Miss Them...

It's truly amazing how close you can grow to a group of people in such a short amount of time when you are living and serving with them... 

...when you are experiencing a life changing experience with them...

...when you're able to break down walls and pour out your heart to them. 

I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with them, but I miss them so much it's crazy. 

I pray that God will allow us to be together again soon. 

Y'all know you want to come to CA! ;) 

Please? 

100 Posts = 100 Things for Which to be Grateful!

This is my....drum roll please...(ok, that was pretty lame considering I already gave it away in my title) 100th post!!!!

Can you believe it? You probably can...I'll stop babbling now.

Anyway, in honor of my 100th post, I decided to create a list of 100 things for which I am grateful. Here they are in no particular order (except the first three of course...):

1.     God

2.     Jesus

3.     Holy Spirit

4.     Family

5.     Friends

6.     The Bible

7.     Living Grace Community Church

8.     Crying until I laugh

9.     Forgiveness

10. Eternal life

11. Music

12. Hope

13. Good long conversations

14. Long walks at night

15. Bakersfield nights

16. Dewar’s cookies and cream ice cream

17. Dodgers baseball

18. 3^rd period prep

19. Sushi

20. Orange chicken

21. Big smiles

22. Not setting my alarm clock

23. Guidance

24. Healing

25. The Olympics

26. Gymnastics

27. Random text messages from friends

28. Writing

29. Little gifts/notes

30. Breakfast

31. Traveling

32. Easter

33. Being high up in the air

34. Poetry

35. Reading

36. Old books

37. Tears

38. Taking pictures

39. Roller coasters

40. Target

41. Being with friends

42. Pedicures

43. Hugs

44. Christmas

45. My FC

46. Love

47. Forehead kisses

48. Nicknames

49. Journals

50. Traditions

51. My pillow

52. Stars

53. The moon

54. Children’s books

55. Babies

56. Finding things I’ve been missing

57. Babies’ laughter

58. Good movies

59. Learning new things

60. Prayer

61. Clean sheets

62. My home group

63. Wisdom

64. Laughing until I cry

65. Sunsets

66. Disneyland

67. Romania

68. Cross-body purses

69. Smith’s cookies

70. Doodling

71. Coloring books

72. Theater

73. Jesus Calling devotional

74. Sharpie Pens

75. Running into people in random places

76. Singing as loud as I can in the car

77. Swings

78. Painting

79. Baking

80. 4^th of July with my family

81. Puppies

82. Blankets

83. Ice water

84. Writing and receiving notes

85. Trying new things

86. Elephants

87. Helicopters

88. Good grammar

89. Diet soda

90. Sweatshirts

91. Listening to people’s stories

92. Growing

93. Rainbow sandals

94. Water sports

95. Dancing when no one is watching

96. Road trips

97. Old photographs

98. Teaching

99. Watching a kid “get something” for the first time

100.                Memories

Did you actually read that entire list? Thanks! I'm impressed.

Now, for what are YOU grateful? 

Memory Lane

I have been flooded with a torrent of nostalgia the last couple of days.

I'm not sure of its onset, but I can be sure that it was propelled forward by connecting with some far away friends, spending time reminiscing with some old pictures during my prep today (the picture wall can be seen here),  thinking about the trip I get to take with the AVID kids in May to visit CSULB, driving by both of my former schools at different points today, seeing some of my old colleagues and even teachers after school, and the fact that my mind just refused to let it go.

Let's be honest, the torrent threatened to flood my eyes at times...

...but the responsibilities of the day sandbagged it, and I was able to hold it together.

I know God brings some relationships into our lives for the long haul--but most are only present for a time.

If I truly stop to think about my forever friends, the love and admiration alone I have for them is enough to bring me to tears. Of course they have been on my mind--they frequently are--and I miss most of them dearly, for most of these forever friends are much too far away. The nostalgia I feel towards them is a yearning for the times when distance didn't separate us. I long for the days of sitting on one's couch and watching her iron. I miss the times friends would come over to my house and drink chocolate milk and take naps. I miss having roommates (who were so much more than roommates) right across the hall. I could go on and on...

