Adventures of the middle child

Time is flying fast

2011-01-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

Wow January is basically over. I cannot believe it. Life is going pretty fast but God is keeping Brian and I totally in love and Really trusting him.

We recently tried an experiment. I was calling it our budget adventure. We long ago planned out a budget to see if we could live on just Brian's income alone. I have been reading some info and books by Dave Ramsey, and was enticed to try something. I wanted to see if we could live on the budget we made, and figured well we should see if we really can do it.

I am happy to say we did a good job. The plan was to basically only purchase immediate needs and only eat from home including taking our lunch to work the entire month. I have tried hard to try and shop from a list only and have a menu planned before shopping. I have postponed wants, even though I still want them. No buying because it is on sale, it has to be necessary. I don't have crazy storage for things so I have to be realistic with what we bring home. We started January 1st, and today is the last day. I have not crunched the official numbers but it is so nice to be a team financially with my husband.

Some bumps happened but we both stayed strong and I learned a few things. Our truck needed some repairs, $300. I took my family to dinner for Mom's b-day. We did go to a young marrieds dinner date but figured this is something we would want to do if we were on one salary anyway. It is tax time. Also my computer has been threatening to shut down eternally, and I will be needing a new one soon. Lots of threatening situations but all is well. God helped us keep focused and stay on track, even with a Pampered Chef party mixed in there.

I really am noticing how much time as well as $ we were spending just because we could. Target trips are not as exciting now but it is good to see our savings goals being met, which really motivates me. One of the big habits I have mostly broken is that I would often spend the time from when I got home to when Brian came home, like 4 hours, at the store doing errands. Basically it was my way of spending the time. But this month has shown me I was SPENDING a lot more.

We are not planning to live this bare minimum style for the rest of the year, but it did give us some new behaviors to follow. We are gonna keep trying to take our lunches as much as possible. I am gonna try to stick more to the only need shopping lists. Otherwise if we are purchasing something, we agreed we will have to talk to each other and pray about it at least for a day before we purchase.

I hope we hit a couple more milestones very soon. But it is nice to see some great improvements.

Trying

2010-10-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

I know it does not go with Yoda's philosophy but that is another blog.

I know my last blog was rather depressing, so I figured I should at least make myself feel a little better. I also am going to try and be a little more current with my postings. I figured with November being national blog post month, or as Brian pointed out NaBloPoMo, that getting in the habit now may lead to a more successful time then.

Things are good. I am almost done with my ornithology course, one chapter left. The best part about that besides my time being freed up, is that I get my $300 back, that I spent to do it. I am feeling good about the course because only 1 other girl at work and I are at this point. We have even passed up the person that started the same course 3 years ago.

Just as I mention the idea of time being freed up I should bring up the re emergence of activities that went dormant for the summer. our young marrieds bible study group began meeting again, as well as my ladies bible study that meets thursday mornings. I enjoy both but they definitely will take some schedule adjusting.

Our Married study got moved to Brian and my date night. We have been better at being regular with date night and this is a commitment we hope to keep for the rest of our marriage. It has been great having a committed night in which to enjoy being datey with each other, not being errand filled or complicated by tasks and such. We will just have to adjust to our new night, which we already did this week.

My ladies study also has a new twist in that I am part of the leadership team this year. I am enjoying it and totally see how God can and is using me in this position. He is also using it to keep me from procrastinating and stay organized which is a new challenge for me. I am doing really well so far. I just have to pray I can keep up with it truly the whole year through. This leadership part has changed Brian and I's morning time together on thursdays, one of our only mornings together, but I think we will be just fine.

We are getting ready for one of best times of year for Brian and I . Halloween. We really like to have cool costume set ups. I love to put them together and modify pieces to make it cooler. I love getting the cool costume compliments. I just like feeling super cool on Halloween and I love that my husband likes it too. We like to be pairs or couples and so far have tried to stay with the red head girl theme. Here are some past hits.

Our first halloween together!

2007

Jack Skellington and Sally

Nightmare before Christmas

See, even zero our trusty ghost dog floated ahead of us as we wandered the neighborhood.

2008 was the emergence of

Peter and Lois Griffin

The Family Guy

I love Brian's Chin, it worked out pretty well.

2009

The Riddler and Poison Ivy

villans from the Batman series

The best part about this one is with a few updates it has become Brian's proudly worn Comic con outfit.

So I am super excited for Halloween this year. I am getting all my bits and pieces together and hopefully will get to make it as cool as I dream for the grand evening. Any ideas as to who we are gonna be?

Back to regular life.

2010-08-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

God has blessed my and Brian and I am truly thankful but boy life gets crazy. We have had some great opportunities come up and they all seemed to cluster together.

During all these opportunities life got super crazy. I just finished a super crazy few weeks and am glad to be back to my calmer style of normal. But through the busy the last month or so I learned some major things about myself, or at least saw them more vividly.

1. I am not a good home maker. I get exhausted and don't have a routine at all for getting things done at home so instead I avoid it and let it pile up. Then, I really want to avoid it and, yeah that does not help. I find myself feeling horrible about how my home is and then feeling like I am trapped in a downward spiral of mess. then only when we have a visitor coming do I panic and get it all cleaned up or hidden, only to pile up again. This hits me hard because I need to be able to take care of my home and family. I want to be the wife that can do it all, keep up with my house, and make healthy tasty food for my family, but I am a total failure. People say "Just wait till you have kids, you won't get anything done." I hear this and feel totally lame because that is already my problem, and we do not have kids yet. Maybe I need to hire a housekeeper for my own sanity but at the same time I am too frugal to do so.

2. I have a hard time saying no or missing out on a social activity. I have the social gene. I want to be involved i want to be included and I want to be at any little even or activity that I can possibly squeeze into my schedule. Most people don't have my schedule so most social events are not ideal for my life of getting up early or working on the weekends but that is the life I have so I still try hard to go to as many things as I can. I have had this problem since college and have not gotten a grasp of it. I put my life needs often on hold to be social which kinda leads to some of the above situations. Brian knows I need to be social but this is not one of his needs so he will go wherever I want for the most part. We talk about setting time limits but don't follow through. We talk about what we should and should not do but often still end up super busy. I even fit in my own crazy activities in the time Brian is not around which includes working out, a bible memory challenge with a friend and helping lead a bible study as well as doing an extra Bird course at home. Oh wow this is like an addiction for me I guess.

3. I don't sleep enough. I get up at 5am and pretty much go go go and get home at 7pm and then dinner like 8 or 9 and bed like 11. Most keepers are in bed by 8:30 or 9. Thus I am ridiculous in my attempted sleeping patterns in terms of my career choice, which is a pretty physically exhausting job. I recover a little on my weekend but I am fully and totally exhausted and can't hardly make it home from work on tuesday (my friday) awake, thankfully I carpool and don't drive those days. And some days of the week we are out till about 10 which does not even allow for idle rest time. It is not a problem of I have difficulty sleeping because pretty much if I sit still and rest my head on something I will be asleep in less than 5 minutes. This happens in meetings, while reading and also even in the movie theaters. I have tried to set a go to bed reminder alarm but I don't follow it and I have a hard time wanting to go to bed alone. Brian gets up 3 hours after me and is not tired when I am. He is still up doing things when I should go to bed so I often will want to be with him, since we don't have much time together as it is. This often means I am falling asleep on the couch or floor in the living room. Only to be aroused at 2 am to move to the bed when Brian is ready to sleep. I think if I got more sleep I would be a little more productive and things overall would be better because my body would be functioning at a healthier rest level.

I am not writing this to rant or complain. I am mostly writing to get my thoughts out and maybe start to see my issues and deal with them. To hopefully make some progress and adjust my needs via a good hard try and lots of prayer and reliance on God and His strength, obviously I have failed on my own. I will try and update and progress or new wins or failures to just keep the info going. I hope that normal life in the future for me would be a little less crazy.

I also figured I had not written in a super long time so here is a post. I will try and be more consistent but we will see.

The one I love

2010-02-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

I love you Brian!

I guess I am just feeling mushy lately. All the events in our life recently have made me truly fall more for my husband and feel blessed. Yes he is a Geek, and boy can he be stubborn or cocky in public. But I have realized how special it is when we are alone. My real husband shows up. The one who laughs so hard at tiny jokes he can't stop and almost cries. The one who will put on a white button up shirt just to make me feel special. The one I can have intelligent conversations with and then play wii right after. The one who I can ask any question about the bible or faith subjects and he can spurt it out with great knowledge and depth as well as some specific scripture to go with it, it floors me and excites me every time. The one who makes me feel like and amazingly beautiful woman even when I am sure the mirror won't agree. And he is always up for a good snuggle, whether it is with me or the cat or both, which is pretty regular.

I love him and love being his helper. Being the one God made to fit with him and his specific needs. I love all the quirky things that make us the Bennetts.

We have had an awesome couple weeks and he has been an awesome partner in it all. whether it is house work. my homework or our fabulous nights together like the globetrotters and our home done valentines.

I know we are still considered newly weds and really have not had great struggles and strifes but we have also done a lot of hard work to get there.

Among all this I have also been reminded in almost every aspect of my life how great it was all the preparation we have done in our marriage. We both worked on ourselves with God before we even met. Then we got engaged we did our pre marital counseling. We also did a study during our first year of marriage called "love and Respect" and wow did we learn some awesome things that we use and bring up often. Then our financial study with Crown Financial. And now we are in a new couples bible study. I love the time we spend together doing these things but I also love when we can see how awesome our learning together has been and how strong we are as a couple.

I don't know if this is even a coherent blog but I just needed to gush a little and this seemed like an okay place to do so.

I know God made Brian special and had great plans for him even before he made the Earth. I am so thankful that God made me to fit into that plan. To share in the adventure. Thank you God.

We have become one...

2010-01-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

I guess we are at least seeming that way to those around us. This morning I was discussing work events with Brian and a common thread emerged.

I was telling him how everyone at work (the zoo) refer to me as the computer whiz mostly because of my husbands knowledge and ability and the bit that has rubbed off on me.

Turns out that at his Job, (the computer geek central) he has been labeled as the animal info guy.

It is interesting at how on both sides we have been seen as having the skills of our spouse. I guess we are rubbing off on each other more than we realized.

I honestly get a little chuckle out of the whole situation. I also am thankful that I am not married to a sewage technician, since that is not nearly as cool to share info about with those around you.

