Me, Christina, Shannon 

So winter weekend was really fun. I will post pics later today. The kids we had were awesome. Even though our numbers drastically dropped and I was totally bummed about that - it was still a totally FUN time. There was snow all weekend up there so that made for extra good times.

Today I am home sick. But, I really need to just try to ignore it and get some stuff done. I move my heavy stuff tomorrow which means I won't be around to do work tomorrow. I have club tomorrow night so I need to prepare today. Plus, I need to get ready for my big stuff to be moved tomorrow. AAAAHHH! All of this while I am sick and just want to rest. I think I got sick from this weekend. I dunno. Doesn't really matter. I hate doctors so I am going to try to stick it out. But, school+moving+work+getting ready for the holidays+the million holiday parties I am invited to+sick = a very stressed Ashley. HELP!

School yesterday was "soooooo good!" I got the highest grade in my class (out of 50 people) on a counseling skills test! I am not bragging here - this is just good for me. I am kinda semi-smart but not the top of my class smart by any means. So, anyway, it made my day. Now I need people to "practice" on...ha ha ha Any takers?;)

There is snow here in Flemington. I guess the cold weather is here to stay. It's not so bad.

Hmmm...OK, I better get going. I need to get to work even though I feel like "yonke." OK - who knows what that means??? Any Spanish speakers?

Maybe I will work on my Christmas cards tonight. Ugh, NO! I need to pack. Alright, hasta.

The Kingsburg coffee pot and our dala horse. You can find these dala horses all over town. If you haven't guessed it already, Kingsburg is a town founded by Swedes and we uphold many Swedish traditions, customs, and architecture. It's a really cute little town in the heart of CA. If any of you ever want to go home with me, let me know. You are always welcome. (And I know many of you are from there or have been there already.;)) 

The "welcome" sign to Kingsburg.  

Hey everyone…hope your Thanksgiving was great.

My last week just flew by. I went to CA on Tuesday and came home last night. It was a whirlwind and I’m sorry I hardly got to see any of you. I just had so little time and really needed to spend time with my family. But, I will be home for quite a while in Dec. so I will definitely be catching up with all of you then!! Can’t wait!

But, my time home was good. It was warm and that was so weird for me compared to cold NJ. (It snowed here on Thanksgiving…I was glad to miss it!!) I loved seeing all the flowers blooming, fruit growing and all the time I got to spend outside. Cen Cal is so great. It’s always nice to be home.

Now I am busy, busy, busy. This weekend I have winter camp and then I have the big move. In the midst of that I have so much office work to do and tons of kids I want to hang out with before we break for Christmas. Yikes! It’s good to be busy and I am trying not to stress.

School (PBU) is awesome! I can’t believe the semester is almost over. It went by so quickly. I wish you all could go through this program. You would love it. I just got done reading a book (one of many) for school entitled Objects of His Affection by Scotty Smith. I HIGHLY recommend it!!

The pic above is of my parents and Mille. I took this the morning of Thanksgiving. OK, I am going to try to get myself to bed. I need to get back on EC time!

Hey – anyone want to go to a hockey game with me?

I'm in CA and having a great time. Just wanted to let all of you know I made it safely since some of you were concerned considering the weather. Crazy that it is snowing in Jersey and it is warm and flowers are blooming in CA!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I stayed up until 2:30 this morning to watch State play USC. Although I was sad to not be there in person (my whole family was) I was there in spirit by watching it on TV. (I was, however, there in 1992, the last time State was at USC.) It was quite a game! Even though we didn't win, the Bulldogs played their hearts out. It was one of the best games I have ever seen!!
It made national headlines - here is one such article...

What a game!
Bulldogs come oh so close to knocking off the No. 1 Trojans in a 50-42 stunner.
By David White / The Fresno Bee
Fresno State played USC tough despite the turnovers. How will this game impact the BCS, the AP? Where do you think the Bulldogs should be ranked?
LOS ANGELES — Could you see it?
The toppling of the unbeatable USC football empire in the throes of the mighty Los Angeles Coliseum.
An anticipated burst into the national top 10 for just the second time in school history.
An invitation to a Bowl Championship Series game, such as the Fiesta Bowl that, though a wild long shot, was still a tempting one at that.
It was all so teasingly close for 16th-ranked Fresno State, only for the Bulldogs to watch the two-time defending national champion Trojans dash away with a 50-42 victory before 90,007 fans Saturday night.
Just like that, the Bulldogs went from would-be world-shockers to USC's 33rd straight victim.
Fresno State is left to resume its quest for its first outright Western Athletic Conference title under coach Pat Hill. Beat Nevada and Louisiana Tech the next two weeks, and an invitation to the $1.35 million Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31 in Memphis, Tenn., is likely to follow.
"Yes, we're going to invite them," said Liberty Bowl executive director Steve Ehrhart, adding that details must be worked out with the WAC office before anything is made official.
"That's why I'm here. They're our team."
That news will be of little consolation to a Bulldogs team that had all the makings of an upset in the first half and as late as the fourth quarter.
Fresno State led the Trojans 21-13 at halftime, and pulled to within six points late in the third quarter. The Bulldogs got to 41-34 with 9:59 left in the game and later took a 42-41 lead.
The Bulldogs weren't able to close the deal, but hardly hurt themselves

