A Million Gazillion Calories!

My groovy San Diego friend Kristine, my sister Holly and I all went for a very brisk Christmas hike on Tuesday morning. After only a couple of San Francisco-type hills, we had all stripped our jackets and rolled up our sleeves. But we were goin' for more, baby! I breathed a prayer when I realized how intense the hills were since I am still recovering. But, after we had hiked for about three hours, passed and posed with a few cattle, and kissed a million gazillion calories goodbye, we had climbed up innumerable giant hills and I was doing just fine--not even sore! Just a little hungry (I have one heck of a protein drink!). :) I'm feeling a bit tired and stuff, but, yae that God is healing me and that I'm getting to get out with my friends and experience life again! Woo! New adventures await... (Thank you, God!!)

P.S.- I'll post photos of us when I get them.

I'ma Root Beer

You Are Root Beer

Ultra sweet and innocent, you have a subtle complexity behind your sugary front. Children love you, but so do high end snobs... when you're brewed right. Your best soda compatibility match: Dr. Pepper Stay away from: Diet Coke

What Kind of Soda Are You?

**Editor's Note: Let's make that A&W Root Beer, thank you! And, Mr. Dr. Pepper, where are you?? ;)

Random Thought

Who thought up red, yellow and green for stop lights? Blue would calm traffic hot-heads and is very pretty. *smile* Yes, very random...only up here so I could change the status, etc., of my profile. hehe

Dreaming Christmas

I'm entering data base right now for my part-time job--and I need a break! So, hi out there in blogger land. :) Some funny stories coming my way from cute little second-graders that I'll have to share with you soon. I've also been turnin' my little cottage into Christmas Central. Making many of my own gifts for people, all of my own Christmas cards, and am concocting some new traditions (just like I did this past Turkey Day). I had fun last night at a Mary Kay Christmas boutique with my mom where we tried on some fun lotions, feasted our eyes on sparking holiday colors and tempted our taste buds with apple and pumpkin pie (hey, that would be a great mix!). Two products I'm currently really getting into, though, because they're wonderful and natural are Arbonne (gotta have parties to support this one!) and Burt's Bees.

Well, I had better get back to work. Let me know what you're doing for Christmas, or what your Christmas dreams are. :)

Peace is Landing

Hey out there in blogger land...

Life can be so...confusing. In the past year or so, especially, my bulletin board has been so cluttered. It's been tossed up, rearranged, tossed up, rearranged... But, now...I dunno. It feels kind of, peaceful. Like, for the one of the first times in a VERY long time life seems to be finally coming together and somewhat stable. I'm tempted to think, "We'll see how long it lasts this time," but ya know? I really think it will.

My dad continually told me that after I graduated from college, things would finally get figured out. And, I think they are... I mean, sure, not all of life is like, "hey! peachy keen!," but it's definitely a ton more do-able (is that how you spell that word?) now. I mean, hey, I'm not completely out there in limbo land anymore. You want a surprise? I got a different job today. Yep, a real job in which I actually feel my degree is worth something and where I feel I will actually be of true value. Exciting, huh? Just in case you're wondering what this amazing job is, I'm now a second grade teacher. Fabulously, I'll work for three weeks and then get two weeks off right away for Christmas. Kids, here I come! :)

All of this took faith. It totally took God. He really rocks. I hope you know that.

Anyway, my parents took me out to a great dinner tonight to celebrate. Yummy salad, brownies and iced cream. Just in case I never told you (which I think I have), they're wonderful!

In other news, I got two magazine articles published! There are also some other things that are still trying to land back on my bullentin board, so stay tuned to find out when and where they fall.

Well, it's time to hit the sheets, so sweet dreams out there and remember to floss.

