South Carolina

Tom and I have decided to move to South Carolina. The decision was difficult and we spent many, many, many hours discussing values, careers, family, etc. It became apparent in the last few weeks that the opportunities available to us there are too good to pass up.

I had an interview on Friday for a sales engineering position which went very well. I hope to hear back soon with a job offer. Here is a pic of my interview "get-up".




















Here are some pics of our recent trip to South Carolina ...















This is where our new "temporary" offices will be. Notice the cool red dirt.















A picture representative of the SC landscape.















This is in a old downtown area, there was a parade going on so there was quite the people and car traffic. I was reminded of Newberg when we passed through.















We ate lunch at this quaint little restaurant an gift shop.




















A creative way of advertising chiropractic services.










Another view of the local landscape.

A Weekend In Review

Tom and I had a busy but fun weekend.

Saturday morning I made breakfast. The menu included smoked baby swiss omelets, veggie sausage, and toast. After breakfast Tom headed to a career seminar for UofP students. He found it very useful and informative. It was not your typical career seminar that covers resumes, interviewing skills, salary negotiation, etc. The exercises and lectures focused more on career strategy. Some of the topics covered were "when to move up" and "when to move out".

I headed down to Aurora to work on the farm with Mom and Dad. I spent the morning cleaning stalls, feeding horses, raising a mailbox (it was too far in the ground), and transferring plants into new pots. After lunch I rode Smiles, then we fed the horses and headed over to the feed store. After unloading 500 lbs of grain we called it a day.

I then followed Mom and Dad to a furniture store in Lake Oswego where I helped them pick out some furniture for Dad's "man cave". The "man cave" is the bonus room above the garage where Dad has his new plasma screen TV and HD service. After the furniture is delivered it will be fully furnished with lots of seating.

We convinced Tom that he should meet us for dinner. Tom found a restaurant using google maps name Casa Colima (sp?). We had never been there before, but we're pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and service. Everyone had a great time, especially Dad and his two margaritas :-)

Sunday morning was spent sleeping in (7:45). This mornings menu was a ham and cheese souffle. We met up with Edgar and Josh (a couple of my college buddies) at Hollywood Bowl and had a great time bowling. I had the high score of the day (140). After bowling we headed to Sal's for some Italian food. The food was great and the company even better. Time spent with good friends is always worth the effort to make the plans. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Edgar and Josh.














Hope everyone else had an enjoyable weekend. I will post some pics soon.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season. Tom and I were able to spend time with family and enjoy some much needed quiet time at the house. Since we work for the same company we have the same holidays, which shut down from 12-22 through 1-2. I made it through Christmas but spent the rest of our time off sick. Oh well, that is life. And now for the monthly DeBoard news update...

Work news...

Just prior to the holiday break my department announced a re-organization. The majority of the changes happened at the management level and most groups withing the department stayed intact. However, I was traded.

I moved from the current product engineering team to the new product engineering team. I am now working on designs that the customers won't see until 2010. I am now on my third full time position since 6/06.

For those of you who haven't heard Tom's position is being moved to South Carolina. We have not made a decision regarding the move. If we do decide to go that would be another position for me in a new group by 7/08. Personally, I am ready to settle into a job for a little longer than 6 months. However, the move has the potential to benefit both of our careers significantly.

Onto some more interesting (horse) news... (if you are still reading)

Smiles(aka Funny Papers), my horse, is headed back to "school". He was in full training from February through July of last year. Since bringing him back from training I have only been able to ride about twice a week, which is really not enough for a young horse. I am probably biased, but I think he has the potential to be a good show horse. So, he will be going to a new trainer in a couple of weeks.

I am really looking forward to seeing him progress as well as the opportunity to train with one of the top paint and quarter horse trainers in the northwest. It will be an opportunity for both of us to progress in our skills as wells as meet some new people.

Some "Baba" news ... (anyone still here?)

While the last eight weeks has been a trial for our family it has also been a blessing. We are truly blessed and thankful that the Lord worked a miracle for "Baba". The doctors gave her a 50/50 chance of surviving due to her age and the high risk of complications. I am happy to report she was released from the hospital to a rehab center a week ago. Tom and I went to visit her last Sunday and I almost walked right by her because I didn't recognize her. She looked great. (I hadn't seen her in two weeks as I was sick and didn't want to expose her).

I have decided that Baba is one of my hero's. Anyone that has met her can attest to her unique and contagious personality and zest for life. But, to see her handle this ordeal with such grace and determination is truly an inspiration. Throughout this entire ordeal she has maintained a positive outlook on life and has not complained or lamented once. She is really an amazing person and has taught me so much about life and living.

Thanks for sticking in there for this long, no-picture post. I will try and update the blog more frequently. I have some cute pictures of the dogs to post, but haven't downloaded them yet. Have a great weekend!