Here's my answers to Jen's questions...
1. How tall are you? 5' 41/2"
2. Do you own a gun? No. But I know several people who do.
3. Rehab? Yes -lots of counseling from my fellow students in my current grad classes.
4. Have you ever killed an animal? Yes-although unintentionally!
5. Are you Irish? Absolutely! Anyone who knows anything about me knows I am.
6. What do you think of hot-dogs? They're OK. I agree with Jen though, corn dogs are yummy -especially Fresno Fair ones.
7. What's your favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
8. What is (are) your favorite sound(s)? certain people's voices, classical piano, the ocean, my dad laughing
9. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I don't handle food or drink all that well in the morning so preferably nothing.
10. Do you do push-ups? Um, do push-up ice creams count?
11. Have you ever done illegal drugs? No.
12. Have you been shot? No, but dreamed that I have before.
13. Have you ever been hospitalized? Not overnight, no. PTL!
14. Do you take painkillers? I try not to. Ever since I worked for a DC I really have come to believe in natural medicine approaches, but believe me I do give in from time to time!
15. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? I wouldn't want to do anything to lure them. That's mainpulative and I have been on a soapbox about that lately!
16. Do you own a knife? Yes but they are all in my kitchen.
17. Do you have ADD/ADHD? No.
18. Do you love the pain a tattoo brings? I'll find out in the near future.
19. Name Four Drinks You Regularly Drink: Water, wild cherry pepsi, apple juice, caramel apple ciders from Starbucks
20. What's in your CD Player? Chris Tomlin
21. What's under your bed? a whole bunch of crap
22. Current Hair? brown as always, nothing to get excited about, although it does have highlights
23. What are you wearing? slippers, jeans, brown turtleneck sweater, white puffer vest, and LONG JOHNS!!
24. Current Worry? getting this paper done
25. Current Love? at the moment it is my heater which is now working. I LOVE being warm.
26. Current Hates? papers
27. Favorite Place To Be? I have many favorites...anywhere with friends or family.
28. Least Favorite Place To Be? traffic jam when I am running late
29. If You Could Play any Instrument? Well, I play the piano and clarinet - but I would love to be able to play the piano on a professional level or play guitar at any level!
30. Favorite Color(s)? Red.
31. Person(s) From Your Past You Wish You Could see again? I never met my grandfather.
32. Where Would You Like To Go To College (University)? I love the school I am currently attending and all the schools I attended in my past (except FCC ha!).
33. Where Do you want to live? Anyone who knows me knows that. But only the Lord knows where I will end up.
34. Favorite food? Italian
36. Number of pillows you sleep with?-- 1
37. What do you wear when you go to sleep? PJs of course!
38. What were you doing at 12AM last night? At a hockey game in Philly...and I got to go down on the ice afterward -AWESOME.
39. What do you think you'll be doing in 10 years? Hopefully being a wife and mom.
40. Are you paranoid? Can be, yes.
41. First piercing and/or tattoo? My ears when I was in the 3rd grade.
42. Last person you yelled at? In person I don't know??? I think I had a bad dream recently where I yelled at someone, but I don't want to post it and then make that person feel bad.
44. Last thing you ate? Food at Ruby Tuesdays in P'burg with Hannah.
45. If you could be a pirate, would you? Of course. I would want Carrie to be a pirate with me.
46. Do you have an iPod? Not yet...too cheap.
47. When, why, and where did you last vomit? I honestly don't remember but I've come very close on several occasions lately.
48. What's in your pockets right now? Nothing, maybe a hair band?
49. What color are your walls? white
50. last thing that made you laugh? The Fresno State/USC game.
51. Any pets? I claim Mille even though she is in CA. I would like to get a dog someday.
52. Do you have any piercings? Yes. Two in my right ear. Three in my left. One in my nose.
53. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Burnt Sienna
54. Have you ever won any awards? Yes.
55. How many TV's do you have in your house? Two.
56. Have you ever sprained/broken/fractured a bone? Yes- WAY too many times.
58. Who do you tell your dreams to? Lots of people. I'm blessed with good listeners in my life.
59. If you could pick one living person to meet who would it be? The president. I like him.
60. What do you think of the person who sent this to you? Jen is a true and caring friend who has a gentle spirit. I love and miss her.

10 Favorites
Favorite Color: I am on a red kick lately
Favorite Food: Italian or lately I always want cheese sticks.
Favorite Band/Singer: Any of my friends who are talented in that way.
Favorite Hobby: Traveling w/ fun people!!
Favorite Movie: So hard to choose! Maybe You've Got Mail??
Favorite Flower: Holla for Gerber Daisies!!
Favorite Season: Fall for sure!
Favorite Day of the Week: It changes every week.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite Time of Day: Late afternoon or night, definitely not morning.

