Thank You Blogthings

Well, after an intense softball game and enjoyable lunch with friends followed by a lonely few hours with only more lonely hours to look forward to until it's time to sleep, blogthings has made my life complete! After taking all the quizzes of intrest to me that I could in an hour I know all I need to know about me.

What I learned:
1. I am the middle finger and I should make friends with the index but stay away from the pinky.
2. I will have 2 true loves and my heart be broken 2 times... wondering what that means?? Does that mean both my true loves will end in disaster and I will be left sad and alone??
3. My lucky underwear color is blue.
4. I should weigh 145 pounds
5. I should not have passed 8th grade math; that's true!!
6. My elf name is Minty Fruit Cake
7. My pizza personality is Vegetarian (HA!)
8. I am an only child
9. I am white choclate, which is dissapointing because I was hoping to be dark
10. I am a grilled cheese sandwich, my best friend is the PB & J; my mortal enemy-- the HAM SANDWICH!! Dun dun dun!!
11. My Aura is blue, apparently the same as Angelina Jolie, Dahli Lama, and Oprah
12. Last but not least my "Love Song" is Wonderwall by Oasis... this is funny because I was just thinking back to a time I sang that song with a boy, and i was thinking about how much I liked that boy... funny...

That's all i can take! I can't do it anymore I am going crazy. Whoever invented all those crazy quizzes is cruel!! I just wanted to share with all of you all the great things I learned about myself... heh...

Oh, PS. I am only 44% American as well.

Last Night in Paradise

Tonight is my last night in the lap of luxury. It's been 7 days here in California with the family I nanny for, staying in the finest places, eating expensive food, experiencing the San Diego Zoo's and Sea World to it's full potential... basically it's been mind blowingly fancy. I am sitting in my Four Seasons Aviara hotel room with a couch, desk, private patio, king size bed, a bathroom three times the size of mine at home, wet bar, all in a space that is close to if not a little larger than half the size of Me and Sarah's two bedroom apartment. The house keeping staff comes twice a day to clean my room and make my bed. It's just crazy.

Although I have enjoyed tasting monetary richness, I am content that it is only a taste, and about two days ago I was ready to stop all the silliness. I've loved the things I've done here, but the parts I've loved most is spending time with the kids and getting to know Mike and Felicia more. I love watching the kids with their parents, and I love that Felicia and Mike have gotten to see the kids with me. I feel more solidified in my position with them, closer to everyone and more part of the family.

A list of some of my favorite things from the trip:

Teaching Leah Baa Baa Black Sheep

Feeding the following animals:

Dolphins (twice)

Manta Rays

Giraffe

Rhinoceros (twice)

Otters

Flamingos

Seeing both a Polar Bear and Lioness up close

Petting a Lesser Ant Eater, White Faced Scopps Owl

Having several Laurakeets eat right out of my hand

Seeing the Shamu show

Visiting California Condors

Playing all day in the tide pools at the beach in La Jolla

Swimming with Samuel and Leah

Sammy's Pizza

Watching Greys and Lost in my free time before bed

The Four Season's Shampoo and Soap

Looking out the window of the plane with Samuel on the flight to Cali

Getting a "tan/burn"

Lego Land

My doggy lamps in my hotel room

I think that is the majority of highlights.

Like I said i am really ready to go home now. I like it here, but I've had enough. I've had the chance to see the beauty of this area to it's fullest potential, but I have also seen a lot of ugliness in the life that is considered desirable by society. Impatients, complaining, wastefullness, ungrateful attitudes, and unfortunate priorities have shown through. I am ready to go home and see the people I love and understand me.

Chicago here I come!!! GET READY!!!

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Yes, that's right folks. I got the Strep. It is one of the most miserable sicknesses I have had, maybe the worst so far.

I didn't have a sneezy nose or a cough or a bad fever, oh no... nothing do-able like that. Instead I had a red, swollen, pussfilled, raw throat. I couldn't swallow anything. I couldn't even turn my head to the right or left comfortably becuase my lymphnodes and gland were so swollen. I finally went to the doctor yesterday, knowing everything was just not right.

The doc. looked at my throat, jumped back and said, "oh my! That is one sore throat. Oh my.... wow. That is a sore throat." She walked into the hall and yelled to one of the nurses that I needed a throat culture. a few minutes later she came back and informed my my throat looked so bad she was just going to write me a script for it. She also prescribed some sterroids to bring down the swelling.

Today I am feeling much better; still worn down, and my throat hurts a little, but anything is better than the pain I was in. I will return to work tomorrow. I am taking advantage of this contagious day off by going to the bank, stopping by the mall, and taking a nap or two.

I hope that none of you ever have to edure the evil that is Streptococcal Pharyngitis!!!

Othat than my sickness my life is quite good. One week till Joy and Thor's wedded celebration, and two weeks until I fly off to California with the Perlmans! Should be an eventful month!! WOOT WOOT!!!

