The Adventure Framework - Summer 2013

 I have long postponed this blog, and now to my regret, for there is much to tell. Most of the time I dont even know whats going on in this adventure I'm in, so I've not know how to tell of it. But let me at least give you the framework. :)

To begin, I will speak of Andrew and I's adventure to the UK! It was a grand adventure, indeed. We came back with many more memories to cherish, a couple a pints in our bellies, a new found patriotism, and tired bodies. We saw many awesome sights throughout Scotland and Ireland, experienced the culture and the amazing history. We ventured to Loch Ness in Scotland, rode the Underground in London during rush hour, kissed the Blarney Stone in Southern Ireland, and climbed to the top of Crough Patrick in the north of

Ireland. We met many awesome people, talked to sheep, saw many beautiful and amazing sights...including the Cliffs of Moher(some of the tallest sea-side cliffs in the world), Ben Nevis(tallest mountain in Scotland), and the rolling green hills of Ireland.
Some firsts we had was hitch-hiking("thumbing". as the locals called it), staying at hostels and B&Bs, and driving on the left side of the road.

Overall, it was a rewarding experience that helped us broaden our horizons and perspective on our lives. We came to the overwhelming realization that we LOVE the USA! and are very proud citizens. Not to say that the UK was bad, because we enjoyed it very much, but as far as living somewhere (as far as our experiences have led us so far), no place can compare to the USA. :) We have a lot more to offer here.

Crowne Plaza Cabana in Palo Alto, CA

And now that we're back, we've been working our butts off! Andrew has been working on marketing for his house-flipping company and the company they are partnered with, and I have been working for the past month. I got a full time position as a PBX Operator/Front Desk Clerk at the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto, CA. Its been challenging but fun for me. Probably the most challenging part is learning to communicate and relay information with the guests in a professional manor. This is the complete opposite of what I learned at Winter Park. We were taught to be polite, but laid back, friendly, and real. One thing I'm learning, though is that I can be all that in a professional manor. But its challenging for me. Especially when the guests are uptight and demanding, and don't speak good English - if any. However, as far as jobs go, this one is the most perfect one for me. I fit in well with the position and the people I work with. They are all so amazing and beautiful people, and a pleasure to work with and work for.

The apartment I was to get didn't end up working out after all, so I've had no choice than to move in to Andrew's parent's house, where he and his family live, for the presant. Its been fun, although a little strange because, except when I am working we are with each other all the time. And I wonder "is this the 'wild' adventure that God told me about?" Cause I would certainly believe it if it was! Its been a lot of fun. We've diffidently had our challenges, but we've worked them out, and its been fun! Its strange because it feels like we're married only we've never have sex (omg, I just said the "s" word in my blog!). That's something I really want everyone to know, though. Most people assume that if you live together that you're also sleeping together, and I want to let you all know that that is something we both really want to save for marriage. Its been hard, especially now that it seems we're married in every other way, but its not even an option for us because we've made up our minds that that's not an option. [MORE ON THIS IN BLOGS TO COME]

I'm considering taking a few classes at Foothill community collage in the Fall. I have applied and been excepted. I would be taking writing, drawing, and watercolor classes if I did.

This is the frame work for my current adventure. :)

And in the midst of all this, love is fighting for my attention and my heart....

WPA: Part 6 The Long Awaited End and a New Beginning

"I'm going to take you on the wildest adventure you've ever seen!"

These were the first words I heard this morning while still in that place between asleep and awake. I turned my head a little surprised to hear the voice of my father so clearly. The clearest I've heard it in months. Today I leave Winter Park, CO and go back to California and my very best friend. I already found an apartment to rent, and begun a job search.

My plane doesn't leave Denver airport until 9pm tonight, and the wait throughout this day is agonizing. I caught a ride with a friend who had a dentist appointment in Denver earlier today, and arrived at the airport 3hrs early. The plane couldn't arrive early enough...

