Facing a Fog...

I had a morning drive to which I felt was somewhat symbolic. I know only 2-3 read this but bare with my attempt to make sense. I started my car, and began the regular 4 minute defrosting process. As I began to head towards work, I was slightly surprised by the amount of existent morning fog. Sometimes fogs can cause you to take extra caution. sometimes they are impossible to navigate safely thru, and sometimes, all you have is the White "safety/shoulder" line. This particular fog, was not the worst I have ever experienced. But I began to think about how- I am sort of in a Foggy stage of my life right now. (I can't speak for Erin; though she may also feel this way.) Its not always a negative when life is foggy. Its usually just a time to use caution, move carefully, focus on the "white line", make no rash choices etc. I thought to myself, this is somewhat ironic... Because here I am, attempting to look into my life, my financial place, my home/future home, career, life goals etc. Its all unknown possibilities. My desire is to push thru the unknown/fog. To get to clarity. To get where I need to be. When in all reality; I can't really do anything more then focus on the "white line" or Jesus. Some of you may believe differently, but I believe that its all His plan anyway. He is in control, whether I choose to act on that or not, whether I choose to believe in all circumstance or not. He is a continuous white line that provides safety, peace, comfort, security, and most of all a direction to follow. So though I may not know where I will be living, what I will be making, or where I will be working in even a year from now, He does. I just have to focus on HIM first. (then my wife, family, friends, etc.) All other things will come in His time. For some reason this is all so easy for me to forget. And even as I write, I am in no way close to perfecting this release of control or trust in Him. But I do thank God for his gentle reminder with the Fog this morning.

Hello, Hi, How's it going?, Holler...
(There hopefully all those salutations add up to the one's I have missed the last few weeks.)
Lots of things happening in the world and brain of Mr. E. (and Mrs. Too!) We are looking at the possibility of buying our first home. We were shocked in the amount it would most likely cost - if we got it at its full sale price. Luckily, if some circumstances taper out- we hope to make an offer for less than the full sale price. I am still on the job hunt. Via Craigs list, Kaiser Permanente, and Jobdango, I have probably submitted over 200 cover letter's and resume's over the last 6 months. Though I am blessed to have an income, and work, I just feel like I need to find something better. The myth that some males believe is that- they are defined by their work. True or not- it applies to this desire I have to succeed and be in a comfortable, supportive, advancing, and proffessional career. This jobhunt is one circumstance we wait upon in making our first offer. My car very well may on CAHOOTZ (SP). Jiffy Lube though not fully trustworthy mentioned a blown head gasket. My cousin Dan and I will be C.S.I'ing my car in a few days. However, if we buy a house, the likelihood of me affording a newer car, and selling this one- are slim... Money may be somewhat tight per month. Marriage is great. Yes, there are times where we are both frustrated, or times when we are at a loss for words. But there are also times, where we connect so well, where we love to just be with each other etc. It balances out. I think thats what Love is. Love is balanced. We have lots of dreams, lots of thoughts about the future, and lots of goals we hope to accomplish. As she knows so well, and moreso than me, we only are promised today. I get stuck so much trying to plan the future out, trying to understand and know how each situation will end. The reality is, in most if not all of the situations, I am the one with least amount of power or control. Change is about. Whether a stormy season, or a season of "Fall", its coming. Circumstances are due to change, our lifestyle is possible to change, Friends are moving, Jobs may be switching, yet all in all- HE is in control.

An Eye On The Storm...

A somewhat typical morning as we arose after gracefully sleeping in... (which at this point in the story - we have not yet "become arosed"...) Erin returned from round one of prepping the boys for the day, getting them breakfast, and then dropping them off at their school. We had originally planned upon her return to go to the gym together. (Around 9ish now....) Upon her arrival, as I was eagerly awaiting came the opening of the door, and a giant yawn. So we did what any somewhat newly wed couple would do. We napped! It was pretty nice. About an hour or so later- we "awoke gracefully", her having a haircut scheduled. So she went off to do her thing. I decided to watch another episode of my current DVD SEASON craving- HOUSE Season 2. Towards the end of the episode- I heard a distantly loud and lingering thunder. My skin perked- if that's even possible- as I anticipated a possible thunderstorm and perhaps power outage. Which on the side I love! Moments later- Erin called on her way home from the haircutting place of choice, and said, "Quick, turn on the T.V. and turn to a news channel!" I immediately asked, "Why...?" She responded, "Because a Tornado just passed thru downtown Vancouver!!" (Noting- that the exclamaition point is not anger, but was inserted to express excitement and curiousity.) And so of course I did do just that. As my wifey made it home safely from a few blocks away I was completely thankful! Though we weren't holding onto each other with our dear lives, with nothing but a Belt tied to a pipe deep in the ground... I enjoyed spending time with my favorite wifey, having an eye on the storm. She is my best friend, my rock, and my inspiration. Whom by the way, has an amazingly HOT haircut! 143 forever.

