My favorite things . . .

This Christmas season has been a bit lonely and depressing - it's been hard to shake the funk.
I'm done shopping and wrapping, partying and reflecting, and still something feels incomplete. So I thought I would make a list of my favorite things in an effort to "not feel so bad".
1. Hannah and Julia - my beautiful nieces that I don't get to see enough.
2. Lazy, rainy days indoors
3. Summer @ Pondo
4. Seatbelt Bags - I just love them!
5. Seeing my oldest and dearest friends Jen & Di (usually only happens a few times a year and I'm really looking forward to seeing them on Christmas).
6. Friday night dinners with my family (or any night for that matter).
7. Movie Popcorn (especially with my mom)
8. My bed with my temperpedic pillow
9. Arcadia food - Tokyo Wako, Carmines, Goldsteins, Taco Lita, and Ace Yogurt
10. The fall season (especially Halloween to New Years)
11. Good TV (and my Tivos - yes I have more than one - baseball takes up a lot of space).
12. LA Dodgers (especially when they win)
13. Good Coffee - that should have been higher up on the list for sure.
14. Getting packages - even when it's just something lame I ordered
15. Barenaked Ladies Live (the band)
16. Spending long uninterupted time with God
17. Hearing the ocean at night when the surf is big
18. Being Clean (my house and myself)
19. Seeing people I miss (Like Jeff and Kristen and Jacob - it was really fun to hang out on Friday - thanks for dinner).
20. The smell of butter cream frosting, rosemary, or the scent of cologne that a friend wears.
21. Sushi
22. My uggs (or any slippers - I like my feet warm)
23. Pedicures
24. Felicity (the best show ever)
25. Snowboarding the day after a storm or wake boarding on the delta
26. Biola
27. Extra peppermint gum (but they changed the color to blue and I don't like it as much as white).
28. Paradise Sugar Cookies when they are hot
29. My amazing - fast - fun car
30. Anything else you've listened to me obsess about and that I forgot to put on this list.
Ahhhhh - Maria was right I do feel better.

an old friend and a new friend!

Sorry - Christmas has me running in ten different directions and no time to reflect. The past few weeks have been good. Busy but good.

Last Thursday my friend Brady and I spoke at Core (our high school/young adult service). We shared what God is doing in our lives, what he's teaching us, and how we've evolved because of it. It was powerful! and really fun to see how God has used some really bad situations to make something beautiful - in my life and esspecially in Brady's. It was good for my soul. : )

Saturday night we had our youth staff Christmas party which was fun - Ange, Joy, and Dave came too (Dave led us in worship). South Shores and our students blessed me with a new friend. Disclaimer - Britt took this picture and it's totally candid. Isn't she lovely. I named her Ohana (family in Hawaiian) mostly because of the hawaiian print and my church family gave her to me. Enjoy. Ok - you really can't see her in the picture but you can see my stupid grin.

Love Biola . . . hate my birthday!

My friend Melissa and I taught a Talbot class for Dave on Monday at Biola - which was awkward but good for both of us - I think. It was fun to hang out with Melissa anyway. Jewel (one of my senior girls) came along with me to check out Biola (she loved it!). It was a good time hanging out with Jewel as well.

I love Biola! and this is why - Biola's annual Christmas tree lighting (which was supposed to be on friday - but it rained) was postponed to Monday night and just happened to be right after class and a fun dinner at the Eagle's Nest. I was so excited! The tree lighting is one of my favorite Biola traditions and not only did I get to be a part of it but Jewel did too. (Melissa was there too - but she mostly just made fun of it - she's an APU nerd). They have a very cool ceremony with children singing and they give everyone candles to hold - It was beautiful and Christmasy (I know that's not a word). I loved it. There was free hot chocolate too - but I burned my tongue : ( This isn't the best picture - I was super close - sorry.

My birthday was yesterday - I hate getting older! Enough said.

Jump! and God is goooooooood!

Last week was my 3rd girls retreat with South Shores and it was amazing! I had begun to think that girls were not capable of a drama -free weekend but thankfully I was wrong. I got to return to my summer home (Pondo) and see some familiar faces that I miss. What a great trip for my girls and for me of learning to take the right kind of risks in order to live a life worthy of the calling we received. Thanks girls!

