remember that spencer paper it took me about 8 months to turn in?

Hi friends!!

Yes, I do still check this thing :)

I have become quite the blogger, actually. I even have one of my own. That I write in not-quite-regularly...but I'm working on it. (http://maggiewalsh.blogspot.com)

Thanks, Kace, for initiating another round of updates! I CANNOT WAIT to see you all in about a month, and with such a wonderful reason to celebrate!

As for the update on my life. Life in SB is nothing to complain about. The summer has been beautiful, and I have made the most of a flexible and low stress work schedule at Mullen and Henzell, spending a lot of time at the beach, playing a surprising amount of volleyball, enjoying my great roommates and friends, and putting off all of my summer school work until this week. So, right now, it's crunch time. I have about 8 papers to complete before September 18, and 3 essay exams. Flashbacks to Spencer papers and my spiritual gift of procrastination are a daily occurance, and any prayers and encouragement to get my ass in gear would be appreciated :) although I prefer distractions of any kind, blogging being a new and delightful form of distraction these days!

I am, however, getting things done. The books I am reading for my classes this summer quarter are SO GOOD; I'm taking Christian Ethics, Family Resource Management, and Narrative Therapy. Classes start up again down in Pasadena October 1st, but I am actually kind of looking forward to being back on that schedule. As crazy as the idea of commuting two hours each way to school twice a week sounds, I enjoy the regularity and having two full days each week set aside for school. This year I will be writing my Masters Thesis, which will be starting in December, so I am looking forward to getting ideas together and starting that process. (remind me later, when I am elbow deep in research and pages to write, that I was at one time excited about this process)

Other than school stuff, not much is going on around here. No romance to report, really, unfortuantely.

I kind of can't believe that I've been in Santa Barbara all this time! My parents came out this past weekend to visit, they haven't been here since graduation! I was reminded that it kind of has been forever that I've been in SB, that it actually has become home. Which may seem obvious, but I wasn't really aware until recently that I LIVE here. I'm definitely feeling the itch to move and do something crazy and different and exciting, but I think God is teaching me something about staying put and being patient for the time being.

Seriously, can't wait to see you all soon! (we'll miss you shan!!!!! oh, and email me back, woman.)

VIVA LONDON

Ladies! Hello!!! Kacey, so nice to hear an update. Yes, I still check this thing, and in true fashion I forgot how to post something, so its taken me literally two months to figure out where the "sign in" button is... Wow, beat that. Anyways, I am very excited for your upcoming month Kace, even though it sounds very full. You and Alan are in my prayers, most def. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you at the wedding, and to say hello to my other girls! What unfortunate timing my semester came in...
BUT I am here in London- just arrived a few days ago! I spent the better part of the month in Australia with my dad, bonding and traveling up the coast to the Great Barrier Reef, and spending time getting to know Julia better too. I was so blessed by my time there. Julia set me up with her cousins that live in the city of London and I am living with them for the semester. They are in their 40's, married without children, and have a whole small 3rd story with bed/bath that goes unused... so, I'm-a-gonna-use it!! Seriously, the Lord's provision for me to be here is astonishing. I found my school the other day right next to a little park in the center of town and across from the British Museum, with a small sign for Sotheby's Institute of Art. Oh, how I have waited for this to actually be real, and it is. The town that I am living in is a quaint more residential area with traditional Victorian houses and a strip of cute cafes and parks around the corner. I think I am in heaven. Ask me again when it rains for 7 days straight, but for now I am overwhelmed as God's revealing His path for me. So... who's comin to visit???
Ok, long entry, sorry (but typical haha). I love and miss you all, think about you often. Please update us on your lives. Love, love!- The Shan Shan

I'M DONE!!! (hopefully)

Hi friends,

It is finally (almost) official, I have graduated Hygiene School!! I could not be more excited or pleased. Now, I am on my way to Weddingsville, and all of you are invited. Hopefully you have all received your invitations by now. The reason I am not 100% done with school is I just took my final board in order to get my license on Friday, assuming I passed, then I am done.

