Life in ABCs

Here are 26 insights into my life lately…

A – anniversary sale (love Nordstrom)
B – Beth’s birthday!
C – cake
D – Dooney and Bourke (new purse!)
E – envelopes (stuffing wedding invitations for Beth’s wedding)
F – freeway
G – great coffee
H – hard work
I – invitations
J – jewelry shopping
K – Keeping busy
L – laughter
M – Michael Kors
N – Newly painted nails
O – Olympia
P – purchases
Q – quality French onion soup :0)
R – rose gold watch
S – sister emails
T – Tucker dog
U – unexpected trip (well almost)
V – Vancouver
W – wedding planning
X – “idea eXplosion”
Y – Young Life farewell
Z – zippy driving

More to come later this week with more details!

Mini Vacation

I just got back from a wonderful mini vacation in Vancouver where I got to visit Kim and Tim and their families. Love those guys! We had a packed three days and I enjoyed every minute of it.

The Fourth of July was fun and we got to see some good fireworks – the boys were pretty proud of themselves for engineering a six shot mortar. Kim and I hit the outlets for some shopping and found some great deals. The deal of the day was J.Crew jeans for $15! Yes! We had lots of good food and conversation. I wish they still lived an hour away, but if I end up moving then we’ll be a lot closer!

My allergies have been going crazy over the past few weeks and they’ve intensified now that the weather has finally become more summer-like. We were over at a friend’s for a BBQ tonight and had to leave early because of my allergies. Gah! I hope they get better soon!

Anyway, here’s a little look at life lately…

Scrabble with Mom

Shrimp fajitas! Delicious!

View of the bridge from the train on the way home from Vancouver.

Macarooni

I am proud to report that I completed several things on my summer wish list!

Why are job applications so long? It took me almost all day to finish two job applications – well not actually all day but it felt like it! One was for a school district and one was for Starbucks. Hopefully one or both will lead to a job but I’ll keep working on applications over the rest of the week and make some follow up phone calls.

After I finished the job applications I made some macaroons. One of the items on my learn to bake list. They turned out so well, I think I’ve had four! But the chocolate didn’t quite turn out and is a little over sweet something to alter for the next time I make them. They are still good but you can just scrape off the top and then they are plain coconut goodness.

It was a productive and fun day capped off with dinner at my favorite local Mexican restaurant, yum!

Summer Wish List

I am currently fighting a terrible bout with allergies – stuffy nose, uncontrollable sneezing, and a headache – yuck. Hopefully things will calm down with the rain that’s falling outside, not exactly summer weather but if it’ll calm my allergies I’m all for it!

So, with all this spare time that I now find myself with, I’ve put together a wish list of things I’d like to do or hope to do this summer. The list is pretty long, so I’ll share a few of the highlights…

• Find a Job – Obviously I need to find myself some kind of employment for the next year.  Especially with the move that is 90% certain to be happening.  I’m going to start getting applications, cover letters, etc. out tomorrow.  I’m thinking it’s really unlikely that I’ll find a job teaching so my plan as of now is to go for subbing and Starbucks.

• Cooking – I’m creating a little list of recipes or dishes that I want to learn to cook (or attempt) this summer. First on the list is shrimp fajitas, followed at some point by Cauliflower Crust Pizza, Omlettes (hopefully after a lesson from my Dad), Caprese Salad, etc. Should be fun!

• No TV Once a Week – It may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but I’m kind of  a TV junkie.  I don’t lie around all day watching TV, but I like to have it on as background noise. Whether it’s a movie, or TV streamed from Netflix or Hulu. I’m going to try to have one day each week where the TV, Computer, etc. is off all day long. We’ll see how it goes!

• Baking – Ever since I got my beautiful orange Kitchenaid mixer for my birthday in December I have been baking a lot more than normal.  I’m a pretty good cupcake maker, even making homemade funfetti frosting! (So much better than the canned stuff!) So in addition to coming up with more cupcake recipes I’m adding some other things I’d like to attempt to make.  On the list is macaroons, peanut butter pie, eclairs, coconut cake, etc.

• Go on a Date – So this is probably the one that will be the most challenging to accomplish, as I currently have no one to go on a date with. :0) It’s more like a hope I guess than a “To Do” I would love to go on a date, it’s been a very long time since I’ve had the chance to dress up a little and go hang out with a guy. So, we’ll see about this one.

