This morning, I took Kalvin on a trail ride and then my Uncle Kevin's family came to the barn to meet the horses. I took River out for his two girls to brush, lead and ride around in the arena. I'm learning that I really enjoy teaching kids about horses. Maybe one day I'll be knowledgeable enough to teach lessons -- that would be a dream job!
After leaving the barn, I met up with my Mom and we worked some more on my house. I had no idea it took so much effort just putting up curtain rods. They aren't even all up yet! So, tomorrow will be more of drilling holes in the walls and I think we're also going to paint my bathroom. I still can't believe I haven't had a lazy moment since my Christmas vacation began. I suppose I'll finally get around to laziness tonight, because I'm not going out for New Years Eve. I'm actually looking forward to some quiet time to catch up on some reading.
Wednesday
Tuesday
12.30.08
Wow. I could get used to not working. I'm really enjoying my Christmas vacation so far!
Saturday night I met Kev and Michael (and JT and his sister) in Carlsbad. It was nice to take in the the Kev and Michael vibes -- they are my absolute favorite guys and it's such a treat to spend time with them. Then, I drove back down to Oceanside on Sunday to spend the afternoon with Sara. It was so good to see her. We had a late lunch (which included an insane amount of laughing) and then walked down to the beach to play some pool...and ended up staying there for hours, laughing and pooling it up. It was such a blast. We even met a couple guys and played doubles for awhile. The best part is that my team mate was really good at pool and I picked up on some pretty neat pool tips. I want to get good at pool now! Luckily, my Grandparents down the street have a pretty nice table and I think I'm going to make it a habit of going and playing with my Grandfather. Let's see...yesterday I rode Kalvin for the third day in a row (it would be SO nice to be able to ride every day) and then went shopping with my Mom to find some things for my house, including cute curtains and a dandy little sparrow (birds are kind of my thing these days). This morning, I'm meeting my sister and nieces out at the barn to give the girls a riding lesson and then I'll be working more on my house this afternoon. So far, I've been super busy and loving it!
Here's the dandy sparrow I got yesterday (currently resting on my fireplace mantel, with a few other things that make me happy):
Saturday night I met Kev and Michael (and JT and his sister) in Carlsbad. It was nice to take in the the Kev and Michael vibes -- they are my absolute favorite guys and it's such a treat to spend time with them. Then, I drove back down to Oceanside on Sunday to spend the afternoon with Sara. It was so good to see her. We had a late lunch (which included an insane amount of laughing) and then walked down to the beach to play some pool...and ended up staying there for hours, laughing and pooling it up. It was such a blast. We even met a couple guys and played doubles for awhile. The best part is that my team mate was really good at pool and I picked up on some pretty neat pool tips. I want to get good at pool now! Luckily, my Grandparents down the street have a pretty nice table and I think I'm going to make it a habit of going and playing with my Grandfather. Let's see...yesterday I rode Kalvin for the third day in a row (it would be SO nice to be able to ride every day) and then went shopping with my Mom to find some things for my house, including cute curtains and a dandy little sparrow (birds are kind of my thing these days). This morning, I'm meeting my sister and nieces out at the barn to give the girls a riding lesson and then I'll be working more on my house this afternoon. So far, I've been super busy and loving it!
Here's the dandy sparrow I got yesterday (currently resting on my fireplace mantel, with a few other things that make me happy):
Friday
12.26.08
I feel so weighed down and sluggish from all this holiday junk I've been eating. Starting today, I'm going back to basics. Whole grains, lots of veggies and fruits, nuts, yogurt and grilled chicken. The good stuff!
Wednesday
12.24.08
For those of you who are wondering how barefoot running went last night...well, let's just say I wouldn't advise it. My calves are so sore today and I feel like I need an hour-long foot massage to get all the kinks out. And, that's all from only running 3/4 of a mile! The shoes are coming back.