Last weekend was hectic. Alan's grandfather, whom he was very close to, passed away on Friday night. Even though it was expected, it didn't make it any easier and indeed it felt sudden. We have been overwhelmed with all of the things that need to be done. In addition to that, Alan and I are heading to New York City to watch the Yankees play the Red Sox on Thursday. It will be my first time there and I am pretty excited. 

I don't know if any of you read this anymore, but I sure hope you do and I sure hope you respond with recent updates in your life.

Love you and miss you and HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!!

heyyyy

bored at work. what else is new? just wanted to say hi and that i'm thinking of all of you, missing 915 la paz. wouldn't it be lovely to lie on the deck with some iced tea right now? sigh...
hope you are all well.
love. becca

just so you dont feel bad about yourself kace, i will post something too :) i love the pics of brett and andrea! and i am getting even more excited for your wedding too!!! updates for me: jesse and I just spent a week in yosemite with a group of friends from high school and then road tripped over to Berkeley to watch my sister graduate from college (crazy)! we had an amazing time in yosemite. it was beautiful and the waterfalls were at full force with all of the snow melt. we did a lot of hiking and swam in the 41 degree river. jesse and i drove along the coast from san francisco all the way back to sc and were able to stop and stay with maggie in sb which was totally awesome :) thanks again mags for having us. great trip all in all and we are planning another yosemite trip for next year and would love for all of you to come join if you can. hope you guys are all doing well! love you, E

3 In A Row...

Am I blog obsessed...quite possibly. But this is ever so important and so I am not going to be self conscious about now having posted 3 times in a row. Here is a rather precious picture of my brother and his wife (what?!). The photographers did a great job. Here is a link to their blog www.gabrielryan.blogspot.com that has more pictures on it and there is a slideshow on the way. Talk to you soon.

Introducing Brett & Andrea Zundel

I feel like this title should be followed by a picture, and I am sorry to report that I don't have any pictures right now to show you girls. But I wanted you all to share in the excitement of it all. It was Beau-Ti-Ful!! My goodness, those two worked their butts off (and mine a wee bit) but it was well worth it. I assure you I will post some pics when I get them. 

Love you all...

10-4 Good Buddy

Hey Girls! Alan and I tried to send out save the date emails, but I'm not quite sure they all made it to their intended destinations. So I am letting you know it is on October 4th (hence 10-4...get it?) in Ashland (or in the nearby surrounding area) and I really hope you can all make it, it truly wouldn't be the same without you. I hope you are all well, love and miss you.

i go back...

ladies,

i dug through the archives in the depths of gmail to pull up this little treasure. can you believe it's been 2 years since graduation! i've been meaning to post an update about life, which i will do later this weekend; but i started to get all sentimental over you all, and thought that the 2 year anniversary of our graduation was a great time to bring this little ditty to the forefront of all of your memories as well. i only wish that katie and kylea were here to sing it to me...

i love you girls.

Graduation Song

Intro: (to the tune of I Go Back)

Stan and Judy welcomed us to the college of our dreams

Suddenly we found ourselves lost and kinda lonely

Could there be some girls out there who were weird and awkward too?

That's when we saw you!

Now we go back:

To whip cream shots and lots of ho-cho

Staying up late although we've gotta go

To early morning coffee with the brew crew

And we go back

To our friends at the WB

Felicity, Dawson, don't forget Rory

Spur of the moment dance parties together

Now every time we hear those songs, we go back….we go back

Maggie: (to the tune of Crazy)

Kathy:

Met you freshman year in our room

Your hair so long and blonde and bright

For a moment I thought you wouldn't like me

Especially when I stared at you at night

Kylea:

Sophomore year I didn't know you

But we smiled and said "let's be best friends"

Dates and the bean and late night joker

And our troubles with Joshes never seemed to end

Both:

Oh how we love our Chicago Maggie

And all her artsy-fartsy ways

And that Spencer paper's been due for over a month

So procrastinate, and come outside and play….So procrastinate, and come outside and play

Becca: (to Hey Mickey)

Hey Becca you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind…..

