The adventures of Betty and the Bitch.

In the beginning...

Laurie and the cork screw.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho.


Slack-jawin' around.


In Bellingham, me thinks.

The Westras.

Three in the front.

Special thanks to Betty, the bitch, Jeremy (both of them) Lisa, and Ross.

The end.

good day sunshine

This morning I awoke after a restful 9hrs of sleep. I put some music on and ate breakfast on the back "porch". I proceeded to clean up the yard slightly, then checked on my sprouting flower pellets, and then began my laundry, which so desperately needed doing. I am wearing my last clean underpants. Only now I have more, hanging on the line in the backyard. I leafed through the shopper and cut out ads for jobs that looked application-worthy and then I began fixing up my resumé. Laura put coffee on, so we had koffie en stroopwafels. Then more koffie. At 3.55 I headed to work all gardened, sunned up, and caffeinated. What a good morning.

The day was rather breezy, gusty even, with short bursts of sunshine. I had rushed to work, late as usual, but upon arriving found there was not much to do, also as usual, for the rush does not begin until almost 5 when most of the clients come home from a hard days work. I stowed my supper in the office where the fragrance of freshly cut grass wafting through the window and the sound of rustling trees lured me back outside. Four trees laden with blossoms danced in the wind to what I imagined must have been a celtic violin song. I stood under them a while, enjoying the blizzard of flower petals swirling all around me and taking in their delightful aroma. What a good evening.

good night, moon.

Amanda posted about happiness. This weekend I have felt truly happy. I think. What a satisfying weekend. Friday there was the "premier" and then a relatively calm but awesome night. Saturday there were Palisades, Czech hitchhikers, waterfalls, beer, sunsets, gymnastics, rock climbing, and bonfires. Not exactly in that order. Today there was Edgerton, Wegeners, frozen fruit blends, eating outdoors, sunburn, seed planting, talks with Mom, volleyball, coffee time, old friends, and puppies. Tomorrow I anticipate a car wash, more gardening, and hopefully more puppies.

I am going to attempt running this summer. If Diane can put up with me long enough for me to get in shape, that is. Otherwise I'll granny walk it. If Mrs. Kroeze can look so good doing it, so can I, right?

Some activities I am anticipating this summer are camping, canoeing, gardening, and volleyballing.

Mom wants me to play violin for Grandma/pa's 50th anniversary party. I should start practicing. Maybe in a month I'll be able to squeek out a nice love song.

The 200th Post

Here's one for Amanda. And others.

The latest happenings.

Borrowed Mad Men from Franklin.
Borrowed the Brothers Karamazov from the college library.
Began crocheting a blanket.
Interviewed for a Fridays only interpreting position.
Got the position.
Worked a couple Fridays, scored some free food, and noticed an interesting job posting.
Applied for the job.
Participated in a 75th birthday party/double half-birthday party/Joelle's birthday party/congrats to Vogel party.
Attempted to cleanse Duck Bill of his leprosy.
Renewed the Brothers Karamazov at the library after paying my 10 cent fine.
Paused on the blanket and began crocheting leg warmers.
Missed Wigged-Out Westra.
Changed my name. Can't explain.
Learned a game (thanks to Dieuwke) that changed it's name. Quartet. Aka go fish. But quartet is more fun because you get to yell.
Woke up at 6.30am to head south for free pancakes at IHOP('N) with Gus, Lulu Bean, Franklin, Betty, and the traveling blanket.

good yea hoser.

Went to THE interview.
Watched the 9th square and now have only one disc left. Shoot.

I think that pretty much sums it up. I thought about going on for 200 things, but uh...

nothing better to do... except ranch.

This is my second overnight shift at this particular residence. I have done some at waiver homes, but they are different. I'm allowed to sleep there. I suppose I could sleep here too, no one would know, but staying up is more fun in a way. Plus, I just made coffee.

Most of the residents are asleep in their rooms, except a couple that are still watching TV. The building, though well lit, is quiet. When I put my headphones on I feel like I am in a silent film with a soundtrack. Without the headphones it feels more like the beginning of a horror film - eerie, but with nothing crazy happening yet.

About to consume an unhealthy amount of Mediterranean pizza.

I just ate an unhealthy amount of ice cream and later tonight will probably drink an unhealthy amount of SKY.
The past few days have been weird. No school, but no work either. Strange how doing nothing can still be so exhausting. I have many plans of things to keep me busy, though. Knitting, reading, studying for the GRE, and grad school shopping. You know, the usual. So on the reading note, if anyone has suggestions for "must-read" books, I'll take 'em.

Viva Mexico

Today we went to Mexico. Going in the only security is a randomized light system - green light you go unchecked, red light you get checked. We got a red. Second one in 2.5 years. The check consisted of them opening the back of the van, shutting it again, and saying okay. Getting out of Mexico took nearly an hour of traffic jamming, passports, and several questions.
It was weird being in Juarez because all the stories I've heard of it since coming here, and even before, make it sound like you should run from building to building to avoid getting shot... But of course it's not that way. Anyway, there is definitely an extremely noticeable difference, though, as soon as you cross the border. Instant poverty.

Six days until I leave...

and I'm already anxious to leave. I always get that way. I love to go home and visit, but after a while I'm just itching to get back to my own place.
But I guess I'll just have to go outside and soak up the sun a little longer. Best to enjoy while I can.

Feliz Navidad!

We did our gift exchange tonight. Kayla got Amanda a movie, still in it's plastic wrap. As Amanda was working the stupid stickers, trying to open it, Kayla piped up all nonchalantly "oh, you have to return it by Friday." I did not know 8 year olds could be so funny. Though it may have been a had-to-be-there moment.
I love my sisters.

I hope you're enjoying the holiday!