#Awkward Moments

Dear Friend,
Have you been asked the question, "What is your most awkward moment?" I have. It always ends up with me saying that I honestly have too many to count to be able to tell you what my worst moment was. In these situations, people laugh and tell me that I must be wrong; unless they actually know me and know that I bring disaster like a hurricane to many situations. So please,  sit back, relax on this lovely Sunday night and laugh along with me as I retell a few of my awkward moments of this past month.

Baby Don't You Cry

This is what the baby doll, "Goat", looks like. 

As some of you may know I am a nanny and babysit a baby boy of the age of one. He is quite the dear and I love him to bits. He and I both agree that it is very important to have friends at this sweet age to get him used to other children. So, Gord and I invited his friend Layla over for a play date. This was wonderful for Layla's mom as she wanted a day to get Christmas shopping done and agreed for me to have her for the full day. The day was going wonderfully and it was even a warmer day in Grande Prairie, (when I say warmer I mean it was -10 instead of -30 ;) ) and we all agreed to head outside in our snowsuits and play. Layla insisted on bringing her baby alive doll, "Goat" outside to play in the snow as well.  I had no problem with this idea as this baby doll too had  a mini snowsuit to play in the snow with. All was well and dandy until one of the babes decided they were cold and we headed inside. In the rush to get inside and have lunch, I forgot "Goat" outside in the snow and that is where the trouble began. We all (Layla, Gord, and I) had been inside for about half an hour when there was a loud knock on the door. I was greeted by my neighbour, a really tall Dutch lady with really angry eyes and a baby on her hip. It wasn't a baby though... it was Goat. She started with, "HOW COULD YOU?! YOU CAN'T FORGET A CHILD OUTSIDE! THIS POOR BABY COULD FREEZE! I SHOULD CALL THE COPS!!!1" I, being extremely awkward and not sure what to do, laughed. I laughed really, really hard. In between laughs I croaked out, "It's a baby doll... aha.. I'm sorry to scare you... I.. aha.. forgot it outside when I brought the babies in." Perplexed my neighbour looks at the baby Goat and realizes. We ended up laughing so hard that we woke up the babies. It was alright though, I met the neighbour and Layla had Goat back. ;)

First Impressions

My second awkward moment of this month would be because  I was rushing too much. In the day of a nanny you must get a lot of work done in a short amount of time, and this particular day, everyone around me was on edge. I had been told that Gordon was going to have an "interview" with  a prospect daycare that my bosses want him to be in this upcoming school year. (Yes, he is only one, but you have to know these people to understand that this is completely normal in their minds) I was given specific instructions to make appetizers, bathe Gordon and dress him in the proper clothes for this meet and greet. However, the day went by and the things on the list were going much slower than I had hoped. I was rushing to get the appetizers done, and while that was happening Gordon decided to have a tantrum etc etc. I was late and my bosses and the interviewer would be home in about ten minutes. I scrambled to get the tub going. I was beginning to act like I was on auto pilot and the bath was started. We were about finished when I saw Gordon grab his mom's razor from the side of the tub. I automatically went to get the razor out of Gord's hands... but I lunged a little too far and I fell into the tub with Gordon. He thought this was hilarious,  but I must say I was trying to get out of that tub as fast as I could. That is when I heard the door open and the interviewer and the bosses walk into the house. Imagine me and Gord in the tub scrambling to get out as fast as we could. (well, as I could, as Gordon was laughing and splashing.) The conversation outside the bathroom was something like this,
Interviewer: "So tell me about your current childcare with your nanny."
Bosses: "We really like her alright, she is very mature (here I am stuck in the bathroom soaking wet with a naked baby laughing up at me) and takes her job seriously... etc etc.

*After a few minutes of not knowing what I should do as the bathroom is right beside the living room where my bosses were standing, I realized I had to get out of the bathroom and seal my fate as a irresponsible nanny and step outside of the bathroom soaking wet, with Gordon wrapped in a towel laughing about my humiliation* 

The conversation then went like;

Boss #1: "What the jolly ranchers happened, Summer?!" ( the conversation may have been altered slightly if you can't tell I wanted this blog to be less colourful ;) ) 

Boss #2 *to the interviewer* "Summer, ah, loves to be interactive with Gordon..."

Me: "Actually, it's kind of a funny story..." (I'm still dripping, Gordon is now "bahaha"ing)

Interviewer: " I've never been able to have a better story from work for my husband when I get home from work. You, nanny though, you have made that happen."

