Snow!

I am snowed in here in Walla Walla. It looks as if there iwll be a small time between storms tomorrow so I will attempt to reurn then.

There is 18 inches here so traveling about is illadvised. I walk from place to place. I found it necessary to buy a pair of boots. My feet were cold!

Think of me tomorrow as I attempt to get home.

Another trip

It seems there are more issues needing attention at the other office.

I will spend the remaining week out of my office and inside another's. It is not all bad. The other office is again in Walla Walla. :) The only question is how much time will there be to explore. As it seems now, if I am to trust the current estimations, there will be little more than time for eat, sleep, and work. I hope to be better than than Big boss believes.

... Distracted...

I must admit a guilty distraction for myself.

Cherry has convinced me to have a myspace so she could have extra friends for her games. I have done nothing with the space beyond making it appealing.

I have looked at the games Cherry plays and become involved in the Mafia Wars. I think it is of a curiosity that I began to play. Now I am at a loss why I continue. I look to it before leaving for work. I look to it when I return home. I look again before sleeping.

This must be what addicts suffer, a cumpulsion to continue despite a lack of true benefit.

My Working Travels

Now there is time to write more thoroughly of my visit to Walla Walla.

I must comment on the apparent differences of attitude for me there. I met only those who were respectful and friendly. The frowns and general grumpiness of home were not seen. And it is possible that one may forget there is differences of me and them. There was assistance when I required it but not of the sort found at home. People seemed genuinely interested in helping with no thought of reward. In fact, several times I attempted to repay a kindness and was met with a smile and refusal. It seems there remain places where a thank you is enough.

Big Boss provided me with a car for my time there, though I used it very little. I began my free days with the Downtown Walking Tour. It is an enjoyable way to see the city and meet the people. I often found myself in conversation with local people who were eager to recommend places to visit.

Surprising to me is the number of art galleries located in Walla Walla. I visited many of them. You should also. Many pieces are not only beautiful but very reasonable in price. I could not resist making purchases in several galleries. I simply used the excuse of holidays. Perhaps some may even be given as gifts but that remains a question for now.

The contrast of locations is glaring. Here, the tribes have only casinos. Walla Walla has many places of history and art of the tribes. One must wonder if the valley tribes lose their history in persuit of money. I think they could learn much from the Eastern tribes.

The people behave very differently. Here it is common to see one wrapped in their day at the expense of all else(I shamefully admit I have found myself doing such). My experiences in Walla Walla demonstrated the opposite. People seemed eager to interupt their day to help your day proceed better. Admittedly, the small towns around my home are better than Salem or Albany but there still remain substantial differences in attitudes.

For instance, in my local area, people are friendly but I know I am not considered part of the community. I am different. I am Chinese. I am a woman. I am single. At restaurants, If I enter alone, I eat alone.

My experience in Walla Walla was very different. People seemed to have interest in who I was rather than what I was. It was unnerving in the beginning, but soon it was easy to welcome someone who wished to sit and eat with me. I was soon not aware of my race. This is not to say people did not question me of my origins (it is difficult to miss my pronunciations). But these questions were honest attempts to discover me, at the least so it seemed to me. I have only felt accepted as this in the Bing family.

Given the reason and chance, I believe I would relocate there. In any case, it will remain one of my most favorite places to be.

Home

I have returned to home. It is good to be away but it is also good to return.

Much work was done at the new site. It is much easier to complete my work with no walls to interfere. The disadvantage was the metal parts used for building. Sharp edges caused many scuffs and small cuts. I think this is the reason Big Boss only smiled and said "ok" when I told him of a later return.

During my extended stay I visited several places. If one is a history student there is much to see. I was able to visit Fort Walla Walla. There were many displays depictingcommonly used items of early days. I found the period buildings most interesting.

Of course, no visit of Walla Walla is complete without visiting a vinyard. I chose two for this visit.

The first I visited was the Waterbrook Vinyards. Among the wines tasted the 2006 Primarius Tempranillo was among the best.

The second vinyard was the Seven Hills Winery. This was the most relaxing visit. There was no need to drive to a distant tasting room as Seven Hills' tasting room was only a short walk from my hotel.

It was the 2005 Pentad that was remarkable for me. It seems I have a weakness for fruity wines.

My return to Walla Walla is a pleasant thought for there remain several more vinyards to visit.

Forgive my brevity for I write in a rush.

Away

I have been away since last Friday. I was required to travel with little warnings. It is only now I am able to post.

