Box of Whine » jess

The Number 10

Chris — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:54:46 +0000

There is a lot to be found in the number 10.

In the number 10, there are 3 continents, 14 countries , 6 international trips

In the number 10, you can find the Eiffel tower, a giant rock named Uluru, a flat tire paid for in pounds, two pear-apples in a paper bag–ready to go, little bits of icebergs, a lunch on the side of a mountain, and a stack of bones.

In the number 10 is the beach, as well as long drives, and little notes.

In the number 10 hides people in closets, around corners, especially when you’re not looking.

In the number 10 are shells for your dashboard.

In the number 10, the knuckle on the index finger of your right hand always pops just right

In the number 10, there are tag-teamed pies, handmade pastas, and banana pancakes.

In the number 10 is 203.

In the number 10, there is a duck, named Puddles.

In the number 10, we like to chase cows.

In the number 10, “Bonjour!” means, “I’m sorry, I don’t speak French.”

In the number 10, everything begins at 11:42 pm.

In the number 10, everyone likes the color green.

In the number 10, Papa John’s pizza is delivered, Top Ramen is made for you, and the bread here, is really good.

In the number 10, there is grading to be done.

In the number 10, Mexico makes for a long 6 weeks.

In the number 10, when the power shuts off, the weather lightning lights your way home and is your entertainment.

In the number 10, the hills are covered in snow and begged to be walked on.

In the number 10, Friday nights after work are the best for painting.

In the number 10, tickling feet is allowable for only a limited duration.

In the number 10, long car rides are always made short by the conversation.

In the number 10, you don’t play checkers fair.

In the number 10, you should always be prepared to be asked what you’re thinking.

In the number 10, there are crab traps to be pulled and clams to be found with your toes.

In the number 10, a cup of coffee (or 2) are waiting for you.

In the number 10, football is the main event.

In the number 10, it is pretty rare that any gift is opened on the day that it should be.

In the number 10, there are now 3 families.

In the number 10, you never love the most, but there is a good chance, you’ll do so the mostest.

In the number 10, even numbers are preferred.

In the number 10, you’ll find your way to July 23rd.

In the number 10, lives the little town of Cottage Grove.

In the number 10, if you look hard enough, are diced red peppers.

In the number 10, some of us are good guessers, even with 9 months to go.

In the number 10, the best place to rest your hand is on a tummy, there’s a good chance it will get kicked.

In the number 10, 1 + 1 will always equals 4.

In the number 10, our favorite letters are O and P.

In the number 10 is you and me.

In the number 10 are all the years that have cradle my whole life.

Jessica, thank you for starting my life for me, 10 years ago today.

Love,

~Chris

Waiting for summer, his pastures to change

Chris — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:51:49 +0000

Jess and I have been to many places around the world; we’ve been on top of mountains in Europe and swam the coral reefs of Australia’s oceans, but the biggest of adventures is just ahead: 20 fingers and 20 toes.

Do you remember when we first met? I sure do

Chris — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:25:53 +0000

Sitting on the uncomfortable little split couch in Parsons Hall watching a movie on this day, eight years ago at 11:42 at night–Jess and I officially became a couple. If you had asked me in that moment what I thought my life would be like eight years down the road, I’m sure you would have received a bumbling answer that would have have no clue to the many joys we’ve had together, the hard times we’ve been there for each other, and the compounding memories that are always perched on the very tips of our noses.

As well, I know that I wouldn’t have been able to say that this shy, intelligent, and stunningly beautiful woman would literally expand the horizons of my world to new things beyond, force me to try new things and to trust myself.

In my best and worst moments, she is a constant–be it a laugh, a surprisingly strong hug, a correction, a sounding board, a travel buddy and so much more. No longer do I question if I am good enough for her–I know I am–but the real question is, what good have I done for her today or right now in this moment?

As we have gone through these eight years together, we’ve noticed plenty of 28′s, like my first apartment with which the wood grain made a heart on the back of the door. Jess, I look forward to finding many more twenty-eights and having your hand in mine for many more multiples of eights. It’s all for you, babe.

