Summer, Summer Summer....Camp

This past week was summer camp. Camp is one of the most amazing places to me. I swear the trees drip grace. It's where I was saved, where I spent every summer from 9th grade until I was a sophomore in college.

This summer camp was bittersweet to me. It isn't what I remember it to be (But is anything every really what we remember once time has stripped away the bitter parts and left us only with the sweet? ). Even though it didn't compare to past experience it was still a great week- here are a few highlights.

NOT SO....

Lame.

I can't take too much credit- but there is a new picture and a new template- lap top intact. Thanks J!

The new title? "The view from the passengers seat" referred to my travels to and fro, east to west and back again.... Since that is no longer the case I decided to change it. Why Lost+Found?? Those who know me know that I often find myself lost (driving, walking, in life, love and the pursuit of happiness... sometimes I even get lost on my way to the bathroom first thing in the morning...), but thankfully, I am unfailingly found.

Until next time (which will undoubtedly be after I get back from the greatest place on earth [tied only with the beach].......SUMMER CAMP), I leave you with some (of a multitude of) pictures taken by the "photobooth" on my lap-top- something that was only recently discovered (thank you Jamie for the second time this entry). It has brought a ridiculous amount of fun and monkeying around by all those that live in my house and/or visit often.

LAME!

So I'm not soooo lame (or, shall I say, technologically challenged) that I can't add a link to a site that may or may not have a more complete picture gallery from Jamie and Jason's trip with captions. If I did I think that link may look something like this- Jamie's blog but maybe not. I don't know, I'm just sayin is all.

I am, however, lame enough to not be able to change my blog template to a template from blogskins and even more embarrassingly, unable to upload a new picture of myself for my profile- even with instructions. Yeah I know... lame!!!! So, I'm currently taking applications for a site administrator. This of course is an unpaid position that requires the applicants to not only be able to do trivial computer tasks but more importantly be able to keep me from backing over my lap-top repeatedly. Please apply in the comment section of this post.

In the meantime, I'm heading to the beach with a book, journal and bible for the evening to get a little "alone time." I sincerely believe the beach is good for my soul. Funny story: I was making that very exclamation one evening to a friend when another friend who happened to be near by piped in and said "it's true, she's actually nice when she comes back." True story on many accounts!

A Good Week, A Bad Day

Yes- I do remember I have a blog. It's just that I usually remember it as I'm falling asleep. I make a mental note to update the next day and tuck it away in my mind somewhere between bills that need paid and searching for a favorite sangria recipe.... needless to say, it's not until the next night, as I'm falling asleep, that that mental note gets found; it's a vicious cycle!

Last week was a phenomenal week here in the state of California, at least in my world.

About a month and a half ago my amazing friend (and tenant:-) Jamie and I started talking about the possibility of him moving my life's belongings from Lancaster Pennsylvania to Upland California. He was willing to drive, I was willing to pay. Here's how the agreement worked out- He spent time packing my stuff, I sent money. He rented a moving truck, I sent money. He loaded a moving truck, I sent money. He found a friend (Jason) to drive with.... well, I didn't send money but I was greatly appreciative. (truth: I embellished my part, I sent money once prior to the move and once while my belongings were en route... truth: I understated Jamie's part, he worked his butt off to get my things to me. Truth: Jason really just did come along for the ride. Although there is something to be said for being willing to help drive a perfect stranger's belongings 3000miles. Thanks J).

All that planning came together last week. Jamie and Jason left Lancaster Sat. July 19 and arrived here Tues July 22. They spent several action packed days here before flying back to PA last Saturday. Those of you who know me well, know that my "worlds colliding" makes me a little nervous. I was a nervous for not. It was a FANTASTIC time (despite the fact that I was really sick the first day or two they were here.... seriously, have you ever known me to spend the day on the couch instead of on the beach?). There was an evening in Hollywood, In-N-Out at 1am, surf lessons, the Cuban Bistro, Hip Kitty, staying up all night talking.... you get the point. I'm posting some pictures that I stole from Jamie's blog below (eh hemmmm.... what happened to leaving a CD of all the pictures Jason?)

So the what's the bad day about?? Truthfully, it was the day my worlds stopped colliding... they went home. I wasn't prepared for how much fun a bit of fun from my PA world would affect my CA world. OR how much it would make me realize and miss what I left in PA. I had forgotten the ease of relationships with history, the laughter of old friends and the excitement of discovering the wild world of west coast for the first time. Now, I few days later, things have settled back into normal life. I am still convinced this is where I'm meant to be, there is undoubtedly a part of me that wishes that they would come back (and make that snappy gentlemen!!!), and bring more of you along!!!!

30 things.....

Jamie has asked several times how I'm coming on my 30 things to do when I'm 30 list. Well, I'm pleased to announce that this weekend I have been able to check off two more.

On Friday and Saturday the youth group went camping at the beach (I'm sure you know where this is going). Travis, this guy who's been hanging around for awhile, and his mom (a regular church attender) came along. Travis has been surfing with his dad since he was 5 years old. Now 25, he enjoys imparting his surfing wisdom on others. So, we prearranged a surfing lesson at 5:30 saturday morning. I borrowed a wet suit from Weston (note: wearing a guys wet suit is not the most comfortable thing to do, the legs and arms are too long, its not cut for hips and there is a lot of extra crotch room.... not to mention, its snug, and therefore VERY unforgiving. Also of note, I hadn't planned on an audience, but I should of. Sheli, her friend Tiffany, Clarissa, Weston and Nancy (Travis's mom) all got up to come along..... yikes!).