Boss #1- "Please go and change Gordon."

While inside Gordon's room I hear these words...

"She really takes 'being interactive with Gordon' seriously..." from the interviewer.

Woops! 

I have not seen that interviewer since. 

Laugh at the things you can't control, roll with the punches, love life. Nannying has taught me so much about how to live life right.

Your "awko taco" hippy,

Summer

Scaring Children at Playgroup

Dear Friend,
I am innocent. Just remember that while I explain myself. It has been nine months since I have seen my family members in the flesh and if you know at all what that means to someone who loves her family members a whole lot, that is a long time. Okay. Here it is.

Gordon and I both love going to playgroup. He loves being with the other kids and getting all crusty and wet from playing with the sand and water stations that the teacher sets up for them.  He loves babbling to his fellow "classmates"(I think that they are gossiping in their baby talk about their moms and nannies while we smile at them from the other side of the room... they are sneaky ya know) and today was no different. Chatty and happy, Gordon went around to the different stations being a good baby. I, however, had a freak out. Remember how I said that it had been nine months since I have seen my family? Well, today proved it when a mom yelled,
"Kilah! Don't touch that!"
Kilah? Where? My heart already was pounding. It isn't Kilah. It isn't Kilah. It isn't my sister! calm yourself. You live in GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA.....

And then I see her. Kilah. Beside the water station with a plastic horse in her hand. With a determined look on her face just like Kilah gets when she starts to win a game. I robotically hurry over and I start to chat with this little girl. I hear the moms begin to talk and one mom in particular saying, "Sharon, the nanny is over with your child." I didn't care. I wanted a moment with "my sister" and I was becoming a tad nutso. I tried to breathe and move on from the pounding in my chest. The chat was less than interesting, but it helped me realize that I was seriously missing my family. I later realized that her name wasn't Kilah after all but "Twilia"...how terribly awkward as the women in playgroup chatted loudly about my oddities.

I was officially homesick and that was just one indicator. I noted after the fact (okay, Adam noted first) that I was obsessing over Christmas presents. I had, for one person, bought four gifts. Anything that reminded me of the family member, it was bought without a second thought. I was overcompensating for my feelings. It was extremely bad for my cash flow and my mental health!  After the return of a few gifts ,a good cry and the realization that my family members all have unique names, things are much better at playgroup. I still miss my family, but it's okay because I realized how big a blessing it is to have a family I want to spend time with.

To miss someone is such a beautiful thing because it reminds us how much we are blessed. Our hearts are supposed to ache so when they are full again, it's really full and you won't have to be unsure about it.

Well that's enough sap to scare ya! ;) 

Love, your homesick hippy,

Summer

Men are from Boot Camp, Women are from Disney Land

Dear Friends,
I'm engaged! And I'm super pumped about being so that I thought I would write about what I have learned while being in the "dating phase" of a relationship. This might just be a good reflection time for me, but maybe these things you can relate to or even be helpful for you for your relationships in general.  What can I say? Love is on my mind... ;)

General Things That You should remember..

• Being you is a whole lot harder to do when you really want the other person to like you, but it is worth staying you. Why be with someone that doesn't like you?  If you have watched the Lion King so many times that you can recite it,  you best be honest because they are going to look over anyway and realize you are saying Pumba's lines anyway right?
• Kindness is never something one should forget about once you are in a relationship. This person is dating you because they like you and want to get to know who you are better, which means they are giving up their time and a lot of energy to focus on you. Be kind always knowing they don't have to date you, but choose to. (side note- this goes for ex's too. Don't diss your ex's or be rude about them to others, they too deserve respect. Opening your heart to others is never easy, and realizing you aren't meant for each other is a hard thing to be brave enough to express)
• Facebook statuses and other forms of social media aren't indicators of a fabulous relationship, sometimes it is just the opposite
• Be honest, always.
•  Praying for "your person" should always be at the top of your  to do list. They need direction and guidance as much as you do, and you don't ever want to do something without His guidance. Trust me. ;) Besides, what a compliment it is to know that you are being prayed for.  (My dad prayed for his wife since he was a young boy, and I think it is fair to say that God approved the woman he prayed for.)