I love my Nuggets!!

2009-05-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest member of our household.

It is a baby Chinese Button Quail

It hatched yesterday

We have 2 and they are super cute and super tiny, as you can tell from the picture above,

and it loves mac's!

Just exercising our RIGHT

2009-05-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

TO VOTE!
I love my husband!
he stuck it on his nose first....I followed suit.

Feelin geek.. I mean great!

2009-05-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Most of you know I am married to a geek and a computer wiz.

I am not a wiz in such areas, partially why God lead me into animal care.

BUT TODAY IS DIFFERENT!!!

Brian's Grandma just called, and like 90 percent of the time when family calls, she had a computer problem.

Brian was not home and was not at work to ask over AIM for any help.

upon discovering this she asked if I knew anything about computers. I said a little, but in my head I figured I probably knew more than his grandma did so it was at least worth listening.

My first instinct was to hang up with her and call him for the answer after she described her problem.

Instead me little wife to the geek gave it a chance and did a little tinkering and I not only diagnosed the problem correctly but within 2 minutes was able to assist his 75 year old grandma is fixing the issue!!

I think this is a great moment in geek wife-dom. I litterally want to jump up and down, I am so proud of myself.

Our trip

2009-02-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

okay so it has been a while but here are a few highlights from our trip to Guatemala!!

like: Our giant bathtub

We could both fit in it at the same time and all your body was under water so you were cozy
The red headed pigeon we saw on our walk over to the school Nancy works at.
THe really pretty cascading flowers that hung along the outdoor walkways at our hotel
Coke was everywhere ....in cluding on the light posts all over town.

and of course the wedding was nice but I can't post any more pictures in this single blog so I will have to wait till next time or check out Brian's album.

A new year...a new disease

2009-01-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well that is at least what it looks like.

This is what Brian's leg looks like 1 week into the new year. Is it a spider bite? Limes disease from a deer tick bite? the Bubonic plague?

Actually Sam caused it on new years day. haa haa
This is the trophy/badge of honor you get when you are super pale and play paint ball.
It is actually kinda creepy. I am kinda grossed out every time I see it. Maybe I felt the need to share my reaction.

This will so be my life some day

2008-10-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sadly this is a little too realistic. I guess I am not alone in this world there are other guys out there as opinionated as Brian.

I should start a Wife's support group.
our candy deprived children could play together.

Geek home improvement

2008-09-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Apparently this is the proper way to test the smoke alarm.

I guess I should be glad that it was only a replica or I might have a skylight now.

Like reuniting with an old friend

2008-07-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

I love this site and it has been way too long since my last visit.

In my brain recovery/veg time after work today I went for a visit.

Now there are lots of new videos since my last romp around the site sometime before I got married.

One of the cool things you can do is suggest things for them to blend. well about a year ago, Brian and I made a suggestion and today i found out that they listened.

Ahhh, it is nice to see your ideas in motion!

Zookeeper appreciation Continues

2008-07-25T05:10:00.001-07:00

Here is a lovely picture of Me with Dottie the Clouded Leopard on my lap. Pretty cool.

Well one of the coolest things I found this week was a package of fruit snacks and a little note from my mom. Thank you for the special zookeeper week surprise it really was special!!

Never has it been done before

2008-07-25T05:05:00.002-07:00

So today is system administrator day!!!

woo hoo, don't miss the parade.

So I made special Unix and debian (amoung others) cookies for my husband and his crew at work!

Enjoy!!

It's system administrator appreciation day. I appreciated mine did you appreciate yours.

2008-07-25T05:05:00.001-07:00

I accidentally posted just the title and my siblings took it the wrong way.

I MADE COOKIES PEOPLE!!!!

look at the other post.

Ah a week for me.

2008-07-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

July 20-26th 2008 is National Zookeeper appreciation week.

Woo hoo! a whole week to honor those who like me, scoop exotic poop.

It has been a nice week so far filled with free food and a bit of fun but boy was I exhausted yesterday (my friday).

I am now working on a special project for my husbands one day ( no week for him) of appreciation.

Friday July 25th this year is System administrator day. I guess I should make some specialness crammed into one day for him.

Well I should get working so I can get my projects done.

Go appreciate someone today!!

okay I am alive

2008-07-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know I seemed to have disappeared off the planet.

I guess Really I got swallowed up by Sand Diego

county and have finally emerged.

so here are some quick up dates,

I am doing okay at my zoo job. I am learning a ton and getting lots of new experiences. I do miss working with the mammals a little though. I have had to start doing exercises after work due to my decreased lugging, not as much raking and no wheelbarrows needed.

Brian and I are still not sick of each other even after almost 4 months together.

Our home, guest room included is finally organized and feels so nice to have things with a place.

My car is paid off thanks to Brain's company getting purchased.

I am becoming more iPhone savvy, oh no my husband is rubbing off.

I miss church and my social life. When I do get to go to church it is Saturday nights and I don't know anyone, except my husband who normally sits with me.

I guess I will post a picture.

This is from our honeymoon but many think it should represent a true bad hair day. This is why conditioner was invented.

A princess or a tom boy

2008-05-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

That is what she will be.
Paige Marie Luster. Born this morning. Yeah the mystery baby that my sister was carrying revealed herself today.
Oh a little girl. I am so going dress shopping, in the baby Section that is. But with 3 older brothers and and older male cousin, she may be a starwars/paintball queen. either way I am super excited to have a girl closer.

And my two other neices will be closer soon too!!

WOW! I just realized I have 4 nieces and 6 nephews, oh that is 10

And this little one went.....

2008-05-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Pigs... I have been a fan of them for about 10 years now. But Now we have an infestation.

It is kinda a family tradition when a sibling gets hitched to raid their home while they are honeymooning.
We we were not spared. and everyday since we got pack we have had a little surprise hiding somewhere unknown.
Thanks to My brother and and Accomplice our home was infested with Neon pink pigs in Lieder hosen. They did have a small brick house but obviously had out grown it. because they were and are still everywhere you would ever think and those places you would not.

Here is one of the culprits below.

I have more descriptive pictures to share later (my mom has them right now, in her camera)
but here are some of the places I found them:
ON the celing, in the sheets, in the toilet paper/paper towel rolls. hanging in the pipes under the sink. under the kitchen cabinets, in the ice dispenser of the fridge, on top of the ceiling an blades. staring at you in the shower, in DVD Cases, chopped in the blender, in our luggage, inside of presents, oh and so many more places.

I enjoy finding them everyday and will honestly be sad when they have been discovered. We have already found several hundred, I will have to get a full count.

We have not discovered one yet today. I know there must be one hanging out. Where could he be. I give you an update when he is discovered.

New Home or Bomb Site?

2008-05-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

That is pretty much the question I ask myself as I look at the current organization, or lack of, in my home.

It is very frustrating and all I can do is try and stay motivated for those little victories and clean spots.

Our house seems to get better just to get worse again. watch the following progression:
1. arrive home lots of presents everywhere (cool)
Open presents, lots of wrapping trash everywhere
get rid of trash and it feels better.
2. with lots of presents everywhere, still cool but space consuming, Do laundry before Criuse
get all laundry clean, only pack and fold half of it due to time left before ETA.
thus living room is filled with piles of laundry.
3. after trip luggage barely makes it inside before it explodes adding to the mahem.
crazyness, so we ignore it as long as possible (almost a week)
4. open new things and get Kitchen stuff reorganized.
Boxes and packing materials are everywhere as well as most of the kitchen's current inhabitants due to having to find New locations for much of it.
But it is so fun and exciting to get to try your new stuff anf make it our home, not HIS.
Finally after about 12 trips we get all the trash/boxes/and packing out. feels good to have one room in order.
5. Go shopping for the things that did not get purchased ( yeah for gift cards)
Come home and open and fill up the didning area with more boxes and packaging.
More trips to the dumpster to save our sanity.
6. Finally Decide that enough is enough, attack the Laundry and luggage.
Wash all the currently dirty things
(find out exaclty how handy your new sorting hamper is. I love it!)
Wash all day in little shifts
Try and be motivated to get it all neat, folded and organized, as well as fold the current piles of closes left from the beginning of April.
Get about 3/4 of the way and get distracted.
Now stuck in a living room of piles, neatly folded try to get motivated to find it all a home (mixing Brian's old plan with our current needs)

>>>I actually have to get back to the damage control. Only to feel good till the next project happens. I think it may be Bedroom rearrangement or Spare room organization (it is currently a disorganized hodge podge of things I don't want to deal with right now)

The clean and explosive nature of my hose and it's contents is continuing to cycle but all I can do is pray that it will soon find a calm place in the commotion.

My goal is to get it decent before my Job starts. HA HA, I am running outta time. I think I start in the Bird Department next week, if I pass my physical tomorrow.

I guess I might have to come up with a Plan B.

God's Timing

2008-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

He is in control totally. The older I get and the more experiences I have with Him working in my life it is a little easier to know and see that it is all him, everything that happens in my life.

As some of you know I left my LA Zoo job (with lots of sadness), and Moved to El Cajon with Brian. Unsure what I was gonna do employment wise I was kind looking forward to just being a wife for a bit.
I did apply to several places, just in case, before our wedding. God does great things but you have to do some work too. So off we go getting married and dissapearing for over 2 weeks on our honeymoon.
well as soon as we arrive back to Long Beach I had a message about an Interview at the San Diego zoo. the next day I got another call for a different position. WOW. I had honestly applied there for over a year and only received one interview a year before. So this was a great suprise 2 in a week.
God had his plan and because I trusted him and was willing to go on his timing and not when I was ready it seems to have worked out perfectly.
Wednesday I had an interview with the same 2 ladies that I interviewed with 1 year ago. It went really well, except for my lack of knowing any scientific names. Much more relaxed. God had given me a whole year to grow and learn and mature at LA. I could tell the difference and just the atmosphere in the room was lighter and easier.
Well they told me they would call people Monday (today), but Friday afternoon I got a call and got some great news.
I was offered a job at the San Diego zoo. This is so great and so exciting.

so know that he is in control because if you let Him do some of the dirty work you can enjoy the ride more.

Becoming Mrs. Bennett

2008-04-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well I have completed my name changing which was difficult, and have already received my first confirmation.
My social security card arrived and all is going smoothly.

I have been married almost a month now and it is going well but really fast.