Always amazed with God's grace and lovin' life,

*Eclectic Dreamer* :)


Prov. 3:5-6

Life is Full of Little Epiphanies

Life is full of epiphanies, but this time I really felt stupid. Sitting in a car full of girlfriends the other night, we got on the random subject of food, nutricious food. Hm. :) Rebekah commented, "That's like when my parents use to tell me that I had to eat the crust of the bread because it was the most nutricious part. Ha ha!"

"Wait," I said suddenly. "You mean, it's not??"

Of course everyone began laughing. It's not more nutricious because the crust contains the same as what's in the middle, it's just more baked. Duh!!

"I guess I just never really thought about it. I mean, after hearing it all those years growing up, I never really thought to doubt it . . ."

"That's okay," Rebekah replied. "Phoebe thought the same thing until just recently when I told her."

Fhew . . . At least I'm not the only one who still has those little epiphanies.

50 Things . . .

(Bold = have accomplished, Italics = hope to do)

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath
08. Said “I love you’ and meant it (I'm talking romantic on this one)
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper (way too many times)
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten tipsy on champagne
24. Went ocean kyaking
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a goof and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (I only did for part of a day)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving

...More to follow... :)

Cool, man . . . :)

My friend Noell did this quiz on her blog, so I thought I would try it. I'm a very pretty strawberry, aren't I? :D

You are White Chocolate

You have a strong feminine side with a good bit of innocence thrown in. Whether your girlish ways are an act or not, men like to take care of you. You are an understated beauty, and your power is often underestimated!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

News Bulletin!

It's Crohn's Disease--not cancer. Though Crohn's is a serious and chronic disease, it is certainly not cancer (thank God!). After my surgery (16 inches of very critical colon was removed), I progressed quickly, but it has now slowed, but remains relatively steady. :) It has not been quite a month since the surgery, but my surgeon is excited about how things are moving along. I can begin working in October (provided I get a job!), and would really appreciate your prayers. Overall, A BIG SHOUT OUT TO GOD! :D

It's a Boy!

Here's a big shout out to my new little "nephew," Christian Joseph, a very tiny 6lb, 7 oz., who was born this past Sunday. Born pretty small, head up and always kicking, he's the new "premie" backstroker! Interestingly, he is the first baby, besides my brother and sis, that I ever really connected with. He's sooo cute and I'm facinated by his tiny fingernails and calm demeanor. I'll post another photo or two soon--of me with him! :)

Miss Johnson

YES!!! I just got hired as a fifth grade teacher here in the Bay Area. This, shall we say, was a TOTAL God thing. Literally, every STEP of mine was integral to this. I have not been this excited about a job since....like....2002. I did not realize I wanted to be a teacher until recently when I heard multiple teacher aquaintences asking for prayer requests such as, "I ask for prayer that I actually stay busy this summer instead of just loafing around. I'm planning on taking guitar lessons, going to India and reading this great book. But, hopefully I won't just opt out and watch TV." Ummm, hello! A teacher?? All of a sudden it started sounding...great! Okay, okay, that's not the only reason I want to teach. hehe Actually, I'm stoked about sharing my passion with the kids, especially in history and english. I'm currently in the midst of thinking of fun ideas to make learning adventurous, imaginative and fun. Any ideas? Comment below (please!). God rocks!

Here it is! :)

Click here to read my article about Brendan! There will be more photos added to the article soon. Let me know what you
think.

Brendan!

Here's the photo of Brendan and I--altho this photo does him NO justice, he's way cuter. Anyway, we hung out while I asked him all kinds of fun questions for an article. This laid back, fun-loving guy is certainly not hard to get to know. I've met my plethora of famous people, and he is by far the one I have felt the most comfortable with. First time in an interview where I was actually able to be ME--and it was so fun! Anyhoo, he's a great swimmer (duh!) and a cool dude, so you should read the article when it goes online. :) --I'll post it.--



My brother and sis (and some of her swimmers) with Brendan. My sis is sooo cute isn't she?!

It Has Evolved!