General Things MEN should remember:

• Being a gentleman is always sweet. Even the most independent woman will appreciate a door being held open for her. 
• Girls notice when you are nice to other girls. How you treat others matters a lot to women and shows a lot of what your character is like. Side note- women like good looking men, but they talk to their friends about the one who helped Jill pick up her papers when she dropped them. *swoon*
• Be nice to our friends.  Even if you have no idea why we would be friends with a girl who is so emotional/needy/strange. We love our gal pals, and you'll be happy later that we have them. Promise.
• Paying attention to details will help you a lot. She says she wants to go to that restaurant sometime? If you surprise her and take her to the restaurant- major win.
• Listening will get you far. When we are upset, a lot of the time, we just need you to listen, not fix. 
• Girls are all different. Get to know yours and show her that you care about what she likes and encourage her dreams. 
• Girls need acts of love. If they are into flowers, buy it! If they love old movies, rent one! If they are into rock concerts, get the mullet! (Kidding... please dont get a mullet...) 
• Holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries are going to need to be remembered....sorry, but they are a big deal even if we say they aren't. They are!
• The whole "woman are from Disney land" is because we all want our man to be the man and to be our hero. There are many different types of heroes, but the best are the ones that pursue, take time to appreciate, and cherish their lady for who she is. 

General Things WOMEN should remember:

• Don't negative talk your man in front of others, your parents, your hairstylist. If you have an issue, talk to him.
• It's a good thing that men are less sensitive to feelings--- we don't all want to cry when a animal shelter commercial comes on, lets be real now.
• Guys wont admit it, but they like cheesy. Not all the time, but being caring and considerate is sweet. You can take him out on a date sometimes too! 
• Let your man be a man. You need girl time, and he needs guy time, and most likely that will be with other guys who also want to do guy stuff. You want your bf to have friends. I promise.
• Don't generalize. Your man is different from other guys and that doesn't mean that your guy loves to watch sports, eat meat, play COD and have "no emotions".
• Men need verbal affirmation. We joke about their egos and such, but truly he needs to know that you think he is great.
• Do something that is only for his entertainment more than three times a year. Go bike riding, watch the Leaf's game, play the LOTR board game. Make an effort to make him happy. It isn't all about you and what you want. 
• Encourage his likes and passions. He needs someone else to like what he is doing or engaging in. (If he knows all the characters to Downton Abbey and you still don't know the name of his favorite author, there is something very wrong) 
• Clingy-ness is for the weak! You should be able to trust your guy to have an evening where he doesn't have to call you every hour by the hour. Clingy girls might make him feel needed at first, but that wears off really fast. 
• Men aren't complicated, but they also have feelings. Respect is huge for them and if you don't respect them, they will have a very hard time loving you.
• The whole thing that "Men are from boot camp" is that they are meant to be a little rough around the edges and that is a good thing. They are supposed to be men and women are supposed to appreciate that they go and "fight" for us knowing that they will be proud of their efforts.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.- 1 Peter 4:8

“Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up.” 

― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman

. 

Your  Hippy Nomad,

Summer

The "Bachelorette" Mindset

Dear Friend,
I must admit that I watch a horrible show, my guilty pleasure, my chick flick, my awful addiction. I know I will be judged accordingly, but I should hope that the point of this post will administer to your hearts instead of judgement on my love for all things cheesy. I watched this last season of the Bachelorette. Every Monday night I would have my cheetah print chair plopped in front of the TV and become a part of this woman's journey to find her "true love." I screamed, I awed, I even got teary at some points. (I know, if you aren't judging me yet, you can now....) This woman goes on amazing dates around the world with wonderful men who ALL think she is the bee's knees; it's meant to bring "true love" to the contestant at the end of the season. Why am I telling you my unhealthy addiction? Because I met a woman in the grocery store a few days ago who had the "Bachelorette" mindset.

What is the "Bachelorette Mindset",  Summer? Thanks for asking, or this blog post would have just stopped at an awkward halt. ;)

Bachelorette Mindset- currently waiting for, not only a man, but the "Disney dream" of once you have the man (or woman) that everything will be rainbows and butterflies for the rest of one's life.

