on climbing the dunes.

Believe it or not, while Midland is currently the land of opportunity for jobs, it's not necessarily the land of opportunity for hiking. SOmething about it being a desert. I don't know.  Brent and I were seriously wanting to hike or climb, but didn't feel like driving 4 hours to do it. So we got on our best sand proof clothes (I don't even know what that means) and went to Monahans Sand Dunes. Monahans is about 45 min away. It's no Estes Park, but it held us over until we can go somewhere prettier. 

Also I have learned this about being in Midland, it doesn't matter where you are - there is sure to be beauty around you in creation. Even Midland in all its flat dusty glory, has the best sunrises a dreaming girl could dream of.  They do NOT disappoint.  ALl that to say I have come to appreciate the small things. Monahans Sand Dunes are not going to be my prime vacation spot, but it was a really enjoyable time and a really gorgeous day. And if that's not enough to get you there, I felt like I was Penelope Cruz in Sahara. You know, the one with Matthew McConaughey. That's right.

I love when the sand creates this little ridge right at the top of the hill.

See? Stinking gorgeous.

Whoa artsy.

A little bird had been here, and it left the most confusing trail of tracks I've ever seen. I couldn't follow.

Sometimes he gets a little annoyed with all of my pictures. It's a classic case of not understanding the blog world.

The dark abyss.

I told you they were confusing tracks. This bird was messed up.

I have to say, the day proved to be more fun than one would expect. And talk about a work out - climbing up dunes of sand is no task for the weak of heart. I realize Midland may not be your next vacation spot, but if it is, you can add to the fun by a stop at the Sand Dunes. They do not disappoint. 

On trips to Chicago.

I lied.

I didn't know I was lying at the time, so I'm not sure that counts, but I'll take blame for it if I did.  I told you about all these posts you would be getting, and it turns out I don't feel like writing about all of that. Those things were months ago. It's more fun to hear about things going on in the present day life. amiright?


So let's begin. Have I told you about this cool dude? This is Brent, my boyfriend. We have been dating for about 6 months, and I think he's the bee's knees. And that's about as gushy as I'll get on here. You don't want that - I'm not stupid.

 Brent and I met several years ago, but didn't get to know each other until last October. We both were on a trip through my church to Turkey.

We hit it off well and kept getting to know each other after we returned. He's a catch and I'm a lucky girl (man I said I wouldn't gush). We've been dating for about 6 months I think. I don't really keep track of exact days, never really been in to that. I guess if I ever get married I'll remember that day, but don't care so much about the other dates.  Just know that these 6 months have been alright absolutely wonderful and so much fun. I was trying not to gush. Man I'm bad at that.

A few weeks ago I got the privilege of visiting my sister Kelsey in Chicago. Brent joined in on the fun times.  I'm seriously so proud of this girl. As you all know (or should - if you haven't do your research and read my blog), I am so passionate about people pursuing their dreams. I love when I see anyone turning a dream into a goal and really working hard to reach it. Kelsey is doing that. She plays violin for a fantastic orchestra in Chicago and will be moving to Austin in the fall to start working on her masters. Personally, I'm PUMPED that she will be back in Texas. Chicago was great for her, but seriously it's time to be over that.  I need her closer.

Kelsey takes public transportation everywhere. Being from Texas, I think that's the coolest cool thing. I guess its normal for Chicago kids.

Kelsey's orchestra plays in Orchestra Hall. Freaking gorgeous.

I will never grow tired of hearing her play.

Obligatory Bean pictures. Also, the bean needs to be windexed.

She's really fanastic.

He's really fantastic, too.

If you don't think this is the coolest pic ever you need to think again.

They are good traveling buddies. Don't ask why the pics are out of order. I don't even know.

I felt artsy fartsy taking this picture. Looking at it now, I realize that didn't translate to the actual photo.

Even though I don't give a rats hiney about the Cubs, I really enjoyed a small ball park. 

It has such a cool vibe.

If you own/rent one of those condos you also get the seats on top.  Hello. Don't you know those people just became the most popular friend that everyone wants to know. I wonder if they feel used?

I'm running out of non gushy captions.  I'm really bad at this.

Get to Texas. Stat!

Have a great Monday.

On the State Fair of Texas and too much food.

I know I promised updates- and I like to be a person of my word. But time is ticking and so much more keeps happening so I'm just going to show you all those updates (except for Turkey) through pics. If you have questions you can phone my assistant. (Good luck - I don't have an assistant.)

Julia and I planned a weekend trip to Dallas. It mostly consisted of food. We started our fair day with a shopping trip to North Park and lunch at PF Changs. I'm not a state fair rookie, but that was truly a rookie mistake.

Big Tex was on his final days at this point. What a guy.

These tickets led to a lot of bad food choices, which I don't regret at all.

I don't even remember what this was - but it was amazing, and fried.

Courtney's and my final pic with this chap.

This is the face of knowing it's time to stop but not. I call that Fair Day. Others call it no self control.

This girl is a blessing in my life. So is the ferris Wheel.

Proof that I''m no State Fair rookie - bring disposable tooth brushes.

