Turkey Lurkey Trip

Turkey Lurkey day this year prompted the eternal question: Where shall I go? My West Virginia family would have loved for me to make the trek across the country by air or by sea, but we've learned through the years that the pricey flights make it a fool hardy venture. Plus, with my aptitude to have major layovers, I'd probably spend the whole of Thanksgiving day at an airport Burger King eating my $20 burger instead of the traditional holiday fixings.

But getting back to the question at hand...The answer seemed simple enough this year, having already elbowed my way into many a family meal/celebration of my roommate's family. "Well, that's settled!" I thought. That complacency was challenged when Anne came home and announced that she and her mother were driving to Texas to see their extended family. Now a new question reared its not especially ugly head: To stay or not to stay? (I like to think that this was Shakespeare's first draft of the famous phrase...)

In the end, I made up my mind to join them in the 13 hour ride to the flatest state on the planet. If you have an affinity for said state, please avert your eyes for a few paragraphs...

I don't get why Texas is so proud of itself. Major props go out to the state department head who thought of such a brilliant marketing plan. I wish I had been a fly on THAT wall! There's just no reason I can think of for people to adore their state so much that they must make every conceivable item in its likelihood. Seriously, people...tortilla chips in the shape of TX?

On our way to our Thanksgiving, I saw so many flags painted on buildings, worked into brickwork, lights, etc that I lost count. If I didn't know my American history, I would have thought TEXAS was the state that seceded from the union! (Holly - it wasn't Texas. :))

I get that the state is big...almost as big as the belt buckles that inhabit it. Alaska, I should mention, is much bigger and its citizens seem to be more grounded. I understand that Texas is a part of the glorious south and its hospitality. I agree that they are kind and warm people. but what southern state ISN'T? I just don't comprehend why Texans set their state so high above the rest. Other than affordable housing (which, admittedly is something), I am befuddled and lost.

Okay, diatribe over. So - a road trip! I'm no novice to its charm, having taken many in my young lifetime. I set out to prepare myself in the usual McGuiver way. Bag of books? CHECK! Scarf project? CHECK! Real Simple magazines? CHECK! Snacks, caffeine and portable DVD player? CHECK, CHECKY, CHECK CHECK! And most importantly, CDs including the coveted Christmas albums. Then, I eyed my roommate's bag. One book in sight and no scarf peeking out of the flap. I decided at that point that this trip would be different than my predictable family excursions and vastly different than the caffeine induced college trips of yore. Uncertain, I decided to do what usually works best...stay flexible as Gumby (but not as green) and keep an open mind (even though I run the risk of things falling out).

The drive to Texas began at 1:45 PM on Wednesday afternoon and I began to realize the charm of traveling with Anne and her mom - they LIKE car games and their head doesn't explode when you ask for a bathroom break! (Sorry, Dad...)

Other than my friend Matt, who willingly played numerous games of 20 questions in Turkey, I've never found someone who would go rounds and rounds of the game without some sort of upper. BUT I had never traveled with these two, who single (double?) handedly taught me "I'm thinking of...", which they explained, when asked, as 20 questions without a LIMIT! Well, folks, I don't mind telling you that I was blown away. Who knew?!

All in all the trip to Dallas was really fun! Anne's family was uber welcoming and caring. We had lots of fun conversations with her family, laughter, food and blessed sleep. I was really thankful for such an awesome family to hang out with and they made the 3 days of vacation seem like weeks because of the restfulness. We met Anne's new little niece that was adopted from the Ukraine and watched Cars with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew and niece. I also got to hang out with my friend Megan and her gorgeous daughter, Bella. It was SO great to catch up and reconnect.

I'm glad to be home in the level-headed state of Coloradoans. But I suppose I should say that perhaps Texas wasn't so bad. But I think its the people more than anything else...

BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS MERRIMENT!

Brush with Fame...

So, up until this point in my life my brushes with famous people have been slim. The best one, perhaps, was that I saw Pierce Brosnan running on Malibu Beach. I've also seen Mark Paul Gosslar (Saved by the Bell), Simon from 7th Heaven, Ruthie from 7th Heaven and seen a few sitcoms shot in Santa Clarita, CA. Maybe more than your average gal, but still nothing overtly amazing.

Tonight, though, was a totally different story. Go back in time with me, if you will, to about a week ago. No...I think we have to go back further. About a month ago, my cubical-mate Liz sent out an email to all of us at work. Apparently, one of our authors Louie Giglio was going to be in the Denver area as a part of the "How Great is Our God" tour with Chris Tomlin. I decided that it would be fabulous to take part in such an outing and hastily secured my spot via email. (It's not like she could keep me out...after all, I know where she works! :)) Liz bought the tickets, I invited a few friends and 5 of us were locked in. (sounds like voting, doesn't it?!?)