Tuesday
12.23.08
I ran four miles last night...which is impressive for me because I haven't ran over two miles in probably a year. Kev made me an awesome running mix and the music really kept me going. I'm going to try for at least four miles again tonight, but this time I'll be doing it barefoot. Yep, no shoes. I'm not landing correctly with my right foot and it's causing knee pain. I was wandering the internet today and discovered that lots of people find barefoot running much easier on the joints. It makes sense if you think about it. God didn't create us with shoes on, so it seems right that my feet will land most properly without shoes getting in the way. I guess I'll find out soon enough. But, brrrrrr, it's cold out in my garage! I wonder if I can get away with sock running instead of barefoot running?
It was a little slow in the office today and it felt wonderful to pick up a pen and doodle:
It was a little slow in the office today and it felt wonderful to pick up a pen and doodle:
Sunday
12.21.08
Yesterday, I took Kalvin on a trail ride. It was horrible. He kept spinning and trying to head back home. He even reared up at one point. There must have been evil, horse-eating trolls under every bridge because no matter how much I urged him on, Kalvin refused to cross. Puddles must have housed scary monsters with sharp teeth just ready to leap out at us, because Kalvin wouldn't go near them. I was so fed up with fighting to keep him moving forward that I eventually gave in and we left the trail and rode on the street, around the bridges and mud puddles. He got his way.
I decided to take advantage of the sunshine today and take Kalvin on another trail ride. He definitely remembered that he got his way yesterday because he was spinning and circling back toward the barn a handful of times before we even got to the first bridge. I was not about to let him win (especially since his bad habit was only getting worse)! I kept his head down and I faced it slightly towards the fence so he didn't have any room to turn around, and I squeezed him over the bridge. Sure enough, as soon as we were over and he knew I wasn't going to let him get his way, he was a perfect gentleman. It was a wonderful ride! We even took new trails we've never been on before and he behaved himself perfectly. And, to make it even better, as we were heading home we crossed paths with the hot cowboy I've seen a few times on trail. ::blush:: Today was a good day.
I decided to take advantage of the sunshine today and take Kalvin on another trail ride. He definitely remembered that he got his way yesterday because he was spinning and circling back toward the barn a handful of times before we even got to the first bridge. I was not about to let him win (especially since his bad habit was only getting worse)! I kept his head down and I faced it slightly towards the fence so he didn't have any room to turn around, and I squeezed him over the bridge. Sure enough, as soon as we were over and he knew I wasn't going to let him get his way, he was a perfect gentleman. It was a wonderful ride! We even took new trails we've never been on before and he behaved himself perfectly. And, to make it even better, as we were heading home we crossed paths with the hot cowboy I've seen a few times on trail. ::blush:: Today was a good day.
Saturday
Friday
12.19.08
As I was getting ready to head out of the office yesterday, I handed the origami horse directions to Paul, our UI Designer and my cube neighbor, and challenged him to make it. This is what I found on my desk this morning (I think it's absolutely perfect...tape and all):
Thursday
12.18.08
It's finally feeling like winter. There's a refreshing bite to the air (brrrr) and the sky is so crisp it feels like the skies of other seasons have been out of focus (or blurred by smog, more likely). This morning, on the way to work, I noticed the mountains on the horizon completely wrapped in snow. There's something so pure about winter.
I can't get enough of snapping pictures through my windshield. Here's another view of what my drive to work is like. The sky just mesmerizes me!
I can't get enough of snapping pictures through my windshield. Here's another view of what my drive to work is like. The sky just mesmerizes me!
Wednesday
12.17.08
I'm feeling slightly glum tonight. I'm not sure why. Just this morning I was driving to work and marveling at how happy I've been lately. Maybe I'm finally coming down from it all. Maybe it's because the rain is keeping me locked up inside. Maybe I ate way too much sugar today with all the holiday food roaming the office and it's making me feel gross. Maybe I'm tired. Maybe it's because even though I love being a hermit, sometimes this house seems too big and lonely. Maybe it's all of the above. I think I need a hug.
Tuesday
12.16.08 P.S.
This afternoon was my second attempt to fold an origami horse and I just can't seem to do it. Not even close. I thought it would be a nice little break in between web site updates here at work...but instead of mellowing me out it's got me completely frustrated.
