CA: Day 1- At The End of the Day Spoons Make Me Feel Pretty

My trip started with the song "Stay" by Taylor Swift playing in my roommates car as she drove me to The Hut. Did she plan that... Nope. Realizing I had forgotten to pack my hair straightener I boarded the The Hut to take me to Portland. The best decision I have have so far on Travel Season is using my 30 day free trial on Spotify. Unlimited music anyone? Don't mind if I do. 

The Hut got me to Portland 2 hours before my flight took off. So I got breakfast and settled down, so much so that I almost missed my flight. As I was laughing at watching Derek (TV show, it's a British TV show so Jordan you would probably hate it) I didn't hear them say the were boarding for San Jose. My bad. But I made it on just fine. And the flight was great. 

Getting the rental car was not. 

When I got up to the Fox rental car company they told me they were out of cars and I would have to wait. I didn't wait to long just about 30 minutes. But when they said my name and sent me upstairs to pick up the car they guy said it wasn't here. He told me there was the same car just in a different color and asked if that was okay. "Yeah, duh." I don't care.

Man, am I loving this car though! 

It's a black Toyota Camry and it has a touchscreen in the dashboard! It even syncs to my phone, although now every time I get I the car the music turns on and starts playing "At the End of the Day" from Les Miserables and scares the crap out of my every time. Pardon my French... It also reads your texts that you send me. I giggled when it started reading Maddies text saying "I miss you and can't wait to see you," and thought wow. Me and this car have reach a new level in this relationship...

I hate my hotel. Love the location but hate the hotel. I have stayed here before and I guess I forgot how terrible it was. But really there are no nice places to stay in San Jose unless you are, as my dad and Macklemore say "Makes da money, but don't letz da money makes youz!" But this hotel's service sucks. I asked for a spoon... One spoon. I called three times reminding them. It wasn't until I went down to the front desk to ask that they said "oh, we forgot what room you were in..." Really? After the 3 times I called you to remind you? I don't think so. Also the treadmill here was an adventure. I couldn't get it to work and the guy at the front desk handed me a magnet and stuck it to the treadmill. Voila! It works!.... What. The. Heck? 

On another note. As I was walking to the front office of one of my school visits today and a student asked "do you know you are so pretty? Because you are." Um, she is the sweetest thing ever! 

Well, I only have one more night and the I meet up with Maddie! I told her I might cry when I see her. Let's hope I don't freak the new girl out... 

Hope you are all doing well! 

Courtney Baker 

Day 1, California: motivation

It's hard to stay motivated for this trip. Mostly because everyone else is back in the office. Going through Corban Experience with you all was so fun. I love having the gang back together. I just keep chanting "last trip, last trip, last trip!" I just miss you all so much and cannot wait till we are all together again. Soon and very soon! 

Plus, I got sick... Do I always get sick after Corban Expereince? Sore throat. Gross. I am curious to see how this sickness goes. The doctor told me I have no immune system so if I do get sick it can be up to 3 months. No! I just need to keep an eye on it. I have a feeling I will be using a lot of NyQuil on this trip. 

I fly into Burbank and get to see my family. My cousins signed up for my presentation at their school. So cute! We have been trying to recruit Thomas to Corban for years now but he is a huge tennis player and that is the only thing holding him back. I am excited to see my family. For those of you who don't know my grandma was in the hospital the same time I was and had gastro issues as well. It will be so good to see her over the weekend. And it's my uncles birthday today! Celebrations! 

Shout out to Ashley for driving me to the hut! Thanks girl! You are the best, it was so good laughing with you this morning! 

Phew, I am tired. Hopefully I will sleep on this flight. I will see you all in December!!! I will keep you posted. Don't have to much fun without me. Here we go California! 

-C 

Day 6 &7, Idaho: it was going so well...

I had a  wonderful relaxing Saturday. I got to sleep in, watch a couple of movies and get a massage. It was nice. My massage was great, except she really did a number on my neck. Almost felt like she was going to break it at one point. But it was nice. 

This Sunday morning wasn't so nice. I was driving to Krispy Kreme to get doughnuts for my church visit and when I was sitting in the turning lane I was hit by spit wads! Oh, I am still mad about this! There was a teenage kid in the car next to me with the window rolled down and he hit my car five times! And his parents were doing NOTHING! I seriously was gagging in the car. I had to clean off the spit wads! Gross! Idaho... We were just getting along and then this had to happen. Why? 

The church visit went well. Actually, it went great! The students were so respectful and engaged. And when I stayed for the lesson I was impressed by all the bible they knew. Not that they shouldn't but they were spitting answers I didn't even know. This youth pastor is good! And after the lesson the students came up to me to talk about Camp Team. Heidi, you have some future camp team people coming your way! They love the program. 

I wish you all a happy Sunday. Set you clocks back! Which Idaho is already an hour ahead so when I fly back it's like I get to go back two hours! Sweet! 