In all the lesson went well- but I'll be the first to admit that it's A LOT harder than it looks. Just paddling out is exhausting! I have two large bruises on both hip bones from both pulling myself up on the board and pressing into the board when getting hit by waves (and their not the kind of bruise that doesn't hurt- wearing pants is even painful). I got up on my knees (and could have stood, but I chickened out and jumped off). The fun part is being out in the middle of the ocean laying on board playing the waiting game... A group of us plan to go next Saturday for lesson number two, he informs me I'll be sore for long time. And today I bought my own wet suit. (pictured: Travis and Nancy (Nancy who now calls me Surf Diva) and me and the long board)














Sunday night was one of my favorite youth group kids birthdays. For whatever reason, Weston let him sit on his motorcycle- something Weston is not prone to do. What started as just sitting on the motorcycle ended up turning into a motorcycle riding lesson for Kurtis. I have been asking (more like begging) for months but the answer has always been jokingly "riding a motorcycle is dangerous, not just for you but for everyone else... with that danger comes a waiting period." So when Kurt was getting his lesson, I told Weston I was a little offended. He smiled and told me I was next. So I got my lesson.... lets just say I'm a better surfer:-) While I didn't wreck it, I did accidentally "lean" it against a brick wall... my excuse- I'm a little girl, it's a big bike! Weston remained gracious and let me ride it some more. Thankfully the "lean" only happened once.

Just Beachy

Laguna Beach last week

Beach season is upon us- at least on this side of the country! I found myself skipping church to soak in the sun the last week- I'm not exactly sure what happened or how I got there, but my car magically ended up on the Pacific Coast Highway, and I happend to have my bathing suit on... who am I to question fate?:-) Seriously though, the warm weather makes me happy and gives me endless energy (okay not endless- but pretty darn close!!!!)

Rekindling Old Relationships

(alternately entitled Two Really Crappy Weeks)


"Because I love Jerusalem, I will continue to speak for her. For Jerusalem's sake I WILL NOT stop speaking. I will speak until her goodness shines like a bright light. I will speak until her salvation burns like a bright flame." Isaiah 62:1

A forced smile

The last two weeks have been sorta stormy with a few rays of sun (that's right I've finally accepted my gifting as a weather girl:-). What I mean by that is, things here have seemed pretty crappy (crappy enough to make me question my decision to be a west coaster- briefly... and yes, I am melodramatic) but despite the bad stuff there has been some really good things too.

I'll start by saying that I really don't want to delve into the crappy parts. I'm not one for public humiliation, and am not sure how much good comes from airing your heart publicly on the net for all too read. So, I'm just gonna say that these weeks have been wrought with misspoken words, tears, hurt feelings, confusion, no, make that lots of confusion, more misspoken words even more tears and leave it at that.

In the midst of prayers for a right heart, a direction to walk and clarity of boundaries there have been people- friends- speaking on my behalf & speaking into my heart, helping clear some of the confusion, making me laugh and reminding me that bad days (weeks) are often part of Gods plan too. I have often prayed for an explanation, something to blame and subsequently "fix" but what I get is a reminder that I don't see the big picture and a reminder of Isaiah 62- That even when I feel powerless, confused and like running away or falling off the face of the earth unsure of myself, questioning my worth (like every girl does).... He is still speaking on my behalf and won't stop. My only job is resting in Him and caring for my heart while he is at work defending it. Heartache seems different this time around.

So whats been good? Well besides my amazing friends both near and far- I was offered a job that I am not qualified for that has an unheard of schedule on the recommendation of my director here. I'll save you the details of the job description accept to say that I am now one of 3 wound care nurses for the entire hospital. What this means is that I am my own entity, complete with desk, office, pager, no weekend, no holiday, no night shift (ever) schedule. What is even better is the other two nurses that I will be working with go to my church. I start tomorrow!!!!!!!!

The rekindling of old relationships thing??? No, I have not met some bronze latino ready take me south of the border to live on the beach.... although I haven't really been looking either.... anyway- I'm speaking of my "retail therapy" (you who know me well, know I deal with stuff by shopping.... c'mon, I haven't changed that much:-) so when this recent "storm" first rolled in, I, like every girl, immediately went where it's not healthy.... "there is something wrong with me. I'm ______ & ______(fill in the blanks as appropriate)." Thankfully I didn't go to the mall, I immediately ran to the gym and into to Star (also known as the "trainer from H*LL") and am now meeting with her 3 (very painful) times a week (yeah I said 3- in her words "this is a whole new ball game"- yikes). Honestly, I don't remember why I stopped. There is something to be said for pushing yourself (or allowing someone else) to push you until your legs are shaking, arms are limp and sitting is painful.

And of course I'm still having fun! Below is a picture of me and one of my favorite senior high girls (who incidentally is headed to PA for college in the fall:-( taken tonight at youth group.