Sarah: Life

San Diego offers free college-like courses for adults who live in San Diego county. And I'm taking two classes this fall! Did I mention they're free?

I had my first class last Wednesday - a pattern making class. I love to sew and I'd love to learn how to make my own patterns for clothes; hence, the class. It's a four hour class once a week, for 18 weeks. I'm really excited about it!

The second class that I'm taking just started yesterday. It's a basic photography class. And when I say basic, I mean b a s i c. As in, let's talk about the different kinds of camera. Digital vs. film. Point & shoot vs. DSLR. Granted, it's mostly older people who don't really understand their cameras, so I probably shouldn't judge too harshly. Still, I'm learning a few things. This is the first "formal" photography class I've ever taken. And even though it's pretty rudimentary, I'm enjoying myself.

It feels good to be back in class(es). And to be learning about my passions and hobbies instead of taking courses which are required.

It feels really good. I feel good.

Sarah: Proof of a Visit Part I

As you all know, Kelsey was here. IN California. And it was fantastic. Here are some pictures to prove it:

Fro-yo

So much sushi!

Can you believe I never had gelato before this? 

What a beaut.

Sarah: Together Again

Kelsey is here. My soul is happy.

Sarah: Teddy & Rebecca

My friends Teddy and Rebecca were married on January 14th. And now they're taking their time on their honeymoon traveling around the country. How cool is that honeymoon?

On Valentine's Day they made their way over here to good ole San Diego for a nice little visit. They arrived early and stayed late--and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I've known Teddy since I was in the 4th grade and Rebecca since high school years. While they were here we took walks, ate good food (ahem, California burritos and sushi!!), had terrific conversation, experienced the best street performance, and enjoyed the presence of one another. I love when worlds, old and new, collide.

Here are some pictures from their stay:

Awesome street performance

She has one of the most interesting faces

Teddy and Rebecca,
Thank you for coming to our home. Thank you for your friendship.
I love you both.

Sarah: Tiff, Dave, & Luisa Came to Visit - Part III

This is it. The last of the post about my sister's visit. I can't believe two weeks ago today, I was heading to LAX to pick them up...it feels like yesterday.

I miss them tons. I miss smelling like baby. I miss running to the grocery store every 10 minutes because we were out of something. I miss spending time with Tiff & Dave. I miss getting peed on. I miss baby Lu's giggles.

Frank & I are going to have to plan a trip to Ohio asap.

Sarah: Tiff, Dave, & Luisa Came to Visit - Part II (Zoo Day)

Feeding in the jungle

The polar bears were SO playful!

Eating solids is messy & takes a group effort

"Why use a spoon when I can use my fingers?"

Not sure what to think about the elephants

This was the day we spent at the zoo! It was such a fun-filled day & it was like the stars aligned, the way all the animals were so playful & present!

The lion was definitely my favorite, but that panda was a close second. My sister was so excited it was that close because pandas are her favorite. 

p.s. The video does not do the lion's growl justice. It was SO loud. It rumbled through my chest!

Sarah: Tiff, Dave, & Luisa Came to Visit - Part I

Just try to comprehend the cuteness

Look at those cheeks

Right before she peed all over (seriously. all over).

The infamous California burrito-which we
practically lived on all week.
Can you see the french fries??

"Skippyjon Jones was one naughty kitty boy." Does anyone
else know that kids' book? It's awesome.

Baby Lu just chillin' on the quilt I made her for Christmas.

Here is Part I of my family's visit to San Diego. I just got home from taking them to the airport. They stayed with Frank & I for 8 glorious days. I loved having them here so much.

I might have cried as I drove away from the airport....more fun photos to come this week!

Sarah: All the Time

One of the things I struggle with living in San Diego is the weather. When you grow up in the midwest, you begin to equate weather with events, holidays, & emotions. The weather is so fickle & tricky that you never know what to expect on any given day.

But here...it's nice all the time. Even when it's chilly, it's nice. I don't know how to react to this kind of consistent weather. Back in Ohio or Illinois, when it snowed & I didn't like it I could just boycott the weather and stay curled up in bed. Or if was rainy & cold I could take out my angered disappointment by staying indoors. But here...when it's nice all the time, I feel like I need to be happy all the time. And I usually am. The weather here doesn't accommodate bad moods or bad days. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it's what I need in life. More sunshine.

It's going to be in the mid-seventies here in my little neighborhood. After that little rant above, I feel sheepish admitting that I'm looking forward to it.

Tomorrow I'm going to post some of my goals for 2012. Stay tuned.

Sarah: Big Year

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

I took an unintentional leave of absence from the blog for the holidays I guess. It certainly wasn't planned, but I'm glad it happened. It was nice to just take a break and focus on on the holidays, my husband, & our families. 

For both Christmas & New Years Eve, we just chilled out at home. Everything was low-key, lovely, & perfect.

2011 was a big year:

I made a commitment to take care of my body & followed through on it//I finished up my degree & graduated college//I helped Kels pack up her stuff & move to Uganda//I ran my first 5k//I watched as my sister gave birth to my first niece, Luisa//My husband lost his job & we made a really big decision//Frank & I traveled to Uganda & I met my in-laws for the first time! And I love them//I saw the source of the Nile//My womb was blessed by one of my husband's aunties//We packed up our cars & moved across the country//We almost moved into our cars while living in San Diego//I became an official Californian//I had a big personal revelation//I got new glasses//Kelsey & Denis came to the US//Kels & Deno got engaged//

I think 2012 is going to be an even bigger year. Bring it on.

Sarah: Life Lately

Frank and I moved [again!] on Saturday! We moved from the cockroach infested little apartment to a cute little apartment in a busy little neighborhood. I. am. loving it. I'm not loving the unpacking, though. A necessary evil I suppose.

Here are some iPhone photos that I've taken lately:

 December Nights in the Park

On Sunday [right after we moved into our new
place] we got our first real Christmas Tree!
I am now in FULL holiday mode!

Starbucks for moving day!

We were excited in line for the coffee to
help us with moving day!

I hope you all have a lovely Tuesday!