Love ya and thank you.

Birthday Girl

Chris — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:52:19 +0000

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to the best travel companion I’ve ever had.

Happy birthday to the person who reminds me of what’s important.

Happy birthday to the one who help me find what I should do with my life.

Happy birthday to my better half, alright, my better 98%.

Happy birthday to my inspiration.

Happy birthday to the beginning and ending of every day.

Happy birthday to my conscience, my confidant, my cheerleader.

Happy birthday to the reason I feel handsome, I feel loved, I feel confident

Happy birthday to the reason I can’t wait to come home every night.

Happy birthday to the one who makes me laugh the most.

Happy birthday to the world’s best conversationalist.

Happy birthday to September 4th, September 28th, and July 23rd.

Jess, happy birthday. I love you.

Three Years Ago Today And Two Little Words

Chris — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:13:59 +0000

My life really took root…

Jess, every moment of my life I am thankful for this day and for you. Thank you for being who you are and bringing out the best of me. Love you tremedously.

You’re the birthday boy or girl…

Chris — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:51:57 +0000

To the most remarkable woman who helped me find what I could be and do everything I should be doing. Each day I’m happier than the last and with each day I’m a better person than I was, all because of you. Thank you for making me push myself, better myself, and hold myself to a higher standard. I’m not sure anyone could ever comprehend the impact you have had upon my life; I know, without a doubt, my life would not be as successful or as fulfilling, nor do I think I would be as happy, as confident, or as truly content. You’ve helped me become who I am, and for that I’m forever in your debt.

I wish you a sincere and truly happy birthday and beyond.

Happy birthday, Jess!

Movin’ on Up…

Chris — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:15:01 +0000

Honestly, I couldn’t be any more proud… today, Jess was offered a full-time teaching position as a third grade teacher at her school. Jess has been working long and hard to obtain a full-time position after working two years as a half-time kindergarten teacher. And by-George, she deserves it. Jess is thrilled that she gets to stay at her elementary school, she absolutely loves her staff and she’s even more thrilled about the possibility of seeing some of her former kindergarten students as third graders in a couple of years.

I’m so proud of her achievements, she is just simply amazing.

Way to go Jess!

Hit Cruise Control and Rubbed My Eyes

Chris — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:35:23 +0000

My nose the texture of a lightly smoked beef jerky and the tops of my knees the same color of pink as that of a jumper of a newborn baby girl. Every time I scrunch my face, it feels like crinkled up paper.

Ah, the start of summer.

Officially, the first day of my summer was last Friday, but I was knee-deep in the football camp we were running.

However, my burnt exterior didn’t come from that. That was yesterday, at Heidi’s (my sister-in-law) graduation at OSU. Held in The Salsa Bowl (aka Reeser Stadium) the sun came out in full force. Now I wince when my shorts rub over my knees.

This was Jess’s first full year of teaching, while she says that she is happy that the year is over, I think that she secretly misses her kindergarteners.

At my high school, on the last day for the seniors, a group of three seniors got into my room (with help, I’m sure) and covered the walls with tinfoil. As well, they stacked all of the desk and chairs… covering them in tinfoil as well. On top of the tinfoil, there was a healthy layer of silly string.

The worst part of the prank was not the clean up. What leaves me raw is that they got the idea from me. Further proof that I need to keep my mouth closed.

But don’t worry, dear reader, I got them back. Those same pranksters invited me to their graduation parties. I was happy to go. I brought them each a gift card; of course, each card was encased in two hundred feet of tinfoil. Each card felt like it weighed five pounds. I was lucky enough to watch one of the pranksters unwrap this card, it took him at least of ten minutes.

It was all good fun. The prank was in good taste and I actually took it as a sign of respect… as well, revenge is always fun.

On the docket for this summer:
-Newfoundland
-Anniversary
-Football

I hope this old train breaks down then I could take a walk around

Chris — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 01:39:32 +0000

Granted, yes, it has been a long time since I’ve posted… June I think. I’ve been busy, I’m sure you’ve found a way to cope and stagger through life without your fix of my mediocrity… or so I hope.

