dancing was surprisingly good

Tango-4538, originally uploaded by Steve Losh.

I did not want to go out dancing tonight.
I had to work the door.
So I danced afterwards and had a great time.

It was a good day today.
First in a while.

Have fun in LA, Greg!


Gems:
stick men
early dismissals
long goodbyes
dancing
gas :)

when your day pulls you down

creme brulee, originally uploaded by spinphase.

The only thing that I want right now is a good friend and a bowl of creme brulée. I doubt I'll get the dessert, but I will at least get to spend some time with Greg today, before he takes off to LA tomorrow. In the time I still have until Greg can escape from work, I intend to watch the rest of Amelie (where I got the fixation on creme brulée). It'll be good...

Learning endurance.


Gems:
Amber
Big
Meri
Greg
God

i have but one more month

Cancellations, originally uploaded by Krissy Anne.

... until I must pack my life in boxes ...

... yet again ...

... and not for the last time either.

So I will be moving out of the current apartment and moving into a place off of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. I will, for the first time in a LONG time, have a room to myself. I am so incredibly stoked. I will also have a private patio and my own parking space right behind the condo, in which no one else will ever park in!! A lot of my things will be stored at my parents' house for a year or so, while I wait to graduate and receive my credentials, but I'm set after that.

At that time, I will most likely pack up everything I own, including the things stored at my parents' and cart them North, to Washington. Married or not... in Seattle or just outside... known career or looking for work... I WILL TRUST GOD'S PLAN FOR MY LIFE AND JUMP IN FEET FIRST!!

I'm excited about it.
What are your tentative plans?


Gems:
fruit loops
art projects
happy kids
pickles
the color wheel

received blessings through Him

whoever enters through the gate..., originally uploaded by beautyfromashes.

God is amazing and is alive and at work in our lives! I want to praise Him for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon my relationship with Greg. I pray that we maintain an awareness to any sign that we might not be meant to marry. I would not want to steal this amazing man from his true wife. In the meantime, I intend to enjoy our time together... growing, learning, and experiencing life together!!


Gems:
showers
barefeets
7-eleven
blessings
parking

we stumble but He lifts us up

we all stumble..., originally uploaded by beautyfromashes.

We are shedding our stumbling blocks and refocusing our path.
To avoid future falls, we are reevaluating our boundaries.

I am so excited that God is working through the two of us!


Gems:
THE FloodKids
Hershey's
advise
conviction
Happy Feet

stop & stare: i think i'm moving

lullabies, originally uploaded by Chrissie White.

I'm so tired. Exhausted. Drained.

I just want to sleep always.
Do nothing else.
Just sleep.

When will I catch up on this sleep I need?


Gems:
sleeping in
Heroes
pizza
bonfire
commitment

but it just really hurt my heart

Not In The Really Real World, originally uploaded by The Searcher.

I know I may not have been in watching it with the right attitude... but that movie was all kinds of sad. The fact that Heath is gone as an actor is significant, yes, but bigger to me is the emotional trauma that he MUST have suffered due to the Dark Knight! I stared in disbelief several times throughout the movie. I was not shocked by the content as much as I was by the circumstances surrounding this production.

Heath spent a significant amount of time alone, getting in character for this movie. Reading and re-reading the best and worst moments of the Joker. He lived and breathed this role and the result was simply astounding. What hurts is the fact that no precautions were taken to ease that emotional state once he finished the movie. Heath was obviously in a disturbed state of mind, as are many actors after playing roles such as these. I think it should be mandatory for actors to go through therapy as soon as production is over.

I can't seem to shake the feeling that his death was preventable. He wasn't a lost cause and any early life lost is a life too many. His pain was evident on the screen. His whole self was nonexistent in the movie. He WAS the Joker. And they didn't even leave him a dedication in the credits. It's sad.


Gems:
less stress
new cell
naps
flowers
imax movies

fragile hearts. handle with care

Paper Hearts, originally uploaded by .Bradi..

