S'more a what?

Today (Tue) was S'mores Day! I celebrated with a few great people, and a hot stove top burner. Made me quite happy :)

Today I decided I'm bringing it back! The under recognized, under appreciated holidays few often know about. But instead of everyday (cuz that's a bit much) I'm doin' a little celebratin' once a week. This week: S'more's. Next Week: TBA

Come join the party.

:)

Is it just me, or does this manhole lid look like it's smiling?

Happy Monday!

Remix

Yes, my blog looks different. And yes, it will probably change again soon...Until I'm perfectly happy with it. Suggestions are welcome, and patience is needed.

PS-The words in the heading come from a Lewis Carroll  poem. (surprise, surprise)

Such Goodness

I have to say, moving was a great decision. Not just for the money, but for the roommates. There is an awesome plasma screen, and a VCR! We've gotten a few movies from various places for pennies compared to the more modern forms of cinema entertainment. We've enjoyed Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Dirty Dancing, and others.

We've managed to have various girls nights, with the fingernail polish, chick flicks (such as Pride&Prejudice), and of course snacks. I've had fun cooking, too. This morning I made whole wheat pancakes with real raspberry maple syrup with the raspberries we picked last weekend. Yum :) I've also made raspberry scones, and raspberry lemonade.  

I am a water lover, so my favorite thing I've done these past few months has to have been going to the lake!  

I didn't think I was going to get to go swimming this summer...But I did, and I loved it...Even though I'm still paying the price. Oh, how negligent I can be about sunscreen. 

Yesterday I did my typical Friday adventure of visiting the farmers market. I got two things. Basil to add to my windowsill herb garden:

And flowers from who I call The Flower Lady.

She always helps me create the prettiest arrangement within my budget...a dollar. :)

  Not too bad, huh? She even invited me to bring my friends to her garden...which I'm sure she extends to everyone.

Last night we went to the Drive-In, and saw Toy Story III. I very much enjoyed it, and relate uncannily to Jessie. She's a cowgirl, with and interest in men who are out of this world, have a Latin flare, and can ride a unicorn (Buzz).  I mean, check out the resemblance!

We also climbed up a potato storage thing, to see a beautiful view and endless stars...Oh Idaho. It was a chilly night, so I tried to stay warm on the climb...in a Snuggie. I'm sure it was taboo to wear it backwards, but you try climbing one of those things with flipflops and a backwards robe! It was the only way...and I felt like a I belonged at Hogwarts...

Anyways, have a great weekend! 

More soon to come.

:)

Idaho Observations

Potatoes

Puppies

 Animals tied up in yards. 

When I saw the llama (or alpaca...I don't know)  I turned my car around to take a picture, and when I found a place to turn around, this is what I was in their yard:

A tied up goat.

And you never know when the ice cream truck is going to pull up.

Welcome to IDAHO.

:)

Two Words

Shark Week.

Are you ready? I know I am. I've been waiting all year. duDum...

Weddin' Bells

Three of my best friends I grew up with (Jen, Flieshia and Jenean) got married this summer. They found such wonderful guys, and I'm so excited for them! They looked amazing! Now that they're all old and married I'll probably never talk to them again (only kidding), but I love them and wish them the best...oh, and I couldn't make it to Jenean's wedding, so I just photoshopped myself in. Sorry for the too casual attire. My bad.

day by day

I’m back and better than ever! You’ll never guess what I did…MOVED. AGAIN. Hopefully for the final time for my year in Idaho. I don’t officially start work until next month, so I’ve been having a time keeping myself entertained. I apologize for the lack of blogging…It was due to my lack of internet, WHICH I now have. Oh, but before I move on I should mention the reason for moving. $$$. It was cheaper, and I’ve got to stretch my mula. Plus, I’m living with some really nice young ladies, so I can’t complain.

Now, down to business. How I spend the majority of my days:

Let’s start with Monday. This is a busy day of books, DI shopping, and bike riding...and whatever else suits my fancy. I have very slowly been reading Alice 's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There. I found them in a little used bookstore, on my trip to D.C. last fall...That's how long I've been reading them. And THEN I saw the movie...and I fell completely in love with Alice. These books are structured so much like an actual dream, and are so jumpy that I just love it. I'll often refer to her I'm sure. Considering my great love of Alice, Jeff so graciously got me a (everything I could ever need in a year, plus wonderful original illustrations and snippets) planner with an Alice in Wonderland theme, and I just LOVE it. Thank you :)  

 I've finished several other books in the past couple weeks, and hope to write a little more about them in the future, but now for more of what I'm occupying my Mondays with...I've been doing some practical DI shopping (our equivalent to Goodwill back home). I usually get (very lovely) junk, which I still do, but lately I've been focusing more on the important things. FOOD, or in other words, other ways to cook food rather than the microwave. I love to cook, and even enjoy reading a good cookbook from time to time (especially lately), so a few things were necessary. Crock pot, toaster oven, pots, pans, etc, etc... So now I can make lots of delicious food.  Exhibit A:

More fooding to come...To continue my Mondays I might go out for a ride. Not on a horse anymore, but on my sweet bike!  

