it's that time of year....

I recently turned 29. I've been mentally preparing myself for this year for the last few months. It seemed like it would be a significant. Everyone keeps telling me "OOOO This is the LAST YEAR before the BIG ONE" or things like "Oh man- one more year and then it's all down hill..." It kind of sets you up for a challenge.

So, I started to figure- if NEXT year is such a big one- I probably need to get my stuff in order so that I'm ready for "The Big One." That is a tall order. I mean- if it's all downhill from 30- I ought to hit 30 at a bit of a peak, or at least a plateau- not in the depths of a valley. Not that I'm in the depths of a valley. But I'm not at a peak.

So, I think I should make a bucket list. Not the "before I die" bucket list, which was made famous by our friends Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, but the "before I turn 30" bucket list. (just to clarify that these are not things i need to do before i die). (also, as a second point of clarification, I want to note that I did not see said bucket list film. i tend to avoid movies about senior citizens who become "the most unlikely of friends" (quote from imdb))

So, while my bucket list isn't totally complete, I will be working on it. I'll publish it shortly. If there is something that you feel I MUST do in this next year- please let me know. Thanks!

Donald Miller hunt!

I'm not sure who of my friends follow Donald Miller's blog... I've been enjoying it a lot lately. He has a new book coming out (which is quite over due- it was supposed to be released 2 years ago, was pulled back, and is now out). He's really be promoting it and has said that he's never promoted a book like this because he's never really believed in a book he has written as much as this one. Well, if you go to the blog you can read about a little contest he was doing.

For the last few weeks, he's been posting a location of a manuscript of the book, signed by him, and with his phone number so you can read it and give him feedback. On Wednesday of this week was the final posting- and there was a copy at Hearts and Minds in Dallastown. I went for it- and I won!! First of all- I never win anything... and this is a handsigned copy of a manuscript of DM's new book!! I am so excited!!! I got there (my friend Billy got there first, but he was only there to mark my place b/c he new he was closer, as i called him while i was headed there). I got there second- so really first b/c he wasn't really participating... and I got the book! A handful of people came after us, and I was pumped. Here I am with Byron Borger- the owner of the store. (ps- go to his site for a great review of this book)

This was a thrilling day and I was super pumped about it. I'm going to start reading it today!!! (I know- it's been 48 hours, but I have had NO spare time). My thoughts on the book forthcoming.

And if you aren't familiar with Donald Miller's work- I recommend you check him out. He's a great writer!

Wedding Season (entry 2)

As I previously mentioned, I went to quite a few weddings this summer. Five. Which to some may seem like a lot, but to me, it isn't. In fact, it was kind of a slow wedding summer. I have been out of college for 7 years, and in that time I have gone to around 40 weddings. It's a lot. As someone said to me this weekend "you've got kind of a 27 dresses situation going on." And I do, I guess.

I watched 27 dresses when I got home this weekend, I thought about it, I can definitely relate to Jane, the late 20s single gal who's been in 27 weddings. Now, I've only been in 6, but I've definitely BEEN to a lot more than that. And while there are certainly times that it is difficult to buckle down and head to another one, for the most part I am glad to do it. It's a beautiful thing to watch your dear friend on the happiest day of their life. I am honored to be a part of their day. And I love dancing!

Some people say to this "HOW have you been invited to so many weddings?" And really, it's just the blessing/curse of the life that I have been in. First, I went to a Christian college. Let's be honest- A LOT of people get married after they graduate from Christian colleges. Immediately. Those were the first summers. Then I started working for a campus ministry organization. A bunch of young, just out of college, mostly singles all working together in ministry? Those are prime candidates for more weddings. Then- the students that I worked with through the campus ministry organization started getting married. Again- a bunch of evangelical Christian students all together involved in campus ministry- these people are going to get married!!

And then, I'm not sure if you should count these- but in 2007 I became the wedding coordinator at my church- that added like 12 more in the last 2 years (not attending the receptions, but still spending a Friday night and all day Saturday attending to a wedding) They are not on the below list. FYI.

As I was helping my sister with some details of her wedding, I was sorting through my box of wedding materials (you know- programs, invitations, and favors that I've saved along the way... it started out as a way to save some memories and maybe get some ideas in the future- but now it's more or less a way of documenting the way I've spent the last 7 summers). I thought I'd run through the breakdown... (those with a * I was unable to attend, the + I was in)

2001
Kelly & Tim+
Tracey & Randon

2002
Beth & Rich
Beth & Cliff
Ashley & Matt

2003
Lacey & Aaron +
Coop & Kristin
Brooke & Adam
Andy & Trisha

Kristin & Gillis*

Keith & Kristie

Liz & Jeremy

Mary & Steve

2004

David & Sabrina

Sarah & Kirk

Jess & Micah

Tim & Anna

Jon & Michelle

2005

Becky & Tim+

Ryan & Annie

Clay & Jess

Tom & Melissa
Tara & Jared
Erin & JT
Kristi & Dan *

2006
Mike & Heather
Jana & Ryan*
Jamie & Clifton
Frost & Erica
Bethany & Seth*
Lisa & Eric +
Sharon & Chris
Rachel & Seth

2007

Jason & Trisha
Bekah & Jake

2008
Steph & Eric
Kim & Todd *
Erica & Craig
Scotty & Sara

2009
Amy & Dallas+
Chris & Erin

Heidi & John

Allison & Jason+

Meghan & Joe

When you look at it, it really is a lot of weddings. 44 invites. 39 attending. All of which were a LOT of fun. But can sometimes be a challenge for the single gal... more on that later.

Wedding Season (entry 1)

Summer always brings along wedding season. This summer was no exception (5 weddings), and this weekend was the ultimate culmination of my summer wedding season. I had 2 weddings in 1 weekend- and was able to attend them both!!

