Saturday, July 31, 2004

Fair was well...fair

Good Saturday to you everyone. I am having a great day as I got on the scales today and found myself 2 lbs lighter. I am very happy about that and it certainly is paying off to watch what I am eating. I have worked all day today so that I can take Monday and Tuesday off to go and see my friend in Nor. Cal. I am looking forward to it because we are going to San Francisco and Sacramento while I am there. I am also looking forward to some total quality time with my friend who is taking me :) I love that kid!

I am finding myself really growing in friendships lately just simply because they are good for me finally and the unhealthy people are out of my life. I am so glad because it's amazing to be surrounded by good people. I also thought today how awesome it is that I am at this amazing point in my life. I am finally doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, and where I want to do it. Granted I am not quite the rebel that it sounds like I am, but I am certainly the master of my own destiny so to speak!

Last night I took Jaylie to the fair and it was a good time. We rode some rides, had some fair food, and ran into my auto guy JOE! Yes, you heard right. He was working the tent for Auto Club which was interesting. You never know what you might find at the fair. I did after all ask for prayer yesterday to find my husband at the fair. Who knows???!! Just kidding

Overall the fair was a great time and Jaylie and I got some good bonding time together. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would but it could be that the Auto Club thing made my night. I also was able to chat with a good friend last night which was way appreciated and I love talking to friends. This friend is fairly new to me and it is good to start to grow with him.

Today has been really great as I lost the 2 lbs, got to talk to my favorite boy here in Cali, and have worked all day which equals some serious $$! Honestly, not much to report other than the 2 lost lbs which is super big news but have a great weekend everyone and tune in tomorrow for more excitement (as usual) ~Shalom~

Friday, July 30, 2004

Gonna pick up a Carnie

Happy Friday everyone! I hope your week has been spectacular. Mine is far from over as I am coming into work on Saturday and Sunday for 8 hours each in order to make up time for next week as I am going out of town. Tonight is the big night. I am taking my mentor girl (Jaylie) to the Orange County Fair. This isn't the same as an Indiana fair. If you are from anywhere other than Indiana, an Indiana fair includes the following; pie contests, ACDC songs, the Gravitron, and mullets. Here in Southern California you might get a mullet or two but they are most defintely not from Orange County! Orange County, Indiana (right by my county of Lawrence) is very redneck and here...not so much.

I am feeling mixed on taking Jaylie to the fair. I am getting so old that I can't even tell you. I have no idea what the fun ever was in a fair other than the food any more. I remember that I liked a funnel cake, hot dogs, grilled corn, fried snickers etc... but those things are off limits to me now so I guess it's the livestock for me. I have seen plenty of that growing up in Indiana. Doesn't everyone love that farm on Hancock Avenue right in the middle of town. I mean, we saw cows going to lunch from school. Life is funny in Indiana ...that's what I have decided.

Things here are going pretty well. I am trying to get myself on my feet financially right now and that's proving to be quite a feat. I had an interview today with a job finding agency to see if I can find a clerical position in my area that wants someone part time. I took a bunch of tests to see what I am good at and apparently clerical is what I do. I type really well and so it looks like receptionist positions or data entry are it. They pay pretty well here though and that's good. Please pray that I get a job soon though because I am getting nervous for certain!

This week I have learned a lot about what I need in friends. Do you ever do an inventory of who you allow in your life and wonder what on Earth you were thinking. There are times in your life where you are extremely lonely and you forget what you require in a friend much less a partner. I have wasted some serious time and energy lately on people who are just foul. I have decided no more of that. I don't need it! Then I have these amazing friends who God has clearly decided I deserved when I didn't. I love my friends! You all are such a blessing to me. This weekend I get to spend time with 2 of my dearest and I am so excited about that.

I miss you Indiana folks! I think you should know that! I love you all very much and I need to close this post for the day as I have some more things to do before picking Jaylie up. Please pray that I can find a husband at the fair. I have always wanted to marry a carnie! HA HA (totally joking ya'll) Love you all and ~Shalom~

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Joe Joe the Auto Club Man

Last night I got a quote on car insurance from Auto Club and it's the best quote I have ever gotten. I got to meet this great guy that works there named JOE! It was a lot of fun so I just had to tell you all because who knows what could progress out of this little "quote." I also should note that Joe got me a rate for $1,000 less than another leading company. :) You gotta love that guy!

Today has been fun. I went to my first meeting of Floor Moms. I am doing this program at Vanguard called "Floor Moms" where you help new Freshmen to feel welcome and just be there for them. It's a great ministry and I am working on a great team of Pam, Judy, Heather, Mary, and I. It will be so much fun with that team!

Also, I got called for an interview today for a receptionist job which is better for my health. I have the interview at 10:00 tomorrow morning so I defintely need prayers as soon as possible. I am very much hoping that something works out soon as I need a job soon with the library position ending on August 24th. I am not worrying though because God takes care of me. I am just praying for the right job to come along and for me to see it coming!

Today I experienced moderate saddness about not being in college anymore. That was an interesting feeling for me because well, I haven't felt it yet. I graduated in May and I have been nothing but exhuberent that I don't have homework, classes, roommates, etc... Now is a different story though. I walked into a Vanguard classroom for a meeting and my eyes got a little misty with thoughts of not "belonging" here anymore. I was mega sad!

Here is another gripe right now. I miss my people. I haven't spent time with one of my favorite boys in 2 years and now I am missing another one! OH well..I'll shut up now!

Well, that's it for today folks. Have a great day and ~Shalom~

 

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

The Naked Nanny

How funny is this story? This morning I was awakened by a friend at 7:00 a.m. Now, it happened to be my current favorite boy so I wasn't so sad about it but welcomed his sweet voice in the morning hours. We had a nice leisurely morning talk about cell phones, dogs, and piano while he played in the background. (my life sounds remarkably romantic but I assure you, it's not) We got off the phone because I needed to get ready to head to work. I began to get dressed and in the middle of that process I was rudely interrupted by one of our housekeepers,*THE MALE ONE*, entering my room to clean.  He was able to see the "naked nanny" for certain. I was so embarassed but he didn't seem that embarassed. I then had to continue getting ready and head to the kitchen for some breakfast (which I took "to go" after that episode) and met him again face to face. I was pretty embarassed. I have no idea what he uttered upon walking in on me because he didn't speak English. So that was my morning.

This afternoon has been better as I have been in a safe zone at good old Vanguard Library. Most of you know that I have been somewhat thrown into financial upheavel recently and I solved another portion of that today. I was really proud of myself for how I am handling things lately. Now, that being said I have barely enough to live on but my bills are getting paid and that's important. I am still in need of another job so keep praying about that.

I am so excited because on Sunday I am heading to Northern California to see Heather. Heather is my last year college roomie and one of my nearest and dearest girls. I am going with one of my favorite boys because he is originally from up north and is going to drop me off on his way. I am very happy that I am not only getting to see Heather but spending some time with him on the ride up and back. My life is full of very wonderful people right now and I am so lucky to have the group of friends that I have.

