Sabbatical.

I have at least one dedicated reader, his name is Mike. Sometimes Mike gets bummed out when I don't post very often. I guess that's a pretty good way to keep in the loop we call my life. So, Mike, I'm going to try harder. Check back from time to time to get an update on my adventures in Tey-hass.

Here is a list of highlights thus far from my sabbatical to the high plains:

• Getting practically attacked by ducks at the park. We were seriously swarmed by at least 45 ducks and/or geese before they even knew we had bread! We've concluded that I may be giving off some sort of duck phermone... but that is just a theory.
• Watching some kid dump his little brother into the sand as he was strapped into the stroller. His mom came running over in and started yelling at him. She called him a retard and I felt bad for everyone involved.
• Sleeping. It's been nice.
• I went running and didn't get lost. And to my surprise I saw one other person out on the road. Maybe people do exercise in Lubbock, Texas!
• Trying to hide cookies from hoberto, but dangit he's too smart for us! (he is a doctor, afterall). But don't worry, they're at the store buying more cookies as we speak!
• Playing with the two cutest, but craziest babies in the world!!!

Well, Texas has been pretty fun. I'll try to keep y'all updated frequently. Peace out texas style!

My relationship with food tells me one thing: I have no self control.

There is always an epic battle going on in my head. My inner monologue fights between the two forces of my brain and my stomach. My stomach usually wins. This is an example of an actual conversation I had with myself this afternoon while contimplating whether or not I should make myself a Hot Pocket:

I'm not even hungry. In fact, I feel a little sick. Maybe just one?

So now I'm sitting here eating a hot pocket. And it's very likely that I might eat another one.

Okay, I did. This is why they say, "the kitchen is always open for Anna Jokes!" I have such an unhealthy relationship with food. I need to stop eating to fulfill a need! Whether that be emotional or social or just because it sounds and/or looks good. I need control in my life!!

The family motto, coined by Anna Jo:
"I'm not even hungry! Are you going to eat that?!"

all the little things that make up a memory

Camp is over. I'm unemployed. How do I sum up eleven weeks of my life?

I guess I can't, so I just have to move on. Nobody understands just what my job entailed. You have to be a camp counselor to appreciate the difficulty of the job. It's not easy, but it's so rewarding. It's physically and emotionally draining. But you look back at the relationships you've developed with these kids and it's hard to let go.

But I am moving on. I'm getting ready to leave this place and journey to the high plains. It is T-minus 7 days to sabatical. I signed a lease yesterday for this cool house that is a few blocks away from where I'm living now. I'm excited to have a wilderness for my backyard. This place was made for us. (If anyone wants to come over and sleep in our hammocks you are more than welcome. Hopefully we can find a good place to set up a slackline as well.) My life is moving forward. It always works out.

Change is the only constant.

It's the kind of day you could end on.

Today wasn't the last day of camp, but it could've been and I would have been okay with it. It was just one of those perfect days.

I took a group of four kids to Bridal Veil Falls up Provo Canyon. Ryan came and brought his dog. She's a bassett hound and the cutest thing you've ever seen. I fell in love with those oversized, floppy ears. So the counselor to kid ratio was 1:2 plus one incredibly cute puppy. Good times are bound to happen with that winning combination!

It was just a chill-type day. No stress, because not only is there only four of these little rugrats, but they just happen to be some of the best kids at camp. Mckenna, one of my absolute favorites was there. And Seiji? Come on! How can you not love that kid?!

The falls were beautiful and the day perfect. I'm going to miss it all. . .

I'm going on sabatical

So I'm leaving town for a month just because I can. I'm trekking east to the high plains. Lubbock, Texas to be exact. (Not Waco!!!) Nothing but flat land for as far as the eye can see. I'm excited for the change of scene; maybe it will do me some good.

I get to spend my time with cute babies, my sister and her husband. I'm excited. I found out today that they play pick-up ultimate frisbee three times a week at Texas Tech. I will definately be bringing my cleats. I think this could be a good time away from Salt Lake City. I'm going to miss everyone here, but it's only a month anyway. Really, it's an extended vacation.

So come the end of August I will be out of here!