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Visiting "home" at Christmas

by Shaun

 It's been a good trip back to Dallas for Christmas.  Kyndra has been living here since Thanksgiving, me staying in Reno, so this was a visit to friends and family as well as a reunion for us.  Interesting, to say the least.  I expected to have to learn how to live in a new way, but I couldn't expect what that learning would be like, really.  So, the experience is still new and hard.  That story is ongoing.

What continues to be interesting is visiting "home" after living away.  It feels both extremely comfortable and foreign at the same time.  Seeing friends and former co-workers sorta starts to feel like no time has passed at all (the year and half so far!).  That's strange; but, I also like it. It is good to feel at home somewhere.

And yet, I think it's also good to be able to tell new stories to each other, and I think that's happening as I live away from "home" too.  In the end, I want to feel comfortable being back and yet uncomfortable if I don't share the little/big stories that are hidden within the days I've been away.  

On a VERY small level, I guess this is a link to the story of Christmas - a small tale hidden away in days past, told well and inspiring love and joy even today.

Merry Christmas!

Celebrating SIX years!

In May, we headed west to celebrate our 6-year wedding anniversary in San Francisco. It's so amazing to live in another part of the country where so many incredible places to visit are accessible by only a short road trip. I think we were so excited to go on a mini vacation and celebrate 6 years that we didn't take into account that our wedding anniversary falls on Memorial Day weekend, and thus, might not be the best time of year to visit a very popular city!

 

Though the city was incredibly crowded along with many of the popular places to visit, we managed to have a great time together exploring the city.

 

We love to eat at new places in new cities, so we enjoyed many delicious meals ... thanks to Frommer's recommendations! Our favorite was a small hole-in-the-wall-Italian place where we dined on the 2nd floor with a 7 foot tall ceiling, pretty cozy! We loved the Irish Coffees and plenty of delicious cappuccinos as well.

 

Six years go by fast, and we are thankful for each year as they have all brought change, growth, beauty, and love.

 

We tried really hard to get a pic in front of this bridge, Shaun's head kept getting in the way of the bridge! This is the best we could manage on our own. Did I mention it was COLD and super WINDY?!

 

Here is Shaun riding the famous SF cable cars while standing. Of course, Kyndra was not crazy about this, and would have much preferred he at least have a helmet if dangling his body outside the car!
 

 
 

 Kyndra was impressed by our visit to the Great Fortune Cookie Factory, tucked away in a tiny alley-way. Women and men were stuffing and folding every fortune cookie on the belt by hand. Those cookies were pretty tasty, fresh and warm off the assembly line!

  

  We really enjoyed our beverages:
  delicious cappuccinos,
  phenomenal sangria at Cha Cha, and some
  smooth Irish coffees to get us out of the windy cold weather

We walked alot.  Tramping through the North Beach area, visiting sights, coffee shops, bookstores and the Beat Museum was fabulous!  We took an especially long walk, and Kyndra met a new little friend! We don't recommend the long walks in SF, unless you are trying to get a serious gluts work out (which is probably needed in our case, but wasn't on the to-do list while we were there!)

One of the best parts of this trip is that we got to stop at CHIPOTLE in Sacramento. Oh, how we crave Chipotle ... please come to Reno, please! Just puttin it out there!

And, that was it. Happy Anniversary!

Oregonian Thanksgiving Review

by shaun

We had a wonderful thanksgiving up in Portland.  I loved the drive ... mountains, mist, miles of road.  There were so many textures of place we drove through.  *It's a great 10 hours on the road!  And, I really enjoy that city.  Especially where the Sharps live - their neighborhood is just a blast to walk around, grab something delicious to eat, or just watch the people, things, places.  

It rained and misted, but that was fine.  Back in Reno, the sun is bright and you can really sense the difference of the two places.  I like them both.  

We enjoyed good food, great homebrew that Ryan had cooked up, and meeting new people from SanFran.  Here's some pics I stole from our friend Pax's blog!  :) We are grateful they hosted us and plan to get back soon ... Ensha'alla.