9 Currents
Current Mood: kinda bored, but that will change in like 10 mins.
Current Clothes: jeans, brown shirt, pink puffer vest, and don't die of shock, I am actually wearing make up
Current Underwear Color: I have to check I can't remember...lol...pink
Current Desktop Picture: a pic from The Village
Current Nail Color: none and they look pretty darn bad, it's embarrassing
Current Time: 4:25 P.M.
Current Surroundings: my office
Current Annoyances: knowing I still need to go run errands for club - what a procrastinator
Current Thoughts: nervous about club talk tonight

8 Firsts
First Best Friend: my mom
First Screen Name: my only one. represent! amp4yl
First Pet: English Springer Spaniel named Heidi
First Tattoo: no tattoos yet - but soon
First Crush: 1st grade in Texas...Tim Green
First Music Owned: How embarassing - I loved Lionel Ritchie's Dancing on the Ceiling. It was my first "tape!"
First Car: 1992 Toyota Tercel on my 16th bday

7 Lasts
Last Cigarette: hmmm...sometime in 1998.
Last Drink: wine at Carol's party a couple of weeks ago
Last Time on Drugs: never
Last Kiss: from who, I have to narrow it down ya know!;)
Last Movie Watched: Wedding Date - it was OK
Last CD Played: OK, I am a sucker for Christmas music even if it isn't Thanksgiving yet. Clay Aiken's Christmas CD

6 Have You Evers
Have you ever dated one of your best friends? yes
Have you ever broken the law? Yes, more then I should (i.e. speeding)
Have you ever been arrested? no
Have you ever skinny dipped? no
Have you ever been on television? yes
Have you ever kissed someone you didn't know? no

5 Places You've Been
Canada
Sweden
England
Mexico
Netherlands

4 People You Can Tell Anything To
God
Suzanne
Jane
Kristin
And many more. I am blessed with awesome friends and many people know way too much about me whether they want to or not anyway;)

3 Things
3 things you can hear right now:
music on stereo
My typing
footsteps

3 things you can't live without:
God
love/relationships in every form
laughter

3 things you do when you're bored:
my blog...lol
take a nap
go for a drive

2 Choices
Black or white: white
Hot or cold: cold

1 Thing You Want To Do Before You Die
that's tough...I can't give just one!! Among other things...get out of debt!

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Nov. 14) - Make us a slogan we can't refuse, the state of New Jersey said. We got your slogan right here, the people replied.
A push to come up with a new slogan for the Garden State has become an excuse to crack New Jersey jokes. Among the not-so-serious entries:
"New Jersey: You Got a Problem With That?"
"NJ: How You Doin'?!"
And "Most of Our Elected Officials Have Not Been Indicted."
The search yielded nearly 6,200 possibilities in all, many of them attempts to sum up the land of Bruce Springsteen, "The Sopranos" and smelly interstates in one pithy phrase. The deadline for submissions was Monday.
"We're really pleased with the response and proud that New Jersey residents take so much pride in their state," said Kelley Heck, a spokeswoman for acting Gov. Richard J. Codey.
The program began last month after Codey rejected a consultant's recommendation - "New Jersey: We'll Win You Over" - as too negative. That slogan, developed as part of a $260,000 contract by global image consultants Lippincott Mercer, was shelved a day before it was to be unveiled.
Instead, the state opened the process to the public, establishing a Web site and telephone hot line to receive suggestions, which included the lyrical ("The Ocean, The Motion, The Magic") along with the satirical.
New Jersey, which once used "New Jersey and You: Perfect Together," has not had a new marketing slogan in four years. "Get Away, Without Going Far Away" has been used in the interim, but tourism officials say it does not resonate with out-of-staters.
"We have the opportunity to craft a new message for our tourist literature to reflect the pride we have in our many parks, open spaces, farmlands, quaint villages, boardwalks and beaches and our exciting cities," Codey implored would-be slogan writers on the Web site.
The governor and the state Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission will "pare down the suggestions and go from there," said Karen Wolfe, a commission spokeswoman.
The state's musical legacy - Frank Sinatra called New Jersey home, Springsteen still does - led one person to suggest "From Ol' Blue Eyes to the Boss: Jersey Is Singing Your Song." Another entry: "Born to Fun."
Others found New Jersey's reputation for mobsters, toxic waste sites and lowbrow taste fair game. "Bada Bing! Choose New Jersey" was one suggestion.
The campaign was run by the state, but newspaper columnists, talk radio and "Saturday Night Live" got into the spirit, too.
"New Jersey: It Always Smells Like This," one Philadelphia Inquirer reader suggested. "New Jersey: Come Glow With Us," another said.
Codey and his staff will evaluate the slogan proposals and within two weeks pick five or 10 that will be put to a public vote, perhaps in the same way the suggestions were collected.
The governor, who is filling an unexpired term, expects to announce the new slogan by the time he leaves office in January, Heck said.

OK, this is procrastination at it's finest...lol I would rather do almost anything then write a paper...;) Anyway, this is probably more interesting to me then anyone else...but it is always fun to learn something new about yourself and your ancestors. So now that I know this, this "little wolf" better get some writing done.

Oh...another interesting fact is that Phelan pronounced fay-lynn means that one is catholic. Phelan pronounced fee-lynn means that one is protestant. Yes, I know that I am protestant and still pronounce it fay-lynn but my brother and I are the first Phelans in our line who are. We come from a large catholic line. Anyway, it cracks me up how some people can never seem to pronounce my name correctly here. (Although more people do get it right when first saying it due to the large Irish population on the EC.) Even people who talk to me on a daily basis still say fee-lynn and I don't want to hurt their feelings by continually correcting them. That's OK though. I'm sure some of you can relate with hard to pronounce last names!!