Our home is nice but still a major work in progress.

and I definitely have to practice my autograph. I often seem to write Bemnette, or bemmett. my hand moves faster than my letter control. it will come and learning to write a B will take time.

Life and Times of RLB

2008-04-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Well Life has definitely not slowed down since I became a Bennett.
We had a great time with our family and friends at our wedding. I wish I could have bounced more. Thank you to all who helped before after during or just in mental support- i really needed that.
here are a couple of links of pictures from friends, enjoy!!
Hyper elbows's camera
A-ron's Camera (still working on this one I will update)

We had a great time on our trip (Brian has the pictures I will get some up later) and we are barely getting back into the reality of life. We have only been home a week and already some big things have occurred. Pray for Brian and his possible promotion. I have had 2 interviews at the San Diego zoo which would be awesome to get. i don't find out until at least Monday.
A great deal of my days have been spent trying to become Mrs. Bennett, at least letting all my companies I do business with, know that I am now a Bennett. I still have to work on my autograph.

I feel like I puttered my day away so I should get back to being slightly productive.

I will do my best to post a blog more often now.

It all come round

2008-04-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

a lot has changed and I have not updated this in a while but it is kind funny how it all comes round.

I actually started this blog for when I was in San Diego and here I am full circle now spending the next chunk of my life as far as I know, in San Diego.

Hopefully for all of you (or the few of you) that will mean I will have more to update.

Maybe Mrs. Bennett is a better blogger.

this guy gets me

2008-01-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Whoa!

2007-12-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

92 Days!!

That is right. Brian actually has a counter.
I will no longer be who I have been for the last 28 years in just 3 months.

yes I am excited, I get stressed a little bit every so often but, it seems the closer this day seems to get I get sad.

I like being RLR, I like my unique spelling RHOnda RHOades. I get a little sad that I am loosing that. I like confusing people or getting the little cool comments about my name. I feel lucky having the name I do. I am excited to get married, I do want to take Brian's name and become Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, but I mourn my identity a little.

To move away from my family, not that I am there much now, but to become something else is a little weird and scary. I know they will still be there for me but there are a few things that will loose. I will miss my random TV time with just me and Paul. I will miss my random talks with Sam and our archery time. I won't have my random monday night TV shows with my mom. My dad won't be there when I am up at 5 am and walk me to my car. It is weird to think about it all right now.
I loved growing up to be who I am and I know technically I am just becoming more of who Christ wants me to be. But I just get a little sad.

Oh the joys of the season

2007-12-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

Who says the fun with the wrapping has to end once it is off the present?

Not Tes and I obviously.

While the rest of Brian's family watch the boys play wii star wars, we entertained ourselves with photo booth and bows.

She wanted to stick every scrap of wrapping to her face after a while. Eventually it had to stop because of another family engagement to go to.

Brian and I made it up north and are having a nice visit and a bit of rest. (not much with the new wii games though).

I even have gotten to see and smell the dairys around town(yes I actually asked Brian to roll down the windows as we drove by) . I miss them a little but I am glad to be close to my family more.

time goes by

2007-12-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

So very fast. One year ago today I went to the Ballet for the first time. I freaked out and stressed out and got into a truck with a bleach blond boy.
It amazes me how fast time has gone and that is has been one year already since my first date with Brian.
I never knew exactly where my life would go after that night and certainly had no idea that I would be marrying him. I simply got dressed nicely, went out and put on a nice friendly conversation and said thank you at the end of the night. I half wanted to just tell him no, so I could date lots of other people (not that anyone was asking me).
I did not know that that night was the start of something Brian had prayed for for 10 years and that God had in his plan FOREVER. It is kinda funny to think about it because our first date was not a MAGICAL one, but it was definitely a starting point for something that would change and improve my life.
God does great things especially when we are not expecting them and one year ago He did that for me. THANK YOU.
I love you Brian and Happy Anniversary, I know there will be many more to come.

If chuck norris says so, I guess I have to.

2007-12-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

I think I have to post this, or Chuck Norris might come after me.

so are you safe?

Oh the weather out side is frightening...

2007-12-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

or at least glove worthy.
And now I know nothing will stop Brian from his iPhone. Even discovering that it will not work with gloves on your fingers. So he figured out a new way.

This was yesterday morning at the train station and boy did it start my day off with a smile.

And yes, Brian was aware of the posting, he pretty much encouraged it. His response, "I wonder if I will end up on digg?"

I LOVE Geeks

2007-11-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

I guess I have already established this not only by previous posts but also in my choice of future husband.

I found this with my mom and think it is one of the cutest love songs ever.

I think I am doomed to have children with plaid pants and pocket protectors.

Oh the confirmation

2007-11-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

This story takes some background info.

I love Brian.

Part of why I love him is because of who he is, extreme geek and all.

He is into sci-fi, computers, comics, video games and internet. All these things he is very passionate and knowledgeable about. These things make him who he is and who I love.

now onto the recent confirmation.

My mother and I discovered this new show called "the big bang theory" on CBS. it is basically about the lives of 4 very awkward and grown men who are severe geeks. It is a very funny show and often some of what they do is very close to Brian's interests.

This morning I watched an episode from a couple weeks ago. The topic was about arranged marriages. At one point all the guys started reminiscing about fiddler on the roof. I guess this is a topic in that musical. They all of a sudden wanted to rent it, and then they were overly excited by the fact that one of the guys already owned the special edition. They all were way too excited about it.

Well Brain and I watched the episode together and then he had to go get ready for work. I had not linked him to the geeks in the episode at that point. Then it happened.

As Brian walked from the couch towards his room, he stopped. He reached down and pulled out a DVD and said if you want to watch fiddler I have it right it, it is good.

I could not help but laugh. he was like them.

But I still really love him. Maybe I will watch it!

ugggggg! worst day ever

2007-10-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I experienced the most frustrating, frightening and painful day of me at the zoo.

I have been jumping around a great deal helping with lot os animals and it changes every week.

Yesterday i was with the spider monkeys, capuchens, uakaris, golden lion tamarins and the black howler monkeys. I have done it before but not a single thing would go well for me yesterday, especially after lunch.

I will expand on the story later but basically I got threatened several times, my hair got pulled, buckets of stuff dumped out and I now have monkey finger prints bruised on my arm. I don't like moneys right now.

Mostly I am just super thankful that I survived and don't have to do it again today.

Even cooler

2007-10-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

I love will it blend, and it keeps getting better everyday.

as the wedding world turns

2007-10-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

sometimes life feels like a soap opera. but right now it is okay.
Brian got his braces off today. I have yet to see him but am excited.

I have not gotten a great deal of wedding stuff done but tomorrow will help knock out a few.
Having a dress fitting. Meeting with Don at church.

We just got our engagement Photos back. not bad. My friend took them,
it was fun.
My biggest cloud in my brain at the moment is figuring out the Flowers. I am a little nervous and going a little blank. Not sure what to get who to go to or anything. any suggestions throw them my way.

the zoo is well and I have not been officially placed anywhere but did visit the zoo library for the first time. I got 3 macropod books ( also known to the regular world as kangaroos and wallaby's)

Gotta run Brian is almost here and I get to see his teeth for the first time.

haa haa, what a dork am I

2007-09-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Ok I was sitting here watching 2001: space odyssey for the fist time and it begins with the so called dawn of man.
This has about 15 men pretending to be chimpanzees in the middle of arid mountains and there are like pig animals walking all around them supposedly habitating in the same desert like area. of course I start racking my brain as to exactly what they were.

Babarusa? nope too tall and snout is too thick
wild hog? no not hairy enough
Peccari? no again
Finally it hit me
They have 12 Bairds Tapirs wandering the land with them.
This is so stupid. These animals are heavy vegitation eaters and live in the dense jungles of Central America.
Why would they be thriving out in the desert?

This movie has lost any kind of good movie credibility with me right from the first scene

As I watch I hate the whole precedence of evolution even more. I just keep seeing stupidity after more stupidity.

I can hardly stand it.

2007-09-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

For one to have the chance to relax is usually a real treat. Somehow the act of baing forced to do so really takes all the fun out of it.
I was lucky enough to have 3 days off in a row so off to San Diego I went. I took the train and thus am vehicle less on the days Brian is at work so I am essentially trapped.

I had a tooth pulled today and am just starting to de-numb. But due to the care instructions I am not to talk on the phone too much and can only eat soft foods. err.

Brian has internet and has provided me with a great computer, lots of movies and lots of napping areas. but man I feel like I am going crazy.
I already watch my whole will it blend DVD which was a nice start but eh, I am just feeling blah now.
The part that bothers me the most I think is the phone thing. I really wish I could call people and just jab that would make my day go much faster.
anyway back to my mind numbing day.
hopefully I survive

What is going on

2007-09-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah yeah I have seemed to vanish but my blog is back.

God has been keeping me extra busy and tired but that is gonna get better.
I got fulltime at the zoo and will for the first time in my life have a regular, steady, day only, work schedule.
I might go bonkers. Though I may have the same days off every week I most likely will not ever get to go to day services in church on Sundays for along time. This Sunday I am gonna probably be at Upper Room for the last time. And after that it will be night service at Mid Cities from now on. Yes I will be returning from la la land.
This past week I had that great news and I also lost my kitty which totally sucked. he fell out the window on Friday afternoon and we can't find him. So no animals for the animal keeper.
Brian and I are doing well. Everyday I continue to be with him I realize how much God really did make him for me. and I am so excited to marry him.

The wedding plans are going and I am feeling more confident but a lot more stuff to go.

I don't know there is so much stuff to write.

This last weekend went well and I got to meet Brain's fathers side of the family and he got to meet some of my fathers side, who were visiting from New Mexico.

I worked with new animals today at the zoo and successfully did not die. What a goal to have huh.

well I need to go recoup from my day and plan for another early 4am wake up.
I promise I will not take so long to update.

my cool shoes

2007-07-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

look at what I made

I love it.

So far i will now have at least 3 pairs of shoes to wear at my wedding. Brian's mom will be Proud.

Brian has Groom converse too. When they are done I will post a picture.

celebration

2007-07-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well I am planning a Bonfire fun celebration for Saturday night the 28th at Huntington State Beach. I would love it if all my buds could come (You). I am going today to scope out and see what pits I want but I just wanted to get the word out. I have to work and won't get there till 6pm but I will have family there. and the fire will be ready. Prepare yourself for a fun beach time with hot dogs, smores and sand.
I will try to limit the never ending sand soccer games, we have had in the past but who knows.
Brian and I just want to have a good time with everyone and celebrate what is happeneing, and get my friends together from my neck of the woods that may not know him the best.
If you could let me know if you can/can't make it that would be cool so I can have a good munchie count.

see you soon.