I also got to see a good friend that I thought I had lost - but like I said God is good and He continues to surprise me by how He uses our pain and suffering for His glory. I am humbled daily by my depravity and my subsequent need for a Savior.

P.S. Charlie Hall is amazing

This is for you Haylee!

I can't believe you are 12 years old - seems like yesterday you were barfing in the backseat and screaming your head off! You have grown into such a sweet, beautiful girl - I had so much fun hanging out with you - can't wait to see you again.

I'm back and here's some pics

I had a great time in Idaho with Amy and the Fam - I always do.

Here are some pics - sorry Haylee I haven't downloaded the pictures from my other camera (that's where the pictures of you and Andrew are).

Devin, Jewel, Jen, and I went to see Rob Bell last night at the Wiltern Theatre in LA. It was good and very thought provoking for me and the girls. He always makes you think good and long about your life and how you're living it. Very good for me - Except the excruciatingly long drive in traffic and almost getting hit by an out of control driver that spun out on the freeway.

Good News and I'm going to Idaho

Good News - my back is finally feeling better! Wahhoooo! (mmm . . . wahoo's that sounds good). After over 6 weeks of Physical Therapy my back is finally responding to treatment. Please keep praying for me though - it's never 100% and I feel like it could reverse at any time - I guess that's something I will always live with.
I'm going to Boise tomorrow to see Amy - my dear sweet friend from high school whom I love! (And Bruce, Haylee, Alyssa, and Andrew - can't forget you guys). I'm so excited to see all of them - it's been too long. After all these years Amy is still one of my favorite people in the world. : ) This picture is from Prom - aren't we hot!!!!! I'll try and post pictures when I am there.

Shout Out to the Skippers!

I am doing soooooo much better than last week for a couple of reasons . . .

1. Pondo (and Dan and Becky's house) are still standing - Praise God - that was a close one.

2. Because the Skippers were evacuated to Balboa Island (that's rough) I got to have dinner with them on Monday night! These people are continually blessing my life in so many ways. Thanks again Dan, Becky, and Daniel for bringing some much needed joy into my life.

3. God is so good - even in the hardest of times I am able to see His mercy and love. I am blown away by the lessons He's teaching me and those around me.

More Socks!

As if it could get any worse - Pondo is right in the middle of the fire in Running Springs. I've been stressed all day. It appears that possibly it escaped the fire for now - but it's so close. Pray for Dan and Becky - their house is in Running Springs in the path of the fire and I haven't heard whether or not it's safe. I know so many people affected by these fires. Again I'm in shock at the circumstances that surround me. Craziness.

I know that God is in control of all of it - I'm just having a hard time understanding why it has to happen.

Getting socked in the Gut!

Let me start by saying - this weekend was hard. Actually this month in general has sucked. Okay as long as I'm being honest the suckiness began the moment I stepped off that plane from Costa Rica.

I feel like I keep getting socked in the gut. Each day more bad news. I'm actually getting used to the sick feeling in my stomach that never really goes away even when I'm watching the Office or admiring my "new friend".

This weekend I was supposed to go to Youth Workers Convention - which I love - but I made a financial decision instead of an emotional decision and didn't go. I should have gone - I really needed it but c'est la vie. I did however go down for the day on Saturday to see Dan, Becky, Lisa, and Kayla - who by the way socked me in the gut but it was inevitable (the silver lining to the dark cloud of a weekend was seeing all of you). I also got to see Melissa, Eric, and Josh - which was good for my soul. (Melissa just seeing your face cheers me up). I came home late Saturday night and did not sleep all night. I had the worst nightmares - my subconscious was dealing with what I hadn't processed yet. (if that makes any sense). I spent Sunday alone in fog trying to make sense of all I was being socked in gut with. Finally I talked to Aaron which gave me a bit of clarity (Aaron you are so good at speaking calm into my life - thanks my friend).

So . . . here I am on Monday morning staring at my computer and breathing in the nasty smoke that has settled over the coast (literally) and waiting for the next sock to the gut.

Rockies Win!!!

Yes I know I'm a few days late - but life has been crazy.

The Colorado Rockies are going to the World Series and that's fun.