A lot of times I think of how I am going to be 24 soon, (11 days actually) and I think of how I am not married, don't have kids, don't have anyone *yet* romantically special to me, etc...and I begin to get sad. Well, these are the times when I realize my life is incredibly full. I have a relationship with God that is real and serious. I have great friends in Indiana and California who I keep good solid relationships with. I have family *some* who love me and pray for me. Most of all, I have my health *mental and physical*. I have been released from all things unhealthy and finally have my life together. If being in a relationship means that you have to disregard your personal emotional health, it is completely not worth it. Today is a day where I thank God from saving me from the daggers of divorce. It could have been and I am so glad it isn't!

Well, I should close today's post as it has all been said. Oh yeah, I am so happy because this Friday I am taking Jaylie to the Orange County Fair. It's a really great fair and I am excited to take her and see her have some fun and to have some time with her again. Thanks for stopping in everyone. I love you all dearly and ~Shalom~

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Photos are so fun!

Today I did something I literally haven't done in 6 years. I had professional pictures taken. Now, when I say professional pictures, I mean Sears Portrait Studio. I just haven't had pictures taken in a long time and thought since I have lost 104 lbs it would be good to get some new pics. They aren't wonderful but they were so much fun to get taken. I will upload some onto the web-page which will be fun. They are funny. I actually got to wear a red firemen hat which was super great. You all know that I am crazy as it is and the person who was taking my photos felt it necessary that my personality would fit well with the firemen deal! :) It was great!

I have had an ok day. The major crisis that came down this week is now solved. Now, this has repercussions that are going to last for some time but overall the major problem is solved as of today. I am really glad it's over with for the most part. I am healing slowly from the situation and seriously am so glad that God came through with all the help he did through someone who loves me :)

The weight loss thing is hard but going well. I weigh in every Saturday so I make myself stay away from the scale during the week and just eat well and exercise. I am trying really hard and I want it more than anything so I figure it's time to get 'er done! ;)

My major goals right now are to get to my goal weight, be financially independent and take care of myself, and to find a grad school to go to and get in. I really want to go to Vanguard but we'll see. Please also pray that I find a job soon that I can handle. I am going to see about the surrounding libraries in Southern California since I have a lot of experience there and it would be ideal for grad school. Keep praying everyone! Today has been an ok day. If any of you know me really well you know that today and tomorrow are hard days for me on the calendar. If you can just pray that my heart deals well with them this year as they are harder with new things in my life.

Thanks for your prayers everyone and have a great day and please let me know how you all are doing! ~Shalom~

Monday, July 26, 2004

Literally day of Hell

Hi everyone. I would love to say that this post will be more fun and happy but seriously, I have had a horrible day already. I had a very big trauma happen on Saturday that has spilled over into the weekend and today. I have been fighting this problem and will still be through tomorrow. Do you ever just wonder "when will it end?" I am wondering that on a moment to moment basis right now. I am seriously overwhelmed.

A week or so ago I had a very hard time physically and since then I have really been trying to take care of myself in the physical health aspect. These last couple of days it has become apparent why I needed to do that. I mean, had I let my health go, this could have killed me. There have been moments in the last couple days where I have thought my head might fall off from stress. I don't know if there is an actual ailment where your head falls off from stress but I am pretty sure if it can happen, it will to me. I really am not a pessimistic person but this life...could make me one!

I wish I could go into what's been happening in my life but I would rather not publish it on the internet. If you are that curious, give me a call and we'll talk. There are just some serious crisis matters plaguing my life right now. I would love to just let it go but there are things humanly that have to be done. I am trying very hard to surrender all of my fears, worries, heartache, and stress to God and that's all I can do right now.

I am still healthy and taken care of so God is still on the throne. No matter what happens I just want to make sure and give him my praise and adoration as He truly deserves it. I hope this post lets you all know that things will be ok but I am in deep need of your prayers for stress release and provision. Thanks all and ~Shalom~

Sunday, July 25, 2004

~*Deeper than Dr. Phil*~

As most of you know, I just graduated with a psychology degree. That being said, I might have had a small emotional outburst tonight for reasons unstated on the internet. There are those days where you think through a lot of things in your life and you wonder why they happened. You wonder sometimes why you invested into someone just to have them leave your life and scars to boot. You wonder why good people suffer and these bad slimy people prosper. You wonder why "when it rains, it pours!" There are these pressing questions that plague me almost daily. Lately I have been trying to be completely self-aware so that I can be healthy emotionally. In my short 24 years (my birthday is 2 weeks from tomorrow), I have seen a lot of heartache. I have seen a lot of pain, sorrow, abuse, and torment being inflicted upon people who really didn't have it coming. I wonder why sometimes. I guess those people probably wonder more than I do.

Have you all been able to watch "Extreme Makeover..home edition?" It's absolutely amazing what these people do for people with hard lives. Tonight I was watching it where there are 8 kids and both parents pass away. I wasn't watching in the beginning of the show to find out how BOTH parents died but seriously, I was crying like a baby! It was so sad yet so amazingly wonderful to see their house being redone for them and their joy attached to it. I watched that and contemplated my life 10 years down the road. If all goes according to Erica's Plans..(and it never does) I will be doing therapy for families in that time span. I will be coming across people who hurt the way these 8 children have. I was perplexed that God would call me to such a career and completely make me good at it. I know that sounds completely arrogant and prideful but let's be honest, I am proud of the person God has made me. I can endure listening to anyone's problems and literally feel the things they are feeling. People, that's a blessing ...not a curse. As I watched these children get a house that they don't even have to pay for, I was so happy for them. Deep down I was absolutely estatic for them. Empathy is an interesting feeling to have.

I'm sorry that last paragraph got kind of deep for some of you. (Sorry Josh) ha ha Anyway, I really have had one of those days where you just wonder what it all means. I have this amazing relationship with God these days where I am getting closer to knowing his character and all I can say about that is....He continues to surprise me. He came through for me yesterday through my dad and just blessed me to pieces. I am so happy to be able to see his love for me so clearly. Sometimes it takes this huge tragic thing to happen for you to see how much He goes to bat for you. Again, I am getting kinda deep!

So anyway, did anyone catch the new show on tonight called "The Days." It's this new sitcom where there are 2 parents (still married) and three children in the home. They are approximately 17, 15, and 10 or so. The 17 year old has become pregnant and the mom is also pregnant. The whole show is just about the family dynamic and I tend to like these shows because I start to think psychologically about them but seriously, when did we get so jaded? When did we find it absolutely normal to have children having children! I am 24 and nowhere near the mark to have a child! I am nowhere near being able to adequately care for another human being solely. Wow, that's big stuff. I have no idea how a 17 year old does it and it happens every day. How sad?! All of you from Indiana know this all too well. How many of our friends have kids...multiple kids and aren't even married? Thank God for my close friends who have really done things correctly and fought to make things work. I admire those of you who have children and totally care for them because it takes a giant!