I am on "real talk" overload right now.
It was all important stuff to discuss.
I'm glad we were able to confront our fears.
God is good... and I miss Him.
I can't wait to spend more time with Him.


Gems:
weedin' em our
energy
conversations
dancing
prayer!

"everyone says i love you," yes?

gondola, originally uploaded by Beauty fer Ashes.

I'm so glad I finally have the time to simply relax and watch a movie while I clean the house a bit and wait for Greg to make his way over. I have been terribly sleep deprived lately and falling asleep all over the place. This is not a good thing and I don't want to become a narcoleptic, so time for relaxation will be utilized every chance I get!

That said, I also need to make sure I figure out when I'm taking traffic school and which phone I'm going to get to replace my razr. Oh, and I need to get some cutouts to use for my art project... Maybe luggage tags... Maybe numbers... I'm not sure but I should pick them up and start painting tonight.

I guess my relaxation time is over afterall. LoL.


Gems:
finishing art projects
easy camp art
googly eyes
dresses
Greg

three BTL ventis for only $4.10

Diffusion, originally uploaded by Char-la-la.

Yeah, so I worked Starbucks today. It was pretty much the sweetest things ever and I am still pretty tempted to get yet another refill for 50 cents. But the MORE exciting news is that I have a place to live for the fall!! I will be moving into a place near Clairmont Mesa Blvd. The family is great and the rent is cheap. I can't wait to get moved in. Exciting stuff. :D


Gems:
being on time
work in flip flops
angry tikis
a place to live!
LIL'S BIRTHDAY!!

so sue me... i just fell asleep

Sleeping with Macy, originally uploaded by Naty_Wolf.

Sorry for the lack of a post.
I was out cold.



Gems:
amusing drama
short class
no homework
video games
SLEEP

i'm pissed at art & schoolwork

REVAMP: Love & Marriage, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I am so freaking over this right now. I hate art when it is meant to frustrate and stifle creativity. That's what I get for taking an art for teachers class! Lesson plans are not supposed to incorporate every single content standard for that subject! Who does she think she is?!

Rant over. Life over. Back to my curse.


Gems:
FloodKids
relaxation
Talladega Nights
church
comfort

nothing but their wedded bliss

Josh & Brittany, originally uploaded by Krissy Anne.

I wish I had a photo from Ryan and Lauren's wedding to share with you guys, but I didn't get the chance to take a good photo today. The bride and groom were utterly breath-taking and the reception was a lot of fun! Greg and I tore up the dance floor with our wicked sweet dance moves! Be jealous!!

I actually enjoyed this wedding more than the last and these were friends of Greg. I can't wait to attend the next wedding... Whenever that will be. :)


Gems:
weddings
marriage
waltzes
kisses
LOVE

you can see me on baywatch

Baywatch, originally uploaded by orangeacid.

Yep, that's right folks. I'm certified...


... to monitor the kids on the water slide.



Shut up!! It is TOO a big deal!


Gems:
daily overtime
text messaging
long showers
dinner with parentals
101 questions

enjoying the wedding season

the kiss, originally uploaded by Breath of Life.

I am actually excited to go to all the weddings this summer. That is saying a lot actually. No lies, it's pretty hard going to weddings single, without a real prospect for about 2 years. Greg accompanied me to one wedding and now I get to return the favor and attend another this Saturday. I'm excited about our relationship. We're going through the book 101 Questions Before to ask Before You Get Engaged and I am stoked that we have already asked many of the questions suggested, but also find several that are really great to know! If you have a significant other in your life, consider this book. It's a good one.


Gems:
camp hours
art
Greg
diet cola
DANCING!

48 days... officially, one month

Valerie's Garter, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

It's funny...
how summer can make the time feel like it has been
so much longer.
I'd say that I wish it would last forever...

But I'm TOO excited for the future!


Gems:
no work
naps
BBQ
Kurt Halsey
one month

he says, "she has an eye for it"

Playing Around, originally uploaded by Natalion.

If only seeing it or thinking it would bring it into existence.
I'm tired.
I'm bored.
I don't like pieces that require this much effort.
It feels like a process...
Rather than an artwork.
I hope the class gets better.