Now, about a week ago I was sorting through the emails that come through our general email box. Mostly, I get the same 5 questions over and over and multiple requests for free books to weed through. I also appreciate the fact that some of these people clearly are not on the same plane with the rest of us Americans...and I readily admit that sometimes I have to laugh. C'mon, people! You really think we are going to give you MOVIE RIGHTS to one of our books? In general I enjoy this task because it provides light-hearted reprieve from my other responsibilities. Last week, I received some praise from a reader for one of Louie's books. I dutifully and joyfully forwarded the complimentary comments to the email we had on file for Louie and heard back from his assistant thanking me and assuring me that she would forward it on.


*sidebar: Now, I know that if you open someone else's snail mail it is a federal crime. But what about email? Who is protecting me from this??


Ahem. Going back to the story at hand...I emailed the assistant back and long story short (I know you don't have all night/morning) I obtained meet and greet passes for all 5 of us to go backstage after the show and meet Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio! I was excited, for sure, but my co-workers were even more so, if you can believe that! I basked in the rays of everyone's gratitude that I was able to procure such an esteemed item and went back to work assuring a concerned emailer that yes there WAS a link for the book Chazown and that he should hold his horses and I would give it to him. Maybe I didn't say it in those terms EXACTLY, but I think we understand each other.


Tonight was the night. And can I just say that I've come a long way from the girl that plastered her closet walls with pictures of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jonathan Brandis and Rider Strong?? I really was excited to meet them and interact a bit with them, but was grounded in the fact that they were just men, just like everyone else and that the Lord just was using them in different ways than the opportunities he gave to me. Now, it's not like I didn't NOTICE that Chris was single and short and could sing...but, having learned from my previous crush on JTT (I went a few days being a vegetarian because he was CONVINCED that he would notice me...as you can imagine, I was crushed when he never called), I was pretty sure there was not going to be a lasting relationship over a signed copy of "Arriving".

I'm pretty sure the look on his face is just pure astonishment at my wit and beauty...don't you??


My co-workers Lindsey and Liz with Louie Giglio

A few things to note:

1. I enjoyed the worship concert much more than I had ever anticipated. It was an amazing night and I was able to worship with fewer inhabitions than I normally do...Besides the two male back-up type singers who couldn't dance and were a bit distracting, it was SUCH a well done event.


2. I appreciated Louie's sermon on the greatness of God and it made me feel like I was back at TMC listening to Francis Chan tell me that, "God has a plan and he is in control of the universe. Now, you may have a better plan...but you don't have a universe." It was a much needed reminder of how small I am and how great He is.


3. I'm happy to report that while at the meet and greet, all 5 of us acted with decorum and dignity while we interacted with Chris and Louie. Just so we're clear, though, we all dissolved into girlish giggles once we were safely in the car on the ride home.


All in all, though, it turns out that the night wasn't really about Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio. It was more about worship and returning to that place of kneeling before the God of the universe. As I said...a light year away from my JTT days. :)


It's 12:10 PM...so I'm going to bed. Sorry I'm lame and haven't posted for just shy of a month...I'll get better, I promise. Also, don't be fooled. I'm writing this post tonight, but will wait until later to post it so that I can include pictures/documentation of the evening.


Goodnight ColoRADO SPRINGS!!

Changes...

I got a call from my Mom last Monday. It wasn't a "Hey, whatcha doing right now?" kind of call. She called to tell me that my Papa breathed his last and moved from earth to heaven in that moment. I knew that he had been getting worse and not better and that this was inevitable, but there is no rule book for how to respond to news like that...no fool-proof words to comfort people. Mostly, I felt distance - distance from my family and distanced from the emotions. I wasn't as close with my grandpa as I was my grandma. I didn't know him - but he was still family. There at all of our holiday gatherings; he added a presence to our lives that is removed now. Life changes with death, you know?

For most of my life, my grandparents lived in the tiniest town I think I've ever spent time in - Torrington, WY. This is where we buried my Nana and my family once again made the trek, possibly for the last time, to this town of few stoplights and no Wal-Mart. I remember as a kid that I didn't always like visiting Nana and Papa. It tended to be a long drive with few stops (I'll spare you the details on that - trust me you are better off!) and a boring time - a time that meant that one of the three of us girls were going to have to squish into the dreaded middle seat. Once there, we usually found things to occupy ourselves, but the days were longer and we were out of our normal routines and lives.