When we got home this little joy was passed out trying to wait up for me. At least that's the story I'm going with. She was asleep and can't correct me. I can make up whatever reason I want.

My life is richer because of these girls. It's hard not living near them.

So there's the State Fair of Texas update. Can't wait for next year. My stomach can, though.

On the overview

Guess who's back? This kid.  And by kid I don't mean kid, because I'm 24.5

I have much to catch you up on. Sorry about that preposition. Not sorry enough to fix it.

1. The State Fair of Texas. It get its own post.

2. Istanbul. Yes I was there.

3. Thanksgiving festivities in South Dakota and Dallas

4.  Christmas. And it was a jolly holiday.

5. Worldview Academy staff retreat. I got to see all my wonderful girls from this past summer. True bliss.

5.  Shrek the Musical.  We open next weekend!

So keep your eyes peeled. Because all 6 of those posts will be coming soon to a blog near you. Preferably this one.

on sister weekends

My sisters are my best friends. We talk to each other at least once a week, we have a continuous email thread going, and we text almost daily. We count down the days that we all get to be together each year.  This usually happens two - three times a year, and while we always wish it were more, we realized how spoiled we are to be together as often as we do.  Even though these times are few and far between we make a point to have "sister dates" as often as possible.  When I'm in Garland my Denton Sister always drops by the parents house or we meet halfway if she has a busy grad school schedule. Maybe only for a quick dinner to catch up in person, but let's be honest, catching up in person is the bee's knees, and should ALWAYS be a priority. If i'm driving to Dallas, my Abilene Sister and I grab a quick bite to eat as I drive through. The tough one is the Chicago Sister (thanks a lot Kelsey), but we make it work, and stay in touch even if we only get to see her a few times a year.  *Read: Come on flight companies - help a sista out!

These girls make every day better.

So, when my Abilene sister, Kylee called me to say she found out none of the sisterhood would be in Garland for her birthday I quickly told her "Come to Midland." Because who wouldn't want to celebrate a birthday in Midland? That's what I thought.

Our weekend was perfect. Relaxing - guilty of falling asleep 5 mins after the moment she got here, and  Entertaining - get ready for a photo spill of our grand adventures.

We knew the Worldview Academy fall camp crew would be coming through town on their way to the next camp. If we're being honest, we all know that no road trip would be complete without some kind of junk food. So we thought we'd bring both Fall and Junk food to them in the form of Pumpkin Puppy Chow. Yes that's right. Check here for the recipe

White chocolate, PB, pumpkin pie spice. You want to eat it already don't you?

Pour in le chex.

Mix until the ooeygooey goodness is too much to handle. 

Pour it into the powdered sugar bag

Shake that chow. And yes I am wearing stars on my pants. They're my PJ pants. Get over it.

The end result should be so delicious that you can't avoid having a pinch.

And by a pinch I obviously several large, heaping, handfuls.

Around 11 pm the Worldview Academy crew drove through town. Almost sounds as exciting as the circus coming through town. Actually it's more exciting. Lauren Bowen was one of my staff girls this summer, so she and her sister crashed at my pad.  To say it was wonderful does not come CLOSE to the wonder of getting to see her.

I considered fixing my hair, but felt that since she saw me every day this summer with unfixed hair
 I shouldn't change that now.

Add Kylee

Add Jill

We stayed up until 1:30 am talking, catching up, and remembering the wonderful summer we had.  I pushed aside all Staff Director instincts that said they needed rest for camp. I guess people are wrong, Old Habits actually die the moment I have the opportunity to catch up with these camp girls. put that in a catchy little phrase.

The next morning we met all of the fall camp staff for a great breakfast. I was quickly reminded how much I love those people and that ministry.  "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard". Thanks Pooh. You always know what to say.

After eating puppy chow the night before, and a breakfast of all things delicious and unhealthy, we felt the need to work it off.  It = like a 16th of it. We headed to my gym and enjoyed shakin' our thangs in Zumba.  Cheers to an all girls gym!

You want to know about our afternoon? I can tell you in one word: NAP. It's not like Midland has a million sights and sounds to show to Kylee.  It was better to nap.

The evening ended with dinner and a show.  Frankenstein to be exact.  I don't remember the cartoon being that dark? I guess that's why we are told to read the books.  Frankenstein is dark, and I was NOT prepared.  However, it was incredibly well done, and a night at the theatre is always a grand time. And always an exercise of self-control to keep from jumping up on stage and joining the cast.

Dolled up and ready for a night on the Midland town.

Add caption

This girl makes my world brighter.

The next morning I had to work, but Kylee met up with me when I had a break at 12:30.  We enjoyed some free birds (because I ALWAYS enjoy free birds), and then she was off on her merry little way.  This weekend was perfect, and I couldn't have asked for a greater gift than my sisters.  They really make every day better.

On a completely different note: I leave in the morning for Central Asia (sorry I can't say where specifically). I will be gone for 10 days so don't you be expecting a lot of blogging going on here at GWD.  I can't wait to share my adventures with you when I get back.

That's all for now.