Ice cream in hand, mascara running down her face, limping slightly in her high heels, the signs were all there. I was in line with my nectarines and she came up behind me. I turned slightly and smiled at her. She flipped her hair, began to say something then stopped. I thought she might be talking to me so I asked her if she was. She said, "No... but, you agree men are stupid right?!" Surprised, I was about to speak up, but she continued. "You know, he said he loved me. I've had everything ready and planned. I am ready to be married ya know?!" It's my turn to pay at the cash but I cant stop but say, "I'm really sorry," in an awkward hushed voice. She goes on. "I put my life on hold. I'm an idiot. Everyone else has a guy." I was still kinda shocked even after listening to her.
I was still thinking of this woman when I was heading home... There was something wrong with what she said. I mean, I think there is nothing wrong with her being upset, because anyone who has ever been broken up with knows that it is never a easy thing to move on. However, I began to really think while I walked home. She said she had her life on hold. Don't we all do this? We have our life on hold for the man/woman of our dreams, for the promotion, for whatever we feel we need to be truly happy? Why are we waiting for these things that might never come to us? If that hurts your feelings I am sorry, but not really... I just don't want any of us (me included) to have the same time at the grocery store as the lady I met. We shouldn't be planning our lives so that we are in the state of waiting for the next step. Indeed, there are times when our lives have lulls, but I hope you  understand what I'm saying when I say; that we need to make sure that our life is not a waiting game. No person should wake up in the morning and be bummed that their life isn't going the way it should, but rather use the time now to make it glorious.

Here are some questions that might help someone get out of that "life on hold" shenanigans! (If I sound like Oprah, I am sorry..)
1.What do I do in my day that helps someone else? (Phil. 2:4)
2.What am I doing today to make myself better? (1 John 2:6)
3.What is one thing I am proud of that I am doing with my life now? (2 Timothy 3:17)

Let us not live in the "happily ever after" attitude! But rather, be excited about today! What good will it do anyone if we are living in the future when there are so many things now that one can learn, create, inspire, and love on other people? I for one refuse to not be present in my life now and stop planning the "next step". Lets have the right mindset together, shall we? :) Our figures will love us so much more if we aren't running to the ice cream isle when "the plan" hasn't gone as we had hoped. ;)

We can still have our guilty pleasures sometimes, as long as they don't become our "hopeful realities". 

Your hippy,

Summer

Brown on the couch

Hey Friend,

Summer has started and life is so much grander when one can get outside and smell the fresh cut grass and bask in the sun's rays! What else can you ask for?! Well friend, today I did ask for a whole lot more. I started the day feeling like Martha Stewart and ended it by feeling like Bridget Jones on a cheat day. 
Things like, "Am I really not a office lady?" popped into my head and I do believe I can admit I asked the question, "What would mother do?" more than once. I asked Gordon and his  response was a "jrkkrekeke" and a giggle. (I'm no cat lady, but I expect answers from a 10 month old... ;) )

It began as any day does in the C's household. Gordon woke up and was ready to head into my arms and be loved by the world's best nanny! Ahem, okay, so...no... Gordon woke up screaming and hating life, air, even ME! ;) This was too bad for him because there was a whole lot of things to do in the day. Ain't no nanny got time fo' that!  I had the cable man coming at 11, dinner to make for family and extended family, and he was going to love every minute! 
Well... he didn't to say the least. The cable guy came early (when has that ever happened in the history of cable guys have they EVER come early?)Gordon and I were painting on the floor and the meat I was cooking was sizzling. I leave Gordon to play quietly with his toys and talk to the cable man. The cable man is asking me a whole lot of questions in which I have no idea to answer. Things like is my router cable connected  to jack c whichever. (Do you ever feel like they ask these questions as a way of showing off how much they know? Anyway, I had to show him where things were and because of my few minutes of neglect... this happened...

A bit of dirt from the cactus plant...

and a poo explosion on the couch and in the diaper. (Yes, people without babies... diapers can only hold so much!) The cable guy began to laugh as he sees Gordon crawling towards us with the yellow goo trailing behind him. The cable guy made me feel a tad better by saying, " But we were only downstairs for a minute!" I started laughing like a fool and cable guy (Mike) and I had a good laugh. Gordon through it all was smiling his biggest winning smile and cooing. The boy knows when to put on the charm! 

Gordon was eventually bathed (*see above for how he enjoyed that*), the food  made that  day was "meh" (word of choice from my  sister Sydney) but eaten, and not all was lost. Gordon and I might have had an interesting day together of more crying than giggles for sure; but while snuggling up  to read Pippy Longstockings before bedtime, Pippy said something after a long day of adventuring to her pals which I can totally relate to... “I have noticed several times that people don't think I know how to behave even when I'm trying as hard as I can.”  
Sometimes our plans aren't perfectly executed... and it will come out a mess, but we try and we continue on and learn from our experiences without judging ourselves harshly so quickly. 
 After  that cunning  chapter of Pippy, Gord, after that long day,  fell asleep with his arms in a death grip around my neck. I love my job.

