A whole month? Wow...sorry I'm so lame. But, like most things, there is a perfectly good excuse: I'm losing my mind!

I've been the most stressed I've ever been in my life. Just too many things going on at once. Work has been crazy with one less person around and I can't seem to get everything I need done. On top of that, I have class two nights a week from 5:30-9:30. And then we got fleas! In our apartment! So there were days of getting them off the cat, having someone come spray...and then a week or two later realizing they were back (sigh). So yesterday they came and sprayed again. And it's a much bigger ordeal than you would think. All the stress has caused a headache to take residence in the left side of my face. After 10 days of said headache I went away for the weekend to Chicago to visit friends and attend a wedding. I had so much fun in Chi-town that I thought I had rid myself of the headache all together. Until I arrived home Sunday night to cat barf on my down comforter and an evening of vacuuming and moving furniture in preparation of the flea spraying dude. Today the headache is back. Day 13. I'm hoping I get some more things accomplished at work this week and when I finish class on Wednesday I will feel a little less stressed and this headache will surrender.

I promise not to complain in every post.

Birthday fun!

First of all, happy birthday to Lis Loves! She happens to be my blogger birthday twin.

Secondly, I have about a million things to be thankful for this 26th birthday of mine. I had a super fun weekend with many friends from all walks of life. The celebrating really started on Thursday for me when I got last minute tickets to Coldplay with a friend of mine. We were in the pit about 10 feet from the stage and had a RIDICULOUS time. That concert was right up there with Radiohead on my best concerts ever list. SO GOOD.

Friday I got to sleep in a little and meet my co-workers at the beach around noon for an outside planning session. We just enjoyed the sunshine for a bit before talking for a couple hours in the sun. Later that evening we went to a local bar to hear our friends Moxy Bullets play. I went to bed relatively early because Saturday I woke up at 5:45am!

Saturday consisted of a whole lot of sunshine and fun. A friend of mine invited me to join some folks on a boat around Mission Bay. We cruised, went wakeboarding, tubing, stopped on fiesta island and watched the Over the Line tournament, and just had a bunch of fun. That night my good friend Bryan and his girlfriend drove in from Arizona to enjoy birthday celebrations. We went downtown with my roommate and another friend and had a couple drinks and danced for a bit.

Sunday I had a pool party at a family friend's house (pictured above). This is my third birthday pool party and it's the best way to celebrate in my opinion! Just chilling in the sunshine hanging out with friends. The best part about the day was just having good friends hanging out with me and having my parents show up in the middle of the day! The reason this is exciting is because my mom finally moved out to San Diego so my parents are living 25 minutes from me now. And Maggie, our golden retriever, too! After the pool party we went to Balboa Park to see Moxy Bullets play (again) at the pride festival and then went out to eat dinner at Ortega's - YUMMY Mexican.

I had a wonderful weekend, but MAN am I exhausted! Thanks to all my friends (especially Teresa who helped out so much on Sunday) who helped me celebrate!!

Goodbye house! Goodbye Oxford!

This past weekend I flew back to Ohio to be together with my family in Oxford for one of the last times. I grew up in Oxford and spent my first 21 years there. My parents built our house on Deer Trail and we moved in when I was 6 years old. This weekend we stood inside the empty house as a family and reminisced. We measured our heights on the wall in the basement one more time, marking each height with a pen. We took photos, celebrated with dear friends, and shed tears (some of us, at least). Oxford will always be home.

Kirkmont is the place where I feel at home the most. I went to this camp from 3rd grade all the way through high school. It was the one thing throughout the year I told my parents I couldn't miss. The people there are always encouraging and it's one place in the world where we all feel we can be who we are without judgement. My faith grew exponentially through my experiences at Kirkmont and I love that place to the moon and back.

I hadn't been to Kirkmont since 2001. And then I got an email from a few people I used to camp with asking for counselors for this summer. I decided to take a week off of work (two weeks ago) and fly back to Ohio to be a counselor and it was the best decision I've made all year. My first trip back in 8 years was just as I remembered. The people are the same, the songs are the same, the traditions are still in place, and my heart was just as full when I left. I went through camp withdrawal the moment I got home (and I still miss it terribly!).

I couldn't possibly explain Kirkmont to where anyone else could understand unless they've been there. But it warms my heart every time I look back through photos from the week. I hope I can continue to go back for a week each year!

What is wrong with people??