It would have been a million times better if the Dodgers had won but at least it's a NL West team and one that fought it's way to the top.

I visited the Coffeebean today with Devin and my drink was chunky - sad. Maybe it will be better next time.

Sidenote: Dishes are missing from my house mysteriously - hmmmmm! How does that happen???

Say Helloooooo to my new friend . . .

Isn't she lovely!

She doesn't have a name yet - oh goodness I'm one of those mothers who takes their child home from the hospital without naming it.

Let me know if you have any good ideas.

She's a limited edition #70 out of 250.

If you're thinking I'm a little off - you're probably right - I have a problem - I'm addicted to seatbelt bags.

What - it could be worse.

Finally some good news!

There are few "things" in the world I love more than CoffeeBean but the closest one is in downtown San Clemente.

Until Now . . . They are putting them in Ralphs stores all over Southern California and they chose the Ralphs @ Ocean Ranch which is super close to Church and not too far from home. I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself. So I went to visit today (and take pics) and a checker told me the rumor is the CoffeeBean is opening next friday.

Oh happy day!

Life Lessons

The past few weeks have been hard to say the least. Readjusting to life off the mountain while being confronted with some pretty tough issues has been quite a challenge. I saw a movie this weekend (with my friend Britt who I love!) that I had been dying to see and finally had the chance. The movie was "The Waitress" and for anyone who truly knows me - I am a huge Keri Russell fan (she's Felicity to me). The movie was hilarious - great characters (Kristy you would love it). The movie has some pretty heavy issues (an abusive and creepy husband, getting pregnant with an abusive creepy husbands baby, having an affair with an equally creepy doctor, having no money and no life, etc.) all the while dreaming of a better life making pies. I guess you just have to see it. It spoke volumes to me and the rather dysfunctional life I am living at the moment. Leave it to Felicity!
Pray for me - my back is really bad right now and I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow.

Devin

This is Devin - one of my senior girls (so weird - seems like yesterday they were jr. highers). We hung out today. This may be the most boring blog entry so far but I love her and wanted to post this amazing picture of both of us. Also - today was the first day in 2 weeks it wasn't blazing hot so I was able to blowdry my hair (hence why I look so amazing).

My sweet sweet girls!

I got to hang out with my now senior girls all day and tonight at Core.
It was so good to sit and chat and catch up on their dramatic high school lives.
I love it!
They suprised me with a gift - "Jarbie Jo"

I missed our mission trip to mississippi that my girls went on so they got a barbie doll dressed her like me and put her in a jar with my picture on it (hence - Jarbie Jo instead of jibby jo). Cute huh! (kinda weird - but that's all Matt's fault).
They also gave me a picture of all of us from winter retreat. So Cute!

I really missed them and I love Jarbie Jo!
Thanks girls

Back in the Saddle Again . . .

Truth be told - I'm suffering a little culture shock! Not from Costa Rica but from having to come back to "real" work after such an amazing summer. I've processed what I learned this summer so that I could share that with others, however, I haven't processed the feelings of becoming so close to people in a short amount of time and then being seperated from them. It's been hard - pray for me.
I went to the Padres game (they played Arizona) last night with Tom and Tanya - which was fun - but I was rooting for both teams to lose (which I know is impossible) but the Dodgers are battling both these teams for the post season.
well - the d-backs lost - like anyone reading this cares. oh well.

Costa Rica (the real deal)

Ok - I'm sitting at my desk at church for the first time in 3 months - weird.
Here's the official Costa Rica replay.
First things first - it's really hot and stupid humid - wow! But absolutely beautiful. I am now convinced that no other resort holds a candle to the four seasons. It was the most amazing experience of luxury - I am so blessed (spoiled-whatever). This is a shot of the jungle with our suite in the middle of it.

We had our own covered patio, table and lounge chairs - we could see and hear monkeys and racoons. (the monkeys sound like bears by the way.)
On the way from the airport to the hotel a computer came flying out of the overhead and hit me in the head which caused a slight concusion and made me nauseaed for a few days but I'm okay now.
The days were mostly sunny with thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. It was nice to see rain after the dry winter we just had. My favorite parts of the trip were sitting by the pool, the massage I got at the spa, and of course the zipline (Aaron - yours is way better):)
It was an amazing trip - lots of fun!
I miss Pondo (still can't talk about it).







