paper mache is an evil thing

flowerbird - AVAILABLE, originally uploaded by flymissy.

Done with the project and it's only 11:45 PM!!


Gems:
good moods
great presentation
perfect grades
taking care of Greg
focused work

considered to be lucky in love

art journal paper doodle, originally uploaded by oltremare.

Today was really a chain of one awful circumstance after another... and it was completely my fault. Oh well. The worst of it is over and I'm ready to get on with my day. I have one more layer to do on my paper mache whale and then I'm going to take the night off... from EVERYTHING!

I will meet up with Greg and go with him to Swing Huddle, but once there, I will not be dancing. I will rest. I'm excited really. I know it's pretty lame to travel to a venue to avoid the dancing altogether, but I just don't have it in me and Greg is going already.

Maybe I won't get to finish up the whale's belly after all.
I think Greg got out early.
LoL.


Gems:
finished projects
focused work
nice phone calls
time to rest up
checking to-do's

i'm packing up my goodbyes

suitcases, originally uploaded by bubbo-tubbo.

I'm packing up goodbyes in suitcases and boxes.
Won't unpack them till I need them.
And won't need them until I pack once again.

It's been a long road and simply, I'm tired.
Exhausted and drained from each step out of bounds.
I'd love to wave as you drive down the road.
And a part of me will.

Just not the part that knows.


Gems:
Flood Staff
Greg
the OC
munchkin
naps

art doesn't fit inside of a book

my art journals, originally uploaded by oltremare.

I have committed myself to cramming as much artwork and information to do future art pieces into a binder today. Why? Because it is one of my last assignments for my art class this summer. This art notebook is due Monday, which just happens to be the day of my group presentation as well. However, as soon as I finish with those two things, the only thing I have left to finish is my puppet. I have a ton of work left on that, but I'm hoping it will wrap itself up once everything else is finished. Speaking of... I need to get back to work.


Gems:
sleep
Dana's music
lunch with family
time for work
books

decor will be utterly perfected

Day 337 - And after =), originally uploaded by {damnittoby}.

I look forward to my own place, where I can creatively decorate the spaces in which I spend my time. I love great interior design and I know I want to spend a good amount of time on it... once given the chance.


Gems:
early days
diligence
camp
parents
time with love

your routined day smells stale

Your Routine Smells Stale, originally uploaded by Chrissie White.

It's truly amazing how your day can seem so bright in comparison to the dull and dreary days surrounding it. I may not seem upset in all of my other posts, but I've been in a funk lately and I'm just stoked that I finally had a good day. A great day, in fact! I am so thankful for His presence in my life. :)


Gems:
God's grace
positivity
enthusiastic workers
reunited
smiles & laughter

& just as soon as i can... i will.

Goodbye Detroit!, originally uploaded by caterpillars.

I know I can't move out of San Diego just yet, but after seeing Big look through the housing listed online for New Orleans, I couldn't help myself. I started looking through Seattle listings and I must say, it is significantly cheaper! It's nothing compared to the prices in New Orleans, but the prices in San Diego are simply out of control. I can't wait to move to a place of my own.

Seattle, we will soon reunite again!


Gems:
birthdays
rain
potatoes
rest
openness

art will soon overthrow my life

looking @ the outside world, originally uploaded by {Cristina&David}.

I have created so much work that "represents who I am" or "represents a part of me" or "represents an emotion that I am feeling" that I really don't feel like I'm real at all.

Who am I in all of this?

Am I really:
paper cut-outs?
beads?
charcoal on paper?
paint smeared outside of the lines?


Maybe.




Gems:
Mayra
moving out
restful lunch
familiarity
beads

101 questions and still strong

I Wanna..., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Greg and I just finished reading 101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged and I am even more excited than I was before! Meeting with Amie today was great as well, so I'm just really hopeful for the future. I still haven't a clue about where I will be in two years, but I look forward to finding out!!


Gems:
meeting with Amie
seeing family
Panera dinner
finishing books
almost two months

to become the perfect pancake

pancake stack on the wonk, originally uploaded by dr_loplop.

... God sometimes needs to flip your life upside-down.

Your way is not necessarily the right way.


Wake up call, me.



Gems:
pancake wars
girl talk
olympics opening ceremony
games
church tonight

i may not play video games

pacman cupcakes, originally uploaded by hello naomi.