Ó Faoláin is the name of an important Irish sept prominent in the southeast of the country. The name is derived from the gaelic word "faol" meaning a wolf, "faoláin" being a diminutive form (little wolf). The original Faoláin from whom the surname is derived, was nineteenth in descent from Fiacha Suidhe, a younger brother of Conn of the Hundred Battles, who reigned as High King for thirty five years until his death in A.D. 157. This makes the O Faoláin sept of the same origin as Commisky and Ó Bric. It is said that the Irish names Ó Faoileáin and Ó hAoileáin (Hyland) are simple variant forms of the same name that arose as members of the sept spread beyond the original territory.

Many Irish names have been anglicised into a wide variety of forms and this is true of Ó Faoláin. The earliest anglicised forms were Felan and Faelan, with many similar variants. This evolved into Phelan mainly in Waterford, Kilkenny and adjacent areas and Whelan, also in these counties, but spreading into Wexford and Carlow. Whelan is the most prevalent form in modern times. It alone stands seventy-ninth in the list of the hundred commonest names in Ireland; with Phelan added the name takes forty-fourth place, with an estimated population of about twelve thousand persons. In the last year for which such statistics are available 214 births were registered for Whelan and 93 for Phelan. Eighty per cent of the latter belonged to Counties Waterford, Kilkenny and adjacent areas while Whelans extended further into Wexford and Carlow. Many, of course, were born in Dublin, but in considerations of this kind the metropolitan area can be disregarded, being populated by persons from every part of the country from early times.

It is natural that the present day representatives of the sept of Ó Faoláin should be found in the places mentioned, because their chiefs were Princes of the Decies, in west Waterford, before the arrival of the Normans.

Aryan speaks of them thus: "Two gentle chiefs whose names I tell, rule the Desies. I affirm it. O'Bric the exactor of tributes, with him the wise and fair O'Felan. In Moylacha of the fertile slopes, rules O'Felan for the benefit of his tribe. Great is the allotted territory, of which O'Felan holds possession".

By the beginning of the thirteenth century, most of their traditional lands and titles were lost to the Le Poers (Power) and other settler families in the wake of the Norman invasion.
A branch of the sept was settled a little further north in the southwest part of Co. Kilkenny, mainly in the barony of Iverk. One of these, John Phelan, was Bishop of Ossory at the time of the Catholic resurgence under James II.

The gentleman who styled himself "O'Faoláin, Prince of the Decies", a claim not allowed by the Genealogical Office, was born Whelan; the well-known writer Seán Ó Faoláin is the son of Denis Whelan. Another distinguished Whelan was Leo Whelan, R.H.A. (1892-1956), the portrait painter.

Of those using the form Phelan the best known are Edward Joseph Phelan, the Director-General of the International Labour Office, of Co. Waterford, and Frederick Ross Phelan, a distinguished Canadian soldier. In the United States, Phelans have been prominent, notably James Phelan (1824-1892), Laois-born pioneer, and his son James Duval Phelan (1861-1930), senator and mayor of San Francisco.

Heraldry

O'Faelan, O'Faoláin, Felan, Phelan, Whelan, Whalen (A sept in Munster derived from Faelan, chief of North Decies) Arms: Argent four lozenges in bend cojoined Azure between two cotises of the last, on a chief Gules three fleurs-de-lis of the first. Crest: A stag's head Or. No motto is recorded.

Last night was our annual celebration and fundraising banquet. PTL that is went very smoothly (for the most part) and that it is over!! The Lord totally provided and while we still have more fundraising to do (will it ever end??;)) it was a terrific evening. I wish all of you could have been there.

From the left - Terry, Carol and Marie. They are all on my committee and "checked" people in.

The "receiving room" at the country club with more picture boards and info brochures about YL on the coffee table.

Pat, a committee member, made the decorations. We wanted to keep it very simple because instead of buying centerpieces we donated money to hurricane victims. So, she designed these candles that had that message on the transparent paper and when they were lit it was very elegant and appropriate. She is super talented and owns her own graphic design business. She also did the "thank you" chocolates you see scattered around.

This is a close-up of our tables. Pat also did the programs. 

We got all these mums and gords (sp?) for free. PTL! Lynne, a committee member, decorated the stage. Can you tell we had a fall theme? 

Carol, one of the committee members, made these boards and then we put pics up from the year. Totally cute!! 

Janell left yesterday.:( She was here for two weeks. Here are pics from each place we visited. I don't have any Philly pics up yet but will post those soon. This is what you can see if you come visit me in Jersey!! (hint hint)

Janell took this pic. It is the most photographed place in Jersey. It is about 15 mins. from me. In fact, I might be moving there! 

It is a new tradition...if you go w/ me to NYC we HAVE to go to Serendipity's! 

It was freezing in NYC. It even snowed on Saturday!

Beautiful Lancaster County, PA. 

Kiss lightposts in the town of Hershey, PA. It literally smelled like warm brownies outside. It was awesome! 

Hershey World! We are such kids at heart. 

Janell took this pic of my favorite house in Flemington. 