I am in Walla Walla. Since I have done nothing but work, I have seen and done little else. I am considering telling Big Boss I will return late.

So many vinyards. So little time. :)

A Dinner

It seems I am to meet my Coastie's parents. I am told this is a favorable event toward matrimony.

I have decided the meeting will be over dinner. I will have Mother and Father Bing to be as my parents. They know of my character as well as anyone aside my mother and father.

I have selected my menu.

• Salad of greens, apples, currants, and blue cheese
• Pork tenderloin with wild mushroom stuffing
• Mashed potatoes with walnut oil and walnuts
• foccacia bread
• pears poached in a riesling with biscotti

For wine there will be

• the 2005 Trimbach Pinot Blanc with the salad
• the 2005 Hahn Syrah with the main course
• the 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Johannisberg Riesling with the desert

The labels are mentioned for my friend who enjoys wine and searches for vintages to fool his overconfident friend. I recommend the Trimbach Pinot Blanc for sipping.

Is it too much? I wish to give a good impression without causing them to think I try to be more than I am.

I wonder what gives me greater stress. My father's visits or the parents of my Coastie.

Injuries

I seem to have injured my shoulder.

My doctor has referred me to a therapist. She says it is only my shoulder is not straight. Now I must do excercises to correct it. I am also required to visit her twice each week where they pull on my arm and move it about. Also I must use a machine,  much like a bicycle, with my hands. I must pedal for one mile in each direction.

Afterward, I am required to lay on a piece of foam only three or four inches wide so that my shoulder lowers. It is very uncomfortable.

I am told it is due to my leaning over my desk and I should sit straight. I had believed that is what I did. I will try to notice my position in the future.

There remains no ring.  8^\

A Post From Mother

Mother has sent me a letter to tell me Father is considering another visit.

*sigh*

The thought nearly causes panic. I love them to be sure. It is only that it causes me much stress.

I feel as if Father is inspecting me and his standards are strict. 

Mother is, well, a mother and I am her unmarried daughter. To her my Coastie is not my husband and surely it is my fault that is so.

Mother will tell me more when she knows it.

Think good things for me.

New Life

It has been my experience that life will always balance. 

I have lost my cat. It seems I will gain a niece or nephew. Though she/he will only be so through my involvement with her family I have been told that is what I will be. I find myself pleased with this idea. I will have someone to sing my mother's songs to at least occaisionally. This child will know me only for what they see through innocent eyes. Also, it will be practice for when there is my own child.

My work goes... The engineers are behaving with the network. Though it must be noted New Engineer has made his sugestions. I have dutifully listened, weighed the merits, and promptly deemed them impractible and unneccessary. Still, I must praise him for his efforts.

It seems being a woman remains difficult at times and especially difficult being a short chinese woman. It is difficult when addressed as if your knowledge is only adequate to do the most basic of tasks. But it is even more so when they speak to you as you are a child having difficulty with english. There have been times I thought I was moments away from them pinching my cheeks! It is true there still are times I have small difficulties in english (but I learn quickly). I do have an adequate command of the language to communicate. And I thought this was only part of comic movies and shows but do these people actually believe saying it louder will help me understand them better?

Big Boss found it necessary to speak with me in his office of the inappropriateness of snickering at a customer. It was beyond my control. Big Boss and a customer entered my office as I was on the telephone with a chinese customer. When I was finished, Big Boss made introductions of us. This man spoke to me loudly as if I could not understand him.

I recalled a movie that the character shouted into the other's ear, "Do you understand the words coming out of my mouth?" I could not stop myself. I attempted to but was unable to prevent the snicker. The customer seemed offended so Big Boss found the need to later tell me I should excercise more control. He was correct, of course, but it remains humorous to me.

My voyage to the blackberry vines was as I remembered past voyages. I was scratched and poked. At times I thought they would not release me to leave and I would have to live on the berries I could reach. Mother Bing only laughed. That only encouraged me to CAREFULLY throw berries at her. Of course, she responded in the same manner. I still wear the stains of combat. Unused ammunition was placed in bags and frozen. I am unsure if it is only to preserve them for a later battle or if there is to be more desserts. Both are enjoyable prospects.

There remains my Coastie. When I am sad he comes to comfort me. When I am happy he comes to share it with me. I am happy with him. I believe he is happy with me. He has given beautiful jewelry to me that is not a ring. I choose to believe it is to prepare me for the best piece of jewelry. ;)

You see? There are good things and bad things. Life will balance itself.

