Let the Buffy Jokes Begin

So I am playing in my first tennis tournament in nearly a year this weekend. We practiced this morning and had a good time, although we are both pretty inconsistent... Both having moments of greatness, and many others of absolute crap. But what can you expect. Anyway, if anyone feels like watching mediocre tennis on Saturday or Sunday, I will be playing both evenings at 8:15 at Copper River (I think, but I'll check). The Sunday night match is against my parents which could make for some good/annoying family banter... we'll see. I honestly don't really expect anyone to come watch, but the invite is extended.

And yes, just call me Buffy.

Kudos for Me... I went to the Gym!

Now I know many of you exercise regularly as it is part of your weekly routine. I, on the other hand, find making a habit of it incredibly difficult. Despite this challenge, I did make it to the gym today. I will tell you though, that it took everything I had to muster the motivation to drive the block down the street to the gym where I am a member. I suppose for the next day or so, I have no excuse for not getting to the gym, as the place I am staying is so close to the club I belong to. Once I am back in the Ranchos, I think it will be a whole other story.

Back to today's exercising adventure. I bought new shoes a week or so ago, and I have only used them twice to go walk/jogging around my neighborhood at home. Unfortunately my shins reacted almost immediately, discouraging me quite quickly. So today, as I got on the treadmill I was a bit aprehensive as to what I might experience. To my pleasant suprise, my shins were fine... but I am a total wimp and could only go 30 minutes mixing up walking and jogging. It was okay, and I know if I keep going I will build strength and stamina... BUT IT IS SO BORING! (Even with the tv in front of me!) If only there were a way to be tricked into exercising! Roll a ball, and I'll chase it... I don't know... There has to be SOMETHING!

Housesitting

Housesitting is such a strange thing. I mean it makes sense, as there are important daily things that must happen with or without the owners, but it's strange. As a housesitter it seems like a ridiculously easy job to be compensated for, but the value of the small things to the owners are greater than one can understand. Basically my point is, I am living a life of leisure until Thursday morning, have Thursday off, and then back to relaxing for someone else all weekend. Man it's a rough life. My biggest struggle: How do I pass the time between watching movies, taking the dog out and eating? Perhaps I should go to the gym.

Although I make light of it, I truly am happy to help out friends and family.

Pleasantly Bored

Still not much to say... Which I guess is good. Summer vacation is always much needed, but it is easy to feel like I am just wasting time after the first week off. What I keep reminding myself of, is the need for sleep, relaxation and even boredom after nine months of chaos and exhaustion!

With that, I am looking forward to housesitting for the Heinricy's for the next couple of days. Allowing me a change of scenery, plus I will be in Fresno making outings more convenient and affordable with the crazy gas prices! SO if any of you find yourselves bored, call me up!

Not Much to Say

Well it has been nearly a week, and I have little to say but I thought I would post anyway. So Becky is officially gone, and I miss her more already than I anticipated. Been hanging out and getting stuff done, but summer boredom is beginning to set in. Not trying to rub it in, but when there is so much free time, it is hard to stay busy and not get bored.

I did, however, finish my first summer reading, "Birth of Venus," and it was fabulous! I am now reading the summer assignment for my AP Euro class, "A World Lit Only By Fire," and it is a little less readable. Good information, but it is an informational text rather than a novel making it a slower read requiring notes. But there is much to learn.

Anyhoo, that is it for me for now.

Summer Reading: Pt. 1

Let me start by saying, I LOVE SUMMER! Yesterday after running a few errands, I settled in at home and read for the whole day. It was fabulous! Not to mention that the book is great!

My first read is "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant. It is an historical fiction that takes place during the Renaissance in Florence, Italy. The story is captivating and the main fictional story is surrounded by Renaissance history, which I need for next year. Not to say that I will be teaching from this book, but it gives a little more historical perspective. The story is great though because it is probably very realistic in that time and place, but I feel guilty because it feels like I am reading a soap opera. Full of love triangles, murders and a more cultured than religious society... leading to many problems for everyone! Anyway, I highly recommend it and I am only half way through!

School's Out For Summer!

Today was my first official day of summer. Though I did spend the entire day at school cleaning up my room, I am still very happy to be on break.


This weekend allowed for some time of reflection after hanging out with lots of great colleagues, spending time with students and their families and being given new responsibilities at church. Just a few months ago, I felt that Fresno was not for me, and that I was simply a guest in other people's lives, just along for the ride. Amazingly, once I realized that I didn't want to join the Peace Corps things totally changed. I was fulfilled teaching; loving my students, loving my colleagues, loving the work! I am excited for the break right now, but still completely looking forward to fall.

As for church, it has had its ups and downs lately. However yesterday I was given a little more freedom in creating environments that foster the community that we are trying to build at Community Meal. Up until now my responsibility consisted of establishing what food to bring and delegating who will bring it. It is going to be a lot more than that now... Meaning more work, but a product that I can actually feel good about.

What inspired all of these changes? I don't know, but it is a welcomed new feeling. I feel more content now than I have in a very long time, maybe ever. Fresno is where I want to be. Thanks to all of you that have welcomed me into your world and allowed me make it my own!


Looking forward to a great summer.

Grey's Anatomy

I officially have a new favorite show! I knew after watching the season 2 finale of Grey's Anatomy, that I would probably like it. Now, having watched season 1 in its entirety, in one sitting I might add, it is official. What the heck am I going to do now though as I wait for the release of season 2. AHHHHH!

Oh, and I have already decided that once I get my own place again and season 3 starts up, I will be hosting Grey's Anatomy parties for whoever would like to come! Even if it's a party of one, that would be fine... But hopefully I'll find some other G.A. nerds!

So I was Wrong...

Well I said I would post about it, and I am not too proud to admit defeat. I was mistaken; it is not Parker Posey that plays Ray Finkel in Ace Ventura, but rather, Sean Young. Although lets compare pictures to appreciate why I was confused.


Parker Posey


Sean Young