BENEVOLENT JOURNIES: July 2007

I've been in Oregon since the end of June. I plan on staying through the end of August. OML has graciously rehired me for the two months so I am making a lot more than I was at the park. It's nice to be back at OML with my old coworkers and the familiar work of A/R.

I took the train to Oregon, it took 3 days, 3 trains and 2 buses. They were full and I had a really hard time sleeping. I was absolutely exhausted when I got back to Oregon.

I am missing Brett horribly bad and he is missing me, too. He has suffered through on-going torrential downpours, nasty bug bites and hot humidity. He has been working very hard on the boat since I've been gone, installing carpet in the vee-berth and quarter-berth. He has also been building more bulkheads and cabinets. He has continued to work toward stopping all the leaks in the through-bolts. He has painted parts of the overhead liner with Rustoleum in white and he said it is turning out pretty good. We may not need to recontruct the liner as intensely as first thought. I have begged him and begged him to take pictures of the improvements but it is hard for him to remember the camera. I will update the blog/album with new pictures when I get back to Texas.

I have taken up Belly Dancing, my aunt is teaching me how. She used to do it a lot when I was growing up and it is really neat to be able to learn with her. I love it and can't wait to get good at it. It seems just what I've always liked. Dancing, costumes, etc. And I don't have to be a toothpick to do it either. It's also something I can do in a small space, it will be perfect for the boat! I am really excited. I have bought a lot of material to make two or three skirts, some hip skirts and a top. I am drowning myself in videos and music when I am not at Debra's. I am hoping to have a little choreographed dance together before I go back to Texas.

A couple weeks ago, I attended the Oregon Country Fair. It was GREAT! I went to see the Belly Dancers and they were WONDERFUL. Mom went with me and we had a great time!

I've been going to church with my grandfather, part of my "rent" for staying in the RV. It has been good, actually, Pastor Craig seems to hit home a lot of time with his sermons. I haven't picked my bible back up but I am reading out of the "Our Daily Bread" booklet ever once in awhile and I sent one to Brett to read as well.

I have not been able to stay on track with my health. I am pretty sure that between all the potlucks, barbeques, pizza and ginger cookies, I have gained a little, not lost. But I am trying to be keep watch of myself and will get back on track when I get home, to Texas. I haven't had time to do hardly anything but a few walks here and there.

I went to a ball game with Grandma, Grandpa and Don. It was fun. It was free hat night so we all got hats. I sent mine to Brett. It last till 1130pm at night but the Em's won so it made the late night worth it!

I have made a little jewelry but am struggling to find a way to edit the pictures and post them to my online shop. I have signed up for a show to be in the end of next month, right before I go back to Texas. It's a show that will be my 3rd year participating! Grandpa has offered to drive the RV for me up there and my sister-in-law has graciously volunteered to help me throughout the show. It should be fun. It has always been one of my favorite shows so I am excited, but I miss Brett. He is my happy-half, especially at shows.

I went to Grandpa's car show last weekend. He had me redo his truck book and it turned out pretty well. It was fun to do and he liked it. He ended up winning 2nd place in his class and a sponsers trophy! That night, we did the "Springfield Cruz". Nathan and I went with him and sat in the back of the truck and threw candy out to the kids. It was a lot of fun!!