-Courtney 

Day 4 &5, Idaho: Let's have a Tea Party!

It's FRIDAY!

Thank goodness, I am ready for the weekend.

Yesterday I had six school visits. It was kind of cool though because I had a before school visit at 7:30 am and then my next visit was at 9:30am. So between my first and second school I celebrated Halloween with a wonderful breakfast at Moe Joe's. My waitress was dressed up as a witch and was super sweet. It was kind of fun sitting in a "diner" and eating a delicious breakfast. It made me miss my dad though, my dad and I always go out for breakfast for father daughter dates. So I sent him a text and we are going to go out for breakfast on the next Saturday I get back. SA-WEET!

After my Halloween breakfast I started visiting all the schools. TONS of other admissions counselors were at the schools as well, which I like. I think it makes the visits less awkward. Especially LUNCH visits. Isn't it so awkward when you are by yourself staring down the students as they eat their lunch? Ha ha, that's why I like it when there are other schools there. Plus, Anna from Whitwoth was at Meridian High and she is so sweet. She caught a cold, poor thing. Meridian High was her last school and she asked if I wanted to go see a movie with her but I had three more schools to visit. Bummer! Next time Anna!

All the school visits went well and by 4:00pm my breakfast was digested and I was hungry again. I could not for the life of me decide what I wanted to eat. Italian? American? Mexican? Chinese? I sat in my hotel room just looking up surrounding restaurants. Still didn't help. After and hour of searching I got in my car and just decided to drive down the main roads looking for food. I kid you not, I drove for about 45 minutes in traffic only to end up across the street at Baja Fresh... Oh Travel season... Don't you guys hate it when you can't figure out what you want to eat? All food just kind of sounds unappealing...
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Today went well. I only had five school visits and I got done at 2:00pm. I was at Cole Valley and when I was driving out of the parking lot I saw Tami's Tea Room. I thought to my self "No WAY! I have to see if it's open and have some afternoon tea!"  You guys, it WAS open and it WAS Amazing. First of all, adorable. Second, delicious teas it was so hard to choose. Third, relaxing.... It was a quite little tea room and I sat next to the window and read my book. There were two ladies in the same room and one of these ladies was 96 years old and her name was Bernice. Oh, Bernice... She is a FIRECRACKER. She expected her tea and dessert a certain way, very bossy, BUT soooo classy. She bought a new velvet hat with a HUGE feather stuck in it. I LOVE Bernice and I hope to have tea with her someday in Heaven.

After tea I walked around in the little shop that was attached to the building. They sell a TON of teas. So I spent $25 on a bunch of loose leaf teas and I am so excited to try them. I know some of you like tea so I will bring some into the office so we can try them together. I got a traditional Chai (Jared might like that), Pomegranate Oolong, Blood Orange Black tea, and an Apricot Black Tea (what Tami's is known for).  My sister got me a new loose leaf tea holder and I have been wanting to use it for such a long time and now I can! Let's have a tea party!

Now I am back in the hotel room and I am debating on whether or not to go see Ender's Game tonight or tomorrow. I also booked a massage for tomorrow, Because I deserve it! hahaha. No, I just have so much tension in my back and I thought "hey, I have an hour on a Saturday, why not?" I hope you all enjoy the weekend and hopefully my Idaho weekend will go well!

Miss you ALL!
-Courtney

Day 3, Idaho: Fairs, fairs, fairs...

I got to spend some time in Oregon yesterday. It felt good to be in Oregon again. I had a fair on the border of Oregon and Idaho. I was a little bummed about this fair because all my friends were at Nampa Christian's fair. But it's fine I made new friends... Kind of. I met a admissions counselor for Broadview Univerisity and he makes me look shy and quite. My goodness, he was yelling at the students and running around like a crazy person. It was very entertaining to watch. 

The fair ultimately went well but I was not feeling to good. My stomach has been acting up agian. Or maybe you are thinking "Courtney, has it really stopped?" I was in pain for half the fair, luckily I am a great actress just like Ashley so I can pull off the I-am-feeling-great attitude. Right Ashley? :) 

After the fair I went to Walgreens to buy more meds, plus NO TAX! And I went to the gas station so I wouldn't have to pump my own gas like here in Idaho. You guys, I look like an idiot at a gas station when I have to pump it myself. I just stand there with a blank stare in front of the pump. The reason the put pictures on those things is for me. Gosh, I am such an Oregonian. 

After the fair and walgreens I drove back to Idaho and talked with my doctor. He is a little worried about my tummy because of the distention I am feeling. Imagine you ate the biggest meal of your life and you are completely full. That's what it feels like and looks like. I am walking around like I permanately ate a Thanksgiving dinner. It's not always painful but it can be quite uncomfortable. We are going to check on this when I get back. For now, pain meds and heating pads. 

