Winter in Europe

To be honest I haven't stopped. And to be honest I didn't take very many picture during our trip. Don't worry, my family took lots of pictures, we've just had some storage issues we've been working out. I let myself {forced myself} to just take it all in. To experience. To live it.

 

Don't worry, my family took lots of pictures, we've just had some storage issues we've been working out. There will be pictures.

 

I've been looking at the pictures of the snowstorm on the east coast and for the first time I have the strangest feeling. I'm a California girl, born and raised. I've been to the snow, but I've never lived in the snow. After this trip I feel like I would be ok. Not always happy, not always making the correct winter choice, but I would be ok. 

I feel so bad because people have asked me, how was your trip? and my reply, "It was good, really cold, but good." 

What kind of answer is that?! 

Yes it was both of those things, but really it was so much more.  I could use way more colorful and descriptive adjectives to describe my adventure in Germany in winter.

So my trip, our adventure, was wonderfully delightful and made up of everyday moments that families find themselves in when they travel. We just happened to be in places where we didn't speak the language, no big.

There were train schedules and running to platforms while it was snowing. There were new friends and new customs. There were many cups of coffee and hot chocolate in cafes and rented houses. There was fondue without the proper pot. There was listening to famous concert pieces while sitting on museum steps. There was the trying of new beer.

There were memories made.

Back...and Letting the Secret Out

If you haven’t already guessed or figured it out, I was in Europe for Christmas. Germany to be precise.  The whole family went to see my brother who is studying in Munich for the German semester.  We are starting a trend for our sisters… we hope!

 

We started by landing in Switzerland and it was off to Munich where we stayed for a few days. We made a day trip to Nuremburg too. After that we headed to Rothenberg, a medieval walled city. And finally we ended our time in Prague and rang in the New Year. Happy 2015!

 

If you think we are crazy, we think so too!

If you are wondering how we did it, email or comment away. I hope to provide some back story and some of the adventures here. Maybe you can keep me accountable?!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you are enjoying a 

merry and bright day!

Merry Christmas!

If you'd like another hint:

Look in the tags of this post!

My Brother is Awesome

Because I'm a proud sister and because I miss him lots, I thought I would share my brother's newly created blog.  He is documenting his time in Germany.  Yay!

 

I'm super excited to read his account because well first of all he is a boy which means he talks less than I, a girl, do.  And, he has a time and space difference which would make anyone have difficulty in maintaining contact.

 

I am elated for him!  I keep thinking about the wonderful experience of studying abroad.  It has also made me realize that I had promised myself that I would blog my 2013 trip to Germany (and Europe).  It's been a whole year, which is crazy to me.  Here is to hoping that those adventures are documented soon.

 

I think my brother might be better at documenting his travels than I am.  Go have a looksee.

 

p.s. He texted me at 8.45/9am Germany time asking me if he should go to Nürnberg.  It was 11.45pm/midnight California time...

Isolated {the film}

On Wednesday I went on a mini road trip down to Santa Barbara.  We {brother, cousin, roommate, and friend} zipped down, did dinner and a movie, hit up an after party and then zipped back.  My cousin Geoff is a movie producer and we went to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to see his film, Isolated.  This film is one that he’s been working on for about 5 years.  It was so exciting to be able to watch the finished product and know how hard he had worked on it.

 

The premise of the movie is a surf documentary, but the pro surfers end up discovering that they have been placed in a position to share the story and voice of a people.  How thankful I am that we have the freedom of speech in the United States.  I am not going to debate or argue with someone who questions what having the freedom of speech entails.  I will say that I am incredible blessed to not live in fear of what I might say my put me to death.  It’s a hard thing to think about.

I don’t know what the next avenue for this film is, but if you get the chance I would highly recommend it.  Check out the website for more information about the film and to learn more about giving a voice to the people of West Papua. Please consider “taking action” and becoming an Ambassador for Peace.

 

Christmas Break {1}

It is Christmas break.  I have expectations for this break and what I want to happen.  Every break I come up with this list of projects or of things I want to do.  I want to share what I am doing with my break and I am hoping that this will be a good outlet. 

Here is what has happened so far, because we have to start documenting somewhere.

 

When I got home from school on Saturday I walked into a decorated house and a lit tree.   The house smells so beautiful.  Back during thanksgiving weekend my family went to go get a Christmas tree.  We have a tradition to go up the mountain and saw down our tree.

 

Saturday night I went to a dinner in celebration of Christmas.  It was in a nearby town at an Italian restaurant.  I tried things I had never had and some I had never thought of.  Did you know that there is such a thing as eating marrow?  Yes I tried it and it was good.  I also had boeuf bourguignon {which is French} and exactly how I hoped it would taste.  The company was the best part.  I finally got to meet some people I’ve been hearing about for months.  I also got to say a few phrases in Italian and watch an older man light up with surprise and delight.  I think I need to start practicing my Italian again...

