Who knew a window could bring so much joy? Being downtown there seems to be always something going on outside, even if its just the busy traffic. The trees in my front yard dance in the windy sky with a few brown leaves still hanging on to fall. From my view, it seems like such a large view. When I look up at my window from the street it seems rather small, as if anyone would ever notice me staring out my window. Amazing how much this window has distracted me from unpacking my new home. I will just sit on the edge on my bed or elbows prompt up on the seel peering out to the world below me. No hurry to winter, but Im looking forward to watching the trees grow new green leaves. Then when fall comes watch them pop with autumn colors.

If you came to my home you’d be greeted by a wreath with tiny soft pink, green and silver ornaments complete with a silver bow. My roommate has set up some mini Christmas trees in a row with, as I call “Cindy Lou themed”. We both have purchased a chocolate advent calendar to have each day this month. Looking into finding Advent verses to read each day too, though I’m unsure if there is any such thing. I just thought I should celebrate Jesus a little more than eating a bit of chocolate each day. Time to start wrapping presents to put under our mini trees. It does and doesn’t feel like Christmas time is quickly approaching; 25 days folks. I wish my decorations where here instead of California. One can never have enough twinkle lights.

This will be night two in my new downtown home. The sounds of the train and traffic driving back lulled me to sleep last night. I’ve lived in downtown of cities before, I know the noises so they are sorta comforting but at the same time an adjustment. I’m slowly unpacking and cleaning up my new home and making my mark.

Tonight was a good small group with my girls. Seemed that they could grasp and walk away with, even a small piece of something. Working with Jr Highers, rarely do you see the fruits of your work in them. Its years later you see all your work and love shine through in the individuals they grow up to be. So when I get a tiny piece of knowing they understood something I’ve shared, it means a lot. First retreat this past weekend I think helped opened them up more. Even after almost 5 years in youth ministry, I still have so very much to learn.

November is coming to a end and the holidays are quickly approaching. I exchanged names for a Secret Santa with my church friends tonight to exchange gifts in two weeks. Tomorrow the work version sign-ups will start. I guess with setting up the holiday items up so early I just didn’t expect for the Christmas season to come this quickly. Plus the weather being in the 60s-70s just makes me all screwy in knowing what time of year it is. Though the empty trees do remind me of the season that has come and gone. I’m going to try this year to slow down and take part in Advents more than I have in the past. To soak in the knowledge of really what this season is really all about.

You know those days where you feel there are just not enough hours in the day? With the sun quickly making an appearance then leaving all too soon doesn’t help that feeling ether. This weekend I have my first youth weekend with my new youth group. I’m excited and really looking forward to it. I’m also getting ready to move into my new home soon (next week it seems sometime… when I can find the time). I’ve been working lot of 10-6 or 11-7 shifts lately to which is nice for sleeping in and staying up. But does nothing to help get the many things on my to do list done. Somebody steal me sometime please. Also, lots of photos to come to flickr, stand tuned.

Remember the saga of Gwen visiting so many Honda dealership’s along her drive from California to here? Well, in order to make me a happy customer, they are refunding me all of the towing money. That means there is a nice fat refund check in the mail, coming to me. Yay for Honda and money to buy furniture for!

Oh wait, most of you don’t know about that do you? What would I need furniture for? Well, my coworker told me about this loft on the second story of a house of friend’s of her’s dad’s business (like all those connections?). After she starts telling me about it (older antique house, hardwood flowers, big long windows…) and its lovely location (in downtown) I started to get very excited about it. Its when she told me the steal of a deal that rent it, I basically told her, before seeing it, unless its a rat’s hole, I’ll probably want to move in. And low and behold it was not a rat hole, but a cute loft type setting with characters of an older house I’ve wanted. Molding around the doors and windows and a porch. We can paint our rooms whatever colors we’d like. So I move in sometime in November. Yay!

So that fills yall in on my new search for furniture. Im gonna try and get some decent good size pieces, wood mostly and paint them fun colors to go with my room color – which at this point probably will be a dark brown and eggshell color boarder molding. Lots of fun colors can tie into those. But I will need a couch. A bed (oh yeah that…) and frame. A dresser. And maybe a bigger bookcase. That’s my fun news. If you are in the area and really like to paint, I’ve never painted a room before so Id love help. Snacks of sorts will be provided.