This pic cracks me up. 

Three hott girls in DC.;) 

Our footprints at the Jersey Shore. 

Janell in front of Princeton. Princeton is about 30 mins. from me in Flemington. 

I LOVE SLEEP!

Oh my gosh, I feel so rested right now. Isn't it great how we feel after a good night of sleep? I was really hurting sleep-wise the past couple of days. I am so glad to have caught up on it this morning. My mind feels nice and clear today. Guess that will come in handy as I finish this huge paper that's due tomorrow, today.

SCHOOL UPDATE

Yesterday I had a good day. I have school one Saturday each month (and every Monday) and yesterday was my PBU day. Anyway, the best part of that was that my new friends invited me out to lunch with them during our lunch break. I was so excited. I know this might not seem like a big deal to you - but to me it was huge as I have been desperate for friends my own age here for the last year or so. I have been purposely sitting by these girls each lecture as they seem to be around my age and apparently it paid off as they came over and invited me out. Most of them live in the Philly area but one of them does live about 20 mins from me here in Jersey. It's all relative though as I would totally make the drive anywhere to hang out with friends. Anyway, not only am I loving school but through that the Lord is providing me with friends too!! It's been so great!

MORE FRIENDS

Speaking of friends I also have a new one who lives in Clinton which is about 15 mins. from here. She is my age, single, and is also from the WC. She is the new youth director at a church there and we have totally hit it off. In fact, she and I will probably be roommates in the near future. Praise the Lord for Hannah!

RAIN

It rained, I mean like torrential downpour, for the past seven days straight. It was crazy. Because I live between two rivers, we were under a flood warning practically the whole time. I love the rain so for me it was kinda fun. Although I'm sure I would be feeling much differently had I been flooded out like some people I know!! I believe we had about 15 inches total. I believe we set a new record as well. Someone said this is a sign of how much snow we will get. He better be wrong!!

CITY

I went into NYC on Friday. I got invited to go see the sneak preview of Narnia. (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.) Oh my goodness, what an adventure that was. I picked up one of my volunteer leaders at 6:45 (AM!!) because we had to be in Westfield to meet other people at 7:30. Well, we got lost on out way to Westfield and at 8:30 after a bunch of random driving around we all decided just to meet in the city. Thank goodness I had Adam with me as I hate driving in the city and avoid doing it as much as possible. So here we were in the rain making our way into the city. The church the preview was at was in Brooklyn so we had to go through Staten Island and through most of Brooklyn until we arrived at our destination. We were slipping and sliding the whole way there. Now as I think of it it was really dumb of us to be driving in the conditions we were. But, heck, I'll do almost anything with the word "free" in it. So a half tank of gas and $18 in tolls later we made it to the movie. Steven Curtis Chapman was there and sang some songs from the movie and C.S. Lewis' stepson was there and spoke. They also had representatives from the production crew of the Walt Disney Company and Walden Media. Well it was fun to hear from these people but we began to wonder when they would finally just show us the movie. To make a long story short they only showed us a 10 minute trailer!! They totally misled us. Although we did get some free stuff out of it, such as a CD and book from S.C.C., I would not have driven into the city for a 10 minute trailer. Of course we all laughed about it, and still are, but I can't believe that happened to us. Too funny. What a waste of my day!

JANELL

One of my good friends from Kingsburg will be here on Tuesday. Yay! Each day I have been cleaning my house a little and getting ready for her visit. Should be fun and I am excited to spend time with her. Because she will be here for the next two weeks I don't know if I will be around to post on here, but I will definitely put up pics and do a recap once she leaves. We have a bunch of fun stuff planned which includes Princeton, DC (and seeing Kristin!), Philadelphia, Hershey, Lancaster County, possibly central PA, NYC and of course FLEMINGTON!:)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Well it is 11:51 PM here and I just got done watching the Yankee game. They won. Barely. Pretty exciting game though! I must admit that I am becoming more and more of a Yankee fan since I moved here. People in my area LOVE the Yankees (NY) and LOVE the Eagles (PA). I think it's funny how it is diverse that way.

I am at my committee chair's house right now. I am house sitting. It's nice. I was able to do my laundry here yesterday. (For free....score!) I think I will be heading off to bed soon. But thought I'd check my email first....and update yous (in NJ you all is yous, don't worry it's a word I WON'T be picking up) an update.

Last week I picked up a trojan in my laptop through a link from someone I totally trusted. Turns out it it released lots of icky stuff like two worms and a virus that duplicated itself 1600 times. AAAAAHHHH! But luckily the computer store down the street was able to fix it. They are getting to know me there! One of the guys I talked to when I picked it up said he was a believer. Maybe they'll give me a discount next time then???;)

School is going well. Other then the 10,000 papers I have to write I really like it. In fact, I have school tomorrow. I really look forward to my days on campus. I am learning soooo much. I wish you all could be taking this program that I am. You would love it too!

Hmmm...what else to write??

My dad sent me two dozen roses "just because." It was a beautiful surprise and enhances my living room very nicely. Thanks dad!

I have a good friend who is coming out to stay with me for two weeks on the 18th. I am looking forward to her visit. We are going to try to cram a lot of sight seeing into days where I am not working or at school. It should be tons of fun...this is her first time to the EC.