Going back there, though, I remembered it differently. I think that's the mercy of memories sometimes...they come back in greater focus and major on the good things. We drove by the two houses that my grandparents lived in and commented on how well (or NOT well) the current owners were keeping it up. I looked at one house and remembered pictures taken in the backyard when I was barely able to walk. I loved that backyard because, you see, my Nana had plastic animals that I felt needed love and attention. So, I would toddle out there and pet them. A lot of things reminded me of life back then - when things were less complicated and I had less responsibility for my person.

It has taken me a long time to sift through the weekends events and figure out what to say to the people that ask a simple question: "How was your weekend?" Simple question but, for me, a difficult answer.

If I had to sum it up, I'd say this - The weekend was full of changes. My sister arrived with her new husband. My youngest sister showed me parts of her and her life that I feel I don't even recognize who she is anymore. My parents tackled all the decisions that they needed to make and spent time being hosts to my extended family. You know, life brings changes, too.

I personally hated the book Who Moved My Cheese? Mostly, I think I have a problem with being compared to a rodent. I don't do change well - but life really does demand change and transitions and I somehow will muddle through. If someone could give me a playbook, it'd help though...I'm just sayin'.

Taking Out The Trash Day

Just a little phrase I picked up from my political studies...aka a West Wing episode. :) Here's a few things going on with me:

Calendars

So, there I was...walking around purposefully in Target. If you know me, you know that this is not an unusual pastime. I maintain that Target is my "happiest place on earth". After all, where else can you find cute clothes, great gift ideas, and jewelry and home furnishings with style? Not many places, really. Wal-Mart does have better prices, I will give my nay-sayers that...however, Target is far superior in style.

Anyway, as I was saying. I was meandering through Target looking for a birthday card for a birthday party I was attending (that, just in case you were wondering, is the best place to GIVE a birthday card). Then I saw it! A sign reminding the absent-minded employee that Tuesday was Boss Day. I thought to myself "Self, I can't believe there is such a thing as Boss day. If we celebrated every holiday on our calendar, you would barely have to work! This, of course, would diminish a reason for Bosses Day in general...now, how did I get here? Oh, yes. Boss Day. Well, since there is no way at this point to change the Julian calendar, you need to plan something for your fabulous Boss. Plus, it's fun to buy things for people."

Having completed my internal conversation to a point that I felt comfortable with the conclusion, I set quick action to my plan getting increasingly excited. (What can I say? I'm weird like that) I picked out a card for my boss and decided to pow-wow with my co-worker about getting flowers for the big day.

Being the helpful and thorough person that I am, I decided that the only right thing to do would be to share the information that the Target sign so willingly shared with me. I told various co-workers about said holiday coming around the corner.

On the eve of Boss Day, I stopped by Whole Foods to get some pretty flowers. This is the only acceptable place in Colorado Springs as they do not have a Trader Joe's. (sniff!) I purchased some bright and beautiful Gerber daisies for the occasion and spent the later part of the evening arranging the flowers to pull out their best sides (For those of you not in "the know", the best side is defined by having more petals than it's opposing side). I went to great effort to transport the flowers in the morning, getting my co-workers signatures on the various cards and placing the objects of our esteem on their desks.

Having accomplished this feat, I sat down at my desk refreshed and ready to work another day. I began my to-do list by looking at my calendar for the next month and a feeling of dreaded horror struck me in the bottom of my roiling stomach.

Turns out, Boss Day is actually October 16th.

Be forewarned.

Fantasy Football

There was really only one thing that could console me after my Bronco's loss on Sunday...the fact that the opposing quarterback was actually working for me on my Fantasy Football team. This is a little thing that my business books like to call a "win-win". Here's how it breaks down.

If the Bronco's win, I win because I love them so much that happiness floods my soul at their victory. If the Bronco's lose, then I win because it is likely that they lost because my Fantasy Football QB stole the show, thereby racking up some buco points for me.

I'd be hard pressed to tell you which win I would have enjoyed more, because I do feel a love for my FF team that surpasses previous years. Maybe because this year, I have spent more time than prior seasons combined already on my little guys.

I am such a humble person, that someone else will have to tell you that I am now in the #2 slot in my league. If I were not so self-abasing I would tell you of the glee that filled my being this morning as I checked on my stalwart team's progress. Yep, you'll have to hear it elsewhere, because as Proverbs admonishes...pride goes before a fall.

Women's Retreat

This weekend, I went into the woods for our church retreat - not by mySELF, of course! There could be BEARS out there!

Besides the many wonderful spiritual convictions that flew at me, I learned a little more about myself in general this weekend - I discovered that I am no longer of the age or health to sleep on camp bunk beds.

Let me paint the scene for you- I slid (literally) into my sleeping bag and zipped it halfway up. I couldn't zip it ALL the way up because you always need to leave room for a fast getaway. Especially with the bears in the vicinity. I then laid my head down on my pillow, only to find that my neck was not in the chiropractor recommended "neutral" position. It, in a word, was cricked.

