Adventures of Amy

Roadtrip to Idaho

2011-10-02T17:17:00.002-05:00

Mt Rushmore

Devil's Tower

Yellowstone

Grand Tetons

Helena Montana

Glacier

Flathead Lake

Mount Evans, Echo Lake

2011-06-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Butterfly Pavilion!!!

2011-06-23T09:26:00.000-05:00

Atlas Moth

Checkered Lime Swallowtail

African Blue Banded Swallowtail

Mocker Swallowtail

Common Lacewing

Clipper

Paper Kite

Denver Zoo

2011-06-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

Pelican

Cheetah

Komodo Dragon

Asian Elephant

Hooded Capuchin monkey

African Penquin

Gibbon

Pink Cockatoo

Hesty- baby orangutan

Rocky Mountain National Park

2011-06-11T06:32:00.001-05:00

Again making the most of the warmer weather and lack of rain/snow. BeNeka and I went to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. It was a wonderful time even if part of the park was closed still due to snow! We did a bit of hiking and even saw mule deer & elk! Fabulous photo opportunities too :)

hiking above the trail!

me at Bear Lake

BeNeka & me at Rainbow Curve

me!

too much snow

Sprague Lake

me at Sprague Lake

elk

mule deer

elk

Cheyenne, Wyoming

2011-06-08T08:24:00.002-05:00

Taking advantage of above freezing temps and limited rain the forecast I traveled to Wyoming! My friend BeNeka and I drove the 2 hours north to the capitol of Wyoming, Cheyenne. I love doing touristy stuff on my travel assignments and this fits in perfect!! I had never been to the capitol before and its was awesome because we got to go into both the chambers- the house & the senate!! Plus, there was a giant stuffed buffalo too. :)

inside view of dome

me & the giant buffalo

inside chambers!

totally country . . . kinda felt like home!

Rockies Home Run for the Homeless

2011-06-03T03:24:00.000-05:00

The Colorado Rockies supports a 5k run each May to benefit the homeless in the area. The weather was perfect. Lots of people, families and fun. Plus at the finish line we got to go up into the stands for FREE concessions :) Great race for a great cause !

Happy Nurses Day

2011-05-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

This day 5 years ago I was graduating from nursing school from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor located in Belton, Texas. I can't believe its really been 5 years!!! Most of the people from my class I don't even keep in touch with after all those hours studying together in the library. Funny how during those days college most of us were so close and spent nearly every hour together in the classroom, the hospital, or studying. Somehow we all survived the stress-filled days & many oh-so late nights of nursing school. Crazy how time just flies by so quickly. Here are a few pictures from some great memories of my days at UMHB.

Nursing class 2006

Shavon, Katie, me, Ashley, Traci, & Sara

(everyone is married now except Ashley & I)

group photo at etiquette dinner

Ashley, me, Amanda, Rebecca, Michelle

Simplification Evaluation :)

2011-05-02T08:29:00.004-05:00

Time to do a little evaluation of my late New Year's Resolution . . .

Since posting I have left my job in San Diego, went back home to San Antonio for 2 weeks, and moved to my new job in Denver. So much has been going on in my life I sometimes feel its going by too quickly! I have been here in Denver for about 3 weeks now and finally getting settled.

Here is the list I made . . .

-- Limit eating out! I am more aware of when I do go out to eat. I don't really limit it just try to make other options like taking snacks/ picnic with me. Especially being back home there are soo many great places that I love to eat at with family & friends. But I feel at the same time I don't just go out to just to eat.

-- Aware of TV shows & movies I do watch Being here in Denver I don't have a TV which has really helped with not watching mindless TV shows. But at the same time I find myself spending more time on Facebook and such. So now I am trying to more aware of how and where I am spending my time.

-- NO mindless/trashy tv Eliminated. And it feels so great to not know every detail of the Charlie Sheen drama or the Royal Wedding.

-- More aware of what is going in the rest of the world than what is going on in Hollywood Having hulu is great for this! I can watch the world news and get a little bit of the Hollywood life but more about the rest of the world too.

-- Adios to movies at the theater or purchasing from stores Same thing with the TV shows just being mindful of what I am watching! This past week I went to the $3 theater to see a documentary about the 13 families post Columbine High School shooting in 1999. I don't think there is anything wrong with the movies- they are entertainment. I am just more aware of the content.