... but here is one way that I can really enjoy them!!


I love cupcakes.
Mmmm...

Good day today! :D



Gems:
waking up naturally
time to rest
video games
talk with Lauren
late night cravings

he wants 2 take me 2 Germany

Passport, originally uploaded by gravitywave.

I love my time right here.

Safe.
Strong.
Soothing.
I am so thankful for him in my life right now.
I'm thankful for all the strongholds in my life.

I can't wait to travel.
And he can hardly wait to take me.
It makes me so happy.


Gems:
Starbucks
Andrea
God
Greg
movies

only three weeks an three days

Oh yeah, did I mention I was moving out?!, originally uploaded by {damnittoby}.

New surroundings soon.




Gems:
sleeping in
art fun!!
midol
101
dancing

i love my sister and my lil sis

[181/366] Project Redone, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I gave this artwork to my Lil Sis today and I hope she enjoys it as much as it seemed. I am so much happier with it than I was when I first turned it in. Although I finally figured out how to use the oil pastels, I never want to do it again. Enjoy the ONLY ONE, Lil Sis.

As for sisters... I love you, Doodle.
You mean the world to me.
You should really know that!!


Gems:
paid tickets
treasure
flexibility!!
seeing Lil Sis
quality time w/ Greg

skip the boring traffic schools

Funny Sign - Traffic School, originally uploaded by coasterbeing.

This is not always true... but slow down anyways.

I just finished the second 4 hours of traffic school tonight and got my certificate to turn into the court tomorrow morning with my $315. I'm not happy that I had to do it or pay for it and although I don't agree with the circumstances in which I received the ticket, I have deserved many times prior. I actually enjoyed the class and enjoyed myself, despite the length of the freaking class!!

So for all those needing to take traffic school classes,
call 1-800-409-2929 for:
CHEAP WEEKNIGHTS COMEDY

It's definitely worth it... Just don't use your cell phones at all. :)


Gems:
positive attitudes
paper mache
Across the Universe
fun punishment
God time

taking a moment to stop traffic

Step Out of Traffic..., originally uploaded by marymae;).

It was an extremely high stress day for me:

I never made it to work,
I had to finish writing to paper,
hurry to class,
redo an art project,
eat dinner,
speed to traffic school,
find the real traffic school location,
and now....

R E S T
R E S T
R E S T



Gems:
Andrea
Brisk
Meri
GREG
comedy

7 am: wide-eyed & pumped up

early morning, originally uploaded by kestra_400.

I don't get it. I knew I was too tired to stay awake last night and fell asleep around 10:15... But I really wasn't expecting to wake up on my own at 7am. I'm ready for the day ahead and determined to get this paper done! I don't want this hanging over my head.

Back to the paper.


Gems:
waking up without an alarm
giant cinnamon rolls
watching Britney in Crossroads
lotion with aloe
boyfriend returning home

when homework looks this fun

Reactor-88 Totem Skatedeck Pic 2, originally uploaded by reactor88.

Don't believe the hype.

Just because it's art... doesn't mean it will be any more enjoyable.

I have enough photos to feel comfortable with the puppet I'll make.
Now I just need to do research on totem poles and the background behind them in order to write my paper. Once I have the paper written, I can get finished up with my art piece that is sitting on the dining table. They are both due on Monday. Yay.

I miss Greg.


Gems:
Starbucks
picnic
tattoo shops
family
phone calls

the special story of one starfish

The starfish, originally uploaded by S0me01 (Away).

While walking on the beach one day
I saw Starfish by the shore.
And everywhere I looked it seemed,
I saw a thousand more.
Then what to my surprise appeared?
A boy of nine or ten;
And as the Starfish washed ashore,
He threw them back again...
I smiled at such a futile task to save this population.
"One fish won't make a difference son. You can't change this situation."
He stooped and picked up one more fish, then looking right at me,
"I can make a difference for this one, sir," and returned it to the sea.
So I went and gathered all my friends, my brothers and my cousins.
We joined in with that little boy and saved Starfish by the dozens.
There still are many to be rescued - many "Starfish" on life's shore.
Let's make a difference like that lad by saving just one more.

-- by C. A. Milbrandt.

Gems:
no school
relaxation
Pierre
Andrea
CCT's Alice

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