I did a little ranting and raving (well not so much raving, but some ranting) to a guy named Mike at the main Honda office. Yes, the big honchos office. Poor guy, he had to listen to me tell in detail (have to be detailed when so many things go wrong) my “Honda Story” I titled it so nicely for him. I even got a little emotionally with him, I didn’t mean to, but it took me back to a very bad place! I did leave the part out that I have grown quite attached to my cute red car named Gwen. I gave the impression I really love my car, but I thought the whole naming bit might of thrown him. I didn’t expect Honda to refund me the towing fee that I got to pay in the New Mexico desert (aka the $300 coolant) but if Mike thought it was a good idea to ask for a refund in lieu of wanting to have a happy customer, by all means, send in a claim! I also dropped a line to the little company we call Wal-Mart to give feedback that if in fact my coolant was not filled like I paid for it to be (the Wal-Mart phone guy whoms name didn’t stick got a little story/rant too). Basically, letting both these gentleman know that I work in customer service, I know feedback, good or bad is appreciated. Honda seems a little more hopeful on maybe getting me that nice chunk of change back. Hopefully soon too because that credit card bill is coming due and Id rather not pay it. The creepy ride in the pink tow truck was just not worth it.

Little after 4 yesterday I was speaking to Eddie, who we all know as my main contact at Honda about my car. Reminding him I was told I would get it back Tuesday. He said the car would be ready by 5. That’s exciting news so I spring up, get my stuff out of the rental car and fill it up with gas. Return the car and get a little ride over to Honda. I get Gwen and start to pull out of the parking lot and call Jason with my wonderful news. He happens to be driving by on his way home from work. Not 5 minutes out of the parking lot, Gwen starts to shake. I tell Jason as I try but don’t remain calm getting to the parking lot he is waiting it. He sees the RPM (maybe?) are really low. We call Eddie who is mad too that my car isn’t in perfect working order and to let him know if it keeps haven’t issues. Well after Gwen stalling twice last night, we took her right back to Honda. Id really love all this car drama to stop. I have had enough to last me years and years and then some of yalls.

Update on the boxes, well, the post office guy wasn’t very helpful. So unhelpful that I still have the items that are not mine because he wouldn’t take them because I didn’t have the box they were shipped in. Nevermind he needed the address that was on the boxes and I could write those down for him, he needed the box. Beyond frustrated since I called the 1-800 to ask what I needed before driving down there and not being told I needed the box. My mom though, got a little light at the end of the tunnel. The USPS sent her pieces of a box asking for what believe was to be in them. This is yet another box that I’m missing items from (my shoes). wrote out a list of items, in which she is gonna turn in along with the claims report I have. At this point, I just want to leave the box of items that are not mine on the counter of not so helpful guy yesterday and walk away. What is he gonna do, really? So, all of that to say there is a step in the right direction with this, but still too much drama.

I just want to be settled. I want my car to help me do that, I want my things to make me feel at home and moved in. But those just don’t seem to be “in the cards” for me so to speak. Its hard not to doubt that this is where I should be. That these big stressful things are not sign that this is not right. But I’m not really doubting, frustrated but not doubting. I don’t understand why Jesus isn’t doing what I want (but don’t we always?) but I know He’s here. That hope those that not even days ago wanted, I really would love some of it now.

Yesterday at church, I found a verse that brought me comfort to the prayer of hope I’ve been wanting:
Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints..
Mind you, he wasn’t teaching on this verse or even passage but I have the bad habit of reading ahead of what we are actually studying while in church. But it was the confirmation I needed to know I wasn’t asking to much. More so, its the reminder that God has called me to such a place I desire to be. I really loved being in a service filled of familiar worship songs with good music accompanying it. A pastor who has a firey passion behind what he says and friends to sit beside to share it all with.

Update with the car, I asked Eddie on Saturday if I could get a rental car since he wanted to keep Gwen till Monday or Tuesday. I should of asked when I dropped her off, but this morning I got the good news that yes I do get a rental car. I’m so happy to hear this news, not having others have to drive me around taking them away from their days even though they are happy to do it. It will be a bit easier to get to know my new city with wheels to do so.

