The crazy cat lady is coming out!
So seriously, I saw this cat today and fell in love with it. It's grey and white and chubby. Adorable. I want to adopt it so bad! I might just do it, I haven't decided. I have another interview with Habitat for Humanity on Tuesday... I want that more than the cat. And in other news.... I have an appointment for a second opinion on March 6th. From there I will go to my usual doctor and schedule surgery. I had the ct scan and there's something on both of my ovaries. There's a chance they could be cysts so lets pray for that. Or we could pray for them to pull a Houdini and disappear. :o) I also just read the title of this blog and it sounds questionable.... it means that the crazy cat lady in me is surfacing. You get it. In other other news, I really miss youth group on Tuesday nights. It makes my heart hurt not being there and I've actually thought about quitting school just so I can go. Don't worry, I won't actually do that.
I want to thank you guys for your encouragement and prayers. Honestly, they mean a lot. Blessings to you all!!

What? Etc.
I don't even know if I should be writing this blog right now. I'm a little (ok, a lot) confused right now and scared too. Umm, where do I begin? I went to the doctor (the obgyn) on Tuesday because of some random stuff that was going on with my body. And what a fun time that was! This is why I'm writing this blog- I had an ultrasound, an internal one, and one of my ovaries is really big. So big that I'm calling it my second uterus. During the ultrasound I was calm because I didn't know what it all meant. After the ordeal the dr. told me that it was kind of a big deal. First there was the word ct scan, then the words possibly a tumor, then the word surgery. And that's what's going on. And now all I can think about are the "what if's." What if I wake up from surgery with a hysterectomy? There are a lot of other what if's I've been thinking about too. I just don't really want to actually say them. And then there's the timing off all of this. I don't know if you guys know that I have class 4 nights a week and it's my last semester. My very last semester. I have to stay on top of this research project and this whole thing doesn't really fit into that. It's God's timing though... that's hard for me to grasp.
People have been telling me not to freak out, this happens to people all of the time, I shouldn't worry. I don't know how to respond to that. I'm scared and confused, and upset. And right now, it physically hurts. It hasn't been lately, but now it does. I NEED your prayers. I am not ashamed to ask for them. Please please pray for peace. My heart is so heavy and I really don't know how to let it go. I want to accept whatever God is doing with joy, and right now that's not the case. I don't even know who sings this song, but I heard it today on KLove (I know it's cheesy). I feel like I've been holding my breath for the past 2 days and this made me let it out- "The voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, 'Do not be afraid.' The voice of truth says, 'This is for My glory.' Out of all the voices calling out my name, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth." There was a lot of comfort in that, but I still have a lot to go.
So, I pretty much wrote this blog to let you guys know what's going on so that I don't have to keep telling people. I also need as much prayer as possible and I just needed to get out some of my hidden feelings about the whole situation. Anywho, thanks for the prayers and the kind words and thoughts. I love you guys.

Haven't Done this in a while.....

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
Jamba Juice Smoothie Maker
Camp Counselor
Bank Teller
Shipping Clerk
B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
Beetlejuice
The Wedding Singer
Season 3 of The Office
Season 1 of 30 Rock
C) Four places I have lived:
Santa Maria, CA
Sacramento, CA
Hume, CA
Orcutt, CA
D) Four TV shows that I watch:
The Office
30 Rock
LOST
Good Eats
E) Four places I have been:
Yosemite
The Grand Canyon
Disneyland
TJ
F) Four people who email me (somewhat regularly):
People trying to sell me male enhancement products
My sister Jessica
My boss
Various co workers
G) Four Foods that I love:
Beef Stew
Cheese Enchiladas
Stuffed Crust Pizza
Tacos
H) Four places I would rather be right now:
In my bed with my electric blanket on
On an andventure anywhere
At Hume Lake
I suddenly got the urge to be at some ski resort sipping cocoa
I) Four friends I think will respond:
Farah
Michael
Ashli
Morgan
J) Four things I am looking forward to in the next year:
Graduating!
Getting a different job
Not going to school anymore
Seeing my nephew grow

Excitement
Ok, so last night I had my first class of my last semester. We had to go around the room and say our career goal. We had to say something. So, today I was inspired to look up various jobs and see what I might like. It was so rad! I found some pretty amazing jobs. I even applied for one. It's working as a team leader for Habitat for Humanity during the summer. Totally sweet. Please be praying for me in this endeavour. You know what else I found today? My dream job. It's called an In Home Behavior Therapist. It's pretty much a fancy name for "person who hangs out with kids all day and gets paid for it." Needless to say, I am now excited about graduating. More than ever before. I know God has something sweet for me and I can't wait to find out what it is!