-- Goodbye to new music either iTunes or cds, etc.  Did you know that each week KLove has free music downloads?? This has been great. I do love new music and I am sure I will purchasing some new CD soon. But again not constantly buying every new song or cd but more aware of my spending habits related to music and movies.

-- Listen only to music that has a positive attitude  I think this has been the hardest part. Being on a 7 day roadtrip and only listening to my iPod with all my songs got old. But now that I am not spending soo many hours in the car everyday it is not really an issue. I am amazed too at how much music I love that I have not listened to in such a long time.

-- Zero paid car washes Not sure how long this can last. Since I mostly live in apartments, finding some where with a hose to wash my car will be difficult. I still am in love with my new car and keeping it clean is important. However since moving here to Denver it has rained nearly everyday! Hope the April showers will be ending soon :)

-- Take time to stop & smell the roses. Get out and do new things!!!  The roadtrip with my brother from San Diego to San Antonio was great! We did a lot of hiking and camped one night even though it was super super cold outside. And now I am in a whole new part of the country with soo much to explore! I only hope the weather get a bit warmer to make the outdoor activities more enjoyable for this Texas girl.

-- Retail therapy aka shopping-- necessities only! While at the store whether shopping for groceries or other things I remind myself of this. It has really helped my from buying like 4 boxes of cereal and I stay away from the clothes especially the clearance racks. I only go there if I am looking for something specific! And I don't feel like by saying "no" that I am really missing out on anything in the end.

-- More time reading books This one has been hard especially with all the traveling and driving. But I am reading more even if they are travel books. I love reading about the National Parks. Also, I just started the book- Radical by David Platt. I am only finished with the first chapter and I can already tell its perfect!!

-- Increase quality time with friends or family While home for a bit I tried not to be soo busy driving all over town seeing people but the time I did spend making it more about the quality than the quantity of people I could see. And now I have my cell phone, email and skype to communicate with loved ones. And I have been writing more cards & postcards too.

-- Helping others more!! While home for my short 2 weeks I am so thrilled that I was able to spend a few hours volunteering at CHF San Antonio!!! So great to see everyone! And here in Denver I will be running a 5K on May 8th to support the homeless and for Easter sunrise at Red Rocks we made donations for the local food bank. Just finding little opportunities all around! Can't wait to find even more!!

-- Spring cleaning. This was actually a lot of fun! After many travel assignments I realize that I don't need all this stuff. So I opened all the boxes, emptied all the suitcases and laid everything out all over the house! (Literally there was stuff in every room!) Then I went through everything deciding if I really need this! I was able to get rid of a lot of just stuff. Clothes I donated to the Christian Hope Resource Center through my church at Oak Hills. And really downsized the amount of stuff that I take on travel assignments!
   Counting all items of clothing and shoes there are less than 100 items!! At first I thought I would really need more clothes and more options but in reality I don't! And it feels great, very freeing to now have soo much. But I didn't "get rid" of everything I did not bring along. My favorite clothes that are not here are still at home in my storage unit. Then when ever I feel a need for a change of my wardrobe I have clothes that are all my size and that I actually like :) Seems like a win win for me!

So overall I feel that even though I have a pretty big list I don't feel that I am really missing out on anything. Also, I can't just live in a bubble here in America. But I don't have to change myself to fit into society's standards. I can be me!

Arrived in Denver Colorado!!

2011-04-27T22:32:00.000-05:00

The Children's Hospital (the other TCH)

Botanical Gardens for Earth Day

Easter Sunrise service at Red Rocks

Drive to Denver

2011-04-27T22:25:00.001-05:00

UMHB

pond & park

new President's house

gym

visit Katie in Waco

Palo Duro Canyon State Park- Texas

Amarillo- Cadillac Ranch

Capulin Volcano National Park- New Mexico

Home in San Antonio

2011-04-26T01:39:00.000-05:00

Lunch with Melissa on Riverwalk :)

Lunch/ Dinner with Judith

Matthew- almost 4 months

SA Zoo with Tiffany

gibbon monkey- baby's name is Gibson

2 yr old Komodo Dragon!

Visit with my Nana

Spurs Game vs Phoenix

Megan & me

Family Dinner!

me, Popo, Grandma, & Mom

cheese enchilada dinner!!!!!!

