Old News

What do you get when you combine a Youth Worker, A Student, Hours of Project Runway watched, and Halloween on a budget? You get your own version of a Project Runway Challenge... The Challenge spend little to no money, create a fantastic, memorable black and white costume in less than 24 hours.
First came the 3 min sketch...
Which led to a trip to Costco to grab some packaging tape...and a drive by newspaper stop to load up on free newspapers!!! Then came three hours of ripping, taping and cutting...

After about three hours we had the skirt portion of our newspaper dress...

A few more hours a day later and I had the dress for the Black and White party finished, just in time to debut it at the Halloween Young Life Club.

I went as Old News!

Times Remembered

I went to the middle school today at lunch. Which is not abnormal (for me) I usually go once a week. I go with my good friend Brittany and we wander about the school during lunch hour (we get badges from the office to be "official") saying hi to the students. I love it.

We do this every week at the High School too, but its different. Sure a few high school students say hi and greet us warmly, but usually it is the same bunch and that is fine. At the middle school we often find ourselves surrounded by a mass of students eager to give us hugs, and share their latest crush, trend, word of the day, and even their lunch at times.

Today though, today was like a flashback to my own middle school days. As I watched my little sister interact with her new "boyfriend". I watched as she ran up and grabbed his hat, and quickly set it upon her own head. (which looked much better if you ask me) I saw him start to protest and then realize who it was and decide it was okay.

Oh, how I remember those days. How simple and uncomplicated it all seems now, but thinking back I can recall how I had butterflies and how I all the sudden felt grown up. Part of me briefly wanted to return to those simple flirty relationships for a moment today, as I saw her smile and could see the excitement of it all. But, then there is part of me that is so glad that my Jr. High years are well over and done with.


They were fun while they lasted though.

Tapestry Family CenterIs participating in The Human Race,
May 10, 2008 Registration Begins at 7 A.M. Walk Starts at 8 A.M.

"What is the Human Race?

The Human Race is a nationwide community fundraising event for nonprofit organizations. The Santa Cruz County Human Race features a 10k walk and fun run beginning at Natural Bridges State Park and winding along beautiful West Cliff Drive.

Local organizations and businesses recruit walkers/runners/pledge-gatherers to raise funds for various participating Santa Cruz County non-profit organizations.

Participating nonprofit organizations receive 75-85% of funds raised and the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz receives the remaining percentage to coordinate and stage the event."



I am participating by walking along West Cliff in Santa Cruz and I would love for you to join me if you live in the area. If you don't you can also show your support by making a pledge. Either way please visit My Human Race Page to join me in raising support for Tapestry Family Center.

Thanks so much! Trinity

Sight Seeing

Friday is my normal day off, but not usually a day off for my other friends so not usually worth too much of a fuss. This week though my friend Brandon and I took off for Monterey to board a boat to watch for whales. The weather decided to cooperate with our plans, and the rain held off, as the sun broke through.

We had just left the parking lot when we were stopped by a man with a badge. He claimed that I had been caught smiling. Immediately I thought, "oh no. We are on Candid Camera." (because the shoot that show in Monterey.) As it turned out we were just being asked for a donation to help battered women and children. We both got a sticker mine having a cat smiling, and Brandon's was supposed to be a still shot of him, was in actuality a cartoon of Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes picking his nose.


Since arrived at Fisherman's wharf early so we grabbed a bread bowl of award winning clam chowder enjoying it and the view. After some browsing of gift shops we made our way over to our boat. The Sea Wolf II.
We boarded the boat and rode the waves out to sea. There were some nice size swells and we got sprayed in the face more than once, but we both kept our lunch. Once we had traveled a bit whales were spotted at 1 O' Clock and for the next hour or so we spotted quite a few of them. We saw mostly their backs and spouts but caught a glimpse of a few tails as well. It was a good way to spend a Friday.



You can check out all the pictures on my Flicker site just click on the Flicker icon on the Right of the page.

storm watch

This image I found today was titled "Before the Storm"

My friends this is where I am headed for the weekend. Oh joy.