On Sunday night our church hosted the annual Christmas open house complete with a hayride around the neighborhood.  I grew up in the suburbs and it is quite comical to see people’s faces when Clydesdale horses go clomping past their houses with a wagon of singing carolers . 

Monday I had the pleasure of helping {ok I stood and watched} my mom and a friend sell lunch to middle schoolers.  I was also present to consult on the baking of peanut butter m&m bar cookies.  And then me and a rather adorable 4 year old spent part of the afternoon playing tag and laughing on the front lawn.  I forget how much energy a 4 year old can have.  We don’t have many 4 year olds around my house at school!

So though there are things that haven’t been done that should have been done already, there is still more time.  I am so excited to enjoy it

Little Life Update

Has it really been since September that I have written? This blog has not been far from my head or my heart but life has moved along whether I wrote or not.

As you can see it’s a little different around here. My hope is that it will continue to change and develop. I’m not satisfied yet. This whole using someone else's template drives me crazy but I have no reason to complain since I’m not taking the time to learn html format right now. We’ll get there...someday...

Happenings, a little life update :)

My birthday has come and gone...and fall is coming and then decided it only wanted to pop its head in not stay for awhile. {It's been in the 90's this week.} Fall is my favorite time of year. It didn't used to be. I love that we can change our ideas.

I went simple for my birthday, taco bar with friends Saturday and then a nice dinner with roommates and the boyfriend on Sunday. And my family was able to be here for the weekend and so was one of my good friends. We had fun hanging out around San Luis Obispo and rushing through the grocery store. I love making unexpected memories. It’s the little things that make us laugh, isn't it?!

Mostly I’ve been being a good student and hopefully a good biblestudy leader. I stepped into a new role this year of leading girls the year below me in school. I love investing into their lives. I have the privilege to meet one on one or two on one with some of the girls. Those times are some of the highlights of my week. Oh and I’ve been working. Fall is a busy time of year when you work for a school. I’ve gone to more football games this season...although that wasn't very hard to do. {I’m lame, I know.} And I’m up-to-date on the Cal Poly soccer world as well since my bosses are into soccer. I love fall.

Senior year is all about going big or going home...right?!?

Really there haven’t been big things going on. And sometimes I feel like I need big things going on to write and make them important. I’ve been reading a sweet blog The Beetle Shack and she is showing me how the simple things are relevant and real. And she gives me a little international flair since she lives in Australia. {sigh}

Disclaimer: She does not know me, and did not compensate me for this.  I just think you should go visit her space!

I have a geography class this quarter and my test this week is on Europe...which we've been learning about the last 2.5 weeks. After our last class I was ready to book a flight and go on an adventure. Responsibility and knowing that I am where I am supposed to be has kept my feet firmly on the ground.

Expect to see some international talk and some more thoughts around here soon. {And maybe I'll get pictures up too}

Celebrate {Happy Birthday}

Do you remember when you were 13?  Well, the youngest in the house has reached the threshold of being an official teenager.  She's growing up! 

Happy Birthday Chloe!

I am so thankful I get to call you sister!

Celebrating with Peaches

Yesterday was Julia Child's birthday.  I love the idea of that lady.  I say the idea of her, because I didn’t understand Julia until a few years ago.  I had started loving the kitchen and being in the kitchen and understanding the power of food.  Food has a wonderful power. It brings people together.  It can mend relationships and create memories.  Julia Child understood that food was important.  She started a food revolution.

From what I’ve read about her in her semi autobiography, I’m not sure if we would be good friends. I do think she would be good at inspiring me. This woman in many ways was incredible.  She learned French while living in France {and she wasn't 'young' in age}, she didn't take no for an answer, and created wonderful, lasting, relationships along the way.

In honor of her 100th birthday I decided to spend some time in the kitchen. And here is what I made...

Peaches and Cream Pie

On Sunday I went and picked the last of the peaches for this season.  They are the perfect size and ooze juice. yum! I have a soft spot for peaches {pun intended} since my dad used to say I had peach fuzz hair. {That’s what happens when you are little and practically bald.}

It was also the first day of school for my sisters. I’ve decided that they should not have to go back to school yet.  Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what I think.

This lovely pie is in honor of not only a wonderful woman living her passion, but to my sisters’ start of their first day of school.   What are you passionate about?

{I still have peaches, so pass along your favorite peach recipes!}

Monterey {Coastal Adventure}

The first day of vacation we {the family} traveled down the coast,

As in the California coast,

 Otherwise called Highway 1,

For you non Californians, be warned this road is windy.  Like a snake.  And I don’t always do well with roads like snakes.  This time it was ok.

