I need your advice!

I keep going back and forth with the thought of buying a house. On some levels, buying a home seems like a very smart thing to do (good long term investment, etc) but the permanency of a home purchase worries me. I really don't like Portland and I cringe at the thought of raising kids here (crime rates are higher than average and the schools have received low marks). We've looked at Vancouver (which is cheaper and the schools are better) but Vancouver is not my favorite city by any stretch of the imagination. We've dreamt about moving to Bend and Colorado and Iowa (well, I've dreamt about the last one..family reasons) but sometimes I just want to sink my roots in and not move around so much. Other times, I hate the thought of staying in one area for so long. But maybe it's time to tuck away my moving shoes and grow up a bit.

What are your thoughts? Is buying a home something we should do? Here? I need advice!

Sign of the times

This may be TMI for some of you but I am so irritated, I have to share. I had a total health assessment from Kaiser the other day and I scored an 86/100 only because of my "sexual behavior" and the fact that I don't use condoms (ever...I hate them). I received an "excellent" in everything else (even my weight!) but a "very poor" in that category. What really annoys me is that they didn't ask if I was married or if I was in a monogamist relationship. They only asked how many partners I've had in the last 12 months (one, of course). And still gave me a lecture on how important "safe sex" is to my health. Urg. So I went ahead and gave myself a 95/100. So there.

Rant over.

My first attempt at sewing!

I haven't picked up a needle and thread since I was in home-ec (7th grade) but I am determined to learn and be great at it. I haven't powered up my new machine yet (I am waiting for the mama to visit and give me a crash course) but I tried my hand at some play food (made with felt and hand sown). Here are a couple sushi rolls. I didn't even have a pattern but tried two different techniques (I am very proud of myself!). They look so yummy.

Not Ready

I've decided that I'm not quite ready for a baby. I really want some more time alone with my husband before I have to balance and manage everything. We'd welcome a baby with open arms at any time, but for now, our focus is on eachother. And this is a great mental place to be :)

Thanks.

I love November! I love the cool, crisp in the air, the bright red and orange trees, the fireplace and the coziness of my home; I love this time of year! I have so much to be thankful for: my marriage is solid and amazing, my husband is my best friend and just got a clean bill of health from his doctor (praise God!), we have stable jobs which provide more than enough for our needs, I have a great (and growing) family on both sides, we have a very amusing puppy who brings us a lot of laughter, and our future looks bright ahead :-)