Oh something to say!

I have nothing to input right now. Except that I would like to restart my blog, so friends and family can look to see what I'm up to.

Right now, it's Spring Break. And that is a very crazy time for us at the Y. Some are taking vacations, me I am getting yelled at by uptight parents.

I have to kiss a lot of parental booty, and I'm more or less fine with it. The problem is when they forget that everything isn't all about them, and we can't accommodate absolutely every single one of their needs.

I wish more happy parents told us how happy they were with our programs. It's always the angry ones, never the ones that had a great time.

Anyway, like I said, I'd like to restart my blog. So to the future!

Dolly

I love this woman:

She is amazing. I was just doing some googling, looking up quotes, etc.

Anyway, not a ton to report. Things are good. I was pretty excited about my run this morning.
I'm trying to get on pinterest, I'm a little confused about this.

Still looking up teaching jobs.
Ummm... ok love you friends and family. I'm heading to bed.

Caught.

Yeah you guys caught me. This picture thing is NOT working out. I'm simply not a picture taker! I forget everyday that I'm suppose to, until like 9pm and at that point I could take a picture of me without make-up or Goose, which basically means there would be 366 days worth of Goose pictures!!

So I'll just try to write more, and post pictures as they come.

SO I am still sick, it's been like a month. Unbelievable. I'd like to get better please.

I started my walk/run Y program yesterday morning. I ran 3 miles, which was way too hard. I hate starting over, what a bitch! I'm technically starting out better than I did before the half marathon, but still! So every Saturday morning I meet with the walk/run club and we do a run together to train for the Race to Robie Creek "The hardest race in the northwest" or the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon--both of which I'm hoping to do. We'll see. Later I went and helped with the climbing team at Urban Ascent, belayed for 2 hours, holy crap do my hands hurt!!! I had a lot of fun though, and I'm really hoping to climb sometime soon.

I have to run 6 miles today. YUCK.

I'm getting my hair did Wednesday, finally. I'm so freaking excited.

Natalie is coming to Boise in March, which I'm really freaking excited for!!!!

I'm sure there is more, but I'll just leave you all in anticipation. And I'll try to post more pictures, but like I said, just not a picture taker.

3

I'm so bad at this already!!
I'm going to be posting a lot of Goose-egg pictures, so here's another one (it was taken today!!!):

Hopefully something better tomorrow!! I mean, this one is adorable anyway!

Day 2

I forgot to take a picture today, so I'm downloading one from the Internet and using it to explain my day. Definitely cheating.

I went rock climbing tonight, at the West Y, on a wall, and I look nothing like this. But maybe one day this will be me! Minus the brown hair... but look at those muscles!!!

January 1, 2012

I almost missed my first picture! Eeesh that would have started the year off just right!

Last night, New Year's Eve, was the Y's Kid's Night Out: New Year's Overnighter. This means that thirty kids between 5 and 12 came to the Downtown Boise YMCA to spend the night. I am the coordinator for this, so I got to put the whole thing together and then spend the night with the kids. I also had 10 teens to deal with as well. These KNO's are so stressful! There is so much happening all at once, and frankly I'm just new and super worried and high strung anyways! So last night we got an inflatable bouncy house, Mr. Wizard. He was a BITCH to put up! We had to go to the West Y to procure him, and then down to DT Y to get him ready. He weighs like 400 pounds. It sucked. BUT once he was full of air, it was pretty cool, and the kids loved it! Which I hear is the most important part.... I guess. So here is a picture of him:

Last night the kids also got to go to the roof and shout HAPPY NEW YEAR'S! And blow, shake and rattle all their noise makers... kids can do this for like an entire hour. They swam, ate, and watched a movie. FInally around 2:30 kids were in bed and ready to sleep. By 4 I got to! !!!!! I then had to wake me, and everyone else up at 6:30-7. Needless to say I am very tired and crabby today.

I finally got to leave the Y around 9am, drive my employee home, and then get Goose for the next adventure of the day, which was the New Year's Day 5K. Here is a picture of Goose's first race:

He did very well. However he's limping pretty bad these days. I'm not sure what to do, I've looked over his legs, and pulled them, put pressure all over them, and he won't let me know what hurts, so I'm not sure if it's just the cold or what! After awhile he sometimes doesn't limp. SO I'm not sure what to do. Bring him to a vet, I'm just worried about cost. Same reason I haven't seen a doctor for my knee. Either it will go away, or get really bad. Dumb.

So two pictures to start off the year. I'm exhausted, and have so much more to say, but tomorrow is a new day, which I'm taking off from work!!! I'm going to turn my work phone off and everything!!!

2012

I'm gonna start that whole 366 pictures deal! So get ready. AND TAI, i have so much more, i'll update soon i promise!

In recent news....