So True

2007-07-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Look at what I am marrying

the details

2007-06-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

well I am now engaged. I have been talking and telling this story so much my voice hurts. so now I am going to jot it down. Here is the grand event and all the details.

This last weekend Brian and I (though through a few set backs) were able to go up to Mount Shasta for my Friend Jill's wedding. We had a great time and I was happy to be there with him.
Sunday after a few short goodbyes to great friends we started on our 13 hour drive back to San Diego. Yeah it was as fun and comfortable as you could possibly imagine. Now Brian and I have been discussing marrying each other and had been mush with each other all weekend (we were at a wedding). I had bugged him a lot and kept saying I was gonna have a heart attack before he asked me. So he had to distract me with a lie. he said he had ordered the ring but the jeweler still had to do somethings to it and it would be several weeks before he had it. I was appeased slightly by that and just enjoyed being with him while I anxiously waited.

We finally made it home at 11pm. I was tired, even though he did a majority of the driving, and I had to get up at 330 to make it back to the zoo. As soon as we each made our necessary visits to the facilities it was time to rest...well at least I thought so.
I came out and the house was dark. I hollered "where are you" from the dark love seat in the living room I hear "I am over here waiting for you." Willing to snuggle a little after 14 hours in the car I go and sit next to him and lay my head on his chest.As soon as I put my ear to his chest I could hear his heart. It was dark and quiet and I told him i could hear his heart beating. He replied, "It is beating for you." My quick response in total Rhonda fashion was, " That was extra cheesy"
He started laughing which is one of the nicest things in our relationship is that we totally laugh with each other.
we get back to snuggle mode and he starts talking to me. Telling me how much he loved me and how he was so glad god had brought me into his life. Sadly because I was so tired and had already been talking with him all weekend about lovey stuff I do not remember the exact thing he said except one part.
I for a while and when I met him, while in Chula Vista, I had a little daters quote on my wall to make sure I was not just jumping at any guy who bought me candy. it says, "When dating the search is not for someone you can live with, it is for someone you CAN'T live without!" this little sign was a good help for several years now to evaluate how realistic some relationships or potential relationships were. Well while we are sitting together he says to me " Rhonda I can't live with out you!" this got me excited just from remembering the sign and knowing he paid attention, BUT then, he pulled out a box.
He opened it up and *Bling* literally from the inside it gleams open, there was a light in the box and the dark room really made it shine. I was so excited and surprised. He asked me, "Will you marry me!"
I think the first thing outta my mouth when he opened the box was "Oh my Gosh" but then I made sure I said YES. I was excited and overwhelmed, but I fell bad when I watch someone ask and she starts crying and freaking out and forgets to answer. So after I made my required response I started to freak. I cried and hugged him and kissed him. I think we hugged for like 3 minutes straight.
Eventually I calmed down enough to let him get the ring out of the cool box and put it on my finger. That was kinda surreal. I never thought I would be where I am now. I thought I would be happy single aunt Rhonda, but God obviously had other plans and all you that wanna say I told you so about meeting someone in San Diego, i get it I have heard it at least 6 times.
I am happy to be marrying Brian and am so glad he is in my life.
This is my story I almost immediately called my parents then updated my blog and my space and then texted half the people I knew. I was so exhausted the next day but God gave me the adrenaline to keep it going.
If you want his side of the story check out H is blog. ta ta!

WOW!!

2007-06-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

and YES!
Were two words that I uttered when Brian asked me tonight to marry him.

Here is the extreme close up

this weekends energy

2007-06-19T07:03:00.001-07:00

Special Olympics State games just happened it was fun but really wore me out. Check out my team as we were leaving. Yes they won lots of medals and worked hard. We are the crazy coaches in long beach but we are okay with that, track has to be fun.
Brain even came saturday and sunday. It was quite the spectacle that Rhonda had a Boyfriend. It is a good thing I like him or I might have been uncomfortable.
I was glad he came but was expecting him to be more uncomfortable than he let on to be.
In fact he even made freinds with Dawn. Well she was all sniggly on him within 10 min. She is cute and so is he so I guess they do okay together.

Look at what a cute couple.
She did not want to walk anywhere without him that night.

awww.

my artistic skills

2007-06-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

This fathers day over a bowl of jelly bellys my family started discussing the jelly belly art. They were bugging me that I had spread a majority of the beans on the table top and so I said i would do my aunts portrait with the spilled beans.

This is my Aunt Debbie.
This is my art.

I think I should retire from bean art.

the perks

2007-06-12T16:22:00.001-07:00

Even with all the lack of sleep and long days , things like this almost make it all worth it. one week old baby Sumatran tiger cubs. I totally stayed late to play with them.

So cute yet ferrocious, haa haa

Now that is the cool stuff God gives me the opportunity to do!

Rest?

2007-06-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe one day this will be in my vocabulary other than in the prase, "I don't get to rest."

God keeps me going though and oddly though I am in a never ending state of exhaustion I am doing well.
The zoo is going well I am now one of the Koala Keepers, and they are super cute. We are going to get tazmanian devils by the end of the year so that will be cool to. No zoo's in USA have any right now.
I have man hands. Well at least mechanic hands. Thanks to the zoo I have calliced palms and fingers. Lots of scabs from slicing my fingers and every wrinkle in my hand is defined by black which seems to be permanent. probobly from the hoses. My finger nails are in a semi permanent state of dirty. Sorry Brian. I tend to get into the modes of I don't care, but right now I kinda do. It just means I have to take some of my rest time, if any, to work on them a bit.
Build a Bear has kinda fizzled out for me and is basically just something I do to make ends meet and to make myself tired. This kinda makes me sad because it should never have been that way. I used to love my job and the company and never imagined ever leaving or getting over it. But I might be.
Brian and I have been on our toes and on the road a lot lately. I have been a regular train passenger on a weekly basis and Brian has been willing to come and spend his weekends in LA with me even though I work everyday. Thank you those little times mean a lot. Just being able to pretend to be normal and make dinner at home is nice. Not worrying about when I will get to see him again or how much I am driving and if I will stay awake. I miss going to church with him and I am glad that he is willing to stay so we can go together even if it means taking 7 freeways and coming with a dirt covered girlfriend.
The next weekends should be nice. I have them off but in typical me fashion they are jam packed and will add to my exhaustion. A wedding in the mountains complete with camping this will be nice but it means we have to drive back from mount shasta in one day. 12 hours to San diego for Brian. and Special Olympics this weekend. I have not gotten to go to a single meet this season due to my zoo schedule but I am excited and will be so very tired on sunday afternoon when we go to see my family for fathers day and june b-days. Ah!! when does it stop?
I know God is the only reason I make it through this week after week and I am thankful that He is who I talk to first thing in the morning and all throughout my long days. He has been doing so much in my life this year and I enjoy every moment I suddenly see a bit more of his plan. It makes the tiredness go away sometimes. He is the one who gave me the ability to sleep soundly at any moment I was comfy so my body could rest and pretend to handle all that I do. I just need to find a way to be a little less comfortable when I am driving.

VOTE!

2007-05-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Brian's hair color is not currently the color that grows out of his scalp. I often bug him about changing it back to his natural color. Now this would be interesting except there is a bit of fear in me as to whether I will still like how he looks with brown hair. I Want to give it a chance. I have bugged him more recently about it and I think he is actually considering it. So today on my day off I fiddled with a new techy tool, thanks to said Boy. and I want your opinion.
Below you will find 2 pictures. One with the current style, and one as a result of my very bad editing skills (not the best but it will do).
I want you to vote, leave a comment and tell me, what color is better for Brian. This should be fun!

this is how he looks now.

this is how he COULD look in the future. Hopefully if he does grow it out it won't look so much like chocolate pudding.

Please VOTE.

Will it blend?

2007-05-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

this is my new favorite website and I enjoy watching every trial. hey sometimes you just need some mindless entertainment, especially after a 9 day work week.

I survived

2007-05-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

I met the MOM, and the family. It was cool and it was a great trip. I even got to see his moms shoe collection. well half of it. the fall/winter shoes are put away in the garage. Wii played video games with the whole family. Brian got asked why his hair was 2 colors by his 5 year old cousin. I got put in my place by her 3 year old brother, apparently his muscles are bigger than both Brian's and mine. We had BBQ and homemade Pie. Church on Sunday and a long drive home. Besides Granny I am not totally sure what they think of me, but we all made it through the weekend and I think everyone had fun.

Best of all I got to feel like being with Brian all the time was NORMAL. It is hard being away from him sometimes, especially this week and I am not totally sure why. But I guess I should be thankful that I at least get to see him on a regular basis.

A typical date..

2007-05-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

..is never typical when you are dating a geek.
I love Brian but at times I seem to step back a bit and truly realize how geeky he is. But I like it so I guess i am kinda geeky too.
So since I am involved with a guy with such interests we obviously do some pretty unique things.
Yeah typical date may be movie, snack and an activity. That may be for most people.
Here is the Ultimate geek date we went on a couple weeks ago.
Movie:3-D Imax about the Ocean
Snack: Astronaut Ice cream
Activity: Star Wars Museum complete with live characters. Yes, Darth Vader was there.

The funniest part (or best part, Brian thinks.) This was all MY Idea.
Should I be afraid? I guess I am okay as long as I am not speaking Klingon.

I had a great time though and I really like doing things that make Brian excited. I love him and anything I can do to spend time with him and make him happy is pretty cool with me.
Don't worry I am not a treker....yet.