My parents repeated the phrase “everyone should take this drive once in their lifetime” before and during the drive.  I agree, but you have to…

a)      Not be in a hurry

b)      Enjoy taking your time

c)       Be willing to stop to take it all in along the way

Before we got to the road like a snake, we stopped off of Highway 1 in Monterey.  I have loved coming to Monterey.  It used to be the place of sea otters and touching sea cucumbers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium when I was little. {I highly recommend aquariums for all ages.}  These days I find it more enjoyable to eat clam chowder on the deck and switch off watching people and the ocean.  It’s always fun to spot a creature out in the kelp.

My favorite clam chowder cart

All gone!

Stay tuned for more coastal adventures!

Check back soon!

It’s been a wonderful week.  I spent time with my family and rested.  Over the last couple of years I’ve learned what rest is and that I don’t take enough of it.

That being said, it’s going to take me a little while to get back in the groove. I loved being by the coast and not having an agenda.  We also didn't have internet access.  Thus, no additional updates.

We had many cameras with our family and everyone capture different events.  Look for updates, but know that I’m rounding up pictures!

Hope you have a wonderful day and check back soon!

At the Coast

I’m off with my family this week, spending time at the coast.  It is potentially our last family vacation for awhile, as just the 6 of us. 

We are going too far and will be cruising the central coast of California.  We are spending time on the beach, visiting Hearst Castle, and going for some hikes.  I’ll be {hopefully} reading a book or two, journaling, and resting.  And the bad news…the house we are renting has no internet access.

I may be popping in to say hello, but we shall see!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Movable Feast

So I was trying to be on a roll this week. 

I prepped my posts, and tried to have pictures for every single one. 

But alas, yesterday, no post

And today, well we’re up and running…at 10am

And this is why I love grace

God knew I wouldn’t have any adventures to post if I posted them all this week! {hehe}

There are some cute kids coming up next week…But for now a picture overload for the weekend!

This is the best kept {not so} secret in San Jose.  Some great food being loaded up and moved around the Bay Area.  It comes in the form of food trucks, but it is called gourmet.  It is delicious! 

If you live in the area you should check it out or start one in your own area.  Here are some pictures I took when we went last week:

http://www.mvbl.org/

What did you honestly think when I put food truck and gourmet together in the same sentence?

Like Family

Do you have those friends that are like family?  I have a few friends that come to mind, but one family in particular.  When we were young we all looked alike too, so other people would always ask us about our ‘siblings’!  We were always making up stories, dressing up, romping in the yard, or jumping in the pool.   

Megan and I have been friends since I was born…literally.  She came to the hospital when I was born, and it was friendship at first sight.  Sort of, I mean neither one of us really remember it.  We only know because we have the picture to prove it.  People always are shocked when they realize that we have been friends for that long.  We now go to the same University and we were brave enough to live together last year.  They always tell you it’s dangerous to live with your good friends, but we’ve enjoyed it. 

Because we are practically sisters, it seemed only natural to spend father’s day with her family.  We grilled lamb chops and had fresh fruit and veggies.  And for dessert the berries from the other day made their appearance.  Yum! 

And we worked it all off with some ping-pong and spike ball.  Spike ball has become a game that is the new activity around San Luis Obispo.  {It’s an edited version of volleyball and it fits in a drawstring backpack.}

I love spending time with this family and I am so glad that we got to celebrate our dads together.  What do you do to celebrate Father’s day?  Do you have any friends that you call family?

{Friends are the family you pick yourself}

Happenings

Here’s what’s been going on {in no particular order}:

I moved…back home for the summer {don’t get too excited}

And rearranged my room in SLO; I moved many a bed let me tell you

My brother had prom

And then he graduated from high school {yikes!}

Awww aren't we cute

My other "brother" {so proud of you D}

I went through finals, but I think I came out ok

I learned how to operate a tractor…for class!

I made my way to the beach twice this week, which is impressive

I worked, don’t let the things above fool you!  One of the things I did was the event for the retired faculty and staff of the University; it went amazingly well

My two roommates graduated

I’m looking for a job at home

I’m really excited to make some changes around here and become a little more consistent!



And this is what you get when you tell us to look excited

It's Just Life

I found myself saying this when I was told the other day "thank you for helping me pack today..."

It’s what I do.  Not because it’s expected.  Not because I’m told to or I feel a duty.  I do it, because its life.  It’s living out what we believe and think and feel. And sometimes life gets messy.  I’ve learned how messy life can get.  I guess I feel like I’ve been in a state of exhaustion for weeks.  I’m "perky" and alive, but I’m tired of saying "I’m just tired".  I'm tired of having excuses and complaining.  I am so thankful that I get to live life with people who take me as I am and that I get to help them pack, and walk the bluffs by the ocean with them, and eat yet another chocolate chip cookie with me {even though I've had way too much sugar these last 2 weeks}.