Love, 

Your slightly frazzled hippy,

Summer

A Toast to My Dad

I wouldn't call myself a Daddy's girl,

but I know that my Dad is the perfect dad for me.

When I was young he would sing Barney songs to make me giggle,

when I was thirteen I had the best birthday- just him and I.

He has embraced and encouraged my uniqueness,dancing, my learning, my questions.

He has stuck up for me when I couldn't-

Fixed my computer, challenged my mind, corrected my bad behavior.

When I left for college he sent me a letter...

(knowing that I would read it over and over when I needed encouragement.)

it's still my favorite letter I ever received.

He's always been the protector and the leader of our home. 

He loves Mom, and that helps me want to look for a man like him.

I might not be an official Daddy's girl, but I will always be one of the biggest fans of him. 

I will always want his approval, 

I will always feel the most special when he gives me compliments. 

(Dad doesn't lie- compliments are always, always genuine)

He will always be my first male role model, 

always my father.

Lord, I Take it Back!

Friend,

Have you ever prayed a prayer that you wish you had never said to God? I have. I prayed months ago in Texas, (where the sun was shining and my life was on the dull side and I was volunteering at a dog pound kinda life) "Lord, I want to be Your hands and feet. Teach me the things that I haven't gotten yet with You. Stretch me to fit into the mold that only You have for me."  That prayer was so very innocent, what could God ask me to do that I couldn't do with His help?
Shortly after this prayer I had a few phone/skype interviews with my employers. I hopped a plane etc etc! I was (and am) a full time nanny with a little too many Pinterest ideas for a baby that is only 8 months... ;) The days have gone quickly, and I remember repeating my prayer to God, but soon realizing indeed that this is my battlefield in which I need to be strong.
There was one day in particular where I was brought to the test. I was requested by my employer to wake up with the baby as the mother would be away for a meeting in Edmonton for the next day or so.
4:30 am-Gordon screams.
5:00 am- Gordon is asleep.
5:30-6:00 am- Gordon and I watch the Flintstones and cuddle until he sleeps.
7:00- Gordon is ready and rearing to go! (I on the other hand, look and feel like a train wreck.)
8:00-9:00 am- music class. (yes, folks, there is such a thing for 8 month olds)
10-11 am- quick nap for Gord, feed him lunch
12-2 om- swimming lessons! (yes, folks, there is swimming for 8 month olds too!)
3-4 pm- playdate with his baby friend Amelia. She decides that this is "tear up the house time", Gord decides this is "freak out because Amelia scares me!" time.
5:00-6:00 pm- Make dinner for family and babies. Amelia goes home
7:00 pm- Dinner is cold
7:30 pm- I get a call that the employers will be late-- they don't need dinner
8:00- 8:30 pm -bathe Gord, read story, and bedtime
8:30-9:00 pm- Clean up and employers come home. Their comments, "Did you do the floor today?" "Amelia's mom called... she said that Amelia's hands were purple. Why?" (I had made playdoh, but the dye had rubbed onto their hands) 
I went to bed that night and was upset. "God, that was awful! I'm tired, I feel like  I'm not measuring up as a nanny already. Why me? Why am I here? etc etc" Then it hits me. The prayer that I asked for. I asked for teaching. I'm learning a lot. I'm learning to serve without thank-you's and admiration. I'm learning that the long nights and loneliness that comes with it draws me to God. When dinners get cold and I must be patient with Gord and the family. When I mess up and feel like a bad nanny, He shows me how to better love, to to better take care of the sweet munchkin, to seek forgiveness. He is teaching me to work diligently when I am cleaning the bathroom or to laugh at messes. These are the things that I asked for, without knowing what they were going to be.  
Have you prayed a prayer like mine? Though at times it has been hard, I'm glad I did.

I am reminded how weak I am. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. " (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

Your nomad,

Summer

Mommy Twice Overs and Other No No's.