In retrospect, This Winter Park Adventure was a very good experience for me. I learned soo much about work, customer service, and people. Because of this I gained much more confidence in myself and my abilities as a worker. I've gained more independence, and I've enjoyed the freedom that comes with having money. haha I met some great people, and got the privilege of loving them, and serving them all season. These are all the good things, but all in all it was very hard. It was hard to be away from Andrew, and all my family and friends. Most of the time I felt alone although surrounded by hundreds of people. It was hard to be in the cold and the snow for 6 full months. It was hard to be surrounded by people who's greatest love and priority was alcohol and weed. I was hard to work my job full time for 6mnths. It was hard to be stuck in an 8mile stretch of slight civilization for 6mths. I left once on a 5hr adventure with one of my managers. We went to Walmart and Qudoba about 1.5hrs away. That was such a big deal for me!! :D It was hard to hear the voice of God. It was hard to listen for it. Most of the time I was exhausted from working so much.

So although most of the time I can say I was rather unhappy, and would never choose to do this adventure again...I gained very valuable experience I'm not sure I would have gained anywhere else.

But with Papa about to take me on this new adventure...there is excitement in my bones! Who knows what is around the corner?? All I know that it will be full of good things, because God, He loves me, and he'll be with me. :) In fact its already started. The apartment I got is a 1bed, 1bath, 5room apartment in Santa Clara, CA for $500 a month including utilities. On top of that the landlord loves Jesus, and shes giving me a month of free rent. Also I got free airfare to Scotland, and Ireland, and will also be going to England. I leave with Andrew on Friday. We are very excited for this adventure, and look forward to see what sort of surprises he has for us there. These gifts we will use fully for him. :) We will follow his heart. :D

Let the new wild adventure begin!:D

WPA Part 5: Seasons/Adventures

I was awakened this beautiful last day of February 2013 by the memories of summer. The memory of green grass, and brightly colored flowers. Of running outside with no burden of shoes or extra layers of warmth to put on. How nice it will be to simply slip on my TOMS again, and not have to sit down and lace up my boots every time I want to go somewhere! To not be cold for months...to have the hot feel of the sunrays all over my skin...to go to the ocean and actually be refreshed by cold water. Oh, summer, you're nearly here!

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying this full-on winter as best I can. Today and tomorrow are my days off. Today I went snowboarding and ice skating until my ankles hurt, and I plan to do that again tomorrow. Its blizzarding outside right now with some of the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen! Tomorrow will be a good day to ride! I can ice skate for free on the village pond here, and I try to do that as often as I can, since I enjoy it so much. I'm trying to practice and learn as much as I can. So that's really exciting for me.
Also I have been practicing watercolor, and slowly improving at that, I think.  I started a story this past summer, and have been trying to work on that as often as I can. I am very excited about where it is going, and I hope to finish it by this time next year. Hopefully by then I will have mastered watercolor as well, and will be able to illustrate it!

Tomorrow is the beginning of Money March! Because of how the weeks play out in March I will be getting 3 pay checks this month instead of 2! I'm sure this works out for most everyone out there who gets paid every other week. This will allow me to save a lil' more money for my next adventure!!

My next adventure will be to the UK! I'm so excited about this because I've never been to Europe. Andrew and I will be spending 3 weeks there in May. We fly into Edinburgh, Scotland and spend 3-4 days there before taking a train down to London where we will meet up with Andrew's parents and their friends. We will spend 3 days there before flying to Dublin with them. From there we will spend two weeks traveling all over southern and eastern Ireland by bus and train, seeing the sights! Its a short adventure, but I'm convinced it will be worth every dollar I'm saving!
After the UK adventure I will be moving back to California, getting a job, and gaining more skills :)
However, the ironic thing is is that I will not get to see spring in Colorado or California. Instead I will be spending my Spring in Scotland, England, and Ireland. :) eeeee!

Sometimes its hard to live in the moment here. Sometimes I don't really want to pursue relationships with people here, because I know I'll most likely never see them again after two months. I already love them, and being in closer relationship can only mean my heart will break even more when I have to leave. Sometimes I don't know what to do. I suppose Jesus would love with his whole heart, because he is not self-seeking. I'm the same way. I'm not here for myself. I cant be. I died, and am alive only in Christ. I cant forget that anything is possible in Christ Jesus, and in his amazing flawless love. If I remember that I cant give up on anything, and will give my whole heart to everything!

Just a heads up. I want to put together a fun/ministry trip within the next year and a half. It would look like road tripping to the South/Eastern states, and all through them, seeing the sights, and preaching the gospel as we go. We would go where ever God puts on our hearts, preaching continuously the gospel of Jesus Christ. :)