I tried folding it repeatedly, only to find out that pillow has a mind of it's own. I almost knocked it's stuffing out, but how neutral would my neck be THEN? I finally resigned myself to to the truth that I was stuck with this situation (I made my bed, and now I had to lie in it).

This is when the slippery-ness came into play. The sleeping bag should come with gripper pads. My pillow shot across the room (okay, to be real, it really only slid onto the floor) and by morning, my sleeping bag was on the fritz.

This was night one of two. Night two consisted of a move to an upper bunk, despite my falling calamities as a child, due to an invader of the peace. IOTP (Invader of the Peace) was a mouse. I never did see said mouse, but I did see the little "presents" he left for me on my mattress. AND, it must have been related to Mighty Mouse because my cough drop wrappers were no match for him. As I climbed into my perch, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was deluding myself that the IOTP couldn't find me there, I tossed and turned until my bleary eyes opened at 7:10 AM and the room alarm clock prodded me out of bed.

In all, though, it was a good weekend of fun, fellowship and learning...plus some game-playing, which we all know that I love TOO much. Here's a few pictures...

Oh my GOSH! I HAVE A NEW JOB!

Yes, that's right - the reality of it is finally sinking in! I'm one of those people that doesn't really believe that she's going somewhere until she actually gets on the plane - that's when the excitement sets in.

That's how I felt today too...here's what I did in my first day as a marketing assistant -

1. Ordered office supplies - Since the receptionist is out on vacation until tomorrow, the supply room was running a bit low. I don't mind at all - I got to pick out the stuff that I want and I got a RED stapler (Office Space, anyone?) and a RED tape dispenser! Did I mention that I got to order WHICHEVER one I WANTED??

2. Did some research - My new boss Tiffany handed me a 35 page hand out with marketing terms to familiarize myself with. Gibberish such as EMS, ABA, ISBN, etc will soon become second nature to me...of this I have no doubt, given the amount of diligent study that I employed.

3. Read through some e-mails -The 12 emails that awaited me will be dealt with tomorrow as I have not the faintest idea what to do with them as of yet. HEY! I'm a NOVICE people.

4. Made some copies DESPITE the "help" of the Kinko's employees - We are promoting a new book coming out called "Do Hard Things" and I made copies of some publicity articles on the good ole color copier. Took me some time given the fact that the lady didn't know how to change a toner cartridge and it took them a while to figure out a minor problem having to do with paper size.

5. Collated and assembled 200 folders - To assist with the publicity for the aforementioned book, we put together packets with a copy of my stellarly copied articles, a brochure, DVD and a flyer thingy (there's got to be a technical term for that piece...I'm sure it will be taught to me eventually). BTW, I didn't assemble all 200 by myself. My boss Tiffany and my co-worker Carly helped. It went super fast

6. Took some books - Don't worry, I'm not stealing from my employer on my first day! These books are actually ALLOWED to be given away to ME (the new employee). I picked up some new authors, some old beloved authors, and some interesting titles. I was like a kid in a candy store, let me tell you! This should have been my job through high school - bet I would have saved a LOT of money and would have been independantly wealthy by now. Darn it!

7. Got introduced to my co-workers - I think I'm going to love them. It's such a fun office environment and there are a lot of girls my age that work there including (but not limited to) my new friend and cubicle-mate, Liz. She made me feel super welcome and I'm excited to get to know her better at lunches and what not.

So, that was my first day. It wasn't overwelming at all - but I know that there is probably loads more to come, considering that I haven't really been given any of the tasks for which I will be perpetually responsible. I think there will be some major training tomorrow, but I'm not concerned. I'm sure I'll pick it up eventually - there's LOADS of space in that brain of mine just itching to go to work. :)

Thanks for all of your prayers and support! I'll let you know how the rest of the week goes. :)

- Amy

P.S. I get my own NAME tag and EVERYTHING on my cubicle "door".

P.P. S. I get to put anything up in my cubicle that I want! On the walls and EVERYTHING! You all are going right up there to smile down on me...whether you like it or not.

Onward and Upward!

So, Friday July 27 was my last day at my previous employer...It was SO weird to leave - mostly I feel like I'm just on vacation and will be going back. It's so odd to leave a pattern of life that has been a part of me since the end of my college years! I already miss my co-workers...but thankfully, we can still hang out since we live in the same state. I really hope that I can after all of this, 'cause they are cool people and I like them. :) I, being the cheesy person I am AND the dedicated blogger, took a picture of my boss, my manager and myself. Here we are!