Chilling with the Belton's

new kitchen

hanging in the back room party :)

CHF San Antonio

Jesse & Me

Me & Char

happy birthday Mike!

Emily's Home

Megan, Emily, Ryan & me

Utah Roadtrip

2011-04-26T01:23:00.000-05:00

Zion National Park

view from Emerald Pools

Riverside Walk

Joe & me

Weeping Rock

Bryce Canyon National Park

pictures just don't do this place justice-- beautiful!

Arches National Park

Joe at Windows Section

me just outside Fiery Furnace

Skull Arch

Fiery Furnace Hike with Ranger Kate

Canyonlands National Park

view from under Mesa Arch

My brother on top of Mesa Arch

Buck's Canyon

Colorado National Monument

Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Adios San Diego

2011-04-26T01:04:00.000-05:00

Seal Beach in La Jolla

Christa and me

amazing dessert in Old Town

my brother Joe and me

dear friends- Chrissy & Colby

La Jolla

Pacific Beach friends- me, Whitney & Chrissy

CHF- Los Angeles

2011-03-07T23:00:00.000-06:00

Children's Hunger Fund's head quarters is located just northeast of Los Angeles. Currently I have had the opportunity to volunteer here and I have just loved it immensely. I can't say enough about how wonderful this organization is and how close it is too my heart! Here are a few pictures of me at the warehouse & a few with some of the great girls who work here!!!!!

Janea, me, Morgan & Hannah

Balboa Park- Botanical Bldg

2011-03-07T21:53:00.000-06:00

Sunrise- Mission Bay

2011-03-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

New Resolution

2011-03-03T03:45:00.002-06:00

I realize that New Year's has come and gone. It is already March-- craziness how time just flies. Recently I have had a revelation of sorts and wanted to share it. I am not sure what exact events led to this revelation but I am just completely disgusted with materialism- the desire for more possessions! The attitude that "I need this & that" and "stuff equals happiness." Who says we really need that anyway?? Hollywood portrays this idea that money buys happiness and that life ends happily ever after. My desire is to no longer be deceived by their charade.

Looking back on 2010 it started with a fantastic ending to one of the most amazing journeys in my life-- trip to Kenya for 3 weeks. Not only going to Africa, safariing in Masai Mara, spending time with my dear friend (Emily) and her family but also meeting my 4 sponsor children through World Vision!!!!!!!! Totally an awesome experience that I think now in 2011 has had a greater impact on my life than I truly realize. (Here are the blog postings from my visit-- part I & part II) I have never forgotten meeting Kailale (sponsored since my junior year of college- Oct 2004) and his family for the first time. His mother Rosa so sweet and immediately giving me a hug. Later she spoke of one day that her hope is for her children would become independent adults and would sponsor children just like me-- talk about tear jerker! Such a blessing!!!

Then it was back to reality in Texas. After only 6 days home I left for California for my next assignment near Fresno, California. Except while driving there (actually at the Watchtower in the Grand Canyon) I got a phone call from my recruiter-- my contract was canceled by the hospital. I was out of job just like that!! Thankfully I was able to find another job and another and another. Having traveled across the country, I realize that materialism is not just specific to a region or state but nation-wide!

Lately, I have been convicted about being a good steward of my finances. Also, realizing that my money is not really mine but God's that he has entrusted to me. Not that I want to be super uptight with my money but I want to be more responsible not irresponsible. Most people are shocked to hear that I have a financial advisor-- actually since my senior year of high school. He is amazing and I am so glad that he is a part of my life-- giving me guidance and direction not just in my finances but my life too. I don't understand everything with the stock market, IRAs, 401ks, or the economic collapse of 2008 but Brock (my financial advisor) does.

Working in the medical field I am faced with the reality everyday that life on Earth is not eternal and it never stays the same but it is always changing and can change in only an instant. Life has no guarantees! So I am making some major changes to my life that I hope to keep. I know that this won't be easy and I am not perfect but it is worth giving it a good shot.

New Year's Resolution in March :)

-Plan is to start today--I figure there is no point in procrastinating.

- Resolution evaluation after Easter. No specific reason for that date just that it will be easy to remember and is just over of 2 months away. I thought only 30 days might not be a real challenge.