Becca you came into our lives quite by surprise

We needed a roommate and you said that you would try

Always running off to work that Blue Bee sale

But wow you looked so good with the sideways ponytail

Roommate coffee dates and Disney sing-a-longs…

OMG Becca!

You're our B-squared Becca, Texas Becca---Our fashion guru Becca!

Hey Becca!

Hilary: (to You and Me)

Where's Hilbo now? I think she's in Mexico

Me gusta su boca pequena

We can't keep up, when she runs her marathons,

Vamanos, nina

Where's Hilbo now? She's out eating Golden Spoon

Or scrapbooking pictures of me

She always cooks, just never for us

Keep your hand off her guacamole

Cause it's Hilary, if you're feeling sick-y,

She'll take care of you, and cook for you too.

She's the Hooded Hil, she loves her dark chocolate,

And PB Go Soy,

Won't you make me some homemade Pazoo-ki?

Shannon: (to Since You've Been Gone)

Kathy:

Here's the deal, we had to be friends

We were told so by Lauren and Jen

Yeah, Yeah- and look at us know

Kylea:

Your trip to Bake-o was when it began

I didn't know that I would be such a fan

Yeah, Yeah- of Shannon Patton

Both:

And how we love to hear you say

Crazy cats come out and play!

Every night in those sweet PJ's

Shannon Patton!

Your dance moves are always in step

We missed you in Rome, Yeah, Yeah

Skip the meal, just go straight to dessert

Shannon Patton..

Elyse: (to California Girls)

When you lived across the hall in VK

You really stole our hearts

When we heard that laugh, and we saw that smile

We couldn't dream of life apart

You are a text twist master

Together we set the high score

And when you cruise around in that sweet PT

Guys like Jesse just can't ignore

Your Polaroid camera always came in handy..

The first meal you cooked really was a dandy..

We're glad that you're not dating a randy…yeah

Kacey: (to Nobody But Me and Ignition)

Nobody but Kougs, can spice those green bean just the way I like 'em

Nobody but Kougs, can purr like that in my ear

Don't wanna move from the couch

Let's see what's on TLC

Wait, wait what??

Don't go loving on, nobody but me

Me..me….REMIX!

Can I get a Ho Cho! Can I get a …….

Here's to Kacey the Kougs

And her spontaneous moves

The one Biology major who really knows how to groove

Soccy talk is a breeze

Oh look Platty's diseased

That's right we're singing this song

So go put on your moccies!

Kylea and Kathy (to I've Got You Babe)

I got you Babe (x2)

Kath: You know they say we're kinda weird

We became the same person just like they feared

Ky: Well yeah that might be kinda true

But baby I ain't nothing like you

Ky: You're obsessed with unicorns

Kath: At least my ACL's aren't torn

Kath: Your rotten bum bum always reeks

Ky: At least I'm not freakishly weak

Kath: I think that coffee runs through your veins

Ky: Well your OCD habits are always a pain

Kath: Have you ever considered taking a bath?

Ky: Why don't you just go do the math?

Both: Well I guess we're not completely the same

But look at what great friends we became

You…I got you babe. I got you babe. I got you babe.

Closing:

When we all leave the home

And we're out there on our own

All you have to do is give us a call

And we'll be there—you're not alone at all

No matter where, life may take us

We will always be the friends you can trust

And in what-whatever you're going through

Just remember that we love you!

Dang it.