My Nanny Life

Sooo... I thought I'd entertain you all and myself by giving you the play-by-play for my week. Now... you may get fatigued just by reading this post, so be warned!!!

Monday:

8-8:40-- Feed Lizard (15 min.)
Brush Teeth and get both kids dressed (20-30mins)
Put Laundry in the washer
8:40-- Leave for Leah's school
9:10-- Home again, practice piano with Samuel (20 mins)
10:00-- free time/playdates
laundry in dryer
11:15-- lunch
12:10-- leave to walk to school
12:30-- drop-off to school
1:00-- pick up Leah from afterschool playdate
1:20ish-- put Leah down for nap
1:40/2:00 until 3:00-- fold laundry
maybe read or snooze
most often cleaning/writing notes for the days activities (I keep a detailed journal of the days)
3:00-- Get Leah up from nap
3:10-- leave to pick up Samuel
3:30-- home from pick-up
Feed Lizard (5-10 mins)
3:50-- Samuel pick-up or we walk to Envirocise (outdoor physical activity/science class)
Leah has free time or playdate
Put Laundry away
5:00-- pick-up Samuel from Envirocise-- walk home
5:30--Home again-- I cook while kids play/ "help"
5:50ish-- dinner
6:20-- clean-up dinner/dessert time
6:30/7:00ish-- I go home

Tuesday:

8-8:40-- Feed Lizard (15 min)
Teeth and clothes
9:00-- Practice Paino (20 mins)
9:30-- play time
10:00ish-- Grandma comes over to play with Samuel while Leah and I go to Gymnastics
10:45 to 11:30-- Gymnastics
12:00-- playdate/lunch
1:20ish-- nap time
2-3:00-- more cleaning, writing, relaxing
3:00-- Leah up from nap
3:10-- To school to pick up Samuel
3:30-- home from school
3:30-4:45-- play time!!
Feed Lizard (5-10 mins)
4:45-- leave for Ocupational Therapy
5-6:00-- OT
6:15-- home for dinner
6:30-- dinner
6:45/7:00-- I go home

Wednesday

8-8:40-- Feed Lizard (15 min)
Teeth and clothes
Pack Leah's lunch
Practice Piano (20 mins)
8:40-- Leave for Leah's school
9:00-- Drive to Jewish Communtiy Center (JCC) for swimming
9:15-10:30-- 30 min one-on-one swim lesson and then free swim
10:30-11:00--shower, cuddle-time and get dressed
11:15-- out to lunch
12:10-- walk to school
12:30-- drop-off at school
1:00-- pick up Leah, Ava and Jack from school
1:30-- arrive home
1:40/2:00-- Put Leah down for nap
2-3:00-- you know the drill
3:00--Get Leah up
3:10-- walk to pick up Samuel
3:30-- arrive home for free-time/playdates
4:00-- practice piano if we didn't get to it in the morning
bath for Leah
Feed Lizard (5-10 mins)
5:30-- dinner
6:30ish-- I go home

Thursday

8-9:00--Feed Lizard (15 min)
Teeth and clothes
Practice Piano (20 mins)
9:00-- Samuel picked up for "extraordinary kids" another science class
Leah Play time
10:20-- Leah picked up by gramps for Gymboree (10:45-11:30)
My time to clean and run errands
11:20-- Meet kids from extraordinary kids for lunch, Leah gets dropped off there by gramps
12:20-- drive to school
12:30-- drop-off
12:40 to 1:45-- playdate with Stephan or play at home
2:00-- Nap
2-3:00-- writing, cleaning, reading
3:30-- Samuel gets home (usually someone picks him up for me so Leah can have a full nap)
Leah wakes up
4:00-- free time/playdates/
maybe piano
Feed Lizard (5-10 mins)
5:30-- dinner
6:30ish-- I go home

Friday

8-8:40-- Feed Lizard (15 mins)
Clothes and teeth brushed
Laundry in washer
8:40-- Leah goes to school with her mom
9:00-- practice piano and then free time
10:10-- Leave for Piano Lesson
10:30-11:00-- Piano
11:15-- lunch at Einstiens usually
12:15-- drive to school
12:30-- drop-off
12:30 to whenever Leah comes home-- run errands, put laundry in dryer, clean
2:00ish-- Put Leah down for nap
3:00-- walk to get Samuel
3:30-- back home for playdate with Matthew and Jake
Leah wakes up
3:30 to usually through dinner-- playdate with M and J
Feed Lizard (5-10 mins)
Fold Laundry and put it away
5:45ish-- go pick up Samuel or boys get picked up from here
6:30ish-- I go home

PHEW!!! That was scary! I am so worn out when I think off all the things I do, I the places I take the kids... it's amazing all the things you can pack into one day. Now, mind you... the kids are supposed to have a bath every couple of days (my responsibiliy), they have random play dates/appointments squeezed in the few "free-time" spots, and all the other things that go into having kids and managing a household. Basically it's intense. I love it, but some times when I sit and think about it I go a little crazy. I guess I should stop thinking!! :)

Thanks for enduring a week of my life... hope you enjoyed the ride. altough I must say: it's much better with the kids!!