Life, life, life is so intersting! Truly, there is never a dull moment. I never know where I will be living one month from each day, never know where the next new experience will come from, and never know whether or not the next person I meet will be a really hot famous guy (like today!!). Post-college, my life has evolved into this even greater unpredictible adventure. Currently, as our house is being remodeled and we are getting ready to move (??), I have created for myself an amazing island get-away. Completely opposite of that, I also recently returned from my first rodeo ever (ride 'em, cowboy!). Staying within the same random flare, on Father's Day I found myself sharing yummy Swedish pankcakes at The Sweden House with three generations of my family--right outside overlooking the San Francisco bay! This very day I got to hang out with Olympic gold medalist and world record holding swimmer Brendan Hansen--after sharing carmel Dibs with my sweet brother. Of course, since my life is so unpredictible, I was then locked out of my car (cuz I'm just like that). . . ;)

The court case I'm working on is going better than we had hoped--and just found out I may get to sleep in an old-fashioned farm house in Ohio for four nights. Yes, random life I lead. But, afterall, I am one of those people who can not STAND sameness. Good thing!

Enter: The Space Age

Yes, it is now officially here--in my mind anyway. Many people believe that we have been living in the "space age" for years...but I believe it is only more recent, because now, da da daaaaa, we have cyborgs walking among us here on earth . . .

Me--LAW?!?! Oh, Unbelievably My Gosh!!!

No, I have absolutely NOT decided to move on to law school from here. Quite the contrary, actually. Though I totally dig the whole Legally Blonde fashion scheme and Elle's whole kick booty, "blondes can do it!," "blondes to the rescue" mentality, I would VERY much dislike being involved in law except for the fact that right now it is paying the bills and is where I am suppose to be :) hehe, okay, Thank God ;) ). And, I can talk, as I recently took a job doing paralegal type work for a court case in a major Bay Area city. I am involved in the whole perfectionistic and tedious document search which I have dubbed "The Job that Never Ends (instead of the "Song that...")." There are so many documents that they would probably reach all the way from Elle's home in Beverly Hills to her dorm room at Harvard. Seriously!! But, as I said, the job DOES have a lot of benefits to it, like the great people I work with (you know who you are :) ) and the amazing "education" this is for me. Anyhoo, so I would like to issue a huge kudos to all of my MANY lawyer and other law friends who are scattered all over the country: I have a new appreciation for you--you're amazing! Got to get to bed so I can get up early and work on the case. Nighty night (maybe I'll dream of my "Emmet" being one of the new guys coming on the case...mmm...)!

I'm GRADUATED!!!

On the morning of April 29th, 2006 . . .

WOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

(From Simpson U.)

The Next Step

Because I am back in school, it has been especially interesting to observe all of my friends that are my age (and not in school). First they all began getting married. Then they all began having babies. Now they're all buying houses. As an upcoming college graduate who is single and is just now looking for an apartment (a.k.a., not finding someone else to live with)--add to that all my extremely unique personality traits and quirks--I am truly an individual. And, even if someday I join all my non-single, parental house owner friends, I will always be extremely unique--what can I say? It's the way God made me. . . . And I'm learning to be cool with that.

Earnestly Ashland

My girlfriends and I just returned from the beautiful, very Shakespearean, Ashland, Oregon from witnessing a WONDEROUS adaption of Oscar Wilde's comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. It was a wet and snowy trip up, but we enjoyed yummy, natural iced cream when we got there (in the spirit of the state I was now in, I chose a very unique Oregonian flavor--Rogue River Pear *mmmmm!*), so it was worth it. :) We of course did not forget the the famous bead shop or the Shakepearean costume displays (my suitemate actually pointed one out to me that was worn by the character Olivia in Twelfth Night--so obviously I HAD to snap a picture of me with it!), either. All-in-all it was a great time. Friends, fun, food, and . . . comedy. Oh! How could I forget that it was also a break from homework. What more could'ya ask for? ;) Here's to an earnestly awaited trip!