-- Limit eating out! (This won't be too easy since eating out is a social thing)
-- Aware of TV shows & movies I do watch-- really limit language, sex & violence
-- NO mindless/trashy tv- Judge Judy, reality tv (exceptions- Amazing Race & Biggest Loser), Access Hollywood, MTV, Bravo, etc
-- More aware of what is going in the rest of the world than what is going on in Hollywood- News, CNN, newspaper, etc.
-- Adios to movies at the theater or purchasing from stores
-- Goodbye to new music either iTunes or cds, etc.
-- Listen only to music that has a positive attitude- no radio, bad language, references to sex, drugs, death, or alcohol
-- Zero paid car washes-- @ Wash Tub or the drive-thru gas stations
-- Time restrictions for Facebook
-- Take time to stop & smell the roses. Get out and do new things!!!
-- Retail therapy aka shopping-- necessities only! Think x3 before purchase-- Do I really NEED this?? Can I live without this?
-- More time reading books (Can't believe I said that- I really dislike reading)
-- Increase quality time with friends or family- email, phone, skype
-- Helping others more!! Giving back my time & resources.
-- Spring cleaning. Do I really need 8 pairs of blue jeans? I think not! Less is more :)

* May change things or add as time progresses

Skim Boarding

2011-03-01T22:13:00.000-06:00

One afternoon at my favorite place in the San Diego area-- La Jolla beach. I love to come here to see all the wild life-- harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, sea gulls, and more!! Here are a few pictures of people out skimboarding at the beach.

According to wikipedi here's the definition-- skimboarding is a boardsport in which a skimboard (a smaller counterpart to a surfboard) is used to glide across the water's surface. Unlike surfing, skimboarding begins on the beach, it starts with the dropping of the board onto the thin wash of previous waves. They may use their momentum to 'skim' out to breaking waves, which they then catch back into shore in a manner similar to surfing.

Learning to Surf in Pacific Beach!!!

2011-02-16T11:16:00.001-06:00

The Pacific Ocean is super cold-- water temp currently in the low 50s and air temp mid 60s. To a Texan that equals freezing!! Not sure why I agreed to get out there but I did. I must admit it is kinda fun for the first hour then I can't feel my toes anymore even with a wet suit. And I am convince this wet suit thing is just a mind trick to make you think you are warm. I hope to get out there again but hoping for warmer weather soon!!

Here are some pictures with me and my new friends Whitney (met in Sacramento) and Chrissy (met here in San Diego). Enjoy!! ~

new friends- Me, Whitney & Chrissy

my first time out in the freezing pacific in January!!

Whitney & Chrissy

me paddling

Whitney

Chrissy

Whitney

Chrissy @ sunset

Chrissy

me on the surf board @ sunset

surfing at sunset

Whitney!

Trip to LA area

2011-02-11T13:31:00.000-06:00

Venice Beach

Santa Monica

Children's Hunger Fund!!

Hollywood

Long Beach

La Jolla Cove & Seal Beach

2011-02-07T09:38:00.004-06:00

Went to La Jolla today with a new friend named Laina. We had a blast just hanging out and shooting pictures with our matching Canon Rebels! It was great being able to see this new (less than 1 week old) harbor seal!! Super exciting!! Plus the sea lions and many brown pelicans. Also, love going to La Jolla for seeing the wild marine life in action :) Here are my favorite pictures!!

My family comes to visit

2011-01-31T13:29:00.001-06:00

Tuesday- La Jolla
-- seal beach
-- amazing sunset

Wednesday- Old Town Trolley Tour

-- USS Midway

-- Gaslamp District

-- Coronado Island- Ferry Landing

-- Hotel Del Coronado

-- Old Town

Thursday- Whale Watching

-- 10 grey whales

-- hundreds of common dolphins

-- Cabrillo National Monument

-- dinner in Little Italy @ Mona Lisa

Friday-- San Diego Zoo

-- koalas & panda bears

-- polar bear plunge

-- scarlet macaws

-- Balboa Park

--watched Spurs vs Dallas on ESPN

Finally a new posting!

2011-01-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

Quick catch up on what has been going in my life since late October. Shorting after my last posting my computer went out of commission. Thankfully my brother built me a new one which is great- but with my contract ending in Sacramento and moving to San Diego. I was without internet for over 1 month. And now I am incredibly far behind on this online journal thing. So I have decided to just do a huge update . . . .