After 3 weeks finishing up at work, I decided to take an impromptu road trip to my home of 18 months when I was in 5th grade and see one of my long lost friends, Tammy. She is now living only a few blocks from where my old house was and has a husband and two cute kids...Zoie and Zade. Here's the thing, people - I haven't seen her for 8 years. My family and I drove through and went to her wedding before dropping me off to college. Let me tell you, people do change in 8 years...but they DON'T change too...(if that makes any sense).

This was my first roadtrip EVER by myself. There's something about having a sidekick on these long driving trips that really makes it go faster and adds peace of mind. But, seeing that it wasn't snowing, I decided I and my trusty Saturn Ion could make it through. And we did! Here's a few pictures for you...

The Skinny (not the jeans...)

So, it's been a while since I posted last! I have to be honest and tell you all in confidence (so no blabbing!) that I really just haven't felt in a "blogg-y" mood. Now, my family might disagree with me, but I don't think I'm a moody person in general. However, when it comes to this method of communication, I have to feel sufficiently impassioned about a post in order to really carry it off in true Amy style...that's different from Big Willy style, for those of you taking notes. Therefore, my blogging has been inhibited by my state of mind.

Though there hasn't been much on the blog to signify it, a lot has changed with me recently. Well, really one big thing has changed...my employment situation. After working at my current employer ever since I graduated from college, I am leaving to pursue a new line of work. I'm going to take to the stage...I hear they get great make-up. Just kidding of course...

I'm going to start working in publishing as a marketing assistant! I start on 8/1/07 and I am stoked about the whole thing. Certain un-named sources have suggested that I use my new position to try and put this blog into a book. While I don't really think that will be happening any time soon, I AM excited about the possibility of branching out into a new industry and seeing what I'm made of. There are so many options for me and I get so excited just thinking about it. After my first interview with said company, I told my Dad, "This is the job I never knew I always wanted!" And while I can't really shake that nagging feeling that it is a line from a movie (maybe that stage thing IS an option!) it was a moment of realization for me.

I'm so glad that I had the chance to work at my current employer. It's been so good and so stretching for me to be there. At times it was the best of times, at times it was the worst of times (to steal a bit from Charles Dickens), but all in all the Lord wanted me there for a reason and I'm glad to have made some friends and gained some skills along the way.

Now, I'm looking forward to the future and trying to brace myself for the transition that is sure to happen from one industry to another and from small business to larger-than-life business. Luckily (or blessedly), my new boss seems to be amazing and I'm sure they will help me get up to snuff as soon as is humanly possible. After all, it's in their best interest, right??

Thanks for all of you that have prayed with me and for me through these last few weeks and who have given me all sorts of stellar advice to live by. If I ever DO write a book, you'll be in the credits for sure. No telling if it will be invisible ink or not, but the important thing is YOU know, right?

Swing, Batta' Batta'

Well, all the way through college there were multiple opportunities to go to Dodger games and TMC baseball games. I never chose to go and offered up multiple explanations to excuse myself from participating in the sport but I'm about to give you the unabridged, E True Hollywood story. I never went because I always thought of baseball as long and boring. I mean let's face it...it doesn't have the bone crunching action of football now, does it? Now, I conceed that it takes GREAT skill to play the sport. I just don't find it particularly riveting.

However, I became the "ticket table" girl at church this last Sunday for a Sky Sox game that our church was getting tickets for. In the course of fulfilling my various tasks (taking money, counting people, etc) I also decided to throw caution to the wind and attend. After all, I would be in good company and I can't really say I dislike something until I try it, right? Right.

So this Friday night, off to the game I went...and I discovered I was right all along. It was a long and boring game but it was very fun to sit and talk with my friends throughout the game and enjoy the fireworks after. I can't complain about that. But I do think that the guy that makes comfortable bleachers will make a million dollars...

I had the typical baseball game experience complete with singing "Take me Out to the Ball Game". The only thing I didn't do is eat a hot dog at the game...I hate hot dogs so why spend the money just for a good photo op? Here's some pictures from the momentous occasion!

Tracy, Holly and I get ready to enter the stadium...I decide to pretend I am a diva. Pretty convincing, eh?

I was really there, folks...

Pastor Lance (aka Ansel Adams), Leighann and little Lukey. I love this little guy!

Need some peanuts or craker jacks? This guy is your man!

A Night of Reckoning...

Last night, my roommate Anne and I headed out to Fountain to a BBQ. Our friend Julie was hosting it because she was house sitting out there. We arrived starving and ready to start our weekend off...

I discovered a few things about myself that I would like to share with you...

1. I hate mesquitos (sp?). ..but apparently they like ME. Also, citronella (sp?) candles are a joke. I saw a mesquito fly straight up next to it and he looked none the worse for wear. Also, while we are on the subject, I have to ask myself (along with Mr. Seinfeld), "What flavor is mesquite? Do they make it from mesquitos?"