Gems:
101 questions
size 32
compatibility
on task
God's perfect time

here's an artist and her artwork

, originally uploaded by Breath of Life.

I made a flag representing who I am in class today. It was asymmetrical and represented my commitment to growth, always. I drew a tree with branches flowing to the opposite side of the flag and hearts instead of leaves or fruit. The hearts represent God's work inside of me: an outpouring of Love, instead of remaining fruitless and weak. Also on my flag was a sprinkling of music notes. God often connects with me and nourishes my spirit through music. I look forward to the next project.


Gems:
short work day
short class period
time to eat lunch
personal expression
hearing God's voice

thanking God for His blessings

I Wanna..., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

We crave a relationship centered around God and reflecting the love and grace of our relationship with God. After attending the Sex & Relationships class and listening to the sermon on Marriage, Greg and I are only more encouraged to find ways to be more glorifying to Him. We pray that our friends and family will keep us accountable to a Godly relationship just as our friends already challenge us to be Godly people. If you have questions or concerns, I want to hear them and I want to discuss them. I feel God's hand over all of this and talking about it is only more enticing.

Greg is my boyfriend and he is also the man I feel called to marry. If that is not in God's plan, Greg and I will fully accept that. However we feel God's hands pushing us closer and closer to emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Therefore, we are "dating with intentions" and looking for devotional books and reassessing boundaries along the way. Something to keep in mind, girls, the love language of touch is both a blessing and a curse. Set boundaries now, rather than waiting, and pray... a lot.

I know this seems weird to write about in a blog, but to be completely honest, it's not something I'm trying to hide from anyone. I am completely aware that I seem, at times, to disappear from communities. It has very little to do with Greg and a TON to do with the fact that I overcommit my life and camp is completely draining my energy... meaning that I may not even make it out dancing as much as have been.

I love you guys and I can't wait for the summer to end so I can feel like I'm back in control... Although it WILL be an illusion. Till then, write me. Text me. Creep me. I don't care. I just want to be with you guys in any way that I can. To be fair, I creep all my blogger friends!! :D


Gems:
wedding cake
Verona time
Flood meets Greg
God & marriage
L. O. V. E.

a future of endless possibilities

IMG_0483_copy, originally uploaded by Beauty fer Ashes.

I love real talk. I wish we could be more capable of talking in an intimate setting in front of anyone. It's just not possible sometimes. And it's okay, but it still kinda stinks. I feel so blessed that I was able to talk as much as I did with Greg today. About everything and nothing. No agenda. Just time.

The biggest blessing, however, is the fact that this relationship is pulling me closer to God each day. I actually enjoy talking to my girlfriends about their problems and have something to say about it. I know I could offer advice before, but never felt fully qualified. I desperately want to do all I can to continue to draw nearer to God to be able to pour into those around me!

God is great!
Text me if you'd like to schedule a coffee or lunch date.
I love each and every one of you guys!!


Gems:
BK coffee
costco samples
movie time
dancin' with my boo
girl talk

we're making leaps and bounds

Learning to Fly, originally uploaded by Chrissie White.

Although work is killing me and draining me of almost all of my energy, I did have a pretty good day. The dinner with Greg and my parents went really well and we were able to dance a little blues tonight as well. So I'm losing it fast... Bed time.


Gems:
free slurpees
taco salad
parents
dancing
God's touch

a self-portrait in just ten things

Self-portrait, comic book style, originally uploaded by renmeleon.

My assignment for the first day of class was to write out ten things that make me who I am. I have done it in almost every single one of my art classes, so I want to choose things that are true to me and really be creative in the execution. We will be drawing, painting, and creating visuals for each of the ten things. Now, what describes me?


Gems:
sleeping in
breakfast with LIL
good first day of school
relaxation time
creativity

make a wish and pet a fish

Money for the Fish, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

My wish for today is that my first day of class be a good one. I am glad I get to sleep in and even more happy that I get to see Lil Sis. I've missed her dearly. It's late though and I must crash..