As for those that God gave me for a time? For those God is blessing me with now? For you, I am so grateful--for you have all touched me and shaped me in some way. It's you that have consumed many of my thoughts over the last couple of days.

I have to say--some incredible memories reclaimed places in my heart during this nostalgic flood.

A huge part of me wants to pour out all of these memories onto my keyboard, but I could never encompass all of them (or their importance) into a few simple words--and I know you don't want to spend your life reading this one post.

Some standout memories?

...mission trips and the teams I grew so close to through both triumphs and challenges.

...high school drama (theater)--my fellow (most of us now former) thespians will always hold a special place in my heart, especially those who took me under their wings when I was just a freshman.

...youth group--the girls in my impact groups, the leaders who helped me grow, and I'm sure I'll never forget the girls on the championship broom hockey team from Hume.

...college dorms and the apartment--I'll never forget my neighbors, roommates, pseudo roommates, or the day I moved away and left it all behind.

...Thompson with its great staff and some of the most amazing students I could have ever hoped for.



And here I am--exactly where God wants me to be...

...thankful for the experiences and people that have touched my life over the past twenty some years.

...blessed by the opportunities I get to pause and reflect upon the past while still living in the present and moving forward.

...missing dear old friends and current far away friends.

...absolutely loving a few of the people He has blessed me with recently. :)



Thanks for taking a few moments to journey with me down memory lane. Thanks for loving me and sharing life with me.

Have we shared any memorable moments together? I'd love to hear about your favorites as my nostalgic fever rages on.

BirthdayLOVE

Confession: I really like birthdays--everyone else's included. I know it's not as big of a deal to some people, but we've always made birthdays special in my family, so I'm a big fan. "Big fan" (in a Brick whisper voice).

Facebook has semi-revolutionized birthday greetings. Now everyone is aware of your birthday, so they can offer appropriate wishes. I really do appreciate all of those friends and family members of mine who took a moment to wish me a happy birthday on FB, through a text, or over the phone.

I decided to pick out the top SIX (since I just turned 26) birthday greetings I received on Facebook to share with you all here. Beginning from number six:

6: Another year, youngster! - David Putnam 


Thanks, David. While my brother was teasing me all day about getting too close to 30, I get called youngster. I needed that affirmation while I spent my day at the zoo. 


5. Well well well....It is an absolutely beautiful day today. You know why? Because a BEAUTIFUL PERSON's BIRTHDAY is today!!!!! WOHOOOOO!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my love!!!! :) I hope your day is spectacular!!!! You deserve nothing but smiles, laughter and killer dance moves! Celebrate!!!!! -Kasey Kelly


Kasey, just thinking about you puts a smile on my face. Thanks! :) 


4. Happy Birthday FC!! I hope your day is amazing and that this year would be your best one yet :) I hope Bakersfield knows what it has with you as a resident!!! -Jeff Taylor


Thanks, FC!...and thanks for not making a crack on Bakersfield for once in your life. :) 


3. What is this?? You having a birthday?? I didn't even check my calendar yesterday or today cuz I knew it was the weekend! hahah Imagine!! Happy Birthday, you gorgeous, sweet young lady!!! Sounds like your birthday WEEKEND has been wonderful!! Flying a helicopter and the lions, tigers and bears all in one weekend?? You are so special...guess you get to do all of that ! Love you!! -Mrs. G


I just love you, Mrs. G! I could hear your voice and see your beautiful face as I read this. 


2. Happy Birthday to you dear Amy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!! And many more!!!!! Love ya sweet girl, Ron and I wish you a blessed year!!!!!! Maybe this is the year of you know!!!!LOL - Debbie Jonas


Talk about laugh out loud. That last sentence is classic! Let's hope so, Debbie!


AND THE #1 TOP BIRTHDAY MESSAGE WINNER IS.....


