Rx for Homesickness

What up bloggy blogerson folks? To my faithful few readers, sorry i've been MIA. Its been a bit since my last post. I have been busy with my new job. It's an amazing job too. Be jealous, very jealous. I'm so thankful and blessed that God loves me so much that He would have a job for me within 2 weeks of arriving here. I've also been busy exploring life here in the beautiful and quirky state of Utah! I'm looking forward to seeing everything that unfolds. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. If you were here with me right now as I'm typing this you would see the big smile of wonder and expectation upon my face. That's right!!

I won't lie though, I'm still homesick, but I've come to understand, in a way, I always will. My friends, who became my family, in Colorado will always be utterly important. After all, they are some of the most dear and special people I know who have walked with me through the trenches, laughed with me in good times and are always there for me, even if I am 500 miles away. And when you can't be with them as before, your heart can't help but long for them. That's right Colorado folk, my heart longs for and misses you.

Below is a personal list of Rx for my homesickness...

1. Ikea.
You all know about my love for Ikea. I wandered around that store the first 2 weeks I landed in this state. It has a way of making me feel better as you walk around and peruse all the fun things they have.

2. Walks
You know, get those endorphins pumping. Once the endorphins pump, you can't be sad. Know what I mean, butter bean?

3. Sunday hikes with amazing Friends
Exploring the Utah mountains. Where there may be rattlesnakes that are ready to pounce if you're not careful. Seriously. Cody almost got it.





4. Singing
Lots of singing with my invisible air microphone. Yeah, I said it.

5. "Double L" with Sharon & Corky
L + L = Lattes and Love. I haven't been afraid to ask for some L&L from those wonderful Seevinck folk.

6. Wednesday Night Pizza and Ice Cream dessert
I have an amazing new roommate who wanted to carry on my Wednesday night pizza & ice cream dessert tradition that I had with Ellyn & Rhonda, so I have something comfortable and familiar that feels like home. Though she puts her own twist on it and we make pizza from scratch. That's right foks...from SCRATCH!! But, I do miss that Digiorno.

7. Exploring, living and being happy
Just out and about and exploring!! Seeing what life has to offer and learning to not be so afraid of everything.

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Oh, and it always helps the homesickness when you get an email, text or phone call. And I do a happy dance when I get cards in the mail. Today I about broke something when I did spontaneous cartwheels* because when I got home from work I found a package waiting for me from the Stum-y-Garcia's full of goodies and comfort from home. I loved all the little sticky notes on each present. I had stuff for pedi's. Some yummy snacks. (I was told it was okay to NOT share sometimes, ha!). I think the one that really made me laugh was the AdvilPM with a note that said, "Get some freakin' sleep already".

They really know me well!!




*You can decide for yourself if I really did spontaneous cartwheels! ;)

Nostalgia: Ba de ya - say that you remember

Tonight, after Glee, I spent this evening baking cookies and listening to Earth, Wind and Fire, the Temptations and many other of my Motown favorites. Music has always been my stress relief. I love ALL types of music. Coming from a large family as mine, we all have different tastes in music. Which, fortunately for me, has given me an incredible eclectic mix of music to enjoy 24/7. Ever since I was an adorable wee child....I remember my dad and I would put on his records and then I would sing and dance around the house. I normally would have him in hysterics as I would do the Motown steps as if I were a Pip, Temptation or Four Top. I've always been quite the entertainer.

Tonight I'm wishing my dad was with me here in Colorado because I would put on a show for him for old time's sake just to see him smile like he used to. I loved my dad's laugh. It brings me joy just thinking about it. So...The last few days I've had "September" in my head by Earth, Wind and Fire. What's a girl to do? Well, I'll tell you. Tonight I put the music on, baked cookies and danced around my house. Obviously, Tasia is not home tonight. I have to introduce this side of me to her in baby steps. I'm not sure she's ready to dance around the house with me yet. Kate was a pro at it. Kate gets me and my ways. Of course, Kate is a lot like me. After all, we did devise a song about a wacky religion we created, with Jamie McGowan's help, called the Norma's. As well as, songs about Spam and other randomness. (Man, I miss Jamie & Kate!) And with Matthew B we expressed our love for green beans in many a facebook video. Plus, Matthew would dance with me around the house or wherever we felt the need to express ourself in such a manner. So, see, I'm not sure Tasia is ready for this quite yet.

BUT, I digress....Basically, I'm left home alone tonight to my own devices and I've decided to take a walk down memory lane and bake comfort food. It's so healing for the soul. It's been a rough week emotionally for me and I needed to escape and unwind. I believe I accomplished what I was aiming for this evening.



"SEPTEMBER" by Earth, Wind and Fire




And a more creative version that has been circulating around by Pomplamoose




I'll admit that I was dancing as free as the Grandma was in the latter video!! That's right.

Ba duda, ba duda, ba duda, badu
Ba duda, badu, ba duda, badu
Ba duda, badu, baduba

Sweet 16: HBD Tay Bug

I've known her since she was 4 years old.
I marveled at her ways then...and I continue to be dazzled by her now.

I love this girl!

And honestly, I've yet to find anyone who's loved me more genuinely, purely or passionately than the beautimous Taylor Joy!!

FLOWERS!

It's been a rough week, to say the least!

I'm in my busiest season at the Y: Summer camp. Which means I'm in Boulder Valley soccer mom hell. My apologies if you are a soccer mom; but not really, if you act entitled, pushy, and down right mean. Because that's just not cool at all. And back to the loving place. 

As well as, I got news from my mother that my grandmother is about to die. I'm waiting for the call any day now. She needs to have surgery; however, with surgery, they doctors say she will not make it through that process. It would be too rough on her at this point. So, they are just making her as comfortable as possible and hoping for the best. 

With work and family I have been in stress overload. My stress has existed on several levels this week. So yesterday afternoon when I got home and there was a beautiful boquet of flowers waiting for me, I was utterly delighted. It put a huge smile on my face after such a long week.



A big THANK YOU to Rebecca, Vivien and Mook who always love me so well. You warmed my heart and ministered to my soul by your thoughtful gesture.  I felt so loved and encouraged. 

Love and Hugs to my California family today!!