Quirks

This post will be full of many random things. Every day is different, and I'm always finding a way to keep busy. Busy with work, hobbies, friends, and what may seem like nonsense sometimes. Quirks, I call them. Quirks and all.

Quirk #1 - Coloring

I am 23-years old, and I still love to color in a coloring book. Mary and I color some for some hand-made cards together, and one day it made me ask her if there were any coloring books lying around here. I figured there must be at least one since the 6-year old granddaughter comes over every now and then. We had a bucket of crayons, but no coloring book. 

Well, one day I come home and find a sack that I ask about, and Mary says "there's something in there for you." I open it up, and I smile from ear to ear as I see it is a coloring book. "For me?" Yes, yes it was. One of those things I like to do some times to pass the time or help my brain relax before bed.

I told my story about how my grandparents had mailed me a little coloring book they picked up on a vacation while I was living in American Samoa. One year as a college student, I had told them all I wanted for Christmas was a coloring book. :-) Think I may have told this story once on my Samoa blog.

Quirk #2 - Crosswords
One of my latest things is doing the daily crossword in the Omaha World Herald. I often work on it with a cup of coffee on the kitchen table. I will take it with me up to the restaurant if Mary and I go out for breakfast. Some times if I get a little stuck, I'll read it out loud and Mary may come up with the word. We are getting quite good at the crosswords. It's a fun little thing to do in the morning. I learn new words, I remember little trivia I forgot I even knew, and it's fun to watch it fall together. Some times you are debating a few words, and it is clear the answer you need once another word has been answered. Nerd alert. haha It is really cool to think about how a crossword puzzle is put together. I've been at it for a few weeks now, and every day I become quicker. Minus those gigantic Sunday ones full of trivia. haha

Quirk #3 - Doodling

While sitting in teller training class this past week, our instructor gave us some paper and said if we need to doodle to go right ahead. I recall learning how doodling can be good for a person's learning sometimes, it keeps your brain active. Not so much passive learning anymore. Well I started doodling after a while. I found myself laughing and noting how my doodles became more advanced as the days progressed. Check it out for yourself. 

First day, I doodled some basic little patterns. Day two, I started throwing in more sketch-like images. Day three of doodling, I ended up with little sketches and quotes/saying accompanying them. Too much fun. :-)

Quirk #4: Heavy Lifter

Yep, heavy lifter. hahaha I come home one day from work and see that Mary had finally picked up a few pumpkins to set up in the front yard like she had talked about doing. I walk inside the house and say it looks nice. She responds, "Well there's a whole trunk full for you to unload. You may want to move the car more." "Move the car," I ask. "Why? I can handle this. All 20 pumpkins I unloaded from the trunk and helped place in Mary's little display. Looks pretty nice.

She is calling it "Molly's Pumpkin Patch", for her granddaughter. Miss Molly was over Sunday night with her dad for a visit. I had to take a picture with my beautiful little friend in the pumpkin display.

Quirk #5 - Nerding out
I love nerding out in my reading glasses at night. Curling up on my bed or the couch and digging my nose into a book for the night. I took this photo of myself, and I rather enjoyed it. My cute little nerd photo. haha I'm such a goof, some times.

Quirk #6 - Samoan flare
Rocked a "pieces of Samoa" outfit with a little American touch Friday. Slid into my brown dress I bought in Independent Samoa over the holidays, laced up my beautiful necklace from my Samoan friend Lillian, and stuck a sei behind my ear. Topped off the outfit with my casual yet professional white businesswoman blazer.

Wore it to breakfast, where Mary and I took some photos with some of our Egg and I friends.

Quirk #7 - Interior Design
Mary and I got to hanging some new things on the walls one day this week, and I forgot how much fun it can be to decorate a room. Add a few touches, and the room has a new feeling and look.

Quirk #8 - The Escape is in a garage!
The plan has been to make room in the garage for my vehicle in the garage before winter starts knocking on our door. Need the driveway clear of vehicles for the plow to come through, or I'd be scooping out every morning, which would be doable. Well, we had started clearing out the garage one day. I come home, and before I push the button on my opener, I wondered if I was going to drive right in today.

