http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php Copyright 2010, Aurae Beidler Aurae Beidler en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090117-231652 Aurae's New Blog. I will posting new blog entries there. So make sure to visit the new blog from now on. The posts from this blog will appear on the new blog.

I also have a new look to my website - Aurae's Website.]]> General http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090117-231652 Aurae Beidler Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:16:52 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=01&entry=entry090117-231652 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081215-123951 We have been hit by a snow storm, beginning last night with snow and freezing temperatures. Our high temperature today will not be above freezing. The snow is beautiful, a blanket of white over all the city. Last night I watched the snowflakes swirl their way to the ground, powdery and white. Our “white” dog frolicked in the snow, licking it and jumping around with delight.

The snow and ice made for slow travel today. We are warned to stay home if possible. Living only a mile from work, we ventured out after thawing our vehicle, inching our way up the hill. The tires spun at one time as the pavement was a sheet of ice. We made it safe but the trip home should be another adventure.

It would be nice to be at home, warm by the fireplace, with the purring cat. This cold, wintry weather is due to last all week. Residents of Western Oregon are not used to this cold weather.
]]> Weather http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081215-123951 Aurae Beidler Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:39:51 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=12&entry=entry081215-123951 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081126-185416 I am thankful for my family and friends, who show their kindness through unconditional love and support. With them, I feel I can do just about anything. I am thankful that God has given me so many opportunities to use my gifts. I am thankful for the peace I feel in my home, in my marriage and overall. I am hopeful that this world will take this season to heart, finding ways to express love around the world. Sometimes we take for granted all we have, and Thanksgiving is a great time to stop and count each blessing. Once the list begins, you will be amazed at all you are blessed by.
With love,
Aurae
]]> Personal/ Family http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081126-185416 Aurae Beidler Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:54:16 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081126-185416 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081108-015902
So, tonight, I made my fifth trip to SE Portland and it was just about perfect. I still don't like driving in Portland. People drive so much faster. There are signed pointing all over the place. I am thankful that there isn't too much traffic at 10pm and then at 8am when I leave again.

There is only one thing that makes my drive worthwhile. As I come through the Sunset Tunnel into Portland and turn onto the bridge, the cityscape lights up the night sky, reflecting on the Willamette River. Every time it takes my breath away. You just don't see that site anywhere else in Oregon. It's amazing. I wish I had more time to view it and take in its glory.]]> General http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081108-015902 Aurae Beidler Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:59:02 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=11&entry=entry081108-015902 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081023-232605
PA Mennonite Farm Story]]> News & Events http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081023-232605 Aurae Beidler Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:26:05 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081023-232605 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081020-130151
I’m now facing the start of a challenging class in healthcare finance. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around financial issues sometimes. I’ve read the chapters for class but I feel I might just have to read them over to actually start to begin to understand them. There are so many terms and acronyms that I need to learn just to be able to do the simplest problems. It will take some work but it’s one area I can improve my skills in. After my lunch with a family friend who just happens to be a physician, I have learned that financial skills are a must. So, I’m trying to have a better attitude towards finance and accounting, even though they involve math.

I’ve managed to write several articles on winter travel in Oregon but I wish I had more time to write. I know that once my classes end this term I will have some time. But it’s hard for me to not have time or energy for creative writing. At least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It was a beautiful weekend, with glorious sun and fall colors. We took a nice walk, in search of some fall foliage but were not lucky in our search around the neighborhood. Driving home from church, the variety of colors we saw was amazing: red, orange, yellow, and green all over the place. It was beautiful, especially with the bright sunlight.

]]> General http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081020-130151 Aurae Beidler Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:01:51 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081020-130151 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081009-130243
Flying above the central portion of the United States and the Mid-west seems like endless miles of crops, outlined by roads, creating a checkerboard of squares. Every so often a town will appear but they are sparsely scattered.

It’s amazing to me how inhabited this region is, as it contrasts with the miles of forests and deserts in the West. Flying over Oregon, Idaho and Utah give you a sense of nothingness as no signs of civilization appear for minutes, if not hours by plane.