Same keeper, New Shoes

2007-05-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a month. I am so very sorry. here is a update and I hope I can keep up from now on.
I am having a great time at the zoo and getting to do more and more every week. Today I learned how to care for the new meerkat and the Brown Pelicans, I will be all alone doing it on Monday. I am Being Trained on the S. American Primate String, basically lots of little monkeys. even two kinds with Red Hair!
I love it. It fits. Yes the Park the zoo is in is Burning but God kept the Zoo and the animals safe, thanks for your prayers and worries. I have officially been at the zoo for over 5 years and I just bought my first new pair of new work footwear since I first started. My old boots were literally coming apart at the seams. And wouldn't you know when I am supposed to be deciding on a pair of functional footwear i find myself sitting and contemplating over which pair to choose based on how CUTE they are. odd huh, why do you need cute shoes to step in poop with? I dunno but I guess I do. I think Brian's mom would understand.
Well I bought my summer shoes as I like to think of them, because they will look better with shorts on those 100+ degree days.
I like my shoes, but had an issue when buying them. I am cheap! It is really hard for me to spend money, especially on myself. I used to run and I pride myself on the fact that I never spent over $40 on a pair of shoes. I hunt for bargains and don't usually care about brand names. Even though these were necessary safety equipment for work I was having a problem with the price. I sat for almost 10 min trying to decide weather or no to buy these things, but in the end I did. $60, on sale. That is officially the most I have ever spent on a single pair of shoes EVER.
I like them and I find myself admiring them as I wander the zoo (especially since it has been quiet and closed to the public the last 2 days.) I will have my short debut tomorrow seeing as how it is getting way too hot, and Brian will be coming to visit in the afternoon.
Now I just have to enjoy them and hope they will last a year or so. but I still have to find some Winter shoes, I better start saving!

You've been PINKED!!

2007-04-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is a missions fundraiser my church group from San Diego was doing. The way it worked was you could pay $25 to have 25 flamingos put into an unsuspecting friends lawn/office, etc. Well this event has gone on for a couple of weeks and been pretty funny to see the results. well it ended today. So Me being the best girlfriend I could and also supporting my friends and the spreading of the gospel, I PINKED BRIAN.
Here is his house with a few unexpected guests over for bible study.

Now he knows a little of what it s like to be around Flamingos. He thought he was safe. Obviously he underestimated the power of a red head.

Do you want my autograph?

2007-04-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

I got my Official uniform last Friday and got to wear it for the first time on Tuesday. I like the jacket the most, even though it is really a bit large. I feel official and must have looked it due to some of my responses from strangers while stopping at the store on the way home.
The common first question is "What do you do?" I respond,"I am a zoo keeper." then they usually ask me what I work with, and whether or not I have gotten bit.
One lady actually asked what a zoo keeper did. I figured everyone over 5 already knew the answer to that.
It was fun. I felt like a celebrity. I like wearing MY Jacket.

Snow leopards, Tigers and Bears...oh My!

2007-04-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sounds scary I know but it is actually where I feel the most at home. I got a chance to escape the land of birds and Dorothy, the keeper I volunteered with for 4 years, stole me away and iIgot to officially train on her string. It was really cool to be back like old times since I have not gotten to work with her since December. One of the coolest parts is that now I had Keys.

As I go throughout the zoo during my days there are often little moments that catch my senses and make me step back and enjoy it a little more.
Footprints in the mud often do this to me. I will be doing the regular rake and clean routine preparing to open up and suddenly as I try to avoid the gooshy mud I get entranced by how cool and experience I get to have. How many people get to experience tiger, bear, or snow leopard prints. Even more the animals themselves.
Well on Tuesday I had another one of these moments. I was locking one of the multiple locks in the back area of tigers. While you are doing this you are literally inches from this:
and they really want to eat you. I was finishing locking and suddenly felt the hot breath of an angry tiger on my hand. WOW! How cool. I am glad I can experience some thing so unique , but I am also thankful to have both my arms and all of my fingers.

Me and my Blog.

2007-04-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

I don't blog as much as I would like and often plan to. I will be out about in my day and experience something I really want to share and then I either don't get home with enough time or energy to even turn on my computer.
So, in this spirit I am gonna try and catch up.

I hope you enjoy the next couple posts. I am feeling like writing them in seperate posts because I want to give them each their own space. I know i am weird DEAL!

zoo news

2007-04-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well the zoo is getting better. I feel more confident and more capable and yesterday really felt like part of the team and not just the little new girl who is learning. We laughed we worked we talked and did extra projects because I was there to help. usually it seemed like we were behind the days I would help but not so.
Friday and Saturdays are a little depressing being stuck in my little corner shack alone but I am getting a little better and I am getting done and out to help others and get a little human contact.
Yesterday I was working in the aviary, avoiding the white rain Jessica warned me about, and got bombarded. First by a group of 5 year old zoo campers who all wanted to ask the same question one after another. but I did like answering, "Are you a zookeeper?" For some reason I like saying yes to that one.
As I was cleaning and answering questions to the title of MRS. ZOOKEEPER, given to me by said campers, I got bombarded from behind, by a beak.
Flamingos are pretty skittish animals and most tried to stay away but in this enclosure there are 6 hand raised ones, they like to stay near you and in your way. Well I bent down to pick up my pile of poop I had raked and I could see in the the shaddow my attack approaching. Poke poke, right in the tooshie. Then, as I was hosing punch right in the back. Now don't worry, these did not hurt and actually are kinda cool to get because it means the birds were calm around me. Here is what my attacker looked like.

A Greater Flamingo.

we also have American

and Chilean Flamingos at the LA Zoo.

My mom says I am getting too smart if I can tell flamingos apart.

It is slowly seeping back

2007-04-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

my sanity that is. I have had a much better week even though I as totally exhausted which has been the case since I moved from San Diego. thank you for all those who really have been praying for me, not only has it helped but it has encouraged me just knowing you are.
I have gotten to connect a bit here.I got to go to Bible study and Special Olympics and got to do some useless fun activities with Brian. Yes oddly enough the things that make my life bussier make me happier.
Thank you for all your prayers. I thank God for you guys being in my life, you help keep me out of the loony bin.

Where do I belong

2007-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very frustrating day at work, Build a Bear. I was tired, as usual, probably from my San Diego visit ending just a few hours earlier. I get into the whole situation with 2 min to spare and get no info from the other manger even though I have been gone for 3 days.
I eventually made it onto the floor and the frustration immediately hit. that is definitely a sign that the day is not going to be a good one. I spent the rest of the evening basically not wanting to be there which is a new feeling for me at build a bear.
At most of my other stores I would love to be there. loved my team and loved what we did. i have gladly worked on every birthday I have had in the last 5 years and enjoyed it. I don't think this is gonna be the case this year.
I need to pray more and really get God involved in all that is happening. I hate being frustrated at work. I know he has me there for a reason but I almost want to just demote myself even more and not have to feel like I am sinking out of control at my current position, and be able to pretend I don't care, which even then would not be the case.
I hate feeling tired all the time. I hate keeping Brian up at all hours and I hate having to SCHEDULE time to be with those I love and care about.
I moved to be in the career I have dreamt about for 18 years and now I wonder if I was suppose to stay in San Diego. It seems that is where I enjoy myself and those I love are now there. Here I kept dreaming of coming home and now I wonder if I left it.

zzzzzz

2007-03-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am pretty good self steem wise. I like what and who God made me. the one thing I really hate though is my lack of ability to stay awake.
it has obviously caused me an accident as well as many missed movies. the things i miss the most which suck the most, are my conversations. I wish I could stay awake because i hate missing the times i talk to those I love and care about. Thank you for still putting up with me if this has happened to you, maybe one day it will get better,

Striking resemblance

2007-03-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

In my new career I have lots of time to contemplate odd things. It it nesting season in my area and so we are trying to make it seem like love is in the air to get all our birds to brood up and make some chicks.
Well, one of my lonely secluded days at the zoo I was taking care of one of my regulars, the congo peafowl. In my moments in the exhibit I was admiring the males blond crest and suddenly was feeling like I had seen it before. Take a look.

Now I know I am crazy at times but the one at my zoo has his a little shorter but just as blode and pointy as this one.For some totally strange reason it reminded me of Brian's hair.

What do you think? Am I totally bonkers? Now, lets keep the comments to this situations insanity, we all know I am overall a little loopy. What do you expect, I like to scoop poop!

Indescribable

2007-02-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

We went on a hike on Iron Mountain on Sunday, with a group from Shadow Mountain's upperroom. I love these kinds of trips and the reason links right along with emily's peaches.
This is the same reason I really love working at the zoo. I get to honestly see how beautiful the things God made are, up close. How intricate, how delecate and unique. I love to just admire and be in awe as to the things our Lord created. To be so close and spend time admiring and praising God for his beautiful things just makes my world great.
Here is one of the cool things I get to work with at the zoo.It is a Gray crowned crane. They are from africa and about 4.5 feet tall, they are the only crane that can perch in a tree and it looks like they have porcupine quills sticking outta the top of their head.
This is fun, sharing my animals. Maybe I wil make this a regular addition to my blog.

I like it

2007-02-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

I like this picture. It was a good day in a good weekend. Two days later was a little harder.

A whole new (old) world

2007-02-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

well I started my new jobs this week.
Everyone asks me do I love it. Honestly I can't give them a real answer because it feels like the old times. I go to the zoo and because it is a new section to me, the aviary. It feels like I am volunteering again.
I started back as a manger at Downtown Disney yesterday. this was last minuite and I was kinda thrown into it. It still feels like I am visiting though. I am almost sure that I have been labled as mean already by at least a couple of people. They did not have keys for me, I was not in the computer and did not have acess to all the manager stuff I needed and I did not know where anything was. oops and I just realized that I forgot to fax something for a guest.
Hopefully by next week this will change. i will have had more time in the store and will actually be alone on a string at the zoo and I can then give a true answer. I hope this is what God truly called me right now to do. Because I kinda miss northern mexico!

I've been violated

2007-02-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

okay maybe it was a willing decision as Brian points out but the long awaited event which most did not expect, happened last night.
here is the photo record. what do you think?
Here goes nothin...say goodbye to the my un adulterated lobes.

soo... what do you think?

amazing!

2007-02-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

prayer is such an awesome thing especially when it is mixed with tears and someone special.

A very pricey car wash

2007-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

well I got my car back minus the dents and a whole lot of dirt. I think 3500 is a bit much for a car wash, so I don't think I will try and do that again.

I also had a fabulous week so far.

I finally got to tell everyone at build a bear about the zoo. It was hard not being able to talk about it. I still have to find my replacement but I do have some potential canidates.

I had my physical (drug test) last week and everything cleared and I got my starting date confirmed as the 18th. it is a sunday but I will probobly make it to evening service. It will be pretty cool to finally be a real paid employee. Brian is happy that I will still be in town for Valentines day, but I totally guessed what he was planning to get me. He has to learn that this red head is not so oblivious. :)

Also along the lines of build a bear, God really has made some great things happen. Sam and I are gonna be able to work in the same store. (which is normally against the rules if one is a manager and the other is not). Also my part time pay rate is not as horribly bad as I was expecting it to be. Thank you God for taking care of all of it. so I will have sign in piveleges to Disneyland if you need a hook up give me a call.