Garage door opens, and low and behold, there it is - an empty space for the Escape. I pulled right on in, and it was an odd feeling for me. I've never had my car parked in a garage before. I know that may sound funny, or odd that I was so amused. Yet, I was. Was an interesting moment my brain took note of, and I found myself smiling. The Escape is sitting in a garage. Extra safe and sound. haha

Quirk #9 - Technology is so cool

I had the opportunity to speak with one of my students from American Samoa who is currently going to college in Hawaii. We had e-mailed about trying to Skype some time, and I finally caught him online. He was so surprised to see that I actually gave him a call, and it was great to chat with him a bit. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that we can have a video chat like this from oceans away. From the classroom to the football field to field trips in the National Park, Tavini here was one of my hardest working students. His English has jumped up eons just from moving to Hawaii, where is Uncle is not allowing him to speak Samoan. Good practice for him. Was cool for me to get to chat with him, and I think he enjoyed it, too. :-)

Quirk #10 - I love breakfast!
Breakfast is seriously my favorite meal of the day. Funny how I do a little part-time work at a place famous for breakfast. haha Here you can see a waffle topped with Greek yogurt, banana slices, and candied pecans; complimented with a small glass of milk and a cup of coffee. You will also notice some festive place-mats Mary put together. Mmmm breakfast. "Momma always told you to have a good breakfast." (A sign with this saying is hanging in the restaurant.)

Quirk #11 - Call me Betty Crocker
I've been trying out some baking lately. Something I started to play with more with my island sister Hannah while living in American Samoa. My mom and I were never the best bakers. We let Aunt Paula, Grandma Boschen, and Grandma Wingert handle most of that. Well, one day I attempted making an apple pie, with a little assistance from Mary. It actually turned out pretty well! The next week, I attempted an apple pie with a crumb top. A la mode, and it is quite satisfying.

I do enjoy putting on my apron and trying out some baking. Baking in style thanks to this Morningside RHA apron my Omaha mom tweaked a bit. Just for fun, here is my "Just call me Betty Crocker" photo. :-)

Quirk #12 - Science Jokes
From time to time, I will run across a pretty good joke. Some you only understand if you have a certain bit of knowledge. Thanks to my science background, I found this little cartoon quite enjoyable. Sorry if you don't understand, but for those of you who do I am sure you will be smiling and laughing just like me. I found this via one of my fellow volunteer science teachers from this past year.

Quirk #13 - Softball is my favorite sport to play
My glove is always sitting in my closet, and from time to time over the years, I dig it out and play catch with my brother, my dad, or friend Karena. Well, thanks to some friends I am making through the bank, I was asked to come sub on a league team here in Omaha Sunday evening. Decided not to pass the chance up. I haven't played in a game since I was 14-years old, it seems. I forgot how much I love playing. We were demolished in the first inning, but changed a few things around and did a little better the rest of the game. Bottom line, though, we had some fun.

I played a little short stop, and I actually hit the ball. That was crazy. Hitting was never my best game, but it was okay my last year on the summer team as I made up for it on the mound. haha I did tally up an RBI on my hit though. Woo! haha

I also have a nice little bruise on my shin courtesy of playing at short. I was ready for it, but the grounder took one nasty bounce. Did not get behind me though. :-) Right away, I knew I would likely have a bruise in the morning. Glad I went, met some new people, played my favorite sport, and had a good time. Perhaps I will have the chance to fill in again over the next few weeks.

Quirk #14 - Mesmerized by the Sunrise
Nothing like waking up at 5:15, going on a little run by the light of the moon, showering, enjoying a cup of coffee, working on my blog, and witnessing another beautiful sunrise. I am always amazed on how quickly the scene changes. Sunrises are always different, and the colors are just beautiful. As I ran downstairs to grab my camera, the sky changed. Some things change in a blink of an eye. Appreciate some of those moments and the world around you. :-)

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you have a great week. Life is good, and every day is an adventure. (You hear me say that time and time again, I bet.) Toodles :-)

Husker Nation and Words to Live By

Husker Nation

Last weekend I had the privelege to join some good friends at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, NE for the Husker game. My third time at a game, but my first time with friends instead of sitting next to family. I had almost forgotten how much fun a Nebraska girl can have at the game. I have not been keeping up with it too much this past year. I don't turn on my TV every Saturday for the game, and I don't really follow statistics and the news stories so much. Yet, being in that stadium just does something to you. Husker Nation is a whole culture. Yes, culture. Including a feel-good atmosphere... most of the time.

