ing 3 or 4 of the recreation league games on Saturdays. (Just when I could chortle about soccer free saturdays! oh well, she gets paid pretty good to do it and she loves it so its good for her.)






B is playing middle school volleyball and is on the 7th grade team. This is a new sport for most of the girls so there has been a slight adjustment for them, but it hasn't really affected their record. Ithink they've only lost 1 match so far. B even got an ACE in Tuesday's game. She was very excited! B is also on the yearbook and school newspaper. She took this picture of her teammates at Tuesday's game.

C is playing Cowlitz League (youth football - NOT pop warner). He has been one of the starting linemen all season. In fact he has been playing almost every down (only break is when the 2nd string defense is out there.) He is the starting center and sometimes tackle on offense and kick offs. He is the starting nose guard for defense and kick returns. He's loving it and the coach would like to work with him a little bit on learning some new positions.

So sorry we've dropped off the face of the earth. Right now with the various committees I'm on and the organizations, activities and sports the kids are doing, we are super crazy booked. (Even Sunday's I've usually triple booked in the evenings and usually booked solid through the day.) Crazy Fall Schedule!!!

North County Recreation Association

Castle Rock is a small town. Offially the census says there's a little over 2,100 people in the city limits. But there's probably 5-10k people in the school district. Neighboring Toutle Lake is even smaller. Needless to say, the Castle Rock / Toutle areas are very tight knit communities and life revolves around school and kid activities. There was a huge need to replace our decrepit old baseball fields and create some new soccer fields. So a dedicated group of local business leaders and parents had a vision to create the North County Recreation Association. They raised money, negiotiated for land to be donated and use agreements with the school district and city, applied and received several large grants to build the North County Recreation / Sports Complex back behind CR's high school.

It is truly amazing what they have been able to accomplish with almost total volunteer labor (fairly recently they did hire a baseball concessions manager but other than that its all volunteer support). There is a awesome sports complex with a 2 story club house, 3 or 4 very nice little league baseball fields (part of the state tourney is held there for the last 2-3 years) and 2 girls softball fields. There is a huge area for the soccer fields. In a addition, there is a mile long path that circles this part of the complex and excercise equipment is being installed along it so that you can get a complete workout on the circuit. In addition, work on the new boat launch into the Cowlitz River is going at a frantic pace. (After several years of review, they finally got the necessary permits from the Corps of Engineers late last week. All 'in river' work must be completed by September 15th so not to affect the salmon. If they miss the deadline, they will have to wait until next August to resume.) I walk the loop most nights and it's been impressive to see the progress is going. (They truly are working dawn to dusk.) There are also plans for a campground and playground and paving the parking lot to be put in future phases.

Obviously, all this costs money. So every October, North County hosts a big dinner/dance auction event which raises a lot of money to support all upkeep and maintenance of everything we've built so far. (I've been helping with it for a couple years and it is a lot of fun and has a lot of great items.) So mark Saturday, October 3rd on your calendars. (Place TBD - which is the subject of another post.) So if you know anyone who would like to donate items for the auction or would like to attend, let me know. If you want to donate that would be even better. NCRA is a 501c3 non profit and its tax deductible.

2nd Opinion

Well, the orthopedic doctor looked at Meg's hospital xrays and pronounced that wrist / arm definitely did NOT look broken. HE says its probably just a sprain. He is having her come in Wednesday just to double check. (Keep your fingers crossed...soccer tryouts are in less than 2 weeks.)

Jinxed

My coworker, George, jinxed me! Boy is he going to hear about it when I get to work today!!!

Yes, we were talking about my kids and their seemingly frequent flyer mileage to the Emergency Room and specifically how Megan always seems to get hurt about this time of year. This summer she has been working out with the varsity high school team several days a week doing their conditioning training. We last night during a scrimmage, she collided with another player and fell. She landed funny on her left wrist. (It was at the end of practice, but being the tough dedicated player, she continued playing.) Long story - short.

We eventually went to the Emergency Department to get it checked out. (It didn't feel broken, but we decided to go just in case.) One good thing was that we got to see our old neighbor Carolyn who works in radiology. It was actually a pretty quick trip - less than 3 hours, but it was still 1am before I got home. Well, they don't think its broken, but decided to put a splint on and refer her to the orthoped just to be safe. Well this splint is HONKING HUGE!!!! She's had casts smaller. Bad thing is that soccer tryouts are in 2-3 weeks and if its broken, she's out for the season. oh well....positive thoughts!!! Only a mild sprain.