Someday I Might be a Crazy Cat Lady
I wonder if the current crazy cat ladies of the world knew their fate when they were 24. Did they even like cats then? Were there any warning signs? Guys, I don't want to become a crazy cat lady so please slap me if you see it in me.
So, I'm almost done with school. I ordered my last textbooks today. It hurt my wallet a little but made my heart happy. I'm pretty excited though, mostly relieved. I'll finally have a life when I get off work instead of going straight to school and having my mind corrupted with propaganda for 4+ hours. I know, I know, I'll probably miss these days eventually, but not for a while.
I get to go to Hume this weekend. I am almost pee your pants excited about it. It's going to be so sweet. The thought of Hume is definitely going to get me through the week.
PS-I was thinking about quitting the job at the end of Feb because then I'll get to take all of my monies from my 401k. But, lets face it, that's isn't the wisest of decisions. I'm just going to stay until May so I can keep my insurance and stability. Bleck. It was a fun thought though.
Yeah, I don't know what else to write about tonight. I slept in until 11am today which means I'm not going to bed for quite a while. Maybe I'll work on my quilt, that would be fun.
Ok, my ramblings are over. I'll end with this quote from 30 Rock..... "If the whole world moved to their favorite vacation spots, then the whole world would live in Hawaii and Italy and Cleveland."

A Few Additions
Here are a few additions to some great memories of 2007....
-Going to Santa Cruz with Tani and almost fainting on that ridicuous paragliding ride.
-The yogurt creations miracle of 2007 compliments of Parker.

Rebel Rebel
I went to the movies last night and saw "Charlie Wilson's War." It wasn't the best movie ever and there was nudity and some other questionable things in it. Halfway through the movie I got this sudden urge to sneak into another movie. So after Charlie was over, Steven and I snuck into Alien vs. Predator. I was so nervous. It was great though, not the movie, the sneaking in. In jr.high my friends always did it but I never did, I was too scared. I thiink I'm going to steal some bowling shoes next...
Shaws, I enjoyed your recaps of 2007. It inspired me to reflect upon my own adventures. Here are some of my favorite things from our old friend 2007:
-Ringing in the New Year with DDR (dance dance revolution)
-Going to Hume with the jr.highers and hanging out with Joy the whole time because the kids didn't like us
-Getting a surprise valentine's day present from my roomie
-Building forts, going in the hot tub, having late night laughing parties, the ant invasion, lounging, and a host of other adventures with my old roomie Farah.
-Playing laser tag on the 4th of July with all of the fireworks going off
-Seeing my nephew grow
-Celebrating a lot of weddings
-Witnessing God change my girls' hearts at Hume in the summer
-Experiencing change in my own heart
-Getting to know and adoring you know who
-Spending time quilting with my grandma and finishing two more
-Having my last moment of 2007 on Ghostrider at Knotts

There are plenty of other memories, those are just a few off the top of my head. :o) I'm thankful that you were all involved in this past year and hope that 2008 will be filled with just as many blessings. I love you guys

Today
You know, I started the day not completely jazzed about Christmas. I mean, I had a great night last night at the Christmas Eve service and it helped me to focus, but when I woke up this morning, all I wanted to do was sleep in. It's Christmas! Well, I hate to say it, but I opened this gift that changed my day. It's this necklace that I hinted to Mother Hen about and she gave me the impression that she forgot about it. Turns out, she remembered. Yeah, it's beautiful. The most beautiful thing about it though is that the woman who makes the jewelry donates all of her proceeds to help get people clean water in Africa. Love it. I got some other pretty cool gifts too. But the greatest present really is Jesus. I had so much joy opening that necklace, but the present of love and grace and forgiveness and all of the other things that are only possible because of Jesus are pretty much the most amazing things ever. Ever.
I hope all of you had a blessed day and that your thoughts turned to the real "reason for the season." Merry Christmas, love you guys!

