"I love to go to Washington - if only to be near my money."
~Bob Hope
Friday, April 13, 2007
My World, Updated
*I'm on SPRING BREAK!!! Enuf said. :)
*Just got back from visiting my 16-year-old brother in the hospital after shattering his arm catching air on a friend's bike. A little too much speed and a complete head-over-heals 360 in the air. Yep. And it's all caught on video. Poor boy... :(
*Spent Easter "at the beach" in Santa Cruz with friends and enjoyed a nice drive back up the coast in my dad's Mustang. And, can we say that I rock at Catch Phrase?! And I hadn't even played it since I lived in VA.
*I'm on a new special diet called Cereal and Chocolate. I know, very unlike me, but life has been overwhelming...and if you approach it just right, you really lose weight, too! :)
*Tomorrow I start a special Crohn's diet...you know, by the book and all. hehe :)
*I'm paiting two walls in my room English Countryside green (kinda springy sage) and slowly (following a budget, of course :) ) making my room into an East Coast beauty, complete with toile. My next interior design adventure--total beach girl.
*Current Reading: "In Style"'s guide to fashion because I am inlove with fashion. And, no, that is not the only book on my nightstand ;) , but, oh, it is so cool.
I've gotta go give my sister back her long shorts for her trip to SLO, so I've gotta run, but will type on here more later.
Audi,
O. Janelle =:-D
*Just got back from visiting my 16-year-old brother in the hospital after shattering his arm catching air on a friend's bike. A little too much speed and a complete head-over-heals 360 in the air. Yep. And it's all caught on video. Poor boy... :(
*Spent Easter "at the beach" in Santa Cruz with friends and enjoyed a nice drive back up the coast in my dad's Mustang. And, can we say that I rock at Catch Phrase?! And I hadn't even played it since I lived in VA.
*I'm on a new special diet called Cereal and Chocolate. I know, very unlike me, but life has been overwhelming...and if you approach it just right, you really lose weight, too! :)
*Tomorrow I start a special Crohn's diet...you know, by the book and all. hehe :)
*I'm paiting two walls in my room English Countryside green (kinda springy sage) and slowly (following a budget, of course :) ) making my room into an East Coast beauty, complete with toile. My next interior design adventure--total beach girl.
*Current Reading: "In Style"'s guide to fashion because I am inlove with fashion. And, no, that is not the only book on my nightstand ;) , but, oh, it is so cool.
I've gotta go give my sister back her long shorts for her trip to SLO, so I've gotta run, but will type on here more later.
Audi,
O. Janelle =:-D
Friday, April 06, 2007
Today's Celebratory Hike
Yae! School's out for spring break (I only had a 1/2 day with the kids today...which included a sweet bunny brunch :) ) and it was a beautiful spring day, so I took my brother and I and my convertable up to Mt. Diablo for a fun hike. We ran into a hissing snake, beautiful wild flowers...and plenty of scats...which my brother analyzed. :) It was all good exercise.
Scats and trail book.
Yes...we had fantabulous time taking photos. ;) And, again, I thank God that I am able to do these things again. (!!) :D I love my brother. :) *awwwww*
Sunday, February 25, 2007
We Hit San Francisco!
I know it's simply been ages since I've posted, and simply ages before that that I promised you updates, but, he-hem, I've been busy. Likely, but VERY true excuse. :) Well, nontheless, here is at least ONE rambling in the life of your's truly. My sister's friend, Dan, came to visit, and, since he had never before been to S.F., we HAD to give him the tour. With our very-S.F. road-knowledgable roomy's (Rebekka) riding shotgun, and my sister's driving ability, we hit the streets for a merry trip to the city. After a strange stint down-town, we hit Golden Gate Park.
I belong to the white shoes! Here, our foot-o-gram (yes, I have to have those!) at the Japanese Tea Gardens (who still charged us even though it was close to closing and most of the pictureske ponds had been drained for cleaning. Still bea-u-tiful, though, still beautiful!). My brother and I decided we're making our own like gardens in my new backyard.
From top to bottom on the SWEET bridge at the Tea Gardens: my brother Jonathan, my sister Holly, Rebekka, Dan and mua *kisses*.
My brother actually drank tea--and LIKED it!
I, on the other hand, have always been an ardent admirer of tea.
I belong to the white shoes! Here, our foot-o-gram (yes, I have to have those!) at the Japanese Tea Gardens (who still charged us even though it was close to closing and most of the pictureske ponds had been drained for cleaning. Still bea-u-tiful, though, still beautiful!). My brother and I decided we're making our own like gardens in my new backyard.
From top to bottom on the SWEET bridge at the Tea Gardens: my brother Jonathan, my sister Holly, Rebekka, Dan and mua *kisses*.
My brother actually drank tea--and LIKED it!
I, on the other hand, have always been an ardent admirer of tea.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
It's Not MY Randomosity (this time) ;)
Oh, my very cool little kids . . . :)
Okay, so you're up in the front of the classroom teaching arithmetic. "So you cross out the 6, change it to a 5 and borrow 10 ..." Then, as is typical, a student raises their hand (in compliance with rule #2: "When the teacher is speaking..."), a little boy in this case, probably with a question asking why we're borrowing 10 and not 1 or something...
"Yes, Johnny*?" I ask.
"Did you know that last year I went on a really fast rollercoaster at Great Flags and it was really fun, but I wouldn't take my pet turtle on it 'cause his shell would probably crack...but I would take my hamster because . . ."
"Oh, Johnny, yes, that is very interesting. I'm sure it was fun, but...this is math..."
********************************
After a visit with the head of the primary department a bit before Christmas, Petey walks through the door with a candy cane and hands it to the teacher.
"Why, thank you, Petey*. But, where did you get this?"
"Mrs. Sussex* had them out in her room for free," he responded.
"Are you ssshhhhure it was free?" the teacher questioned, suspicious.
"Yeah," Petey said confused, but confident. "It was in a box that said 'sugar free candy canes'..."
*Names changed because, duh, you know why
Okay, so you're up in the front of the classroom teaching arithmetic. "So you cross out the 6, change it to a 5 and borrow 10 ..." Then, as is typical, a student raises their hand (in compliance with rule #2: "When the teacher is speaking..."), a little boy in this case, probably with a question asking why we're borrowing 10 and not 1 or something...
"Yes, Johnny*?" I ask.
"Did you know that last year I went on a really fast rollercoaster at Great Flags and it was really fun, but I wouldn't take my pet turtle on it 'cause his shell would probably crack...but I would take my hamster because . . ."
"Oh, Johnny, yes, that is very interesting. I'm sure it was fun, but...this is math..."
********************************
After a visit with the head of the primary department a bit before Christmas, Petey walks through the door with a candy cane and hands it to the teacher.
"Why, thank you, Petey*. But, where did you get this?"
"Mrs. Sussex* had them out in her room for free," he responded.
"Are you ssshhhhure it was free?" the teacher questioned, suspicious.
"Yeah," Petey said confused, but confident. "It was in a box that said 'sugar free candy canes'..."
*Names changed because, duh, you know why
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
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 |
**Editor's Note: Let's make that A&W Root Beer, thank you! And, Mr. Dr. Pepper, where are you?? ;)
Sunday, December 10, 2006
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
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
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. :)
Well, I had better get back to work. Let me know what you're doing for Christmas, or what your Christmas dreams are. :)
Monday, November 20, 2006
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 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
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
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.
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... :)
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... :)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
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! |
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
News Bulletin!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
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! :)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
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!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Here it is! :)
think.
Friday, June 23, 2006
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?!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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 . . .
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