Day Dreaming

Today I am longing. I decided to journal about it instead of letting the thoughts swim around in my head. This way I can make better judgement if the things I am thinking are complete crap or worth day dreaming about!

I am longing for an empty space in regards to a home. It's almost like I want to get rid of all the things I have so I can start all over. But I also want a house so that when I put everything back together, it feels more permanent and worth my time. I want art work to hang, colors on my walls, themes in rooms, organization in the kitchen, a yard, a real home. I want a home that's mine for a long time instead of just a few months, a home that I can invite people to, and feed and entertain. I want a stove with more than one working burner. I love my apartment, but I long for something more established.

Something else I am longing for is a life-long companion of the male persuasion. I want to share my bed with more than my pillows and books. I want to share it with a man who loves me and I love back. I want to make romantic memories and have grand adventures that may only be grand to he and I. I long for a man that knows me so well that I don't need to say anything and he knows what I am thinking... or at least knows I am thinking SOMETHING! :) I hunger for love in the way I was designed to love- the way that I dream about loving but never get the chance.

I want to make babies!!! Not just to have sex, although that sounds good too. I really just can't wait for the gift and privilege of raising my own children. I want to know what it feels like to have a baby growing inside me. I want to experience the connection that only a mother has with her child. I want to share bringing little ones into this world with the man I made them with; the man of my dreams.


Basically what it all comes down to is that I long to settle down and start the rest of my life. This in-between thing is really hard. I want everything in God's timing though, and God's way. I trust that God is preparing me husband for me and me for him. I know that the waiting is a worth-while challenge in the process or preparation. I know that my Jesus has good plans for me-plans to prosper and not to harm me; plans for hope and a future.
Today is a dreaming day-dreaming about what is to come- what could be and perhaps a little of what will be. I'm ok with my longing and dreaming. If I weren't longing for something, I'd have no hope or ambition and life without those things would be worthless.

IDIOT

Ok friends, the truth is out; I'm a fool.

Now, I've always thought being foolish was something more of a character flaw then a personality/changable trait. I think I may have fallen so far as to recieve the high-flying FOOL banner soaring over my photo. There is not one feeling within me that has any bit of justification to set aside my flaw and move on.

Basically I've made the same mistake over and over and over. God has tried to protect me from this, has shown me life without it, and yet I come back to the crap that only fills me for a second and leaves me empty and seeking. Why the hell do I do this? Why do I do this to myself, others, God's name??

How can this be possible? How can I be so much after God's heart and His Will and then forget it and lose myself in a moment of sin? This sucks! I was just told this morning at church about temptation and sin, just challenged to walk away from that temptation and fight back, yet only a few hours later all of that leaves my mind.

And you know what it all comes down to? You know what it all represents? All of my sin, my running to things of the flesh, is just a sign that I don't truly have a grasp on God, that I don't really know what He has for me, what and who he has called me to and to be.
It all says that I am feeling lonely, ugly, fat, unlovable, dumb, lame, unwanted, just pathetic; like trash. When I believe those things is when I run to things of this world instead of thinking for the Kingdom of God. When will I see, when will I REALLY get it?? How many times do I have to fall flat on my naked ass with no way out, left ashamed, cold, used... and I am a user too. GOSH! How disgusting! When will I see that sin leaves me more empty than when I began?
There is part of a song that is perfect for right now, I happen to be listening to it. Here is the chorus:

Right now I don't hear so well and I waswondering if you could speak up. I knowthat you tore the veil so I could sitwith you in person and hear what you'resaying, but right now, I just can't hear you

Right now I don't hear so well and I waswondering if you could speak up. I knowthat you tore the veil so I could sitwith you in person and hear what you'resaying, but right now, I just can't hear you
I don't doubt your sovereignty, I doubtmy own ability to hear what you're sayingand to do the right thing, and Idesperately want to do the right thing

Yup it's true, I'm not hearing so well today folks. At least I'm not hearing the right thing. The rest of the song goes on to say that, "I will wait to hear from you"... I didn't do that today. Perhaps, if I'm not truely a foolish child I will wait; will wait wisely and expectantly for guidance, love, and fulfillment.

Jesus, I'm sorry.

At around 10:30ish Central Time our cat Priscilla wakes up and is ready to play. Now, this wouldn't normally be a problem except during the week I usually go to bed around 10/10:30. And it's not just like the cat wants to play but can't; she walks around the house with her toy in her mouth and does the loudest most pathetic cry. She'll "meow" until some one yells, "Shut up, it's bed time".

In other news I have a strange itchy spot on my right wrist. This happens often... me getting strange itchy spots on my arms or chest. I really don't understand it! And really, the wrist is one of the worst places to have an itch because it's so sensitive so one can't truly scratch it as hard as they like.

I am having a pretty good weekend other than the itching. Last night I hung out with Jesse and we chatted, watched "Snakes on a Plane", and played a couple rounds of "Rayman and the Raging Rabbids" (A very twisted yet addicting game for playstation2). We hadn't seen each other in over a week, so it was good to spend some time together.