I challenge you to an origami test. Download the PDF of directions here.
You'll be my hero if you can master this!
I challenge you to an origami test. Download the PDF of directions here.
You'll be my hero if you can master this!
12.16.08
Today is Carrie's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARRIE!
In celebration of the special day, check out this awesome video of a dog playing in the snow. I can't get enough of it!
Oh, and I just discovered that Where the Wild Things Are is going to be a movie (Oct. 2009). I could cry I'm so excited. It looks like it's going to be AMAZING!
In celebration of the special day, check out this awesome video of a dog playing in the snow. I can't get enough of it!
Oh, and I just discovered that Where the Wild Things Are is going to be a movie (Oct. 2009). I could cry I'm so excited. It looks like it's going to be AMAZING!
Monday
12.15.08
There is so much beauty in the world that I can't help but get overwhelmed. Sometimes I feel like I don't see things the same way other people do and get frustrated when they have a hard time understanding how beautiful it all is. Sometimes I get embarrassed because I can tell they think I'm childish when I spend minutes oohing and aahing over the smallest of things. The thing is, they aren't small at all...they're huge examples of how much God loves us. His love for us is so big that He takes the greatest of care in adding beauty to even the tiniest details.
12.15.08
Here's an e-mail I sent to a friend this morning that recaps my weekend:
...It was supposed to rain for us but didn't start until last night (which is great b/c I got to squeeze in a trail ride yesterday before everything was taken over by mud puddles). It never gets old waking up to the sound of rain and listening to it with a cup of hot coffee in hand, so today has started out quite wonderfully.
Saturday was amazing. I really, really need to learn Spanish so I can communicate with the family more, but the good thing is that love and laughter are universal languages so there weren't too many awkward language-barrier moments. ..."my family". They're pretty special. It was awesome to see how much pride they took in their new home and how well they've taken care of it since July. It felt like a home; there was a warmth to it. Anyway, Saturday was a wonderful day and Sunday wasn't too shabby either. I checked out the high-school ministry small groups and really think I want to volunteer to serve as a leader. It's so amazing to be surrounded by all these kids and think of all the potential they hold for making this world a better place. It's pretty intense. Oh, and the Christmas party last night was great. It's fun to be in a room full of women gabbing about nothing much other than horses. :)
...It was supposed to rain for us but didn't start until last night (which is great b/c I got to squeeze in a trail ride yesterday before everything was taken over by mud puddles). It never gets old waking up to the sound of rain and listening to it with a cup of hot coffee in hand, so today has started out quite wonderfully.
Saturday was amazing. I really, really need to learn Spanish so I can communicate with the family more, but the good thing is that love and laughter are universal languages so there weren't too many awkward language-barrier moments. ..."my family". They're pretty special. It was awesome to see how much pride they took in their new home and how well they've taken care of it since July. It felt like a home; there was a warmth to it. Anyway, Saturday was a wonderful day and Sunday wasn't too shabby either. I checked out the high-school ministry small groups and really think I want to volunteer to serve as a leader. It's so amazing to be surrounded by all these kids and think of all the potential they hold for making this world a better place. It's pretty intense. Oh, and the Christmas party last night was great. It's fun to be in a room full of women gabbing about nothing much other than horses. :)
Saturday
12.13.08
Today's going to be a pretty neat day. A small group of us are going down to El Nino to visit the family we built a house for this past summer. We'll be bringing them lots of love, some fun Christmas stuff and extra donations they might need. I'm so excited that God's giving us the opportunity to start a relationship with this family and I'm also super excited that a couple people from my work are coming. I love being able to join people together in serving...it's something I get such a kick out of.
Another good (but less important) thing about today is that I'm typing this, coffee in hand, at home! I love having internet at home again! :)
Another good (but less important) thing about today is that I'm typing this, coffee in hand, at home! I love having internet at home again! :)
Friday
12.12.08
I love the sky.
I was driving to work this morning, paying more attention to the sky than the road. Horrible, I know. But just look at it...it's beautiful!