Here in the Mid-west, even though towns are scattered, the mark of the human hand can be seen from above in the never-ending squares.

Where are we? I may not know what state we’re flying over at the moment but I’m sure we are over the Mid-west. Gone are the acres of wilderness and uninhabited land. Throughout Utah and our journey east, I was able to follow the interstate headed east. It seemed our flight plan followed the same direction as the road below.

Now, I see a myriad of roads, both paved and not. They intersect at towns, boarder farms and indicate important places.

Thunderheads tower massively above the cloud layer, as fluffy cottonball clouds float below. I wonder what it looks like fro below, as the land lay dark in its shadow. Is the thunder booming or lightning flashing below? Our captain tells us of several storms over Baltimore, which may cause a bumpy ride.

Now I see hills and treed areas which makes me wonder if we’re near the Appalachians, nearing the east coast. From my previous flights to St. Louis, I can only remember the miles of squares. This hilly landscape is new to me. From the air, this region reminds me of a multitude of golf courses, all lined up; grasslands framed by trees. Roads carve through treed areas and rivers are lined with industry. An interstate appears brightly white, contrasting with its green surroundings. The signs and marks of civilization are still clear.

Yet it makes me happy to see the wind turbines lined up on the hill below. I’m glad to see us harnessing the free and natural power of the wind.

As we begin our initial approach to Baltimore, I see a river curve with S-shapes through the trees. The hills shape waves of trees and slope down, as cities encroach up their sides. Now more cities and suburbs can be seen, with interstates and roads. Baltimore is just ahead and we’ll be on the ground in 15 minutes.
]]> Travel Writing http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081009-130243 Aurae Beidler Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:02:43 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081009-130243 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081003-140125 So, here they are, in no exact order:

Lose weight
This will boost my self-confidence and make me feel like I have more willpower to shape my future. This is something I’ve wanted to do for awhile. It’s also something I have tried to do but been unsuccessful at for a few years now. I seem to try a new approach and give up too soon. Then I gain more weight. The times when I actually try, I tend to at least stay at the same weight. This is also a goal I get very defensive about and turn to denial.
So, my specific goal would be to lose 10 pounds by Christmas. That doesn’t seem too hard and if I lose more, then all the better. My next goal would be to lose 20 more pounds by May and then another 10 before our family reunion at the end of July.

Succeed with my graduate studies
This would include staying caught up with my classes and being able to finish all the readings. I want to get the most out of my classes that I can. Writing out a list of things to complete for the week seems to help with this overwhelming task of staying on track.

Implement Leadership Development Plan
As part of the assignment, I will need to implement my plan by Feb. 2009. I have already begun doing this. This goal includes increasing networking and becoming a better speaker. I am looking into joining a Toastmasters group to learn how to be a better public speaker. As for increasing networking, I guess I can just introduce myself to more people at work and try to get my CEOs involved in my studies.

Figure out what I want to do with my career
This could be a long term project. But for now, I just want to narrow down my areas of interest, with help from my professors.

Continue writing travel articles
I want to continue as the Feature Writer for NW US/ Alaska travel. This means that until December, I will have to focus my attention to writing at least 1 article per week. After my classes end in December, I will be able to write more often and write drafts to save for my next term of study.

Updating my websites
One thing I haven't done well lately, is keeping my websites up-to-date, whether this one or NWTravelOnline or AdventureSisters.net. I know this takes times but it could be worth it. I am working on getting this website updated to include a front page, rather than just going straight to my blog entries. This will take the cooperation of my husband to use his skills and the time to do it.

Strengthen marriage and other relationships
We joined a small group at church and are doing a marriage study. I want to continue this and continue to be involved at church. I think this is one area that will strengthen our marriage. Also, it is important to talk with other couples who have been married longer – like a marriage mentor. We can continue our reading on our own.