Blown headgasket is apparently what is wrong with Gwen. I’m glad they know whats wrong and gonna fix it. Not so glad that they’ve had my car two days now and I wont get her back till Monday or Tuesday. I asked for a rental car, but Eddie (my Honda contact here) cant get the okay to give me one till Monday morning. Goodie.

I’m in search of a tall bookshelves to put my many books that are still in boxes. Its one of the most unsettling feelings, living in boxes. Which doesn’t help bring the “this is home” feeling I’m wanting to come sooner than I should. But I know an organized room fully displayed with the comfort of familiar nick naks and friendly books would help. Hopefully tomorrow I can fine one and start making headway of getting boxes out of my life.

Had a little moment this afternoon. My mom called just to check in and see how things where going. I don’t know what I haven’t called my parents more but it made sense when I got off the phone. I miss them. A lot. I just stared out the car window as Jason and I drove down Wendover to try and control my sad thoughts. Jason asked what was wrong and I didn’t want to answer. But he just knew and asked “Do you miss your mom?” and I started crying. I didn’t realize how much I did till that moment but I do. I did my normal, “there are worst things going on, I shouldn’t be sad over this” routine. He only reassured me its okay to be sad over it and not to beat myself up over it.

I’ve gotten to hang out with some friends over the past couple of days. Kari and I spent the evening together braving the nasty storm we had last night. Apparently out here, a summer storm as they call it, which is 13 inches of rain that’s very heavy with hail, thunder and lighting is normal. Something else for me to get used to I guess. We had some great conversation over Barns and Noble, soup and Kari knitting. Then tonight Jace and I met up with an old friend of mine, Joe, from Newbury Park. I hadn’t seen the guy in like 5 years so it was great to catch up with him on his way home from the golf tour. Jason and him got to take turns picking on me all night over Mexican food and Buster’s ice cream. Delightful past couple of nights with friends that brought me comfort when I needed it.

Tomorrow I’m going to church at Grace to feel it out one more time. Hopefully start getting involved in the Jr High group and get to know those new 7th graders over the summer. I’m hoping to find a sense of community there, which I know I need and going to put myself out there sooner rather than later. Always scary though, meeting new people and going through the process of hoping they accept me for me. And growing older, trying not to close other people out due to past hurts in friendships, which I think is the bigger battle for me. My prayer is to really have open eyes and heart to what God has for me, as rocky as it has started, new season of my life.

So, I’m really liked my new store. Normally your first day at a new place you feel awkward and out of place, which I did, but I felt welcomed at the same time. My new coworkers are really friendly, introduces me to all the regulars and very kind. When my car engine light turned on along with a shake sounding like its about to stall, they all were concerned for me and wanted to help anyway they could. I missed southern hospitality! These people barely know me but want to go out of their way to give me a ride to where ever and anything else I might need? Well I’m just not used to such things from people I don’t know well at all.

My boxes, well, I haven’t tackled them in fear of what I may find. As some of you know, I’m missing three of my scrapbooks in exchanged for someone else DVD player. Yeah…I don’t know ether. But my cell phone is working again (oh yeah, left my charger in Charlotte and the screen turned off yesterday) tonight so maybe Saturday, my next day off I can call the USPS and see if they such a thing as a lost and found. Also, angry phone calls to Wal Mart in California and New Mexico Honda and now maybe Charlotte Honda. One step at a time though, got my phone back, hopefully my car tomorrow. And my wonderful boyfriend is driving over to get me for work at 6am tomorrow morning so I can get to work on time.

All of that to say, I’m settling, slowly and sorta painfully but settling. Biscoe likes his new scarf he wears it proudly so that’s a good thing. Maybe if I keep thinking positive these curse I seem to have will end.

Days on the road: 7

Miles driven: Approx. 3,000

Total states in: 13 (California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina)

Total Starbucks Stops: 5 Barstow , Santa Fe , Lubbock , Abilene , Arlington .

