Happy Birthday to Me!

Guess what? I'm 25! I had an extra-wonderful birthday this year for a plethora of reasons:

1. Aaron came up to visit.

2. We savored a brunch at The Spyglass Inn with BFFs Josh and Heidi.

3. The Wine Library at Trilogy (my parents' residential clubhouse) opened; providing free nibbles, wine and live music.

4. Dad cooked a moist Santa Maria Style tri-tip and Mom made her famous baked rice.

5. Mom prepared a yummy cake in the shape of a book -so cute! (We've been watching a lot of Ace of Cakes - she says the show makes it look easy.)

6. Aaron and I went to the drive-in with a bag full of my favorite snacks. Batman may not have been my first choice, but it was a lot of fun!

7. Great presents - accesories, lotion, a cookbook and other fun goodies from my parents, an iPod Nano from Aaron, a bottle of Paso Robles Merlot from Greg, a cute frame from Heidi, the Barbara Walters memoir from Monica ... and more!

8. I got so, so, so many calls from friends and family. I am glad that I am keeping in better touch with the people I love. It is so nice to know I am loved.

Painter Lady

I took an art class from my talented mother. It was hard work, but fun.

Naughty Words of the Bible

I learned something interesting recently ...

While Paul might have warned against using offensive language, he was not above breaking his own advice to get the point across. In Philemon 3:8 he says "For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ..."

"Rubbish" is a very "cleaned up" translation for skubala, the Greek term for shit. He could have gone with ther more acceptable, and ceretainly more "Christian" term, perikatharmata (that which is scraped off) used in 1 Corinthians 4:13. Instead, he went with the more vulgar word, for effect. As a writer, and as a person who once in while lets a colorful word out, I get it.

The Not-so-terrible Two's

On July 2 Aaron and I celebrated our two years of bliss.

First date highlights:

- Aaron brought me my favorite flower, hydrangea

- Going to the Santa Barbara zoo

- Dining on the pier

- "Have we already run out of things to talk about?" was asked during a quiet, awkward moment over dinner. We hadn't. And we still haven't.

- An orchid adorned my dinner plate. As we walked on the pier, I tucked it behind my ear, but was having problems keeping it in there. I asked Aaron to help put the flower in my ear. It didn't occur to Aaron until the next day that I was flirting.

- Going back to my house and looking up Guy Fawkes Day on Wikipedia. And no, that's not a euphemism.

We celebrated our anniversary with a lovely dinner at Red Fish and two balcony seats at Wicked (LOVED it! Brava!). 'Twas a wonderful evening with my wonderful guy.

Cutie Pie Nephews

I hung out with these guys a few weeks ago! So adorable, no?

Here we Go . . .

The Official News Regarding My Job:
I am now a High School Recruiter for the Art Institute. My job entails going into high schools and sharing information about attending the Art Institute.

Why? I love public speaking. I think AI is a great thing - Aaron goes there! I love the idea of encouraging students to follow their dreams of an art career, if that is right for them.

Why else? I'm done every day at 3:00. I work from home/car. I get summer off. I get great compensation and benefits. (Yay for health insurance!)

The tough part? My territory is South Orange County/North San Diego County. This is far from family and my boyfriend. I'm nervous, but trying to trust God that it is where I am meant to live. Please pray that I find a church, friends, affordable apartment, etc.

What a Trip!

I just spent a few days in Oregon with family.

The plan? Celebrate Grandma Myrna's 80th Birthday with a big bash at her church.

The results? Grandma Myrna experienced a health problem - the party was cancelled!

Oh, well. At least I got to spend some fun time with my cousins and Aunt and Uncle. Grandma Myrna is all better, by the way!

I forgot to take pictures. Oops. Here is a pic of me in the airport shuttle. I have a new haircut!

Oh, and a Mommy and Baby Deer hung out in my Aunt's front yard. So cute!