I've been at games where we were demolished, yet the stadium is always sold out. The whole day is a special thing. Together we visited my aunt and uncle at a tailgate. A fun gathering beforehand with food, chatting, and good times. People start so early, and some never even walk into the stadium. 

There are people who spend their whole day selling goods, standing on the sides; yet, they are part of the culture. Husker Nation.

I sit in the stands. I don't really know the players, but I still become excited. I stand as a great pass is made, as the ball crosses into the endzone. I clap as the fight song is played. I stand up and throw my hands up as "the wave" makes its way around the stadium. I cheer "Power" after the East side of the stadium shouts "Husker". I wear my Husker colors, and I smile as I look at the friend I am sitting next too. 

So glad I took the day off work, and joined these crazy kids for a cultural experience. A tried and true Nebraska day. Good 'ole Nebraska. Husker Nation - It's a culture.

Below you will find a few photos of Karena and me at the game. Two good friends we be that had a great time that day.

Words to Live By

If you follow my blog much, you may know that I become philosophical at times. You may even know a little bit about my life philosophy and some of my odd quirks. One of my little hobbies is jotting down some quotes in a normal little notebook.

I receive a daily e-mail with a quote. I save the ones I like, write them down in my notebook, and every now and then I flip through the book. 

Today, a long saying came my way electronically. It really summed up some of my philosophies and attitude toward life. I couldn't help but share. I have already copied it down into my book, and I truly believe in all of the things mentioned here. 

Hope you enjoy and have a great rest of the week! It's almost Friday already. Time time time... where does it go? On that note, here they are... some words to live by.

"Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger."

--- Christian Larsen

The Waitress

Many people may wonder what a college graduate is doing waitressing. Is she just trying to pay the bills?

Well, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree with a 3.96 GPA. I also spent a year in the South Pacific as a volunteer teacher.

What have I been doing the past few months? Waitressing. Why?

My small town community knew me to be rather quiet growing up. I picked up a part-time job at the local City Café at the age of 14, where I continued to work for the next four years of high school and then some while attending college. I grew as a person, learned a lot, made many friends, and developed my people skills.

Today, one would never guess I was quite so quiet. I now live in the bigger city, Omaha. I have been working at a breakfast and lunch restaurant, The Egg and I. Yes, one reason was to get started and make some money.

Many of my customers will note how happy I seem with my job. Recently, I have found myself thinking about the reason I truly love my job as a waitress. There are people who come into the restaurant every day simply looking for someone to talk to and be greeted with a smile.

I love meeting people and helping them out. I find my purpose in life to help brighten people’s days by sharing my happiness and making them smile. I can do this as a waitress.

Yes, I have also recently started what many would call more of a “big-girl job in the professional world. I am now working as a teller at a local bank, which excites me. Nonetheless, I am keeping some waitressing shifts at The Egg and I, where we “serve our friends daily”.

From the small-town café to the big city restaurant. I am very thankful for my first working experience at the City Café. I still help out from time to time when I am in town, as you may have seen.

Final food for thought. Every job is important to somebody and has a purpose in life. Even the waitress. A happy waitress who makes people smile. =)

Business Lady and Sunshine

Week one working in the business world, banking to be exact, is complete. Monday morning I was excited to put together my first new business lady outfit. White skirt with black floral- Kohl's clearance $8. Black blazer - Goodwill $8. Black t-shirt - free hand-me down from a friend. This outfit made me super happy as it was such a great deal. :-)

Mary had me stand by the fireplace for a photo before my first day at work. I posted it on Facebook with the caption "Ready to take on the business world." I ended up with 69 likes on that. Wowza.

After new employee orientation at the 90th and Dodge office in the morning, I headed off to my branch on 144th and Maple for a four hour shift meeting people and working on some training courses on the computer. Clocked in 4 hours each day this week. Spent most of my time the first three days pounding through the courses on the computer, which I had some fun with. Then, the last few days this week I have been shadowing my fellow tellers, greeting customers, and even working some straight transactions through the computer (with someone over my shoulder, of course).