Well, today has been severely deep and weird for me. Sometimes I will randomly become really analytical, inquisitive, and random in my thought patterns. Please excuse this and chalk it up to the salty sea air! Have a great week everyone and ~SHALOM INDEED~



Saturday, July 24, 2004

~One of those days~

Have you ever had a day where you literally thought "I would rather poke a pen in my eyeball and swirl it around than deal with this!?" Well, that's been my day. I am still loving life and joyful in the fact that I have a God that loves me and never forsakes me. I had a very awful thing happen today that would be inappropriate to discuss on the internet but just know that it has been a crappy day! Crappy in the sense of EVERYTHING is going wrong. I am happy to report, however, that it is almost 5:30 p.m. my time and things are beginning to look up. I am quite the Pollyanna when it comes to life. I can see that God loves me and takes care of me regardless of what others do but sheesh.....life is crazy today!

The weight loss endeavors took a back seat this morning to a bigger and better crisis. Sometimes I wonder why someone like me (who is low-drama) always is surrounded by drama then I realize, oh yeah, it's who I allow to be drama. A friend of mine is really wise and completely never lets someone get him upset. He doesn't take on the world's problems nor does he allow other people to plague him with stuff. He is just really tough and I am hoping that some of that will come to me and I'll learn it through him and finally be able to just be me and not feel bad about it.

I desperately need to find another job before the end of August so that I can make ends meet when my job at the library ends. Please write me at ericak849@aol.com if you know of anything in my area. I am looking for something that won't be physically exhausting since diabetes has been kicking my rear. I will work as many hours as I need to as long as they aren't exerting beyond what the body can take. I don't care if I have to have 13 jobs tutoring as long as I can make ends meet. I am very determined to be financially independent no matter what that takes.

Everything else is going ok and I am doing really well on my eating habits and exercise habits so far. You can check out my other blogs on my profile which are a food log and exercise log. Fun times! I am really looking forward to taking my mentor girl (Jaylie) to the Orange County Fair next week. I hope she gets to go. I think it will be a blast to go with a kid again. I don't have a lot of funds but hopefully we'll have a good time anyway.

My trip to northern California got postponed at best until next week just due to my car being wrecked and not being repaired yet and my friend who was going to go with me couldn't make it this weekend. Hopefully I get to go and see Heather next week though and her family. I miss my girl and her parents. I am also looking forward to seeing Northern California as a few people I love are from there.

Well, I should get off here and maybe get on with my day. Thanks for listening and ~Shalom~

Friday, July 23, 2004

Web-paging my life away

Hello everyone! I hope you are all logging on today after having a beautiful day. I have decided that no matter what comes my way, I am determined to find joy in it. So, nothing new about my car today. I haven't heard from my insurance company at all and quite honestly I am not sure even who the fault lies with in the accident. I do know, however, that I can't drive my car at night until I get that headlight fixed. I would encourage any of you who are from Indiana to NOT deal with Farm Bureau insurance because they are completely incompetent. Sad but true

I am working on finding another job that is less physically exhausting than what I have been doing lately. I applied for one at the Government Leader's Prayer Breakfast for an administrative assistant type job. I have sent my resume so please pray that I hear from them for an interview. It would be a great job because it's only 20 hours a week at $15.00 an hour. That is a good supplement to my nanny position.

In other news, today I have been looking for auto insurance out in California. So far I have heard from Geico and they were excellent to me and we'll see what the quote comes out as. I am very excited about actually moving completely out to California. I will be changing my drivers license and plates soon too. I will be a California resident. WOO HOO! Up until now I have been a student out here but retained residence in good ol' Indiana.

This weekend I am going to be trying to get my life a little more organized and set some things in order. I had a really good healthy day yesterday and I am looking forward to seeing the pounds drop off with my new exercise regime. Overall I am trying to get healthy for once.

If you haven't checked out my web-page yet, I would encourage you to do so. I have added a lot of stuff and have worked a little on it each day. It's a fun place to go and just navigate around. There is a new weight loss page with a before and after shot of me, a celebrity of the week, musician of the week, song of the week, and lots of fun stuff to play with. This weekend I will be getting my pictures back from Colorado and they are super fun and I'll load them up on the web-page as soon as I can. You all will get to see my mega-relaxing vacation in Colorado with Josh which I hope you will enjoy! I also took some pics of my new Newport Beach House that will have it's own page as well and you can scout out what my "crib" looks like! Did I just say CRIB?? HA HA

Anyway, I am doing much better everyone and thank you if you are praying for me. I had some much needed time in prayer last night, a healthy eating day, a good work out, and 8 hours of sleep. That is all good stuff for me. Keep praying everyone and thank you so much. Overall prayer requests are for Cavie to get repaired, provision for my mom and sisters in Indiana as they are struggling, and for me to find good insurance in Southern California. Thanks everyone and ~shalom~

Thursday, July 22, 2004

I hate my life (said in Redneck accent)

My little sister, Brittany has this thing she says when something goes wrong. She works up her best hick redneck accent and says "I hate my life." I feel like saying that so much today. Today has been an interesting day. Last night was good because my favorite boy-friend Joel changed the oil on my car which was much appreciated and Cavie is acting a lot nicer today. The trouble started today when I had to go and resign from Babystyle. I hated doing it because I made decent money and I really liked it. I really need to make myself a priority right now and that includes eating correctly, exercising normally, and sleeping a little more. I have to think about my health right now because my dad said this and it made sense; "Erica, you won't be any good as a doctor if you are on kidney dialysis 3 times a week!"  I have to agree with him. Now for those of you who are confused, I am not going to be a medical doctor but a psychotherapist and that requires me to be a lot healthier. Not only healthier physically but emotionally in my weight loss endeavors.

Let's be honest, I am so blessed to have people in my life who will tell me the truth and not skirt around things. Pam, my favorite library mom, gave it to me straight yesterday and I love her more for being truthful with me. I have great friends and family who are willing to kick me in the rump when I need it. I am sure most of you know that I am a type I diabetic and I really don't take care of it. I went off insulin a while back for monetary reasons and I have been trying to keep the sugar down but not eating is not the way to do that. If I can't keep it down naturally I need to find a way to be back on insulin or at least on oral medication. I have to begin to watch myself diabetically so much because I can be quite the bad diabetic. Overall, I am going to have to make priorities and try to keep them.

Later in the day I had to call my insurance company back home in Indiana to try to handle things with the Cavie's wreck. I spoke with the rudest representative they have who was completely incompetent. She took 2 weeks to contact me for a statement much less handling it. In the mean time, I am driving illegally with one headlight at night when I have to be somewhere. I don't have the money to rent a car or I would. I have no $$ to fix the car and it looks as if it is going to be independent blame. My deductible is $500 which is way more than my wallet can stand to feel. I have too many bills to fix my car presently. I am really bummed about this because Cavie looks so bad. Please pray I can save the money and get Cavie fixed.

Lately I have been working on being a better financial manager but seriously, I need to start being like a friend of mine who I won't mention their name because they might get embarassed. He is the most frugal of all of my friends and seriously uses coupons on everything. I don't believe he pays full price for anything. I could learn a few things from Josh...I mean...him. I love that about him though and he seems to always have everything he needs.