Well, I found out today that I did not get the job. I'm not sure who it went to yet, although I can almost be certain it was to someone with more experience. I know it was a long shot: a first-year teacher, a 4-5 combo, in 2 languages. But I have never wanted, nor imagined wanting, something so much. Needless to say, I'm heartbroken... quite literally. I fell in love with the school, the kids, the idea of working there but God has a different plan. I know that and I trust it but I wish that wasn't the case. I'm confused and a little at a loss of what steps I take next. God is so good at knowing what I need to learn: patience, surrender and grace through it all. Please continue to pray if/when you think of it. And know that I am so very grateful for all of your prayers and encouragement up till now. It has meant so much. I'm sorry to be such a downer in this one... believe me, I was definitely hoping it would be a pose of excitement! Even still, I look at what God has done in my family just this year and am slapped in the face with how faithful He is. Thank you, dear friends. I love you all.

JUST SOME NEWS...??!!

DEAR KACEY:

YEAH GIRL!

LOVE,
BECCA

Slowdancing in A Burning Room

Ladies, Kacey especially, I must first add an excited HELLO to all of you!! (KACE gets the biggest one because she's the first to get engaged and all- only fair :)) !!! I love reading about all of your news- Hil how did the interview go?? Becca, my life has slowed down and I would love it if you came to visit!! Anyone else is free to hop on board too! I just moved like a week and a half ago to a little smaller pad, but my bed is always open for you ladies. On a note of updates and prayers, I think Nate and I are breaking up in about an hour... We haven't been dating long, and only really met at the end of December so its a tough thing to say goodbye to so soon. It basically comes down to the fact that he is just entering into the post-college depression we all had once "real life" hit us hard; 2 jobs, bills, loneliness without roommates etc is just setting him over the edge, and our relationship is suffering. "We" were the last thing added to his plate, therefore I think, in his overwhelm, lightening his emotional load will keep him from sinking. I am obviously bummed about this because it feels like he's shooting our relationship in the foot before we've started the race. Either way, I know the Lord has a bigger plan than I do, and I'd rather His than mine any day. But prayers would be graciously accepted as I heal from this, and of course a phone call to make me laugh is welcomed anytime! Love you all, and... thanks

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's all I have to say... oh, and CONGRATULATIONS! I love you and am so happy for you!

Love,
Hil

Aloha!

Let me first say WELCOME BECCA!! I was thinking about you today and decided I was going to give you a hard time in my next post to encourage you to join in on the fun. I am happy to hear about the excitement of your life!
As you may or may not have known, I am currently in Hawaii with my parents and Alan for what serves as my spring AND summer break from school. I realized that some of you haven't even seen a pic of the man that has stolen my heart (cheesy, I know) so here he is. Try and figure out which one he is (hehehe). Brett and Andrea aren't here due to their wedding being in less than a month. OH MY GOSH huh?!
Alright my dears, I hope you're all doing so well and try not to pity me too much sitting on the beach for the next few days.
Love you

first blog posting EVER...so glad it's with you gals!

Holler!!! I guess it took me a while to jump on the blog train, but I have truly been thinking about all of you SO MUCH as of recently. I was previously "borrowing" the internet from the neighbs and then I guess they set a password, so now I pretty much never get on the internet. Except at work...to look for other jobs. Haha. Anyway...I love hearing about all of your lives - it puts a smile on my face to know that we haven't all lost touch in these strange and eventful days of our mid-twenties. Brief synopsis of my life right now (for those of you that don't know): still at Blue Bee...been trying to leave for like, 3 months now...kinda hard to do when you're not entirely sure what it is you want to do next and all you have is retail experience; live dt in a supe cute (that's for you, Elyse) studio with my fish, Leonard; my boyfriend, Todd lives downstairs in the same tiny apt complex and we're kind of in love. This is the first serious relationship for both of us and I never knew I would learn so much from it! But it's great and he's great. I never would have pictured myself living this life when we graduated 2 years ago, but here I am, and as curious as I am about the future, I am loving life. I'm trying to keep a level head and trust the God that I know is good through some of this uncertainty and the more significant decisions I need to make (career path, grad school, possibly moving, etc...and how the bf fits into all of that). I think most of it is stuff I need to figure out on my own and for myself, but prayers and encouragement are obviously welcome:) I am really going to make a big effort to keep up with this thing and stay in the loop on all of your lives and adventures. I am so grateful just to know such beautiful spirits like all of you ladies.