Thank you, Craigslist. You make my life smile. This is an old awesome bike. It could use some touch-ups, which is exactly why it doesn't need any.

And on to Tuesday: Probably thought we would never get there with all the fun we've been having on Monday (of all days), but here we are. And what do we have on the agenda? TWO DOLLAR TUESDAYS at the cheap theater!!! It is because of this theater I had no shame in seeing Alice twice, A-Team (you wouldn't believe how great it is until you've seen it) twice, Knight and Day, Robin Hood, Iron Man II, Clash of The Titans twice, and plenty of others. Thank you Two Dollar Tuesdays. You have allowed me to be semi-up-to-date on our movie culture. PS-One movie worth the full price: INCEPTION. AMAZING [period]

Wednesday: Library trips...or repeat steps one through three... And grab a CUPCAKE! I'm on a mission, as I previously mentioned, to have every kind of cupcake this cupcake shop has to offer before moving. A delight for the week: 

Chocolate, chocolate with caramel and whipped cream drink, and both with a laptop. 

That is a good Wednesday...or any other day I decide to have a cupcake, cuz everyday they make a different selection. :) 

Thursday: Ditto to everything on Wed.

Friday: TGIF after a week like this! I'm sure you know the feeling ;) (that's a winky face) But in all seriousness, Fridays are great. I have a huge no ending, never beginning crush on Farmers Markets. The one here isn't too bad. I've managed to get orange blossom honey (I'm considering becoming a honey cono sur), cherries, tomatoes, and lovely flowers that reminded me of summers at my grandma's house. 

It's also our costume to get a different flavor snow cone from the neighboring snow cone hut. Today I got the sour patch kid. Not. Too. Bad. 

Saturday: Every one is different. Tomorrow I'm pickin' some raspberries, hittin' a used book store, and trying a new recipe with one of my new roomies.

Sunday: I recuperate from such a tough week. 

Remember back last year, when I went through a faze of celebrating a crazy holiday everyday? I'm thinking about bringing that back. I've been thinking about a lot of things actually. All these blog ideas have been floating around in my head, and I'm finally able to get them all out! I anticipate a really great year (after an extremely difficult year of uncertainty). I think I deserve a little fun, after all. 

I am good. I am great. I am hopeful, and grateful. I love my family, and miss my friends, but it will be worth it. It always is.

Peace.

coming to you in 2011

Coming in 2011

Fo' ya Info: with VISTA I am unable to work or accept any payments during my year of service. This means no Etsy until next year.

Thanks for all the support and love! 

I'm excited to share my experiences working with the community here in Idaho...as well as some personal happenings.

Such as:

I have a new pen pal, Ella, my niece; A-TEAM was extremely unexpectedly AWESOME; the farmers market on Fridays (which always entails hitting the snow cones, and getting the craziest concoction squirted on top...such as Frog in a Blinder) is what I look forward to in the week; I'm on a mission to try every cupcake in the local cupcake shop; DI is too close to where I live...it feeds my thrifting addition; and I'm picking up a new hobby I didn't think I was cool enough to start so far along in the game (LONGBOARDING). 


LIFE IS GOOD.

Tuesday P.S.

I GOT THE JOB! I'm very excited! I'll be an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Girl Scouts for one year...And I strongly believe in this t-shirt. :) 

As Days Go By

Mornin'! Do you ever have moments when your dreams are just overwhelming? You desire them so badly little tears just swell up in your eyes? Living in an apartment tends to do this to me. I've spent the morning planning out what I'm going to do once my dreams come true...Which my dreams are basically to have a little farm and a studio. Nothing fancy. Just a space to create, and be in the outdoors. 

I'm waiting to hear from a job that seems perfect for me right now. It's with Americorps VISTA. It is the perfect step to prepare me in so so many ways for when I start my masters (hopefully next Fall). Apparently I'm 1 of 2 people they are deciding between. Keep me in your prayers! 

I don't know if you've been around me and a computer, but I <3 du Web. Here's a fun video I found this morning in my dream search:

FLUFFY MC CLOUD from conorfinnegan on Vimeo.

:)

I'd be your valentine ALL year long

Ok, I know V-day was months ago, but every time I check my sisters blog these faces pop up!!!

hahahahaha! You'd be CRAZY! hahahaha I miss them so much! I also miss my bro's boys...And I got exciting news yesterday that they are having a GIRL! I know that's all Bekah could ever wish for, and I'm so glad she's on the way!

