hey, hey, it's catch up time!

Yeah, I know I said you should refer to Flickr for all future photos and news but I still have this dream of keeping up a blog. I dunno, maybe it's just the trend right now but hey, I want to be included! I doubt anyone reads this anymore but it's sort of nice for me to be able to look back at pictures and memories. So anyway, it's probably best to check Flickr still for pictures but I figured I could at least provide a story here.
This past September marked the one year anniversary of our move up to Portland. You know how everyone says that the older you get the faster time goes? Well, it's true. Each year seems to pass more quickly than the last and I feel I'm constantly rushing through the week and trying to slow down the weekend. That isn't to say that I don't enjoy my weekdays. I'm still working hard at OHSU in the Robert's lab as a research assistant. Our focus is currently on isolating islets from the pancreas in hopes of providing treatments for diabetic patients in the future. I love working hands on with tissues which only heightens my inner voice telling me I should go into medicine. No future plans yet but hopefully some plans and goals will come together soon.
When we hit our year mark in Portland, we also welcomed Bethany and Todd. They moved up in October and have just settled into their new home. It's great having them up here to share dinners and weekends with. We've been enjoying playing with the dogs and helping them get settled in a new town. It's also a nice feeling having both of my sisters in one place. The last time we all lived near each other was about 6 years ago. Oh wow, I just had another moment of time flying by.
This fall also marked the beginning of the cyclocross season. Brian participated in several races riding his single-speed 29er. He's been having a great time. We drove out to Astoria, OR a couple weekends ago for the annual Halloween race. Beth, Todd, Brian and I dressed up as lumberjacks! I crocheted beard+mustache hats for all of us and we donned flannel shirts, suspenders, and boots. We looked sooo good! I also crocheted a Totoro hat for Carly that came out surprisingly good---I've never attempted to make ears and ear flaps. We stayed in a cabin at the Astoria KOA and enjoyed lots of Jenga and good times.
I love watching Brian race and cheering him on but this last weekend I figured it was time I participated already! So, Beth and I signed up for the Woman's beginner race. I was so nervous! We started the first lap together and then about midway through I realized I was on my own! I made my way over barriers, through water, up hills, and across the muddiest terrain I have ever been on. I had such a good time! The race was even harder than I had predicted, mostly because it was so difficult trying to navigate through the mud. In the end I was happy I did it and I'm already looking forward to the next race.
Well, I think I will have to save more updates for a separate post cause I'm pretty sure this is getting long and boring. I'll just end this by saying that even though it's getting cold and rainy in Portland, life is good and we're happy.