(Oh, and just so you know, only 26 more days 'til graduation . . .)

Worldviews--"Theisteclectis"

Because so many different worldviews are so prevalent in our American society, I think there should be a new one called "Eclecticism." Essentially, I am a theist, but I have also been painted by other worldviews, such as postmodernism and even some new age ideas (nothing "religious," but more food ideas and such). For example, I believe many things, even certain things I have grown up believing, should be questioned (not that I can't go back and latch onto what I believed before, but it is healthy to know why you believe what you believe, and maybe even change certain things) or at least better understood (like Christianity) and that the food we eat effects our minds (chemically). Once we have our faith in God, I do not believe we need to question the cores of our faith, however we do need to understand them better. Questioning our faith can put our feet upon dangerous waters. As I said before, I am predominantly a theist, but if you are not a pure something-or-other (which I do not believe most people are), go ahead and call yourself by my new worldview: eclecticism. Maybe I'll even call myself a "theisteclectis." :)

25...24...23...

Only 25 school days left (that means only 38 total days) until I'M DONE with school--FOREVER!! Still caring somewhat about my grades, however, ;) I have been getting a ton of A's and B's, which qualifies me to enter my university's Academic March Madness for which I WON THIS WEEK (me and a guy named Alex, actually)!! I can now head to American Eagle and buy anything I want for $20! Combine that with the fact that I just saved a bundle smogging my car (God worked a miracle!) and the fact that I am very adequately passing physics, things are really looking up. :D Yippee-doo da!

Hail Man

It's FREE---ZING here in the land of sunshine...California. It's below the freezing point, I shiver on my way to classes and had to shift my walking plans with a friend to dinner plans because, surprise!, it's all white outside as we're in the middle of a hail storm. A super fun fact is that right now there is a girl outside my room building a "hail man," with stick hands and everything! SO cute! I'll have to snap a shot. In weather like this, it just doesn't seem like normal life should be going on. Seems like we should just be able curl up and watch movies and drink hot chocolate. Instead, I've got homework and can hear the distant sound of a tractor digging across the way. Hmmm... But, the forrest outside my room is all white--so, it's all good. Yae! :D

The Professorship Has Spoken

This week in class, one of my professors, whose name will remain anonymous, finally admitted that he and fellow professors join together while planning a semester and agree upon a time when they will sabbatage us all simultaneously with homework. We students always suspected as much! ;)

Another New Hobby

Yes, I have been beginning bonsai, but I have also began sewing--which, trust me, is strange, but my mom is proud. All through growing up she tried to get me to enjoy sewing, but the few projects we completed together (mostly her), I trudged through complaining I didn't have enough patience for it. This just proves my theory that, given time, most people will come around. :) Anyway, my latest sewing project is a grouping of three sage green/white, leafy throw pillows for my apartment. They will adorn my light and airy, whimsical, Japanese/S.F. style living room (yes, I'm very eclectic, but I pull it off very well). So, yae! I'm really excited. :D A couple of my next projects are a really cute pair of checkered '60s shorts and a 1930s evening gown. (Yes, I'm also very into period clothing.) Yae for sewing! :D

I'm So Dirty, I Had To . . .

This is one of my friend's photos that I just had to share. ;) Nothing like college life . . .

One Of My New Favorite Verses

"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:26-27, NIV). Nothing to fear! :D

Gettin' Into . . .

Bonsai! The whimsical, coastal look of bonsai has sucked me in. In planning a future back yard, I decided I would love it to mimick the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco. Looking forward to the apartment I will more than likely have (woo hoo!) in May, I have decided upon a very whimsical, San Francisco, Japanese flare while light and airy. One way I plan to pull this off is with bonsai (I know how to keep it humid around the plants)--my dad bought my first bonsai plant and pot for me this weekend. :) It is a beautiful purple blossomed serissa that I will be able to shape myself. How exciting!