New things are happening with the upper room which are pretty cool. It has given me the opportunity to get to know some people more deeply. The wednesday study at Brian's house is gonna go through Neahmiah in a verse by verse study and then the womens group last night was a great time of coloring, sharing and prayer.

Tomorrow is paint ball with my family and Brian is coming. I hope he survives. I am honestly a little worried, but I am sure it will be fine in the end. I am also gonna start the moving process yet again. it is nice having only one room of things to move. I just have to get motivated and actually get it moved. I am lanning on dumping some in my brother's truck tomorrow and send it home with him.
I am still not sure where to live. I think my mom is just expecting me to come home, which is fine. My grandma would love to have me at her house whihc works out pretty equal distance from the zoo. the Disney treck is a bit farther but if it helps my grandma feel less lonely it is worth it.
It will be nice to be back home but I will miss some things here in San Diego County, and I know some will miss me.

Tuesdays...

2007-01-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

I thought they were great days seeing how they tended to hold great things for me these last 2 months.

I met Brian on a tuesday. I had my zoo interview on a tuesday, I got to go officially start my zoo paperwork today (tuesday) Things were good, that is until about 90 min ago.

I tend to get tired easily, and while driving on a warm afternoon (at least it was warm in my car) I tend to drift off. I was trying to get to a safe place and thought I was doing okay and then POP! I hit the back bar on a big rig. I don't think he even felt it, and they did not stop or slow down at all. Sad day!

well Now I get to get in touch with my insurance company and cannot quite celebrate the end of my credit card debt like I had planned. It only ripped my fender and the car works just fine. well God kept me safe at least but I am a bit sad.

Finally!!

2007-01-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

I am gonna get paid for scooping poop.

The Interview tuesday went well and I got a call back on Thursday afternoon. I was in new mexico when I got said message thru my father and after a bit of phone tag and fighting off some nausea I got the news. Woo hoo!!

So here i come again moving for the 3rd time in 8 months, and I am sure one more is in the near future.

I still technically have to pass a physical but all should be good, as long as I don't break a hip before the 26th. then my 2 week notice for my chief position at BABW. So, that gives me about a month to get it all situated and start yet another of my what seem habitual Long Distance Relationships. the only thing that is okay about this is I know God totally has a plan in this relationship.

so it has only taken 5 years but at least the day has finally come!!

A girls best friend.....oops

2007-01-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am not a jewlery person. Most of what I wear is just colorful costume type neclaces and the occasional bracelet. I did get a perl neclace when I graduated college from my sitster Rebecca and ejoy that when I have the right chance to wear it. That was the crowning piece of my collection for at least 4 years.
Some of you know I do officially now have two Tiffany neclaces now, which sounds so foreign to my lifestyle, but each were gifts. They actually fit well with my personalliy and I wear them regualrly. I guess I am more high end then I claim to be.
Well, a couple years ago a guest left a bracelet in my store for over 6 months. We never received a call or a person hunting for it. I thought it was just a silver bracelet with little cubic zerconia. after admiring it and aeeing how it was homeless, I finally took it and gave it a good home. I have enjoyed wearing said bracelet and often get compliments on it from which I usually reveal my source of receipt with a little chuckle.
About a two weeks ago I got the opportunity to go to the zoo and work. I forgot to take my bracelet off at home and not thinking more of it had it on as I dealt with every regular and dirty activity a normal day includes. Well Dorothy, my dear friend and the zookeeper I often work with, saw it & thought it was pretty. I revealed how I got it. She then looked closer and said that she thought it was real diamonds. I kinda lost my breath. she tole me how to get it checked and I have been wondering until today.
While just wandering my mall today after my meeting I mentioned this and so Karrie, one of my managers, decided we would do just that. We walked over to ZALES and the gentle man gladly took my bracelet to test. He returned and non challantly said, it is real. I couldnt say anything but WOW. Karrie had to put it back on me and answer the gentleman with his friendly questions.
I now want to be slightly more careful with it and will not wear it to the zoo, but it is coming for story telling tonight to bible study and mini golf.
So, the question is, since I now own a diamond bracelt, can I still claim to not be a jewlery person? We will se how life continues. I guess I should be fulfilled having every girls best friend.

-We counted last night at bible study. The total came to 39. 5 clusters of 7 in the shape of daisy's and then 4 larger stones dispersed between the clusters. I am still in shock.

Is my mission completed?

2006-12-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

well yesterday was a lovely day for several reasons.
I got to see my best friend Jessica for the first time in a year. It is always nice to be with someone you totally connect with.
Brian came back and we got to share some time and some cookies while I was on break at work.
and for all of you BABW peeps just so you know I have been officially notified that our guitars are actially bass guitars for the bears. Ah, I have enlightened you all.

One of the most exciting and most confusing parts of my day happened between initial contact with Jessica and gettting to see Brian. I got a call from the zoo, and I officially have an interview for January 9th at 2pm (start praying please)This is for a half time position but hey it is a position.
So here God may flip me around yet again. It makes me wonder did God send me, like all of you assume, to meet someone and now that I have completed that He is sending me home? It is still over a week away and I am still very giddy about the whole thing but it is kinds sad to me too. Just as things at my store are getting great and just as I find a nice church and a nice gentleman, I might leave.
Brian is kinda sad but we are gonna enjoy the time till we find out what God is doing exactly. so today we are gonna go and dork it up respectivley. I am gonna get to see a huge room with servers in it, and then we are gonna go to the San Diego zoo so I can overwhelm him with my random animal excitement.
So pray please and I will keep you posted.

Why don't sheep shrink in the rain?

2006-12-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

If I knew I might have used that information to prevent myself from accidentally shrinking my sweater last night. oops!

Family time and tight jeans

2006-12-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

well it has been nice having two days with my family. This time of year does not usually run smooth but regardless I enjoy every moment I have with my family.

Hanging out on my brothers bed in the morning, taking a nap on my other brothers bed in the after noon. Going to see a movie and just hang out with no particular plans. Just being with each other and being the big sister God made me to be.
Amidst all the fun I have a lot of laundry to do so in order to Go to said movie in public I had to trow on my old pair of wranglers. Those that have not known me since college I did have a little barn girl in me and I owned one pair of those cowgirl tight jeans. It was my last resort and luckily they still fit! (as good as wranglers should) It is an odd feeling and a rush of college memories came back when I first donned said denim leg coverings but I guess this is the time of year for memories so it is appropriate.

I test drove my new years dress yesterday and was not sure what the overall impression was of it. in fact the only comments I got were, one that they liked my shoes, and my uncle saying I looked hot (creepy!) So if you have any input I would greatly appreciate it.

Well my time has gone faster than hoped and I will miss my family by tomorrow night. Back to the crazy world of stuffing of which I am a part of.

And it is a good thing I am finishing my laundry because I think I might loose circulation from these jeans if I wear them too long.

Talk to my agent.

2006-12-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

I am yet again in the media. I was at the zoo today and randomly got put on the news.

ABC and possibly FOX. It is always kinda fun.
This is not the first time I was on the television, I have even been on the silver screen, but it is becoming more frequent.
The funniest thing is the last time I visited home I was also on the news. Well I waas on TBN and my mom was on KCAL.
I think this should be a regular thing. So if you want me to visit better set up a media appointment. and I do sign autographs.

Ah I love LA Traffic!

2006-12-21T17:58:00.001-08:00

And I am definitely not being sarcastic. In my small stay in San Diego county I have discovered that they Cannot drive.
So while on my trip to and from the zoo, in peak traffic time I was actually enjoying myself just due to the simple fact that the cars moved better than the freak out drivers in San Diego.

Too bad I have to go back in the morning.

The unveiling

2006-12-21T00:38:00.000-08:00

So here is a lovely pictoral representation of Brian and I. This was taken a week ago at his company Christmas party. I think he likes this picture better than the company beach towel he got that night.

I told you so...

2006-12-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

..is something I have been hearing a lot of latley.

When I first got the news that I was leaving for Chula Vista, many were sad, many happy and many offered up their prophesy as to wh I was moving.

This said guess mostly came from the ladies. Yes, it was claimed that God was sending me here to find someone, not just to open a store. I kinda laughed and shrugged it off, thinking whatever.
Well I have been here over 2 months now and times have been good and bad. But ever since I found a great church group it has only gotten better.
Met new friends, have a place and people to worship with and pray with/for, and really finally for the fist time in a while have a social life.
Well because of this said church, I have found more than a friend it seems, and may have made many of you right. In the past week or so when I have been sharing with people this has happened to come up and often I hear, "See, I knew God sent you down there for a reason."

I am excited and very happy. ( and tired in a good way) I think I have spent like 6-10 hours with him everyday if not in person, over the phone. It is awesome to have someone in which you are totally relaxed around and also find yourself being totally open and honest about everything.
So Yes, you told me so, now I am gonna enjoy it the best I can, wii and all!

and if you want details I would be glad to dish next time we talk. hee hee

Sleep is a good thing!!

2006-12-18T02:05:00.000-08:00

Too bad I can't seem to get much ( never mind the time I am writing this post.)

In the past week I have been lucky to get 4 hours of rest a night. This would not be so bad except it is the holidays and I am running a retail store, and everyother day I end up with a 30 min drive home at all hours of the night.

Now this lack of sleep is by choice, in a sense. Instead of snoozin my evenings and wee morning hours I have been chattin it up. Then going to work only to do it yet again. This may not be the healthiest activity but at least I have good company!

This company has come unexpectanly and kinda suddenly. But I have enjoyed every sleepless minuite, and those few moments in which I did rest in the middle (oops, sorry) and man is time flying past.
Now time is getting short and I will soon be up in Long Beach and in for a quick zoo trip and visit with Mid cities C&C group. I still have so much to do before then and really not sure when exactly to do it.

Wow Chirstmas is already here it seems. I still have a few things to accomplish before then and complete with at least one or two more sleep deprived nights. Lets just pray I don't get sick.