Other Coffee Shops Stops: 3 Java Cycle in Williams, Az , Higher Grounds in Pagosa Springs, Co , and Crimson Cafe in Tuscaloosa, Al

Dollars spent getting into Grand Canyon: 0

Miles hiked in the Grand Canyon: 3

Friends made in the Grand Canyon: 2

Times Gwen got a ride on a tow truck: 2

Honda dealerships whom I don’t like: 1

Honda dealerships whom I love: 1

Amount of TV watched: 0

Mix CDs listen to give to us by friends: 8

Times elbows where held: too many to count

Amount of pictures taken: 292

Amount of friends we saw on the road: 15 (large amount in Alabama)

Boy approvals: 2

Books read: 1 (Carla finished one and I started one)

Maps on trip: 7

Fast food stops: 6

Sit down places we ate at: 4

Times the road ended: 3

Highways taken: 11

Hours spent without cell phone service: To many

Times we texted google: at least 3 dozen

Total times Toxic was played: 6

Audio post: 12

Im here! Finally made it to Greensboro. Just wanted to let anyone know that and show off my cool poster my housemate Brian drew for me. It reads: “This is your Welcome poster. (Being clever is hard work. Look! GravyBoy!)” And Gravyboy’s bubble says: “To your new home!”

All this week you can find my travels at Venti Adventures

I returned a little bit ago from the post office, handing over a good amount of money for the rest of my possessions to be shipped to my new home (that’s your warning, Brian).The one box that was marked “shoes” had an old address on it and the mail lady asked if this box was going to Temecula or McLeansville. I thought out loud how not so good it would be if my shoes ended up in Temecula. She then asked me if I wanted it to go priority instead of parcel post, she understood my concern.

I’ve been online changing my mailing address with all those lovely bill companies who usually want my money about once a month. Tossed a dark load in the dryer and now a light load in the washer. The dark load is mostly work clothes, which I don’t have to wear again until the 20th (yippee!). Though I did have to locate my hat which I haven’t worn in over a year, but my new store requires them (boo). I packed Rosita and Rosetta (my suitcases) full of my other shoes and clothes that are not in the mail. My mom and I set up Carla’s room (my brother’s partially moved out room) complete with my very comfy air bed. Oreo is very happy about the new set up, which he expressed by rolling all over the clean sheets.

Now, I’m need to call to change my car insurance (its gonna be lower, whoo hoo!) and then get ready with little last minute stuff before hanging out with Hayley and then going to pick up Carla.
I’m excited, which is nice change to my sad-stressful days earlier this week. Only on the edge of tears when sad songs come on. so I will try to avoid those to keep the good mood Alisa around.

Yesterday was very dark day here. No really, it was overcast and on the verge of raining at any moment (but it didn’t till the night). I think the weather messed with people because all my customers, even the regulars, where in a mood. I was no better, feeling like I never even woke up, despite the 8:30am wake up. When I got off work I called Jace, to take our not so nice conversation earlier that day, due to my mood. In going through trying to process why I was feeling this way with him, I started crying. Talking through what I way feeling my main thought was I am stressed, which I’ve been told is understandable. Fine, but the next question is what am I stressed about? My packing is pretty much done (really, all I have are important papers, bathroom stuff and clothes, rest is packed and index card) . My plans are nicely typed up with maps and confirmations in a according style file folder. I think my problem is I can not pin point how to help solve this feeling. Then I thought, I’m sad. I haven’t really let that feeling enter my mind because I don’t want to be sad. I want to be excited for my new life in North Carolina. But I guess that cant really happen till I deal with leaving here first. Seems pretty logical, which I like, but I don’t really want to deal with those sad feelings. With the weather still over cast and grey, maybe its some sort of a sign to start here before heading there.

I bought two balls of yarn on Sunday. I cant believe I bought two balls of yarn. Two more things I have to move right? But what really is two balls of yarn? I can put them in an air tight bag and they really are nothing. Plus they are so pretty, pink and brown. I’ll just be mad if I find them in Yarns, Etc in Greensboro.