Last month in Sacramento was great- ice skating outdoors in Folsom, Apple Hill with Whitney, Bayside Fusion Thanksgiving & then Thanksgiving Day with Brenda's family which included turkey bowling!! Also, that morning I did a 10k benefiting the Sacramento food bank with friends from Fusion.

Then Friday following Thanksgiving I moved to San Diego for my new job. After many long boring hours of orientation I have gotten settled into my new city. Christmas was uneventful. I stayed here in California and my roommate and I went to the San Diego Safari Park. New Years Eve I was working so nothing there to report.

In early January my mom and my aunt came to visit for nearly 1 week. Being that I am still new to the city we did a lot that I had not done yet. It was great!! Trolley Tour all over the city including Coronado Island. We had some ice cream from Hotel Del Coronado. Whale watching tour was amazing!! We saw about 9-10 grey whales and hundreds of common dolphins! Highly recommend this to everyone :) Also, we went to the world famous San Diego Zoo- which is HUGE!!! Loved seeing the panda bears :)

Here are a few pictures to go along . . .

travelers- Christine, me & Daniela--- farewell dinner

freezing at the ice rink Victoria, Brenda, & me

Fusion Thanksgiving :)

Thanksgiving Run- Brenda, Jenn & me

turkey bowling in action !

San Diego sunset

Children's Hunger Fund- photo book!

2011-01-21T01:14:00.000-06:00

Here is a link to a picture from Children's Hunger Fund banquet in San Antonio taken last October. This picture along with many many others were put into a beautiful photo book that I got to see first hand yesterday in Los Angeles, the headquarters of CHF!! So honored to be in the book with many other fabulous people!

resonate picture!

Birthdays weekend w/ Melissa!!!

2010-11-16T20:08:00.000-06:00

My good friend Melissa from San Antonio came out to wonderful California not only to celebrate my birthday but to celebrate her birthday too! She & I first met at a local community college during the summer in swim class. Who knew that even in college you have to PE?! She attended Baylor University in Waco and I attended Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton-- both super expensive colleges. So being budget savvy individuals we took community college hours during the summers. She also swam in high school and we had a lot in common. Over the years we have never been super close like best friends but always manage to communicate and see one another. I was completely shocked and sooo happy to have a visitor from Texas to visit. We had a fun filled weekend that lacked sleep but that didn't matter to us.

Friday- Lake Tahoe

Saturday- Six Flags Animal Kingdom
& Tenth Avenue North concert

Sunday- San Francisco

Monday- Sacramento

Here's a picture of Melissa & me on

the Riverwalk during Christmas 2009

LAKE TAHOE

SIX FLAGS & CONCERT

crowd getting soaked by Shouka

Shouka show

Tenth Avenue North in concert at the park

melissa & me

SAN FRANCISCO

golden gate bridge

pier 39 sea lions

Lombard Street

SACRAMENTO

birthday lunch with Sharalee

Children's Hunger Fund- Champion Awards Banquet

2010-10-30T23:07:00.000-05:00

CHF Banquet Video

host- Francis Chan

Award Recipients

~David Robinson, founder of the Carver Academy.

~Michael and Carol Hart, founders of Zoe International.

~Carlos Pimentel, Executive VP of Esperanza International.

~Donnie Laurence, First VP of Investment Officer of Nebens/ Laurence Wealth Management Group.

~ Taylor & Frankie Rodriquez, Blog. Widows Mite Award

Frankie, Taylor & me

Taylor & Frankie's families

yummy cheesecake!

Mandi & me

me & host Francis Chan

Widow's Mite Award winners!!

Congratulations Taylor & Frankie!!

Janea & me

Love this picture!! Charlene & me

Encourage One Another · Max Lucado

2010-10-24T23:32:00.000-05:00

Encourage One Another · Max Lucado

World Vision- Make a Difference Tour!!

2010-10-24T12:55:00.000-05:00

Max Lucado, pastor at Oak Hills Church and World Vision sponsor, has partnered with World Vision to get 25,000 new child sponsor in one year in representation of his 25 years as an author. His friends- Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, & Third Day joined him for a 30-day tour across the United States!! The night was amazing- concert + compassion. In Austin on October 7th over 200 children were sponsored. Here are some pictures from the night.

former room mate & friend- Nicole and me

Opening the eveing- Jason Gray

Then TOBY MAC!! (my fav- he and his band are so full of energy)

Then Michael W. Smith and Mac Powell from Third Day leading the audience in Praise & Worship

Talk from Max

Then THIRD DAY!

