The Beach - Twice in January?

     Hard to believe, I know ... but it's true. I have been to the beach twice in January! A few weeks ago, my sister (Lauri) invited her best friend and me to brunch at Aldo's Harbor Restaurant in Santa Cruz. The sun was so warm that my jeans almost caught on fire! LOL. We enjoyed a deeeelish meal as we listened to the sounds of the harbor. I decided to have a crab breakfast sandwich that was really yummy ... and  I must confess ... I did e.n.j.o.y a slice of sourdough bread (I ate the sandwich open faced)! Boy, was that mmm-mmm-good. My tummy was *not* excited about my choice, however. LOL. Sometimes, I just "choose" to pay the price when I eat wheat/gluten. Ugh.

Photo above: CC and I at Aldo's Restaurant. 

Photo below: Lauri sporting a pair of fun shades at one of the shops! 

     CC said the sun was so hot on her head while we were enjoying brunch, that she wished she would have worn a hat! We found the perfect hat for her at one of the shops. Unfortunately, it was too late. Ship Ahoy, Captain Coatney!

We love the beach in January!

     Then today, I went to visit a friend who lives about 45 minutes away (Burlingame). Her house is tucked away in a beautiful part of town surrounded by foliage. The view from her place is absolutely uhhhhhmazing! I'm bummed I didn't take a photo so you could see it! Jan and I used to work together years and years ago (Silicon Graphics). We are about the same age but she had kids a bit later in life than I did. She and her hubby have 3 beautiful kids (her daughter is 14 and her twin boys are 11). We enjoyed a gal pal lunch on the beach, without a sweater or jacket. Mind you, it was not warm enough to be in flip-flops and shorts ... but it was still lov-er-ly! Below is a photo of Jan and her son Ty showing off the tree house that they created together in their backyard. 

     Jan is one of "those kind of friends" who I don't see nearly enough, but when we do hang out it's easy to pick up where we left off - even if it has been a long time. Jan loves, loves, loves animals and critters of all kinds. It would take days to list all the animals she has had in her home! Currently, she has 3 dogs, 3 fish and a pot-bellied-pig! The pig's name is Daisy and she's a "house" pig. She told me that pigs are really smart (rated 5th in the mammal family: Humans, Dolphins, Primates, Elephants, Pigs) and actually, quite clean animals! Daisy is potty-trained and Jan has taught her many tricks (sit, spin around, blow bubbles in a water bowl and blow her nose). It was so funny to see Daisy scurry around the house with the dogs and kids. Great afternoon! I am constantly reminded of how God has blessed me with such amazing friends!

     Well, it's time for me to say TTFN. For all my friends in states that are experiencing cold temps, I apologize in advance for this post. Remember, we pay an outrageous amount of money to rent or own a home in Cali - so there *has* to be some advantages! Right? Going to the beach twice in January is one of them. Until next time! :-)

How Old Are You, Mrs. Larsen?

     I thoroughly enjoyed my first day. I loved it because it was completely different than anything I have done before. Yesiree, I was the Teachers Aide at Achiever Christian Elementary School. Ironically enough, I was the TA for my cousin Pattie's daughter, Katie who was getting married that afternoon at Church on the Hill (and I didn't even know she worked there)! Of course, I was going to the wedding which made me a perfect target for lots and lots of questions from those darling 2nd grade girls:
1. Do you think someone will be taking pictures at Katie's wedding?
2. How do you think she will wear her hair? We really like it when she wears her bangs to the side with a barrette. Do you think that's how she'll wear it?
3. Do you know how many people will be there?
4. Why didn't she invite all of us?
     But my favorite question and answer session went something like this: (during recess)
2nd Grade Girl: How old are you, Mrs. Larsen?
Me: Guess!
2nd Grade Girl: Ummmmm. 25?
Me: Great guess, but I'm older than that!
2nd Grade Girl: 30?
Me: No, older than that. I'm 50.
2nd Grade Girl: Really? Wow.
Me: Yep.
2nd Grade Girl: You know what I like? I like it when old people still wear cute clothes. I really like your outfit. 
Me (cracking up): Thanks!

     The teacher had projects for me to do the entire time, which was awesome! I graded papers, stapled homework packets, answered lots of worksheet questions from the kids (and a few about my hair) and entered grades into the teacher's black notebook. I had so much fun, I can't wait to sub again! I'll be there on Wednesday but this time it's not in a classroom, it's called "Noon Duty" which is from 10AM-1PM and covers recess and lunch break. Just being around the kids makes me happy!  I am soooo thankful! I'm prayerful about next year at Achiever. TTFN!

Excited About The Future!

     You know what I discovered? I kinda like blogging. I've missed it. I'm going to start blogging again whenever I have something to blog about. How do you like 'dem apples (as my dad used to say)?

     Update since I've been back in Cali: I'm now living with some friends who have been so gracious and have given me their extra room upstairs. I've even got my own bathroom! I am so grateful that God has once again, taken care of my needs. As you know, I lived alone in my apartment in TX and when I was in Cali ... I lived with my youngest daughter (Angie - 25).  I didn't mind living alone in TX but I will admit, I missed the "activity" that goes along with having a roommate. The family that I'm living with have two kids (11 & 9) so there's lots of activity here! I love it.

     Job Status? I've submitted my application to Achiever Christian Elementary School to be a Teacher's Aid (preferably K, 1st or 2nd grades). Next week I will get fingerprinted and get a TB test. Once that has been completed, I will be eligible to sub. The principal @ Achiever (who I met with last week) will determine her staff for next year in February and solidify that list in March. I'm prayerful about the possibilities! We have chatted about a "hybrid" role that would involve time with kids and administrative assistance (and would start in August). That sounds uhhhhhmazing to me!! I wonder if that's where God wants me? Only time will tell. But I DO know this, I'm excited about the future! 

     My VW? Doing great. I have had the oil changed twice since leaving Texas per the wise counsel of the mechanic there. I'm hopeful there's still a lot of life left in that little beetle. 

     I'm back at the gym and going to my favorite Turbo Kickboxing Class. I've even tried a few Spin classes which always intimidated me before; but not anymore! But get this: I have to arrive ONE HOUR EARLY to get a seat in the Spin Class! Wowza wow wee wah. 

     I hope all my pals who read my blog enjoyed their Christmas & New Year and are ready to grab 2011 by the horns. Yeehaw. Bring on the next chapter, God! I'm ready. TTFN.