Feline Festivities

Rarely do I have an "ordinary" day. My first two weeks in Denver have been filled with socializing and exploration...oh, and the occasional interview. I've met most people in the church, and set up coffee dates. I've interviewed with a couple for a nanny position. I've seen the city--and i LOVE it! I've stayed up late exhausting all options on the surrounding city's web sites (to make sure I don't miss any of the festivals and events). I've reviewed the Commerce City city counsel meeting agenda, which is on Tuesday evening (I know-who does that, right?). I've sipped coffee and watched through a window as the busy city rushed past me. I've started reading Ted Dekker's book, Blessed Child--it keeps me up at night because I can't stop reading. I've been to a Rockies game on Faith Day with my church (Mercy Me played afterwards). I've been to a movie with my parents-Julie and Julia. I've been to a "FACE" concert at Flat Iron Mall's Summer Concert series. Mmm, and I've smelled the fragrances of the Botanical Gardens.

Today I went to a Cat Show. Yes, that's right, a cat show...hosted by the Cat Fanciers Association. My sister opened her own "cattery" (that's really what they're called). She breeds long-haired Persian cats. It's quite the hobby-a profession for some. At the cat show, Jane and I walked up and down the aisles looking at the most outrageous and unique felines. There are some crazy kitties out there, and they sell at $2,500 a puff...or for the hairless Sphinx, a skin wrinkle. Even though I was chuckling inside, I behaved myself the whole time. I was thinking of how Radhika would have responded if she had been with me. OK-I guess I did laugh out loud a few times with those thoughts. I should get a W.W.R.S bracelet. Too far? okay. I just remembered the time we were at the high tea. The ladies at our table were talking about all the High Teas they attended, and their etiquette lessons as children. Radhika joined in on the conversation bringing comedic relief..."We ate with our hands in my home." hahahha...

Oh yes...the cat show...well, I really can't make fun of the whole scene--i mean, i did...but comparing it to being on the swim team kind of justifies the breeders lifestyle. My friends thought it was so bizarre that I signed up to a summer of waking up at 6:30 AM to jump in a cold pool and physically exert myself in ways most people would never desire before 9:00 AM. And then give my weekends to camping (literally in a tent) and eating baby food (quick carbs) while waiting to hear my event number. Oh, and I won't go in to detail about the minimal attire. So, I can appreciate the cattery lifestyle.

I'm Amanda Harrington, reporting from Commerce City, Colorado...where the sun shines most of the time, and bordom is only an option for bad attitude 12 year olds who choose it (no, I'm not thinking of any specific sister of mine.;)) Good night!

School Days in CO

How precious!

I just dropped Sarah and Mitch off at school where they were greeted by a cute little 4th grade "car park" (he didn't park the car, he just opened the door for the kids to get out). Mitchel is the neighbor boy that we take to school. He and Sarah go to--huh...now that I think of it, I don't know what the school is called--anyway, he comes over around 7:50. Mom bought a little devotional to do everyday with him and Sarah. I was the substitute this morning because mom had to go to training for substitutes and teacher's aids. She's hopping right in as soon as she can with subbing. School just started so it should be a while before the teachers need her.

Sarah likes school so far. She got the teacher that she wanted. He's Greek, and right out of college. She and her friends have a crush on "Mr. V". Oh dear.

I'm getting used to all the streets around here. I like to drive around (somewhat aimlessly) to get my bearings. I know how to get to Target, Wal*mart, Northfield Mall, Sarah's school, church...the basics. Jane and I explored Denver for a bit the other night. I'm going to look up the "hot spots" and check 'em out today. First things first though.

To do today:

• finish my resume-our real estate agent said she would get it to the right people. :) It really is who you know. I really like Marlene.
• Buy plastic storage totes- I need to organize all my belongings. I don't really want to move in to my parent's house because I'll be moving into Jane and Nick's place as soon as the deal closes. Bad news though-it looks like it is going to be longer than I anticipated to close this "short sale". I'm learning the in's and out's of real estate. I better move in. No need to be a guest in my own house.
• work out at Snap Fitness- I've gotta get a regular workout routine in order. Mmm...I like routines. I like the idea of an 8:00-5:00 job in this season. Consistency will be nice. I can plan my days, and leave room for spontaneity.
• Get Colorado license plates for my car-I named her Alexis. I really wanted a Lexus, but my Dad convinced me that my income is not worthy of such luxury. I settled for Toyota's "luxury vehicle", the Avalon. Her name is Alexis, because she is my Lexus in this season. Oh, and because I'm a fan of Alexis Bladel (Gilmore Girls).
  

Okay, time to get on with my day. I'm sure more things will make their way on to my "to do" list as I go...like "explore the 16th street mall", and "get a pedicure with mom". -Livin' in the fast lane here in CO. ;-)

love love to all...I miss you dear friends (meaning Val and Sarah because they're the only ones who read this).

PS I had my first golf lesson last night. There are so many technicalities to swinging a club! I have a whole new respect for golfers.

Amanda: The Forest Guard

You know those people who are avid fiction readers? The fantasy world type. The ones who normally seem misplaced in most social environments? Those people who join geeky social networks called, "keeper of the elfin land" and "guardian of the galaxy"?

Ok. ok...here's my confession. I've officially become a member of [drum role please] The Forest Guard. Yes. That's right. I receive weekly newsletters from the author of the Circle Trilogy books, and updates on newly released novels. I'm hooked!
Would you like to join me?
http://www.teddekker.com/readgreen/

Wedding bells and sunsets

I'm in South Dakota this week for my friend's wedding. It has been wonderful to be with old friends. Almost everyone from my high school class was at the wedding. Okay, now before I let you marvel at how tight knit our class is, and how monumental Rachel's wedding was, I must mention that my graduating class had a grand total of ten people in it. Four of the ten have spouses, now that Rachel has become "Mrs. Schuur". When we were seniors, the five girls "buried" a time capsule. By bury, I mean in the closet. We chose this option instead of the more commonly used method of burrying the memories in the ground (I know, I know...not quite as romantic as packing dirt over the box, but our slumber party was over so a quick burial was necessary). Ha! Now that I think of it, that was the morning after our "homework burning" bonfire. We collected all of the assignments we'd completed over the four years of high school (Rachel, being the over-achiever she is, had saved all her Jr. High work as well). Wow. What a celebratory ritual! So, we are supposed to uncover the time capsule after 5 years. That will be next year. I can't wait to get my N'Sync CD back... ;-)
I'm staying with good family friends this week. It's been such a treat to stay with the Hofer's. I've been studying Texas Government in the living room most of the day. I watched the sun set over the South Dakota corn fields as Tony Bennet sang love songs to me. It was lovely. Rebekah and I went on a bike ride and then spent the last four hours talking. That conversation is actually what stirred me to write. Funny thing is--my full heart didn't spill on to this post. I guess these heart thougts are for the pages of my journal. For now anyway.