I am taking a group of Sr. High students to spend the weekend at South Lake Tahoe. Please keep us (keep me) in your prayers. I am actually looking forward to the trip, but that may just be my need for a vacation out weighing the storm watch headlines.

In all seriousness, I think that this trip has the potential to be great, and I want to have a great time with the students who are coming. So please pray for safe travels, safety on the slopes (not me, of course with the foot and all) and for students to really have hearts and minds challenged this weekend by God through the times of worship and messages. I might have a chance to post while we are away, but don't count on it.

Thanks for your prayers.

Name Fines

I have always had a thing about names. Sometimes I really question parents' sanity and cruelty when naming their children. We have all heard winners like Ima and Ura Pig or Bar Bee Que and now celebrities naming their children things like; Apple, Camera, Puma, Denim, Suri...It's as if they just looked up and named the first thing they saw.

Then this weekend I was hit with a whole family of names that should have never happened and that is why I was so pleased to find out that the people of New Zealand are taking a stand and finally doing something to punish the parents for naming there children such sad names.



Maybe this will catch on here in the states. In fact maybe my friends at Child Care should take it upon themselves to start fining parents who drop off kids with horrible names. You could put the money towards next summers Child Care Shirts or Retreat.

Question of the Day #2...

Share the joy of your favorite...What's your favorite Web site?

Question of the Day...

Who's your favorite Muppet? And why?

Can't Shake It

I cannot shake the overwhelming desire to spend at least a year traveling the globe. I guess I got bit by the infamous travel bug. I know that a trip of this magnitude is in the distant future, as much as I desire for it to start tomorrow. But I want to start planning and dreaming. So if you or someone you know have ideas of where to go what to see or whom to stay with start posting away. Dream with me.

Warm Stones

Oh my gosh. Yesterday I went back to The Spa Los Gatos for my friends birthday. But this time instead of having a deep tissue massage. I had the Warm Stone Massage. And let me tell you...this is heaven. Okay a slightly awkward at first Heaven, but heavenly non the less.

Of course given my last Spa experience was less than a month ago I this time I knew what I was getting into. I knew what size robe, and sandals I wanted, and I knew my way around. I knew they were being ironic when they mentioned they had a library and I knew how much clothing I was expected to leave in my locker. So I came into the whole Spa experience much more relaxed, the way you are supposed to enjoy it.

There were some things I did have to get past though. Like the fact that my massage was given by a man this time, and that we went upstairs, I did not even know there was an upstairs. But once I got past that, and was able to relax, trusting that my sheets were not going to fall on the floor, then it was how I hope Heaven will be.


The fist 15 min. He just used his hands to feel where my tension was, and then, then he grabbed some warm stones from a tub of water and began using them as extensions of his own hands. And I began to melt.

Up until that point I thought he was just going to set warm rocks on my back and then when my mussels had relaxed from the heat he would work on my back again. But no, for 80 min. He rubbed the warm stones into my tired body, and every pain and anxiety I had (minus the one about my sheets slipping off) melted away.

If you have never had this experience I suggest you stop whatever you are doing and go get some warm stones and oil, and a strong guy. You will love it. I do have a disclaimer though, if you are my friend Carol or if you are married, or perhaps if you are a guy, you may not find this as enjoyable as I did. But for the rest of you this is a must do.

Followed by a Steam Shower filled with the sent of Jasmine and my skin was like butter.

Seriously, take my word for it and go find a stong guy and some warm stones and oil.

Aquarium

While my parents were out gallivanting around Burkina Faso with my sister Krista, I took Lizzie, Jordan, Mr. Crabs (Brandon) and Cindy Loo Who (Cassondra) to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have got to say, perhaps the best part of my day was discovering that if you take a Season Pass Holder with you to the Aquarium, it comes with nice perks such as skipping the forever long line. As well as discounts at the gift stores. Who knew, being friends with Crabs finally paid off ;) Just kidding. But seriously not having to wait in a line that went on forever was a huge relief.


