directions

NORTH
I'm going to Oregon tomorrow for the weekend. Once we get there I think it should a fine trip. The ride should be an adventure. I'm going with my sister, two-and-a-half-year-old niece, four-month-old nephew, and my mom. Emma (my niece) likes to talk a lot and Grady (my nephew) likes to spit-up a lot. We'll be visiting my grandfather and buying tax free items.
SOUTH
I've still been working. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm in San Ramon. A few weeks ago I went to meet my boss for an interview thing, when I was half way there I realized that maybe it really was an interview and I shouldn't have worn jeans and 5 year old Vans slip-ons. He informed me that the office is “business casual,” no jeans. But I guess when you have the proper connections first impressions aren't as important. I decided that my proper title is “research-assistant” I assist my boss in researching things like home ceiling speakers and tripods. I'm pretty sure I could do all of this while wearing jeans but at least there is variety .
FURTHER SOUTH
Although I don't have an excess of funds or time right now last night I booked a flight to Puerta Vallerta, Mexico. I'll get picked up there and driven inland to Mascota. Think back to my first mass e-mail/blog posting in August '06. That was my first trip down to Mascota, right before I moved to Nicaragua. I know a lady Luz from San Diego that moved back to Mascota to be a missionary in her home town. The last time I went I was so blessed to see the heart Luz has for her people. I am excited to go again (with Jack Fliehmann, a man from my church here) a get to assist Luz in her service. I'll be there from January 31st to February 8th.
EAST
This Sunday and Monday I spent in Davis. I got injured twice on Sunday. First, while eating my egg roll at lunch part of the crispy shell stabbed me between my tooth and the roof of my mouth. It hurt and gave me a blister type thing that lasted all day. Then, Sunday night, I was at my friends house watching a movie and I decided to switch seats and sit in the bowl chair (I think they have an official name). It tipped over and I got a bruise on my bicep I guess because it is so big it hit the frame of the chair on the way down. Then what happened? I tried to get back in the chair and it tipped over, again. The second time I wasn't injured and the third time I was able to stay seated for the rest of the movie. I had a great time seeing people and things. I love that place.
WEST
I don't really have anything to say about Western travels. I did work in Walnut Creek today, I checked the accuracy of files for six hours. I know it sounds sounds exciting but it really isn't bad and it pays well.
HERE
It is a little on the chilly side right now but when I was driving to get blood work done this morning I could see snow on Mt. Diablo so that was exciting.
My hair has been a little crazy lately. Tuesday on the way to work I pulled a John Eklund and wore a hat during my commute so that my hair would stay down. When I got to the office I pulled off my beanie and presto! It was fixed. Tonight after I washed it I thought I would try out the brushing thing. I'll let you know how it works.
My plan is to return to Nicaragua February 20th.

work...work...work

Yesterday at Church was missions Sunday, I spoke and had a slide show about Nicaragua. It was less traumatizing than I was expecting. There was an open time for questions. Some people say there is no such thing as a bad question, I totally disagree. If you think my e-mails are good you really should have heard me in person. It is available on CD if you're into that.
I think my mom is under the impression that I don't like being back just because I can't afford going to the movies. That is not true, I've been having an amazing time. I will now fill in on some highlights.
In Huntington Beach I got to see some cool people (you know who you are) and I got to see the musical Wicked. It was wicked good. I also got to work at WaMu one day and put my label making skills to good use.
When I got back, last Tuesday, I had an interview type thing at Dowd and Guild. You may have never heard of them but I am an official short-term, part-time employee. I am Dowd's personal assistant's assistant. I will be working Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 4. So far I've done really important things like make a calendar so that the three men that share a sailboat know which week they have it. I also went to Staples to buy pads of paper and then back to Staples to return them. I think Thursday was my trial day and I'm pretty sure I passed since I have a company e-mail address and computer password.
Also last week I picked up another part-time job. I'm back to being a short-term, part-time employee at East Bay Regional Data. I get to file papers for ten hours a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Pretty exciting. Wednesdays and Fridays aren't the best days to work there though because Mondays they have catered lunches, oh well.
I'm trying to keep up with my side jobs too. Saturday morning at 7, I started cleaning houses and continued until about 4. Sunday (the day of rest) I hemmed pants. I also have been working on a love poem for my friend to give to her husband but I think it need a few more stanzas. So really if you had been doubting my versatility you should stop.
This morning I really wanted to make biscuits and chocolate gravy. I don't know how to make gravy so I was a little stressed. Then this paper towel I had put on the counter caught on fire. I was like "ah, fire, fire" and then my sister started beating it out with the spatula. Then she took over the gravy making altogether and I stuck with the bacon and biscuits. Anyways they turned out good but we still haven't gotten them perfected yet so it was a little like biscuits and chocolate pudding (not a bad thing just not grandma style).
I hope your Monday is going swell.
Love, Joy

rhinocorn

Q: Oh so you collect rhinocorns?
A: Yes I have rhinoceros collection.

True story (me being the one asking the question). I guess everyone else knows what rhino is an abbreviation of.

My family is quite full of party animals. This picture is from our New Year's Eve party that went from 5:45 to 9:30. We did flip the TV off of Planet Earth DVD"s for long enough to watch the bell drop live in New York. The theme of the party was 'Cereal' we all were supposed to bring our favorite and then sit around eating them. Did I mention that it ended before ten.

Also on New Year's Eve, during the day, there was really nice weather, much like today. I like being in the sunshine.

Now I am in Huntington Beach. Last night I impressed my cousins with my Wii bowling skills. They are much better than my real bowling skills. Today I am dog sitting and typing some of Grandpa Vern's creative verse. This morning Molly and I walked to the beach it took a little longer than it would have with a dog with properly proportioned legs. So as you can see my life is really exciting these days. Peace out, Joy