I have worked 1pm-5pm every day this week at American National Bank, and I also had some good 6am-11am shifts at the restaurant a few days during the week. Every day I have come home happy, and Mary has had me stand by the fireplace every day for a photo. On my way back to the house Friday after work, I found myself thinking about how much these little photos reminded me of our "first day of school" photos we took every year. My brother and I would grab our backpacks and smile pretty for our mom on the first day of school every year Preschool through 12th grade. Here it is, folks... my first week as a business lady photo memoir!

I have another week of 4-hour shifts shadowing and working some straight transactions. Following week teller training course at the Dodge office, and then I will have my own drawer and be one of the tellers at American National Bank.

That wraps up my discussion on being a business lady for the week. Another cool story I have for this week. I noticed Mary had hung this on the wall, and it happens to be pointing toward the stairs that lead to my bedroom. I asked her about it, and she said my happy presence has been making such a difference in her life. She said I'm a walking piece of sunshine. Another friend actually made a similar reference, "you're a big ball of sunshine." I did find myself thinking about how I do see one of my purposes in life to be a helping hand and bring smiles to faces. One of my missions in life is to be happy and share that happiness with others. The more smiles I see in a day, the happier I find myself to be. Every day is a good day, as you have heard me say before. Okay, enough on that little food for thought. Something coming back at me this week.

Hope everyone is doing well, and that at least one thing in my post today made you smile. If it hadn't up until this point, I hope that statement made you. :-)

Toodles!

A Full Week: A Quick Synopsis

Backed up on my blogging again. I've found ways to keep myself rather busy and many nights I am ready to shut the lights off and fall asleep after 8:30pm. Here's a few quick stories of why that may be true and a few exciting things going on right now in the life of Jessica Boschen, always an adventure. Life's a journey. :-)

Labor Day weekend. Yeah... "labor" is definitely a good word for it. Work, babysitting activities, and the unexpected. I worked all three days at the restaurant, all decently busy days. Started raising some money for  this "No-Kid Hungry" project our restaurant is helping out with. I raised a good amount just from the first two days of the month. Many know how much service work and fundraising I was involved with in college, so I was rather excited for September to come around to get this project going and rock it while waitressing at The Egg and I. The server who raises the most money at the end of the month wins a $50 gift card to the place of their choosing. Our goal as a restaurant was to raise $500, and thus far I alone have raised $188 from customers.

My next line of work over the Labor Day weekend involved helping Mary with her 6-year old granddaughter. Molly here is quite energetic, and I had the pleasure of partaking in many activities with Miss Molly. My friends Andy and Karena were in town and actually rode along with Mary and me to pick up Molly from school. Cool to see them a bit while they were here. Then Friday night, Molly and I made some peanut butter cookies. We had a lot of fun with those! Molly was becoming my new little friend.

Saturday I came home from work to find that we were tie-dying some clothes out in the garage. A white skirt and shirt had even been found for me to color up for myself. Here is a photo of Miss Molly and me sporting a few of our creations. I've already received some compliments on my skirt while out and about.

Sunday came home from work to find Mary was becoming more tired and struggling with some of her breathing. We were waiting for Molly's dad to pick her up, but finally Mary said we need to go to the hospital. Off to 84th and Dodge the three of us went, where Mary began receiving some special asthma treatments. I kept Molly occupied until her dad came by to pick her up. Took some random photos on my phone, of course.

Mary ended up spending two nights at the hospital to get her asthma back under control, and I think I made about 3 or 4 trips there and back to visit her, bring a few supplies, and bring her back home on Tuesday. She is doing much better as the week progressed. I sure had a moment on Sunday, though, where I definitely felt like I was right where I needed to be.

Found myself realizing this week, as well, that it has been an entire year since I sliced my knee open on a hike to one of my favorite places in American Samoa with some friends. That day I knew I had a nice memory scar in the making. Looking at it today, you would find that it is still a pinkish red in color. Not quite skin color yet. Was a little deep at the time, I must admit. haha It didn't stop me from climbing to the top of the falls with my friends, though. One great day that was. :-)

I've also begun wearing some knitted wool socks around the house in the evening. My little footies can become quite cool, especially down in the basement at times. Easiest way to change your body temp is to warm or cool down your feet - scientific fact. :-) My roommate, Mary, knits socks from thread she has spun herself on a spinning wheel with wool she purchases. Cute little things, and I am thankful for them. They make me feel extra cozy when I sort of start settling down at night for bed.