The last picture is of a Rodeo we went to - interesting stuff.

costa rica

I'm back from costa rica - which was amazing! (thanks again mom and dad).
Still struggling with some computer connection glitches caused by my camp Internet connection so you'll have to wait until tomorrow for my official costa rica post. Tomorrow is my first day back at church in 3 monthes so i guess that means the end of my summer vacation. So sad!

One mountain to another

So I left Pondo (so sad i can't talk about it yet) to go to another mountain.
I'm spending the week with my family in June Lake. It's beautiful here and it's been nice to just relax and spend time with those I love.

Pondo 10.4

Tomorrow is sadly my last day at Pondo!
Never in my life did 10 weeks go by that fast.
I'm sad it's over (probably the best summer of my life so far) but it's bitter sweet because I am done living in a trailor and sharing a bathroom with 8 girls, doing afternoon rec (especially the relay), and don't get me started on the food!
Looking back on the summer - I am so glad I did this!
Life is too short not to take advantage of opportunities to grow and change.
Highlights of the summer . . .
1. Meeting some amazing people - Nikki, Brooklyn, Kaylee, Daniel, Kayla, Ashley (just to name a few of my favorites)
2. Hanging out with some of my favorite people (who I now know and love even more) - Dan, Becky, Aaron, Brady, Debbie, Lisa, Angie, Tori, JG, and Dave.
3. Breathing fresh air, soaking up sun, and starry nights
4. Monday morning each week as the campers arrive (I love the excitement and newness of camp).
5. Thursday night walks under the stars

Thanks to everyone at Pondo for the most amazing summer!
I love this place and can't wait to come back and visit!

Good Things come to those who save!

The minute I saw the keynote on mac.com I started saving . . . and now she's mine!
To my friend Eric - Mac made a killing on us this week.

Pondo 9.5

This week was tough.
It was hard to get back into our normal summer routine after campfire and juniors week.
There was a chance of thunderstorms this week and I found myself praying it would rain during afternoon rec (one of my least favorite things).
However, God is good and uses our weaknesses to show how powerful He is. I think He spoke to me more this week than any other week this summer. Sean McDowell spoke and I wasn't all that excited about hearing his talks for the second time but God used used him to teach me some much needed lessons and now I'm left to process it all.
We also finished Velvet Elvis and our discussions on it - which have been really good. I am learning so much from Rob Bell this summer.
So here I am on Friday night still at Pondo - very tired but still absolutely loving this place and this whole experience. We packed Aaron and Rachel's house up this afternoon which was sad and made me all the more glad I chose this summer to be here and have the chance to hang out with them.
One more week!

Dinner Party for 9

Okay I know I'm breaking the rules a bit but I thought of two others I would like to include and since I wouldn't want to be rude and rescind my previous invite, I will include two more.
Since it can be anyone dead or alive I would like to invite my future husband (smart huh!).
The second person would have to be my bestest friend in the world Tanya! The first reason is that I haven't mentioned her in my blog yet and she was getting a litte perturbed. The second reason is - duh - we live together and it would be rude to have a dinner party in our house and not invite her. heeheehee - I love you Tanya.

Dinner for 6 (well 7 including me)

Eric this is for you pal!
So on Eric's blog he created a dinner party for 6 (hypothetical) including the 6 people dead or alive that he would like to invite.
Here is my list . . .
Disclaimer - This isn't a perfectly thought out list - I have very little time so it's a list I spent a few minutes thinking about.

1. Jesus
Eric didn't include Jesus because he said He was a given. I disagree - but then again I'm more spiritual than Eric.
2. Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies.
Besides being extremely good looking he is the funniest guy ever and he can sing. Oh yeah and he can white boy rap which is huge in my book.
3. St. Francis of Assisi
I read Chasing Francis this year and really connected with his perspectives on God and life and would love to sit and talk with him more.
4. Nomar Garciaparra
Everybody knows I'm a Dodger fan and while Nomar isn't my top favorite, he is an interesting guy, a great athlete and he'd probably bring his wife who happens to be the greatest female soccer player of all time (Mia Hamm).

