Beach Vacation...Part 1

I'm on a beach vacation and absolutely loving it. Started in Clearwater then went down to Anna Maria Island. I have loved every minute of it. I have spent all of it with family and friends. I am truly blessed to be able to have opportunities like this. My "adopted" sister, Jennifer, got married over the weekend. It was wonderful, she looked beautiful and it was a fabulous party. I've got more to tell about this beach vacation, but right now I want to see starfish.

Universal Studios

This past Friday was a fun Friday. I went to Universal Studios with my friend Christy and her son Elvis. Christy and I went to college together and have since reconnected. I am happy about that. We had so much fun. I was able to get in for free. I got a free summer pass because of my employment. There are quite of few perks I can cash in on because of my occupation. I really need to cash in on them more often so hopefully that will change. Well, anyway, it was fun Friday for us. Got into Universal Studios for free...Wahoo! We rode quite a few rides, chatted quite a bit about everything under the sun, it was hot and it was so much fun! It's nice to be in a state where there are so many attractions and I have no problems being a tourist in my own state. I like going to Universal, Disney and what not because its fun. I know I can visit quite a bit so every time I go it is a fun time. I am relaxed for the most part because I know I can come back again multiple times. So "no hurrying to every ride to make sure I do everything" attitude here. Haha! We rode Disaster, Men in Black, E.T. and saw the Shrek 4-D and Animal shows. All the shows and rides at Universal are based off of the movies so the park resembles a back lot or production studio. They actually do have live studios there that movies are filmed in so it's not just an amusement park. I had the fabulous opportunity of playing the part of a "villain" in the disaster ride show. They show you how they make movies, particularly movies that feature some kind of "disaster". Hence the name, haha. It was fun...I wore a white coat, a hard hat and plastic glasses. When the movie was shown at the end of the ride, it looked as though rocks were falling on us, the villains. It was fun. I've always wanted to take part in one of the rides and I finally got my chance. Then Christy's son, Elvis, took part in the Animal show. He was excited. After we left Universal we hung out at her house. I enjoyed just sitting around, chatting, laughing and watching her boys play in the backyard. Wonderful end to a fabulous day.

Summertime Nothing

Okay some of you might think I'm ridiculous, crazy and/or might not know what to think, but honestly it doesn't matter.

Guess What?!?!?!?

I love doing nothing during the summertime! Not going anywhere, waking up at 12 noon or later, staying in my pajamas all day. That all sounds good to me. No, I don't do this everyday, but a few times a week I do it and I love it! It's wonderful. I don't have many things going on lately that I have to do or really want to do. It will all be over soon so I am enjoying it as much as possible bcause in less than a month it's back to work. Summertime...doing whatever, whenever!

Workcamp...A reflection!

For the past nine summers I have been attending a summer workcamp in my town. Honestly, I can't believe I have done it this long and am I not stopping anytime soon. Wahoo! Every summer for two weeks I join other adults, middle school and high school students reroof, repaint, and other jobs in this wonderful town that I call home. I've met some really cool people, reconnected with friends from the past and made some lasting friendships. It's always crazy, always fun, always hot, always hard work and always something I look forward to every summer.

But................this summer, 2009, was different! There is a christian emphasis at this camp. Spreading God's love through service for the community is the focal point. Yes, I'm a Christian, but haven't really been a strong one lately. Well...this summer, that has changed a bit. God and myself had a little discussion, well actually it was him talking more than me. I was doing the listening and boy did I listen. God showed me just how real he really is! I know that's not a grammatically correct sentence but whatever. I was able to see just how important he is in my life. No, I didn't have some tragic injury! Although I did get some scraps...haha! God changed my mind and my heart for the better. I knew all along workcamp was a fabulous thing, but crazy as it seems I didn't fully realize that until this summer. Not only did he change some of the kids at workcamp; he changed me also. I'm an adult, but I am still learning and growing! I am thankful for that. Yes, I am an adult leader there to help the students, but at the same time God was helping me. That makes me happy!

If you have never heard of this workcamp, you should hear about it.

If you have never been to this workcamp, you should go.

Nine years ago...I had never heard of this workcamp nor had I been to this workcamp.

Nine years later...I have heard of this workcamp and I have been.

It's life-changing. It's fabulous. You work your butt off, you sweat, but it's something I do every summer. I love it!