Got a phone call last week to come in for an interview for an entry-level position at American National Bank, on the corner of 144th and Maple. I was very excited for interview, as I knew it could be a good place to start, gain some experience, pick up more hours, and still be within walking distance of Mary's house. One thing I love about my job at The Egg and I. Went in for the interview feeling very confident and came out feeling really good about it - actually the best I have felt in any of the interviews I have come out of in the past few months. I was told I would hear back by Friday, and here came a phone call on Thursday offering me the position! I am off to orientation Monday morning, and then will begin working at American National Bank. I am starting out as a teller with five 6-hour shifts during the week and a rotating Saturday. Pretty darn close to full-time. I am very excited for this new adventure! My roommate could tell, my parents could tell on the phone, and a few friends I spoke with about it. Life is good and things are falling together as they always do. New adventure, here I come! Plus, let's be honest... I could make a really cute business lady. ;-)

For now, I am keeping some shifts at the Egg and I. This will include some 6am-10:30 or 11amish shifts during the week and some weekend hours.

Saturday and Sunday I was sent to help at the 132nd and Dodge location of the Egg and I, as they were short-handed. I figured it would be fun to change pace just a bit and try it out. Overall the restaurant is slower business-wise, over there, but that meant there were fewer waitresses on duty. That meant I was still just as busy with tables. I actually came home with a new personal best on weekend tips. Crazy! Was fun to see some new people. I also had started out my beautiful Sunday with a delightful almond pancake I made at home for breakfast after a fun evening out with Mary. We went to see "The Butler", a great historical movie, and then had some dinner at Wave Bistro.

Non-stop... non-stop. I just keep going like the Energizer bunny some days. Although, Tuesday when I was off work, I was sure slugglish that day and was battling some sinus problems thanks to the slightly rainy weather. All cleared up now though. My body also just felt like it dropped when it finally stopped for a day from the go, go, go.

When I came home from work on Sunday, Mary showed me some fake flowers she picked up for me to wear in my hair. Customers still ask about it every time I wear one. "Is that flower real?" Tis a great conversation starter. :-) How thoughtful of Mary to snag a few more for me. I love them.

Did a little shopping at Kohl's where I have a gift card to currently spend and found a few more business-esque pieces to add to more wardrobe. I already have a good start, but I added a few pieces that are business appropriate but also versatile with some other looks. That's what happens after I watch a few episodes of What Not to Wear during the week. I say things like that. haha

Last thing I have to mention quick. Mary and I went to the salon on Thursday, where she had an appointment for a manicure and pedicure. I ended up getting a pedicure myself. Actually the first time I have had my nails painted period in over 15 months. I did not even paint my toe-nails once while I was living on the island. Just didn't take any with me and didn't buy any. Took me a few days to get used to seeing that pop of color down there when I look down. haha I went for blue, cause I love blue and everyone does pink. Adds a little spunk to my day, and I forgot how relaxing it could be to sit in the salon, have your nails painted, and your feet massaged. Girl talking right there. Oh geez. haha

Hope you all have a fabulous week! Life is good, and adventures happen every day. My new adventure working at American National Bank begins Monday. Check back later this week or so to find out how that's going. Until next time...

Yours truly,
Jessica

Long Overdue Post with New Life Adventures

Last Tuesday I spent a great day at in Sioux City spending most of my day on the campus of Morningside College, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree. I walked around campus, popping in many many offices. I got to know many faculty and staff while I was studying and growing there, building many friendships; I had a lot of people I wanted to stop in and chat with for a bit. Found everyone I was looking for, too, except perhaps one. I had a great day of thinking about maybe where I see myself 5 years from now, reflecting on my experience this past year, hearing about new things going on in the area, and genuinely enjoying sitting in the same room with these awesome people sharing some smiles, laughs, and information.

Toward the end of the week a new opportunity came up for me in Omaha. I am so thankful for my Omaha family, the Eagens, helping me out these past few months and allowing me to live with them in the mean time. I am glad I was able to move up to Omaha, and I enjoyed picking up my job at the Egg and I, where I work with some great people and enjoy my work. Yet, for a few weeks I was starting to feel like it was about time. September was a bit of a deadline in my head I had for having something else figured out. Whether that meant having more work to do, being more self-sufficient, or I don't know... just something different. I kept thinking on Tuesday how I was itching for a little change it seemed, but I wasn't quite sure why. Guess my instincts were telling me something was coming. Perhaps an opportunity to do something different.