Modified Speed Bump

What in the world, you might ask, am I talking about? Well, you're in luck... I'm going to tell you. Remember that awful speed bump right outside of 915 La Paz? Yeah, it's about high time someone noticed how many cars bottomed out on that thing. They've modified it, painted it to be visible and last night I experienced this new - and wondrous - one might add, modification. About time. In other 915 news, Marisa informed me that rumor has it that a young professor and his wife will be moving in to rent The Home. I think they should have had an application process personally - that we reviewed. Alas, apparently people don't care about us. Whatever.

Ok... on a more serious note, though, I would covet your prayers this week. My interview is coming up on Monday, April 21. It's from 8:15-9:45. First, I teach in English, then in Spanish and then do my interview. While I have a great relationship with the students, staff, etc., I know that I am up against some pretty tough competition - most recently, a student from UCSB that I know, a girl who has taught in inner city LA and finally, a male with the last name Ramirez. It leads me to believe that his Spanish is better than mine, plus he's a male - which, as you all know - I am not. Ok, but to be honest: this would be my dream come true, quite literally. Not only have I wanted to teach since age 4, but in a bilingual school!? Are you kidding me? I want the job badly and have not admitted until recently that I will be very sad if I don't get it. I know that God has the perfect plan and a way to open doors if/when He wants me there, but that is hard to focus on right now. I would love your prayers for peace, comfort and rest over the next few days (I've had a few rough nights of sleep). And, I'd love them on Monday for confidence, patience, wisdom and grace as I teach and interview. Thank you all so very much from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could see your faces on Monday morning before I went... and when I came home. I love you and miss you and wish we had Brew Crew tomorrow morning.

Hil

True Confessions

When I saw everyone's awesome pictures, I decided to look through a few of my own. To my great enjoyment, I found this picture :) There was a night where Kacey and I had nothing to do, big surprise, and we decided to dress up and take pictures around Westmont. This is just one snap shot of our tour de westmont.

Holler Back Youngins!

Ladies!! Hello!!! I got busy this week and didn't check the blog, and then BAM there are like ten new posts- how fun!! I L-O-V-E hearing everyone's news- its such a great way to stay connected! I suppose I have a few things to share, ass well... Mom and I are moving this weekend, which has not been the fav topic of convo because we are forced to move cuz its so expensive right now. The reparations come slowly and the repercussions prolonged in divorce, I guess... :( So I hold fast to Redemption, instead, and for how the Lord is planning to make all things new in our family someday. That is why I am here in DP, to be with the woman and learn to live life in our oddly shaped family unit. And I am so grateful for this special time with my mom, at home, with friends etc. On the flip side, plans to get out of here are in motion too!! I hear back from the financial aid department of Richmond University, London next week about a Masters of Art History program for Fall! I also applied to a semester long program with Sotheby's Institute (founders of the internationally acclaimed auction house), which is also in London. No Masters there, but great training and exposure for resume. I will keep you posted! Main prayers this week are for patience with the move and grace if the new place doesn't quite fit my desires, because its perfect for my mom. Ky, praying for your family. Other ladies, thinking about you often. Ha ha and Kath, this one's for you.... !!

In Need of a Freedom Frolic!!

Hi guys, so I am studying for my finals...ahhh I have grown to hate the weekend right before finals. And then I thought to myself, "I haven't always hated finals weekend" and suddenly it occurred to me...I NEED A FREEDOM FROLIC!!
So I decided I would post an old pic, and follow it up with a current pic of me showing you just how desperate I am!
Ky, I am happy to hear your dad's surgery went well, I will surely keep praying.
Mags, I love hearing how much you are enjoying school...I am a wee bit jealous (especially with all of your new Ashie friends!)
Love you guys and miss you terribly.