Tomorrow

  

Bored = Scored!

by Kyndra
This past weekend, we found ourselves very bored ... well, mostly this means that I was bored. Shaun generally can find things to do with his time better than I can. On Saturday night, this "boredom" led us to the mall and we bought a board game called, Spy Alley. We had fun learning how to play and hide our secret spy identities from each other while we sipped some hot tea. After all the fun though, we decided it might be a 2 person + game. On Sunday, Shaun learned that the San Antonio Spurs were playing the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento later that evening. He knows how much I love to watch NBA games, so he threw out the idea that we go. I thought he was crazy, but I was SO tempted! He found some fabulous seats (on the front row right behind the Spurs - hello) for a sweet deal. We went for it, and before we knew it, we were headed to Sacramento! (It's only 2 hours away).

We made our way into the stadium and down to the FRONT ROW - we were giggling like school girls ... we have never been so close. We were 5 feet away from Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Greg Popovich, Michael Finley, Fabrizio Oberto ... ok, ok, I won't name all the Spurs players! It was so exciting though. Oh, I forgot to mention that Shaun made me (at least this is my story now) wear my Dirk shirt. The whole night I was totally embarrassed to take off my jacket ... but at least I was secretly "Loud and Proud!" Although, I didn't manage to hide it the entire game and the girl sitting next to me said her brother saw us on TV and was like, "Why is that girl next to you wearing a MAVS shirt ... weirdo!" That made me feel goofy - but at least I was noticed on TV, right?!! We had a thrilling time, and it was a close game - Spurs won by 2 points!! Oh, and Duncan totally looked at Shaun and me when I pulled out the camera during a time out - that was fun for me - I hope he saw my Dirk shirt! :)

Our first row pics are here.   I have to say that the Spurs are not my fav team - c'mon, I'm sold out for the Mavs! But, we had to go support anyone representing Texas up here in the Northwest! 

 

O's Visit Tahoe!

by Shaun

September has been a packed month so far!

-         My parents visited us and celebrated their anniversary while here

-             The Great Reno Balloon Races

-         Kick-off of Fall programming at the church where I work

-         Kyndra leads an in-service for therapists at Renown hospital

-         Shaun preaches a short sermon at church

-         Kyndra finishes her 1^st internship!

 

And that’s where we are today. 

Here’s playing some catch up:

My parents came and visited over Labor Day weekend, and we packed out the schedule of things to do – which seems to be a running theme when we have visitors!  Still, this is the place to do that. 

They stayed at the Casino/hotel that is closest to our house, so that was a breeze.  We spent some good time there at the slots and roulette table, and also showing them around the downtown Reno casinos.  Nobody lost too much money, so that’s all good!

 

We also did some things that Kyndra and I had been wanting to do, but waiting for visitors to partake with.  We headed up to Tahoe (south shore) and hopped on a big paddle wheel boat – the M.S. Dixie II.  The boat was fine, but the point was that it takes you to the described (and most likely true) “most beautiful section of
Lake Tahoe” – Emerald Bay.

It was stunning.  Just when you think the lake itself is spectacular, this glimpse was even better.  Kyndra and I hope to get back there very soon!

 

Another attraction that Kyndra and I hadn’t quite taken in was the historic Virginia City, about 40 mins from Reno.  This town is a page out of the big mining days, and the town grew solely based on the big money that could be made, especially from silver discoveries. 

So, it’s a cool place to walk around when you’re in the touristy mindset – people in costumes, re-enactments right and left, old things to look at, and trains to ride! 

It was a hot day out there, so learning about what miners’ work life was like was startling. 

Very hard work, but paying off big at times!

 

Also, we dove into one of the casino’s buffets while the parents were in town (we hadn’t done that).  These things are expensive, but the food is fine.  The new buffet at the ElDorado was packed out, and it’s quite an experience.  We were completely stuffed.

 
And, really, that’s what the weekend felt like.  We stuffed all the attractions in – Tahoe, Virginia City, Reno night-life, church visiting, and seeing our home here in Reno.  I just hope it was a good anniversary trip for them!  We love seeing family come visit us way out here, so it was a treat.

More pics here!

 

That’s how our September Reno began.  Now it’s getting colder and summer is changing, so it’s cool to see this place in transition.  More updates soon!

Texas Visitors

by Kyndra

Richard and Brendon came to visit us last week. We loved having them here and we had plenty of fun playtime.

We made sure we took them to our favorite food places around town throughout the week ... Peg's Glorified Ham N Eggs, Silver Peak Brewery, The Blind Onion, Roses, & Sup.