Right now I am sipping a not-so-good pumpkin spice latte and sitting in my booth for the BIG fair. :) I am keeping positive attitude for today. I already showed up way to early (hence why I left to get the coffee) but it's fine. I get a little me time to Blog to YOU! Anna from Whitworth is here early as well so we chatted for a little while. And Jenni from Concordia will be right next to me for this fair, which I am excited about. She is so sweet and nice. Plus, she loves Ashley, and really if someone loves Ashley then how can you not help but like them. Today's fair goes from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm... Positive attitudes! So glad I showed up at 7:00 am.... 

Idaho is keeping me busy. Tomorrow I have six schools but for the first time no fairs! And I would just like to say I do enjoy fairs. I know it might sound like complaining, but this blog is to relieve stress and relate to those who understand. It's just we all know how fairs can exhaust us. It is a great feeling getting back to your hotel room after a long fair, putting on your sweats, grabbing your dairy free/gluten free ice cream, and watching 3 episodes of Parks and Rec. Can I get an Amen? 

You know what I wish I had right now? And encouraging bible verse. If you read this blog today and have my  cell phone number, could you send me one? I think today is going to be a little harder than usual and it is a big day. My steroids are kicking in and my stomach is in pain. I miss home and I miss you guys! And if you are sending a bible verse you might as well send it to the whole team. I am sure we could all use a little pick me up! 

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. I will see you soon! Half way through Idaho!... Well kind of...

-Courtney 

Day 2, Idaho: Keep on your Toes!

This whole day I kept thinking to myself "Well, it's a good thing you left when you did!" 

I have just finished visiting 6 schools today... And boy am I tired but I have to keep moving! I have a fair in two hours. 

Currently, I am sitting at Red Robin. Finally I get to eat! My stomach has kind of been a pain today. It doesn't want to feel well. Silly stomach. Work! (Jordan, maybe it was those almonds!) but other than that I am feeling well. I got some really good rest last night, unlike the four hours from last night. And yesterday I was able to go grocery shopping to buy healthy snacks and some meals. Sidenote: found the BEST Gelato... So good it's called Talenti. 

The six schools went alright. Some better than others, but Idaho.... I just can't seem to get the students here excited about Corban unless they have already heard of us. It's so weird. And I had 3 counselors kind of forget that I was coming. I love seeing their panicked faces as I look at the Corban poster hanging on the wall. Classic. It always seemed like I had just left in time too because I arrived to every school exactly when I needed to. Thank goodness! 

Well, half my chicken wrap is done and I want to head back to my hotel to charge my phone and see if I can relax a little bit before this fair. I hope all of you are doing well on this Monday. 

Happy travels! 

-Courtney 

Day 1, Idaho: Let the Adventures Begin!

Why hello there! Shocker, Courtney is already on the blog... 

So right now I am sitting in the airport waiting for my plane to board for Idaho and already I am exhausted. :) Yesterday was my roommates birthday and I stayed up till 1:30 am. Oops. I met Sarah at Corban at 6:00 in the morning. "Good job, Courtney your now running on 4 and a half hours of sleep," is probably what you are thinking. Yep... 

Packing was fun. It made me feel like an old lady. Do you know how hard it is to think about medications? And where the heck do you pack 30 needles? In your checked luggage that's where! With all my fun medications I was having to think of "what ifs". If I lose one baggage, will I survive? The answer is... Hopefully... :) don't worry about me guys, I GOT THIS. laugh with me. 

Isn't Sarah the best? She drove me to the airport so early in the morning and we had amazing conversations about different cultures and how they operate. You know, normal stuff. Those people in Iceland... Am I right, Sarah? :) Thanks again Sarah for spending your Sunday morning driving me to the airport! I owe you one! 

So, Idaho. How do I feel about Idaho.... Well I think we all know it's not my favorite. (Because that belongs Bend, I miss it already) I did not have such a good time last year. But this year I am trying to go in with a good attitude. If I don't then I already know Idaho won't be fun. It's barely the middle of my travel season and Idaho will not ruin it for me! 

There are some things I am looking forward to. For one, to be on my own. Your probably thinking "um... What... Well, don't worry Courtney you are getting what you ask for." I know we get lonely but this will be the first time I am on my own since the hospital. Everyone has been monitoring me (which isn't bad, it's just all the time.) and I think it will be nice to get away for a while. Now, I promise to check in and make sure I am letting people know how I am doing physically and emotionally but it will be nice to get a break. I haven't been on my own in a while. It's some good "me" time. 

I am also looking forward to my hotel. I have a kitchen and I am staying in one hotel for the whole trip. This means it will be much easier for me to monitor my eating habits. Some of you know what happened in Bend, but I over ate and did not have self control over what I was eating. I just got so excited for food! Well, because I did that my second night contained a lot of stomach pain. Not repeating that again! So I am very thankful for my kitchen where I am going to make intelligent decisions. 

Sidenote: Jordan, I ate a crushed up almond yesterday and I am worried... Haha, OH NO!

My plane is going to board in five minutes so I better sign off. I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying your travels. Hang in there! Can't wait to see you! 

-Courtney