2. I am remarkably good at badmitton. You would think from the name, that I wouldn't have been good at all, but that's where you would be wrong.

3. I love playing volleyball with a badmitton net that sags in the middle. It makes me an INCREDIBLE overhand server. :)

4. Burgers taste better on the grill than when you make them at home in the broiler.

5. I still have an active dislike for watermelon. Anne gasped when I admitted this and made me try another piece of it. I took the smallest bite in the world, which solidified my position. Sorry, melons aren't my thing!

Anne and I left just in time to see an incredible sunset. We pulled of the side of the road to get the picture (see the antennae on the left?)...

Now, comes the reason for the title of this post. As we got on the I-25 to head back home, there was a truck in the lane to the left of us and just a little ahead of us. All of a sudden, I saw this thing hurtling toward us. At the time I thought it was a dirt bag or something flying out of the guys truck. Nope! Turns out it was a DEER! The truck hit it and the deer split in half, the head half flew through the air and into our lane but thankfully had enough velocity so that I didn't hit it. Praise the Lord!

When that half of the deer zoomed through our lane, though it left a bloody and gutsy mess in it's wake which splattered all over my windshield and the front of my car. Ew, ew and double ew! At this point, I was still unsure what had happened (how did a DIRT BAG get all over my windshield and why does it look like blood?) and I screeched to Anne in the passenger seat, "What do I DO??" At the time my visability was severely diminished (as you might imagine). Anne calmly told me to just wash it off with my windshield wipers. I'm glad she was there or I might have driven blind all the way back home!

Our first item of business when we got back to our town was no longer to get home and relax but to find the nearest carwash. Shell station to the rescue! If I had the presence of mind, I might have snapped a few before photos so you could experience the grossness with me, but alas! I didn't. Maybe that was my subconscious again....:)

All in all, it was an experience that I will remember, but I'm thankful that we not only didn't get hurt, but that my car reflexs are sharp as a cat! :)

A Tale of Two Travels

Happy Memorial Weekend! I bet you are all excited to have Monday off of work and enjoy some much needed pre-summer vacation time. I myself decided to visit my bestest friend in the whole world, Sarah in Washington. This is the first time since I lived with my parents that I am actually traveling cross country to see people that I'm not related to. It's kind of weird, but totally exciting too.

I have been traveling by flight since I can remember. I actually can't remember the first time I was on a plane...it's just a normal method of travel to me. I am in awe of those people (like my co-worker, Liana) that have never even stepped foot on a plane. How do you people get AROUND? Seriously. In my years of travel I have picked up a few tips which I am about to share with you (my adoring public) at no cost. And in this one-time limited offer, I will also throw in a set of steak knives* (who would want steak knives THROWN in? Sounds dangerous...)

1. Always travel with multiple entertainment options. Back in the day, I would take at least 3 books (which always made for nice LIGHT carry-ons), some sort of journal or cards or something and a portable CD player.

Nowadays, I am eternally thankful for my portable DVD player that was given to me as a Christmas gift. Now, if I am traveling during the Christmas season, I will also pack some nice yarn, and a crochet hook or two. I'm extremely lucky that I am still able to carry those items on. I'm just praying that the airlines don't catch on. C'mon, crochet hooks? I could do some real damage and poke someone's eyes out! It's still amazing to me that my lip gloss is a questionable item and I can carry my crochet hook on board with ease. Go figure!

2. Always look innocent and nonchalant in line for security. Let's face it, security has toughened up! I don't know why I look like the terrorist type, but apparently I do because almost every time I travel I am pegged for the whole puff puff system. This is not a secret society, but a machine that you stand in. It is not a time machine like I originally thought. Instead, you stand in the middle of the little booth and then allow the device to pepper you with puffs of air. It never fails that I flinch my face off, but inevitably I am declared able to board my flight. I guess that's the point...

3. Don't waste your time worrying about who will be sitting next to you on the imminent flight. Some of the people in the "holding pen" are not even going to be on your flight. It's just a waste of a lot of time and energy. Trust me on this one...

4. If you flight is delayed and you have to visit with the desk-ensconced airline agents, be pleasant. It's not their fault that you want to shoot your brains out and devise a teleporting device to scale the distances in a single bound...it's most likely the pilots. Feel free to clobber THEM, but plan on spending some time in jail.

5. Always drink plenty of water and take a water bottle and a snack with you on the plane. You never know if your flight will be the one sitting on the tarmac and making the nightly news with Tom Brokaw.

That's all I have for now - but I reserve the right to update the list at any time!

