Summer hours

I'm feeling sluggish... about job searching, about work, about getting back into the city summer social life... I'm not sure what's up with me.

Mark is officially gone for the summer; we said good-bye, but then gained a few bonus days. And so we said good-bye again. It was tough, but we can handle a few months apart. Our girls road trip in July is mapped out through northern WY on the way there, and hopefully the way back too. :)

I will be nannying again this summer, but I'd like to find another part-time job to fill up some of my numerous free hours. The thing is, any job I get will be temporary, as a few of us girls are planning to move to ARIZONA this fall. I can't wait!! We've been talking about it for awhile, but now it seems like it's really coming together. As of now, it will be Cor, Kayla, Steph, Jill H, and me. I have never wanted to move away from home, and now that I do, I'm going. It will be hard to be away from my family, but it's not forever. The plan is to go after Labor Day. Until then, I'm going to try and save money for and stay excited about the move.

Well, off to look for jobs...

P.S. We'll welcome any and all visitors to our sunny new home, so start planning.

18 years and done

It feels strange to be done with school. Maybe forever. I like being a student, but now it's out into the real world after 18 years of schooling. I hope I'm ready.

This is my third time graduating. High school, then an associates degree in interior design, and now a diploma in floral design. I decided to attend the ceremony to join my school friends in celebrating the end of our fun year.

I could never have done it without the support of this wonderful woman.

Or these great friends.

Afterward, we went out for dinner and chatted and laughed for what felt like hours. It was the perfect end to one chapter of my life.

Sleepless in the cities

I'm running on an average of 5 hours a night for the past few. And not because I can't sleep (had problems with that previously), but because I have no time to. That's what it feels like anyway. Work, work, fun, fun, fun... so is the life of a young woman I guess. I live on coffee, and power naps. And fun energizes me too.

Mark is leaving for WY this week, and the only good thing about him being gone is that I'll get more sleep. I'm hoping, anyway.

This weekend, we rode his motorcycle for the last time, sadly. He sold it a few hours later to have some cash for his summer away. It was the perfect day for a ride, and I could have stayed on much longer.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing flowers for a wedding, attending the wedding, watching Viv dig in to her birthday cupcake, having coffee with Mom and Dad, and playing volleyball.

Mom's Day

I remember when I was young, my mom said that Mother's Day is only one day for moms, while every other day is for kids. I'm not sure if I could see that then, but now I realize how true it is.

My mother is out-of-town today, and I miss her. I left her a note at home, but that's not the same as saying thank you in person. I have to remember to thank her more often for all she does for our family. She has had a tough year, and I admire her strength. I love you, Mom.

Happy 1st Birthday to this little munchkin!

Viv,
I thought you were going to be a boy. I knew it. I was used to the name your parents had picked for a boy, and I had gotten the cutest little red and black plaid outfit for you to wear. So when Claire called to tell me you were born, I was shocked. Excited, though. I immediately made plans to go to the hospital and visit you and your parents. What a peanut you were: tons of hair and the biggest brown eyes. Like the typical S baby, you resembled a bulldog and Grandpa S. It has been so much fun to watch you grow and change from that tiny bundle into the energetic toddler you are now. May you always stay smiley and resilient, not to mention tenacious :) Happy Birthday Vivian Kay!

MK

Boyfriend. Significant other. The guy in my life. I have hardly blogged about him, but I don't want him to read this and think he's not important because he's not mentioned :) He is important, I was just unsure of how to start tossing his name in.

We've been dating for about 5 weeks now. It started how a bunch of relationships do; he kept talking to me at kyds. At first, I was like whatev, but eventually I couldn't stop thinking about him. My wingwoman Kayla came with me to the guys house a few times so I could chat more with him (and, lets be honest, his friends, because I was a little nervous to talk to just him. Thanks K). One Sunday night, I texted him to ask if anything was going on, and that must have been the push he needed, because for the next two weeks, he kept texting until finally he mentioned the d word. Our first date included a bonfire, a guitar, Mountain Dew, and marshmallows. It lasted late into the night, and I couldn't wait to see him the next night.

Since then, I've been out where he lives most every weekend. This past one, however, we went to the UP. I met the fam. Eek. I was only a little nervous, because my parents and his are pretty good friends, and I had heard many nice things about the whole family. Everything I had heard was true- they were so genuinely kind and fun! Little Ava even asked if I could come to her house sometime :) Mark and I had a blast up there, four wheeling, hanging with his friends and family, jamming on guitar, shooting a 22.... I wouldn't mind going again sometime soon.

He has met my family, and is getting to know my girl friends (they seem to approve). It's been an exciting and crazy five weeks, and I hope it continues.