My Mystery Tree... Solved!

You may remember my recent blog post about my new secret spot with the giant yellow tree in the center, well it turns out my sister recognized the tree in my photo and happened to know that the very tree I thought was so beautiful, is actually the Palo Verde Tree.... the Arizona state tree!! How weird is that?!? My sister actually took a picture of one near her house and sent it to me today....

I guess its yet another sign I was meant to live in Arizona :-)

As my sister would say.... "Go where I grow" (hee hee inside joke between sisters)

The More Boys I Meet...

While dancing in my apartment with my girlfriends during "Girls Night" on Saturday, the song "The More Boys I Meet" by Carrie Underwood began to play and it CRACKED ME UP!! The best part by far is the chorus. Any girl who's tired of dated and sick of kissing all the wrong frogs will love this song.

I dedicate this song to the love of my life... my dog Tirzah :-)

Girls Night!

After a tough week full of many ups and downs its no secret I was in desperate need of a "Girls Night". All I can say is thank goodness for my girlfriends. Becca and Lauren selflessly put their lives on hold for the night to take time out for a much need evening of martinis, food, pjs, games, gossip, and LOTS of laughs. Those who know me best, know I'm a entertainer at heart. I absolutely love to set up my apartment and have people over... and last night was by far one of the most fun I've had entertaining in a while. Here are some pictures of the evening.....

Here is my cute "Girls Night Table before I put all the food on it

The table with all the yummy food

Food Served:

1. Mini Tacos

2. Mini Pizzas

3. Fruit and cheese sicks

4. Veggies and Hummus Dip

5. Chocolate Covered Pretzels

6. Chocolate covered almonds (with rock salt! YUM!)

7. Mocha chip chocolate bars

8. 5 different cheesecakes

Drinks Served:

1. Apple Martinis

2. Lemon Drop martinis

3. White Russians

4. Baileys

5. Red wine

"Whats A Dame to Do"... a HILARIOUS games just for girls! We laughed our butts off!

I make a good bartender :-)

Becca and I with our Lemon Drop Martinis

Lauren and I

Becca and Lauren... cute bunnie ears Becca

My new shot glasses were too cute to resist. Becca's nervous face cracks me up!!

Finally at the end of the night we got a pic of all three of us together.... note my tired eyes and lack of make-up... I look oh so lovely

Picture of our table at the end of the night... MESSY! oh and note the first aid kit on the back left hand corner. I cut my finger with a knife while trying to open something (OUCH!)

Over all it was a wonderful night that we all have decided will now be our new tradition. Even though I'll be moving to Arizona, I know we'll all still get together for "Girls Night" a couple times a year. I will truly miss these girls dearly when I leave :-(

I love you Becca and Lauren! Thanks for coming!

A New Found Treasure

I was driving my usual route home, completely lost in thought, when I noticed something I had never seen before... at least I had never really seen it until today. Off to my left was this giant field filled with yellow daises and a HUGE majestic tree in the center covered completely in little yellow buds. The colors were so vibrant and the view so captivating, I had to stop and take it all in. So I made a quick (and yes illegal) U-turn and pulled up to my new found treasure. Once parked I grabbed my camera, got out of the car, and walked into the field. The sky was grey and cloudy, which only added to its mystery and mystique... I was fascinated. I would have stayed all day to soak it in if I could have but being that I was in a rush, I settled for a brief two minuets... just enough time to snap a few photos. I just love it when God shows himself to you when you least expect it!

Unfortunately this picture simply doesn't do it justice

Can Only Go Up From Here

Its no secret these past few days have been a challenge for me. One moment I'm fine, the next I'm in tears. Not sure if its circumstances, hormones, or a deadly combination of the two, but regardless I'm acutely aware of the fact that I could blow at any second. Fortunately I figure if this is my low point, then it can really only go up from here... right?

The song UP! seem to sums it up perfectly so here it is for you to enjoy...

(lyrics below)

It's 'bout as bad as it could be

Seems everybody's buggin' me

Like nothing wants to go my way--Yeah, it just ain't been my day

Nothin's comin' easily

Even my skin is acting weird

I wish that I could grow a beard

Then I could cover up my spots

Not play connect the dots

I just wanna disappear

[chorus:]Up--up--up--Can only go up from here

Up--up--up--up

Where the clouds gonna clear

Up--up--up--There's no way but up from here

Even something as simple as

Forgettin' to fill up on gas

There ain't no explanation why--Things like that can make you cry

Just gotta learn to have a laugh

[repeat chorus]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah...When everything is goin' wrong

Don't worry, it won't last for long

Yeah, it's all gonna come around

Don't go let it get you down

You gotta keep on holding on

It's 'bout as bad as it could be

Seems everybody's buggin' me

Like nothing want to go my way--Yeah, it just ain't been my day

Nothin's comin' easily

[repeat chorus]

Oh-- I'm going up [4x]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah...