1. Happy, happy birthday Amy!!! I just picked up my phone to call you, and I don't have your dang number! How stupid is that?! So this is my phone call... "Hey Amy! It's me, just calling to wish you a happy birthday all the way from England. You're such a wonderful friend and blessing in my life. I hope everyone is spoiling you like crazy today, because you deserve it. Let's Skype soon, k? Ok... gotta go. Love you! Bye!" -Nicole Parker


Winner by far. It would have been an even greater win if I'd have gotten to hear your voice, Nicole, but now I get to keep this in writing forever and always. Thanks! 


I love you all! Thanks for all the birthdayLOVE! 

Elephants and Helicopters.

For my birthday, I told my mom and brother that I wanted an elephant and a helicopter. Why, you may ask? Well, I couldn't really think of anything I wanted, and I really like elephants and helicopters....

Who knew that on my birthday, these wishes would actually come true. :)

I opened my gift from my mother at breakfast, and I found a "grow your own" elephant and a certificate to actually FLY A HELICOPTER!!! This was my reaction...

I believe my face turned beat red and tears fell from my eyes--I was THAT excited!! (I still am!).

SIDE-NOTE (while we're on the topic of presents): I also got a stuffed sushi later in the day. I received some really neat gifts as well, but this picture just had to make it to the blog.

Thanks Jensens! 

And because I wanted to see real elephants, we headed to the LA Zoo after breakfast with some family and friends. Here are some highlights: 

 Beautiful Koala! One of them was carrying a baby on her tummy--amazing--too bad I couldn't catch a picture of it. 

 Dude in front: Whatchu lookin' at?

Dude in back: I don't like time-out. 

 LAZY zebra

 Silly giraffes 

 Cousins

 Erin! (Christy and Carrie and Shelly and Lauren also came, but we failed on the picture front)

 Family with the elephants

 So pretty!

 YEAH! The elephants! ...and not just any elephant, a DANCING elephant (see video below) 

 Yup, my trunk gets heavy sometimes...

This little big guy danced the entire time we watched him. It was hilarious!

And what birthday would be complete without an amazing dinner...

YUMMY dinner at C&Os!

My Weekend...In Pictures

This weekend has been awesome (every weekend should be like that according to Mrs. G., and I'd have to agree). I thought I'd share it with you all through some  (a lot of?) photos....

Friday began with the birth of my nephew (my step-sister's son) Logan! Welcome to the world, Buddy!

After work, we tried out Buffalo Wild Wings. Our staff didn't have a great showing, but it's the quality not the quantity, right? I did get to hang out with my old junior high PE teacher from Tevis. When he realized I was in his class, he told me he hated me. We had a grand ole time...

Friday evening was sushi and Target--always a delightful combination. 

On Saturday, Mom and I headed out to Solvang to celebrate Lauren Jensen's birthday. This was the view for the first part of the trip:

A cotton truck?!? Really?!? Not cool!

When we arrived, we had lunch at a golf course...

...and embarked on some wine tasting adventures.

Of course, I was the DD (or the DVD as I like to call it).

(The water had quite the refreshing flavor!)

The winery was GORGEOUS!

The next winery wasn't beautiful, but it had lots of personality...

We walked around and shopped before dinner. Solvang is OBSESSED with Halloween. Strange. All the stores were participating in a Scarecrow making contest.

The sunset that night was beautiful. Notice the moon?

The evening held many rousing games of Dutch Blitz (appropriate, much?) and a delightful slumber party for six!

This morning we ate an incredible (and filling) breakfast! I could not come to Solvang without a piece of this deliciousness!

(Here is where we enter our food comas)

We had to work off our breakfast by shopping, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting, and of course, laughing. 

On the way home, we picked up many unwelcome visitors on the windshield, so we had to drive through the car wash before coming home. I chose the best option, and it came with a PICTURE! Check it out!