Dear Friend,
I just have to say right now that I am in love with Gordon the baby boy I get to hang out with Monday through Friday. He really is wonderful and I love how he is my buddy. We get each other. He doesn't like spaghetti squash and I don't like it when he spits out his food to my face, so we compromise... no more spaghetti squash... unless we have it mixed in something and he has no idea what he is eating! (I know, I know, I am so devious) It is so fun and rewarding already to read books to him, go for walks, cuddle him to sleep, and watch him attempt to crawl. ( imagine a slug... he looks like that when he tries)

There have already been things that I have learned from this job. Hence, this blog post. My first lesson as a nanny that was  an interesting one. It was when I was walking Gordon in the stroller on my first week. I was pointing out birds and making weird faces to baby (because you can look like a crazy person when you have a baby in your midst and it is acceptable.. I believe some have children just for this reason! ;) ) and then it happened. The Mommy Twice Over. Now, let me explain. The "once over" you probably are familiar with. This is when  a woman (usually... men are caught too sometimes!) sweeps her eyes over you from head to toe in a few seconds. You will be judged accordingly. (But, don't worry, even if you are wearing the cutest outfit, sometimes ladies will still not smile at you) The "Mommy Twice Over" takes practice because you only have a few seconds of staring down that you can do without coming off too rude.  The eyes sweep over your head to toe (sadly, I was wearing an old sweater and jeans-- X on that) , then do a double take at the left hand and bling that should be present with a baby in a stroller (X on that too..) then the sweep over of your baby. (covered up, check! cute outfit? check!, not crying? check!). This looksie over happened the first time and I believed I had something on my face (most likely I did-- Gordon loves to play, "how dirty can I get nanny"! ;) ) or that Gordon was just cute and they wanted to look at him. (Honestly, he is. I feel like a proud nanny knowing that he is ;) )Then it happened again... and again... and again with different ladies. I then realized what was going on. My first response is to start running with the stroller to get home and not deal with these looks that reminded me of my middle school years! (In their defense, in middle school I had a few interesting outfits!) However, I had a long way back home and me looking crazed as I run the stroller home would not be pleasant either. My second option was to do it right on back-- which didn't work because, well, when you hit someone after they hit you-- does that ever do any good? 
 I came up with a solution to this "twice over"; you stop them midway! I began speaking to the ladies who were giving me the "twice over" with a "What a lovely day!" or a "Your baby is so cute!" or something like that... anyway, these ladies would be forced to stop looking at my crazy curly hair and respond, even if it was just a  polite nod. Truly ladies, (and men) we can do better! Let's not judge and realize that we don't know each other's lives. We can connect in the fact that perfection is never obtained by having the right jogging pants or gluten free mum mum snacks. That we as humans have a lot more in common than we think we do!  It was exhilarating to stop the looking and start actually walking with the attitude of being pleasant to those around me. I am sure that Gordon appreciated that I didn't run either... he might have ended up in a ditch accidentally!

I had another awkward moment  the other day (no surprise there!) when I took Gordon to  the store to buy some supper foods. A man, about mid sixties, comes up to me and does the "twice over" but clearly was not a pro yet because he was very obvious about it. I tried my, "How's it goin'?" and moving on, but he spoke up. He said, "Ma'am, do you realize that your life could have been so much  better and easier if you had waited to have  a baby with a husband around?!" My hand stopped midway to the lettuce and I just turned and looked at him. I was so surprised that I  I stated awkwardly, "Oh, uhm, I am a nanny... he isn't mine..." Going beet red he apologized and rushed to get away. I had to say something though and found him in the check out. I told him that he hurt my feelings even though it happened that Gordon wasn't my baby and that yes, having two parents is better. I also said that even if he was mine, that I am sure I would know the difficulties that I would have as a single parent and maybe instead of going with that approach, next time using a kinder tactic... maybe not using that line at all. "Judgement can't be used until we get into their shoes". 

"There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"-  James 4:12 (ESV)

I have been learning so much as a fake mother! ;)

Love, 

Your Hippy Nomad

New Girl in Town

Dear Friend,

There has been so much that has happened in the last week. If you have not already heard, I am now in Grande Prairie, Alberta as a modern-day Mary Poppins.  (okay, not quite... I don't sing as well as she does and I cannot snap my fingers and make toys be put away in the right places, but I attempt to sing baby to sleep and I am a fast toy picker upper. ;) ) Being a nanny to a seven month old so far is a blessing most of the time. ;) There have already been so many things that I want to write about... this has been the biggest move I have done by myself. I got on my first plane ride and I sat by a young business man. He asks me, "What brings you to Minneapolis?" I then told him that, actually I was going to Alberta, Canada to be a nanny and this was my first flight of three more in the day. He then asks me if I have family in Alberta and I have to tell him that no, I don't and that I know a total of four people including my employers would make six. He laughs and says, "You realize you sound completely nuts, right?" That is when it hit me. I was (still am) a tad nuts. I mean, I was going to live with people I met over Skype once and be in a town that I have never been before. I stared out the plane and prayed a lot on that flight. Then again on the next, until the lady beside me had a vent session.She began with, "Men are idiots!" and  told me about her boyfriend and all the harsh realities about dating. I was thinking, "God, here I am moving closer to my boyfriend and this is the lady you want me talking to before I get there?!" She was a  good reminder though... no relationship is going to be blue skies and butterflies. (Though Disney wants us to think so!) When she asked me, "Should I continue to date this guy?" My response was, "Is he going to make you a better person by being with him and is he going to benefit from being with you?" In the end she said no, but I was able to say, "Yes God, you are putting me in the right place right now." I told her I was going to commit to pray for her and she told me that she wanted a boyfriend like mine. What a reality check! Funny how God is a million steps ahead of us in situations and we get to enjoy the rewards of that fact. 