• Become an Expert With my Camera – I recently got this lovely camera and while I know how to do all the basics, I’d really like to learn how to use all its fancy features! :0) So I’m going to try to go on a few little what I’m calling “Photo Walks.” If all else fails at least I’ll be an expert at the basics!

• Quiet Time Everyday – I’m not turning this into an item to be checked off a list, but I have been a real slacker lately about making time for God, and that’s something I really want to change. I have all this time and instead of doing meaningless things I need to be setting aside part of my day to spend time with God. To pray and immerse myself in the word.

There’s a lot more including walking with Tucker at least twice a week, going camping, Disney movie marathon, homemade ice cream, jello shots, roast marshmallows, dress up at least once a week, bicycle, sort through my closet and the storage unit, among other things, but that’s all for now! Happy Summer!

Summer, Day 3

It’s only the third day of summer break and I’m already feeling like I’ve run out of things to do. Which I know is not true, but I’m feeling tired and bored and trying to avoid going shopping. Not that I don’t have money to spend but I’m trying to save it for the move that will hopefully be happening later this summer.

Let’s see, I’ve cleaned my room, done laundry, painted my nails, sorted through clothes for give-aways, watched many episodes of “Glee,” looked into some school districts about job openings and the application process…and now I’m feeling like I have nothing else to do besides job applications. Which I should be doing but I want a few days of break without work. I am a little worried about finding a job especially before we move, but I am going to trust that God has a plan. I mean I’d be open to working at Starbucks or nannying again, God could have something totally different in store only time will tell.

But as for now i’m still bored. Maybe I need a to-do list of things to do this summer not just things that have to get done but fun things too. Hmmm…any suggestions? :0)

Summer, Day 1

It’s the first day of summer break! Well now the first evening I’m currently watching “Love and Other Drugs” Jake Gyllenhaal is gorgeous!

The end of the school year went well. It was weird, last year I was really emotional about the end of the year and this year I was sad, but ready to be done. I loved my students, but I was starting to feel burned out and just ready for a break.

Yesterday after the kids left and I had my room all packed up I stood in the doorway looking in at what was my classroom thinking about all that had happened in those four walls this year. It was happy and sad but I left with a smile proud about what my kids and I accomplished and not with tears like I did last year.

It got me to thinking if I’ll ever have a school that’s mine where I can set my roots and get attached to students and staff without feeling like my heart is being torn in two like last year, or just try to stay on the surface level like I felt I did this year. We’ll see what God’s plan is.

Anyway, it’s been a wonderful break so far aside from being super sun burned after field day. Mom and I got pedicures this morning and then did a little shopping. I got a few things including a purse but I’m still deciding if I’m going to keep it.

I have no major plans for the summer except for going to visit Kim and Tim for a few days in the beginning of July, so excited!!

So for now, my summer plans consist of sleeping in, job hunting, possibly moving, drinking lots of coffee, and hopefully blogging regularly. :0)

P.S. A totally unrelated and random note, I had a dream last night that I was dating a good friend’s brother. Interesting…

Back Here

It’s been a long stretch of a weekend, that seemed to roll over into today.

Last Thursday I started house sitting in Roy again. Back to the horses and the chickens and the dogs (only three puppies this time). It was nice to be back in the countryside, minus the ginormous bruise I got on the back of my leg when a pasture gate hit me. 

On Saturday, I had the day off from house sitting and I got together with two of my most favorite women. We met up at the beach and enjoyed some quality time together. So refreshing, although Saturday was a very late night and I haven’t fully recovered yet.

Sunday, was back to Roy and a total blur between the sleep deprivation and well the sleep deprivation…

And then today, I packed up from Roy and made my way back home. Tonight was supposed to be an excursion to the drive in with the Young Life kids. But because we weren’t able to get many confirmations on who could actually come the other leader and I had to come up with a back up plan, so instead we had movie night and ice cream at home. With only one of my girls. Just the three of us. It was a fun evening. Before heading back to watch the movie, the other leader and I grabbed dinner then ran over to Fred Meyer to get ice cream and a movie, which at his suggestion we saw “The Last Song.” :0) I enjoyed it.

But, anyway…I’m back here still hoping to get called for an interview before school starts Sept. 8. And boy is it coming fast. All is well, minus my state of sleep deprivation. More to come later, for now good night!