I was just driving home from the grocery store and was in the left turn lane at a red light. There was a man in front of me talking on his cell phone while he drove...illegally (for you non-Californians). When the left turn arrow turned green, the man was still on his cell phone looking down. I waited a few seconds and then gave my horn a light tap and when he looked up, gave a nice little wave - in my mind, letting him know I was just being polite to let him know the light hand changed. He, however, did not find it so helpful. He chose to drive into the middle of the intersection to turn, slow down until the light turned yellow, and then stuck his arm out of the window, fully extended, to make sure I saw then prompt middle finger he was throwing in my direction (still on the cell phone with the other hand). Then, he continued through the intersection, leaving me in front of the next red left turn signal to wait through another round of traffic.

Thanks jerk.

And so I ask....WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE???

Does anyone else out there use Google Reader? I've been using it for quite sometime and can't get over how amazing it is. Imagine having to go through each website on your own each day...to check and see if they've updated. I follow around 30 blogs so this would be an incredible time waster if it wasn't for Google Reader!

Anyway, I've been following Newlyweds Next Door for a while (she's a childhood friend) and she recently referred me to Lis Loves who I now follow on Google Reader, as well. She is even my birthday twin! She's giving away gifts during her birthday month...you should check it out here!

I love to rollerblade - and yes I know that it's from the "90s". I'm not big on cooking and I get stressed out when I do cook for other people. I can't live without music and don't ever ask me what my favorite song is - it's just not possible. I will always be a midwestern girl at heart, although I can't imagine living anywhere but San Diego right now. I love food and will eat almost anything, but I hate olives. I hate when people say "why aren't you dating anyone??" as if I had a choice. I also hate that the peope I love the most...who know me best...are all the way in Ohio. I love that I get to help out less fortunate people every day through my job. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the family and life that I do. I wish I had unlimited money...not for myself...but so I could help all of the deserving people I hear about every day. And so I could visit my friends in Ohio more often. I don't like talking on the phone that much. I love holding hands and giving hugs. I had my first full cup of coffee this year. I don't need to eat dessert...unless you stick a chocolate chip cookie in front of me - I can't resist. I believe in God and Jesus with all my heart...but I constantly wish I understood the direction my life is going. I have a horrible time getting motivation to work out, but I'm finally doing it at least once a week for the first time in my life. I love to organize and I would come organize your closet for you for free if you asked. I know I'm a freak for that. I'm more of a t-shirt and jeans girl (which is why I don't fit in with the SoCal girls) - but every once and a while it's fun to get all dressed up. I wish I could find a church in San Diego I liked that was closer than 30 minutes away. I have a horrible habit of feeling extremely guilty when I make mistakes. I can't stand when people don't use their turn signal and I talk to other cars on the road when I'm driving. I'm an awful backseat driver, but I'm working on it. I'm a hopeless romantic. I love photography, even though I'm not very good at it. I'm also a facebook adict. I'm a pro at tetris and I dare you to challenge me. I'm an over-reminiscer. I wish I was more crafty. I secretly want to be a stay-at-home-mom some day. I want to go on adventures and try new things. I tend to underestimate myself and hardly ever try as hard as I could. I constantly wish I was something more...something better.

Today I am OH so grateful. This year I helped participate in our company's holiday drive. Our employees donated gifts for over 950 youth in San Diego this year. I read some of the quotes from staff at San Diego Youth and Community Services (where we gave the donations) and was choking back tears at work.


SDYCS Executive Director
“On behalf of the youth in our programs, I thank all of you at Qualcomm for your generosity and compassion. Your donations during the Annual Holiday Toy Drive, put smiles on the faces of over 950 at-risk youth who often have to do with less because of the challenges they face. We also appreciate all the volunteer time you contributed during the evenings and weekend to ensure the gifts would get to our youth. We value your partnership with us and thank you again for making such a tremendous impact for youth in our community.”
Walter Philips, SDYCS Executive Director

The Bridgman Home- Deaf Group Home
“I would just like to thank Qualcomm and all their dedicated staff for their holiday contributions. Many of our youth have come from homes where the holidays were a stressful and sad time and where their family was unable to communicate with them. So, for many of our youth, this holiday season is the first time they will be able to celebrate the holidays in a safe, warm, caring environment with others who are like them. I realize it’s hard to know sometimes the impact that one person or a small group of people can have on someone’s life but I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of the staff at Qualcomm for their amazing generosity during this season. These youth, youth who have grown up abused, neglect, and thrown away now have a place to call home and the ability, thanks to all of you, to celebrate that.