First- my step-sister Allison got married to Jason!! It was a joy to be in her wedding party and to celebrate with both of them all weekend. We had a great time!! The downside to being in a wedding is that you take very few pictures. But I got a few and here is one of me and the fabulous couple. It was great.

My other sister and I headed to P-burgh Friday AM for a bridesmaids lunch, and then had the rehearsal that night. Sat AM we did hair (which was fabulous) and then got ready and had the big day!! Such a good time!!!

Then, Sunday morning I was up and at 'em (slightly begrudgingly) to head to Carlisle for the wedding of Meghan and Joe. Meghan is a former student from Penn State and one of the greatest girls around. It took me awhile to get my energy back- but I had a great time connecting with some GREAT former students (the State College table represented) and and great time celebrating with them. I am looking forward to seeing this newly married couple as they continue to reside in York til they head to Loughan AFB this November (with my cousin Scotty!)

It was a GREAT wedding weekend full of celebration- but I am EXHAUSTED now. I think it will take a few days to recover.

California!!....California!!!! (in the style of Phantom Planet)

Late July to Early August my sister Amy and I went to CA to see our cousin Lisa and her husband Eric. Lisa is a dentist in the Air Force and was stationed for this last year at Travis AFB in Northern CA. They lived in the town of Vacaville. We were there for 6 days and saw nearly everything. (well, not really, but it was a lot) Here is a whirlwind tour of what we saw. (since our trip Lisa and Eric have moved to their next assignment: Guam!)


First Night: Dinner at Tahoe Joe's, a local restaurant. We went for Happy Hour and ate a TON of appetizers and had some fun drinks!

Amy, Lisa, and Becki w/ Tahoe Joe himself!

Day 2: we went to base for lunch w/ Lisa, and then to two local wineries in the Suisun Valley. They were great!! Here is a shot from one of the wineries.

That night, after Lisa was off work, we went to downtown Vacaville for dinner (more happy hour) and then to an outdoor concert in a park.

Saturday we got up bright and early and headed to Muir Woods to see the Redwoods. It was awesome!!!

After Muir Woods we headed into San Francisco and saw IT ALL!! Here are a few things:

sea lions at the pier

it was very windy that day!!

We saw Mrs. Doubtfire's House and went to the Full House houses!

We went to Chinatown

We also went up to Twin Peaks for a view of the city (too foggy), walked all over the city, and drove the crookedest street. We ended our day w/ a Giants Game!!! It was great!!

Sunday we went to Sonoma and Napa Valleys. First was a picnic at a winery in Sonoma, after getting tasty sandwiches downtown.

Then we went on a tour and started tasting!

Next stop: Napa for the Laird Winery!! Probably my highlight!

We came home that night and just played cards and watched a movie- we were wiped out!!

Monday we just hung out by the pool during the day. it was gorgeous!! This is what is looks like in Vacaville ALL THE TIME!!!!:

That night we headed up to Sacramento and ate at the old town. I tried to look for Arnold, but I did not see him....

These are just a FEW of the 600 pics we took. What a great trip!!!!

What i've been up to...

It's September 1st. Fall is in the air, and I'm a little bummed about it. I really love summer. I love fall too- but I'm not quite ready for it... Summer seemed to fly by so quickly. But at least this year I got to take some vacation!! Here's a brief overview of where I have been the last month and a half... (in which I'm not sure I've had a full work week...) I have pictures of most events (thanks to my new pink camera).

July 4: Annual 4th of July Carnival in Jacobus, followed by a fun family gathering @ my mom's. This is my young friend Julia killing it at the balloon game.

July 11: Annual LAIRD family reunion in Ebensburg, PA. A Classic Day.

July 12: My step-sister Allison's bridal shower in Pittsburgh (2nd sister to get married this summer!)

July 16: Trip to Burkittsville, MD w/ friends for small town carnival. Always entertaining!

July 18: Heidi (one of my bff's from college and Philly roommates) got married!!!!

July 18-25: BEACH WEEK! Annual family trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a lot of rain and clouds this year, but I read 4 books (see previous blog post)

July 29: Mom's Bday!!! (no pic)

July 30-Aug 4: CALIFORNIA!!! My sister and I went to Vacaville, CA (outside San Fran) to visit cousin Lisa and husband Eric. She's an Air Force Dentist. We had a GREAT TIME!! (see upcoming post on the trip)

Aug 7-9: American Idol Live in Atlantic City, NJ and weekend to follow on Long Beach Island with great friends.

Aug 13: CCO Area Day- Day trip to State College (which always feels like I'm visiting my homeland). It was a great day to reconnect with the CCO staff in my area and gear up for another school year (I maintain associate staff status w/ the CCO).

Downside to the day: I was stung by 10 bees. (once in the eye- got hives 1 week later)

Aug 15: "An Evening at the Landings" celebrating friends' new apartment

Aug 15-20: ALL THE COUSINS TOGETHER!! Before Lisa & Eric left for Guam (her next AF assignment) they, her brothers and their wives & kids came into town and the 5 cousins + spouses were together for a few days. We had a great time.

Aug. 31: Visiting Kelly & Tim- good friends from college (though Kelly and I go back to camp)- they work for a missions org in Chicago- we only get to see each other once a year- but it's always refreshing to spend time with them on their brief visits to York.

Aug. 23-today: I've had a nasty cold that I can't seem to shake... but I need to improve because THIS weekend is when my step-sis Allison gets married AND my friend Meghan gets married (that's right folks- 2 weddings- 1 weekend). In one (sat) attending the second (sun).

Looking forward to next Monday when I'm home from all my travels and can rest from my Labors!!! It was a good summer... I wish it could last just a bit longer, but all I can do is reflect on its fullness and goodness and prepare for the glorious season of fall!