I had not been to the Aquarium in years, in fact I don't even recall when it was that I was last there. But I enjoyed it much more this time than the first. Maybe it was having the kids with us, watching them take it all in, or maybe it was just that much better. I am not sure, but it was a great way to spend the day, with family and friends.

http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/scbeachgirl/Aquarium/

My Birthday

Concert in the Park

Here are some pictures not great pictures but pictures non the less from the Brandi Carlie concert I got to go to last week! It was amazing, but if you want to read about it just check out Brandon's Blog, he is a great writer, and took such great notes, I am sure everything you may want to know is in what he has already posted. Sorry about the quality of the pictures, they are from my phone...no I did not forget my camera, just the memory card that goes inside it :) Ahh technology.

No Pain No Gain

Most people go to a spa to relax...I guess that is why I went, to relax and be tortured at the same time if that is possible. Meaning that I went knowing that I had signed my self up for a 65 min deep tissue massage. Perhaps I am one of those people who enjoy pain, I don't know, but what I do know is that I was looking forward to my hour and five minutes of intense pressure, in hopes that it would produce the desired result of less pain in the hours following. What I did not expect is how hard it was to relax at a spa.

I have never been to a spa for anything other than a hair appointment, and then you are in the salon, so it doesn't really count. When I arrived at the spa I was kindly greeted by a few girls sitting behind a huge desk. Then quickly ushered through a etched glass door into a dark hallway. Having no idea where I was heading, I just focused on keeping up, as well as trying to retain all of the information spilling out of the girls mouth leading me.

"you are hear early, so you can relax in out library" She said pointing in the direction of a even darker room lit only by maybe three tea lights. I could kind of make out a book shelf. She went on,"when you come back here you can fill out this form before your technician (this is not a relaxing term) comes to get you." She continued on so I followed. "Here is the Ladies lounge," she said as she ushered me through another doorway. I entered a lit room with a counter and hair dryers, products and little stools to sit upon in front of giant mirrors. (oh goody, giant mirrors are always comforting, in bright light) Why not have the dim light in this room and the lights on in the room where you are supposed to fill out forms and read books. I was about to ask her this when I realized she was still dispensing information. So I just listened and kept walking. "Here are the toilets, the changing room and here is your locker. You have locker L here in the corner. Okay?"

I wasn't she why my opinion on which locker was important, but I said, "oh sure."

"Alright then you can change into this robe and these slippers, and then relax in the library. Any questions?" I was still trying to look like I had done this a million times before, "nope." She disappeared around the corner. Seemed simple enough. I used the bathroom, and then realized that she had not given me a key or a code for my locker. I sat there and worried for a min. But then when I got back to my little locker I found a key in the lock. How handy.

So I grabbed my robe and slippers and headed into a changing stall (side note do not make the mistake of typing a s in place of a c in the word 'changing')
It was not until I got in there that I realized I did have a question..."how much am I supposed to be wearing under this here robe?" But it was too late, the rambling girl was gone. So after debating with myself I decided that I was not supposed to wear anything under the robe, because the end of my session would be ending in a shower, and no one wears clothes in the shower.

Don't get me wrong I have had massages plenty of times before, but they are all different, some in full clothes, some in under wear and others in your birthday suit.

I was okay with my decision to ditch the clothes, that was until I got back to the library. And went to sit down and realized that this robe had no intention of being on my side. It wanted to play peek-a-boo (now I understand the need for the low lighting) with the old man sitting across from me trying to see his form enough to fill it out. He gave up. I tried to fill mine out and not lose the robe in the process. All of which was anything but relaxing. Finally just as I was starting to flip through a magazine, my technician came to take me away.

She lead me down another hallway and into yet another dimly lit room. She said, "I'll leave you here and be right back when you are ready." And left. Luckily I have done this part before so I hung the robe up and slipped onto the table, under the sheets. "okay time to relax, finally..." But then, there was the constant dripping of water noise...along with the stuffy nose that I had, from the smell of the candles or something...which left me to breath through my mouth, which seemed really loud in that room.

But even with all of that the massage was wonderful, painful but amazing... and it turns out I made the right choice in wearing only the robe. And I was glad that I had taken the time to shave :) And the steam shower was absolutely relaxing.