Unfortunately, I can’t share photos of the youth because of confidentiality; however, I would like to take a moment to share an experience with one of the youth in the home. All of our youth are teenagers, most of them above the age of 15 to help set the stage for this a bit. One of our teens who has a history of severe abuse, trauma, deprivation, and neglect asked for a Barbie doll. Yes, a Barbie doll! When she opened her gift from one of the persons at Qualcomm, it was a Barbie doll with a set of clothes. This teenager who has been through so much in her life began to cry. Later, when I asked her what prompted that reaction, she said “it’s my very first doll. I’ve never had one before!”

With that, I will say once again, thank you to all of the staff at Qualcomm. Again, I know it can be hard to know the impact you might have on another person’s life; however, for this youth, someone gave her a childhood she never had.

Happy Holidays and all my best for a safe and warm Christmas!”
Michele Cannon, MSW, PPS, Bridgman Group Home Director

EC-Behavioral Center
“In my whole life, I never would have imagined giving my child an IPod!” This is coming from a mother of 6 who was homeless and recently found a home. She was in tears and so thankful for the gift card to Target and extra wrapped gift.

“The staff at the EC BHC were thrilled with last week’s delivery and completely grateful for the beautiful presents. Our clients and families have been ecstatic and grateful for the thoughtful presents.”
Rachelle Amini, Psy.D., MSWProgram Manager/Clinical Psychologist
East County Behavioral Health Clinic

Foster Care
“In my many years working in foster care it has been incredible to see the generosity of people, even during challenging financial times. All the act of kindness is greatly appreciated.”
Monica Bradley, Foster Care Marketing & Retention Coordinator

Breaking Cycles
" I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the wrapped gifts and gift certificates that were provided to the Breaking Cycles Program. All of the hard work and generosity of Qualcomm Inc. and its donors will be appreciated by the adolescents at the Youth Day Center and Reflections Program who will receive these gifts on December 22nd and 23rd 2008." Christopher Montoya, Center Director Breaking Cycles

Quote from a 16 year old who received a $50.00 Target Gift Certificate today 12/22/08: "Thank You Qualcomm, this will help me buy a few things for my family that I would not have been able to afford - Merry Christmas"

Take Wing
“We really appreciate all of the hard work and the wonderful gifts! Qualcomm has helped make it possible for our youth and young adults to have a happy holiday and to put gifts under the tree for their kids as well. Thanks so much for everything!”
Kristin Krogh, Community Organizer

“We just cannot thank Qualcomm enough for their hard work and dedication to giving our youth an unforgettable holiday. These gifts might be the only gifts they receive these holidays and without your efforts this would have never been possible. Once again, we appreciate everything you do during this time of the year and we thank you.”
Raul Bautista -Take Wing Transitional Living Program, Case Manager

Quotes from youth:

“Thank you for the present you gave me, I loved it! I always wanted something so that I could hear music, now I am so happy I get to hear music and take it with me everywhere I go. So thank you again for the iPod Shuffle.”

“I liked my backpack. I am happy! I liked my gift card. Thank you. I liked my cards.”

“When I got my gift I thought it was going to be a gift card, but I felt something heavy so when I opened it, it was an iPod Shuffle. I was going to faint because it’s my first iPod I’m going to use!”

“I feel happy because I can buy anything I want, for example - iPod Shuffle, clothes, shoes… anything I want.”
“I love it! It’s like you read my mind! It’s just what I wanted!”

Colds are about the worst thing ever.  They're not bad enough to excuse yourself from going work - but they run you down and make you spit constantly and blow your nose 'till it's so raw it bleeds.  Ugg.  

All I want right now is a massage and some soup.  And a cute guy to cuddle up next to and watch a movie. Is that too much to ask?

Yes, I'm a sporadic blogger.  Today I returned to San Diego after 6 fabulous days in Ohio.  Lately when I return to Ohio I have a sense of completeness when I'm there.  A yearning that makes me think I may want to return some day.  If I could find a job like the one I currently have back in the Cincinnati area I would seriously consider it. 

 A year or two ago I would have said no time in the near future would I ever leave San Diego.  But as I stay here I continue to miss the people from my Midwest roots.  There's something very different about the people in Ohio.  Something I think I constantly search for in my friends out here.  I think it gets worse each time I return. 

This was possibly the last time in Oxford for a while.  Mom is retiring in the Spring and moving out here in the Summer.  Then no more home in Ohio!  I have very mixed feelings about her move.  More than anything I wish San Diego was a short drive from the Cincinnati area.  I would even take a 5 hour drive. I just want to be near my friends again.