Just like the glass slipper

2006-12-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Well one of my errands today led me into a store that I rarely frequent. I had a goal and a point and tried to stay on track, but like most activities I got distracted.
You see this year my church group from El Cajon is having a semi formal New Years Eve party. (sorry Sam I will be occupied on your b-day)
I am pretty excited, for several reasons. One simply because I get to dress up. Another because now being 27 this will be my first official dress up new year shindig, and who better to celebrate with than my peers in the body of Christ.
Since I found out about it there have been a few things running thru my head. Kenton, one of the guys planning it, is really pushing the theme and everyone to be Black and white in their dress choice. So I sit and wonder, hmm what to wear. I did have a formal black dress about 8 years ago, but I kinda want something I feel extra cute in. The conspiracy that every woman has a little black dress, which I came across and strugled with before I went on my trip to Saint Louis, is unfortunatly not true in my case.
So as I wandered I saw some possible dress up options today. I figured no harm in trying them on. I grabbed three and went to do just that.
I put the first one on and was amazed. It was fabulous! Comfortable, cute, covered all the necessary places, fit just right and was not so TRENDY that I will never be able to wear it ever again. I felt kinda like a princess. The other two dresses did get tried on, but mostly so I did not waste the fact that I carried them to the dressing room with me. The first one was defenetly not something I could leave behind.
One of the best parts was that I had a gift card in my wallet and after taxes it cost me $5.
I am even more excited now. The bad part is that now I want new shoes....I will try and hold that urge off, but I have already been looking. hee hee.

The soundtrack

2006-12-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

In my adventures of the day and roaming about with my errands, I was in the mood to sing and wiggle.
I pulled out on e of my favorite artists from my CD case and while enjoying my really loud spakers, I started thinking.
Carolyn Dawn Johnson not only is an awesom singer of which I can sing to a majority of her songs really to apply to my life either something from past future, hopes, or current life feelings or experiences.
This lead me to the thought.... If I had a soundtrack for my life it would mostly be made up of her songs and of course everyones favorite beach boys #1 hit.

I would buy it!

I think it is a record

2006-12-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was not so productive, as noted in my previous post, well that is until I actually tried to go do something.
Just as I started to gather my things to head out the door my phone rang. It was a good friend whome I have not talked to in over a month, then as we chatted on with our life updates and questions, another good friend called.
So after after I completed one conversation I gladdly jumped into another. Then it was off to Bible study with me. On the way there I was able to be an ear to one of my goodfriends who happens to live here in San Diego. I was feeling rather productive in the social realm.
Then dinner and Bible study and more great interaction, updates and prayer for each other.
On my way home is when the interesting things started happening.

I saw a shooting star. I got home safely (with my lights on this time, unlike on the way there-God watches me I know and am so thankful). the shooting star was exciting and I was gonna blog about it as it was, but aparently it was not over.

Well once I got home I partook in yet another conversation via phone.

As time went on and sometime between the end of Bible study and the end of our early morning conversation, I saw 5 shooting stars. I don't think I had seen more than one ever in the past and so I was kinda amazed.
I did not make any wishes (I can do that at work) but it was exciting none the less. So I can say God literally showed me something last night. I am not gonna read more into it right here but it defenetly was a treat. I wonder how many I will get to see in the future. Maybe I am living in falling star territory, that would be a cool place to live.

can't get anything done

2006-12-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

for no good reason,
I have been the queen of procrastination.

Today I have managed to do absolutly nothing productive and I have plenty of things I should be doing.

I have managed to waste a good part of my day just hanging out with my cat and I also ate a whole box of macaroni on my own.

Hopefully writing this will inspire me to get outta the house and actually run some errands before Bible study tonight.

Do I know you?

2006-12-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to the ballet. It was pretty neat. I found myself entranced at times with how big some of the dancers calf muscles were. yep that is how me and my random mind go.
I had a good time and of course lots of conversation.

As I was talking to my company of the evening I hit upon a common occurance in my life. People at church joke that you are only 3 degrees of seperation from Rhonda and it alswyas comes out in the funniest ways but often poses true, especially in the southern baptist realm.
Well last night at intermission I was not really expecting to find any kind of past link between us. Then out it popped. Durring intermission we got back into our conversations and I was telling him how we had gone to several churches growing up. Well I had discussed this before but it was not until I used the church Name, Truett, did he suddenly perk up and put my story on hold.

the creeepy discovery is that I had met his great aunt and not only that is that she was my oldest sisters piano teacher. Creepy yet cool as it usually is.

So The night was good as was the information I wonder who I will meet next of whome I am already connected to.

Following by example

2006-12-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, some may disagree and most will laugh and just shake their head but here is a little information and kinda a thought of my day.

First some background. The WWJD campaign really came out when I was just starting college. I understood the meaning but never jumped on the bracelet bandwagon. I am famous for my not worth a chuckle jokes and humor. So thinking in that mind frame here are a couple things or ways I know you can be like Jesus.
So today I was very tired and was very thankful to have the opportunity to take a nap, it rocked. Well basically I had a sudden thought, " Wow, I am so thankful Jesus took naps in the bible too!"
He is a wise Lord indeed, and I will gladly follow His ways, especially after how much better I felt when I woke up.

This thought brought up a past corney statment of mine from the past. If you leave the front door open behind you, my family often will make the comment, "Where you born in a BARN" though I did later live in one it did not help my cause or circumstance. Until my eppiffany one day. I realized when some one said that you could respond, "No but I trying to be more like Jesus."
Okay it is pretty bad and not so funny but I can't help but crack a little smile and my revelation. The nice thing is that I know Jesus still loves me even with my lack of humorous ability.

Flannel sheets

2006-12-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Due to the encouragement of my dear friend Jaclyn I decided to get myself some flannel sheets. It helped that I could get thewhole queen size set in a color I liked for $20. I bought them in honor of my birthday back in october but had yet to try them...that is until last night.
Yesterday before my shift I spent some time cleaning and reorganinzing my small cubby of a room. Mostly due to my want to clean out and empty my car in case I had to give Gary (from church) a ride to the airport, which did indeed happen.
Well in my state of reorganization I decided it might be a good chance to impliment the sheets. I had heard good things from several people and due to the chill in the air and my lack of natual body insulation, I hoped these might prove to be extra cozy. They indeed were.

The only problem is I only got to sleep for 2 hours inorder to get up for prayer meeting this morning. I think I may be turning in extra early tonight to fully enjoy my investment.

Not totally oblivious

2006-12-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

Well I have been having a great time hanging out and meeting new people with my new church.
One particular new accuaintance happens to be of the male pursuasion. When I met him a week ago at bible study I had a little hunch that he might like me. Well we have gotten the opportunity to talk several times in a group setting so far. I have enjoyed the conversations and it is always nice to get to know new people.
Last night we got to hang out and chat one on one with some hot beverages in hand. Good times and good information. It was good and long as my chats tend to be.

Tonight was bible study yet again and yet another meeting with said gentleman. At the end of the evening schedules were swapped. We realized I had Friday evening free and now I think I have a DATE!!
He asked if I would want to go to the theatre and I said sure (thinking with my feeble mind-a movie) and he came back with "well I will try and pick you up" and "we will go to the Ballet, so dress up a bit" WOW.
Haa I know I can be a bit ignorant about these things at time but I am pretty sure this constitutes a date especially since I am pretty sure it is not a group adventure.

I am now stuck due to my recent revelation as to what to wear and I get to experience the Ballet for the first time. Oh what new adventures will I come upon next.

Ah, the Perks

2006-12-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

A great deal of hard work goes into running a store and on top of that it is not so easy being away from my family and good friends. Yes, things are better but it is always nice to look at the perks of where I am.
Being the Chief at a store where half my employees are mexican I get real homemade mexican food as a treat from their moms. Ahh delicious. I just thougth I would put a little note on how awesome that is before I go into a happiness coma after scarfing down to tamales that Karina brought to me at work today!! I was a little sad that there was enough to share, haa haa.

The nativity on the silver screen

2006-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Well I got to see it last night with all my fellow church going folk. Our church is really into because our pastor Dr. Jeremiah has written a sermon seris, a book and a tract all to go around this new movie.
Besides that fact that I have found out with each even that this group really needs help in their panning and executing events. If mid cities college and career group had one to a movie we would have had more than 6 people there and this group is about 5 times bigger. Maybe I will be able to help in that way.

Ok on the the movie! It was to quote my new church friend Kelly, "Special". haa haa.
Most of the movie was about Mary's life and what she went thru and all that which I thought was fairly accurate is at least a good glimps. Like many supposedly bible based big screen productions there were a few things I myself knew were a little wrong.

They did not have Gabriel stand beside the altar and speak to Zacchariah. it was just a voice in the incense. (I guess this looks cooler than a guy standing there).

They did have the maji show up at the same time as the shepheards at the place of birth even though they did not meet with herod until after jesus had been born but that does not take away from the story too much. along the lines of maji again they skipped the dream telling them not to go back to Herrod. They just made it an inkling.

Just on my own note period. There is never a mention of a donkey in the bible for this event but I guess it was normal way to travel if you have to take your wife 100 miles.

I was a little sad that they tried to explain the star. they said it was two planets and a star all comig together. that would have been fine but as you can tell even in the movie they had great star records and logs and venus and saturn did not align and make a star it would have been in the records. i researched this about 4 years ago and there is no expliation for it except an act of the Lord. But I guess it is easier to explain it with fake science in a movie.

I was glad they did not make Mary a sinless girl like the catholic church protrays her. She had a little attitude at time and I was glad they showed her a s a real girl. A little strong willed but hey, realistic in my view.

I also liked how they made story situation we have heard for years more realistic like Especially when Joseph was looking for a place to stay in bethlehem, the frantic husband looking for a place because his wife is in labor, I was glad they did it thst way, and it gave me a little chuckle.

Overall it was good. I found fewer innacuarcies than I did in the passion and they actual got a bit of humor in there with the maji (who honestly you can look at one of them as witnessing in a way to his fellow maji) and some of the comments made in good taste, will make you giggle. It actually did show to the best of my knowledge what it would have been like for Joseph and Mary in their life, time and jouney. Especially when Joseph was looking for a place to stay, the frantic husband looking for a place because his wife is in labor, I was glad they did it thst way.

See it if you want or even better take a friend so you can talk about it afterwards.

Starbucks oops

2006-11-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

My friend posted about starbucks and so it inspired my little note on my visit.

I do not drink cofee so starbucks is not a normal visit location for me. But My Bearitory leader was here and seeing as how she is addicted and she was buying I ordered my regular treat when the occasion arrises.