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday

I had been anxiously awaiting my final class schedule for Chapman. I checked on-line everyday to see if it was up yet. Not only that but I wanted to be able to plan the 3 Hancock classes I need to take too. The schedule went up on Thursday. My heart sunk when I saw that my Chapman class is on Tuesday nights. What in the world? It was just this past Sunday that I looked around the room in Sunday school and said to myself, "Man I love these kids!" Not only that but James was talking about how he gets so energized on Tuesday nights that he can barely sleep that night. Honestly, I feel like that a lot. And now instead of hanging out with some of my favorite people in the world for 4 months, I get to sit in a class for 5 hours. Woe is me! Just kidding, I'm not that distressed. But I am honestly seriously bummed out about it. I know God is in control though and that gives me some peace.
Other than that, well, it's almost Christmas. It's almost 2008. Wow. Some exciting things happening in 2008. I'm graduating, I get to quit my job and find a new one, I get to see what God will do in my life, sounds good to me. I guess I'm at a loss for words right now. Weird. Love you guys.

O Come Let Us Adore Him!
I think I really adore the word adore. It's a great word. I want to start using it more. Hopefully Michael doesn't steal it from me like all of my other catch phrases... ie: over load 'em, Jesus take the wheel, that's ignorant. :o) Last night I went to the skating rink for Alyssa's b-day bash, I fell a couple of times.
This morning there was a dead crow outside of the door at work. It was a little frightening, I'm not going to lie. It also reminded me of that episode of The Office when they have a funeral for the dead bird. Oh man that was some funny stuff. I feel like doing shout outs once again.
F. Shaw-Geeze I love you! I was thinking an I Hop date on friday.......
P.arker-I have come to the conclusion that, besides Jesus, you are the nicest person I know.
M.Shaw-make it a Christmas raven. Nevermore.
A.Hylton-Your baby is adorable.
M.Organ-Your blogs make me almost pee my pants.
C.Whatever Tom's last name is-In a very short amount of time I will be able to see you. :o)
S.Baxter-Did you wear my skirt? Are you going to send it to me?

Things I have learned today (and it's only Monday!):
1-dead birds aren't as cool as they are in the movies
2-diet dr.pepper is better than regular dr.pepper
3-I need to be nice to people when I get old
4-socks are necessary until February
5-skating is for kids, not adults

Bring on the Holiday Season!
Well, it looks like Thanksgiving is out. I had some good times, ate way more than I should have, and spent some time reflecting on the Lord's goodness, and it was great. So, I'm going to copy Michael and give my Christmas list on here. So, I don't want any gifts per se, but here is a list of organizations that I would like doantions to. Check it out, seriously! If you want to get me a gift, get it from here. Here are the websites....
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
http://www.lifewater.org/
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/

Love you guys! Happy Thanksgiving :o)

