+/-

I am trying to stay positive with all the gloom and doom going on in the world. It is so easy to get caught up in every problem that surrounds you.

When do you draw the line?

Negativity is like a thief in the night, you wake up and realize your happiness and quality of life is near zero! So, this morning I woke up thinking, I'm going to make the most of the day and just smile.

I did an alright job... but boy does life throw interesting situations at you. I loved my job at one point. I can pretty much pin-point when I lost the caring part. I am sure this feeling is mutual in with some jobs in this market, as leader have to make tough decisions. Even though I am now on my final count down to be out of there, it is hard not to feel the thickness in the air.

My goal the next few weeks and months is to find that perfect balance in caring for others and other things, with out damaging myself with the negativity. I want to weed out the things in life that do not lift me up or make me appreciate life. I am sure it will not be easy...

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a
desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.
E. B. White

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding
on. Henry Ellis

Changes...

Over the weekend Jake and I found an amazing deal on a sectional/sleeper. It is exactly what we have been looking for and for under 1k! (we have been searching for over a year.)

I should be jumping up and down that the man room is actually about to come together, meaning NO MORE video games downstairs!!! However, I am getting that throw-up feeling in the pit of my stomach because that means, the last of not only my stuff, but the last of anything that was purchased in BOTH of our seperate single lives of the past, will be gone.

I have to make the call this morning, to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples, to come and pick up my last remaining symbol of single Christal. I know everything will work out, but it is hard not to think of the what ifs...

I just need to trust the big guy up stairs, that all this is supposed to happen and that I am on the right track...

God's Visitors...

I feel that God introduces you to people for a reason, a season, a time. Through my work I have had the privilege to get to know different types of people. I received a message today that just lifted me up a bit and had to share.

Thank you to my friend Evie for her kind words, thoughts, and prayers!

"Enjoy your last month of work at the church! And many prayers for
your continued education, your next step in the relationship with Jake, and generally, for your future . You are a gifted young woman and I would love to hear how God guides your life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He WILL direct your path." (Proverbs 3:4-6)
Take THAT to the bank, Christal!!! Lol"

Great lil' Place to Eat!

Last night Jake got home after being in his insurance class for 11 hours. I was not in the mood to cook, nor was he. We hashed out where we could eat and could not come up with anything. Finally, I remembered a new little place popping up about six months ago called: David Wong's, Pan Asian and Sushi.

We decided that is where we would go, throw caution to the wind and try it.

Boy was I SOOOO glad we tried it! It was a great find! We ordered edamame, miso soup, and three different sushi rolls, plus two glasses of wine and two glasses of Japanese beer for $50!

There was one roll I took a chance on. It was called the Las Vegas roll. It was such a complex roll with so many different flavors hitting your pallet! It had raw sliced Jalapenos right on top! mmmm!

The restaurant is in Bonita Springs, next to Big Al's. Great place. Try it.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/146/1438620/restaurant/Fort-Myers/David-Wongs-Pan-Asian-Sushi-Bonita-Springs

My Slice of Americana

This past Fourth of July weekend I had the privilege to visit Jake's home town of Wyomissing, PA. The weekend visit started out with me finally watching the infamous sledding video of Jake and Nick. (anyone close to Jake has heard the story a million times over) I have to admit the sledding video was pretty funny, especially the third time Jake showed it, just so he could slow down the part where Nick slams his head into the ice, followed by 12 year old Jake saying, "oh shit, he's bleeding"... with chuckles of his dad video taping!

(Jake and I on the Fourth)

(the street Jake grew up on)

The weekend was filled with Family, Friends, and Food. It was perfect.

(the Johnsons)

Jake wanted us to stay at his parents house so we could experience all of the fourth. (let me tell you... it is quite the production) On the morning of Fourth of July, the Wyomissing fire chief (who lives across the street) played his patriotic music over the loud speaker at 7am to mark the beginning of the morning. About 45 minutes later the oldest fire truck in Wyomissing, travels down the parade route with its siren on to clear the route for the parade.

By 10a.m. the street was filled, guest had arrived, and we are all in our spots to watch the parade. At the start of the parade a family walks the route passing out flags. This happens every year... after years of collecting flags, the Johnson's and their neighbors have enough to cover the entire street. It was so awesome to feel the closeness of this town and to experience how everyone comes together for this yearly event. Of course I always get teary-eyed when it comes to patriotism and such. I admit I teared up when one of the bands walked by playing, "Your a Grand Old Flag" and the Pearl Harbour survivors followed.

(The Johnson's front yard)

(My Flag)

(Nina and Katie awaiting the parade)

(All the flags)

(Nina Doing her part in setting up)

The weather so beautiful. I think the hottest day was 84 degrees. At night we slept with the windows open. Thanks to Katie, Nina and I got to shop at the Vanity Fair shoppes. It is an old factory turned into an outlet store. It is a really good place to get deals. One section of this old factory, I was able to purchase authentic Red Sox gear for $9!

On Sunday Jake, Myself, Nina, Nick, and Katie all piled into the Rav 4 (the rental) and drove to Hershey Park. It was sooooo awesome. I have to say, Hershey Park blows both Disney and Busch Gardens out of the water any day. There was soooo many roller coaster and even a water park inside the regular park. Anybody and everybody had something they could participate in. One funny experience I encountered that day, was a ride called the Mouse. To the untrained eye one might think it was merely a child's ride, like the one at the fair. As I sat on the ride, Jake and I began to reminisce about the Lombardi's experience on a similar ride, and how they were a little freaked out. At that very moment those words came out of my mouth... My heart stopped. The ride turned into the scariest ride I had ever been on. High up on the top it jerked you around, giving me the feeling we would fly off. I have to admit now (or else Jake will make me) I did cry. I was petrified on a child's ride. I could do any of the roller coasters that flipped, looped, hung, had 97 degree drops, but I could not handle the evil child's ride!! uggghhh.

(Hershey Park Sign)

(In route to the Chocolate Factory)

We unfortunately did not get a chance to go into Philadelphia. However, Jake and I are planning to make a trip next year to see the Phillies play and stay the night in the city.

(Downtown Philadelphia)
(My first Locust)

I was able to enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak from V & S Sandwich Shop. It was yummy, messy, and all around delicious!

The trip was a success. My favorite part of the trip was the Fourth of July. Thank you to the Johnson's for having us at their house. It was amazing!! I can't wait for next Fourth...