I was driving to work this morning, paying more attention to the sky than the road. Horrible, I know. But just look at it...it's beautiful!
Thursday
12.11.08
I kinda-sorta like Magick by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. It's not his usual style and it's pretty pop...but I've replayed it a bunch of times tonight. You'd better watch out, it might hook you too!
Wednesday
12.10.08
Why is it that it's so hard sometimes to hand a piece of my life over to God...even when I know His plans are so much bigger and better than mine could ever be? I'm in a place where there's something I want that isn't of God and it's hurting my heart to let it go.
On a lighter note, I'm getting internet cable today! I cannot wait to get internet connection at home again...I miss iTunes and I think (don't get too excited yet), I think I might get back on Facebook because I miss my Lorz and Gi.
On a lighter note, I'm getting internet cable today! I cannot wait to get internet connection at home again...I miss iTunes and I think (don't get too excited yet), I think I might get back on Facebook because I miss my Lorz and Gi.
Tuesday
12.09.08
A huge swarm of bad-mood beasties are hanging over my head this morning. It's so annoying when they come around...
Monday
12.08.08
I don't think I'll go back to Vegas for a long time. I was so sensitive to the atmosphere -- it really depressed me to be constantly surrounded by people who were far from sober. It felt like a film was taken off my eyes and I could see Vegas for what it truly is, not a glittering city filled with excitement and energy, but instead a dirty city filled with lost and broken people. It made me incredibly sad.
Yesterday, I climbed up on my roof with a box of Christmas lights. I don't have a ladder so I pulled myself up from a barstool to the playhouse roof then to the house roof. When I got up, dragging the box behind me, I realized how steep the roof actually was. I could get to the end of it but bending down to the staple lights onto the wooden eave would have been suicidal. So, I figured it would be smarter to put the lights up while on a ladder and decided to climb back down. That's when I realized coming down from the roof without a ladder was a lot harder than climbing up! I ended up jumping to the playhouse roof (after a silent prayer that the roof wouldn't cave in under my weight) and then shimmied down the house window frame. It was quite an adventure. I'm thinking tonight I might borrow my grandparents ladder and try putting up lights the right way.
Giant wheels on our drive to Vegas:
The space ship at Alien Fresh Jerky:
Visiting with Nicole. We met on the last Africa trip and she lives in Vegas...and she's fabulous:
My Mom and I won big at Excalibur's games:
Yesterday, I climbed up on my roof with a box of Christmas lights. I don't have a ladder so I pulled myself up from a barstool to the playhouse roof then to the house roof. When I got up, dragging the box behind me, I realized how steep the roof actually was. I could get to the end of it but bending down to the staple lights onto the wooden eave would have been suicidal. So, I figured it would be smarter to put the lights up while on a ladder and decided to climb back down. That's when I realized coming down from the roof without a ladder was a lot harder than climbing up! I ended up jumping to the playhouse roof (after a silent prayer that the roof wouldn't cave in under my weight) and then shimmied down the house window frame. It was quite an adventure. I'm thinking tonight I might borrow my grandparents ladder and try putting up lights the right way.
