Day 15 part 2: These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Right now I am watching a youth group playing a very funny game! I just got done with the 3rd church visit and I have to say it was pretty good. At first it was weird because I walked into the church and had to find people I never met. But I found them! I talked for 15 minutes and it went really well. Two students signed cards before I started and more are filling out cards now.

A whole week of school visits. Idaho was
still is a little awkward for me but it went better. I have met with a couple of students who really want to go to Corban. Those students are the most encouraging during this long week. None of them want to do individual visits... No ice skating... Sad.

Yesterday I spent the day trying to clean out my refrigerator. I want to finish up all the food so I don't waste it. It was so nice having my own kitchen and I am going to miss it. Only two more nights in my favorite hotel. Then it's back to fast food.

This next week is going to be crazy. I have fairs for four days in a row. And these fairs are all day. I like fairs because they go by fast but I am a little afraid I am going to run out of material. I practically packed two suitcases and I am surprised I am running this low. Hopefully I have enough to make it!

Fun things that have happened this last week:

1. Ate the best tacos for lunch
2. Learned different swimming techniques
3. Met one of the funniest students
4. Bought a dress between school visits
5. Talked to my mom
6. Met a British guy in a hot tub. Seriously...
7. Read ghost stories then couldn't sleep at night
8. Finished 3 seasons of TV shows :)
9. Talked with a high school counselor for an hour
10. Made the worst pasta in the world!

What are ten fun things that happened to you this week?
C Baker

Day 8: Part 2: Finally!/Oh Idaho...

Sorry about not blogging for a while. Here's what happened. My iPad cord finally died. Thanks Beau for giving me the cord that was ripped to shreds. :) I didn't have time till the weekend to buy a new one and my iPad died so I couldn't post. Sorry. But all is well and right with the world. Well sort of... So Idaho is an hour ahead right? Well when I crossed the border my electronics changed, as they should, but it completely ruined my calendar! For some reason all of the times I had for my schools visit moved! Talk about frustrating. I don't know what happened. Unless someone over in Oregon is messing with me!... Katie... Ha ha just kidding. Luckily I packed paper copies so I know the original times I am supposed to meet the schools. And it's also a good thing I caught on early. I was wondering why my first visit in Idaho was during an assembly... That just makes my trip a little more interesting.

Lets see what happened here...

Idaho, not as much fun as I thought it would be. Yeah... Actually it's is kind of a let down. The students here aren't as excited about Corban as the ones in California. And I can't figure out why that is! I actually miss Cali. Who would have thought?

Plus, now I get what all the other counselors are saying when they talk about disrespectful students. Goodness! They steal my candy, they ask questions they know I can't answer, and they disrupt my Presentation! Idaho is hard. Oh! And when i try and pull the "hot guys are at Corban" thing they don't respond... They don't think it's funny. What the heck?

Oh well, I just have to keep a positive attitude.

I love my hotel room though! Some
Of you may have seen the videos or pictures I sent, this room is great! Actually, it's being clean right now as I type. Thank you room service! My room has a kitchen and I bought groceries and it is so wonderful to cook for myself. No fast food! I haven't eaten out for four days!

Side note: What is up with Idaho and no coffee! Seriously! No Starbucks or nothing! I went to target to buy Starbucks coffee in a bag so I can make it every morning. Oh Idaho...

So yeah, the hotel room is great and I enjoy having home base. At the most I drive an hour away and hit all the schools in that town.

I Think that is all for now... Just as the maid finished vacuuming i shall finish this blog. I hope Idaho goes a little smoother. Thanks for reading! Happy travels.

C Baker

XYZ

Always eXamine Your Zipper. I just spent the whole last lunch visit with my zipper down... Good one Courtney!

Day 4 Part 2: Boise Idaho

I love to sing! I really do! I am so hoping there isn't a secret camera in the van because you would see some serious belting of broadway songs. But my favorite part is watching all the drivers around me. Some laugh, some stare, but today I sung a duet! Not exactly sure who it was but they were also rockin out to some tunes! We smiled and danced in our automobiles. It was awesome. Although now that I think about it maybe you shouldn't let the crazy lady have the car that promotes Corban on the van...

Right now I am sitting in a room by myself because the high school counselor that I drove 3 hours to see forgot I was coming. It's fine. At least I get to stretch my legs for a bit. When I was driving to this town I didn't expect to see much. But you know who you can always count on!? McDonalds!! They are everywhere! Good thing, I was getting hungry!