Through the Egg and I, I have begun getting to know this fine lady Mary. Mary has been living in Omaha for about 4 years now, and she eats breakfast at our restaurant almost every day of the week. She brings in her newspaper, flips through it, reads some articles, brings a smile, enjoys her meal, and is always chatting us up.

Well, Saturday morning she offered for me to come and live with her. She really wants someone around the house to help her out and simply just have someone else around. She is 72 years old, energetic, but has been trying to convince some of the other girls to move in with her for quite some time. When my manager heard this, she said this would be so great for Mary if I was willing to do it. I found myself thinking about it all day at work on Saturday. I called Mary up after I was off work and paid her a visit. Her house is just 3 or 4 blocks from the Egg and I. She gave me a tour of the house, and we discussed some things I could help out with if I were to move in. Pretty much had my decision made before I even called my mom. This felt like the right thing to do. A great way for me to help someone out.

Saturday night I went out to dinner with some of my great friends after a movie. Nice to see some of them, as I hadn't in what seemed like several weeks. We also played a board game, which kept me up later than I normally would like with work the next morning, but it was worth it to spend some more time with my friends while they were in town.

My mom came up Sunday afternoon to meet me at the Eagens, help me move my stuff to Mary's house, and meet Mary. My mom loved her and was excited for our adventure together. She made us take a picture together so my dad and brother could see my new roommate. Mary is not quite this short, she is just quite the character. :-)

I have my own bedroom down in the basement, where I have added a few of my personal touches.

I rode home with my mom to Newman Grove Sunday night after we hung out in Omaha for a little while. I spent the night there and was able to bring a vehicle back with me to Omaha. I had been borrowing the Eagens' extra vehicle these past few months for heading to work and a few other trips.

It was great to spend a little time at home in this quick transition. Came back to Omaha late Monday afternoon. On my way, I received a message from my manager that my friend Becca (manager Jodi's daughter) had her baby boy that afternoon. Asa Dale Davidson. She told me I should show Mary the photo on Facebook. I pulled into the driveway, walked in, and asked Mary if she had seen the photo yet. "No," she said," but as soon as you drop your stuff off we are going to go visit." Off to the hospital we went. Cute little guy. Becca also looked really happy. We both had a chance to hold Asa, and then we went back home for the night to share a few slices of Mary's homemade peach pie. Really good homemade peach pie, by the way. Fun little first night with my new roommate.

So, I decided I wanted to start wearing my National Park of American Samoa pin I was gifted by my ranger friends at the end of the school year. Sits quite well above the logo on my Egg and I polo. Might as well, and it helps remind me of some of my other passions in life. Two big things - sharing a love and appreciation for nature and helping others in many different ways.

Almost every single one of my coworkers asked me what my cool pin was for. Mary also noticed it when she came in for breakfast, commenting how nice of a pin it was. :-)

I had the opportunity to wait on a group of 11 ladies, who were discussing a feminist book together. Apparently this group comes in once a month, varying in size each month. Rumor had it many of our severs never really enjoyed waiting on these ladies, so of course I volunteered to take it. It went really well. No order mess-ups, they were friendly to me, I shared my smiles, a few fun comments, and the Jessica Boschen service and hospitality. They tipped me pretty well, which the supervisor noticed that day. The lady in charge of the group told me before she left that I really did a great job, thanked me, and said she was going to request me for next month. Haha cool. Doing well with this table made up for a slow day, so my tips balanced out.

Mary and I worked in the basement for a while after I came home from work on Tuesday. She has a row of weaving looms and spinning wheels that have been moved around. We are reorganizing and cleaning up a bit down there. I also have a little living room with a couch, chairs, and a TV, once we clear out some of the yarn and such.

Had the 6am shift at work Wednesday morning, and I have been walking to and from work now that I am living with Mary. It only takes me 7 minutes one-way. I love that! Nice and convenient for now. Another slow day at the restaurant. I had a decent amount of customers between 6am and 7am, but then it died down. Mary came in, and I sat with her for a while on my little break. I noticed a different ring on her finger that morning. Right away my brain remembered that Mary had commented on my rings a few days ago - my Black Hills gold rings. I took a double-take at her ring, and I realized we are wearing the exact same one. How cool is that? Perhaps we really were meant to be. Destined roommates. :-)

Mary explained her ring was gifted from her husband when they had visited the Black Hills. I explained how this was my mom's promise ring from my dad that I have recently begun wearing after my return from American Samoa. I also talked about my other Black Hills gold ring I wear on my other hand that was a gift from my parents when our family revisited the Black Hills when my brother and I were in high school.