Giant wheels on our drive to Vegas:
The space ship at Alien Fresh Jerky:
Visiting with Nicole. We met on the last Africa trip and she lives in Vegas...and she's fabulous:
My Mom and I won big at Excalibur's games:
Thursday
12.04.08
Last night was amazing. It started even before I went to church. Thank you so much for those of you who prayed for me...I could feel it! God eased my anxiety and it started with a soap bubble. Yes, a soap bubble. I was doing dishes and talking with God and a few soap bubbles started floating up around me. I was watching them drift up towards the ceiling, enjoying the way they moved and the little tiny, glossy rainbows reflecting from them. I know this might sound silly (yes, more silly then watching bubbles)...but I was talking with God and said something like, "Okay God. I haven't been feeling your presence lately and it would be great if I could feel you near tonight. I know I shouldn't be testing you but the bubble is about to hit the ceiling and pop and it would be near impossible for it to move back down again...so could you please move it back down so I know you're here?" Well, the bubble didn't just float back down again, it also stopped in mid air right in front of my eyes and hoovered there. No joke. It felt like a giant hug from God. So, my usual anxiety was completely gone as I headed for church. No sweaty palms, no racing heart, no shaky legs...nothing! Just a nice, easy calm. Last night was the high school ministry's service so I met a few of the other volunteers, a couple of the students and then sat down to hear the high school pastor speak. He shared a video from Advent Conspiracy (see below) that just blew me away. It's exactly how my heart feels about this time of year. I just watched it again this morning and started tearing up. I urge you to watch it and rethink Christmas. Anyway, back to the service...wow! I was completely blown away by seeing all these young faces worshiping God -- so full of energy and passion and potential. I need to do a little more praying about it, and check out the Sunday morning life groups, but I have a feeling I finally found where I'm supposed to be serving in the church. I'm really, really excited about it (and hope I can start volunteering in time for broom ball night)! :)
On to other exciting things...I'm driving out the Vegas around lunch time with my Mom. We'll be meeting up with some old Oregon friends for a few days and I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait!
(I'm having issues uploading the video from Advent Conspiracy. I'll try again later but if you want to check it out now, go here.)
On to other exciting things...I'm driving out the Vegas around lunch time with my Mom. We'll be meeting up with some old Oregon friends for a few days and I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait!
(I'm having issues uploading the video from Advent Conspiracy. I'll try again later but if you want to check it out now, go here.)
Wednesday
12.03.08 P.S.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings is making my morning pretty awesome. They've been in my itunes for some time now -- I'm giving them a re-listen and loving it. Give 'em a try!
12.03.08
I'll be checking out high school ministry at my church tonight to see if it's something I can start volunteering with...and I'm super nervous. Please pray for me today! I have social anxiety that gets pretty bad sometimes and I'm worried I'll freeze up and get all awkward in front of a huge group of highschoolers.
Monday
12.01.08
I have three amazingly wonderful things and one not-so-wonderful thing to share.
Amazingly wonderful:
1) Carrie is in labor right now! I'm SO excited and my heart literally hurts because I want so much to be in Texas right now.
2) Shannon had her son on Thanksgiving day -- Joshua Walter Johnson! I've been really sick (spent the last three and a half days in bed) so I haven't been able to see him in person, but his photographs are so adorable!
3) I jumped Kalvin yesterday! Linda put two poles down on either side of the arena and told me to trot him over them. He jumped over them (even though he didn't need to because they were just poles lying on the ground)! We ended up running around the arena for about five minutes straight, jumping each pole. We must have been a sight...me hanging on without stirrups, laughing the entire time and him jumping and running around. It was a blast!
Not-so-wonderful
1) I HATE AT&T! I was on the phone for at least an hour today and ended up just canceling my service. I still don't have a phone line hooked up to my house (which means no internet either) and am getting billed. Plus, they cancelled my internet without letting me know. So, now I might end up forking out more cash and getting a cable line through Time Warner. I miss my internet, darn it!
Amazingly wonderful:
1) Carrie is in labor right now! I'm SO excited and my heart literally hurts because I want so much to be in Texas right now.
2) Shannon had her son on Thanksgiving day -- Joshua Walter Johnson! I've been really sick (spent the last three and a half days in bed) so I haven't been able to see him in person, but his photographs are so adorable!
3) I jumped Kalvin yesterday! Linda put two poles down on either side of the arena and told me to trot him over them. He jumped over them (even though he didn't need to because they were just poles lying on the ground)! We ended up running around the arena for about five minutes straight, jumping each pole. We must have been a sight...me hanging on without stirrups, laughing the entire time and him jumping and running around. It was a blast!
Not-so-wonderful
1) I HATE AT&T! I was on the phone for at least an hour today and ended up just canceling my service. I still don't have a phone line hooked up to my house (which means no internet either) and am getting billed. Plus, they cancelled my internet without letting me know. So, now I might end up forking out more cash and getting a cable line through Time Warner. I miss my internet, darn it!
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