Today I slept in, rented more movies, ate some pizza rolls, put more CDs on my computer to transfer to my iPod, took a bath, and now I am going to read a little before bed. It was a nice relaxing day, but seemed to go on forever. I'm done with my alone time for the week! Today was the first time in a while I remembered what the months of October and November felt like, long and lonely and sedentary. Today made me appreciate even more the fact that I have a good job that keeps me active and with people!

Ok, I have a plug for Avon. I just went to scratch my wrist again and realized my hands felt very soft. It's because I put lotion on them after my bath. Now usually I am not a moisturizing kind of gal, but about once a week I feel like lubing up and getting all soft. I got this "moisture therapy intensive hand cream for extremely dry skin" for Christmas and decided I might as well use it. Every time I've used it I have been so satisfied. Usually when I use lotion, it leaves me feeling sticky or oily, but this made my hands truly feel supple and smooth. I sound like a commercial right now, but it's only because I mean it! Thanks Avon!

I am trying to think if I have anything else worth typing right now, but I don't think that I do. With that in mind, I will save you all from worthless mumbo-jumbo that I could very well come up with just to make the time pass.

Update Schmupdate

Hello. I thought since both of my little ones (the ones in IL) are sick and napping, I'd write a little update.

Things here are going pretty well. I just had my 23rd birthday and also hit the one month mark on the 4th since I started my job here as a nanny. Thursday was my first official day as the official nanny without Brianna with me, who was the current nanny. I will miss her a lot because we created a friendship, but it will make things a little easier around here now that I am the one and only. Everything was so complicated with two of us, there was so much more organizing, and dicipline was a challenge. I liked being with Brianna though because we had fun and together we laughed at the weird things the people of this world do.

All of that being said, I love my job. Everyday eventhough I am crazy tired I am excited to get to work and see my kids. They are like mine. I get to drive them around in a minivan and feed and clothe them. I get to play games with them and teach them manners, social norms, music, physical activities, and responsibility. Today I took Samuel to Piano and then back home so he could have lunch with his grandmother. I took Leah to school, then bowling, then a "mom and me" cooking class. Then I got to put her down for her nap and soon I will get her and feed her dinner. It's awesome. The only thing I don't get to do is put them to bed and wake up with them in the morning. I even give them their baths during the week. It's an amazing feeling to wake up every morning filled with joy and ready to take on the day.

What a turn-around from where I just was a couple months ago when I didn't have a job. I dreaded every day then. Now I can't remember much what it felt like, only that it felt crappy over and over again week after week. It was worth the wait though, and the lonliness, and the struggle. It was totally worth it!

I am starting to make friends at church now too. Tonight I am going over to a friends house and hanging out. She said there would be like 20 people there, which excites me greatly! I am ready to meet people and to start really getting to know them.

Ok, duty calls... time to make the Mac N' Cheese!! It's organic and fancy, yet easy!! And I need to do some cuddling!

My Kids

I have two new kids now in addition to my precious Maria and Charlie. Their names are Leah and Samuel. They are the babes I Nanny. They are wonderful. I adore them and fall more in love with taking care of them everyday. Coming to work every morning even after the 45min-hour drive is always a joy. This is my second official week working with them full-time, but I have known them for a month and a half already.
Samuel, age 6 loves using his imagination to create games and activities. He has a best friend named Sammy, a girl who lives a couple houses down the street. They band-aided themselves together last week so they "could stay together forever". Samuel swims, plays piano, and wants to be a scientist when he gets older. He amazes me everyday with his eagerness to learn and ability to put into practice his current knowledge. I love it when he goes to hold my hand or stands close to me when he's telling me something, it lets me know he loves me.

Leah is my little one; not yet three years old. She is so much fun to be around and always shows a lot of affection and love for me. The other day while I was doing her hair she said, "Liz, I like you and I love you". It's those tender unprompted moments that I love the most. I love playing with her, singing with her, teaching her, putting her down for nap, picking out her clothes in the morning, and reading to her (we read A LOT everyday). Leah is a true treasure. Unfortunatly Leah is sick today. She got some sort of stomache thing over the weekend and is still recovering. She has a fever and is napping right now. I feel bad for her.
..
I already love these kids and I've only known them a short time. I miss them when I am not with them during the day while they are at school or playdates. I soak up every minute I can with them.
In other news I just bought a Christmas tree for the apartment. Sarah had mentioned the sadness of not having one, and since I lost mine I agreed. Tonight I am buying new lights, and assembling the tree so that Sarah and I can decorate it together later this week. I am so looking forward to that. As much as I say I don't like the Christmas season because of what it's been turned into over the years, there is still something in me that likes the magic of lights and ornaments. I can't wait to put up our new tree and stare at it!

ThanksWHAT?!?!