5. Donald Miller
I love his bold take on Faith and I know he would shake things up a bit.
6. Kelly Ripa
She's hilarious, she would probably bring her hot husband (Mark Consuelos) and hey we need more girls at this party. : )


Okay so there's the list - it's missing a political figure but the only person I would really like to have there would be JFK and it's not for his political views - I just really want to know if his death was a conspiracy.

Thoughts anyone?

Pondo 9.1 (almost)

Well I survived Juniors week (barely).
Can you even image 230+ little kids running crazy all week.
Hannah, Julia and Arianna were here which was so much fun!
Everywhere I went someone was yelling "hi Jojo!" whether it was one of my nieces or a girl in their cabin or someone else they had met at camp and told them I was their aunt.
It was really fun.
Here is a picture . . .




2 more weeks and it's back to real life . . . It's gone by so fast - I really want to savor my last moments here and really enjoy the next 2 weeks.
This week is a combo week - yeah more jr. highers.

I'm back after a much needed week of rest

This past week a private group was at Pondo so most of us got the week off - which was wonderful.
I was able to see friends and family, sleep, eat good food, get things done, and most of all watch lots and lots of baseball.
Speaking of which - I went to the Dodgers game on Thursday with some friends from Pondo and we had a great time - even though they got killed. oh well you can't win them all.
Here are some great pics . . .

Ange, Joy, and Dave

Joy, Ange, and me

Aaron & Hannah

Jason

Hannah

Tomorrow we get juniors and a whole lot of them - not sure I'm ready. Hannah and Julia are coming - yeah!

correction

I have to start by apologizing to Dave Rynk - Ange, Dave and I love Sumatra and not just Ange and I.
Sorry Dave (I took a lot of crap for that one).
Love you!

Sumatra is my hero!

Jasen and Amanda sent me a pound of sumatra a few weeks ago (with a cute little joke about me being an asian lover) and Ange and I fell in love with the stuff.
We drink it every morning and every night - we are brewing a pot right now and it smells heavenly.
Thanks J&A for contributing to my addiction.

Kassie week! Pondo 6.4

Kassie is here this week with her friend Sydney (who is super cool).
I had such a great time hanging out with them - esspecially during church time last night.
Pondo is so much more fun when people come visit me (hint,hint,hint).
Joy sent me a package of goodies which made my day! She's still my only friend who loves me aparently. : )
It's Thursday again and another week is almost over and done - this summer is flying by.
Here is a picture of Kassie and Sydney. So cute.

Pondo 6.1 (almost)

I can't believe I've been here for five weeks - it hardly seems possible.
I'm getting better at driving the mountain roads and having a lot of fun doing it.
It's Sunday night and I am gearing up for another week - this one is high school and Kassie is coming - yeah - I can't wait to see her.
A couple of observations . . .

First, my favorite time of each week is Thursday night (it's bitter sweet because another week done means I'm that much closer to leaving for good). I do the zipline on Thursday night with Angie and then we put out fires and head to the tent for team scores, the video, and to hand out championship shirts. I leave towards the end of the video to walk up the lodge to pass out pizza. That walk from the tent to the lodge across the grass field underneath the starry sky is my favorite. It's quiet and chilly and so peaceful - maybe because the week is almost done and I can be thankful for how much God has blessed me. I don't know but it's those walks that I will remember long after I'm gone.

Second, Friday morning we meet to talk about the week and share stories. We also play "Spin the Bottle" only we hug instead of kissing (obviously). It was a really hot week and some of us were really sweaty. A lot of sweat swapping going on at Pondo this week. Sick.



That's it!

Shout out to Dana Dill

South Shores Jr. High was here last week and I had such a good time hanging out with them.
I am so proud of Dana - he is my favorite person right now : )
He is always a joy to be around - so much fun! He loves God and he loves our students and you can see it in everything he says and does. What a blessing and example he is to me.
I hope he never realizes how amazing he is because I'm convinced that's what makes him so amazing (if that makes any sense to anyone).
I love you Dana - thanks for all you did to make me feel special last week - it was really fun having you here.
PS - I had a great picture to share with all of you but I'm not sure what happened to it. here it is. You can see Dana's hat and some of my hair - beautiful picture.