We'll keep you in the loop.

Come Top the Rock

This Saturday is the 5k fun run/walk to save the Castle Rock Library. Several years ago the city couldn't afford to run the library any more so they had to authorize an operations levy every year to fund the library. (Last year, it failed to get the super majority vote by 7 votes.) The library has been running on donations (yes those little cans at the grocery store) since it ran out of money in February. This Saturday, the Friends of the Library are hosting a 5k Fun Run & Family Fitness Walk, called "I Topped the Rock". It starts at 10am Saturday (6/20) It will start at the Library and following the Riverfront Trail to the top of Castle Rock to get your commemorative wristband and then ending back in downtown for free food, music and awards. There is a Storybook Theme... Everybody is encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character - with prizes being awarded to the best dressed in several age categories. There will also be live music from the Carl Wirkkala band (grew up in our house) and M's best friend's dad is the drummer. (They are actually quite good and Carl has been going to Nashville quite a bit in last couple years.) There is also a silent auction which includes a guided fishing trip for 4 on the Columbia River and a tandem skydiving trip - just to name a few prizes. The entry fees are $10 individual / $25 for family of 4. (2 adults / 2 kids) Check & money orders made payable to Friends of the Library - ITTR and sent to P.O. Box 638, Castle Rock WA 98611 or dropped off at Lacey Rah's Cafe OR.... The online registeration is powered by active.com go to: www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1740376 For more info email is itoppedtherock@gmail.com or www.myspace.com/itoppedtherock WE ARE PLANNING ON DOING THIS, SO HOPEFULLY ANYONE ELSE WHO IS AVAILALBLE CAN GET OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH US - AND HELP A GREAT CAUSE

Greased Lightening

This video is of M's 100 meter heat which she won handily. She is the red girl in the lane closest to the stands. There were 4 teams competing at this meet and there were about 30 or so seventh grade girls running the 100 so there were 4 or 5 heats. She was in the 2nd heat. (Sorry about the video quality. I got excited for a couple seconds.)

out of it

Wow! I just realized it's been almost a month since I was last on here. YIKES!!! only feels like a week. I have been so crazy busy that when I finally do get home, I just collapse in my bed and try to get some sleep before I have to get up too early to start it again.

Basic update...I still have my job. (Whew!!!) But it is not good at work right now. Too many good people and vital jobs were cut. I don't know how we're going to make it work. (no security staff anymore, the clerk's office closed to the public just to name a few.) Everyone is very cranky and on edge. Morale is shot and it's going to get worse. (I half-jokingly say I'm going to hang out at the morgue because it's got to be cheerier.) I'm just keeping my head down and working hard. Just finsihed helping on a huge (as in 3/4 of a million dollars kind of huge) 3 year federal grant which will hopefully save the Drug Court program and even expand it's treatment capacity and options. We'll know in early September if we got it. If not, the county is shutting down the Drug Court program October 1st. Keep your fingers crossed.

It is Spring. This means the kids are very busy in sports and I'm running hither and yon to trying to make it all work while trying to keep my hair in my head.

M is doing track and is competing in long jump, javelin or hurdles, and the 100 meter dash and she is also on the 4 by 100 meter relay. They are awesome!! So far they have beaten every 7th grade girls team and a lot of the 8th grade teams as well. (A lot of times, they run both groups together.) I'll try to do a video of one of her races.

B is on a Spring Soccer league. They are doing well and having lots of fun. (It's her last season of soccer since she doesn't want to continue it when she gets to Middle School so I'm glad it's going to end on positive note - with a coach she admires and her friends / teammates that she's had since kindergarten. Yep. The core of this team has been together 7+ years.) It's so mellow and laid back. I love it!!

C is playing baseball. What can I say???? Hmmmm.... This year is a little challenging (as a parent) due to the composition of the team and some of the personalities involved, but thankfully my happy-go-lucky son is blissfully unaware of all the conflict swirling around and is having a ball. (Thank God for small miracles!) He is doing fabulous!! He is playing short stop and 3rd base primarily and actually doing well. He has also been hitting really well. In fact, he got a true stand up triple on Saturday and then stole home. He's having an Allstar season which I'm glad for him.

I'm up to my eyeballs in meetings for parks and library consolidation boards, patient advisory board, and the church's June revival mission, plus the normal fun stuff like scouts and book group, etc.,.