So, my day began a bit rockily...I know you all are tracking my health since my earlier post. And really, who wouldn't want to? I'm thrilling. Despite my use of Zicam, Airborne and lots of liquids, I woke up feeling worse than the last few days. You know what might help that out? Traveling across the states. Yes, I really think this is what will get me back on my feet. Okay, so if the Airborne bottle says to take one before going on planes when you are perfectly healthy, then I should take what? Two? Three? Ah, people and their germs. I am now the person that people are hoping will not be the person next to them on the plane. "Aw, folks! It's just a little cold (sneeze)...I'm a fun person, really (cough)!"

Well, Seattle or bust. My flight was just delayed for the third time. No, the 7:40 PM departure was just a pipe dream. I'm lucky if I make the current 11:30 PM take off. I did confirm that I have a seat on the plane, though...so I guess that's something. I'm rotating through my entertainment options and bringing you all a much-to-detailed post. You all probably didn't even make it this far did you?

More blogging and pictures of the trip to come. I can see that you are all waiting with bated breath.

*I was just kidding about the steak knives. Money doesn't grow on trees, now, does it?

One, Two, Tree...

So, lately I've been really noticing trees. All types, but especially the pretty ones.

How do you know which ones are the pretty ones? Well, to some degree I think that depends on who you are and what you find beautiful. I, for one, would be happy to have a "Charlie Brown" scraggly Christmas tree each year to save it from a lonely Christmas in the Home Depot parking lot. However, my entire family doesn't seem to side with me on that...go figure!

In any case, given my inordinate amount of love for the color pink, this tree caught my eye a few weeks ago and I solemnly and resolutely marched out of my car and down the street to capture it on film...or whatever it is that digital cameras use nowadays. :) Here it is for your viewing pleasure. Also, it makes a good computer backdrop. (I'm just saying...)

More updates on Herbie in a few days...he's growing like a weed! Or really, he's growing like a flower...

Am I getting obsessed with all things foliage? Kind of seems like it from my last few posts, but rest assured that I am still the same girl from previous posts. Just a bit more nature-oriented :)

What a Difference a Week Makes!

Well, for your second installment of the Sweet Pea Chronicles, allow me to introduce Herbie's first little sprout! I was so excited to see it growing. I'm telling you, my voice has MAGICAL powers. :)

This happened early in the week. You have to look really hard, but it is there!

As the week went on, I couldn't believe the progress of little Herbie! Check it out!

Sweet Pea Chronicles - Week 1

I have embarked on an incredible journey that I want to share with all of you. A little background, if you please...

I come from a family of black thumbs. This is not a racial comment...I'm just saying that my mom (self-admittedly) did not passed down the gene that would allow me to grow things with sucess. However, I've decided that with little education, some determination and some love and nurturing (to me, this means naming the plant and trying not to drown him with my zealous watering habits) I will try again and hopefully triumph over the plant world. To those of you that don't know, the plant world is what got edited out of Lord of the Rings.

Here is Herbet (herbie, if you will) in the beginning stages. The seed packet says it's going to take practically eons to grow into actual sweet pea flowers, but I WILL NOT BE DAUNTED! I WILL PRESS ON! (or something slightly less dramatic :))

Just in case you have also been afflicted by an "other-than-green" thumb disorder, here are some helpful tips that my roommate/friend Anne has shared with me. She's my hero, because she's actually grown things before. These are the tips that I've learned so far:

1. Stop watering once the water comes into the plate underneath the planter

2. Water when the soil 1" down is no longer wet from the previous water

3. Follow the directions and actually give the plant the specified light that they need.

4. Talk to him every day and encourage him to come up faster than the packet claims (this one I added in, in case you hadn't noticed)

The end of volume/week one of the sweet pea chronicles.

p.s. A big hoot and holla' to my friend/roommate Anne who said one night (and I quote), "Hey, Amy...why don't you put this on your blog?"

Unpredictable....that's what you arrrreee...

I just have to say that I am getting inducted into the Colorado "unpredictable weather" club. On Tuesday, we got our second April blizzard. The effects weren't so bad for me where I was, but it closed down our northern end office and power went out in several areas up north.

When I finally made it to work on Wednesday, there were piles of snow everywhere! I keep telling myself that eventually it will be summer, but I have to tell you folks. I'm losing a wee bit of hope. :)

What do you want to do tonight, Pinky?

There are few games in the world (in the WORLD, people) that I love more than Settler's of Catan. I have noticed a few things surrounding this game:

1. Whereever I go, there seems to be an underground Settler's group. Nothing unites a group faster than asking "Hey, have you ever heard of the game...". Faces light up, everyone begins to speak at once and a time to play together is quickly scheduled. In fact, this was one of the first questions that I asked the College/Career group when I moved...