I need to update this more frequently! But I'm so busy/tired slash mostly lazy.

So I now have an apartment in Boise! All the paperwork and such is working its way through. If all goes as planned the apartment will be MINE on Sept. 19th! I'm so excited about the apartment, but getting one costs a bit of money up front. Especially when you add a pooch.

The apartment is a studio. It has a little nook for my bed area, and nice big living room and an awesome deck! The kitchen is pretty big and has a bar, so once I get some stools I'll have my dining room. I can't wait to get in there and spend MORE money. UGH. Here are two pictures.

This is the kitchen (duh). Good size for such a small space. I love it. 

The deck (again duh). To the right of the windows is the little nook area for my bed. Behind me is the living room. And to the back right is the kitchen. The bathroom is on the right when you enter from the outside. I don't know why I decided to take the worst pictures ever. I'll have to try and take some better ones once I'm all in. 

I also want to build this headboard for my bed:

I don't think that's the color I want, but something in that family.

OH I'm planning on running the Vegas half marathon with Amy. I've been training for six days now. And I don't think I've gotten anywhere yet. But it'll happen, I have to keep pushing. This week is really the beginning of training the REAL beginning. I'm following a workout schedule and everything. What I NEED to do is start actually eating the right foods. UGH. I always knew it would eventually come to this. But the only way I'll feel healthy and like running is if my insides are flowing with good healthy juices. Again wah wah. 

I'm EXHAUSTED. That's what happens when you yog in 90 degree heat. And your brain melts, because you should never yog, jog or run in 90 degree heat! Uh, Courtney hello!?

As we requested...

I'm doing such a bad job at updating this thing! I keep going into it and I start typing, but then I have no idea what to talk about.
Tomorrow is my birthday! And I have to wake up at 5:30 in the morning to get ready for camp, where I'll drive to Home Depot/Winco in Eagle, jump in the Y suburbans that will take me to the Horsethief reservoir where the Y camp is. Everyone in the Youth Branch will be going on this little retreat. I think it will be a fun birthday. I am not looking forward to getting up so early though. The camp is just outside of Cascade, ID, if you all are interested you can google it.

Here is a picture of the reservoir itself. The camp is not directly on the lake, but we do have a lake front area.


This weekend I weekend I got my new phone, which is amazing, and hard to believe I got it for my job! I love it.

I also went to Tour de Fat. It's put on my the New Belgian Brewing Company, to promote riding your bike, healthy living, being environmentally friendly and drinking beer. I volunteered, and got a tshirt, two beer tokens and a painful sunburn. It was fun, very weird. The tour goes to a bunch of cities, Fort Collins, Denver, San Francisco and Austin!

I know none of you will believe me, but Boise is a very cool city. I think it might be working its way into the "coolness" of Seattle or Austin. I know, you don't believe me, but when you guys visit, you'll agree.

I haven't found an apartment yet, I'm taking my time, I need to still get adjusted.

I'm not sure what else to talk about, my job is fun and different and a lot of work and not a lot of work at the same time.

I miss my friends and family quite a bit, and my Goose-egg most of all. I had a horrible day dream of him running away, I can't wait to have him back. People in Boise are very friendly and I don't think I'll have too much trouble finding friends. If I can only have one of the things mentioned above, it would be Goose. Sorry friends, you know how much I love that pooch! He's my living, breathing, ball obsessing security blanket. (And my mom misses him to! Hard to believe-- I know) I am glad to have my mom around, she of course makes things easier.

I started watching Mad Men, it's an infuriating series, it's hard to believe women were treated that way. I just finished a book on Auschwitz, that was uplifting. Now I'm going to start the Hunger Games, a ton of kids are reading it, so I have to too. I got to be up on what the kids are doing these days! Haha :-)

Love you all!

New job!

So I went in for paperwork today. If I can do this job, I think it'll be so amazing. I know I can do this job. I'm just terrified. It'll be great and so will I.

On top of getting paid, health insurance, free membership to the Y and paid time off. I also get a BlackBerry! I can't wait to finally have a smartphone! It'll be for work, but still! An actual SMARTPHONE!

I'm so tired today. I slept like an hour last night. The day is still young, and I have so many things to see and do in Boise, but all I want to do is go see a movie or lay in bed! I hate being this sort of tired.

Downtown Boise YMCA

My new job at the Downtown Boise YMCA as the Youth Leadership Coordinator.

I go in on Monday to fill out a bunch of paperwork, and basically sign my life away. I will be starting the job and training on Wednesday or Thursday. I have no idea what kind of training I'll be doing, or what. I'm hoping there is a bit of guidance, because I'm worried that I won't live up to their expectations.