Gems:
floating
brownies
group dinner
art supplies
prayer

wish i could just hang out more

Greg, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I am sad that I don't get more days like saturday where I just get to spend the day doing photography and nothing else... All of my weekends and weeknights are really filling up. Although it's fine for now, I know I'm due for a burn-out real soon. I hope I'm wrong.


Gems:
busy-work
Candace!
carpools
Henry's
prayer

i'm allowing love to blossom

Petit Pinkies, originally uploaded by yoshiko314.

I am complete and utter shock and amazement in the blessings of the Lord. His timing is nothing less than perfect and I can honestly say that I believe that with my entire heart. Although we may not always like what time may bring, it is absolutely perfect to His plan for our lives! I am so thankful. I pray that I may only show my gratitude more each day!


Gems:
overtime
organization
time flying
text messages
God's love

so glad the burden is lifted

praise, originally uploaded by frok303.

I had a great day today and yet again... I'm dead tired.
I need to go to bed and rest up for this week at the YMCA.
I love all of you and I hope to write again later.


Gems:
waterguns
SD County Fair
tickle fights
church confessions
His covering grace

so, i'm goin' on a lion hunt...

Puppy Love, originally uploaded by becaboo.

I spent the day on a photo excursion with Greg today and I have so many amazing photos that I will get posted very soon. However, if I continue to edit them now, I will go blind!! There are over 100 and although they aren't all good, I still need to make my way through all of them and find the best ones. Greg was a very patient model and I'm eager to see them all up online. I took some great shots of the nature as well, so you won't be too overloaded with Greg's gorgeosity... yeah, I said it. :)


Gems:
cinnamon toast
photography
french dip
MOPA
wall-E tonight

happy independence day, folks

9pm Fireworks, originally uploaded by toomanybeers.

I am having a wonderful day down here in Bonita!

The only thing that could have made to day better...
Lauren being here.

Lauren, you're missed.


I hope everyone else had a great day as well!!



Gems:
baby kitten
baby pictures
baby boy
my baby ;)
grandma! :D

been running on empty lately

(317) running on empty, originally uploaded by Sarajea.

I am so stoked to be able to have an extra day off from work! I'd write more, but I'm still using the last of my fuel to run around like a crazy woman. Also, I love my Big and I'm so glad she's home.


Gems:
long weekend
Rent
CPK pizza
a new mirror
BIG!!

please, take it away right now

lily 3, originally uploaded by jessicup.

Help...

I

don't

wanna

be

sick-face!!


Gems:
sleep
patriotic beads
tuna sandwiches
Alicia time
TV :)

the groans of my aching body

030*365 HIERarchY, originally uploaded by vnessa.

I've been working pretty hard, I guess. The weekend wasn't too long ago and I am already half-way through this work-week, yet still unsure of surviving. My neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, knees, ankles, soles, and even my toes... They hurt. I hurt. I don't like working. I am mainly opposed to being on my feet ALL day. Otherwise, I am really loving the Y this summer!

My coworkers are fantastic and I really couldn't ask of more from a camp! It's truly marvelous and I hope to get my usual staff back next week... not that my staff isn't great this week as well... because they are! I just miss my chats and lunches with Andrea. I'll be on my own as the Unit Leader again, starting next week. I need to get myself organized and get WAY more sleep!!

I can't wait to celebrate the Fourth of July on friday! It will be great, I'm sure. All the family and the Waterworths and Greg. No work and a chance to relax for real... not just a two-day psych-out. God bless America, right? :)

Tomorrow is coffee or dinner with Alicia and on saturday Greg wants to go on a camera expedition. We will probably finish up our art project on thursday or friday morning, before heading down to Bonita. Either way, I am excited that I am exploring my artistic side more and more. I'm still not convinced by paint, but I'm eager to play with a real camera on saturday!

That's all for tonight... I'm going to devo, then sleep.
Goodnight, lovies!


Gems:
coworkers
fast food nation
conversation at Borders
Brandy & her sass
Hula's typing