Amusing, because I really hate Halloween, but hilarious because it's a picture from the car wash. :)

I hope you enjoyed my weekend in pictures. Let's hope that there's many more of these to come!

The GREAT Kern County Fair!

Whenever I speak of our county fair, I must say The GREAT Kern County Fair--why?--because it is. Here are the top ten reasons why I love our fair (in no particular order):

The animals--especially this adorable pig!!!

People watching--your team!

Country Music

FRIED SNICKERS! Don't knock it until you try it. It's amazing!

 The hypnotist show. Hilarious. 

 Kicking booty at fair games.

WINNING!

Hanging out with family.

  

Hanging out with friends (and seeing old friends and students).

The SWINGS!

So, friends, why do you LOVE (or hate) the fair?!?

I'm On a Boat (Well, I Was...)

I returned today from our week long Mexican Riviera cruise that I mentioned to you in this post. Overall, we had a great time, although it definitely had its ups and downs (i.e. we were running from a hurricane, so our ports of call and excursions got all flipped around; Carnival ships are slightly too large and crowded for my liking; it's difficult to communicate and keep track of a big party without the use of cell phones; Cabo and PV were SUPER hot and humid; some of the entertainment was inappropriate; etc.). I could write about all the "ups" but it would take much to long, so I'll leave you with a highlight or two from each day.

Side note: I determined at the beginning of this summer that it would be epic; so, I've been keeping a journal of three highlights per day to document this epic summer. I'll share a few of those (and some pictures) with you here. To see all of my pictures, visit my Facebook albums here and here!

Here are some highlights of the trip:

July 17:
1. We got upgraded from a dumpy van (that we didn't fit in) to a HUGE party bus to drive us down to Long Beach!

2. I was also excited to hang out with my brother and Polly who I hadn't seen in quite some time.

(I'm drinking Diet Coke)

July 18:

1. We celebrated my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary at a special steak house on board. We arranged to have a cake brought out to them.

July 19:

1. I got my hair braided in Cabo (I was super excited to not have to worry about doing my hair for the rest of the trip).

2. Mom and I discovered the "family" comedy shows on the ship and we really enjoyed some good clean comedy!

July 20:

1. As I looked out the window in the morning, I was SO excited to catch my first glimpse of Puerto Vallarta (I spent a week there last summer and fell in love with it!).

2. We got to spend the day with Krystal and Kasey (our friends from our last cruise) on a Tequila factory tour! 

(notice the shine? that's nasty humidity for you!)

3. We got to spend the evening sitting on Grandma and Grandpa's huge balcony watching an amazing lightening show (thanks to Hurricane Dora). 

July 21:

1. We got to swim with the dolphins back in Cabo!! For all the pictures, visit the FB album. I got to do this last summer too and it's seriously an incredible experience! 

2. That evening we watched the sunset in Cabo from our grandparents' balcony. Beautiful! 

July 22: 

1. This was a full day at sea, so we enjoyed watching some of the gameshow type entertainment. There was a couple's game and an older Asian couple who had been married for 59 years were totally the stars of the show. They were hilarious and became instant stars on the boat. I hadn't laughed so hard in a long time. I had to take a picture with them on our last night. 

2. We spent quite a bit of time in the piano bar and we enjoyed getting to know the piano player, Brian. 

July 23:

1. Mom, Scotty, Polly, and I spent (the cold) morning playing mini golf on the top deck. Polly won, Mama lost, but we all had lots of fun!

2. Scott wore an AMAZING shirt to dinner--recognize these people? 

(That's a picture of Scott, myself, and our cousin Mason on Scott's shirt from our Hawaii trip back when I was about eight or so)

3. After the main evening show, Mom and I hung out with Krystal and Kelly and some other friends we had met and danced and took random photographs. 

 Yup, we had to plank. 

We had a BLAST last night, and we were super sad to say goodbye....

Well, folks, that's the trip in a (long) nutshell. We definitely made some good memories and we're all looking forward to what the trip in two more years will bring. We can't break tradition now...