What it looked like when I was landing in GP that night I got there!

I also was able to show two Americans were Alberta was, (  Them: "Oh, so it's near Alaska!" and " That's where the North Pole is right?" ) met a sweet man who helped me with my huge bags, and sat by a cat and her owner  on my last flight to Grande Prairie.

This first week has been wonderfully difficult. I am loving living in my cute little basement apartment with my cute mini fridge and I am already in love with Gordon my kiddie that I get to nanny for. It is great to say, "See you tomorrow" to boyfriend and have a Tim's french vanilla at roll up time. 
It has been hard being brave and going upstairs in the morning and helping myself to the food in the fridge, it has been a little sad not seeing my family every day, and I have already gotten lost as I have been exploring. (tiny bit awkward when you have to knock on a door and  ask for directions! ;) )It can get lonely at night when I have a few hours to myself and the sun is already gone away.  I also don't enjoy being the new girl and asking people to repeat their names, but alas, I have a lot of experience doing so and it seems to get slightly better with age. 

I am feeling very much like I am living up to my blog's name as a "hippy nomad" as I have lived in New Brunswick, Edmonton, Texas & Grand Prairie this year. I am learning so much about myself, God, others, and life! I'm so happy to be having this experience. So much more to say, but that is all I can handle for right now. :)

Your friend the hippy,

Summer

When God Shuts the Door... Jump Out the Window?

Dear Friend,

Writing this blog post makes me uneasy, it makes me a tad scared. You see, I realize that I say that I am a hippy nomad, and I really do feel like one, but a huge side of me is still in denial. I am excited, I am freaking out, I might be doing something oh so very rash.

As you know for the last few months I have been looking for jobs. I will remind you of the day employment at Bubble Tea, (if you haven't read it, I must say, it's a laugh and a half ;) ) and some lessons learned in my "peach yogurt" moments. It has been incredibly hard being unempoyed and wondering what the next step is.

I applied at many different places here in Texarkana and nothing came up. Then, ya know, I expanded my search, because I was slightly nutty thinking of ways to get my life into gear. I was taking time to pray and to ask God what He wanted. And what I kept getting from our "chats" was trust. That would be it, just  "Trust Me". I, being of a weird mind, talked back. I was like, "God, you realize I am trying to trust You but you have shut the door? I can't even get out the back door because that is closed too." Time passed, and I begin to get comfortable not doing much and you begin to stop worrying and start focusing on the good.  Being with my family, the weather, the Sundayschool group that I am beginning to get to know, (even if it was "just" the five of us, I really enjoyed it.) volunteering at the pound with Kilah, and having the time to spend time with my grandparents and aunt and uncle. It's strange how life begins to have a pattern and you get used to waiting.

I got a message from a young couple about being their live in nanny for their one year old in Grande Prarie, Alberta. I was excited but not hopeful. I was also hesitant. I like to be known as adventurous, but this was a stretch. "God, I know You want me to trust, but this is a bit nuts now that I think about it." I skyped them and they really do seem very nice.
 

 I am taking the job. And all I can say is that, when God shuts the door (and the backdoor) and asks you to hop out the window, you better do so. I prayed for a job, and He provided. I prayed about not being complacent in my life- and He gave me this. I prayed that whatever it was that He would help me do it, and I am sure He will provide that too.