During intermission I ran into Shea & Lee from San Antonio~ such a blessing to see them both :)

Closing- Michael W. Smith

Family, Friends, & Food Tour in San Antonio :)

2010-10-21T13:09:00.297-05:00

Wednesday- Dinner with dad & Joe @ Paesanos

Thursday- lunch with Jennifer @ Panera

dinner with Traci @ Brick Oven Pizza-

Austin, Texas

Friday- Lunch with Melissa @ San Fernando Cathedral

Riverwalk

Alamo

dinner with Grandma, Popo, Mom, Joe & Nicole @ Casa Sol

afterwards- @ PF Changs celebrating Ryan's birthday

Saturday- lunch with Ryan & Vicki @ Alamo Cafe

Sunday- lunch with the Belton's

Beach Weekend- Sept '10

2010-10-19T01:22:00.000-05:00

Back to Los Angeles for the weekend!! First stop to volunteer at Children's Hunger Fund in north Los Angeles. It was great to be back with my CHF family and serving the Lord. Afterwards it was off to Malibu Beach!! Met up with a friend from high school- Matt. We had lunch on the pier and then hung out the rest of the day at the beach-- it was beautiful!!

Next day-- Pismo Beach with Mary Ann!!! My friend from San Antonio- Mary Ann. We had breakfast at Cowgirl Cafe and then went to the beach! Lots of people surfing, horse back riding, and sun bathing on the beach. Even though the electricity was out in the town the beach was fabulous! On Sunday just chilling at home with Mary Ann and her son Waylon- fun times.

Drive up highway 101 to Monterey to stay with my grandparents dear friends- the Bigbee's. Along the drive I stopped in Cambria for breakfast at Pine Tree Restaurant for pancakes :) Then stopped to see the elephant seals near Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Then it was a day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium-- totally amazing. The sea nettles are just breath taking- I could stand in front of the tank forever! Dinner with the Bigbee's was wonderful- great company and great food.

After my 3 day adventure along the California coast it was time to head back to Sacramento but not too quick! I made a stop in San Jose at the Winchester Mystery House.

~Here are some pictures from the wknd. Enjoy!!

CHILDREN'S HUNGER FUND- LA

MALIBU BEACH

PISMO BEACH

ELEPHANT SEALS

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE

Day of Birth

2010-10-17T00:15:00.003-05:00

Over the last several years I have noticed one huge thing I am hardly in my hometown of San Antonio Texas. Great example being my birthday. Most of my family and closest friends live in and around San Antonio even but for some reason I am usually not even in the same state!! Here are some pictures from the last few years-- enjoy!!

2007- Location- El Mercado San Antonio Texas!!
Dinner with family at La Margarita

2008- Location- Harrah's Casino- Kansas City Missouri
Gavin DeGraw & NeedtoBreathe Concert!!

2009- Location- Downtown Kansas City Missouri with my friend Rachel!!!
   morning- run half marathon through downtown
   afternoon- shower & nap time
   evening- dinner at California Pizza Kitchen with a giant piece of red velvet cake & ice cream!!

2010- Location- San Francisco California
plans to be determined!!
My friend from San Antonio, Melissa, is here to celebrate our birthdays

Butterflies!!

2010-10-01T13:43:00.026-05:00

YELLOW SWALLOWTAIL

RED POSTMAN

GULF FRITILLARY

OWL BUTTERFLY

BLACK SWALLOWTAIL

ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL

MEXICAN BLUEWING

MONARCH

QUESTION MARK

RUSTY TIPPED PAGE

BANDED ORANGE

JULIA

BROWN PEACOCK

QUESTION MARK & PAINTED LADY

BLUE CLIPPER

PAPER KITE

COMMON SAILOR

TIGER LONGWING

California driving lessons

2010-09-30T13:47:00.003-05:00

Stop signs are just suggestions. Basically just slow down, check for cops and go

Yellow lights means hurry up.

Motorcycles driving down the striped lane of the highway totally not cool!

Speed limits are just numbers but rarely actually followed.