Eventually my job will consist of me creating/designing programs in Drama, Robotic Engineering, Leadership, and many others. I'll then be teaching the programs to instructors who will then in turn teach them to the kids. I will be with kids a lot, but not as much as if I were teaching. I will also be a boss, which is terrifying. I'll be hiring and firing (hopefully not too much firing) people. I'll be organizing schedules and allocating money and other resources. Basically I'm scared out of my pants.


Oh I have a mandatory retreat August 23-25! I'm excited for that.

Gee, If I were a man I'd join the Navy!

I told Amy I'd post about my new job in Boise, and I will. But after I post this blog... after reading her's.

It's Fleet Week. I had NO idea Seattle had one! Last night Angie and I went to a Sounders FC game and there were a TON of sailors walking around. I had no idea that those white polyestered tushes were from all over the country and had arrived yesterday! It was pretty cool.

I also don't think I've ever been to Seafair. And this year I won't be attending either. I almost never go to these fairs. I just happened upon Kla Ha Ya Days and Aquafest this year. Usually I never go. There are just a ton of people and even more people trying to sell a bunch of crap.

I would however like to see the Blue Angels. I have seen them before other places than Seafair.

Also walking around Seattle last night made me think about how much I'm missing out by not living in a city. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find an apartment in downtown Boise, I know Boise's downtown isn't like Seattle's or Austin's, but I think it could be great. We'll just have to see what happens.


(title is a historic reference) ;-)

Now I am all for Pit Bulls. I think they are beautiful dogs that are great pets. I am not all for STUPID Pit Bull owners.

Dear Stupid Pit Bull Owner,

You have a strong dog that if not trained properly can be a danger to itself, other dogs and people. You also have a dog that is eager to learn and devoted to being loved, so: EASY TO TRAIN! This dog also has high energy and like every other dog needs a fenced yard if allowed to roam freely. Also, if you have a group of large dogs, Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes, it's best to keep them secure, mostly because many people are fearful of these dogs. You should NOT allow them to go free in your front yard. To begin with they can get hit and killed by a car. For another, Goose and I may be walking on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET. I do NOT appreciate six large dogs racing over to me and my baby, darling, precious little boy. I also do NOT appreciate them attacking him. I would like you to think of me as a Mama Bear. I don't want to kill, but if they harm my boy, I will FREAKING ATTACK LIKE A MAD WOMAN. I don't care how "Sorry" you are. Put your damn dogs on some damn leashes.

Thank you,

From your local Non-Stupid Pet Owner


I hate stupid people.

If you fear you are a stupid Pit Bull Owner, or likely to become one, here are some links so you can be less stupid:

Pit Bulls on the Web: Training
The Proper Pit Bull: Training

It's been too long again.

I guess I was embarrassed or ashamed that I moved back home, so I decided to not write about anything.

But fuck it.

I did move back, and it was the right decision. I would love to find a job in Austin (like a grown up one), it is an amazing city.

But I didn't have the funds, and I wasn't prepared enough.

I'm so stressed from job searching, I'm so stressed and so confused. I have been told it is time to really anchor down and get serious. I am going to make finding a job, my full-time job. No more of this Craigslist business. I have to get organized and get going!

I want to teach, duh. Is it going to happen? Unlikely. So now I need to find something to put on my resume and get paid. I also desperately need to move out of my dad's place. They are great for letting me stay here, but I need my stuff. I still really want to not live in Washington. I keep going back and forth. I love Washington, I love my friends and family. I think the problem is I just need a purpose. A purpose in the form of a flipping job.

I'm also tired of the "it'll come," "it's going to happen," etc., etc. Or even worse, the "did you do this," "have you applied for that?" I know everyone just really cares about me and wants to me succeed, and I appreciate them and love them for it. But frankly, it just stresses me out further (I'm easily stressed).

But hell, it'll come.

When life gives you lemons....

you make lemonade! What happens if you have no sugar? How are you suppose to make those shitty little lemons into anything other than sour condiments!? I did not get the Alaska summer teaching job. NO NO NO of course not. GOD FORBID I actually progress on this fucking planet. OH and to add insult to injury, my iPod stopped working today. The one I use to workout with. Hey why not take away what little motivation I have left. I hate being "woe is me," but woe-fucking-me.

There is a job opening on ATP (Alaska Teacher Placement) for a Social Studies teacher in Sitka. It's pretty far South so it wouldn't be quite as harsh as the rest of Alaska, and it's BEAUTIFUL. That would be pretty amazing to be there. I'm sure it will fold before I have a chance to get my teacher's certification going. Because frankly, that's my luck.

I have applied to about 200 jobs in Washington now. It looks like I'll be going back home. I love Austin, but I have yet to get a full-time job here, and now I'm just wasting away money. I love the weather, it's amazing, it feels like a month-long vacation, but I think it has shown me that I want to be in Washington... I think. Frankly, I'd be willing to move anywhere on the planet if I could just have a job. I will be applying to jobs around the country, like my original plan, for teaching positions. I probably won't get any. And that would be OK, as long as I got some job somewhere, and could substitute teach in the Fall.

