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!

I have a new neighbor. No it isn't the cute single Christian guy I was hoping for...;) Instead it is a fat groundhog who loves to make himself at home around my steps. I was kinda startled by him yesterday as I have never seen a groundhog around my house before. (We have tons of them in this area - but I am on a somewhat busy street.) Poor little thing must have gotten lost. Anyway, he (or she!) seems to be enjoying my place since it has not left! It scurries under my porch whenever I get too close so I'm not scared of it...just think it's funny. If you were from CA, you would think so too!

On to a more important subject...

A group of boys went down to camp today in Goshen, Virginia. (Young Life's Rockbridge.) Please keep them in prayer. It is YLWJ's first wyld life camp experience ever...yay!

The weather was actually decent today...ptl! OK...off to the gym...or do I want to exercise outside??

What should I name him or her??? I'm taking suggestions! 

This morning I turned on the radio and heard Christmas music on several stations. I thought, "What in the world is going on?" But I was so excited because I absolutely love Christmas music and Christmas time. Well, I finally figured out that today is the 25th and we are 5 months away from the big day. Turns out people were celebrating Christmas in July. How fun! It made for some good listening while heading back to New Jersey from Virginia.

This past weekend I went down to visit Kristin. She and I went to Lancaster County on Saturday and Sunday. It was GORGEOUS there. Maybe I'll do YL there someday if central PA doesn't work out? Who knows?? But is was a lot of fun. We stayed at a really cute (and old - but charming) hotel, took a tour by bus and train, drove ourselves around a bit and ate at fun places. The pics below were mostly taken by Kristin - so Kristin thanks for sharing!

Camp pics are below as well. It was a great week. Upstate New York is very nice. Can't wait to go and do some more exploring. Anyone up for a trip to that part of the state? The highlight of course was that all 10 non-believing kids became Christians. PTL!

Today was "triple H" which means hot, hazy and humid. Yikes! So not fun. I am so grateful for my brand new air conditioner unit! This is a fun story and I will close with this...

My apartment (one of three in a big old house) does not have air conditioning. I thought I would be able to make it through this summer and then worry about getting a window AC next year. (Since I was going to be gone so much for work, etc.) Well, I came home from camp and my house was like an oven. There was no way I was going to be able to make it through this summer. Plus, I sleep upstairs (and my computer is here as well) and heat rises so therefore I was just miserable. (To sleep I had to completely soak my pajamas with cold water and put a fan up to the side of my bed.) I didn't know what I was going to do as I am not exactly able to just go out and buy an AC unit. Anyway, I got a random call from a committee couple who wanted to drop by. They came by and brought with them a window AC unit! I was so surprised, thankful and shocked that I started crying. Isn't God good? They even put it in for me. Now life is so much better in my house...or at least upstairs!!

I am coming home to CA soon - I CAN'T WAIT!

Going for a drive. 

In front of our hotel. 

Covered bridge in Lancaster County. 

Love those whoopee pies! 

Us again. 

Hanging out. 

Some of the boys on 50's night. 

Our volleyball uniforms - :) 

YLWJ girls on our parasailing trip at Saranac. 

Three girls who had to run out and help facilitate a fire alarm really early in the morning...we are laughing hard in this pic because we know we look oh so hot 

Another pic of the most awesome DH crew ever...;) 

Me and the dining hall team on banquet night 

one more 

from my car window as I'm driving 

different angle 

A beautiful sunflower field in my town