Here are the highlights:
Jess is a kindergarten teacher, right before we left for Newfoundland she was hired in my school district. She works about a little down road from me. So far she loves it. She definitely gets more interesting stories; my stories always end, “so they were suspended.” Where as, she has creative endings like, “…and we had to tell them why that word isn’t ok to say,” or “…then we had to pull them off of the fence.” She has a good staff and a good principal; I think she likes it a lot better than getting called at six in the morning to find out if you can sub.

In sports related news: One of the reasons I have been so busy is football, but it is a good kind of busy. Right after school let out for the summer I went down to Ashland with our football team to attend the Southern Oregon University football camp. It was five days of football, dorm food, and well, more football. It was fun, although I didn’t get to sleep much. It was a good time to hang out with a lot of the players and get to know them more as well as learn some new information.

Since we’re knee deep into football season, I’ll give you the run down. Out of our seven games, we’ve lost three, but all three were to highly ranked teams such as Marist (#1) and Scappoose (#2) and Sherwood (5A #1), which is a huge improvement over last year. We’ve been called a sleep team and people have said that there are teams that don’t want to line up against us because we give them a good thrashing. In all likelihood we’re playoff bound which is good for this school seeing as they haven’t been there in a long time. We’re putting up some good numbers and we’ve got some good kids… hopefully that’s the right equation for a trip to play on Decemeber 9th.

My work is good, at first it was a fight to get me going but that’s just coming off of a summer. I’m glad to be back, but between it and football, my time at home is pretty scarce. Thankfully, I have an understanding wife. I just finished up my parent-teacher conferences for the fall term, which meant I was at school from 7 in the morning until 8 at night, which is only about an hour and a half longer than I am usually here.

Moose is still getting bigger yet his coordination has still stayed the same. He’s still the lap dog that he was on the day we brought him home.

I’ll try to update more regularly, but no promises.

I’m tellin’ ya it just hurt my feet to walk now

Chris — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 01:57:00 +0000

In a similar vein as Gabe’s most recent post, Moose is now officially neutered. He went in on Wednesday at eight in the morning and we got him back at three that afternoon. Moose is doing well, not that he noticed that anything is missing.

I guess that when Jess went to pick the pooch up, he was barking so loud, she could hear him from the back of the vet’s office. Apparently, he had been barking since the moment the anesthesia wore off. The vet told Jess that once she got Moose home to see if he can drink a little bit of water, if he could keep it down. When she did get Moose home he drank a little bit of water and ate an entire bowl of food. So much for being effected by his surgery.

Because of his surgery, we were not able to take Moose to Bend this weekend, so Jess went with her sister and I stayed back with the dog. Pratt drove down to the Grove where we dined on beer and marveled at NCAA College Football 2006, of which I trounced Pratt’s Kingston Kites with my Salt Lake State University Shakers in Morton Stadium. We had the couch pulled all the way up TV as to not miss a single pixel of the game.

Saturday morning Pratt was gracious enough to accompany me to downtown Springfield to pick up a desk. Two weeks ago, Jess and I were in a store and saw this old oak desk, Jess really liked the desk but we didn’t have the truck yet so there was no way to bring it back to the Grove in her civic without strapping it to the roof, which would have made some serious dents. Since Jess was gone, I thought I’d pick up the desk and surprise her. Although I was having some serious doubts when we were putting the desk in the truck, the desk did fit (quite easily) into the house, down the hallway and into the office. I spent most of Saturday night unloading a bookshelf, fixing the bookshelf, and then reloading the bookshelf so the desk would fit without blocking the heater… just my silly obsession with not having my house on fire. After that, I loaded up Jess’ old desk with the stuff from her old desk.

Waiting until Sunday afternoon to spring my surprise was painful, when she would call I would inevitable almost slip up and tell her that I had her desk already—which would have been hard to back out of. “Uh, what I meant is… uh, I put a wood polish on it for you. Yeah, that’s the ticket.” When Jess did finally arrive, she was completely surprised which made it incredibly fun for me to watch her reaction. I definitely think I should buy her desks more often.