Everyone thinks they have the "right of way"

Stop lights function independently, most days going down the same street I can hit every RED light

Honking is just their form of greeting.

Left turn only on arrow- so frustrating when there is NO traffic coming the other direction.

Few drivers let you merge into traffic peacefully.

Blinkers are optional.

Tailgating does not mean pre-game party in the parking lot.

Crazy drivers exist everywhere!!

Habitat for Humanity in Sacramento

2010-09-27T13:55:00.001-05:00

Having the chance to volunteer and serve here locally in Sacramento California is so great!! I was thrilled when asked by a friend to attend a day with Habitat. I was off from work with no plans and jumped on the opportunity to serve!!! It is really just that easy to get out into your community and make a difference!!!

Little background information about Habitat-
Sacramento's mission statement Building affordable homes in partnership with families in need, supported by a host of volunteers, faith based organizations, donors and corporations for the betterment of our community.

Families receiving homes either a new constructed homes or remodeled homes are required 500 volunteer hours before calling it their home.

Here are some pictures from my volunteering with Habitat-- enjoy :)

new construction home

good thing they had extra boots for me :)

cement pouring

half way done

all finished- just waiting for it to dry

remodel home

break time!! my fav

fence building

lance with the jackhammer

Redding California

2010-09-24T21:31:00.000-05:00

SUNDIAL BRIDGE

me @ the bridge

TURTLE BAY ARBORETUM

beautiful blacked eyed susans

i think its a leopard frog

TURTLE BAY MUSEUM & PARK

me & lego man

BUTTERFLY HOUSE :)

monarch

julia

buckeye

painted lady

pipevine swallowtail

Salem & Multnomah Falls Oregon!!

2010-09-20T13:23:00.000-05:00

Capitol of Oregon- Salem

Multnomah Falls- Columbia River Gorge near Portland Oregon

Portland Oregon

2010-09-17T11:22:00.001-05:00

Here are some pics from my weekend trip all the way to Portland Oregon. Plus, I got to hang out with nursing study buddy from college- Katie!! It was so great to see another Texan and wonderful to catch up. Enjoy!!

Rose Garden

fellow Texan and friend from college- Katie and me

my fav- Betty Boop rose

fellow traveling nurse- Daniela and me

Farmer's Market

Are you up for the challenge??

2010-09-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Having grown up in San Antonio being surround by military bases (Fort Sam- Army, Lackland- Air Force, Randolph- Air Force and Kelly- Air Force) was only what I knew. Having friends’ parents in the military was just average to me too. Attending college at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and being close to the largest military base- Fort Hood in Killeen- was just ordinary life. Hearing gunfire and explosions at night were routine. Seeing tanks, helicopters and other military equipment pass by campus on the train were just everyday happenings, especially after the war began during my freshman year of college. However, now that my dearest friend Emily Meredith is being deployed to the sandbox, it is just different.

Little history of Emily

Emily grew up in Africa- mostly Zambia and Kenya. Her parents are missionaries for an organization called The Navigators and have been serving in Africa for 30+ years. Emily attended college at the University of Nebraska majored in education. After graduation, she joined the United States Air Force and that's how our paths crossed nearly 3 years ago. Emily and I first met at a church retreat weekend at the Frio River. My first thoughts were this girl is way too serious about competition and doesn't act like much of girl, yet I want her to be my friend even though she scares me a little :)

Favorite Emily memories

#1-- SPURS game-- two words- Super Box!!!! Amazing time. We both love the Spurs and both screamed like crazy seeing those two simple words printed on our tickets as we picked them up from will-call.

Going home with her to Kenya and experiencing life there with her was wonderful. Safari to Masai Mara, early morning jogs in Nairobi, hiking Mt Longonot, and SO much more I could just go on and on.

Trips to Dairy Queen for our favorite thing-- ice cream!

Talking with Emily during mile 23 of my marathon- she had finished her half marathon, arrived home, taken a shower, and was ready for a nap. And I still have another 40 minutes of running! At least she made me laugh and kept me distracted from the pain.

The Mini Cooper Challenge

Emily has been training in New Jersey for the last 5 weeks to prepare for deployment and I have been praying for her like crazy. Emily's dream car is a red Mini Cooper.

