Changes

So, my schedule continues to be full, and days continue to be busy. On Saturday, I learned to can tomatoes in the morning, then spent the late morning / early afternoon sewing a quilt for my roommate, while doing laundry, grocery shopping, and doing some prep work for dinner later that night. I attended a Pioneer day picnic with the Branham ward, which proved to be quite a successful venture as I am not always comfortable being outgoing and the first to say, "hello!"

My friend, Brooks and I, had BBQ Chicken, asparagus, and fruit salad later that night for dinner! It was a lot of fun and I had time to relax. I don't always make time to just relax and veg out! I also went to the Branham ward on Sunday morning, then attended the Mt. Hamilton branch later that afternoon! Brooks asked me to help him promote Camp Ritchie, so off we went! It was an interesting experience. There were only a few people in the branch and I am used to having so many more people, as the Branham ward is the biggest ward in the Stake, and the A3 is a decent size as well.

Camp Ritchie is a great place! It is located up in the Sierras and is used in the summertime as a week camp for boys and girls between the ages of 12-17 years old. It is a great place where the kids learn a lot of valuable lessons for life, as well as getting an opportunity to get out into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the great things about Camp Ritchie is the enormous opportunity for spiritual growth! While at camp, the kids learn about gospel principles and learn more about our Heavenly Father's plan for His children here on earth, and to know of their great potential and worth. As single adults, we have an opportunity at the end of the summer to spend Labor Day weekend and close down the camp for the winter. Pretty much, it is a nice weekend camping with a couple hours on Saturday doing some service work (the closing of the camp). There is an array of outdoor activities available to all who attend, and plenty of space to go off and have your own personal time! This, I must admit is my most favorite part of the weekend - personal time!

I spend most of my days going 110% and taking time in my car driving as my own personal time when I remember to have it, or late at night when I am half conscious (if I am lucky). Most of the time, while driving (which isn't much, as most of my activities are in the same vicinity) I spend on the phone trying to connect with friends I don't keep in touch with, or confirming that I am making my way to whatever destination or appointment I am committed to! Heh! These are not complaints by the way! I love my life and the things I do! I am so blessed to be able to do things I enjoy and want to learn!

Poi balls did not go last night, but that is okay! Anna and Kelly had other things to do really at any rate, so it worked out from them. After corresponding with Desiree, the class ended around 2230 hours, so even if we had been late, we probably would have been fine. They are both worriers and I understand that, which is why I agreed to just not go. I could also tell they each were looking forward to doing things with their boy"friends" and had been planning to do so. Anna is puppy sitting as well, so she was concerned about them. When girls say they are down for doing a girls night instead of the planned activity, but spend most of the time on the phone with the boy of choice, it isn't really a girls thing! Next time, I will have to have the plan to spend most of the night learning Poi! :)

erika j

Release

Today, was an important day for me. For over five years, I have served in one calling or another for my YSA ward. I kind of lost my "fire" for the Singles Ward, and felt that I have grown out of the ward, so after lots of thought and prayer, I decided it was time to make a change. As of today, I was released from my calling of Relief Society Secretary, and have plans to attend my geographical ward. It is going to be a big change and the differences are many! I have never spent a significant amount of time in a family ward, and from what I understand it should be a great learning opportunity for me. I am excited and fired up again!

erika j

Busy days!

Days have been passing by quickly! I just talked with my friend, Sommer, for the first time in a long time! She has two beautiful kids and I haven't even seen them yet! I am such a jerk! She is one of the most wonderful people I know, and yet our communication is minimal. She doesn't live very far away, but I struggle to get myself out there! I remember when I first made the move out to the Bay area. I wasn't sure what it was going to be like without her and a few of my other friends! Well, needless to say, I have made many friends since then, and it was only yesterday that I left the Central Valley without looking over my shoulder!

My Twinners is in France for the next little while, and it has been so long since we have hung out. We did, however, enjoy some great BBQ at Reiko's house on Saturday of fourth of July weekend, but it was a short visit. I am glad that Reiko (Derrick's aunt) lives so close by my house and made it all possible! Maybe next time they go to France, I will be able to afford to go, too!