However, if I was forced to work in Sitka, AK, I think I could make it:

And according to The Proposal this man is from here:

You know, I could make it work.

I have so many questions though when filling out the application, I really need the help of someone from Central. Or someone at all!!

I feel like I know nothing. Every piece of information ever in my brain has left! It's incredibly frustrating. I don't think there is a Nordstrom in Sitka however, probably not even a Target!! It's an island, a BEAUtiful island. When I was originally looking up places to work/teach in Alaska, my number one choice was Sitka, but I knew it was highly unlikely because it is so small, and the majority of visitors are from Cruise ships. It would be nice though. Hard without the family of course, just like it is now. But Goose would be going with me this time. I'm never leaving without him again! And I'd have a job, so that would be a PLUS.

I miss you Goose-egg.

Alaska?

I just got an email from CWU about an opportunity to teach summer school for three weeks in Alaska! !!!! It's from June 20-July 8. $3700 and travel costs!!! !!!!! It's a remote village in West Alaska. It could be amazing! It seems like 3 weeks is about all I have to give to new places! I hope that won't always be the case. I'd really like to join the Peace Corps one day. I emailed the guy back about the job, and I hope he wants me and OH MY GOD. I'm psyched right now. Actually teach? Like real teaching??? !!!!

Damn you Netflix.

I am a Grey's Anatomy addict now! I found it on Netflix. I always tell myself NOT to watch tv shows on there because I literally turn into an addict, unable to not watch the next show. I HAVE to know what happens next. I think smoking would be a healthier addiction.

I don't think it helps that I miss home, and since they show scenes from Seattle constantly it makes me feel somewhat comforted... sort of. Or just makes me miss it more. Not sure which.

It looks like the job fairy found my address!!

AND one of my roommates came back!

AND her dog will be here!! :-) I'm very excited for that.

Tomorrow I'm looking at apartments with an apartment finder, so hopefully something great pops up and Amy will get her hot ass down here asap.

Job Fairy???

So I am very happy for my cousin Angie and her promotion, and Natalie with her's!! I too would love to get a promotion! Into a job! LOL, Congrats guys, you both truly deserve to be doing something you like! Or at least like more!

I'm ready to feel the job fairy's magical dust!

So both of my roommates are gone. One left two days ago, without telling anyone. I assume she's gone, and not dead in her room... oh God, that is a creepy and unpleasant thing to think and say. She's not, I'm sure. Oh God, now I'm thinking...

Anyways the Russian left today, with her Russian grandparents. She won't be back until after June 3rd. So not too long, but still I'm alone. AGAIN.

She also left dishes in the sink. Truly not a big deal, just slightly thoughtless, I did was her other dishes already. OH WELL. I'm certainly not going to leave them there for three weeks.

The two roommates do NOT get along with each other, which is a bummer. I think if they did, there would be more friend-like, fun stuff going on. Again, oh well. Amy will be moving down here soon enough! And it will be fun fun fun.

AND I will be getting a job, shortly. So I'll meet friends there. Hopefully.

I made that Bucket List. I think it's a pretty good one. It only has 44 things on it right now, which just simply isn't enough. Number one is indeed, about an Austin job, so hopefully I will be able to cross that baby off soon enough.

I went to Java Austin again today, to see if Amy and my buddy was there. He was. I of course said absolutely nothing to him. When did I become so shy? Oh I know, about 20 lbs ago. Speaking of which, I have lost some more weight! Woooot. I'll let you all know when I've reached, "I'm still heavy, but now I'm at least at the weight I was when I joined weight watchers." want want want. No I don't know how to type out the sound I'm looking for. It's like dun dun dun! But mopey, so want want want? No that doesn't look or sound right. But I think I'm conveying the gist.


AND Most of you know I wanted to open up a bar called, "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," well I still want to open a bar, and now a restaurant! Two in one! And I want it themed. This is the theme:

50's! This is from 50's Prime Time Cafe at MGM Studios in Disney World. I went there when I was a kid and it was so much fun! The waitresses had so much sass, and you couldn't have dessert unless you finished your vegetables. I think it could truly be a hit. Or a horrific miss. But I think if I do it right, it'd be a hit. I thought of plates I'd serve too.

• Mom's Famous "Made With Love" Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• Dad's Favorite Blueberry Casserole 
• Grandma's Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
• Dad's Eggs, Bacon and Extra Crunchy Hashbrowns
• Marsha's Best 8 Layer Salad

Stuff like that. I'd also want some sort of Macaroni and Cheese dish. There would be a whole dessert menu of Mom's stuff. There'd be a bunch more obviously. But I like what I got so far. So if anyone has any ideas, please share them!