I want to continue keeping my family in touch with each other, whether through letters, e-mails or my website. I would like to develop a new version of the Radiant Times but I know my time is limited. I would like to brain-storm new ideas on how to do this. One possibility is to start a circle letter like my husband’s family does, or an online version.

Organize office and rooms
This is an ongoing project and frustration. I haven’t unpacked everything from when I moved in last year! I need to go through all my boxes and make sure I want to keep everything.

Get yard ready for winter and then spring
Weeding, weeding and more weeding. I want to plant some garlic after I take out the tomato plants. I would also like to build another raised garden if possible. We are trying to complete a woodshed right now.

Be happy at work
This is a tough one for me. I need to learn that the work I do is important and worthwhile. I will ask for help from my supervisor with this one. This is an ongoing problem for me. One challenge for me is being open with my boss, and being able to express myself verbally instead of writing a letter. This one will work better if I better my public speaking skills.

Find a volunteer project
I’ve been looking for a volunteer project for a long time. I don’t have much extra time but I want to be able to do something, even if just a small task. So, I will continue to look for volunteer opportunities. I might try asking around at church.

Work on debt
This is another ongoing project. I brought a lot of debt to my marriage from before. We are working on this. I think we're doing a pretty good job. My student loans for graduate school have added to this but actually using some of this money to pay the higher interest rate debts might be a good idea, since these loans have lower interest rates. We'll see how this works. I am still looking for more scholarships for next year. ]]> Personal/ Family http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081003-140125 Aurae Beidler Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:01:25 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081003-140125 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080927-232721
I write a lot. I write all day at work, through e-mails or meeting minutes, etc. I write for fun. I write for pay. Just on this website, which just began this year, I've already written close to 20,000 words.That's a lot, and just from blog entries. It's amazing. My pour hands will surely have arthritis someday! ]]> Writing Thoughts http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080927-232721 Aurae Beidler Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:27:21 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080927-232721 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080926-101015
We did, however, visit several sites we had never been to, including the Lava Cast Forest and Smith Rock State Park. The Lava Cast Forest was so amazing and unique. I'm glad we took the time to stop there. I can see why some people don't make the 9-mile trip to the site because the road is gravel. Yet, the road was groomed well and we traveled at a pretty constant speed of 30 mph. Once at the site, we found several other people, so some were adventurous, like us.


We walked the 1-mile paved loop through the lava in amazement. These lava casts of ancient trees are so interesting. The walking tour guide pamphlet gave very good information on the site's geology, history and interesting facts.



I highly recommend visiting the Lava Cast Forest just south of Bend.

Smith Rock State Park was amazing also, but we didn't spend enough time there. Now we know to spend at least half a day exploring the park and doing some hiking. The park was very crowded, with hikers, rock climbers and people just wanting to watch the activities.



On our way out, we saw the old ice cream store where Bill Sullivan stopped during his walk across Oregon.

Make sure to read my Suite101 article - Lava Cast Forest Near Bend .]]> Travel http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080926-101015 Aurae Beidler Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:10:15 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080926-101015 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080916-112211
Other than school, we've had nice summer weather here in Oregon. It's been hot really. The evenings are cool and the sun is setting earlier. I don't like it getting dark at 7:30 but know it will only get worse.

Jeff and I will be celebrating our first anniversary on Monday. We have had a great year, despite the tragedy of losing Jeff's dad. We're still coping with this loss and will be for a long time.

I've continued with my travel writing but have limited my frequency of articles. I am still working on my articles for Wyoming. Here's one of my favorite pictures that I took in Wyoming at the Flying A Ranch :



]]> News & Events http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080916-112211 Aurae Beidler Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:22:11 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080916-112211 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080909-231525
So, as I said, I begin my graduate classes this week at Pacific University. I am very excited. I even have a homework assignment before classes even begin. I will be busy reading and writing soon.

I've had a great time visiting with family the past few weekends. It's been great to see people who I don't see very often. I really enjoyed it, even though I know I had a lot to do.

I still have several Wyoming articles to write, and also several other NW travel articles - one on Washington. So, look for those in the coming weeks, as I find a little bit of free time.

