You Don't Want to Know

Today, we commemorate a fellow Oakcrest Graduate at her memorial service. Samantha Devers was an integral part of our 2009 class, and even though I didn't know her well, I knew how much she was a keg to our wheel. Dealing with loss is difficult enough, but dealing with a young loss due to addiction is much harder. We are focusing our condolences by raising money for those dealing with addiction but can't afford treatment; find out more about Sam's story and what you can do to help here.

Today, we also harbour some bad news in the Zarraga family (my mum's side). One of our core members has been experiencing chronic headaches, and after multiple hospital visits and checks, a brain aneurism was found. This aunt has been such a bulwark in my upbringing, always compassionate and supportive, and I would like to be there for her and the family.... Even though the distance is great, I am so glad for prayer, because I'd be lost otherwise in my attempts to help.

Being away from home has its pros and cons. As always, I feel more independent, more attuned to me, and more stable. My appreciation for my family has grown, and I speak to them in more depth than before. However, I'm not there for the critical years of Charley's growth, for the day-to-day occurrences in the Horton household, for the Zarraga family as they deal with ill health, new life, and celebrations. It is what it is, I guess!

Baby, Don't Cry

I currently have 5 jobs, 3 staples and 2 freelance. It is absolutely absurd. Of those jobs, I've quit 2 and reinstated 1 (this seems like a basic logic question in the making....) Rest assured, I haven't gotten any rest. I sleep at 1:30am and wake at 6:45am, I send emails and fill out reports and look like death and feel like death. After an excruciating shift on my birthday, I wanted to just cycle home and cry. But it was my birthday so Vron and Gilday nudged me towards an evening of dinner and delights.

Afternoon Delight: Dancing in the Park

The only tears I had were when I biked home at 10:30 that night; the wind always gets me teary. Thank you V and G for a delightful stay! Although I've been overly worked, having them around was a wonderful and happy time. We kept taking photos of one another, because let's face it, we haven't seen each other in a while and may never all meet again in London! Isn't life absurd?

BFFLs

Nearly Died, Nearly Cried (Job #5)

Me and V and De
sperardos

V, Looking Very Tapestry

The Closest thing to Cake I had on my Birthday! (complements of Job#5, thank you!)

Sighted!!! Sally in her Natural Habitat!!!!

All I have to do now is "wind down" properly. It seems easy enough, but when you've been going and going and going, you don't seem to be able to stop! This energiser bunny is excited because this week, she has 2 auditions and is going to see a show (that I haply won tickets to)!

Life is good.

p.s. I've named my bike "Bathsheba". She was a beautiful bike and over my price range, therefore the biblical reference (to when King David saw Bathsheba bathing on a roof and just had to have her). As I said before, I've been treating her well. I've recently invested in some hard core wheel locks and a matching helmet (because my previous one had a crack in it).

One of these days, I'll give you the pleasure of seeing a photo.

Being Hella Attractive

Isn't so bad. I don't understand the rationale, but I seem to get a lot of random guys talking to me. Perhaps it's because I look them in the eyes and smile, or say "you made it!" as one sleepily walks across 6 lanes of traffic and nearly gets run over. Perhaps it's my overall bubbly persona

or perhaps it's my allegiance to authenticity.

Whatever the case, I hope it gets me more tips at work. Holla!