I seriously am going through the largest learning phase of my life. I mean, how much can someone learn about themselves in one year? I am happy to be wiser, single, passionate, driven, goal oriented, and moving up the improvment ladder. Who knows what is next?! Please keep praying everyone for manna or CASH to fall from heaven. I have seen weirder things happen. Well everyone, have a beautiful day and ~Shalom~

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Please pray for me

Hi everyone! Today has been a very bad day to say the least. I went to work this morning and passed out from exhaustion. I know that I have been trying to make it look like I am really enjoying 3 jobs but let's be serious, I am tired. I haven't been eating properly in hopes of losing this blasted weight and sleep isn't really in abundance either. I have been really destroying my body and in turn, it quit on me today. I had to quit babystyle in order to fully give my body the things it needs. I am very mad at myself for having to quit but I am trying to be realistic.

I am really hurting right now because I want to be at goal weight. My goal weight is a healthy 125 lbs but from the other blog we all know that I weigh 232 so I have more than 100 lbs to go. This is the most frustrating thing in my life right now. I feel like people would view me differently if I wasn't so overweight. I feel like the one thing I want the most in life right now is not mine because I am not good enough. That is a horrible way to feel. I hate feeling this way when I know in my head that it isn't healthy. I am aware in my head that people like me as a friend because I am worth liking. I know that the beautiful men that I share my life with in friendship know who I am and appreciate it....but.....it doesn't stop me from feeling like my life will be full of guy-friends and nothing more. I am feeling so alone and completely empty.

I know that right now what I need to do is take some time for me and God. I know that I need to sleep and nourish myself and relax but something in me won't allow that. I need the money of having 3 jobs which I no longer have. I need the busy-ness to keep my mind off the lonliness. Please pray for me everyone and realize that this Erica...is a sad one. I really wish I had some great encouraging happy words to share with all of you today but I don't.

Please keep Cavie in prayer because as you all know...I wrecked her and she needs repaired. Also, I am just nervous that she is going to quit on me because it needs serviced and I have no $$! Please keep praying all and I love every one of you! ~Shalom~

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Back to the grind....my life is empty sometimes

Have you ever woke up in the morning and thought "what is this life all about?" I have thought that today as I returned to my cushy residence in Newport Beach. I am really so happy where I am at and with what I am doing, however, today feels weird. I just came back from seeing Josh today and landed in beautiful Southern California at 6:00 this evening. I really do love it here but relaxing for 5 days in Colorado made me realize that I want so much more for my life. I am longing for so much and I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that I need. I am searching but seriously, I am not sure if I will ever figure it out.

Josh and I ended up having a great last day together. We went to Columbine which was amazing. We actually snuck in because that is the kind of people we are. I am so fascinated with the whole thing and Josh was a little creeped out but completely compliant. He is such a friend. We then had some great lunch at Chilis and I took off for California. Thanks for such a great time Josh and Family! I totally appreciate it!
 
Well this is the end of my post tonight and oh yeah, Mark...you're a freak! Have a wonderful day everyone and thanks for reading my depressing rantings! ~Shalom~

Monday, July 19, 2004

Last official day in Colorado

Today is my last full day here in Colorado with Josh. I am not super sad about it because I really do have to get back to California and make some $$! I have really enjoyed my time here with Josh and his friends and family. After posting yesterday Josh came home and we went to Red Rocks which is this place that is a tourist attraction kinda and a concert venue. It is really gorgeous and we took a picture for the web-site.

We then went out with a group of Josh's friends and his parents to this legend in Josh's mind called "Casa Bonita." It's this restaurant/entertainment zone where everything is kinda themed. Josh is very excited about this place so I wouldn't dream of putting it down. It was fun and we were in the room where the magician performs while you eat. It inspired me and I could quite possibly pick up a 4th job in magic.  We had a great time and Josh's friends are great. They are way low key like him and I enjoy that.

My favorite friend I have met here of Josh's is defintely Dan. Dan is mexican so obviously he is really attractive but that has little to do with why I enjoy him. He is completely like Josh so again, just an easy guy to like. He is really funny and completely low key so it was fun to hang with him and the others.   After our "Casa Bonita" experience, we met up with another one of Josh's friends (Caleb). Caleb seemed really cool too and brought the girl he is dating. We decided to rent a video and chill at Dan's house for the rest of the evening. We rented 187 which is this movie with Samuel L. Jackson where he teaches at a inner city school and it's really kinda freaky but I liked it. Josh and I just kinda hung out all night but Josh slept through the movie. SURPRISE SURPRISE!  

We got home really late so we decided to just go to bed when we got in. Today Josh has to work until 4:00 so I have just been chillin at his house all morning. This evening we are having the legend of all legends...Randy's Steaks. Randy is Josh's dad and apparently he makes the best steak ever. I am excited since I am a proclaimed beef eater. I have no idea what else is on the agenda for tonight but I think we are hanging out with Josh's friends again. Tomorrow before I take off for Cali we are going to Columbine which is of course the moment I have been waiting for.   Overall this has been a great vacation and very relaxing. My only sad statement is that I have eaten so much since I have been here. I haven't gained any weight but I certainly haven't lost any. I spend a lot of time just sleeping and relaxing but those of you who really know me, know that I needed that. Wednesday I am back to the world of 3 jobs so this relaxing has to carry me through. By the way, it's almost my 24th birthday! Pretty exciting!  

Well, I should close the post for the day and maybe get dressed. It's 2:15 here and I am seriously in my pajamas. I told you he relaxes me! Have a great day everyone and I'll see you all soon! ~Shalom~


Sunday, July 18, 2004

Oreos, Goldfish, Josh, Oh My!

Here I am again. Another day in Colorado where everything is absolutely relaxing. Can I tell you how I have slept about 4,000 hours since being here. Josh makes me tired I think. Yesterday was absolutely amazing. I went up to the Rockies with Josh's parents. We had SUCH a good time. I saw some real life Elk. Now that is a big deal for me since I am Erica Lea King (ELK). I was so excited to be that close to my own animal. I also was able to pick up some fun souvenirs for those I love. Josh had to work so I didn't see much of him yesterday except for Breakfast. He got home last night at about 10:00 though and we went for a walk and talked and watched some stupid tv show that was really brainless. Oh well, exactly why he relaxes me.
 
Today has been a fun day as well. Josh is working right now until 5:30 but I was able to drive Josh's parents truck and go to the mall here. Now everyone knows that is the main thing for me to check out when going anywhere. There is this great mall here that carries everything I love. I went to Lane Bryant and spent a small fortune and got a really cute shirt for my lil sis at Hot Topic that says "Your mom has a mullet!" I thought it was great and Britt was way excited too. Overall things have been so fun and Josh and I are really growing in our friendship. I can tell that we are just becoming better and better friends as the days pass. It's always easier to really know someone when you see where they are from and who has raised them.
 