SATURDAY: We ventured downtown for the River Wine Walk where we walked from vendor to vendor to sample the different wines. We even got to keep the painted wine glasses from the Art Mansion for souvenirs! It was a great time, especially watching Brendo's reaction to the new kinds of wine! ;)  Wine Walk Pics.
Later, we got a little Dark Knight action at the theater. (Anyone else share the love for Christian Bale in this movie?)

SUNDAY: We started out the day with church at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, where Shaun just accepted a job as Family & Children Ministry Coordinator. They introduced us to the church, and we pretty much shook hands with everyone there after the services! Brendon and Richard came to support us - and they loved every minute of it! In the afternoon, we took a trip up to Lake Tahoe for some nice bike-riding along the Truckee River and the west side of the Lake. It was beautiful, and the down-hills were tons of fun (not so much on the uphill!)

I had to go back to the hospital for internships once Monday came, but the boys kept playing ...

MONDAY:  Hiked up to Mt. Rose and explored another summit overlooking Lake Tahoe. Checked out Wall-E on the big screen. Everyone loved it!

TUESDAY: The boys headed up to UNR to check out the campus. In the evening, we made veggie burgers and headed downtown again to the Truckee River with the dogs in tow. Brendon & Richard jumped in and took on the rapids. We finished the evening with some fancy ice cream from Cold Stone. Can't forget the little casino visit! Shaun finally came out on top this time (not sure this has ever happened!) Can't say the same for Richard and Brendon.

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY: Traveled to the South shore of Tahoe to Desolation Wilderness and hiked to a nice camping spot next to Susie Lake. I hear it was breath-taking views, freezing cold swimming and burnt oatmeal. Those Pics here.  Later that evening after everyone was home, we all crammed on our bed and watched Juno, the dogs too! We were packed in like 4 grown adults on a queen sz bed with 2 dogs bouncing around on top of us!

FRIDAY: After Richard asked for a Peg's breakfast again, they cleaned up the guest house they had been staying in, and then they all came to visit me at the hospital and we ate lunch together. Special! But, I hear they had to make one last stop at the favorite brewery before heading back to Texas!

So, come and see us and we'll show you a good ole time in Reno.  Here's how Brendo and Richard feel about it:

3, 4, or 5 things - an Update!

-Shaun

1...went to the Andrew Bird show on Wednesday night was simply amazing.  I had never seen him in concert before, but have followed his music fo years.  His talent with a live audience is mezmerizing and his band is great as well.  I especially dug trying to keep up with his drummer, looping beats and playing keys with one hand and drums with the other.  (He is the artist Dosh - check it out).  And make every effort to see Andrew Bird live!

2...I got offered a job on thursday!  Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd has offered me the position of “Children and Family Ministries Coordinator,” and I’m happy to accept.  It has been an interesting journey to this particular job and it has us analyzing our lives here in Reno (more on that another time).  This small church, just down the road from our house, seems like a unique, open group of people concerned with really serving the poor and hurting in Reno.  It will differ from what I’m used to, but we’re really beginning to see how it is (was) the next good step.  I’m very excited about it and will update more soon.  I officially start on July 28th.

3...Kyndra just wrapped up week 3 of her fieldwork with some hard, but good, evaluations.  She is no longer a mere observer and is having to learn while doing it  - sometimes for the first time.  But she works with good people and has the best attitude about it all.  It’s really eye-opening to hear the real stories of therapy every day.

4...I’m enjoying having more time to read books and blogs lately.  I admire someone like Annie Dillard who claims to try to read about 300 books a year.  I’ve been reading, but not quite like that.
The most enjoyable book lately has been rereading Dan Price’s stimulating memoirish book - Radical Simplicity.  It really is a creative workout.
The blog I’ve enjoyed following is McLaren’s notes on Faith, Politics, and Voting.  He is releasing them in parts, of which there are 6 so far.  All are good, clear, and challenging.  Take a look and let’s discuss!

5...Guests from Texas will arrive late tonight and stay for a week.  I’m really looking forward to Richard and my brother Brendon being able to hang out with us here.  It’s a bummer that Kyndra will have to work during the week ... but I’m still free, so that’s all working out pretty well!!  We’ll make plans when they arrive, but the skies are clearing out and it’s not so smoky from the California forest fires ... so it’s a good week to be here.  I’m thinking we’ll head out to Desolation Wilderness just southwest of Lake Tahoe - to hike and camp.  Some rafting is probably also in the works, along with sitting around with pipes, showing off the campus, and some casino time if someone feels lucky!  We’ll keep you posted with pics and stories along the way. 