Okay right now the van smells sooooooo gross! I am trying to air it out! The pizza I bought last night for the youth group is still hanging around. Old cheese... Luckily I brought febreez so I have been spraying the van and driving with the windows down. Go away smell!

This school was a bust! I am going to hit the road! Goodbye Oregon hello Idaho!

I will write more later! Oh, remind me to tell you about the sweet/kinda creepy old man at the gas station!

The creepy man yet kind of sweet man at the gas station: he was wearing an old fashion gas station uniform and he looked about 50. He read my name on the credit card it was funny though because he kept calling me Corban. Every time he asked me a question he would stick his head in the car. It was weird. He also gave me a sucker for "being a good girl." Creepy...

I LOVE MY HOTEL! It is so nice. I have a kitchen and it feels like a small little apartment. I could live here! Wait...

Last night I went grocery shopping and that was an adventure. First, I don't really like grocery shopping by myself. I am not good at it, and trust me you can be bad a grocery shopping. Second I was trying to beat the sunrise. I also failed at that. As I was taking in the groceries I was rink about the first story in The Gift of Fear book that we read. Yikes! But I am fine. Third, I locked myself out of my room and there was another rude man in the lobby. Maybe it was the same guy from Starbucks!

C Baker

Day 3 Part 2: another day in Bend

I am sorry guys I wish my days were more eventful. I feel like the blogs I post are really boring. And I bet your thinking "then why still post them...?" Well... I don't have an answer for that.

My day today was a little strange. Not because if anything that happened to me but because I felt like I was a little off today. The school visits were fine and the students were great but it felt off. Has anyone else felt like that? None of the normal jokes were working or I kept stumbling over my words. It was weird.

Tomorrow is my last day in bend and I am kind of sad about that. I got a church visit though! That should be fun. Then I am headed to Idaho!

And now I am watching the social network. I have never seen it before and it's pretty good. Jordan what's your take on this movie? Post it on your blog! Okay I am tired and I want to brush my teeth. Hope all is going well for you! Miss you all!

C Baker
P.S. I think Clint Eastwood is staying in the same hotel as me...

Big Red & Preparations

On behalf of electronically challenged Heidi (her words not mine, don't worry).

 

October 13th; 8:24pm:

 Prepping for a trip can be a tedious process.  You wouldn't think so.  Grab a suitcase, toss in some dress clothes and toiletries, BAM- done.  This is not how the process works for our heroine.  

Let's start with the suitcase itself.  Big Red (named in honor of the Big Red suitcase that bit the dust on my first travel season when I attempted to lug approximately 2000lbs of Corban materials with me in my trusty ginormous red suitcase- I used to be much much stronger than I am present day) is in the garage, behind a step ladder and a 5 foot tall roll of couch plastic and card board that I keep forgetting to break down and throw away/recycle.  No matter, I climb up and over the step ladder to reach over said waiting waste products to claim BR.  Next comes the spider check.  This is the process wherein I kick and slap the large traveling case to "scare" away  any eight-legged creatures  brought to us courtesy of the fall of man.  After a careful inspection for movement, BR is cleared for house entry.  

Now we've moved on to the easy portion of the packing process, right?  Wrong.  Carrying in BR reminds me that I really need to take out my recyclables sitting in my garage.  So why not clean out under the sink for any and all plastic and glass that has been placed there when I'm too timid to tackle the corner of the garage knows to house enormous spiders that cause me to shriek like an eight year old child.  Now seems like a good a time as any, after all, I braved a different corner of the garage.  So like a good Oregonian I gather materials like a squirrel gathering nuts or the winter.  While I'm under the sink, maybe I ought to rearrange the cleaning products stored under there.  I make quick time cataloging what I'm running low on then I move on to smelling all of the different hand soaps I have from bath and body and determine that the fresh summer pear is my current favorite.  I spot my duster and you know, while I'm thinking of it, I really should dust off all surfaces in the house-  I'll be gone for 15 days after all, let's make sure I'm coming back to only 15 days of dust not 22 because that will make such a difference in my life I'll be so thankful.   

Dusting near the TV reminds me that I need to put my DVD's sitting out away, can't leave those out.  Oh look- Modern Family.  I love that show, so funny.  I'll just watch one episode.  Then two.  Oh man,  really need to pack.  I jump up, wash my hands (need to smell the fresh summer pear again) and rush to my room with Big Red.  