I have found that Josh was raised absolutely wonderfully since being here. His family are the kindest people ever! They are all so nice and loving and really taught Josh how to love and know who he is. I really wanted to write in this blog one of the things I really admire about Josh. Josh knows exactly who he is and NEVER apologizes for it. I have that same quality of not apologizing for the woman that I am and Josh is just proud of who he is. I love that about him. I have more fun with him knowing that he is certain of what is going on in his heart and head. If there is anything that I have learned in my adventure to Colorado, it is that Josh's friendship is not a mistake. He is one of the best decisions I have ever made!  Thanks so much Josh for being you and truly being someone I am proud to call a friend. I hope I can always be there for you if you need me!
 
I am really excited to get back and add my new pictures of Colorado to my web-site. I took a picture of Josh this morning when he was all ready for work because he looks moderately attractive (ha ha) and it will be a part of my Josh page on my web-site. I also am going to take a picture of Josh and I tonight so we have something to keep from the trip and frame. Of course that will also go on the web-site. Well, make sure and stop in to EricaLand and see everything coming soon. When I get back to California, I have to work a lot so it will be a little work on the web-site each day. Have a great day everyone and thanks for your prayers. My trip has already been a blast just because of Josh quality time. ~Shalom~

Saturday, July 17, 2004

Josh = no stress!!!!

Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing great. I am having a ton of fun with Josh and his indoor soccer hotties! I went to watch him play indoor last night and that was an experience. Let's be serious, there was a hot mexican man who made direct eye contact with me over an order of Wendy's chicken nuggets! He can't really speak English but I figure he only needs to know how to say my name to have a fun time. (j/k)
 
Josh is a fun host and we actually ended up riding home in the back of a jeep with no windows where I was literally freezing to death! We were having to talk rather loud in order to have a conversation but as usual Josh and I had a great talk even there.  We ended up having to take a big fat walk when we got home because I am eating whatever Josh eats and that is usually something saturated with fat and rolled in sugar. I can't stand to gain any more pounds so that's bad news for me. I am forcing Josh to keep me accountable to exercise and if you have ever seen Josh walk, he walks way faster than I do so I have to keep up which makes the heart rate move!
 
We are having a super-great time and we are learning a lot about the opposite gender just by hanging out. He is this amazing friend that I can say literally anything to so life is good! I am so grateful to Josh and his family for having me. It's so relaxing which is good. I called work today and got my schedule and when I get back, it's work work work...until I pass out. It's good I am getting this vacation.
 
Well, I should close this post as Josh and I are going to watch "The Sandlot." I have never seen it so Josh insists that I must now! Have a great day everyone and a big fat ~Shalom~

Friday, July 16, 2004

Colorado/Josh=So much Fun :)

So here I am in Josh's house in Colorado. It's so much fun to be able to see and hang out with Josh. He and I have such a fun time being the judgmental people that we are. It's amazing how you can know someone who is the male version of you. The trip so far is going really well. I had a great and safe plane ride. I had to switch planes in Pheonix. It was not too bad as I only had about an hour layover. The weirdest thing happened from Pheonix to Denver though. I was riding in the plane minding my own business when a (very attractive) guy began asking me personal questions like "How old are you?" and "Where did you graduate college from?" Well, I answered Vanguard just to find out that he was a youth pastor in the Pheonix area who also is a Vanguard Alum. Isn't the world a small place?!
 
I got to Denver at around 4:00 (their time) and Josh was covered in paint from doing a job painting earlier in the day. I figured out the airport rather quickly and we came back to Josh's house. It's really nice and totally comfortable to stay in. He has this adorable dog (Winston) who really is the chubbiest and cutest thing I have ever seen. (That was true until he woke me up this morning) HA HA
 
Josh and I went out for dinner at this amazing place that is also in Indiana called Fazzoli's. It's fast food Italian and it's so good. They have unlimited free breadsticks and I always eat baked ziti. It's sooooo good!  Josh always knows how I love to eat! Later on we decided to go to a movie with Josh's friend (may I add here that this guy is beautiful) Dan! We went to see Spiderman2 and it was a decent movie except I can't speak for the 10 minutes that I literally slept because I was so tired. Josh ended up waking me up though and I watched the rest. Not a bad movie at all!
 
Today Josh has to work for a little bit so I am "Home Alone." HA HA I decided I would blog rather quickly and log my first day in the beautiful state of Colorado. I am really happy because I was hoping it would rain while I was here. For those of you that don't understand this, it's because it NEVER rains in Southern California and I miss the rain. It rained last night so I was happy and the air smelled so clean! I have no idea what Josh and I are doing tonight other than I am watching him play indoor soccer. You all know (most likely) that I love to watch soccer. It's the socks!
 
By the way, I should note that I had a special boy call me last night and that was fun. He wanted to know when we could "see" each other?! I was pretty stoked. Oh well, for today, I am just enjoying quiet, solitude, no drama, and total fun in the land of Josh McCall. I love my guy friends! Have a great day everyone and Josh, if you are reading this....I love you and your hospitality! ~Shalom~

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Still loving life...regardless

Hi everyone. This will be my last post for a little bit because I leave tomorrow morning for Colorado. I am so excited to see Josh and have a little vacation before breaking back into the 3 job world. I miss my favorite Josh so much and I can't wait to spend some much needed quality time with him. I love my guy friends so much and use them as a template of what I would want in a man. They each have a few of the characteristics, but none that match completely yet.

BabyStyle is good and things are panning out as I thought they would. I am totally doing great at it and learning the ropes more daily. I really like it as it keeps me busy and I am losing a lot of weight working there. I am also making a good deal of money since I get about 32 hours a week there. I am missing the library quite a bit just because I only get a few hours a day there but I am going to make time to see my favorite library workers!

Life is good other than that. The love thing didn't pan out but seriously, it's better than ok. I am completely fine with God wanting his best for me and nothing less. I have faith that God loves me so much and has this amazing man picked out for me who is everything I would want and MORE! I have to believe that because I don't have time or the heart to look for him. Thank God for friends in the mean time!

Well, I should get going as I need to start packing for my very exciting trip tomorrow but have a great day everyone and thanks for stopping in. ~Shalom~

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Loving my life...truly blessed

Have you ever come to a point where you realize that you are the luckiest person in the world no matter what you are missing? I am there today. I have found so much to be happy about. I am doing great at my jobs, loving my friendships now, and totally losing weight daily. I also am pretty sure I am currently what some people call "in love!" I am not prepared to talk about this to anyone yet so this is just me throwing it out there but I haven't LOVED anyone for some time. All of you are aware of the adolfo drama and how that all played out but seriously, I am loving with all of my heart these days. I am not prepared to disclose what's going on in my heart or make a plan for how to deal with it yet but I sincerely am the happiest I have been in my heart to this point. I love when you find something great in your life and even if it never becomes yours, you are just happy to be there for the moment. I am truly blessed. The blog is going to be short today because I am exhausted and I need to go home and lay around and do nothing but I love you all and have a great day! ~Shalom~

Monday, July 12, 2004

3 days until Colorado :)

Hi everyone, the day is coming to a close and it's been a good restful one. I gave my 8 hours to the library today and I am exceedingly happy because Pam is back from Vacation. Pam, in case you aren't aware, is my absolute favorite part of O. Cope Budge Library! She is my mom away from mom and I appreciate her so much. Today I was able to have lunch with her and I am going to miss her so much when I leave Vanguard.