I had to take a picture of our matching rings. I wear this one on my left middle finger.

I ended up being let go at 10am. Mary was just on her way out, and she took me with her. We ventured out to a Farm Market up near Cherry Hills Plaza. Mary said this was the best one she has found in town. Fun little stop, where we found some great fruits and veggies.

I cleaened up the kitchen counter that afternoon. One of my big projects for the day. Then, I was trying to help Mary with some computer stuff. We were struggling to get her Android phone to sync with her MacBook. I finally gave up after trying many things, and we made a trip to the Apple store. Took that guy quite a while too, and I was just one extra step away from finishing the problem.

Mary is energetic, friendly, loves being with people, loves chatting, is an eccentric driver, tells many stories, and loves to throw in jokes. We are getting along really well so far. I get to help her out, she helps me out, and we get to have some adventures together. Pretty nice deal. Mary even told me when we were driving back from the farm market how she is so happy that I have moved in with her. Here's to a new life adventure. Living with Mary, helping her out, continuing to work at The Egg and I in the meantime, and seeing what else life has in store for me.

I almost forgot to mention the recipe that Mary found in the morning newspaper and showed me right away; we decide we would try it out. She had an eggplant in her fridge the first night I moved in, and she said it's not very often she finds someone that likes eggplant as much as her. We were very excited about our little meal for the night - eggplant and mozzarella melt. Boy did it turn out good! A beautiful little entree with some farm fresh watermelon for dessert. We had a lot of fun cooking it up. Often you will hear people say it is so much easier to cook for two people than it is for only one. I suppose that is pretty true. Another adventure with Mary for the week.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week! I hope to not fall so far behind on my blog again for a while. Just had a lot going on these past few days, and then I am beat when I finally make it to my bedroom for the night. Understandable, right? ;-) Toodles!

Little Vacation in the Ozarks

Headed south to Eureka Springs, Arkansas with Sarah and Cassie Thursday afternoon. New territory for Cassie and me, but a place Sarah has been going for years with her family. Some great family friends of the Eagens actually purchased some land down there after many a camping trips and retired in a home they built down there 10 years ago. After seeing it for myself, I definitely can't blame them for choosing the area.

It is almost 11pm on Sunday evening as I sit here now typing, so my post may not be very lengthy. I'll try to give a quick summary of our little vacation in the Ozarks - yep the mountains.

We drove the straight 7 hours to Rick and Darlene's house in the Eureka Springs area after I got off work on Thursday. I read my book during most of the daylight on the way down. We were looping around and through some mountains the last little stretch. I had met Rick and Darlene once before, and I have heard lots about this lake they live on. I was looking forward to seeing a new area, exploring a bit, and relaxing.

Sarah knows I like to run these days, so as we were pulling in she pointed out a trail I might want to go on in the morning if I woke up and decided to go on a run. That I did. First thing Friday morning, I laced up my running shoes, headed up the driveway, down to the main road, across the one-lane bridge, and down the town of Beaver walking trail along the lake. Beautiful 2-mile loop. This was the first time I used the MapMyRun application on my phone, so it GPS tracked my route as I ran it and timed me. You can see the little map of my run in the following collage.

I even stopped halfway and sat and enjoyed the beautiful scenery for a while. I still can't get over some of the awesome nature that our world has to offer.

We had pancakes for breakfast Friday morning, loaded up our stuff, headed to the marina, hopped in Rick's boat, and onto the lake we went. First thing they asked if anyone was interested in jumping from the famous spot today. "Uh, yes please. I'll do it." That's the first place Rick drove us, too. I hopped out of the boat, climbed up the side, came out the cave, and away I went. Video proof right here. Felt pretty alive.

