Things I'll miss about SLO #4

Ladies Bible study. For the past 4 years this group of girls has been a source of encouragement to me. Though the members have sometimes changed, the group has stayed the same. We have lived life together, praying for each other and sharing in each other's excitement and pain. Through them, I was introduced to 2 amazing books: Ragamuffin Gospel and Gift from the Sea. From boiling water spilling on my crotch (a story for another day...) to clothes exchanges to red wine exploding all over Kerry's new white walls, we share some of my fondest/most painful memories. I will miss you girls. I'm thankful for you.

Anna Joy

The lovely Anna Joy graduated yesterday. I've never known someone so deserving of her middle name. In 6 years she finished her degree, lived in Kenya, traveled to India, and completed her teaching credential. She has just one quarter of student teaching left, and then she'll be ready to go back to Kenya or wherever else to train and encourage primary school teachers. What a way to use your gifts and schooling to serve others. To celebrate, we had a Greek potluck at the park and took turns toasting to Anna. 

We are so proud of you! 

The "summer of Lindsay"

It's hard to believe it has been 2 years since we graduated college. One month later we were married on the beach. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the excitement of that time- the "summer of Lindsay" as my family called it. The planning, the uncertainty, the dreams. Then other times I remember how the uncertainty felt like it would make me crazy, and I was anxious for time to pass and for life to become normal.

Life has different seasons, and I'm learning to embrace them.

Last day of work

I made it through 2 years! For someone with full-time work and cubicle issues, this was an accomplishment. Really, for a while I thought I was allergic to my cubicle. To celebrate my big day, we had dinner at Buona Tavola, candy from Ralphs, and watched the Secret Garden movie (or part of it, because I fell asleep before 9). I also got a text message all the way from Uganda saying congratulations on my last day. I felt very special.

Birthday girl

Sisters! Happy (belated) birthday to my wildest and craziest sister, Leslie! We love you and your zest for life. And your sheepdog, Dixie. Oh, and Scott too. You guys are great.

(Notice Jen's creepy eye. My family loves the sly eye sneak.)

If it seems like I'm always saying happy birthday to a sister, it's because I am. I have a lot of them.

Things I'll miss about SLO #3

My coworkers. I have been incredibly blessed to work with such intelligent, talented, considerate people. They are amazing. For the past 2 years they have ignored the fact that I'm the youngest in the office and they treat me like I'm smart and funny. I can't believe I'm leaving them.

There are many memories I hold dear: Sada sneaking animals into the office (Penny the lamb and Perry the hamster), traveling to Lao with Janet, complaining about Dave not bringing donuts on Monday mornings, throwing objects over the cubicle walls, department "meetings" at the Cliffs, the constant giggles coming from Carrie and me while we chat through gmail, Stapler Mystery 2009. I love you people. You're all crazy, but I love you.

Big Sur

This place is a treasure. I can't believe I grew up in California but didn't go here until I was 23. In just 6 hours we explored sandy bluffs, witnessed the fighting of huge elephant seals, watched kite boarders lifted into the air, searched for zebras near Hearst Castle, drove past monasteries and hot springs, and danced in the abandoned fields. Not a bad day. I will miss you, California. I hope I can come back to you some day soon.