"If any of you lacks wisdom (teeth) he should ask God..."
I just thought that was funny. I thought of that verse this morning for some reason and then I put the teeth in there. Good times. It's true, my wisdom teeth are gone. Well, I actually still have one left. A lone reed in the back of my mouth. I hope he survives without his pals around. I think I'll name him to let him know that he's special to me. Let's see.... I think I'll name him Val. There's really no reason why I chose that name, it just popped into my head right now.
The whole ordeal of getting the teeth out was interesting. They gave me valiume which I was actually pretty excited about. In Beetlejuice Lydia tells Adam and Barbara that her mom is "sleeping with prince valiume tonight." Yes, I can even relate my wisdom teeth removal to Beetlejuice. I though, "Man, I can't wait to see what it's like to be on some heavy drugs." Turns out, they didn't do ANYTHING. I took 'em, waited, waited, and didn't feel any different. I was freaking out a little that morning. I had a small thought enter my mind, "What if I just don't go?" I went.
That day was spent sleeping and watching movies. It was pretty nice. I took vicodin and stuff so it didn't really hurt at all. The second day I was getting a little cranky because I was hungry and it started to hurt. The third day I realized that the vicodin made my head hurt and my mouth hurt pretty bad too in spite of it, so I stopped taking it. I was still cranky from not being able to eat tasty food too. The fourth day, I was just mad. I was hungry, bored, and my head and mouth hurt a lot. I'm pretty much back to normal now, which is good. I think I was just hungry.
You know I only write blogs when I really need to be doing something else right? Yeah, I should really be doing some online homework for my hancock class.... Online classes really aren't for me. I don't know how people can do it.
I'm going to give some shout outs to ya'll.
Farah-You are one of the funniest people I know. Hanging out with you last night brought me so much joy. I am so thankful that God prepared you for Michael so that we could be friends. I love you so much! One more thing: 1-Immaturity 2-Age 3-.... You are fabulous. :o)
Michael-I drank one of your diet cokes last night. Thanks. Ok, so I also realized how hilarious you are. I can't imagine actually acting out a scene from Montel in a public place with anyone else. "My soul, my soul must sing...."
Parker-Thanks for the pound of yogurt creations! You are a very giving person and I'm thankful that you're my friend. I'll put a word in with the Chief about you. :o)
Ashli-Tyler is amazing. MAD PROPS to you for the labor. You are incredible. Thanks for giving me the truth about child birth. Now I'm never having sex. Love ya.
Jaz-Thanks for always commenting on my blog. If I ever go to Bako I'm totally going to stop by and say hi. We've had some good memories over the years... Love ya
Steph-Thanks for letting me stay at your place and for getting me all of those gifts. I love them. You're a faithful friend.
Carrie-Thanks for having your future wedding in Minnesota. I'm really excited about going. I've always wanted to see what all the fuss is about. I better see some lakes, that's all I'm saying. Thanks for serving the Lord in Haiti. You inspire me. I love you.
Morgan-Well, I haven't seen you in a while. I don't really know what to shout at you... I still love you though and cherish your friendship. Oh, I thought of something! Shout out to the b-day ride on the Vespa! That was sweet!! I definitely locked that away in my memory vault. Can't wait to hang out sometime soon. PSL (pumpkin spice latte) date soon!
Jesus-You amaze me.

Then you can mash, then you can monster mash
That is probably one of the greatest songs EVER. One time when I was in elementary school, we had this Halloween walk-a-thon thing. They had a DJ there and while we were walking around he played the Monster Mash. That was the first time I ever heard that song. I've loved it ever since.
In other news, I'm taking this class on-line at Hancock called "The Bible as Literature." I kind of love it. I get units for reading the Bible, how sweet is that? Anywho, I had to buy a New Living/King James Bible for the class, and I have pretty much fallen in love with the New Living Translation. Last night I was reading Genesis it said, "And God was sorry He ever made them. It broke His heart." This was in reference to the flood. It reminded me of the robot insurance commercial on SNL, "Why do the scientists even make them?" Or at least in that voice. Fun with scripture.
I can't believe it's not even 10am yet. I hope this day goes faster.... When I get off work on Thursday this coming week, I don't have to come back for 6 days! That is good stuff right there.
Well, that's my life. If anyone wants to, they can bring me a McGriddle at work. That would be nice. Love you guys

Oompa Loopma Doopity Dawsome....
I wrote a new blog and that's totally awesome. Yeah, so pretty much, I'm not really sure what I'm going to write about. I just are some really good potato soup. I love fall. Definitely a soup season. Today, Joy and I went to Oso Flaco. For those of you who don't habla espanol, that means "skinny bear." I'm not a skinny bear after that soup I just had. Oh man. It was incredibly windy. The sand stung our legs and we could have died today. The waves were crazy. I'm not even kidding. It was fun though. Joy is a cool kat.
I got a new Bible. I had to buy it for my class that starts next week. I'm excited because it's the new living translation and I've always wanted to buy it, now I had an excuse to. Good times. Esther the cat is gone. I think she's dead, but Mrs.Hough just thinks she found a new home. If she doesn't come back by next week, I'm going to plan a funeral. I loved that cat. She was so overweight and cuddly.
Work. We decorated for Halloween today. Well, I didn't do it, but my friends did. It's pretty sweet, you guys should come by and see it. By the way, I would really like to receive that raven Michael. You know how much I love that bird.
Well, I think that's all I've got right now. God is good.