I have only 3 days until my trip to go and see Josh. I miss hanging out with him so I am very excited to get to have some fun with him for a few days. There are times where I think how lucky I am to know the best men on the universe. Between Josh, Joel, Jarrid, David, and all of my other favorite boys....my life is complete. I love them all differently (some of you know exactly what I mean) but seriously, they are the joy of my life. Thanks boys!!!!

Have you ever looked at someone you know and thought, "I seriously don't know anyone better!" I have had one of those moments today and seriously I am so blessed. I have been able to feel that about several people the last couple of days. I am so incredibly blessed in my life. I have these amazing girl friends (Heather, Heather*B*, Pam, and Hannah) and then these amazing men I have previously talked about. How good can one person have it??!!! I am such a lucky girl!

I am just feeling rather grateful today because my life is so full of people and things I love. Granted there are more people than things but I am materially blessed as well. I live in this gorgeous house for free, have great employers (3 of them), and drive the cavie which is barely even damaged. God is so good to me!

Well, I should get off here before you all puke from the gratitude of this post. Enjoy my friends and ~Shalom~

Missed blogging yesterday..this is it!

Hello everyone. I didn't blog yesterday because it was such a busy day. I worked at BabyStyle from 2-7 but I closed so we ended up getting out at about 7:45 instead. It was so frustrating and literally every part of my body hurt. I was going to come in the library and blog but seriously, my body couldn't stand it.

My boss left yesterday for Grand Rapids, Michigan. He got there and they lost his luggage. I felt so bad for him because of all this trouble he has had with this trip. He is gone however and I have the house to myself. I am having a friend stay with me so that the monsters don't come out and get me. You gotta love when you have a friend who loves you and is willing to stay! I love my friends! :)

Work is going a little poorly because of the drama of losing our store manager. I have no idea what happened with that but I know it's drama and we are getting a lot of crap for it. It seems I either picked a great time to get hired there or a terrible one. I hear that we are really trying to improve the store and that had a lot to do with her needing to leave but either way, it's hard when it's your first week. I am a little frustrated but I have agreed to stick it out a little longer to make sure this is where I want to be. I don't particulary need the job because I could work other places but seriously, I kinda like it and I don't want to leave until I know that things aren't going to improve. If they improve a bit, I don't mind staying.

I have been doing really well on my weight loss since starting this new job. I am on my feet and running around so seriously, I have lost 2 lbs this week! So excited about that and I got into a pair of jeans this morning that were a size smaller. How exciting is that?!

Well, I am going to close this post for yesterday. Later today, I will blog on what happens today! Obviously! ;) Have a great day everyone and love you all so much!
~Shalom~

Saturday, July 10, 2004

Conquer it Erica, that's the goal!

Today has been a really hard day. I went to BabyStyle at noon to work and it was crazy. My store manager was fired and noone is talking so I have no idea why?! I only started on Monday and already like 3 people are leaving and things are changing that I just learned. I am very frustrated with the secrecy among the managment at BabyStyle because it seems that I can't find anything out about what happened even to find out what the future holds for our management department.

The day was hard on it's own too with the store full at all times, a very irritable store manager who came from a different store and apparently hates us, and a mistake on my part early in the day. Those of you who know me are aware that I hate making mistakes and even more so, I hate admitting I made a mistake. The mistake wasn't a big deal because I sold a $100 gift certificate to a lady. I had never sold one before so I asked a co-worker to show me the ropes. I should note here that I have not been properly trained but more thrown to the wolves. We started with 2 days of very good training and then we went way off of schedule and I am learning as I go. Well anyway, I was standing with the co-worker guiding me through the process of selling a gift certificate. (We do not use gift cards but the actual certificates that go into envelopes). Well, she failed to tell me to activate the certificate or how to do it....so the lady left with a gift certificate not activated. We luckily figured out the # and were able to do it without her there but you know, it was frustrating because it looked like I was incompetent when quite honestly, I just wasn't taught. Oh well, crap happens and the day is over!

I have never wanted a day to end so badly as I did today. I am tired, hungry, discouraged, and completely sore all over. My back hurts so bad and oh look, no boyfriend to massage my back! This bites~ I haven't had the greatest of days but I love you guys and ideally my goal is to conquer this job and be excellent at it just the same as I try to do at everything else. I am having to perform quite a few pep-talks on myself right now. Please keep praying for me and I love you guys so much! Call me soon if you haven't! ~Shalom, I hope soon~

Friday, July 09, 2004

Have an estimate, please fix it :(

Happy Friday everyone! I am glad it's Friday and I got a day off to just work at the library and relax my body a little. Today on my lunch hour I ran over to Carsmetics and got my beautiful wrecked vehicle looked at for an estimate. It has about $630 damage from the wreck on Wednesday. That isn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. My main concern is that I am driving without a passenger side headlight. This isn't a big deal since I haven't had to drive at night all week but that means my weekend is shot because I would have to drive at night. I might get in trouble with the police due to it being out. That kinda stinks!

I honestly just hate walking out to my car and seeing the damage so I'll be looking forward to getting it repaired. They said they could do it in a day and that the damages aren't that bad. Of course, it's not their car so it looks realistic to them. To me, it might as well be smashed up because that's how I see it. I am grateful for how little damage was done and I need to stop being so melodramatic but those of you who really know me, know what this car means to me. Maybe I have something to learn from this little incident...ya think?

I have been considering purchasing a new car recently and now that obviously is going to be put on hold. I can't sell a car with no passenger side headlight. I am looking into buying a new car within the next 6 months. I am thinking about getting an Acura RSX so that's the plan. They are so nice. If you have never seen one, go ahead and go to www.acura.com and look at it. They are gorgeous. That's one of the many cars I am considering but it's the one I am considering most heavily. It will require some work to get it all figured out but I am up for work.

Today I was offered another job but I am seriously going to have to put some prayer in because 4 jobs is pushing it. I mean, I can always use the extra income due to my wreck now and a lot of other financial drama but I have no idea when I am supposed to have fun or sleep for that matter. I am having a hard time finding time for meals currently. If you haven't already checked it out, I have another blog about my weight loss endeavors and I have been complaining on there about that. That blog can be found on my profile. It's just a place that I log what I have eaten and what exercise I have gotten for the day. I am also going to be doing a weekly weigh in on there so anyone who was curious as to HOW CHUBBY I REALLY AM....it's there. I am going to weigh in every Saturday. I need to be accountable so that's helping.

I am really motivated at this point to lose weight but this week has just been hard with starting a new job and getting in an accident. OH well, move on and start working some more. Last night was my last counseling session for a while. We terminated therapy which means things are better. Thanks for all your prayers guys as most of you know the things I have had to endure throughout life and more importantly this year. God has really changed me into someone I honestly respect. There was a time (approximately 10 months ago) where I wasn't nearly an individual but today, I am getting there and liking who I am becoming.

