Saturday, February 26, 2011

bus schedule, please.

Today was my 3rd day working at the greenbean. I learned how to do all the coffee stuff so now I feel like I'm really living in Seattle! And, I rode the bus today all by myself!
Now if I can just find a bike.

There is a place. Called Cupcake Royale.
There is a cupcake. Called Lavender.
There is a girl. Called Curious.
Curious got the cupcake.
Curious has a new name. Called Surprised.



this may seem like any ordinary harmless cupcake, but rest assured, it has destroyed my conception of a good cupcake. THIS, my fellow followers, is the best cupcake i've ever had. (And lavender? i thought that was strictly candle territory.)

Monday, February 21, 2011

The United States of America.

I just spent two glorious weeks on Vancouver Island with some awesome people, and now I feel like I'm on Phase 2. (I played Phase 10, the card game, quite a bit last week).

Tomorrow I head to Seattle. I'm a little unsure of what's going to happen this week.
It's crazy to me how quickly I'm transitioning from being on Vancouver Island to going right in Seattle.
These past few weeks I'm realizing how easy it is for me to feel settled someplace so fast!

I'm also realizing what a can simple conversation with a stranger can do.
Riding the Ferry back to Seattle I sat next to a lady and her husband. And what do ya know? She's excited for me to be traveling and she understands why... because she's from Ohio.
Then I'm walking off the ferry and talking with two ladies. What's to be discovered? One of the ladies lives in a neighboring community of which I will be living in, she knows the coffeehouse of where I'll be working and she knows a lot of people from Michigan. (Then the guy in front of us is all like "I just moved here from Michigan five months ago!")
THEN, the other lady finds out that I have to walk to another Pier a mile down to get to my next ferry (late at night) (of which I didn't want to walk) and she offers me a ride! Amen Lady! I was so grateful for  that.

So anyway.
Hello, Seattle.
[Feel free to sing Owl City now.]

Monday, February 14, 2011

mmm-bop.

The Vanderwerf's were a wonderful replacement family for my birthday! we went on a road trip to French beach, which had black sand. we also had birthday cupcakes and kinder surprises!
that night, Lizz and I stayed in Victoria with a new pastoring couple that Walter and Ellen had met earlier.
While making conversation I discovered that my pastor studied at Seminary with David Salverda, my host for the night. He and his wife combined made for a few connections in all. I guess that's the CRC for you.
Lizz and I also saw Gnomeo and Juliet (quite cute).

Today Jake showed me how to crochet. Which reminds me of the one time my brother Alex described to my family that he and his friend had gone crocheting, when he really meant to say "croqueting."
Oh I do love to laugh.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

fun fun fun.

I'm having lot's of FUN!
yesterday, Lizz, her friend Nick, and myself went for a little drive to a beach and it was beautiful! We just sat on the rocks mostly, looking and taking pictures.
I absolutely love the combination of mountains, trees and water out here.

I have a dread, Its name is Fred.
The other day, I asked Mrs. Vanderwerf to put a dread in my hair. She so obliged! (She has experience dreading).
It's tucked behind my ear behind some hair so it's kind of a secret. The first couple of days I would forget about it and then remember and be happy.

Today, I had an O'Henry bar (another Canadian candy delicacy). As I was looking at the candy selection I noticed something wrong with the Reese's.
Canadians spell it just "Reese."
Incredible! I could hardly believe that all of Canada misspells such a popular, favorite candy.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

what day is it?

I find myself and my lifestyle liberated during my time here.
Maybe it's because I'm with such a dear friend that nothing else really matters.
I've only been here a few days and it feels like I've been here for much longer!

So far I've done a good job by filling up on Kinder Surprises. America is so stupid for not having them.
I realized something tonight. The tradition of the ball dropping on New Years in Times Square is a new concept for Rose, Lizz's sister. As their father explained what it was I began to see how strange and rather ridiculous it is! I just may be converted to a devout Canadian.

I thought of my sister tonight. Lizz is a GEMS helper, so I came along. There is an eleven year old that is taller than me! It's so shocking!

I am so happy I'm here. :)
I am also happy that I've gained four followers!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

reunited!!!


I made it to Vancouver Island! 
I woke up at 4 am. rode 2 ferries. and survived pestering customs. But it was all so worth it! 
Lizz has a wonderful family! It feels like it has been a long time I've already spent here, but it's only been an afternoon! 
Lizz gave me an early birthday present--a bright orange ukulele! We are going to learn and play and practice together. 

Thursday, February 3, 2011

ready, and, exercise!

This week I have been exercising with my aunt at her gym.
Tuesday and tonight I took a spinning class that she teaches.
Wednesday I took a Zumba class. And I might as well count wednesday night's nerf gun fight with Zach as exercise too.

I've enjoyed these very much and I feel happy to sweat!
Spinning is kind of intense where it leaves my legs burning and wobbly afterwards. And Zumba makes me laugh. It's non stop activity that contains some pretty silly moves. Looking around at other caucasian ladies trying to swing their hips and arms in a latin way would be an hilarious scene if I wasn't one of them. I am reminded of the Dominicans sheer natural talent at dance/merengue which leads me to wonder why I'm dutch...