I was given some wine today by someone. I don't exactly drink wine (maybe once a year?) so I don't know what to do with it. Save it for a special occasion I guess!

I think I found a new church that I really like. I am excited about it.

Well, it's 12:01 and I better get some sleep so I am alert in class tomorrow and then campaigners tomorrow night. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!!

Two girls hanging out at Wendy's after club. The one on the left, Shannon, is in one of my small groups. We had 30 kids come out to our first club. Yay! 

These two gladiators will be showing up to club every week...they are glutius and maximus. Not pictured is their sidekick minimus. 

We had about 50 golfers come out to play. 

We had our first annual golf tournament last Thursday. Despite some rain it went really well and we turned a pretty nice profit. PTL! Here I am with some other volunteers. 

As we kick off YL with our first club on Wednesday I am thinking of this poem...it's one of my favorites.

I Stand by the Door by Sam Shoemaker
I stand by the door. I neither go too far in, nor stay too far out, The door is the most important door in the world- It is the door through which people walk when they find God. There's no use my going way inside, and staying there, When so many are still outside and they, as much as I, Crave to know where the door is. And all that so many ever find Is only the wall where a door ought to be. They creep along the wall like blind people, With outstretched, groping hands. Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door, Yet they never find it ... So I stand by the door.
The most tremendous thing in the world Is for people to find that door--the door to God. The most important thing any person can do Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands, And put it on the latch--the latch that only clicks And opens to the person's own touch. People die outside that door, as starving beggars die On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter— Die for want of what is within their grasp. They live, on the other side of it--live because they have not found it. Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it, And open it, and walk in, and find Him ... So I stand by the door.
Go in, great saints, go all the way in-- Go way down into the cavernous cellars, And way up into the spacious attics-- It is a vast roomy house, this house where God is. Go into the deepest of hidden casements, Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood. Some must inhabit those inner rooms. And know the depths and heights of God, And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is. Sometimes I take a deeper look in, Sometimes venture in a little farther; But my place seems closer to the opening ... So I stand by the door.
There is another reason why I stand there. Some people get part way in and become afraid Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them For God is so very great, and asks all of us. And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia, And want to get out. "Let me out!" they cry, And the people way inside only terrify, them more. Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled For the old life, they have seen too much: Once taste God, and nothing but God will do any more. Somebody must be watching for the frightened Who seek to sneak out just where they came in, To tell them how much better it is inside. The people too far in do not see how near these are To leaving--preoccupied with the wonder of it all. Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door, But would like to run away. So for them, too, I stand by the door.
I admire the people who go way in. But I wish they would not forget how it was Before they got in. Then they would be able to help The people who have not, yet even found the door, Or the people who want to run away again from God, You can go in too deeply, and stay in too long, And forget the people outside the door. As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place, Near enough to God to hear Him, and know He is there, But not so far from people as not to hear them, And remember they are there, too. Where? Outside the door-- Thousands of them, millions of them. But--more important for me-- One of them, two of them, ten of them, Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch. So I shall stand by the door and wait For those who seek it. "I had rather be a door-keeper ..." So I stand by the door.

You can all be a door-keeper in your own way. Blessings on you as you shine for Jesus this week!

Because I did a lot of complaining in my last email I decided to only write about thankful things today!

*I am thankful for a fun part of the country to live in with so many opportunities and adventures.

*I am thankful that I was offered a new place to live where I would pay half of what I am paying now...plus have an awesome roommate. (Still praying if that is where God wants me.)

*I am thankful for all the new YL contacts God has given me for YLWJ.

*I am thankful for the committee members and friends of YLWJ who have really taken me in.

*I am thankful for the amazing time I am having at PBU.

*I am thankful that Fall is just around the corner!!

*I am thankful that I have a job that I really enjoy.

*I am thankful for FUN kids to work with.

*I am thankful for a car and house that hardly ever give me any problems at all.

*I am thankful that my nose piercing is totally cute, very small and healed very quickly.

*I am thankful for my incredible family and friends who still love me even though they aren't in the same state as me.

*I am thankful for the grace, mercy and love I experience every day from my redeemer.

*I am thankful for you who care enough about me to read my blog.;)

Church rage. It is something I get a lot. You know how people get road rage (well, I get that too sometimes...lol) ? It's like that except directed at some churches. I was so upset on Sunday that I think I am going to try to find a new church.

Most of you know where I am attending church but just in case I don't want to post the name of it on here because I do not feel like it is right to totally bad-mouth this church. I mean, altogether it is a wonderful church and there are some people there who really love the Lord. After a year there of trying to make it my home though it still doesn't seem like a great fit. And Sunday I was sent over the edge.

I came in to church late. (As usual.) It was pretty full due to the 9/11 service and the kick off of the school year. I ended up sitting in the back row. Anyway, I noticed that I was sitting right by an usher because he was up helping when I came in and came and sat down by me when he was done. Well, you would think during "greeting" time he would have introduced himself, etc. since he had never seen me before and vice versa but he totally blew me off. Then about 15 mins. into the service his wife came in and he whispered to me, "Can you scoot over? Thanks!" And totally made me move so his wife could sit next to him. But the kicker is that there was an empty seat on the other side of him that was totally open and wasn't reserved for anybody. If he wanted his wife to not sit on the outside I don't know why he just didn't scoot over to that chair himself and let his wife have his seat. But, no, he asks me, a complete stranger to move. Then he talked to his wife through the whole service, and they rushed right out afterward. Nothing towards me at all. I was really hurt. To him I was a complete stranger and I can't believe that he would do that towards a stranger at church. I felt really rejected and frankly mad that he put the comfort of himself and wife over me, who really could have been a first time visitor to his church. I know I am being very picky about this but it totally got to me.