Life Continues...

In spit of wishes to the contrary, life moves forward.

Nangua is adjusting to Fat Luey's abscence. To be sure there remain times that he simply lays on the deck and sighs. To occupy the other times he torments the dogs or watches the horses. There is no rodent that is safe.

I am also adjusting. I forget and call for him at times when I return home and have a momentary pain when I realize he will not answer. Since time will not permit me to go back, I move forward. *sigh*

My Coastie suggest buying another kitten. Why should I do this? There are many at the shelter facing death if there is no home for them. Also it will not replace the one lost. Nor will it cause me to miss him less. It will simply be another cat. One with its own personality. 

I know he wishes to help me but does he not think I am able to think of these things myself? An embrace and silence accomplishes more than his suggestions. Still, I must smile for his efforts. It does, after all, show his affection for me.

Mother Bing insists I must do other things so I will be happy sooner so she has decided to take me to the berry patches (casts a suspicious eye to HaphazardKat... you have been talking, haven't you?). The goodies that result from picking and bleeding are always good but I must wonder if they are truely worth that. Of course, My Coastie is approving of this since he also enjoys the treats. It seems funny how he enjoys the goodies but always seems to be required for his duties when the time is for picking. I think we will discuss this more.

Now I must go to the store and get bandages and ointment.

*sigh*

It seems I must wait to not feel sad for Fat Luey's death. Nangua still searches the house and barn for his playmate then comes to look to me as if I am hiding him. I hear him calling for Fat Luey often. I say he is calling for it has not been often he does such.

Perhaps it is my own emotion which causes me to hear a sadness in his voice and see it in his face. When he does not search for Fat Luey he is found in my lap, sighing often. There are things requiring my attention but I cannot bear to put him down and see to them.

Even now he searches. My heart aches for him.

Goodbye Fat Luey

Fat Luey has died. He was killed by a careless driver.

I will miss him.

...

I am oddly neutral.

I find myself without excitement or interest. I am not melancholy. I am not unrested. I only find myself uninterested in anything.

I have received a telephone call from my Coastie. I should return it soon but there is not the customary zeal to do so. It is almost a regret.

My violin looks foreign to me. It is usual for me to play at various times. Today there is no desire. I am loath to touch the strings or the bow.

Perhaps it is enough to say today, I am odd.  *sigh* 

Relaxing

I have decided to take the advantage of hot days to relax at home and also to accomplish small tasks that have escaped my attention. My Coastie has decided to join me so has taken leave from the station and stays in the apartment over the barn.

I will admit work is accomplished only in the cool morning. My Coastie is convenient to have present. He has done much of the heavy work. And he is better repairing things than I am though it did require both of us to repair the loft door. Now I must only convince him he wishes to paint my barn.

I have decided to delay extensive grooming of Peevy for two weeks. I have well washed and brushed him only to have him go to the pasture and roll in the dirt. I believe him to be intentionally attempting to cause me frustration so I will fool him and leave him to his rolling.

My afternoons are spent lounging with my Coastie in on the cool place of my deck or spending time at the creek. There is a deep place where we may swim. It is cold and one must become accustomed to it but it well worth the effort to do so. 

There are advantages living far from the city. This is one of them! Do not allow the picture to deceive you. The creek is commonly very shallow. Usually it flows below my knees with deeper water being rare.The water is cold! It requires one to slowly become accustomed to it before entering the deep place where we are able to swim.

The odd thing of this creek was the abscence of fish. I was told because of a fish not native to America destroyed it, they poisoned the headwaters to rid it of them. This year I have seen small fish no bigger than my small finger but it is a beginning.

My Coastie has not made mention of marriage or of rings but he does smile when he sees the bride magazines on the table. I begin to think my magazines are not having the desired effect. At the least not quickly enough so I will continue. If I can not hint enough to affect his asking sooner, perhaps I will be more bold and ask when he intends to ask.

I begin to look desperate I think. *sigh*

Happy Time

I have returned from my visit to the ocean. I am rested and tan (well, I have been in the sun).

Though I attempted to sleep it seems I could not do so after sunrise. Habits are difficult to evade even when at rest it seems. Rising early proved a benefit. If I did not rise early there was much I would have not seen.

I did not think deer would be found on the beach. At 4:30 am I found it to be true.

I met many new people. There was an entire family visiting and I was invited to join them on several occaisions. It is my first of sitting around a fire on the beach.