I actually went off twice. The first time, I sorta forgot til it was too late to put my feet first, and my butt was a bit sore (well more so my hamstring) haha. Jump number two from the 45-foot ledge you see in the video. Nice adrenaline rush to make you feel alive on a late Friday morning. I don't let opportunities like this pass me by anymore. Especially when it is a spot the family knows really well, so I have nothing to fear. Just fun to be had and life to be lived. Sarah has done it numerous times, and I was the only one who did it Friday.

Then we spent some time floating near a bridge. Spent some time sitting on the boat, some floating on some noodles in the lake, and some wishing the clouds would go away. haha

Had lunch at the "Dock 'n Eat" along the lake. Parked the boat, and in we went to the little restaurant. Fun experience. I love little things like that. I enjoyed a kids sized grilled cheese sandwich with some fried mushrooms.

Didn't have as much sun as some were hoping for on Friday, but it was still a good day on the lake. Rick explained how this lake is actually part of a stretch of lakes that spans across 60 miles, including Branson, Missouri. We headed back to their humble abode, and I went on run number two for the day. Loooped a little farther this time, exploring the little campground and heading out past the town of Beaver a bit. Ended up running 3 miles that evening before dinner. Had a few too many snacks on the boat, plus I have simply been enjoying running lately, and I had a beautiful place to run around.

Patties (veggie, salmon, and hamburger were all available), sweet corn, and watermelon was on the menu Friday night. All things we had brought with us from Omaha. Darlene actually did pick up the sweet corn at her local store, as we had forgotten it. Delicious meal though, including a little veggie salad Darlene had made.

Saturday morning all of us girls slept in. Cassie and I woke up about 8:45am, and Sarah about 9:30am. haha I decided Saturday could be my day off of running this time. Felt too comfortable in my cute little bed.

Darlene had told us she had plans to run to the store Saturday morning to pick up some of the giant cinnamon rolls from the bakery. She wasn't kidding when she said giant. Each one was about the size of a dinner plate. She cut them into quarters. They were yummy, too. Also had some grapes and cantaloupe. Some leftover for Sunday breakfast after that.

Back to the marina we went for day number two on the lake. More sun on Saturday, with some clouds from time to time. I did pretty good with my sunscreen over the weekend. Just a little pink in a few spots I must have missed when I re-applied at lunch, but no pain. Tanned a bit, and even the red areas I had have tanned over already. 

We freshened up and headed to a little steakhouse outside of Eagle Rock (another tradition that has become of the Nebraskans heading to Arkansas) for some pizza. Here is a group shot we took before heading to the Office Pub. Was some good pizza. The girl in me is not liking my pink shirt so much at this moment and the photographer in me is not enjoying the upward angle so much for this photo. Oh well, made the best with the table we had and the mini tripod I had available at the time. Don't always have the time to set up the perfect make shift surface. haha Had to post the one group photo we took. Wouldn't be my blog if I didn't.

I'll admit I like my pink shirt a bit better in this photo taken outside the Office Pub. Angles angles angles. haha

Was rather tired, and I put some time into my book before hitting the hay. Woke up Sunday mornin and enjoyed a bit more of the gigantic cinnamon rolls. Then, all the ladies went on a nice walk around the campground and down the trail I had mentioned before. Darlene told some cool stories and historical info along the way. After we crossed back over the bridge heading back to their house, I decided to get a couple miles in running before lunch. I looped back around the campground, ran up the trail, sat on the rocks and enjoyed the lake, trees, and mountains, and meditated and thought for a while. The bottom right corner of this photo represents that, and the top left shows you the rock face I was sitting atop.

Showered up, sat on the deck for a while, and then it was time for the little fish fry. Rick had some bluegill in the freezer he had caught, and Darlene had some onion rings she talked about making. Homemade. Yum yum.

I did eat a few pieces of the fresh bluegill. Not everyday I would have this opportunity anymore, and I make exceptions every now and then. Sure, I'm not really eating much meat these days, but when in Rome :-) The onion rings were quite yummy, as well. Nice last little meal before packing up and heading back North to Nebraska.

Nice little mini vacation weekend in a new area with beautiful area, relaxing atmospheres, lovely sounds of nature, fun with some old friends and new, and new life experiences. Living life. Thank you to my friend Sarah for bringing me along after years of hearing her and Kyle talk so much about it. Also, a big thank you to Rick and Darlene for having us. It was great getting to know them better, see a new area, enjoy the beautiful land, and share some good times together.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and has a good week!