Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Dream Vacations

We are always trying to figure out what our dream vacation destination is. Do we dream of sandy beaches? A cabin in the snow? A cruise? A road trip? There are so many to choose from. And it seems that we can never come up with one. We realized that the first 7 or more years that we were married, we always used our vacations to visit family in distant lands. So I think we never truly understood what a vacation was. We do have a dream vacation for when we retire. And I recommend it for everyone. There is a cruise. It is like 220 days on the ship. And supposedly hits every major port in the world. I think it is only $50,000 a person. But I'm not completely sure. So start saving. We can all go together. :D We are looking at 2018 for the cruise. YEAH RIGHT! We'll see. I would love to know what everyone's dream vacation is. I am trying to find out what suits our fancy. All the ideas we can get.......will be helpful. My dream growing up was to do the whole convertible road trip across the US. But now that I'm older.....the thought of sitting in a car for hours at a time is not appealing. PLEASE HELP!!!

Blog to you soon :)

Happy Earth Day!!

Earth Day was initiated in 1970 by Wisconsin U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who started a grass roots “teach-in” focusing on the lack of environmental protection laws.

Earth Day is observed on April 22nd every year partly to honor the actor Eddie Albert (of Green Acres fame!) whose birthday falls on that date. Albert was a real life organic farmer as well as an outspoken environmental activist whose work included initiatives to ban the pesticide DDT.

Earth Day eventually led to legislation including the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act (1977) and fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.

Earth Day is now celebrated worldwide by over one billion people!


Ok - So you know I didn't write that. But just a tid-bit of information. We are very interested in Earth Day. We base our entire work life off of the ideals of keeping the Earth livable for all animal and plant life. I have been reading a book called 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson. It was the book that started the whole Environmental Movement in the 1960's. It is actually a fascinating book. But, I think that only people interested in Environmental work or reducing the use of pesticides would be interested. I may be wrong. It fascinates me to read of the stupidity of man. How could they not think it through that dangerous pesticides wouldn't leach into the ground water and soils and contaminate everything and kill everything in its path? Ok.....a bit over the edge.....but come on people!!

Happy Earth Day Everyone!!


Monday, April 21, 2008

Spring Fever

We cannot believe it snowed at our house (OREGON) yesterday. We are down here wearing sunblock. Amazing to me what difference there is in 600 miles.

I have to tell you....spring fever is pure horror down here when you rent an apartment. I usually get spring fever right after Christmas. I always start looking at bulbs and hanging baskets right away. We rented an apartment down here that doesn't allow you to have anything on your front porch. (That was well planned out) :( I think it is even harder down here because everything blooms so early. Daffodils are usually blooming end of February in Oregon. We came down here the second week in February and they were already dieing off. Same with the Calla Lilies. They are in full bloom down here already.....almost gone.....and I know the ones in my yard won't bloom until the end of May. I guess the blessing in that is that I get to enjoy a longer spring, since I will be home by June 1st. I guess there is also the fact that if I had planted when I started spring fever in December....they wouldn't have lived through this strange weather that is happening in Oregon. Ok, Ok......I see the up side now. I guess I just needed to see it in writing to really appreciate it. I am getting a good base coat of a tan line for the pool season this year. We are going to go fly a kite at the beach this week, and soak up all the sun we can before we come home. Miss everyone and everything.

Blog to you soon :D

Monday, April 14, 2008

Love Thy Neighbor?

Suggestions?

Imagine the most difficult person you could ever come across. Someone who is self absorbed. Has no cares for how others are feeling. Every word that comes out of their mouth is negative and disrespectful towards others and they have really bad language (even thought they know it is offensive to you.) The only time they say something nice is when they are trying to glorify themselves.

Now imagine that you are trying to love your neighbor. You spend time with them, trying to be cheerful. Finding only good things to discuss. Trying to make them laugh and see the goodness that life can give you. But all you end up with is hurt feelings and an eagerness to leave.

How long do you suggest that you should put yourself in this situation? Should it be forever? Should you never give up? Or should you cut your losses and live with the fact that you cannot love everyone?

I would love to get input from everyone. Sometimes we get these struggles that challenge us to the core. Do we choose what is right? Or do we choose what is best for us? And where is that line drawn?