My Week So Far

Nothing super exciting has been happening in my little corner of the world lately. But Monday night I did get to go to a FANTASTIC, Mark Wagner concert with my YL kids. Amazing! He played some songs I hadn’t heard before and told my favorite stories about writing music. Here are a few pictures from the evening…

Malibu: Top Ten

As promised, I’m going to attempt to recount ten of the best moments from camp last week. I could easily go on for far more than ten reasons but here’s what I’ve got, and these are in no particular order.

1. Nightly Girl Talk - Every night after cabin time, or right before bed my girls and I would have some good old-fashioned girl talk time. Just like a junior high sleepover, complete with musings about which boys they thought were hot and how they imagined striking up a conversation with them. For example, “Oh hi what’s your name? Oh, it’s Casey, oops yeah I already knew that, oh and you’re also the captain of the football team and the baseball team, that’s amazing…” The guys in question all had various nicknames including Rainbow, Alpha, Sheebee, and others.
2. Nick Dominating the Frankenstein - One of our boys decided that one of his goals at camp was to eat a Frankenstein in record-setting time. A Frankenstein is a massive 10 scoop sundae, with 5 toppings, and whip cream on top. All of SK gathered around with the video camera rolling as Nick started pounding the sundae. He ate like 3 scoops in 2 minutes but eventually started to slow down. It came down to the wire with the record of 6 mins and 58 seconds quickly approaching but Nick beat the clock with 7 seconds to spare. We went completely CRAZY! Cheering and jumping up and down.
3. The Hike aka “Secret Squirrel”  – There’s a hike offered at camp up to Inspiration Point, and I’ve never gone before despite my numerous trips to Malibu (I think this was 8 or 9). But this year, I was determined to go and was hoping that one of the guy leaders would be willing to guide the girls up the mountain. Well, because our group was so small Jim invited the girls to accompany the boys on the traditional “Secret Squirrel” mission. This is the first time EVER the girls were invited to go. So not to give anything up we got to go on the hike while everyone else at camp was otherwise occupied and enjoy the view at the top! It was a blast climbing with the boys who challenged me to climb without my hands, I tried but definitely stopped to put a hand down so I wouldn’t fall. Ahh…I can’t wait to go hike it again!

4. Mark Wagner - Our camp musician was Mr. Mark Wagner, who is incredible. Facebook him or look him up on iTunes if you don’t believe me! We had the pleasure of listening to him lead songs and treat us to playing his own stuff each night. Amazing lyrics and such a great heart…in fact I’m listening to him right now as I type!

5. The Bear - When I was in high school, Jim had decided that it would be a good idea to hide in the bushes with the video camera secretly set up and then jump out at some girls and me as we walked by. Well it didn’t quite work out as he had planned so we refilmed a more dramatic encounter. This year, Jim thought we should take advantage of this and try it out with my group of girls. Essentially, the same thing happened, he jumped and…not much happened so we refilmed. It was like a scene from a horror movie we were jumping all over each other screaming bloody murder and ended up in a heap on the dusty gravel path. I can’t wait to see the video.

6. New Campers – Last year when I went to camp about 75% of our kids had gone before and a lot of the magic of Malibu seemed to fade away. They had done it all before and didn’t seem to be quite as willing to take it all in a second time. This year, all my girls were first time campers. I absolutely LOVED watching them take camp in for the first time, all the secrets and surprises that I knew were coming and they were oblivious to just made it so much better. Even the things that were surprises for me. So, when we got off the boat and into camp day one my girls and I went straight to the Blob. After that we were on our way to the pool when we spotted some Work Crew kids at a table with free hot dogs in freshly homemade hot dog buns. I heard about how awesome those hot dog buns were all week. I love that they loved the little stuff, and each night as we lay in our bunk beds someone would say, “I can’t believe we get to wake up to this every morning!”

7. Potential Husband - Okay, so we kinda already covered this in girl talk but, it was such a major part of the week I’ve gotta expound a little more. Basically, there was a leader who happens to be my age who lives close and once my girls found out we were the same age they were dead set on the fact that we should get married. No dating, just married. We had code names and they not so subtly tried to force us together all week. I was not entirely opposed just not in favor of their BOLD moves. We discussed things in-depth and they did some espionage work and were convinced with all the new info. that we were meant for each other. The week ended, and just like at the start of camp I am not romantically linked to anyone. So there you have it! But it was fun to flirt a little! :0)

8. Daily Quiet Time - Every morning before my girls woke up, I’d grab my Bible, some coffee and head down to inner dock to my favorite spot for a little quiet time. Sitting in the early morning among God’s awesome creation, reading his word and spending quality time with Him…so blessed. So, so blessed.