The White Trash Christmas Party Recap

So the party ended up being a blast! Erin and I, enjoyed our evening, as we had never seen so much food! (just kidding.) We gave away door prizes, and Strip Poker winner prizes... Everyone that ended up coming - actually won something. We switched from horrible christmas music- like the singing cats, "Walkin' Round in Woman's Underwear" - (a spoof of Winter Wonderland), and of course "Holiday" by Madonna... To the oldschool Super Mario Cartoon/Show- with the cheesy real people skits in the beginning of each episode. This one entitled, "Koopa Claus". There was a fire pit- outside- and pabst, food, warmth, and strip poker on the inside. Here are some pictures...

Yoplait and the Fork...

So as most of my devoted readers know, I have constantly been looking for a better job placement, working 55 hours a week - at two locations, and have been also trying to maintain all other bases... (God then wife, then family, friends and music... etc). I have been one busy fella'. Today, much like any other day the last few weeks... I woke up feeling more tired than when I went to bed, got ready to go, the wife helped prepare my "lunch" for the day, and with barely enough time to chow cereal down- finished up, and headed out. (Pausing to say- that my wife is incredible... She makes "Lunch" for me- everyday!!! And healthy too!- "Lunch" btw consists of four snacks, and two entrees..) I started my first job at the social services place, mostly supporting the medical assistant. Answering and routing calls, filing, data entry etc... usually this dictates the activities of my first day's 5 work hours.. Then I often race to Starbucks and get my drink- (black and white hot chocolate.) Though for the best cup of cocoa in the world visit NW Coffee on Burnside. After a bit of sippin' and reading my current book - that I aim to finish in less than a year, I often do a polo shirt switch in preparation for my second job. Motel 6. That is an 8 hour shift. I noticed as I began the thought processes regarding my second position- I became very, very tired. At the motel- there are completely calm times- and completely high stress times... In the midst of stressful moments often comes an attitude of mine that most aren't familiar with. A sometimes grumpy, or quietly jerky, or overwhelmed persona etc. It causes friction when MRS. Sutten often calls to talk, or I find myself being completely selfish. At the same point- its something I choose. Granted I may not have the best job or pay, but I can just as easily turn on Mr. Happy. In lieu of reaching that crossroads- I pulled out my snack- realizing I forgot both an ice pack and spoon, and am sitting here eating my yoplait with a plastic fork. It didn't make my day- but it sure is funny as Heckfire to watch me eat it.

The moral of the story is: If you are choosing to have a bad attitude- try eating yogurt with a fork.

Brought to you by the letter - "S"

I silently sifted down the stairs; letting the door not slam behind me. I sneezed as I stared at the simmering sun. My legs seperated, as my shoes sliced thru the slated grass. I climbed into my all familiar seat, and settled in as I pulled the seatbelt over my shoulder. I scratched my still slick and freshly shampoo'd hair. I started my car and listened to its not so smooth studder. I shifted into drive, and begain steering straight ahead down the small and slim road we live on. All of a sudden, a sleuthy green spider, slid down its string, seconds away from landing on the slope of my skin. My body was startled and began shivering at the thought of being stabbed by its sharp smile. I quickly slowed down, and separated the spider's web from its starting point. I then shucked it acrossed the seat and on to the opposite side panel of my not so safe motorized silo. If tomorrow I succomb to the startling sounds of strong muscles, and spidey-sense stewing, know that I will save you when you shriek for safety. My Sutten-Spidey Sense could be the next saving superstar story.

34 Years and 6 Months

So this past weekend has been quite enjoyable. Erin and I today- the Second- celebrated our 6 month anniversary.. Its really surprising to me how fast this has come to be... It doesn't feel like yesterday that we were married- but it just feels like 6 months- was not at all that long. We celebrated by making it over to Sweet Tomato's for Brunch.. Lots of good selections.. My favorite the best breakfast burrito I have ever made! We then came home- and took a very very deep sleep type nap.. It was amazing.. I love naps.. My parents came into town making a stop here- on their way to cannon beach to celebrate their 34th year of marriage- and we met them at Beaches Restaurant... Amazingly all from just making a reservation over the phone- and mentioning the occasion- they write the names of those and the occasion being celebrated. They lay leighs on those celebrating... They gave my mom a candle, and my dad two beer glasses full of taffy.. Oh and they typed up their names on the specials menu's only for our table.. It was definately rad. I got to ask them favorite memory, and life lesson type questions- as I had my wife at breakfast. It was a very genuine day! I loved every second. Except the guy who just called my work and had not known any english.. Quite frustrating- trying to understand - but I'm over it!! ha ha. Another weird google image found...