Sleeping and Jumping

Sometimes you forget what you were doing... while you were doing it... because, in an instant, it ceased to be very important.

Settling Into Pullman

Efforts to smooth out our life always demonstrate the opposition to the status-quo. But avoiding the fear, that arises from opposition, demonstrates the lack of commitment to your vision and quantitative drive. Still waiting for our home in Yakima to sell, we are settling nicely into our new home in Pullman (pics to come.) As if you wanted to read that and meditate further regarding the eternities: here are pics of us doing the family thing...cheers!

Yes. Those are blue eyes, without the contacts. Where are the electrical receptacle covers? In a box somewhere,,, we're still moving in! Please do not let Grandma buy another pack of 50 and let Grandpa mash 'em in real tight! Of course the baby gets the spotlight, but she really is putting her best personality traits forward as she tries to find her brother and sister when she wakes up from naps and laughs at Jett's jokes and songs. Leia still thinks Irelyn is a baby doll...


Well, since I'm working extra hard for the parent of the month. Here is the evidence that my children lock themselves in the dog kennel and munch on milk bones...really.




Hasta la vista.
Buenos noches!

Irelyn Pics, By Request

Im catching some fierce static for not posting more Irelyn photos; ok, I apologize.

Nearly the middle of July and you put on a new pair of underwear; what could be better than hanging out on the couch? Thats right!


Packing up can really wear on you so we crashed our good friends' (Kevin and Cheryl Gurney) family reunion at Twin Lakes, Colville Reservation, Washington. Beautiful weather and three bear sightings right in our camp! Luckily we washed all the s'more residue from Jett's face before he went to bed. We loved this place and we loved spending time with such good people.



We said "screw the TomTom," and took a detour that included a quiet ferry ride across Lake Roosevelt. This is the Keller Ferry just above THE DAM, and the sky was pure blue. Dropping into the gorge was a tricky ride for our Excursion, but the Mercedes 550 right behind us enjoyed the switchback slalom.



Just over 5 weeks, this was Irelyn's first campout, and she did great! Dad forgot the third schmear of sunscreen and she toasted up perty pink. Daily Irelyn enjoyed breastmilk, while we ate huge breakfast burritos, dutch-oven ribs "A-La-Kevin Gurney" and some great 7-layer dip...just to name a few entrees. Good eats foreverybody!


The beautiful largemouth was caught shortly after I let Brian Howald's big one out of the bucket while trying to fill it with water. I felt pretty bad, until I hooked this one with a small Rapala, medium retrieve and 5 foot depth. Kevin piloted the boat right into some great structure and every other cast produced a strike. Leia gave a good-bye smoochie to the fish and we sent her back to make more babies.

We were so grubby by the end of our trip, that we even considered taking a swim outside The Grand Coulee Dam... but after 30 minutes in the car, everyone was toast, so the driver insisted on listening to Weezer while I made more to-do lists to get ready for our big move...

Last days @ Yakima Regional Medical Center

Thursday July 2nd will be the last working day at Yakima Regional Medical Center. September 27th 2006 was my first day; I tried so hard to remember twenty names, four passwords, and watch a video on how to wash my hands properly, and learn how to properly not harass my coworkers sexually, asexually, financially, ecumenically and politically... the HR industry really makes you feel welcome! After nearly three years I have enjoyed a remarkable amount of personal growth and developed lasting friendships. I cared for the most acutely and chronically ill individuals in my career, and watched my colleagues do the same every day in the most safe and professional manner ever performed! There is not an anesthesia team, or an OR team that will offer a higher level of care in a better fashion than what I have been a part.

So why would Ryan McDonald decide to leave? My coworkers say its because I'm an ass, a quitter, a loser, a hate-ah, a fucko, and/or a retardo. Don't worry, I wont say who made up the title "retardo". These accusations are true, but not the impetus for leaving. Successful people set goals, achievable goals. Frequently, we are given opportunities to grow and progress regardless of what we do. Also frequently, we find we are not in a strategic position to take advantage of many opportunities. But occasionally, we see the intersection of opportunity, strategic goal setting, and truly understanding our circumstance. Wisdom says take advantage of such an intersection. Complacency and comfort argue to remain still, forget about progress, and wait again; which is nice.

Recently, I have been open to an abundance of opportunities. I strongly value my time, family and talents. I also value productivity and resultant financial growth as a reward. I value wisdom and creativity. August 3rd, you will find us at the intersection of newfound opportunity, strategy and reward in Pullman, Washington. Keep in touch!

Irelyn Arrives May 29th 2009

Our newest baby girl, Irelyn, arrived May 29th, 2009.  At 7# 13oz, she is better than the average trout Ryan catches! Everything went smoothly with the cesarean section delivery beginning with a flawless, long-lasting spinal anesthetic to Irelyn's first bath and inkless footprints. Once again, and all day, we are recognizing our blessings from On High.