I am so thankful that we have communities and fellowship that live life with us.  Life is an adventure and I'm so thankful I get to experience it with others

Sunset and a Rodeo {Weekend Recap}

It’s another Monday and another week. It’s times like these that I remember how fast time goes. This is a little lighter post than some of the last month because I got to do so many fun things this weekend. I’m sorry I don’t have all the pictures to prove it, but you have a good imagination right?

This weekend was Cal Poly’s open house or Poly Royal as it has been formerly known. I purposefully didn’t sign up to man any booths, but I ended up being at school anyways so I got to enjoy the festivities.
Every open house they host the rodeo and I got to go Friday. We have had so much rain the last week so it was muddy! On Thursday night my family was in town and we went out to farmers market. It started to pour and then it hailed! Yes, I live in California. Yes, it is April…. Anyways the rodeo was lots of fun even though it was quite cold and windy. I was bundled up and I still was cold. A guy I knew was one of the steer riders. He did a great job, and was the only one that stayed on which means he got the highest score.

Saturday I went and got my first pair of “big girl” cowgirl boots {is that what I call them?}. I haven’t worn them yet, but pictures will be coming soon. I got to walk around open house with my Daddy and brother {My brother is coming to join me next year! Yay!} and then grabbed some coffee with my Daddy. It was such a nice day. My sweet friend came and spent the night at our house. It was so fun just to spend time with her. Girls night consisted of making pretzels. Yum!

I think last night ended the weekend on the right note. I had spent a lot of time studying and to preface it was a school assignment. I have to go look at the sunset multiple times this quarter and so last night was time # 1. Talk about beauty! If God cares enough to paint beautiful sunsets, then he must care an awful lot about you and me. We drove through a couple valleys in the canyons and then up onto the ridge. It is so green and lush from the recent rains. And it was the perfect lookout point. Again be looking for pictures. I may just have to do a post of pictures!

What have your recent adventures been? I’d love to read your comments!

Monday after Easter

I have always liked Easter, but I feel like this year was particularly special. Yesterday I got to be with my family and bask in the reality of what this day celebrates...new life. So as we all start Monday and a busy week, let us not forget what happened yesterday.

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15.12-19

Days with Momma

It's spring break and yet I am going to have a mellow week. I am hoping that it is
productive. It doesn’t have to be a whirlwind, just get some things done. Live with a purpose.

Yesterday I got to spend the day with my mom. I think one of the things I love about being home is that my spring break doesn’t match up with my family’s. It’s a plus and minus situation {aren’t most situations that way?} I got to spend some time giving her input on the mission trip she’s helping to lead a team for. And then she went to tutor and I did some catch up work. And then we went and I got to help out at the local middle school selling lunch. She and Elizabeth do it every Monday. They make Mondays, Manners Mondays. Then all three of us went out to lunch and just had fun coming up with creative questions and ideas. There was a quick coffee break in there and then just hanging out with my momma. She made sure my sister had a ride home from
school. Again she tutored and then she went go to my brother’s volleyball game. She supports us so well.
I was and still am so blessed to be able to grow up with parents that invested in me daily. I love spending these days with my momma and that she got to be a stay-at-home mom. I love that she gets to not only be in the lives of her children but others’ children as well. I know when I was younger I wouldn’t get to do something so I would think to myself “When I have
kids I’m going to do …differently.” And now I don’t think I would.

Thanks Momma for investing in my life! I love you!

Beautiful End...to a weekend

The end to this weekend was precious to me. My family came down for the Monday that we had off in honor of President’s day. We spent Sunday night with my SLO “family.” Every Sunday I go to dinner with a family here in town and so the whole family joined this time.
My sister spent the night at my house with lots of other girls. But lots of girls in the house, that is pretty standard these days.
The next morning the family came over and we went on a quick grocery run {yes, my parents took me food shopping!} and then made lunch before heading for a walk. We wanted to go for a hike, but we went on a trail that was not a hike. It was still very enjoyable. It was a beautiful day and we walked along the bluff.
After that we went on my campus and met up with some of my brother’s friends who are freshmen this year. I am so excited; my brother is going to be at Cal Poly with me next year!
We picked up my cousin from campus {college is a family affair…if you haven’t noticed} and headed to one of the favorite spots in town. As a tradition we at Firestone grill before they headed out of town. It was so fun to see them and was a much needed break for me.
It was so nice that even though I didn’t get any work done, even though I knew that this week was going to be a little rougher because of it, even though all I wanted to do was to get lost in the hugs and love {which I did for while}, I had complete peace. It was going to be ok. My perspective was on the here and now and not the what ifs or what could be. It was truly a delightful feeling.