Ok, so I had a revelation this morning when I was sitting up to get out of bed. I started to think about how today was thanksgiving, and then tomorrow... well... tomorrow is the biggest shopping day of the year. Then I realized how stupid that sounded.
We are supposed to have a day to celebrate with loved ones and revel over the years events and then be thankful for all the good and maybe even the trials too. It's all happy and nice. Then we go out the next day and spend all of our money, and probably money we don't have taking our wealth, security, and stuff we already have for granted!! What the crap?? I feel as if that is kinda canceling out the lovely thankfulness we had the day before.
And it goes so much deeper than that. I really dislike the winter holidays. I don't like what they have been turned into. I don't like that I have been a part of it all my life... the presents, Santa, capitalism, spending hundreds of dollars to decorate the house and pay for the electric bill afterward. And what are most people celebrating anyway?? Are they celebrating the birth of Jesus or the coming of an imaginary character with flying mammals pulling his huge butt around the world?? Can we be celebrating both? Are we just doing it because "that's just how it is"? Oh, I am just getting more upset as I talk.
I am sorry to those of you who love the holidays and especially those who celebrate them modestly.
I love buying and receiving presents, I love eating delicious food, I love seeing people I love and spending time with them, and I love twinkling lights... I just want to keep myself in check to make sure I am celebrating for the right reasons and in a way that is not contradictory to the way I live the rest of my life.
I am in Michigan for Thanksgiving: dinner with Dad today and The Nolls tomorrow. Then I will be returning to Palatine probably Sunday. I was with the kids all day yesterday which was lovely. Maria and I had a blast and because it was nice out we got to go outside and play. We sang songs and played on the swings and I tried to teach her to ride her bike. It was great! I am very much looking forward to the fried turkey that we are having today! I love that stuff!! I think my favorite part of a turkey is the skin... sick but true!!

My Babies and more

So, Charlie is 6 months old now! Isn't he darling??

Sandy, John, Maria and Charlie... what a good looking family.

Here also is Maria trying to get Charlie to look at the camera... what a helper! heh...

Here are the kids with their grandparents and of course mom and dad!

Whoa Mamma!

Made ya look!!! I really don't have much to say that really constitutes a "Whoa Mamma", but I just thought I'd try it out! The past few days have been pleasantly exciting and full of new people and me actually doing something other than sitting around all day. I definitely still sat around, but the sitting was much less that usual! Tuesday I went to Axis at Willow Creek and it was great! I met some new people and I really feel like it's the place for me! The topic of discussion and teaching was "community". I love the idea of a thriving community based on God's/the first church's model of living. If you are not familiar with this model I will refer you to a passage in the Bible- Acts 2: 42. In there it talks about eating together, being devoted to following God's teaching, miracles happening, daily meeting together, giving up everything and then redistributing possessions as people had needs, and all sorts of other gushy and lovely utopian ideas! I realize of course that these things do not happen today very often and I think that's why I like it so much. I have seen good community and dreamed about it even more. I want to be part of something like that! With InterVarsity I had community. As disfunctional as it was sometimes, it was still a place I grew, learned, made friends, got filled up, and served. When I came to Chicago I was already starving for a group of people I could do those things with after pouring out my everything during my second internship and being away from IV for 3 months. I was determined that the first thing I was to do here was to get involved somewhere I could be used and be given back to. My friends, I think I've found it. Axis is a new group that is just building itself back up so I am jumping in at a good time! I met the leader and the intern there and we were all pumped for the coming weeks. Next week is Vision week which I am very excited for! I can't wait to hear what John (the leader) has to say about the future and misson statement of Axis. I've been thinking about it since I left the church on Tuesday. And since I've been going on about it for a few paragraphs you can probably tell I am excited! So, moving on...Wed. was good, library time and church. Thursday was better, library time and a good night with Sarah. We went for a run and then hung out on the couch until bedtime. Friday was better yet, slept in, went over to the Wiltse's for the afternoon and the kids had a good day; no major problems and absolutely no fighting, it was amazing. Friday night I took a bath and did about an hour and a half of journaling! Now today is Saturday and I am back at the library. I am going to borrow a few movies, and go get cream of chicken soup from down the road. What I really want is some pie... maybe I'll get that too... I shouldn't... :) Ok, so now that you know all the details I will let you stop reading, unless you already did stop... Thanks for hanging in there if you didn't get bored!!

Another Week

So... It's the beginning of another week. There really isn't too much to note.

I guess I can talk about last week... Last week I worked Friday and Saturday and Saturday evening with kids. Fri. was with the Perlman's and Sat. was with Sarah's family The Wiltse's. Sat. night I was back at the Perlman's for a few hours. I really enjoyed my days and evenings witht the kids. It was nice to have something to do that lasted longer than a couple of hours!! Plus I am really enjoying getting to know the Perlman kids. They are great!

That pretty much sums up last week... heh...

This week I have a few things to look forward to. Tonight: Church with the 18-20 somethings for my first time. I am hoping to get plugged in quickly and make new friends! Tomorrow: Church again WOOT! Thursday: Roomate Date Night!!!! WOOT WOOT!! And then comes the weekend which I will probably be spending alone aside from a few hours of babysitting on sunday afternoon and a dinner with Willow folks in the evening.