2. Everyone that plays the game for the first time initially dislikes it. This is because there are several moving parts that are hard to keep track of. However, once you have it that's one of the charms of the game and what makes it endure through time (I'm SO dramatic today)

3. People either love or hate this game. I've never heard anyone say "Oh, Settler's? Yeah, I've played several times and it's okay." Usually it's either "I'd rather endure chinese torture than play that game!" or "Want to play at your place or mine?"

Major props should go out at this time to the Spangler's, who not only taught me the game, but also gave me the "Cities and Knights" expansion game for Christmas last year. It took me a while to win (Greg is a gamer!) but once I did, there was no stopping me.

When I moved to Colorado, I found some people that played the game. Those that I met that didn't play, I started to teach them. We are now in the phases of working up to Settler's: Cities and Knights".

Now, because this post makes me sound somewhat of a freak to those of you that don't know what the heck I'm talking about, I must say that I don't get to play very often. But if I'm given the choice of volleyball or board/card games, I'll pick games every time. This just happens to be my favorite game in that genre. :)

Oh, and to finish it up - "Same thing we do every night, Brain. Try to take over the world!"

Easter Celebration

I spent Easter with my friends Todd, Noelle and Eleanor Faris. They graciously invited me to spend the afternoon with them along with another couple from our church (expecting their first child this week!) and Todd's parents. A good time was had by all and I'd like to think that the white grape juice I contributed to the meal was the highlight of the day. I'd like to...but I've got to be honest. It was the ham that stole the show...as ham is wont to do. :)

Noelle whips those potatoes into shape :)

Eleanor "The Walker" Faris in action!

Todd vs. the Ham (he won :))

"Monument"al Weekend

My boss and his family went out of town this last weekend and my roommate and I took up residence in their home in Monument. We didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into as far as the weather goes, but we ended up experiencing freezing rain and snow.

It made the trees so beautiful and the house was so far out that it seemed like we were the only ones on the face of the planet. Oh, except their dog Tripper that made the house-sitting extravaganza possible. :)

We walked the trail behind their place and took Tripper with us for the ride.

Disclaimer: We also pretended like we were real photographers. If any of you would like to order prints, let me know! (lol)

The new digs!

After 8 months of working from my co-worker's basement, my office hours finally have an office to house them! It's kind of exciting for me to have my very own desk in my very own office space.

My boss has decided to up the profile of the place a bit, so I'm not allowed to hang pictures of any of you on my wall, but I do have a little desktop mat that allows me to stick things under it, so you are still remembered!

We've been in the office 2 weeks. I feel like I have a bona fide career and everything! Check it out...

Pre-Birthday Birthday Celebration

In my family, birthDAYS become birthWEEKS which have now morphed into birthMONTHS. I knew my sister would marry her new husband when March was referred to as Justin's birthmonth instead of mine. MY birthday, she's known all her life. HIS birthday, she's know for 2-3 years...tops!

In any case, my parents came and spent the week following the wedding with me. We all flew from Houston to Colorado Springs. Oddly enough, I've traveled more alone than I have with others. I must say that it was rather nice to sit next to a person that didn't crowd my elbow space on the armrest, lent me her magazine and held my bag while I rifled through it for the magical two pieces of Juicyfruit that would keep my ears from being plugged up forever.

They had to leave before my ACTUAL birthday, but we managed to live it up while they were here by celebrating my pre-birthday which really just is folded into the birthmonth. See?

Anyway, for my pre-birthday celebration I asked them to take me to a restaurant in Denver called Casa Bonita. I remember this place from my childhood. There were divers, a pirate called Black Bart and his spooky cave and puppet shows. It was still there and happening, but somehow a little smaller than when I was last there as a 10 year old and also a bit more cheesy...and I'm not talking about the nachos. :)

Contrary to popular belief, I don't JUST like the place because it's pink...

Me and Mom...she gave me birth, I figured the least I could do is a photo op.

I'm an Inlaw!

Sooo...I know you all have been DYING to know what I've been up to. I can tell. It's one of my maaany gifts.

Last weekend my sister tied the knot thus relating me to a boy other than my Dad forever. It was a beauuutiful ceremony and fun to be a bridesmaid (an entirely new experience for me)

I know that you are saying "AMY! Your sister got married and you didn't inVITE me??!" Stop being so dramatic. Here are some photos so that you can feel like you were there. If you've never met my sister Lindsay, she's the beautiful one in the white dress. :)

The Bride-to-Be - Have Tide Stick, will travel


Want a good time? Try wrapping icicle lights around a column in a cohesive fashion and covering it with toile. I must warn you though...it's a 3 person job.

The humidity and straightened hair doesn't work too well, but Britt does her best to keep the bride cool, calm and collected.