Smith Rocks and rocky emotions

It has been a tumultuous week so far. Emotions have been rolling and coming at us from all sides. We came home one night to find 5-6 cops in our driveway. We found out later that a woman a few doors down from us had been mugged, and they were investigating.

This weekend Herman and his friend Travis had planned on going to Smith Rocks to do some rockclimbing, and Nikole ended up going along for some R&R. Herman had a great time and climbed some climbs with Travis, and Nikole enjoyed reading in the sun. She didn't really enjoy hiking up and down the mountain searching for climbs, or freezing in the tent at night, but overall it was a good trip. On the way out there we drove thru Madras, OR, and were able to stop at Nikole's former housemate's new home. It was a lovely visit. That night we ate at the Bend Mc Menamins and gorged ourselves on delicious food.

Sunday night we returned and slept in our own beds. Nikole was so sore she could barely move, and Herman was thoughtfull enough to provide a yummy and easy dinner to share.

Monday it was back to the real world. Herman went back to work, and Nikole had an interview and orientation at PPS. The morning was confusing, as there was a lot of mis-communication regarding whether or not I was to start my long term sub position that morning, but it was finally figured out. Nikole returned home to start moving furniture out of the roommate's room in preparation of her arrival this coming weekend. She felt quite proud that she moved bookcases and other heavy pieces of furniture all by herself. She did leave the heavy desk for Herman's capable strength though.

Today Nikole had an interview with the Beaverton SD for the sub position and that went really well. Orientation is next week, and things should progress from there. After she returned home she got a call from the HR secretary wanting to schedule her for a "real" interview, for a possible position. Fingers crossed :)

We have been worried about our cat Max since yesterday afternoon. We let him out when we returned from Smith rocks, and it wasn't unusual for him to stay out all night long. But when he hadn't returned home by early Monday afternoon, we started to get worried. Monday night we roamed around the complex, but didn't see hide or hair of our lil boy. Neither of us slept really last night, and as of this afternoon he is still missing. We are both taking it hard, and Nikole started making up flyers and putting them up around our area today. She also called some vets, and visited the animal clinic looking for him. One might say that no news is good news, but at this point, that doesn't seem possible. This absence is totally out of character for him, and gives great cause for worry. Prayers continue for his safe return.

Tonight Nikole is babysitting, and hopefully Max will show up soon!