I've decided that I really just need to get plugged in somewhere before I dry up and die. I feel so alone during the days, not having anything of real significance to do. I need to serve, or lead, or SOMETHING!! AHHH!!!

I've also decided that I want to die before every step I take results in me farting loudly in public places.

Another Week

So... It's the beginning of another week. There really isn't too much to note.

I guess I can talk about last week... Last week I worked Friday and Saturday and Saturday evening with kids. Fri. was with the Perlman's and Sat. was with Sarah's family The Wiltse's. Sat. night I was back at the Perlman's for a few hours. I really enjoyed my days and evenings witht the kids. It was nice to have something to do that lasted longer than a couple of hours!! Plus I am really enjoying getting to know the Perlman kids. They are great!

That pretty much sums up last week... heh...

This week I have a few things to look forward to. Tonight: Church with the 18-20 somethings for my first time. I am hoping to get plugged in quickly and make new friends! Tomorrow: Church again WOOT! Thursday: Roomate Date Night!!!! WOOT WOOT!! And then comes the weekend which I will probably be spending alone aside from a few hours of babysitting on sunday afternoon and a dinner with Willow folks in the evening.

I've decided that I really just need to get plugged in somewhere before I dry up and die. I feel so alone during the days, not having anything of real significance to do. I need to serve, or lead, or SOMETHING!! AHHH!!!

I've also decided that I want to die before every step I take results in me farting loudly in public places.

You are Probably Wondering What is Happening with me, and if You're not I am Going to Tel You Anyway!!

So, here is the past week or so of my life.

• Marathon weekend!!! It was so awesome to have to opportunity to spectate at the Chicago Marathon. I loved cheering on my dearest Sarah and Emily! It felt so good to finally see her run after all the hard work she put in. She ran so strong. I was utterly amazed with her! She rocked my world that day and I am so proud. It was cool to be a part of something bigger than me too, although I was still played a significant part. It was fun to run around the city with Rebecca and Shawn. I haven't gotten to spend much time with shawn, so it was good to have that and to be doing something together for Sarah. It was a full weekend, but generally a pleasant and exciting one. Having Rebecca there was great too, I am so glad she made the trip!

• Had an all-day working interview with the Perlman Family (kids= Samuel and Leah) on Monday the 23rd.

• Went to Goodrich for a crappy, yet financially smart five days. During those five days good things happened like, playing with Maria and Charlie, seeing my grandmother, eating HOT donuts, free food, and one of my most favorite parts, visiting Krista in Lansing.

• After returning home to Palatine on Sunday night I got up early to work another full day at the Perlman's. It was a good day. Felicia, the mom was there all day so it was good to get to know her a little. And I love the current nanny Brianna. We get along pretty well, and I really enjoy her company. We got about an hour of time just us to sit down and chat. The kids were great, and very fun. At the end of the day I got offered the position and I accepted! I will start my work with them the 4th of Dec. This means though, that I have a whole month without an significant income other than building a website for the Orchard, working a few days here and there for the Perlman's, and babysitting this weekend for Sarah's family. Although that scares the crap out of me, I know that God will provide enough for me to get by. I have confidence in that.

Today was my Sabbath day and I took advantage of it so far. I did some exploring around Palatine and got some yummy treats in celebration of getting a job. I found a bakery! I was looking for donuts, but found bread instead. It bought a delicious loaf and decided I could enjoy it longer and guilt free in comparison to the donut I was considering. I also bought a wrap for lunch! It was a Caesar wrap, just the way I like it. And I stopped at Jewel for some Naked smoothies!! I got this one called the Green Machine. It was delicious fruits like apples, kiwi, pineapple, and mango, but tucked away in it is a plethora of vegetables and you can't even taste it! I felt so proud to be drinking such a healthful treat!!

This week I am hanging out, doing some cleaning, laundry, maybe some cooking. Then Friday I am working for the Perlman's, Saturday I am working for the Wiltse's, and Sunday I am sure I'll do something exciting!

So, the main point of the story is, God has provided a job for me. It's not in the way I thought it would be, and it's going to be long hours, and a significant commute, but it is just what I need. I know it is, because if it wasn't I wouldn't have it. I will have to bust my booty to be careful and responsible and thoughtful of my finances, but in the end it will be worth it. I know I will learn a ton. I know that it won't always look at great as it does today, but I think somedays it will look even better, which makes it all worth it to endure.

Reasons for not updating/my life sucks right now with a few good parts

Ok Let's tackle this in order shall we!!

Reasons for not updating in over a week:

#1- I was embarrassed to share my pathetic news

#2- I tried to and the piece of "ess" computer deleted it


Why my Life Sucks Right Now:

#1- I am currently unemployed and living in a new city far from home with no way to pay my rent or any other bills for that matter but to go back home and work... but who wants to do that??