It was with great reluctance I finally departed to my home. My last evening was spent sitting and viewing the sunset with my Coastie.

I will show more soon. I must thoroughly view the others. For the now this shows an idea of my time.

*sigh*

Things do not work as some have planned.

Jiao will not come for a visit this year. Father says there is much work to do at home. He requires her to help mother at her office and as she moves between clinics. I think it is best. Mother and father sound weary. Father has been in the moving kitchens since many have no place to prepare their food. He is frustrated as help seems slow in arriving. Mother complains of constant shortage of medicines while there is no shortage of injured and sick. I consider returning to China to assist them but Father tells me to remain at home. If they require me he will send for me. It is not easy to obey in this but I will reluctantly do as he insists.

My Coastie is tired also. I have spent much time with him since last week. He has been in the boat often. His manner has been dark after finding one dead in the ocean. I have seen no tears. Yet I know they are there. It is not the first so I am thinking there was something much different for this person. We have spent much time embracing in silence. It is all I am able to do.

I am also readying myself for the summer horse shows though I have decided against the earliest. I will not sacrifice time for my Coastie at the moment so there are many things not ready. I have silver to polish. Leather to clean. Peevy's tail and mane require conditioning. I must go to Cherry again to ensure my braiding of the tail is correct. I must polish Peevy's hooves and put his boots on him. As I have said, there is much to do.

Warmth... Finally!

The warm days are coming! It is not that I dislike winter. It has only been a long winter and I am ready for the summer to come. The sunshine brightens even my mood.

The last call from Jiao seems to be positive for her. Father has not said no to her visiting again. This is a good sign there is a likelihood he will agree. Perhaps it is because he does not wish to be seen as overindulgent to her wishes. This is how children are spoiled. At the least this is how Father explains it. I am not confident I agree with him. I have assured Father I am willing to accept responsibility for her. It is all I may do for Jiao. To do more would cause Father to be defensive and that would surely result in a no answer. It is best to allow Father to decide for himself.

My Coastie has been busy. The better weather means more people making errors in judgement resulting in more work for the Coast Guard. It is surprising the frequency of their calls that go unnoticed by the media. I suppose it is only natural for them to limit reporting to only large events. If they were to report everything there would be no room for other news or the paper would be too heavy to carry.

I spend more time at the ocean since it is warmer. Next month I will spend a few days in my favorite hotel. I will take binoculars. Perhaps I will see my Coastie as he goes past.

Nothing is  shiney on my finger yet. But things get more mysterious each time I see him. I believe I will intentionally leave a bridal magazine on the table so that he knows I am thinking of it. Perhaps it will urge him to say something or do something sooner. Cherry says to tell him of another who wishes to see me. It is good I know she only jokes of it for I have no wish to kill him, only urge him.

Cherry begins the season. Already she has been to a rodeo. She had two girls for the barrel racing. She did not ride but I saw the desire for her to compete remains. Her efforts go to her students. She is an admirable teacher. Students will borrow Peevy for their competition. It is the least I am able to contribute. After all, they assist in preparing him for the shows he will be shown in. My turn to show him is in July. I anticipate doing well. At the least, better than last year.

It looks to be an enjoyable summer. I wish for it to include Jiao but it will remain enjoyable for me if Father says no.

This weekend.... Mother and Father Bing's Famous BBQ!

I am sure to get fat...

I will be unable to answer emails
or posts today

Something has crashed on my computer

Time Crawls

The days seem to run together, each looking like the previous. I almost wish for someone to collapse the network so the day will change. I am bored yet anxious.



I have found myself trying to convince Father to allow Jiao to come. I require someone besides Peevy to talk to. Cherry has begun preparing for the summer shows and is quite busy. Mother Bing has been ill so I do not disturb her beyond asking for her health. Even the nephews have found themselves too occupied to visit. Even my Coastie is unable to talk with me since there is much work to do for him.



He has sent me a picture. I think he sent it to cause me worry. He calls it a picture of their fun. It causes my heart to race and my worry to increase.What would possess him to send such a picture? Does he think I do not think of his safety enough? I think I will visit the dock again soon. Perhaps it will ease my mind seeing him with ALL of his protective clothing properly worn. If he resists I will ask his boat mates to help him. They enjoy dim sum. They will do as I ask and I will feed them as the dining facility will not. >:D
I will have my way in this.