My little brother is currently in the process of moving out for the first time. I have extended my help by sharing all the boxes I have brought home from work for myself. He doesn’t seem to have the same order of packing as I do. As in, he hasn’t put a single thing in a box to move yet. Sadly, in this decision to move out and sign a lease with a friend, he cant go travel with his band. He needs to keep his job, so he cant go on the road, so he had to quit the band and be a grown up. Lots of change at once going on for him. I hope he at least says good-bye before I leave the state.

One of my cats who is particular fond of me, Rizzo, has been having this problem of spraying areas of the house (yeah, ew). My mom says its because I’m moving and he’s upset. I reminder her that he does not know I am leaving, only that “his room” is full of boxes. In which my mom replies, same thing, his world is being turned upside down. I’m going to miss Oreo and Rizzo very much, despite the waking me up way too early or things of that nature.

I’m having to miss my 8th graders get promoted into high school. I will be somewhere in Texas during that time. I asked Hayley to call me so I can be on speaker phone when I hear my girls names called. They have been a very fun but challenging class over the past two years. At first, shy 7th graders who turned into loud, I don’t care what you think 8th graders. But I love them and their sweet hearts and amazing women I know they are starting to be.

Alright, before I get too emotional I’m just going to remind yall of my moving blog (which some can argue this entry should be on) since it seems many of you don’t know of it. www.ventiadventures.blogspot.com I got it mainly for when Carla and I are on the road, they have a cool audio blog option. So while I’m on the road that will be the best way to keep in the know of my life.

(there are more on my flickr)

Those are images of my daily drive around town (especially on my drive to work). As much as I love my town in the spring time with the mustard flowers and poppies popping up everywhere, I keep thinking back to the cherry blossoms in North Carolina. And the amazing colors the leaves turn and dance in the wind during the fall. Of course in exchange I will have the heat and the cold instead of my constant 70 degrees. But in the mist of piles and boxes, I feel like it all will be worth it.

There has been a bit more changes going on in my family, hopefully that will be for the better. My dad has accepted a new job with a whole sale nursery, which is more the speed he is used too. His retail job was just wearing on him and effecting our family extremely. Mom is still going to work for the time being, but I want to see how long it lasts. My brother is moving out with a couple friends of his June 1st. That means 12 whole days without him then I’m off and my parents will really be empty nested. At work, I’m going through the “Coffee Masters” program, learning even more about coffee. When I finish the program I get to wear a black apron is really the reason I’m doing it, tee hee.

So, I’m doing a little better these days, even if Id rather redo this year over again. That’s probably my main lack of posting, things seem to get a little better but then something will get me down again. I am thankful for the constant relationships in my life I can find comfort and support in. I only with I had more desire to see this hard time as a time to grow closer to Jesus. Where as I fear what He might want to teach me instead. But even still, I have people who point my straight back to Him with a gentle nudge. And then I have the others who are just simply there to listen to my tears and just let me be.

Carla and I have a moving blog. Add to your feeds or bookmarks and comment often.

Venti Adventures

A handful of you know this already, but it’s officially official (I told my boss) in June, I’m moving to North Carolina. I can hear the gasps of excitement or maybe that’s just me. The Shearer’s have of offered me a room in their lovely home in McLeansville, NC (right outside of Greensboro). It also comes with a doggie named Biscoe and a cat named Marissa whom both seem to approve of me in their home. I’ve talked with a Starbucks manager in Greensboro about transferring to their store. Apparently Greensboro is the place to be when it comes to the Starbucks world. They just opened a new one and plan on opening two more with in the year, so they will need experience partners. I’m still church “shopping” but I enjoyed a Sunday at Grace Community Church and would like to try it again. It was fun to start thinking of this place my new home and starting my new life there with connections of a house, work and church.

It’s been less than a week since I have returned from North Carolina and I still have bells on from moving. I know myself though, the more days that go on here I will return to really enjoying life here. Too keep my excitement alive Carla and I have already started plot- I mean planning out trip together across the country (Tuscaloosa Twosome Does America). Some of you remember when I moved to Alabama, Carla and I had an audio blog . We plan on doing that again, with even more updates than before. Planning this trip keeps the excitement going in my big move in June. I will start typing up on a calendar my packing plan (Im going to turn into Monica) which all will be on my moving blog which will be coming soon.

So theres the news and whats been going on with me.