All in all it was stressful at first and but by the end I felt like...well like me but a nice relaxed version of me. Until I had to drive my stick back over hyw17 :)

Not Quite Italy

I've been meaning to write about this far a few weeks now. I was waiting to get some pictures off of my phone to post along with the blog, but I am thinking that may never actually happen...so here we are without the visuals.

On a Saturday two weeks ago I took Lizzie (my little sister by 14 years) out for the day. When I picked her up I figured we would just run some errands and end up at the beach. But as it turned out our day took on a life of it's own.

We did run an errand, but then because it wasn't quite warm yet we decided to go downtown. When we got there the streets had been transformed into a rainbow of tents. Surrounded by balloons and filled with people. It was Children's Day in Santa Cruz. So we wandered through the various canopy's and in and out of stores truly enjoying Santa Cruz. As we were strolling along we were instructed to clear the street, because the parade was coming. I love a parade, even the lamest parades offer ample opportunity to people watch with out being rude. And this parade did not disappoint in that regard. This was a bike parade to celebrate the end of Bike to Work Week. At first it was just a bunch of kids with steamers on their bikes, but soon came some of Santa Cruz's best. Bikes fully decked out in propaganda, people dressed to match their bikes. There were those with huge butterfly wings, a guy who had transformed himself and his bike into a giant bug. There was a whole squad of unicycle riders of all ages and heights. A guy on stilts who missed the memo about the bikes. Someone who had deconstructed their bike so that there was nothing connecting the front to the back allowing for some interesting stunts. Others had also altered bikes to hold up to 6 people on two levels, I am not sure why those on top had pedals but they were doing their best to be a part of the team. It was a truly Santa Cruz parade.

When it was over and we were allowed to cross the street, we wandered into Urban outfitters and each picked out 7 outfits for the other to try on. Creating a mini fashion show if you will. To both of our surprise everything fit and we did not buy anything.

Then we made our way back to the car but stopped along the way to make a chalk drawing together. Then covered in chalk we washed off in a near by water fountain, and proceeded to the car. But on the way a sign caught my eye advertising a Saturday Market in the park. So instead of turning left we continued on and crossed the bridge to the park. The Saturday market left much to be desired, but we stumbled upon a Broadway review that was just about to take place on the Duck Pond Stage. So we plunked down on the grassy hill to watch the show. It was by this time sunny and getting quite warm. We sat there together soaking it all in.

We left a bit early, to get back to the car in time, jumped in and headed to lunch. We ended up deciding to eat at the Crows Nest overlooking the beach, harbor, light house and Ocean. We sat outside upstairs to take full advantage of the beauty. By the time lunch was over we decided that it would be okay to save the beach for another day. Ran another errand and headed home. We finished off our day with the rest of the family enjoying BBQ Hamburgers on the patio.

It wasn't quite Italy, but it was a beautiful day filled with vacation like moments. And plenty of memories.

Happy Moments

I have been thinking about what makes me truly happy. You know the kind of happy where you just cannot help but smile inside and out. Where you feel totally content. I guess the train of thought started on Tuesday AM when we (my fellow staff and I) were praying, we prayed for joy. Now I firmly believe that there is a difference between joy and happiness, and I don't really want this to turn into a theological discussion about the difference between the two. I just wanted to share what it is that makes me happy with the hopes that it might inspire you to think of what it is that makes you smile. And perhaps thank God for some of those things that we just take for granted. So here is my list thus far...

Dancing, candles, a good cooking show, cooking, sitting outside at a cafe and people watching, coffee, my family (most days), students who get "it", packages that are from friends (not the IRS), cards, snuggling, when I finish a task, spending time with God, the beach, the sun, a good (but not long) rain, certain songs, old people (the funny nice ones not the grouchy ones), chocolate (this is new for me, I used to not like it), time with my closest friends, buying presents for people just for fun, cute shoes, shopping for my house or a new outfit, the days I wake up and look in the mirror and think "not bad", when I get to write, when I am inspired with a new idea, having fresh flowers in my home, eating out with friends, being held, praying, reading a good book, watching a travel show or a movie about Italy, traveling,driving,throwing parties...

Okay, now it is your turn. What makes you Happy.