My Coastie's behavior causes me to question. He speaks in riddles and smiles. I am thinking his proposal is near. He gave me the new spouse manual and told a story as to why that is suspect.
I ask when we will be able to see each other and he replies soon then asks how much time I am able to tolerate him. Then he tells me it might be easier with a "little coasty running around." The friends I have met look to me with knowing smiles. What am I to think of these things?

Perhaps it is my imagination out of control. I prefer to think I am rational and having logical conclusions to the evidence.

Life is fun!

My time has not been my own. It seems everyone wants time. So much so it seems there is none left for me.

My work is full days of problems. Most caused by unknowing users attempting to correct a thing that they have done. I am clueless why otherwise intelligent men find it difficult to ask one trained for things to make good the repairs. It is not as if they are expected to know 
such things. I am not expected to have their knowledge. Why is it they 
believe they must posses mine?

I have been told it is because I am a woman that they act so. Why should this make a difference? Is a woman to be trusted less? Is she incapable of performing her tasks simply because she is female? This is silly thinking. I am well trained. I am more capable than they.

For the computers, I have more power than they. ;) There have been those I have prevented from making changes. It is my thought since they will only call after they have disabled their computer, I will save myself troubles in not allowing them to make changes or install portable memory without my prior permissions. I believe I will train them away from their silly thinking.

My coastie has been busy also. It seems many fishermen have been entering the ocean with less boat than is necessary and have faced difficulties requiring assistance from the rescue boat. There was a scare for me in this. It seems my Coastie fell of the boat while assisting another. I think it would have been better not being told of this. After all, he did return home. He said he did not want me to hear or see it in the newspaper. ( My Coastie has added me to the station newspaper mail list)

Another thing my Coastie has done raises my anticipation. He has given me the "New Spouse Handbook" from the Coast Guard. He says it is so I know what spouses face to better help me understand those I have met. Since receiving it, I have been unable to calm my thinking. He has not spoken falsely to me before so I should accept his word. Yes? If I should accept it then I am wasting time looking at wedding magazines (which remain carefully hidden when not being read).

Am I not too old to be acting this way? Surely people will believe me up to something with my steady grins. Perhaps they are correct to think so. I find myself in such spirits that lead me to be mischievious. I must only take care not to become too bold or I 
may have my own pranks visited upon me.

Jiao wishes to visit again. I do not object but Father is the one that requires convincing. After all, it is not like riding a train to Wuhan to see the cousins. She vows to assist in the paying of the fare. I have no reason to think she is incapable. She is an industrious girl.

It would be good for her to visit. What if I need someone to squeel with and show shiny things too?

Catching Up

It has been a busy time for me. Forgive my neglect of posting.

My coastie finally returned from his training. It was just one day before the station party so there was much rushing to prepare his uniform. Fortunately for me, I had my new gown long before. My coastie was disappointed he was unable to help choose it but was pleased with my choice.

Unlike last year, my gown this year was not hooped. I found the hoop awkward. It made sitting an interesting challenge. For this year my gown looked to be a combination of Qi Pao and wedding dress. It looked Qi Pao to the hip then blossomed to the floor with a short train. The color was cause for me to feel awkward for a time. It was an emerald green with a satin finish. The only emerald green gown present. It was, in fact, the only emerald green in the room. Mixing unnoticed was not possible. It took some time for me to become comfortable. I did finally enjoy myself with much dancing and conversation.

Christmas with the Bing family was the usual frenzy to prepare for. The family is VERY large and seems to be larger in number than all of the Coast Guard station. I continue to be in wonder that so many can be in Mother Bing's house at one time. Even so, it is a very enjoyable time. There was much food, much wine, many games, and conversations everywhere. I must add that this gathering continues for 3 days. Gift exchanges occur the third day. Mother and Father Bing gave me a new show halter for Peevy! It has silver conchos and silver name plate with Peevy's name engraved into it. Father Bing has constructed for me a trophy case. He says I will need it to contain the many trophies I will win. He has more confidence in that than I.

Western New Year was the usual Parties. I chose to spend the evening with My Coastie at Mother Bing's home. It was quiet and dignified. After so much activity in the past weeks it was good for me to quietly welcome the year. Quiet conversation, glasses of wine, hugs from the Bings, and kisses from My Coastie were enough for me.

Now there is only Chinese New Year to contend with. It will be much easier this year as Father is not here as he was last. I will do traditional preparations and give traditional gifts to the children. I will only not worry so much to please Father. Perfection will not be necessary.

I hope you all have enjoyed your holidays as I have mine. I wish for all to prosper in this new year