I guess my main concerns right now are for my car to get repaired, prayers for my trip to Colorado, financial concerns, and continued healing for my heart and emotions. Take care everyone and thinking about you and missing you! ~Shalom~

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Better today, moving on

Hello all, I am feeling so much better about my car accident today. It always makes you feel better once the insurance company knows and your back stops hurting so bad. I should note that I did not miss work after the accident but went and worked from 8-3 the next day at Babystyle and then again from 8-4 today. It's constant running back and forth and on your feet so seriously, hurts the back a little. I am feeling a lot better today though so thanks for your prayers. I haven't heard anything about how much money in damages I have yet and I haven't had an adjuster come and look at it yet. We just contacted the insurance today so the ball is rolling.

I am happy to report I have a day off of babystyle tomorrow and I work all day at the library that I miss so much. I love Babystyle and I am getting really good at it but the problem is I miss my library peeps and the back room. I don't know what's going to happen at the end of August when my time at the library is through. Good thing I am going to stay seeing my girls though because I would miss them :( Babystyle is a mile a minute and keeps me hopping. I love MOST of the people I work with. I only have one problem person and she is not mean, just incompetent. I know that sounds mean but she can't do anything on her own and it's frustrating. I have really picked up the job rather quickly and I am excited to say I have been decent at it.

Everything else is going really well. The night I got into my accident I got to spend some much needed quality time with my favorite pal. I love when I get time with that particular human! Good for the heart ;) I was kinda griping about not getting any time with my friends the other day on here and God blessed me so much with time with my favorite friend! We watched "Blue Collar Comedy Tour!" If you haven't seen this masterpiece, I recommend you going out and renting it. It's a redneck blast!

Life other than that is really great too. Still loving the new house. I haven't really started "watching" Chris yet because he was supposed to go out of state with his dad this week but he didn't so he is with his mom right now. He and his dad will leave Sunday and will get back on Thursday. I leave Thursday to go to Colorado so needless to say, we aren't getting a whole lot of time together right now. I am very excited about getting to know him though and being a part of his life.

Colorado is coming quick and I'm excited to see my good buddy Josh! I miss him a little...I have to admit. I will make sure and post pictures onto the web-site from Colorado as soon as I can. I am also going up really soon to visit one of my favorite girls..Heather. She lives in Northern California so I am going up there for a few days to hang out. I miss her so much as she was my roomie and I was used to seeing her daily. She's the best and I am glad we are getting to see each other. I have some much needed vacation this way. Looking forward to winter when I can head home for a week or two!! Well, I should close this post out for the day as I have blabbed long enough. Take care everyone and I'm praying for all of you ~Shalom~

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Cavie got a black eye!

Seriously it's the saddest day of my existence. I got into an accident last night and currently cavie is really banged up. It has no passenger side headlight and has deep scratches, black paint, and a dent in it's passenger side. This girl was going straight in a turn only lane while I was turning onto the 73 freeway and seriously banged up my car! It's ugly! I have had a very hard day. My body is in pain and I am cringing just sitting in my cushy library chair. Please keep me in prayer and my post is short today because of this maddness. I really need prayer for sure. I need things to be taken care of!

I love you dearly but please pray! Sad is the key word!

~Shalom~

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Baby-land works for me :)

I am officially kicking butt at selling baby and maternity items. I really love my new job and can you believe this, I'm good at it?! Today was only my 2nd day and I did a baby registry, helped customers out, and rang people up. I feel like I am learning really fast and do a pretty nice job at this! I am really starting to like retail so who knows. Maybe I could advance here! My goal is always to conquer, not just show up!

Things are really good at home. I am still loving the house although I have no idea what's going on this week with the trip being cancelled. I don't know if Chris is going to be around or if he is going to stay with his mom. Either way, I really love Chris and enjoy living there. This morning I realized how nice it is to actually eat real food at a dining room table. I know that sounds strange but when you have been in a dorm for 2 years, it is comforting to be able to cook something, eat it at a table, and wash your dish in a dishwasher. Life is good and I am grateful for the small things!

It's a little difficult right now because I am missing a lot of people. I don't have a lot of time on my hands so a social life is somehwat non-existent. I chose this life for myself so I have noone to blame but me but I miss my friends and family. I don't get a lot of time to hang with my closest buddies nor do I have time this summer to go home. Let's hope that my jobs clear me for Christmas because I have to see my family during the Christmas holiday. I miss some Indiana friends too. I miss Jarrid, my favorite boy back home and Carrie, my best girl-friend back home! They both mean the world to me and I don't get to hang out but just email and phone them. As sad as it is, I don't have a lot of time with my California friends either which totally stinks and I am going through a little lonliness stuff. I am super busy so I hardly notice until it's this time of night and I have to reflect on what my day was like. I find that it is empty without the people I love!

Well, I should stop sobbing and get on with my day so thanks for stopping in and reading today's post. Keep in touch everyone and keep those prayers coming!
~Shalom~

Monday, July 05, 2004

Risky Business put on hold!

Ok, can this story be any more bizarre? I got home from work today after posting my newest blog and my boss was there. Now, the problem is that he was supposed to be taking off from LAX at about 10 this morning. I walked in the house and found that he was not a happy camper. I guess his personal assistant ordered the wrong plane tickets and had him going to Chicago instead of Michigan. Now that's a problem! Without it being thousands of dollars more to go immediately he had to postpone his trip until Sunday the 11th. I am kinda bummed because I was looking forward to having the house to myself but overall I'll get over it. I can't have my friend over now and that stinks but maybe my friend can come over next week and stay with me instead. I really hope so because it will be loads of fun.

I will only get the house to myself from Sunday to Thursday because he is coming back on Thursday and I am actually leaving for Colorado that same day. The days he is gone, I'll be there and vice versa. I was able to spend some time with Chris this evening and he is so great. He is not feeling well so maybe if you think about you could throw some prayers his way because he has a little cold. I am not the mommying type but I gave him some children's Tylenol cold medicine. He said it tasted like chalk and I'm sure that's good for our first couple of days together. I am reminding myself of a mommy already. He is really a sweet kid but he needs more attention than he receives. It's going to be hard on my heart to see him struggle with that and not be able to give him my all either because I have other jobs. I will give him my 100% when I am with him but that's hard when he doesn't really have the ideal parenting situation. Please just pray for Chris and be thinking about his sweet little heart.

Well, I thought I would update the fact that I lost my chance to do the Risky Business scene until next week so please think about me and grieve for my loss. Have a great night all and Shalom!