P.S.

I'm sure I'll post a photo when it takes shape.

Top Flicks

As I sit here spooning apple raspberry sauce into my mouth, I am surprised at the movies that I ended up penning onto my Top-21 Favorite Movies list, surprised that movies such as Pirates of the Carribean, Spiderman and You've Got Mail did not make it on--though they are still very high on my ultimate list. :) Here's what I came up with:

Top-21 (in no particular order):
1. Love Comes Softly (which a friend of mine is in :D)
2. The Goonies (ah! I LOVE it!)
3. Princess Diaries I (oh, San Francisco . . .)
4. Anne of Green Gables and Avonlea (oh, so whimsical)
5. Meet Me in St. Louis (what a beautiful dream turned reality--and fun songs!)
6. Newsies (the perfect combination of history, journalism, songs, dancing and, when I was in high school, cute guys!)
7. A Walk to Remember (moving story and music, I actually know someone w/ a similar story)
8. Extreme Days (so very COOL, fun, wish I could do something like that!)
9. Little Women ('90s version) (inspirational for me as a writer--tho I vow to chng. the ending!!)
10. Tammy and the Bachelor (what a sweet love story . . . )
11. White Christmas (FUN! I just love the Kaye/blonde girl couple)
12. The Sound of Music (I cannot say enough . . .)
13. The Parent Trap (original--always wished I had a twin so I could trick people like that!)
14. Wives and Daughters (way more fun and relateable than Jane Austen)
15. Pollyanna (always was compared to Haley Mills--and I've always wanted that pos. attitude!))
16. Christy (w/ Kelly Martin--what a sweet and inspirational story, love that time era, too)
17. Pearl Harbor (what drama, what music, what history, what cute guys!)
18. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (my first PG movie ;) )
19. Sweet Home Alabama (there's just somethin' about it)
20. Bambi (did you collect the happy meal Bambi character figurines??)
21. An American Tale (ahh! gotta love Fivel--and the colors)

-I'm also amused that two of these movies were directed by Steven Spielberg and two are Christian Bale flicks. Guess I definately no dramatic when it comes to movies--I'm enough of a dramtic naturally, for goodness sakes. ;)

Some of the Tops I believe everyone should watch:
1. Passion of the Christ (to understand Christ's sacrifice in a fuller way or for witnessing)
2. End of the Spear (to catch onto a Christian passion--though there is native nudity :( )
3. The Raid (3-6= for a better understanding of history, what a government can do to its people and what our freedom really means)
4. Swing Kids
5. Saving Private Ryan
6. Blackhawk Down
7. The Greatest Game Ever Played (to be inspired give seed to your dreams that they may bloom . . .)

My Week Was . . . Like an Erupting Volcano

In my story book of life I would have to include the last two weeks. No matter what horrid event occured, another one took its place 5 minutes-1 hour later--no real rest, no peace. I went through so much shock that I literally began crying and shaking uncontrollably. I haven't learn the trust God method all the way yet. :) In fact, I think this is paritally why all this occured. I had to pass an exam without taking a the class for it--MAJOR STUDY TIME!! Pass or fail, baby. Talk about pressure. Then, my graduation was nearly taken away after already well into my graduation countdown (BIG, GIANT, COLLOSSAL mess I had to sort through while essentially taking 23 units), then I nearly lost (through financial aid confusement) all my money with no real answer of how to pay pay my bills, or even more important, how to buy food and not starve. Then a couple other things happened after those. The first three, however, lasted long periods of time--and with conflict--which I hate, loathe and DESPISE. Overall, it took me a good 3 or so days to recove after the storm passed over. On Monday, a thunder storm approached my life, and I nearly couldn't handle it (due to the shock I had already endured), but my mom quickly reminded me of what God has shown me over the past two weeks. And, God, quickly reminded me that He is here with me and is calling.

A volcano erupting during one wave of my life . . .