#2- I lost my job on what I thought was my first official day. And on top of that it was for no apparent reason. The lady said I was a wonderful person, kind and caring. She didn't give me anything I could do better. I don't really understand what happened. It sucked. Basically I think she was freaking out because she is losing her current nanny of 2 years, who knows the kids so well... She doesn't want to start over. That's the only thing I could think of. I will be curious to know how things work out for her...

#3- Did I mention I don't have a job?? Oh I did? Yeah, well... no job means nothing to do, and I can't even go and do anything because I can't spend money. I am stuck in the house or at the library all day, all by my self. And if any of you know me, you'll know that me and extended amounts of alone time aren't very good. Everyday gets harder to keep good spirits.

#4- I have to go home and work.... that sucks. It sucks because I have to leave Sarah here, and I know she doesn't want to spend the whole week alone. It sucks because I have to drive back there for working, not for fun visiting. It sucks because I'll probably have to stay there a few weeks if I don't find a job here in Palatine! AHHH!!

The Good Parts of My Life:

#1- Church! Currently I am attending Willow Creek and so far I am enjoying it. It's huge, which takes some getting used to, but they have great teaching and good programs.

#2- New friends; Through church I have met some people. I signed up for a "table" in the "Neighborhood" program at Willow. Basically, that program is trying to encourage good community. We are starting out meeting once a month and then will create Bible Studies, and then serve the community together. It sounds like a great plan and I thought I'd jump in and support it, try it out since it was just beginning last week. The people at my table were good, most were at least 18-20 years older than I, but weere still lovely for the most part. It's definitely not a place where I will be able to have a IV community feel, but still a group of people I can invest in. I will be looking for a small group aside from this as well through the 18-25yr old group called Axis at the church. Hopefully I will find something there that will fit my needs.

#3- I like Sarah. Things are really rough for both of us right now due to personal issues we both have, which makes life a challenge. Despite that though we are staying strong and supporting eachother however we can. It is good living with her.

#4- I had an interview on Monday and it went well. The family has two children; Samuel, 6 and Leah, 2.5 (pronounced like the princess). I got to meet Samuel during my interview. He is a gifted child, and in the five minutes I was with him I could tell. He said the word Bioiluminescence!!!! AHH!!! I was in awe. The exciting thing about this family is that I would get to work with Samuel on his physical and social development as he is a little behind because of his giftedness. He does lots of programs throughout the week that excite me greatly, one of which is swimming. I am spending the day with the children on this coming Tuesday. I am looking forward to it, but I am not getting my hopes up until I fill out my tax forms and write down my hire date on them!!

#5- Today is Wednesday! That means I get to sing and dance and praise Jesus at church. Willow has a Wed. night service called New community. I am excited to go! They are doing a series right now on the Holy Spirit called, Third Person. This is the second week of it and I am looking forward to the continuation!

#6- The marathon is this weekend!! That means that Sarah's sister Emily is coming, and Rebecca, and a couple of Ems friends too! Sarah and Em are running and I will be getting text message updates at every split they pass on the course! It's so exciting. We are running around the city to follow them and I am pumped!!! I can't wait to see them cross that finish line, especially Emily because this is her first marathon!! It should be an interesting weekend, that's for sure!!

Ok, that is all I have for now! I gotta get home cause Shawn is picking us up for church soon!

I miss you all very much!

All Moved In!

Ok, so I don't have much time...Here's the scoop!

I moved in on Sunday Oct. 1st with my roomie Sarah Hoover. It was a very long day, as was the day to follow. Since then though, each day has gotten better. We are all unpacked and our apartment finally looks like our home! Combining Sarah and I's belongings was easy and it's definitely a place for both of us. I like her stuff and she likes mine. I'm so glad she is my roommate. I think it is going to be a blast.

I worked two days last week for my family and I start officially on Monday. My two days last week were marvelous. My first day I was practically brought to tears because I was overfilled with joy! Philly the twin with the brain condition is the most beautiful child I have ever laid eyes on. He has the innocence of a new born. Dark blue eyes, blonde untamable hair, lovely soft fair skin... He is just a doll! I adore him. His sister Halley is great too! We went outside and picked leaves and we threw around the big ball a little in the house.

The front room is dedicated to the children and their therapies. There is a big mat on the floor with toys and activities everywhere! It is definitely a fun room and we spend a lot of time there.

I think my time at work will be very full and fast-paced which is nice. We will be going in and out of the house to therapies and appointments, when we are home we always have something for the kids to do! I am very excited to get things started and find out what a typical week looks like. I get to have a carseat in my car, which for me is a dream! Basically, I get to my a pseudo mom! It's very thrilling!

So, today I am in Fort Wayne visiting a friend for her Birthday and I will be returning home to Palatine tomorrow afternoon.

I don't have a computer right now, but I did find the library so my correspondence may be delayed, but never fear, it will still come. I am going to work really hard at staying in touch!

Talk to you all soon!!!

My Life is Unfolding

Hey!!!

So, more has happened since my last post, SO MUCH more!!!