There’s the Ohome update.  Peace and all good. 

Reading/Listening on the trip

Reading aloud:

Merle's Door - by Ted Kerasote (heard interview with author, looks like a wild story of the wild life of a dog)

The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007  - edited by David Eggers, intro by the great Sufjan Stevens (great compilation of stories, fiction and non-fiction, reflecting the American life)

A Christianity Worth Believing - by Doug Pagitt (honest thoughts from a pastor with questions, concerns, and hopeful ideas!)

 

Listening -

The Weepies - Hideaway (can't go on a roadtrip without them)

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs (have been saving the tunes to listen on the trip)

Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza (prodigy jazz bass player and singer - for the chill moments)

Reno Review

It's been a week since we got back from Reno - a GREAT trip.  After all of it, Kyndra and I were just about pinching ourselves to see if we were still in reality.  Who knows what can happen between now and then ... but things are looking really good there now. 
I had meetings with professors in the Literature & Environment department - they were encouraging and challenging - probably the best combination I could have hoped for.  I am thrilled to get there and begin studying.  We also met a lot of grad students in the "L&E" program and they are great as well - really good vibe to the students and the whole campus in general.  This was all very encouraging. 

Kyndra got to observe at both the Renown Medical Center and The Continuum and she enjoyed both.  There were a lot of unknowns, but now she has a good feel for the places and feels good about transitioning from student here to intern there.

Outside of a good general likeness of the town of Reno, the biggest encouragement was finding a place to stay!  We have put down a deposit on a really nice little place in old downtown Reno and we are REALLY looking forward to living there.  When we got there and began calling places to rent, they were all looking to be filled in the next few weeks (understandably).  It didn't look like we had much of a chance of securing something for June, yet. 
So, we began tossing around the idea of buying a home there.  Maybe we could get into something that would come available in June.  That process put us online, looking at what's available.  Homes are a little more expensive than they are here, and we wanted to live in a cool downtown area instead of out in the growing suburbs, which was even a bit more expensive.  BUT, we spotted a nice home online - had just been listed on 3/12 - newly renovated into a "green", energy efficient home, and very cool.  It was 280 sq ft.  We were intrigued. 
The next day we decided to go by and just give it a look.   I had seen these types of homes - a downstairs room with just an upstairs loft - and I thought they were great for cool cabins in the woods or just for a unique and simple living experience.  I don't think we were really considering it.
But we drove there and ended up interacting with the developer of these simple green home sites - eco-compact homes.  She showed us all in and around them and she told us the great history of these small brick homes.  There are three homes being renovated as one room with bathroom on the first floor and and ladder leading up to a loft area.  The fourth brick home actually has a small "bedroom nook" built onto the back of it, so it won't be a loft but will have all the other stellar "green" amenities.  The fourth home is 380 sq ft.

Kyndra and I left our meeting with her SO intrigued.  We spent the whole rest of that day wondering if we could put together the money to buy a place like this.  It's the kind of thing we would want to keep forever, we're sure.  We know it's not for everyone, but for us - right now - it seemed like such a cool opportunity to simplify, live differently, and in many ways, practice what we preach.

But we couldn't put together how to buy a home as we move there without jobs.  We called and left a message saying "we love your project, we'd be interested in renting, let us know if it's an option." We didn't think it was an option - Kelly told us how she owned many properties and wanted more and more to help people OWN homes.  She spoke about how that fostered good responsibility and a "sense of place" for people to take care of where they live.  (Okay, now she was speaking the exact language of the grad degree I'll be going for - we are SO in!)  BUT, she mentioned that if they rented one it would be the one with the bedroom nook on the back.  Then we said that's the one we would want - our dogs couldn't make it up those ladders in the lofts anyway.  Then she said it wouldn't be ready for another 45 days.  Then we smiled and said, "okay, where do we sign?"

What had started with some worry (that we couldn't find anything on this trip and we'd have to come back in May and then finally in June) ended with us meeting a great lady, finding a spectacular place, and putting a deposit down on a green home that will be ready for us just as we arrive in June.  Wow. 

Other than that, we hung out at our casino and also enjoyed some day trips to Pyramid Lake (30mins north) and Lake Tahoe.  We are stoked about the great fun that surrounds us in Reno, and that surrounds the town itself.  We'll include details on all that in the years to come :)

Now, some pics.  All of which are HERE ON FLICKR.