The Computer Lab
My class about gangs is getting really old. I decided to come into the computer lab for a while and do all kinds of exciting things like: check my myspace, surf the www, write a new blog, read the latest Creed Thoughts, the list goes on. Good times. Remember the old days in the school computer lab? Oregon Trail rocked my world! Sometimes I would put curse words on the grave sites... oh the good ol' days. Let's see, I'm wasting some good time here, what should I talk about. I'm going to see Tani next weekend in Santa Cruz, very exciting. We're even going to the boardwalk. I hope next week flys by because I can hardly wait for Saturday.
I've been working at a different branch this week and it has been amazing. I want to stay there. I would miss my friends at the other (ghetto) branch, but this branch is so nice and clean and slower. I'm so torn! I'm definitley praying about it, we'll see what God does. I wonder what they're doing in my class right now. I really don't want to go back in there. If they watch a video, I am so leaving.
My nephew says "cookie" now. It's so cute. He's my little cookie monster. It's funny what endearing names we call children: monster, squirt, pumpkin, doll, princess. When you get older, it wouldn't be so nice to call someone a monster or squirt. My dad still calls me pumpkin sometimes, I wonder when that will stop. I don't mind, it's just funny sometimes. I think I'll think of something new to call my kids. That would be fun.
Well, I should get back to class I suppose. I love you guys!

"It's $20, you have to eat it."

Most Dysfunctional Places in Santa Maria
I decided to write this blog while I was wating in the drive-thru line at Taco Bell.....

#1-The Taco Bell by Edwards Theatre
I actually have a lot of stories about this one, therefore I'm naming it the most dysfuntional place in Santa Maria. Here are a couple reasons: one time I wanted to drive-thru before I caught a movie at Edwards but there were police cars surrounding the place so I couldn't. Another time I was eating there with Steven and this guy was standing outside talking to us about the Chumash Casino bus (he was really excited about it). Last time I went there they were out of beans... beans people! And today, I waited in the drive-thru line for about half an hour. Don't get me wrong, I love taco bell, but I have to say, this one just isn't up to par.

#2-The Admin Department at Hancock
What's with the two lines thing guys? You wait in the first line to turn in whatever paperwork you have, then you have to wait in the second line for a really long time to get your receipt. LAME. Why can't they just have one line? Do you guys hear me on this one?

#3-Wal-Mart
Of course. I really don't think this one needs an explanation.

#4-Blockbuster Video by Kohls
I went there one time expecting to pay some late fees and rent "Stranger Than Fiction." When I brought the movie up to rent it they guy asked me for my info because I didn't have my card. I told him and he said, "Is your name Sara?" I said, "No, that's my sister." He pretty much said whatever and checked out the movie under her name. I guess they erased my late fees and my account. Sweet deal for me.... not so much for my sister if I turned the movie in late....

#5-USA Gas Station
That place scares me a little bit. It always crazy busy and they have Subway inside to after people get gas they go inside and get Subway. Meanwhile, I'm waiting for my turn to get gas while that person is standing in the Subway line. They always have the weirdest people working there too. Remind me to tell you guys about the coughing lady...

Well, there you have it. I would have listed my work on there too but I'm not brave enough. Maybe some other day. Love you guys!

The Time Has Come
This blog is just pretty much going to be a recap of my life for the past 3 months or so. Enjoy!
June-That was a great month. I went to Hume with some A-mazing people. I went there to serve my girls... but God did so much more. That week ignited some things in my heart, and the flame is still burning. I feel a Point of Grace song coming on....
July-I said goodbye to my beloved roomie. Took me awhile to get ahold of myself after the wedding, but it's cool now.
August-I went to San Diego for the first time, Reub and Hezza's wedding. It was also my birthday, but we won't talk about that. School began for me once more. Definitely the beginning of the end. woop woop.
It all comes down to the fact that God is just amazing. I'm serious guys, He really rocked my world this summer, and He pretty much always does. I'm really glad I'm His.

Alas, it's almost fall, the season of change. I don't care if Parker doesn't call it, it's fall to me. You know why? Pumpkin Spice Latte is back. My sweet, beautiful, soothing, liquid heaven. I really like fall. You know what else I like right now? Advil. And that's all I have to say about that.

Welp, that's life for now. I love you guys.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation -By: Jennifer Loux
It's coming soon.... I just don't have time to write it right now. :o)

Further
There's this song by Pillar called "Further." It's pretty much my lifesong right now. I know it's kind of cheesy when people say that, but I don't care, I'm saying it. The chorus of the song is: I'm further, further from myself, when I'm next to You, when I run to You. I definitely want to be further from myself and closer to Jesus. Yeah, so I haven't been writing lately. Life is a little crazy, but good. I hope to find time to write a little more soon. I love you guys and please keep praying for me. Thanks!!