Hot chocolate with rasberry.

well we sat down, she got her regular bold and I waited. I then got my toasty drink a few minuites later.
I noticed it was different it had little red sprinkles on the whipped cream. I just thoguth it was a little holiday touch. then the sip.

It was not what I wanted it was pepermint not Rasberry. oh sad day for my sweet tooth. see as how I was in a meeting of sorts I did not say a thing and was thankful for my warm drink.

I guess I just wished that seeing as how it was slow in the cafe and three people behind the counter would making 3 drinks would ensure that rasberry does not get mixed with pepermint.

I am glad this was not an addiction of mine I may not be back for a while.

Are they sick of me yet?

2006-11-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

Well God is really keeping me busy, but in a good way. For those of you who really know me you know that I am constantly busy. I get in volved with everything I possibly can I cram activities into spots in my day which really are my only time to rest. This is just how God made me and honestly that is when I am the happiest. Due to this I had a clarifying moment yesterday.
Since I moved all I have had to keep me busy was Build a Bear. So that is what I was spending all my time on. The reason I am able to see this is that I now have other things to do and the fog is clearing.
I have been doing more and more with Church. Tuesday night was Bible study. I got there late but just in time for food. There were lots of people who I had never seen at the prior events I had gone to which is great. it is a pretty large group at church. They were much more social and easier to meet people at this bible study. Lots of guys but only like 7 girls. I had a good time but the lesson was defenetly not as great as it has been at mid cities. Overall it was good and worth another visit. I did get invited to a social gathering on friday so we will see how that goes.
Tonight I am going to my church's preview of the Nativity movie. I am not usually the type to jump out and see these movies. I actually will probobly be super picky and pick the movie apart. Maybe I need an attutude check. But it is another chance to meet and connect with more people. I hope I don't make them sick of me. I was gonna go to 5 am prayer with the group today but my body refused. and it is probobly good I did not, seeing as how I have to work today.
I feel so social this week I have something planned every night. last night got canelled due to a friends proposal needing some final tweaking. But I got some rest.
well I should get my bills paid and run off to work.What adventure will I experience today?

use it while I can

2006-11-28T01:04:00.000-08:00

The internet is working so I am gonna update while I have the chance.

well God has really taken over and I am so glad He has.

I don't know why I try and do it myself so much, especialy when i know how nice it is when I let Him do all the work.

I have driven away from my current location every week at least once in the past month. it gets pretty overwhelming ans boy do the mile rack up.

I am no longer a workaholic which was not a good experience.

I gave Shadow mountain Church a second chance and it was a great thing. I met people I went hiking with a group and got to get to know them and run out of gas in the mountains (sound familiar?) Now I am pretty much forcing myself on them by going to every single activity possible including Bible study tonight. It is a nice group. lots of people my age an not just college girls (no offence to the girls at home). The pastor is a great speaker and teacher and the service has awesome worship with hymns and new choruses. I am still getting used to the fact that the service is being webcast and I have no Idea who anyone in the service is.
They are setting up new york city at church this weekend complete with a taxi and a working Ice rink. Everyone has been praying for cold weather and due to my need of more blankets on my bed and all the shivering going around I know God heard them.
Tonight I am going to try the bible study and see how that goes. If I make it in time I will get free dinner-yeah!!
Work is well exept the bussiness is gone. I am afraid I will not make some of my requirements by the end of the season. It is not as busy as they had hoped for us. Pray the shoppers come. I keep promising my employees that hours will increase and I have to keep sending them home early instead.
On my last trip up to Orange county yesterday I got to go help with operation Christmas Child, and guess who was there! Franklin Graham, not that I am a groupie or anything but it is still pretty cool. My mom got interviewed by chanel 9 news and I got interviewed by TBN. Too bad I had to close my store that night and couldnt see either.
Okay well there is my little update. My internet is working for the moment so I will try and update on a more regular basis as long as it lasts.
Thank you for thinking about me, it really helps to have your prayers and things are getting better all the time.

Not gonna happen

2006-11-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you know that now that I have more time at home , my internet is down. sorry I can't update but I figured I should at least give you the heads up that it is not by choice. alrighty I have to go back down the state and go to work.

Stress relief

2006-11-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

haa haa, this was some good quality time with my brother Sam. This is what happens when they send the wrong thing to the wrong location.

No more Maltipoo!!

From the mouths of babes!

2006-11-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

Working at Build a Bear you always get refreshing little conversations and a reminder about how simple life would be, simply by talking to Kids.
Today began a much needed pause in my crazy new store and position. I have two days off and decided I needed to head up (even though I always say down) to be with my family and be AWAY.
My two hour drive got a little tough so I called my sister for a stimulating phone conversation that would keep me awake as I drove. R3 and I chatted and then my 2 year old nephew Samuel stepped in.

Here is a picture of him making a silly face (see my mom in the background for reference)

Now I can't have a deep conversation with him unless it revolved around the blue truck he was trying to show me over the phone, but I played along and it was fun. His responses when audible are generally yeah, yes, no and I don't know or a vroom sound coming in regards to the truck.
I then decided I would talk to him about me being tired. I told him how I was really tired and asked if I should take a nap. He said yes, on a mat. I snickered a bit and then was prepared to go onto another topic. Well Samuel was determined to help Auntie Rhonda. He set the phone down and suddenly left. My sister thought his mind had turned from the conversation and he was on to bigger and better things ( yes there are things better than talking to me, shocking I know).
But lickety split he was back and ready to help. He had gone to the living room and grabbed his baby brother's nap mat and brought it in for me. He then took the phone and laid it on the mat so I could rest. Without skipping a beat he was there to make me feel better.
Boy, after working 8 days straight and sleeping about 4 hours a night and doing nothing else but working, this was the best thing that could have happened. The simplicity and the care was exactly the right balance and defenetly was a highlight to my day, well, that and the nap I took about 20 min later once I got to my parents house!

Sleep, what is sleep?

2006-10-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

Well my store is open, and boy has it been an adventure. We jammed through and got my store ready enough to open by Friday morning. I was making each days schedule the night before. I have such great BB's that they took it all in stride and with a great attitude. We have been blowing away the goals our company set which is always exciting. I have my own mini Disney right here in San Diego County.
The only struggle with all of this is my lack of rest. Last weekend was my St. Louis trip and due to time changes and other personal activities I did not get enough rest. then I came off that to drive up to say goodbye to Jaclyn, my best friend, because she was moving to Israel and left Tuesday night. That was tough.
Wednesday was my amazing b-day/shipment, and I am soo thankful for a HUGE back room. I worked like a 14 hour day, and really have not stopped with less than a 12 hour day since. I am exhausted physically but my body clock still wakes up at obnoxious hours.
Today I am taking a half day but the other half of my day is my sanity time, nothing is organized or labeled or drilled up in my back room, and I am gonna go crazy. So if God gives me the chance I am using my time off to... yea... work. I am such the wrong person to be on salary. I think when it is all over and done I will be making essentially 3.50 per hour.
I can't wait to get through my 1st week see what our typical traffic is and be able to actually rest!!

the best thing about being busy in regards to my back room is that boxes are slowly disapearing and there is less for me to deal with. Thanks for all your prayers they really help.

Missing home often, but I am excited for work.

No Un-Birthday here

2006-10-30T05:44:00.000-08:00

(this was written on Wed. Oct. 25th-computer would not allow me to post it)

Yep, Yep, it is official, I am 27! It is kinda surreal. The funny thing is how much older it seems than 26. It is no longer just a touch older than 25. I know it is no big deal, but it is kind a weird.

Thanks to where my store issues have landed me I have a high stress and extra busy birthday. I get to go and receive all my stores merchendise and supplies TODAY!! and then I get to write 2 schedules tonight.
At least it should be fun having lots of people around, but it is work none the less. So, Happy Birthday to me and pray for my sanity, that it will not be replace with senillity.

Put me out of my Missourri

2006-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ah well a weekend in the show me state was well....interesting. it was tough being a Southern California native and not going outside for 3 days straight, runs from the bus to the hotel and vise versa do not count because it was 45 degrees.
My First Chief meeting was pretty stinkin cool. lots of great new things and really it makes yo feel special and more a part of the company.
I did not enjoy leaving behind my spoild california life of no indoor smoking-gag!! My room smelled horrible BUT I loved the view from my window (above).
Here is proof it was not a poast card- Julie and I posed well I think.

I am totally messed up from the time zone swap and am very much looking forward to the extra hour this saturday night. I could probobly use it more today than otherwise but I will enjoy it whenever it may come.

I am glad to be home but getting a little nervous about the next few days!! 74 hours and counting till my store opens!!

Might as well, Can't Dance

2006-10-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

Growing up as (not sure exactly) a multi generation Southern Baptist, one thing is for sure, NO DANCING!
This year I learned of a bit of humor my parents used in college at CBU. Basically the answer to any question that involved a choice, they would answer, "Might as well, can't dance!" I find this funny and have actually used it in conversation with my brothers.
Well most of you know they are building my new store down here in Chula Vista and we only have 8 days to go. Because of the mall growing all around us and safety standards, in order to visit my location I have to have a hard hat. So, when it came to my head wear, would it be plain or ordinary or would I decorate it? Might as well, can't dance.

It definitley got some looks on the construction site, more so than just being a girl in a hard hat which is odd enough there.

This hard had was essential and I again showed the wisdome of my mother on Monday. I was having issues with my management team and had to come down to SD a day early. But though I was upset my mom again made me remember, that God has a purpose behind everything. I walked out the door that morning saying "I know." Yet I did not know what the purpose was.
I found out!
I get to my store and there is still no electrcity, which means, no computers, which means no merchandise, and everything is gonna be crazy because I leave for 4 days on Friday. I was able to contact the important people and get all that under control and remake all our plans. If I had not been there I would not have known and not been able to get our team back on the same page and rescheduled for the adventure ahead. All is well and in good hands.

Now I have to pack and do paperwork for tomorrow at 4 am I leave for my grand St. Louis trip. I know God has a purpose I just gotta keep my eyes open.

Ah, Technology

2006-10-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

I appologize for being cut off from the world. My power supply in my laptop totally died and I had no acess. Many potential blogs did come across my mind in the weeks that passed but, I was unable to get them on here. There were attempts but about half way ( or sooner) my computer would decide it wanted to shut off anf all was lost and I was frustrated. Sorry But I'm back.