Since leaving San Antonio every time I see a Mini Cooper I say a prayer for Emily. Originally I was thinking oh this should be easy-- how many Minis can there be?? Well, I think that California has the highest Mini Cooper population because they are EVERYWHERE! One day after seeing 21 cars I stopped counting! With seeing so many cars all the time I have extended my prayers not just for my rafiki (“friend” in Swahili) but to all the military serving- overseas and here at home, military commanders, our enemies, civilians working with the military, families of our military, our government, and our Commander in Chief President Obama.

Now that Emily is deploying to the Sandbox very soon I am extending this challenge to you. Will you join me in praying for those defending our freedom?? Are you up for the challenge??

My friends who are currently serving or who have served our country-

Chris Jenkins, Matt Sievers, Jennifer Starnes, Jonathon Houston, Stephen Cisneros, Matt Dimaline, Chris Huff, John Pearson, Victor Garcia, Jennifer Johnson, Rory Upright, Ryan Garcia, Josh Shick, Elaina Wild, Jason Hasbrouk, Dan Bronson, Stacey Brundrett, Austin Pettit, Brenda Barnhart, Eddie Harmoush, Jenny Lewis, Andrew Corum, Megan Gallagher, Tony Lopez, Rob Vadney, Mary Ann Cooper, Gary Tate, David Neal, Theresa Siegel, Jim Duke, Lannie Allen, Patti Donatucci-Irwin, Ron Durbin, Cathy Beck, Alan Rhodes, David Simpson, Wes Meredith (Emily's brother)

THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!

Nevada City

2010-09-13T13:14:00.000-05:00

Supporting Nevada County's food bank with a 10k (6.2 miles) run in the morning and wondering the streets of the town following my run. Who knew that such a small town with just over 2000 residents it would have soo many hills esp at the beginning and end of the race. Let's just say I was NOT a fan but super glad that I finished the race in just over an hour. Not my best time by any means but didn't really matter. Standing up to hunger and supporting a local food bank is just awesome. And I returned to Sacramento by noon

Farmer's Market

Nevada City

Crater Lake Natl Park

2010-09-09T13:01:00.001-05:00

WIZARD ISLAND

ME!

PUMICE CASTLE

FALLS

PHANTOM SHIP

DANIELA & ME

GOLDEN- MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL

CRATER LAKE LODGE

PINNACLES

Lassen Volcanic Natl Park

2010-09-07T01:28:00.000-05:00

Esta. 1916 size- 106,372 acres
Located in Northwestern California, about 45 miles east of Redding.

Bumpass Hell

Boulder and me :)

Mount Lassen

Lake Helen

Mountain Heather flower

North Summit Lake

Children's Hunger Fund- wknd in LA

2010-09-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

assembly line in the new volunteer area in SA :)

Children's Hunger Fund aka CHF is an organization I was first introduced to just over one year ago. My home church in San Antonio, Oak Hills, challenged the entire congregation to making food paks and putting a dent into the hunger situation in our own city. One in four children in San Antonio go to bed hungry not knowing where their next meal will come from!! I think that's ridiculous! I was ALL about making a difference and helping create food paks. And ever since I have just been hooked and in love with Children's Hunger Fund.

me & Charlene

Volunteering at the SA location- sorting food paks, wrapping Christmas toys, making food paks for Ecuador and much more. The CHF volunteers in SA are like family and compassionate for CHF!! Through Children's Hunger Fund I met Taylor & Frankie- totally amazing couple who took the food pak challenge to a completely different level and have made a change in their lives that is making a lasting impact on others! Check out their blog at http://taylorfrankie.blogspot.com/ to find out more!!!

Frankie, Taylor & me

Currently I am on a travel nursing assignment in Sacramento, California and took the opportunity to drive to Los Angeles to the headquarters of CHF to volunteer! I was soo excited! CHF began in 1991 in LA and now has 2 other locations- Chicago and San Antonio (which had its grand opening Nov 2009). There were about 140 volunteers that joined me on Saturday and we did work!! Creating over 700 completed food paks for Zimbabwe. My table rebaged pasta into one pound bags. Plus Kris, the volunteer coordinator, gave me a private tour of the whole warehouse! Here are a few pics-- Enjoy!!

backpack campaign

Kris & me

LA warehouse

assembly line for Zimbabwe

my table :)

one food pak-- feeds a family of 4 for 1 week!!