Edge of The Dock!

I haven't posted in forever, but I guess time hasn't been slow moving either. I've finished my Summer job in IL at Uncle Denny and Aunt Mary Ann's house...this makes me sad. I've really grown to appreciate them even more (I didn't think that was possible!). Mom and I made a trip there Monday afternoon to spend some time. It was kind of my last visit before life moves on and summer vanishes completely. It just didn't seem right leaving the next morning after spending full weeks there all summer! It was a little sad and I'm feeling like Purdue doesn't quite sound as good as I thought it did a few months ago. It's weird that I only have the end of this week at home too...since I've pretty much not been home most of my summer.

I must at least talk a little bit about the awesomeness of my Senior trip(hopefully I'll get pictures to post of that too). It was definitely the right trip for my taste...lots of cool cities, quaint restaurants, cute shops, and fun people. My favorite restaurant was located in Santa Barbara, State Street. It was an Italian restaurant that had these big red velvet chairs that were painted gold and a pretty little fountain that was very soothing. The structure of the building had stone columns and stuff. the ceiling had a skylight so it felt like we were outside in a courtyard. The food was obviously amazing too. I loved how dressy the atmosphere was, but at the same time very relaxed. It felt authentic and the lighting was perfect pouring through the open spot in the ceiling. I felt a little bit like I was dining in an aristocratic Roman home of forever ago! If I explained and described every experience I'd be typing all day. I will mention how cool it was to watch a polo game and tour a couple old mansions. Wow...I'm remembering all over again how much I liked this trip. Thank you so much Dad and Mom and thanks Ash for coming with me! I'm so thankful I was able to experience that.

OK...let me explain the picture above. This picture struck me as a good representation of how I've been feeling about life lately. The arrows represent how I've been preparing for my life(spiritually maturing, working hard in school, changing as a person...) and moving towards a certain something. At this time in my life I kinda feel like I've made it to a standing point where I can observe what I've done and think about what I need to do. Now I'm standing at the edge of a dock and I'm expected to plunge into the water. I don't even have my swimming suite with me...but I still of course must jump! And then I'm thinking-- what if I really can't even swim that well? The water is probably cold too! It seems a little scary and I can't even see the bottom or what'll be swimming with me.