9. Mr. Rob/Post Secrets - Our speaker was phenomenal, he knew how to connect with the kids and make sense of complicated issues. And he is a fantastic story-teller. He threw himself into life at camp even though life has thrown him a curveball in the last few weeks. The kids also had the opportunity to anonymously reveal a secret, by writing it down on a slip of paper and turning it in to a station around camp ala PostSecret.com. Some of the secrets were shown in a video presentation and at the end of the week, every single secret had been nailed to the cross. What a powerful picture of God’s love for us.

10. Deepening Connections – All my girls and I came away from camp with a deeper connection with each other and with God. They asked questions, including “Why is God called God? Why isn’t he called…Don?” And more serious questions about humanity and hurting people, and how to have a relationship with him. I was so humbled by their honesty, and openness to share and question. We had some DEEP conversation, and I didn’t always have the answers but I know God does.

Honestly, I could easily write another ten favorite moments, but I’ll just briefly list them off because I can’t bear to leave anything out! :0)

• Caribe! First time since high school
• Zip Line
• Ropes Course with the video camera
• Acting like a member of the media with Jim’s uber fancy camera
• Sitting with girls during one-on-ones and just listening to them talk
• Foam Party
• Dance Party
• Cody making faces out of his food at EVERY meal
• Jersey Jazzy Jumpers – Fine Fresh Fierce We Got it On Lock!
• Eating a Frankenstein with my girls
• “Baby, baby, baby….OH!”
• Worship time
• Sunbathing
• Kayaking – We saw a baby seal!
• Blob
• Giving the girls presents
• Entertainment Night
• Listening to constant raps and original songs performed by two of my girls
• Promising the girls they could be my 4 flower girls if I were to marry their intended bachelor
• Obstacle Course
• Jumping in the inlet fully clothed
• Jumping in the pool fully clothed
• Frisbee Golf

okay, okay, I have to stop now…night!

Farm Girl

This week, I have had the pleasure to of house sitting out in the country for my college roommate’s parents.  And I literally mean out in the country, I am from a small town and live down the road from two farms but literally I’m out in the country; cow pasture across the street and I have my own collection of farm animals in the backyard.  Currently I am taking care of 2 horses, approximately 5 chickens (I haven’t been able to get an accurate count when I peek in the coop every morning), 2 full-grown dogs, and 8 6-week-old puppies!

Let me just say right now, I could forever raise puppies they are so sweet and cuddly and ohhh I really, really wish I could take one home with me.  If I wasn’t living at home with the folks, it wouldn’t even be something to consider, I would have a puppy in my car when I leave this weekend. I’ve been texting Dad pictures everyday trying to warm him up to the idea with their cuteness and the fact that Tucker desperately needs a friend…unfortuantely, it’s not getting me anywhere. Today when he called while the puppies and I were soaking up the sun (Summer has finally arrived!) he said I could have a puppy when I live in my own house…not in his. :0( Very sad. I haven’t completely given up yet, I’m going to keep trying to butter him up.

It’s been fun being here, it would be more fun if I knew how to saddle the horses and go for a ride! But it’s been sooo sunny and beautiful that I’ve been content to lounge in the sun with the big dogs running around the yard and the puppies prancing around in a pen next to my lounge chair.

Being away from home for a week has been good too. Good to get some distance, not necessarily from the fam – but that is nice too – away from the reminders that I am jobless for next fall, away from the fact that I have very little social life, away from just the day-to-day…I don’t know.

I’m trying not to let worry overshadow the summer, but it’s constantly in the back of my mind. And answering questions about it every time I see a friend or run into a teacher I know doesn’t really make it any easier. It’s not like I’ll be completely destitute I can sub, I will have work.  It just kinda feels like I’ve failed. And I don’t fail, I know that makes me sound like a total control freak, total type-A.  But I had that one piece of my life filled out, Career: I’m a teacher. I may not have a house of my own, I may not have a significant other, but a job that I love and teaches me new things everyday, I have that. Correction, had that…

Arrgghhh, I didn’t mean to get all involved in the stupid job thing yet again…I guess I just needed to let it out.  And I know I’ve said it a zillion, trillion times but I know God has a plan, I know He does. But there are moments where I just get soo frustrated that I don’t know what the plan is, and I desperately try to figure it out but I never get very far. I have to let it go and give him back the steering wheel. I don’t know where I’m going or what road I’m taking next, I just have to trust, have faith and He will lead me where I’m supposed to be.