Other things bother me at some churches too...like when people sit on the ends of pews and don't scoot towards the middle for newcomers or people who come in late (because how would a first time church goer feel if they had to search for a seat and feel like all eyes were on them?), when people "save" seats and when people don't genuinely make others feel welcome and try to immediately include them.

I have tried to be a part of my church and it's just not working. Of course I am to blame for this as well. I have not gone consistently (due to my job) and I am not the most outgoing person either. But I have been there a year now and probably only know a handful of names. And frankly I don't think anyone would miss me if I moved on...which tells me it's time to move on. I would love for a church body here to be like my family and so far I haven't had that in NJ.

Do any of you ever get annoyed with some churches or get church rage yourself?

I'm back on the "other side" and have been for a week now. Crazy! I apologize for not posting for a while. I never seem to post that regularly, and then always promise myself that I'll become better at it. Then two weeks slip by and I notice that I need to update. Guess I'm just not that good of a blogger!! Maybe I'll get the hang of it sometime.;)

I flew back to NJ last Sunday. By the time I got back to my house it was very early Monday. That whole day was an adventure. My flights didn't go as planned (but that really turned out to be OK, gave me extra time in CA to hang out), I was feeling sick and I got pulled over on my way home. (He just wanted to see where I was headed...I was on a kinda rural road. No ticket and he had no reason to "get me" anyway...that whole thing was strange.) Then I ended up going to the ER at 4:30 in the morning. It's a long story but I'm OK and feel 100% better!

Then I went to Ocean Grove, NJ for a staff retreat. It was my first time to the Jersey shore. It was nice...but not like CA! And who knew one has to pay to actually go on the beach? (Or at least in Ocean Grove. Can someone say rip off?) Anyway, they have boardwalks there and games and what not. Kinda like Santa Cruz on crack. Cross the Fresno Fair with a huge boardwalk with Pismo beach and you've go the Jersey shore. It's fun and I'd like to go back. We stayed at a bed and breakfast and the time with staff was good. Who doesn't like hanging out with YL people?

Now I'm back in Flemington. I'm kind of having a tough time readjusting to being back, for several reasons, so please pray for me. I think this week will be tough as well.

But, I can't end this blog on a discouraging note! There is one "new" thing about me...and some would think it is "fun" although getting it done was not. Guess you'll have to see me to find out what it is!;) But I am still deciding if I will be keeping it or not!!

I'm so sad to be going back to NJ in a few days. I love Kingsburg and I love being home. When I am in NJ I force myself to not think about CA so I won't get homesick. But the transition is always difficult. I grew up in the valley. I know people here. I mean, really know them and they know me. People genuinely like me here...not because I am their AD or because they feel sorry for me because I am by myself across the country from friends and family. (Although I am sure not everyone is like that there in NJ.) Anyway, it's so good to go places and be able to call each other by name, know each other's stories and history, and catch up. In some ways it is like no time has passed.

Everywhere I went today I ran into people I knew. Sometimes multiple people in one place. That's what I love so much about a small town. It's great. This vacation has allowed me to see many people, more so then any other time here this year. Thanks so much to all my friends and family for making my time here special.

I go back to the East Coast on Sunday. I am hoping these last few days here will go by slowly. I'm not ready to go back yet.

But, it's not about me though, is it? God has called me to New Jersey and so far I feel like He wants me to stick out my three year commitment there. He has not told me to go anywhere else, so I am happy to stay put. He has certainly provided during my last year there! I have had many adventures and have grown in many ways. My heart has been touched by those kids and I do hope that God feels that I have been obedient to Him in my job and life in Hunterdon County.

This next school year is already filling up with new plans, dreams and tasks. On one hand I am super excited. On the other I feel exhausted already. Guess I am in a good place to completely rely on the Lord!

Update - I was thinking of getting my nose pierced. Well, unfortunately PBU does not allow it. Guess that was God's way of saying, "no." That's OK. I'm not too disappointed about that one.

I don't mean to be vain...but I am really freaking about about turning 27 soon. That is three years from 30. I still feel like I am in college! Where does the time go? Oh my goodness. It's crazy stuff.

Well here goes another try for posting today. I tried earlier this morning and then the computer decided to "act up" and I wasn't able to recover the post. Hopefully this will work this time!

It has been a long time since I posted and I have so much to catch you up on! But first I should give you all a happy hello from the golden state! I am in CA until the 28th and it is so nice to be home. There truly is no place like it!