Sunday Sarah, her sister Emily and I all went to Chicago for some apt. shopping and I had an interview. We made a stop in Kalamazoo for some church and I got to meet Catlin, Sarah's Best Friend! It was so great to meet her! After church we were on our way to Chicago. On the way I got an interview for a second family and so I had two appointments that evening for interviews.

Both went really well, but the second one was the winner. It was a family that has two toddlers, age 2 1/2... they are twins. One is a girl, Hailey, and she has midrange to normal develpment. The other, a boy named Philly, has a condition where his brain did not form all the way. He is hearing, vision, motor, and speech impaired. He is not mobile and he uses a feeding machine 3 times a day to supplement his diet that he eats by mouth. He is one of 19 children in the U.S. that have this condition.
Basically at this families house they have the hub of all therapies. All kinds of therapists (OT, PT, Speech, Vision) come in every morning and work with Philly. Basically I would be a care-giver, but I would also be a part of the therapy team. With my RT background I can provide a good service to the family and sounding board as well as learn a ton of things from these other therapists. I will get to sit right along side Philly and assist in the therapies every morning! Next school year I will attend pre-school with philly which is exciting.
Along with caring for Philly I will be taking care of Hailey as well. It should be an interesting endeavor! I am so excited to learn from the other therapists and really put into practice the things I've learned in my classes while still doing something I love in a setting I feel comfortable in.

Sarah and I found a place to live in Palatine. It's north of downtown Chicago. You can see it here: http://www.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=300+N+Brockway&ie=UTF8&near=Palatine+IL&z=9&ll=42.108411,-88.236694&spn=0.49106,1.0849&om=0
We are calling our Apt. Complex "Tony's Palace" because it doesn't have a name and Tony is the name of our landlord/manager of our building. He is a really great guy and has been very kind to us so far. We met his fiance when we signed out lease and she was very sweet.
Our Apt. is 1000 sq. ft and very affordable for the area! We really are getting a great deal. We just got new carpet and tile and soon we will get all new appliances! The outside isn't anything fancy, but its similar to what Concord apt. in Mt. Pleasant looked like, just plain brick, no balcony. they are fixing it all up though so it should be improving! I am so excited to move in and be able to have all my stuff unpacked instead of having it all shuved in the basement in boxes.

Sarah and I are moving on Sunday and I will be starting my job on Tuesday. If anyone wants to come to chicago and help me move you are all welcome!!! Or if you just want to come visit that's ok too!!!

That's all for now!! PEACE!

Chicago Update

Ok, so here's the latest...

I am going to Chicago on Sunday for an interview with one family and I am hoping to land an interview with a second by then too. The first family has two children: Ryan Danielle-3 and Owen Patrick- 15months. Their mom seemed very kind (krista, notice the descriptive word here... I almost wrote "nice") over the phone. This would be a situation where the mom works out of the home and I would take care of the kids while she is "at work". The second family is a family with 2 year old twins, one with normal development, a little girl and a boy with developmental disabilities. All I know is he is not mobile, uses a feeding tube for nurishment, and weighs 30lbs. I think it would be sweet to work for this family, so I am praying that if it's supposed to happen that the mom calls me tomorrow.

I will drive to Chicago Sunday with Sarah and her sister Emily (Emily wants to come hang out with us and see where Sarah might live). I'll drop them off to do their 14 mile run for marathon training at the park, and then head to my interview. We are staying with Shawn (Sarah's boy) for the night and then apartment hunting during the day on Monday. Pretty much is should be a sweet time. I am excited to actually look with Sarah at places instead of her driving around and me being on the phone with her.

So, if one of these families works out, I could be moving to Chicago sooner than the 2nd. AHH!! I know the family that I am interviewing with really wants someone to start right away and are willing to house me until I can find a place to live.

I am planning on going up to Mt. Pleasant this Friday night, and hopefully staying part of the day on Saturday. I am going mostly to see my friend Jonathon play football, his team is playing Mt. Pleasant that day. BUT I am also wanting to see people before I leave! I mean, I hope you can all come out and visit me, but I want to see you still! Now you all have an excuse to come to Chicago!!! AND a free place to stay! It can be like old times, everyone can come over and I'll make you things, yummy things, and we can play games!! Aww!!!

Ok, well... that's all I know for now! I'll let you all know as soon as I hear from my interview! Pray for me!! 6:00 Michigan time on Sunday!!!

Home

Here are the pictures I promised:

This is our sign out front. I like it!











One of Matilda's Kittens. This one's my favorite.









Fred enjoying some popcorn. Basically he's just huge and he has bad breath.













Fresh Donuts!!! I know, you're jealous that I am getting fat off these and you aren't!










Stewart...










The train and slide (the big red thing in back) that the kiddies play on.










The famous Honeycrisp and a view of the inside of the store. I'd like to point out the lovely sign made by Miss Krista Griffin!!









Here we have a celebrity, Mr. Bond, James Bond.











Here he is again, trying to look manly...