Bunnies

WOW.... what an utterly exhausting day! I just got back from night class and am so pooped I couldnt even manage to heat myself up some dinner... its simply too much work, too much mess, and too much of a hassle. So instead I've settled for a bag of green jelly beans I got for St. Patricks Day. I guess you could say I ate my greens for dinner :-) Ok ok maybe thats a bit of a stretch, but after a day like this I think I've earned the right to gorge on nothing but sweets and carbs... at least for the evening.

As I drove into my car port around 9:00pm tonight, feeling completely drained and practically in a dase, I couldnt help but not move from my seat once the engine was off. I took a moment to pray, but couldnt even manage to muster the right words, or even articulate what it was I was feeling. Frustrated, I dragged my butt out of the car and began to walk up the walkway to my apartment. It was then I spotted it. Not one but two little grey bunnys munching on grass looking as cute as a button. For those of you who remember the blog I wrote MONTHS ago, I have officially nicknamed one of these bunnies "my bunny friend", and swear that I only see him on nights when I'm stress or have had an awful day. I always take seeing him as God's personal reminder to me of how much He loves me and has His hand on me no matter what. Well, God must have known I needed much more than one silly bunny tonight.... so what did he do? He sent TWO! What a great God we have.

..... Thank you Lord for reminding me once again of your love and faithfulness. I trust completely in you.

As soon as I got to my apartment I ran for my camera and darted out to the balcony to see if the two bunnies were still there, unfortunately one had scurried away, and the other was so far you can barley see him in this picture. He's the tiny grey speck on the concrete slab closest to the palm tree. See it? One day I'll get a good picture of him.... I'm on a mission!

The Munce Family

As my moving date rapidly approaches, I'm beginning to realize all the things about California I will miss the most. At the top of my list is of course the WONDERFUL family I am a nanny for! Working for the Munce family this past year+ has been a wonderful growing experience. It has challenged me, changed me, and equipped me for the day I become a mother myself. I will miss Brooklynn and James dearly. Here are a few pictures of a day in the life as the Munce Nanny :-)

My sweet handsome James!! What a little ham!

Brooklynn eating her favorite snack... Cheetos! Who doesnt love that cheesy goodness??

I'm so mean for taking this picture... but how adorable is that pout?? Believe it or not, I'll even miss his occasional little tantrums

Sibling love! These precious children are such little angels. I feel blessed to have known them.

Change Hurts Sometimes

.... Let me just begin by saying its been a tough day. Ordinarily I would never post a blog about something so personal happening in my life, but because so many people know about my relationship with Casey, I feel I should explain what has happened, after all I would MUCH rather update everyone via blog than explain it 100x over on the phone. Unfortunately, this morning Casey got a call from his boss informing him that he would NOT be able to transfer to Arizona, but instead he would be needed in their New York City office for the next 3-5 years. You can imagine what a shock this was to the both of us, and after much consideration Casey realized that kind of distance for that long a period would simply not be possible.... and so we broke up. I'm definitely hurt and upset, but please understand that as much as you all care about what I'm going through, I need my space. A clean break is always the easiest way to move on, therefore I'm asking those who know and love me to please not call or send me your condolences regarding the situation. Your prayers, however, would be much appreciated! At this point I know God has a plan, and am confident that what He has waiting for me in Arizona is far better than the heartache I feel now. No need to worry, I'm currently armed with my box of imported french truffles and my old country music CDs.... life is good.

Favorite New Song

Its no secret I love all things french! Anything from french food, music, fashion, and of course the language.... its simply all so romantic. Not too long ago I discovered a new french singer who coincidentally is now the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni. When I first heard her sing, my heart simply melted! Her lyrics are sung purely in French, but are honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. My favorite song is called "Quelqu’un m’a dit".... here it is for you to enjoy!

Lions and Tigers and Bears... OH MY!!

This afternoon I practiced my procrastination skills by taking a trip to the zoo when really I should have been chipping away at my mile long "to do" list. I figure life is too short not to enjoy all the beautiful creatures God placed on this earth... right? Besides, it was nice to be able to experience the famous San Diego Zoo one last time before I move to Arizona in a few short weeks. Here are some pictures I took while exploring the zoo....

How precious is this momma gorilla with her baby on her back? There is simply no better example of a nurturing mother.

Malayan Tigers. Now thats one BIG kitty!

A mother Giraffe and her two little babies

I must admit I'm not a huge elephant fan but this picture cracks me up! Thank you Lord for putting the size of my butt into perspective.

Now isnt she pretty?? Its hard to tell in this picture but her lashes are to die for!

The Meerkats are my favorite... I think maybe because they remind me of my adorable puppy Tirzah!

The Panda honestly looked so sweet and cuddly

And of course a day at the zoo would not be complete without cotton candy!