I have been very busy! Two weekends ago Kristin came and visited. It was fun to have her in Jersey. Then last week I was swamped with getting our booths ready for the Revelation Generation concert. The concert was Saturday and I was there all day. I was exhausted when I got home. I can't remember if I told you all about the concert or not? Well, long story short it was a day long event where semi-famous Christian bands were invited to come and play. There were also booths of different sorts there. WCers think Spirit West Coast but for one day. ECers think Creation but for one day. This was the first year for RG though so it was on a much smaller scale. Anyway, we had a food booth and info booth there. We (YL) was hoping to raise some much needed funds. We broke even. On one hand I am sad because it was all that work and we didn't make any profit. On the other hand I really enjoyed working with some wonderful people and making new YL contacts. It was also 99 that day. Broke a new record. Throw in a bunch of humidity and we were all sweltering. I developed heat rash that I got to come to CA with. How lovely! Anyway, I'm glad it's over with!

Sunday I flew home to CA. Of course it didn't go smoothly but I should just learn by now that I have the worst luck with flying. But I made it to CA safe and sound so that is what counts! My mom and I then went to San Fran for a couple of days. We did our typical Bay Area routine...Ghiradelli's, Pier 39, Union Square shopping, Cheesecake Factory, etc. We also went and saw "Wicked." OH MY GOSH IT WAS AMAZING! I totally recommend it. Anyone up for going to Broadway and seeing it with me? We got home last night and then went to Cattleman's to celebrate my parent's 31st anniversary.

Today I am home doing laundry and getting settled. This weekend I have a mini ADX retreat that I am looking forward to. I am also seriously considering getting my nose pierced. I just want a very small cute nose stud. One that you can hardly see at all. But I am a little nervous about not having a gun do it. I heard that usually noses are pierced with needles. Hmmm...I'll have to gather some courage for it. But I am thinking of going for it!

Well, I better go change that laundry and then I'm off to the gym. I hope to see many of you soon!!

So today is better. Yay for Fridays! Kristin will be here tonight to hang out for the weekend. We really don't have anything specific planned but we will have fun. We were going to go floating (apparently they don't call it that here because people laughed at me when I said that) but it is a little more expensive then I thought it would be. Apparently you just can't get on and off where you want like the good ol' Kings River!! Gosh I miss the valley! Anyway, it will be good times - and we are going to stay out of this ridiculous heat.

I haven't seen my groundhog friend in a while. The other day there was a skunk near my porch. Now that little critter is NOT welcome. Good thing it ran off. Hopefully I will not see it again!!

Well I mentioned in my last blog that I had some things going on at work. My vision statement for our area is coming along, as well as our budget. I don't think I will have them done by the time I go home to CA...which is what I was hoping. But, I did manage to get a huge dent in it. That's good. It's not due until the 29th after all. I was just trying to not be a procrastinator for once in my life!! Anyway, a whole new situation developed with some of my kids and it is quite major. I hit the roof when I became aware of it. We need prayer...someone can potentially get fired over this whole thing, it's that serious. Ick.

I got on the scale today and was actually pleasantly surprised. Not nearly what I was expecting. (And that's a good thing.) So I felt better about myself. I have gone to the gym everyday this week and have watched what I ate. I think it is (finally) beginning to pay off. Actually if I lose 30 pounds I will be at my high school weight. So that is my goal - to get to that by Christmas. I don't mean to be an "typical girl" who is constantly worrying about her weight or not happy with herself. I just want to be the best I can be - and I truly think that that will help me serve God better too. I just don't want to look back on my (almost) 27th year of life and be disappointed. Life's too short.

A week from Sunday I will be flying back to the golden state. Can't wait.

I think we all have these days, so I'm sure you can relate to me on some level. Today has just been a day of discouragement for me on different levels. I am feeling like I am not succeeding at several things I am aiming for, and I am feeling a huge case of the "blahs" today.

I think it all started when I put on my clothes today and felt no difference in them. I have been such a good girl with diet and exercise and don't think that it is showing. Now it really has only been two weeks, but for an impatient person this can be a lot to not see the slightest difference. So, I was pretty bummed about that.

Then, I have this HUGE project at work that is really testing me mentally. I just don't seem to understand a lot of it and I have felt pretty dumb today. I just don't kow why I can't get it? (We are redoing our budget and transferring it over into a whole new program.) And in the midst of that there is another challenge (that I have to keep private) brewing in the background that I think will be my biggest obstacle yet here. I'm just nervous about it and kinda wondering why this has to happen to ME during my FIRST YEAR AS AN AREA DIRECTOR. It involves some people that don't necessarily care for me or the way I do my job. Ugh, why are people so stinkin' mean?

And, I am just wanting to go home. It's summer and everyone is visiting family and friends and going on fun vacations. All I mainly get to do is work, work, work. I can't believe I haven't been home since Easter. That's a long time for a girl like me. The time just doesn't seem to be passing fast enough.

And, finally, I am trying so hard to make friends. On both Saturday night and Sunday morning I went to two different churches with intentions of seeking out people my age and hopefully connecting with them somehow. Although they were all nice, they were all, well, weird. Just not people I really "connect" with. Long story. So now I am upset because I am a mean and picky person AND I am still friendless...lol No, I do have some friends here but it's just not like how I want it/wish it to be.

OK, so that's my day. I kinda feel like Eeyore complaining away. But I guess not everyday is a happy one! Anyway, writing this is helping me to vent...so thanks for reading!