So, I'm heading to Alberta. I should be there at the end of the month/early April. The couple seem really sweet and have a baby that is about six months. I would love (and be honest and say need!) prayer. I will be doing meal prep and other things that go along with the job.  They aren't Christians and I know that it will be a struggle at times. It is exciting, and I am blessed; but,  completely nervous. I am still in denial and trying not to think about it too much. But, I realize that sooner than later it will be reality. When you ask God for the next step, be ready to jump. :)

Your hippy nomad,

 

Summer

Peach Yogurt Days

Dear Friend,

This blog post is not all that happy, and doesn't have much jokey jokey to it. It's kinda raw. If we were comparing this to food, this would be peach yogurt. (If you like peach yogurt, please come and eat some of mine, because whenever I get those big packs of yogurt, those are the last to go and I find are kinda gross. Does this happen with anyone else? Does anyone else have that last flavour they hate eating?) Anyway, I had a friend who asked why I haven't been blogging in awhile and my excuse was, "Well, I don't have any funny stories and life is a lot like peach yogurt." (She already knew my explanation for the peach yogurt comment) I was thinking it over though, these last 6 months in Texas have been some of my hardest. And, I think I was embarrassed to write about struggle. Who wants to say, "Oh yes! My life is NOT AT ALL what I thought it would be like in the last few months, and I really haven't heard God speak much lately..." Awkward. Tiring. Who wants to hear a 20 year old complain? I promise though, that this has a point. And, I think my struggling has been very good for me, even though I feel like I'm actually becoming that teenager that lives with his parents and his accomplishment in life is moving from the upstairs to his "rad basement man cave". (But in this case, a woman cave..) Don't get me wrong! I loveeee being with my family. My family is the best (sorry, your family is second, don't even try to compare!) and they are supportive and loving when I am moody and upset and when I am cheerful and sweet. 
Lately though, I believe they have seen the more moody and upset side and this is why. It has been 6 months since I have been in Texarkana and I still have not had a job that has lasted longer than a day. (Two jobs, but both didn't work out. You know about Bubble Tea and that mess, and  Hickory Farms didn't like that I had a Canadian passport and not an American one... yeahhh) That normally doesn't happen, I have had a job consistently since I was 12 and liked it that way. "Busy bees are the best bees!" as they say!! I even recently have expanded my search as far as Canada. ("If God doesn't want me here, then maybe there!" is my mantra!) 
I get frustrated with long distance, I get sad that good friends are so far away and I want to weep when I have to say no to missions trips because I can't pay rent. Whew. The little good things become blurry after a few months and desperation happens. I took a CNA class. I need to wait a while longer for the results of my test. I cant be hired unless I pass. 2 out of 3 people that take it the  first time fail. Strikes are against me.  I haven't gotten responses from anyone from Canada or the US for the many jobs I have applied to. I even applied to the dollar store close to my house. Nada.  And after awhile, you can't help but panic.
 "What is going on?" 
"Am I doing something wrong?"
" Is my life from now on a peach yogurt diet?!" 
I sure hope not. 
And, maybe, some of you are feeling the same way. Feeling down because life isn't going the way that you expected... at all. My 8  year old self wrote in my fuzzy pink diary that, " When I am 20 I am going to be married and have three babies and take care of black babies from Africa in my yellow house in the country." (I wasn't politically correct back then,  my apologies ;) )  Sorry 8 year old self. That hasn't happened yet. Actually, the whole adventure part of my life is at a stand still. But, here is the deal.

 I can be grateful that I am given peach yogurt.  And, I know you can too. I know I am not the only one in the world right now that is saying in their minds, "Uh, now what?!" 

 Maybe your boss doesn't seem to notice that you would be the perfect candidate for a raise, or you wish your boyfriend would pop the question already,  or  your three years at college got cut short because your mom got sick.. the list  could go on forever. But, take it from me, a girl who has been doing "nothing much" and the "God, I don't get it?"  in the last 6 months that  you and I can choose gladness in "eating" what I have. I can choose to be okay with not knowing what is next because I know that He will lead me like He has done in the past.

 I have been having a rough round in the arena for a while now not knowing what He wants. I know though that He is faithful.  I know that I am in a dry place right now, but I know that I won't be in it forever either. I am being taught and I am blessed. 

Ask me what I did today and I now know it is  okay to say, 
" My day consisted of applying for three more jobs, reading, walking the dog, devos, and washing the dishes with my grandmother and antique shopping with my mother and sister." No, my 8 year old self would protest! "This isn't enough!"  But, it is. I must learn to trust and be patient.

Maybe peach yogurt isn't all that bad after all. 

Your hippy nomad friend,

Summer

"I've come to trust not that events will always unfold exactly as I want, but that I will be fine either way. The challenges we face in life are always lessons that serve our soul's growth."- Marianne Williamson