Looking back at these concerns, I see the value through all the rubble of turmoil and confusion. God never left me in any of it. There were times that I did not spend with Him when I should have, but He stayed with me, and got me through EVERY situation. EVERY one--in fact, He reminded me, there has never been a situation that He has not brought me through with amazing results. He has never brought me to a point where I felt like I was hanging over the cliff's edge and left me there. *selah* :) And, not only was HE there for me, but He also brought around my amazing friends. This showed me just what kind of friends I have -- a friend (math major) who gave me as much time as I needed to help me study to pass my big pass-or-fail math exam. Another friend took time to type out and send me a Bible verse she thought would help me. Some friends took time to pray with me and offer their support in any way possible (e.g., time, financial). Another friend who knew I had a hurricane room that was stressing me out, came in, without me knowing it, and cleaned it for me. What a blessing! I cannot begin to thank them--and especially cannot begin to thank God for all of His blessings through this time--not only for bringing me through and for bringing me real friends and a MAJOR supportive and loving family, but also for shaping me and drawing me closer to Him. :D Praise God.

23--And I Used to Be Scared of 14 . . .

Howdy,
Just a quickie to ask for ya'll's (that looks weird) prayer. I have got 23 units as of yesterday (LONG story) and have a possibility to test out of one class (3 units) on Mon., Jan. 30th @ 6:30p--will you please pray for my SANITY, wisdom, health, STRESS, GOD'S STRENGTH to me and that I'm able to test out of that class (math). These are my current classes, and if they all pass, I grad. in April: physics (inc. lab), math, american cinema, faith and culture, life and letters of paul, western lit., technical writing, ministry practicum/event planning internship. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.-
God has been showing me He is there helping and saving me, so please pray that I completely tap into that. THANK YOU!!! Prayin' for ya'll, too.

You Go Boys!

As a student, I totally understand the need for goofiness to balance out . . . the "s" word. s, s, s-c-hool. There. Visiting a friend's site recently I stumbled across this video clip of Two Chinese Students--whom I totally relate to. :) It's FABULOUS! As my friend Sara said: "I'm not sure if there are words to describe it. Don't think it's funny? Try watching it late at night. It certainly is one of a kind... LOL" Check it out for yourself by clicking on the photo--have fun (esp. my student friends)!

Today's Act of Randomness

Today's "O.J.'s Radical Acts of Randomness" was . . .

. . . making a 2c purchase--have you ever done that?! Kinda cool feeling like I lived back in the early-1900s for a sec. :)

L O V E

The Wide Wide World of ME!

Since it's been awhile, I thot I'd better say, "HEY, OUT THERE!!" Christmas break was interesting, to say the least. My sister and I had fun romping throughout IKEA (I ended up with tiny glass ingrediant cups and Swedish ginger cookies -- couldn't stop eating those!) in Bizerkely one rainy afternoon and eating Swedish fare in a restraunt overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Mmmmm... How wonderful can life get. :) As my New Testament prof. from the Bay Area (he's "on loan" to us from Pleasanton!) said last semester, even though San Francisco has many problems, there are many great things happening there for God and many impacting churches. He also said that much of the ministry that occured in the New Testament took place in cities--and they weren't always the most moral places in the world. San Francisco is his favorite city, as it is mine.

Now back at school (my LAST semester--finally!!--ahhhh!!!), I am career searching, looking for a public relations internship and actually enjoying my, dare I say it?, physics classes! Being my last semster here, I am planning on really exploring the area in a fuller way. I'm itching to check out the Oregon Trail! One of my friends is currently making me an amazingly beautiful Rennasaince princess dress for me to go to the Ren. Fair in and a couple other friends want to me to catch another Shakespeare play with them in Ashland, Oregon, this semsester (where I might be able to wear my Rennasaince dress again!). Fun times!

Will post some photos soon. Until then, I've got things to do and people to see--chei! :)