Friday, April 11, 2008

Dreams?

Ok, so I know I just started this, but I keep thinking of things to write down. If anyone knows anything about dreams, I would love to hear what they think of this.

I was at a vet. (I have dogs.....I dream as if I'm a dog too I guess) And the doctor was telling me that I was sick and he didn't know how long I had to live. So while he was putting another dog down, I jumped in and said that I wanted the shot too. I didn't want to suffer this illness that I had. As soon as the Vet gave me the shot, I had this horrible feeling of needing to be with my husband. I knew at that moment that if I died right there that I may be missing a good 50 years of life with him. I felt that whatever the illness was, it might not be so bad to suffer through, as long as I had him. What would he do without me. So at that point, I was doing whatever I could to stay awake. I knew that if I fell asleep I was a gonner. So I searched for Dan. Found him and told him what was happening. And wanted to know if he knew anyway to reverse the drug. Dream ended.

It has been three days since that dream and I cannot seem to shake the fear that I felt in the dream. When I go to bed, I am afraid to fall asleep. I'm sure it will pass. But has anyone ever felt a dream hang on so long?

Anyone have re-occurring dreams?

The Rundown

Just to get the hang of this, I thought I should just start typing.

The Pippert's

We have been together for 14 years now. It was definitely 'Love at first sight'. Well for me anyway. Of course the real thought in my head was "Crap! I have to marry this guy?" But luckily for me he turned out to be a real catch. We met at the 76 station in Monmouth, OR. I was actually on my first date with his roommate and was told to steer clear of Dan because he would try and steal me away. Of course that relationship didn't go very far. We started dating on April 10th, 1994 and he asked me to marry him on April 16th. To my friends and families surprise, we were married on May 28th of the same year. Sure, it was a quick romance. But when you know, you know.

We moved around a lot in the next few years. About every six months we were in a new home. Which of course I didn't mind.....because I love change. Anyone who knows me can testify to that. He was so ambitious and I followed him everywhere. From bike mechanic to Kitchen designer to Yellow Page advertising to Pizza to 401k and Retirement Plans. I'm sure there are quite a few more in between. But I cannot remember them all. We finally bought a house and settled down in 2002. It is hard to believe how long we have been in one house. But, 50 coats of paint later, and absolutely no texture showing on the walls (JK) here we are.

Just this last year my father decided he wanted to retire and start doing what he has always wanted to (Teach). Go figure. You decide to retire to follow your dream.....and that dream happens to be work. So, Dan, on a whim decided we should purchase my father's business (Earth friendly Pest Control) from him. I had been working with him answering phones and doing the schedule and invoicing for 4 years and we thought it wouldn't be that much different to take over. RIGHT!!! We purchased the business on April 1, 2007 and since have been in California (where the business is) for more than 8 months out of the last year. Dan has put so much effort into this job.....you would think that he has been doing it for years. But to be honest with you.....we wouldn't be where we are today if he hadn't been so eclectic in his job searches. Every single one of them has helped us learn what we needed to know to successfully run and operate this business. Now our only goal is to get us back home to Oregon.

That is a pretty quick summary. But, I will probably fill in the blanks as we go along. Oh, I forgot to mention our children. Gauper is 8 1/2 years old. Very calm and lovable. Wouldn't do anything to hurt a fly. Basically because he wouldn't want to put the effort into it. Kestra is 8 years old, and definitely showing her age. She has a heart problem. But she is just a sweetheart and follows her mama everywhere she goes. She just wants to be near me. She also has a shoe fettish. When ever she goes missing for a while.....usually we can find her curled up in a closet with all the shoes. And Elphaba is 1 year old. She is a spit fire. Very loving and willing to nibble on your ear if you would let her. And watch your toes too. She loves toes. Most people who where flip flops know this already.

Thanks for listening! :)

Blog to you soon -

Thought I would try it :)

OK....out of complete bordom, I decided to start a blog like so many others have. I thought, why not join in on the fun. The only hiccup......I don't know how much fun it will be to post about my dogs. That is why I dropped out of a scrapbooking club.....they were all doing "Baby's first tooth", "First Spaghetti" and so on. And although I (might) have pictures of my dogs doing the same thing....it just doesn't have the same meaning. So, as dull as this might get....thanks for sticking with me.