~First day in Baby-land goes amazingly~

Today was my first official day at BabyStyle in Fashion Island. It was so much fun. I know that sounds bizarre because normally a first day on the job can be hectic and scary but it was just so much fun. My manager that is training me is the nicest lady on the planet and she just totally taught me so much. I was actually able to be on the floor today and I was able to help customers and enjoy the actual sales floor. I love the interaction and the fast paced way to be. I never thought I would like that but I totally do! I honestly just loved the first day. I know this is speaking rather positively and I might hate it when I get more into it but I have a good attitude about it. It's fun being around little ones all day and happy pregnant mommies looking to spend a lot of bones! :)

Our stuff is really cool and it totally serves a lot of different kinds of people. There are rather expensive items but there are also some more affordable items for those of us who do not roll in the dough but rather merely wade in it a bit. Check out the web-site if you have kids at www.babystyle.com. It's good stuff. I get a nice little discount as well so I guess all the babies and pregnant mommies in my life are going to get some nice gifts. Come on people, get pregnant so I can buy you things! HA HA :) Just kidding, I wouldn't wish that on anyone!

The weird part of this is that most of the people I work with do NOT have kids and are not married. That's such a nice transition from what I thought I would have and the marriage happy Vanguard. Now don't get me wrong, I love Vanguard but can we seriously go one day without mentioning being engaged. Thanks! ;) I am a little bitter but I'll get through it. Anyway, overall the first day was a blast and everything was great.

I am still loving my beautiful new place to live and I have the house to myself (and a friend) for the next week. I am going to just have a blast all by myself pretending to be a wealthy girl. Noone has to know that I plan to do the "Risky Business" scene with Tom Cruise right in front of the baby grand piano. It has to happen. You would do it too...don't laugh.

Well all, have a beautiful day and thank you so much for your prayers. They are certainly working as I feel happy to have been hired here. Well this is me signing off!
~Shalom~

Saturday, July 03, 2004

Paradise is where I live :)

Can I just tell you how I LOVE the house! I have been living there only 3 days and I am in love with it. I have decorated my entire room and bathroom and really enjoyed every minute of living there. Richard (my boss) is seriously the nicest guy on the planet. He is so gentle and caring and that's really nice. He is actually going away for the whole next week and I get the house to myself. That's a really nice perk for the first week of living there. I plan to make the most of it if I can and have a friend over. :) Who knows, fun times ;)

Everything in life is going really well and I am just trying to move in all of my stuff at this point. I am getting settled there and then I start my new job on Monday. I am a little nervous about starting at BabyStyle but I think I will like it. I am really just nervous about the details like learning the cash register and learning how to deal with customers appropriately. Retail is actually something I have always wanted to do and now I get that opportunity and I want to take it while I can! I am looking forward to all the people interaction and also the nice hours that they are giving me.

I had a day with the little girl I am mentoring today. We went to Boomers and played in the arcade, drove go-carts, and did virtual reality. It was so fun! We always have such a good time together. She is a really great girl. I am looking forward to having more great outings with her.

Well I am going to close this post for the day but have a great 4th everyone and keep in touch. Please keep praying about my new job and all the things that are new! I love you all and am missing those of you who I haven't seen in a while! ~Shalom~

Friday, July 02, 2004

A slower and more pleasant day!

Hello again everyone! Today has been a lot slower since I have spent my day working in the library. I am very excited to go home tonight just because I am actually going to a home! I haven't had a home in 2 years. I mean, I was able to spend Christmas and Summer vacations last year with Adolfo's family, whom I love dearly, but it's not the same as having your own space and your own place! All of you who have lived in a dorm or been away from home for an extended amount of time understand my plight. I went today on my lunch break to Target and invested in an office chair for my desk and a bookcase. These are big steps for me in the home making process. I was really excited because I haven't had the ability to buy anything for my space being that it was a dorm and it would pretty much be a waste. That being said, Target officially owns me financially. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Do you walk in Target and feel like you might be a "preferred customer" because I do. I wonder things in my head sometimes like "I bet they are sick of me here and I think I wore this outfit last time!" I am so serious. Target is my drug of choice. I am utterly shocked when I leave the grounds of the hallowed bulls eye with less than a $50.00 receipt in my pocket. These are the things I think about. There are reasons that I have 3 jobs! (laugh)

Things in my life are going beautifully but seriously on the stress uprise. I am trying to take my time and think every day through instead of rushing through weeks in my head and thinking about the upcoming problems that COULD occur. I have this serious flaw in my character of "overthinking" (for lack of a better word) things. I take a situation and I literally kill it, looking at the realm of possiblities that COULD happen. I know it would be wiser to just pray about it, let it happen, and live the moment but NO, I have to literally sort it out into what could happen and the strategies I have ready at that point. What is wrong with me? I am a psych major and more screwed up than any of you! There is something or many things that draw me to the major of psych.

The newest news of my life is that I am going to Colorado in just 13 days. I am going out to see Josh! (friend from Vanguard--see web-page) Josh is from Colorado and lives there during the summer to work and see family and stuff. He is dating my last year roomie and one of my best girl-friends, Heather. She is actually in Colorado now enjoying his company. I am going out there on July 15th and I am so excited I can hardly wait. I have never been to Colorado and I hear it's just beautiful. Also, if you know me at all, you know I am practically obsessed with the story of Columbine. I study it trying to understand the killers psychologically and it has captivated me since it happened. I am actually getting to go there and see Columbine for myself. Yes, I know it's a little morbid but seriously a place I have been wanting to go. I am also looking forward to going to the mountains and getting to spend time with Josh. Josh is one of my best guy friends in the world. He is so fun! I am not getting to go home this summer to Indiana which sucks because I miss my pals and family but I will be heading home for the Christmas Holidays because "home is where the heart is"! Did I seriously just say that? I am really excited to head home at Christmas though because I haven't seen some of my friends for a long time. Looking forward to that!

I should be closing this post for the day but have a great weekend and Happy 4th of July if I don't get to post before then. I am praying for all of you and appreciating your prayers! Take care and Shalom!

July 1st was crazy!

Hi all! I am posting for yesterday because it was pure crazy with all I had to do. You will all be happy to hear that I have officially moved in to my new place. I love that house so much and the room is slowly becoming mine. It's absolutely adorable! I decorated myself and if I can be so bold, it's beautiful! I still don't have everything put away but being the organized person that I am, I have to take my time on such matters.

I was able to spend some of the day with Chris and getting to know him a little. I had no idea that there was a specific age where you did that thing where you repeated everything someone says. Apparently it's about 11 years old. He does that! It is probably going to be the death of me but it sounds like a fun challenge. He does this with a very whiney voice too ...in order to imply that is how I talk I think. Who knows? I think this Blog will be so funny because of how I think about children. A lot of you already know this but seriously, NOT SO GOOD WITH KIDS! I have a knack for loving certain children and really loving them. I love Hailey & Riley (Carrie's kids) more than I have ever loved a child but that's different. I also love little Gavin (Joel's Cousin)but quite honestly he is the cutest little boy I have EVER seen. That being said, I am now going into working as a Nanny and working at a Baby clothing store. You are probably asking yourself why I would put myself through this but my answer will be simple. I need to be stretched. I need to do things that challenge my normal schemas. You know, I was recently told that I challenge some schemas and I found that to be a compliment. Maybe mine will be challenged in the course of my new life as a nanny and BabyStyle sales associate. Who knows?!

Well, this is my post from yesterday and stay tuned for today's post. My life is so exciting that you seriously will never be bored. Have a great day all and may this day bring you all you absolutely need!