I miss my family. 

Can't wait to save up some moneyz to see them.

Life Out West

National Parks

Geysers

Weekend Getaways
Rodeos 
Camp Fires

 Let the adventures continue…

Rise and Shine

[Photo brought to you by Hipster Puppies]

Morning! I woke up today feelin' pretty good. Why you ask? Because there are a few ways I like to start my morning. First! I get in a spiritual thought. Today's comes from Sheri Dew's book If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard: "We are to bear each other's burden's, even absorb each other's burdens, but not to cause each other's burdens."

I also like to get my blogz in. One of my favorites: Awkward Family Photos

And a quick pick-me-up that is guaranteed to work : Puppies, Puppies, and more Puppies...And one for the Ladiez: Hot Guys Holding Cute Puppies

I also made a journal that covers all the basic necessities your soul needs to feel complete and happy...in my humble opinion. It covers the topics of emotional, spiritual, and physical. You fill it out morning and night, and it only takes a couple min. I think I might put the template on here for anyone who is interested, or sell them pre-made if time/motivation is a limitation. 

Speaking of selling things, I'm collecting and creating things I'd like to sell on Etsy, and even have a name and everything. I'm hoping (as long as things go smoothly...unlike the past month) I'll have my Good as Goldie Shop up and running within the month.

And this blog needs a revamp too! It's been two years...I think it's time for a new look.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

"they do exist!"

If there is anything these past few months should have taught me, it is that fairy tales don’t exist. I’ve caught myself hoping or daydreaming about something wonderful, and heroic happening in my life, and once I catch myself I try to say “what are you thinking? Life isn’t a fairytale.”

But I still don’t buy it! Life is what you make it, and sometimes it’s allowed to suck. It’s allowed to be hard, but you can’t keep feeling that way. When little glimmers of hope come up (sometimes in the form of a fairytale), feel it! Breathe it in! Experience it, and hope for a brighter day.

I do believe in fairytales; always have. I think that’s what has kept me sane my whole life. I like a line from an Emily Dickenson poem: “To much madness is divinest sense”. I think that’s why I relate to Alice in Wonderland so much. She doesn’t get caught up in the silly social qualms, but has her own monsters to slay. And by so doing, she is the heroine. Battle your demons, slay your dragons! Do whatever it is to fight for your happiness. Follow your dreams, and stay sensitive to reality, and someday you’ll have a happily ever after.

That’s my hope.

Rounding into June

Life is a whirlwind.

I moved to Idaho.

There was a tragedy.

I moved again.

I have a nice home.

I have to move on from someone I love. 

I have a broken heart.

I found a job.

I have hope.

I can't be like Moses' people, who wanted to go back to Egypt, because it was what they knew and were comfortable with. I have to want to go forward, across the wilderness, and into the promise land.

...I just wish I knew where it was...

Bye-Bye May

Well, May is almost gone…and this month has been something else for surez. I am currently looking for a new place (surprised? Cuz it has only been like a few months since I last moved). But in the mean time, I should say…I am happy. I am happy knowing that even if nothing turns out like expected, I’m still going to be ok…and not just ok, but often better than ok. I’m kind of a drifter right now, but hey! I’m good at it. :) I’m like a hot air balloon (and not in the since that it’s full of hot air…I hope), but in the way that it’s kinda slow about things and enjoys the ride…

And don’t ask how I took this picture. It was dangerous, and I was 10min late for work…Never again.

WHAT IN THE WEATHER?!

This morning I woke up, and opened the blinds…to an unsavory sight…SNOW. It’s almost JUNE!!! This is weird. I sent a text saying "Welcome to Idaho!" with this picture to my mom and sister:

 I received these replies:

Mom: "80 here"

Mindy: "I think I will stick to Ohio!"  [This picture attached]

It has been a tough tough week, here in Idaho. I have been staying with a loving and fun couple (Tim and Aly), and last week was extremely heartbreaking. Tim moved oil rigs for a living, and left just a couple weeks ago to start a new job. Last Wed night, Alyson heard the devastating news of her husband’s death, after worrying many hours as to why she couldn’t reach him. A few more details on the accident can be found here.

I didn’t get to know Tim really well, but from what I did know of him he was a bit of a jokester, a hard worker, great husband, and a very kind hearted man. It will continue to be a difficult while for Aly, and I hope with time she will be comforted in her loss.  As for now, she is taking it day by day, surrounded by many loved ones, and is stronger than she realizes. I admire her for it.

Lately I’ve been questioning my move, and if I am really where I should be. I’ve realized this week that if anything I’m here to help a friend in her loss. I don’t know how much I can do, but I know being here is better than not.  Please keep Aly in your prayers.