Well, gotta go check on the kiddos' (I've got 2 home sick today and we're waiting for the doctor's appts at 1pm)

Spring Sports & Other Saturday Fun

Spring is starting to slowly arrive in the Pacific Northwest. Which means the beginning of Spring Soccer, Track and Baseball seasons.

(M is on the middle school track team and is loving it. She is super fast and has had the opportunity to try a lot of different track and field events. Out of 40 girls trying out for the 100m relay team, she just found out that she will be running the 1st leg because she was the second fastest girl. She is also doing the 100m, probably 200m, 100 hurdles, and then they can't decide whether she should do javelin, long or high jump and/or one of the other running events. She's loving all the practice and is jogging on her own on weekends and Spring Break. I'm planning attending at least one of her meets and hopefully will get some pictures. If not I'm sure I'll have a basic proud momma brag alert in a couple weeks.)

Here's a photo montage of C and B's sports activities.

C primarily plays shortstop on his "minors" team the River Dogs. (This is the first year kids are pitching. They also asked him if he wanted to pitch after they realized that only having 2 pitchers for the team wasn't realistic for a bunch of 9 and 10 year olds.)


Not really a sport, but B's best friend who moved away to Forks (of Twilight fame) came in for a surprise visit on Saturday. They were so excited and had fun playing at Chucky Cheeses' for a couple hours.

The Pink Panthers Unite!!

A bunch of the girls are anti-pink so there was some consternation about being the Pink Pansies until they realized that.... the coolest thief in the world is the same color.

(A couple of the anti-pink crowd were mollified then because they love the Pink Panther and love to "steal" the ball.)

C up to bat in one of his first games. He hit a single and came around to score.

Winning Streak Broken and Other Wrestling Tales

C did great with his wrestling match on Friday against the local power house Kelso.

He pinned the first Kelso kid in less than 15 seconds. (Truly it was about 14.5 seconds from whistle to whistle.) Wham! It was done and over in an instant. Basically, C shot for the Kelso kid's legs, got him down on the mat, did a quick half nelson and rolled him over onto his back for the pin.




The second Kelso wrestler took a little longer, but that's probably because he was undefeated for the last two years. It was so cute. The other kid was trying to psych C out as they were waiting for their match. Telling him that if C won, it would be a first. Because the Kelso kid has had this big winning streak and has never lost a match in the last two years. Then the boys were called out onto the mats for their match. Less than 34 seconds later, C calmly replies to the Kelso boy lying on his back "I guess I just broke your record." (I know he didn't mean it in a bad "in your face" way, but it so like him to come up with a snappy retort like that. C doesn't talk smack - just goes out and does what he does - usually with a grin on his face having fun the whole time.)

Idita-Walk

I absolutely love this idea!!!! It is brilliant and I'm very excited to participate this year. I was thinking about this earlier this month. Thankfully, my mom emailed me this link and I'm all signed up and ready to start tomorrow.



A bunch of boy scouts from Nome, Alaska who help sponsor some of the dogsledders for the Iditarod dog sled race came up with a great fund / health raiser. It is based on the famous dog sled Iditarod Race.

The Iditarod Race is 1049 miles long and this challenges you to walk (or do something areobic) for 1049 minutes. (I know ~ over a thousand minutes of excercise!!! That's plumb crazy talk!!!)
But it's actually very reasonable. The plan is to do just 30 minutes for 35 days and you've pretty much met the goal (give or take a few minutes). It's also pretty fun to track your self along the race route depending on your mileage.

Even though the Iditawalk officially starts February 1st, people have until February 15th to sign up so (This is so they know how many pins to order. ~ I know! A prize at the end!!! Can it get any better or what?) You actually have until the end of March to complete the challenge so that's two months. The challenge only costs $10 againg this year. And don't forget.... you get a pin if you "finish the Idita-walk." The rest of the money (and the extra they make from selling t-shirts) goes to help the boy scouts up in Alaska. So there's wins all around.

Here's a couple of the Eagle Scouts from Troop 298.

I've signed up my family and so if anyone else wants to ~ please join us. And we've already planned a pre-game walk for tomorrow before the Super Bowl starts.

Here's the link....
http://www.idita-walk.com/

A Pin And A Win

C has started wrestling season. This is his 3rd year and is getting really good at it. (He's now on the "varsity" youth wrestling team. They are teaching them lots of moves and he is really improving his skills.

C before his first match 2009 season.




C as he pins his first opponent.
He won his second match on points after a long hard fought battle.




This is the video of his first pin of the season.