Wish me luck with all I have planned!]]> News & Events http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080909-231525 Aurae Beidler Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:15:25 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080909-231525 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080902-141035
I plan on staying home the next few weekends, since I have a lot to do.

]]> Travel http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080902-141035 Aurae Beidler Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:10:35 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=09&entry=entry080902-141035 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080826-124504
I have about 10 article ideas ready to work on. Sweetwater County, Wyoming is one of the most beautiful and exotic places I've ever been. Filled with wildlife and wild horses, adventure is easily found. The cities of Rock Springs and Green River are brimming with history and mystery. From coal mining to petroglyphs to Butch Cassidy and Sin City, their history is an exciting discovery.

I found the Western Wyoming Community College to be unlike any other school I have been to. How many schools contain a natural history museum or massive dinosaurs roaming the halls? Not to mention the massive boulders placed around the campus, representing the geology of the surrounding mountains, or the 9 ton Easter Island statue. The school is an exhibit in and of itself, with interesting architecture and large open spaces.

Mere words can not describe the beauty of the mountains near Pinedale, at the Flying A Guest Ranch. Beautiful horses, pristine mountains, wildlife and quaking aspen are just the beginning of the sights of this area. Riding horseback through the quietness of the woods, spotting bears and moose, surrounded by the Wind River Mountains and Gros Ventre Mountains is a unique experience. It will be a challenge to find the words to describe this place.

The people I met probably had the largest impression on me. Kind, authentic people who care so much about their surroundings and are so passionate about the things they love.

What a great experience! This is only the beginning of my thoughts on the location, experience and people. Stay tuned for more.


Photo by Peggy Paine]]> Travel http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080826-124504 Aurae Beidler Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:45:04 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080826-124504 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080818-211357 Travel Writing http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080818-211357 Aurae Beidler Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:13:57 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080818-211357 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080814-123638
It's frustrating because I've been watching the Olympics every evening. Watching the swimmers makes me want to go swimming. I have a membership to the local pool but I haven't used it lately. Now, I know I won't be able to use it for awhile. I could just imagine reaching out to swimming and having that pain in my side.

Walking is getting easier but I still can't go very far. Plus, I don't want to over do it. After my accident, we went to the dunes and hiked around. I know that made my foot hurt worse. By the time we got back to the truck, my foot was in constant pain. It doesn't hurt now unless I turn it funny. Maybe by this weekend, I will be able to walk the dog around the block.

It's just not fair because I have the desire to get moving right now and start losing weight, but I can't. ]]> Personal/ Family http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080814-123638 Aurae Beidler Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:36:38 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080814-123638 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080812-134240
Although this may seem as off topic from my writing, I will now get the chance to bring my writing skills together with my career in healthcare. Though it may sound cliche, I want to make a change in this world, and I know that God is pushing me to do it. I have the skills, ability and insight needed to get things going in healthcare. I just need to do it. I need to stop talking and start doing.

I will continue to do my freelance writing, for as long as possible. I hope I can find just enough time to keep doing it.
Please feel free to ask me about my studies and what I am working on. ]]> News & Events http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080812-134240 Aurae Beidler Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:42:40 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080812-134240 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080811-164447 More to come on this adventure later...]]> Travel http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080811-164447 Aurae Beidler Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:44:47 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080811-164447 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080808-232154 Travel http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080808-232154 Aurae Beidler Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:21:54 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080808-232154 http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080807-164000
I am also excited that my photographs for my articles will be taken by an excellent, experience photographer. My mom will be coming along as my photographer, ready to take some great shots of the Southwestern Wyoming wildlife and scenery. You can see some examples of her work on this website under the "Images" link. I will be able to link to the gallery of our trip once we have all the photographs ready for viewing.

So, make sure to check back for my articles and my mother's photographs from Wyoming.]]> News & Events http://auraebeidler.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080807-164000 Aurae Beidler Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:40:00 GMT http://auraebeidler.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080807-164000