Cake Day

Today is my 23rd birthday.

 It’s kind of a weird feeling. I never expected to be where I am today…but I’ve never been where I thought I’d be. This year has been a struggle for me. I’ve felt as though I’ve lacked a purpose. As though I haven’t been doing enough, and yet have been doing all I can. While I was going to school, it wasn’t exactly where I wanted it to be, but I had a reason for being there, I knew it would come to an end, and I made the most of what I had. Now, for the past year I’ve been trying to fit all the pieces together, and they just still aren’t falling into place. I still have no clue what I’m doing with my life. I know where I want to go; I just have no idea how to get there.

I got so much comfort today while reading in the Book of Mormon. (1 Nephi 4) I need to have faith; be strong, and the Lord will provide a way. “And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do (4:6).” Is how I feel most the time in my life. “Never the less I went forth…(4:7)” is what I must do.

Life is just so great, and so hard. That is why we are here. This video is so wonderful in giving this message. I’ve read NieNie’s blog for a while now, and she is such a testament of having faith; being strong, and having the Lord provide a way:

I will be okay. I will be more than okay. My life is great, and I have a great work to do. Who knows, maybe I’m already working on it…:)

Good-Bye Party

I have so many wonderful friends in Cinci. The week before I left Dr. John (who was awesome and got plenty of food and anything else needed) and Brian let me crash their house and have a great party. So many people showed up. I didn't get everyone in the pictures above, but they were there.

I received so many kind words I could have cried. Katie was so awesome and helped a bunch too (including letting me crash her house, and was a ring leader to many of those kind words). Can't wait to see everyone again in the future!

P.S.- Only in Ohio will not even a fire pit stop the game of cornhole. Apparently it just adds to the challenge and excitement.

Off to something new...

I'm in IDAHO! So much to post, so little time. I'll start from the beginning:

Good-bye old job! I had so much fun working at the daycare. Days were long, but the kids were fun. One day I gave the kids a little Peter Rabbit book to make, and this is what one boy made:

If you can't tell what's going on, it's a rabbit with an electric guitar and rocket feet...Brilliant!!!

One of my favorite creative geniuses one day kept lifting up his shirt. When I said "put your shirt down, silly" He had a big smile on his face and I caught a glimpse of  a vampire on his belly. A good one, too! I would just sit and color with these kids, and listen to the clever stories they would come up with!

Bye kids :(

I miss them all.

I was looking through some old family photos today, when I ran across this one. Something about it just made me so happy. It could have been the rows of flowers, and the veggie garden in the middleground; the classic red barn, or the 1950's cars in the background...or it could just be because someone else saw the world with rose colored glasses too.

beautiful day

Only about 12 more days until I head west. I'll probably be in SLC for a couple days, so if you're in the area around April 12th let me know.

I'm outside working on a couple things, while I watch my sister's kids. It's so nice. It's still a little chilly, but the sun is out. Makes me happy. I've been trying to make a little money before I move, so I've been working as much as I can. I've been putting in more hours at work, working at a ranch a couple early mornings a week, and picking up just about anything else I can...I'm tired, and can't wait to just relax with Jeff, while drinking chocolate milk and watching a good movie :) If I had my way I would sell flowers on the street all day...or just give them away.

I've been trying to think of everything I need to do for the move. If you have any tips, tricks, advice, or whatnot, I'm open to it. Time to get packin'!

I'm Alive!

Happy Birthday Mom!

 Okay, it isn't my mom's birthday, but it wasn't when this picture was taken either. She came down to visit when I was in college, and my roommates made sure she had a good time too. This was a picture I took of the picture they have posted on the birthday wall at the restaurant. I just found it and wanted to share :)

Ok, I know I haven't written much for several weeks, but I've been BUSY! I've been working at my job (which is pretty fun, and I hear some of the funniest conversations everyday. Yesterday a kid handed another kid a wood chip, and said "here's a crystal", and the other kid was like "dude?! this isn't a crystal!"...maybe you had to be there). I've also been planning...

When I say planning, I mean preparing to move! I've moving to Idaho. Yes, Idaho of all places. I can't wait to spend more time with Jeff, and have some new adventures near Yellowstone. I've got a great place to live, and things are really falling into place. I told my work I was moving yesterday, and Whitney is flying in to drive out with me! (It's a pre-road trip to our exciting one this summer) Now, I just have to wait and pack. And if anyone knows of any job openings out there let me know. 

I just got back from the best trip I've ever had to Idaho...out of three. Makes me so excited to move. I had a great week with Jeff, and stayed with my awesome friend Jackie. Then I went to Salt Lake for an amazing girls night out with the ladies I grew up with. 

I loved it.

I'll be back soon.