End of an era

Besides a change of scenery and a new schedule, moving forces you to take inventory. It makes you gut everything you own and question whether or not you need it. "Do I really need these flat tennis balls?" No, so I throw them away, give them away, or sell them. Katie and I have done this with every piece of everything we own together. She encourages me to get rid of this and that and I do the same. We have made over $600 in stuff that we haven't used over the last year and now we don't have to worry about moving it. The lovely truck above has been a blessing. We sold it and the money we made will be what we live on till our first loan and Katie gets a job. This truck was my grandpas before I had it and he will be happy to know that it went to an older couple in northern Washington. Kettle Falls to be exact.
It is great to know that when I purchase something, someone will buy it years later after I used it. Its like getting 10-15% off at the end of its use to you. Whenever I buy something now, I think,"how much am I going to be able to resale this for in a few years?" Anyway, it's good to know that we have been frugal with our money. They say money problems are a main factor in divorces in America. I rest in knowing that Katie and I have started our marriage looking out of the best interests in each other. Whether that includes money or not.

The new "Elk," a popular pub in Spokane. It is walking distance from our home. They have good food but the environment is going to take some getting used to.(For the guys that is since we will be gone by end month.)
My buddy Branden, the worst frisbee thrower on earth, hitting his mark.
Jason being able to stay on his board says only one thing...he has great balance.
Our friend Joel who is in Korea graced us with a visit from his Physician dad from Bishop California. His one mistake was telling us he was paying before we ordered.
My lovely wife preparing us breakfast on Saturday morning. We had mancakes and bacon.
Mancakes are quite delicious. Here's how you make them:
1 Cup of beer
1Cup Pancake mix
1/2 cup water
Vanilla or Plain yogurt for the top
Syrup for the top
Mix the ingredients, put them on a hot pan and flip 'em.






The whole purpose of this weekend was to celebrate the graduation of Kaleb our friend. We did not hold our applause till the end.

It's Scott. This is priest lake in the northern panhandle of Idaho. It is probably the most memorable place for me when I remember the Northwest. Not priest but the northern panhandle. It is beautiful and lots of fun has been done in this area. I can't believe we only have about 36 days left here. It is going so fast. Katie only has 25 days of work left. Anyway, the weather has been so poor here that I haven't taken any pictures. That's why you get one from two years ago. This weekend will be in the mid 60's. We will get out and you'll get a better update early next week.

New Challenges

Yesterday I learned that mountain biking isn't so bad. Some of you remember my first mountain biking experience. It involved me going over my handle bars and, out of anger, tossing the new bike halfway across the woods into a tree. The trip taught me that mountain biking was a bad idea for me and maybe sticking to the road was a better idea. Well, after almost three years of doing the equivalent of dumb, topping out at 40 mph downhill on my roadbike, I decided to pick up mountain biking again.
My buddy Jason and I set out on a journey to Kalico Kitchen for breakfast, a quick trip to REI and then to the trails. Beautiful weather brought new life as I started behind Jason on a narrow trail that seemed enjoyable for an afternoon run but on a bike, dangerous. We went off jumps which I managed to get some air. Yes both of my tires were off the ground. Each time a little higher until I almost relived my prior experiences. That was enough, I had tackled the fear and actually excited to go again.

The best part of all this though was we were stuck without a car. You see, I drove and against my better judgement, knowing my truck needed some TLC, decided to drive it. Jason, knowing the truck wasn't going to make it offered to pay for my $4.25 breakfast to remove any guilt from himself. Sure enough noises were made from the engine and laughter filled the cab as we came to a halt right where we were going to start our bike ride. After the ride we had a buddy come and tow us home and then we fixed the Truck. Yeah, God is good. The truck breaks and instead of paying 100+ to fix it, I find guys that know how to do it for me. I wish I could say I did it but I just bought the parts. But if it happens again, I know how now.

Adventures...what is an adventure without friends?. I enjoy my friends. There isn't an adventure I have lived that didn't include someone to calm me down, change my perspective or enhance the moment. I'm thankful that I am liked by people that I enjoy being around. Thanks, if you are reading this you are probably one of the people I am talking about. I mean since you read this or maybe not

She's fun

Check out my wife. This is her completing "Valley Girl" triathlon last July. Everyones like, "Wow, she's good at triathlons."
I enjoy being married to a woman who is open to new adventures. I mean, geesh, we are moving to california and going to mexico and she does stuff that I like to do. Now if I could only learn to enjoy theater, the food network and sitting still for more than five minutes.

Spring break with the families

A few pics from our recent trip to Blaine to visit Katie's family with Scott's mom, Nancy and her husband Dan from Ohio...

This is actualy us on a hike in Spokane... nice family pic :)

Scott's attempt at capturing his first "wildlife" picture.

It was a bit windy near the Candaian border... this Katie's dad... we were visiting the Peace Arch

Katie jumping for the camera

Jay, being himself on a hike through the woods near Chuckanut drive.

Mt. Baker in the backgound... this is taken on a ferry ride to Orcas Island.

View from Mt Constitution -- looking down at Sucia Island (one of our fav. San Juans)

We were cold.

The ferry ride back.

Dan and Nancy playing cards on the ferry...

The one usually the camera.

California Dreamin'

The grass isn't greener on the other side huh? I beg to differ. Spokane doesn't have grass- just pineneedles and snow. Its been great. Fun people, good work, great experiences and tons to do outside. But today is April 2nd and Im ready to go.
I'm recieving my hepititis B shots today. Well, two of them...I think. I have class (chemistry) and Katie is at work. It's been hard to not coast through life. You know? Knowing the next adventure but finishing life where you are. The only reason we're still here is cause my last class. Otherwise we would go. That being said everything else is difficult. My job, Katies job, etc. Anyway.
We want to take a vacation. I know this couple from the gym. He works for Alaska airlines. He has, I guess, 10 free tickets anywhere alaska flies. He offered two to me so Katie and I will probably go somewhere we've never been and probably won't go back to in a long time. Hawaii was the first choice but maybe Cabo, Miami or since we are going to live practically on the beach the next three years...Alaska. I guess alaska in may- june is incredible. I have to talk Katie into it though. She wants beach. Im ok with the alaskan weather for a few days. Especially since the temp in S. Cal in july is like 110 degrees.
Im not going to proof read this(or any blogs). I do enough of that in school.