I do need to say that I'm not all doom and gloom about it either...there are things about college that I'm totally excited about! I can't wait to spend time with the awesome Purdue group and get to know new people. I'm liking my apartment and roommates a lot too! There are going to be some great opportunities to grow and learn...I'm excited. It's just strange that it's all here so fast and all at once. With these thoughts, I'm going to go get things done...or maybe I'll just enjoy this day at home with no worries, because I have a feeling I'll really miss it when it's all gone.:)

~~~Things~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm home this week...no speeding off to IL. It's really nice becuase I have time to get some much needed things done. Here are a few of them:

1.) Finish grad thank yous...I know, I'm terrible. I do have some done already.
2.) Must paint my desk. This will be really fun. I'm going to paint it a bluish greenish, minty color with burnt orange accents on it. It sounds crazy and that's becuase it's going to be! I'm excited.
3.) Family camp this weekend! I'm hoping it'll be fun. A lot of my friends are going to be out of town though...sounds kinda like girl's camp was this year. I can handle it. Ash said she'd hang out with me. :)
4.) Order my laptop!!! This has already been done as of last night. I can't wait.
5.) Switch my Astronomy class becuase it interferes with the PYG Bible study and becuase I've heard it's way hard. I can't do this until July 21st though.
6.) Return some things, which means I can buy a new pair of shoes with money from the others(and not feel quite so guilty). I have to admit that I've been buying too much lately.
7.) Cover ugly box in cool paper to use as storage. I received a circle, hat box as a gift and the pattern isn't really me...a little too flowery girly.

Check out those beautiful pictures I bought on-line a couple days ago. The website is etsy.com...I would recommend it. It's similar to ebay only I think it's cooler. These pictures have sparkle details on them and they are authentically vintage(1940s art).

Yesterday I visited Grandpa and Grandma Bahler at Green Tree. I hadn't done that in a while and it was great. Grandpa was napping when I got there so Grandma and I talked for a while. Then when Grandpa woke up he wanted to see my car. haha...he never changes. :) Upon seeing it he said something like, "Wow, now that is sharp!" and then, "You're going to jump in there and speed away, huh?" He's too funny.

Oh and, I have some cool pictures to post about my 4th of July weekend! It was SO MUCH FUN. I hung out with Katelyn and Matt Vosburgh, Troy and Mitch Casey, and Jacob Ziolkowski. It was great to be with my old Tri-County friends again. They all met me out at Aunt Mary Ann's where we had a jolly old time. Anyways this is getting to be a long post, and I need to get cracking so I can cross some more things off my list.

My responsibilities

This week at Denny and MaryAnn's is a little different than the others. MaryAnn is away on a trip and Denny works most of the day. My responsiblity is to do some pulling weeds stuff, which isn't too hard. I also have to mow the lawn unless the rain doesn't quit. The real reason for this post is to exclaim that I've been made to take care of three sick puppies too...one of which is only two pounds. They are sick so they need a lot of care. Doesn't that just sound like my kind of thing--- you all know how I love animals. Yeah right! I'm thinking this will be good for me. The smallest puppy, Nan, really is adorable. They are rapidly getting better too. I was completely glad to help MaryAnn with her sick puppies and I'm not whinning in any way...I just think it ironic that I'm the one with the care of dogs for a week.:) MaryAnn told me to be "her" and I'll do my best.

Monday Mom and I went to day on campus. That means that my classes are scheduled(but could change of course)and I have my purdue ID. It was a good day. I tested out of two semesters of Spanish too(101 and 102). I was pretty happy about it cosidering I haven't taken spanish for a whole year. We then ate at the new, Cajun restauruant--Yats. The food there is really intersting and very good.
Ok...I must tend to the puppies!

First week

So, I've officially finished my first week of rigorous summer work at Aunt MaryAnn and Uncle Denny's. I ended up putting in a 45 hour week...which is the most I've worked in any given week(other than mission trips maybe). I'm pretty tired now, but managed to stay strong through it all. We did landscaping, painting, cleaning, and much more. We had to prepare their house to be viewed by some people form CA looking for a new home to buy. The house looked amazing as always...but, we're not sure how the home-buyers felt. They raved about the house, but also said it was a little big for their liking. I'm secretly hoping they decided against it :). Overall it was such a good week full of some hard work. I think I learned a lot and there is much more to be learned still. I'll be headed back for more work Monday AND THIS COMING FRIDAY IS SOUTH CAROLINA VACATION! Guess I won't be working that day...or the whole next week either. Two cheers for vacations!

While MaryAnn was cleaning out her already clean closets, she showed me this old pinkish calico dress. It's the coolest thing ever! It was made in 1977 but is in the style of 1777. MaryAnn had to wear it for some broadcasting thing she did that was celebrating independence day. Anyways, she gave it to me because I thought it was awesome. I know it sounds kinda dorky and all. Believe me it's quite authentic, which makes it cool. I also found something from Goodwill while in IL--- A blanket with all of this nice, soft, fluffy, stitch stuff on it. It's definitely vintage and unique. Don't worry, we washed it.

Kurt and I just drove back from Denny and MaryAnn's today around noon. As good as the week was, I'm still glad to be home. I missed Mom and Dad and everything about home. I'm excited to see all of you next weekend!

My Graduation thoughts

It's strange to get ready for something and prepare for it(all four years of high school) and then all of a sudden it's over. I've still got that after event tired feeling. It was so great to see all of the people that mean a lot to me. I was thinking how cool it is that we have milestones in our lives and we invite others to celebrate with us. There aren't too many times when like 300 people will come to your house just to support you...pretty cool.

We were waiting in the hallway in the basement of Elliot Hall to walk up to the stage for graduation. I could see the never ending line of blue caps and gowns with people laughing and smiling....I suddenly realized how strange it was that I hadn't been at my High School for a whole year. Not that I regret it...it just feels weird. I did kinda wish that I could have spent more time with the friends I had there. Then I think about how those friendships don't always last and the PYG group will. It was great being able to spend so much time with the Purdue Group last year! So I guess I wouldn't change anything from last year...but, feelings of regret are totally normal, huh?

Now that I'm talking about Purdue, I'll express how excited I am to move in to Marstellar...or at least I think I am. :) The girls I'll be rooming with are awesome...I'm gonna learn a lot from them. I'm glad that I do have a whole summer to make money and relax. So, I'm planning on working for Aunt MaryAnn this summer. Of course, these plans aren't set in stone!
ASHTON- We need to plan the senior trip!!! How was the lake house by the way?
Jenny- I missed you, Luke, and Luca really bad. Thanks for calling and also for sending your black sweater thing too. Can't wait to see you in SC!

Very cool video Janessa and I just watched!

Oh JOYFULNESS.

This post is in celebration of Jen, Luke, and Luca's upcoming visit.I searched for a picture that would fully convey my happiness and I found... This.

Jenny, when I think of you it's like I'm traveling into another world...a world where flowers and butterflies flutter about in perfect beauty.
I'm definitely looking forward to your visit!
I also thought it appropriate to show this movie of Milli Vanilli. :) This song makes me think of Spring Break. (Luke:"They were fakes!") I love you Jen!