Ok, pack... Thus begins the process where I cover my entire bed with outfit possibilities that all compliment my black boots (because I wore them today so they're out and working as my inspiration).  Outfit after outfit lays on the bed displayed as though an actual human was inside warming them.   Sounds simple, but I have to strategically lay them out because the reds laying next to the pink/rose colors causes me to wrinkle my nose in distaste so I move them around so they don't offend me.  Much better.  While arranging clothes I pull out skirts that bring out the great debate- nylons or tights?  So I pull out every pair of tights I own to see all the possibilities.  You know what these gray tights would look good with?  My BROWN boots.  Now I have made a commitment to myself during AK travel season which requires warmer (i.e. literally heavier) clothing- black OR brown, not both.  Packing is lighter this way and I don't get stuck near the end of the trip with a shirt that looks bad with my pants because I forgot which color scheme I was going for... etc.  But MAYBE just this once... so now I pull out the myriad of brown themed clothing options for AK- it is after all, fall.  Why jump straight to my winter clothes?  So more piles on the bed.  I stand back and assess the work and decide I'm too distracted to make actual decisions because I know I need to run a load of laundry before I can feel like I've completed all of my weekly "to-do's." Besides, why come home to another load of laundry.  This seems like a good break time.

Now the laundry is running and I take this opportunity to clean out the dryer filter.  You know... with these front loaders I feel like you can't get ALL the lint and I try to squeeze my fingers into the tiny space carved out for the actual filter to get the bit of lint I can see trapped in the space.  Fingers too fat, too fat... I spot a clothes pin- perfect!  That should give me the extra two inches I need to reach the lint I am spotting.  So I just pinch the lint when my fat sausage fingers fail me and drop the clothes pin into said tiny (but deep) space.  Dang it.  Ok.  Plan B, ignore the lint, get that clothespin out.  After a failed attempt with a flyswatter, I get the salad tongs- too short.  I try to fight once again with the reality that my hand really won't fit in this small space, but clearly not from the lack of sheer will power to try and smash one's hand through the tight space.  Man I really need to pack, It's getting late and I'm getting tired.  I gave up on the clothespin and headed back into my new walk-in closet formerly known as my bedroom.  

The amount of clothes piled up in various mannequin-like positions on my bed was ridiculous.  I wasn't MOVING to Alaska, I'm spending two weeks there.  Ok, I shoulder the courage to remove all traces of brown from the bed.  this helps.  Next I spot three tops I never wear but apparently thought would be so nice for Alaska.  My closet already has to bear the burden of their persistent presence, why should my suitcase join the party?   Ok, This is it.  I'm really packing.  I just start counting for each day of work obligations and college fairs (it's nice to change in-between those  day and evening sessions, you know?).  I hit the magic number and everything else left was banished back to the closet no matter how much I loved them.  Please.  We all know I would rather wear yoga clothes 24/7 if it was appropriate.  I think I'll do without a few favorite dresses.  Plus remember the tights vs. nylons debate?  No time, let's be practical.  Ok.  Suitcase packed.  

Next stop toiletries.  Oh wait... I never did put my latest Group Ride CD onto my iPod (plus isn't it time to back up my new phone?), let's take a break and do that.  Oh hey, I wonder what my Alaskan friends all up to?  I should remind them I'm coming.  So naturally, a quick Facebook check-in.  An hour later after "liking" the status of people I may or may not have gone to high school with in the 90's (no really... that part isn't intended to be funny or hyperbole, I went to HS in the 90's.), I checked my CD.  Oh great, ready to go.  Now how do I get these songs onto my specific song lists again... hmmm.  Where is that button... EVERY TIME.  Ok, back on FB to ask these people (they obviously have time on their hands to help me...).  Three suggestions later I was ready to eject my iPod so happy and updated.  Ok... where was I?   Toiletries.  Oh that's right.

Back to the bathroom in my reclaimed bedroom.   Thankfully I keep a pre-packed toiletry bag.  I'm not being sarcastic here.  If someone says, "free trip to Paris for a whole new wardrobe if you can leave this house in 15 seconds" I can literally open my hall closet to grab my coat, purse, toiletry and bonus- fully packed spare bag of make-up- and head out the door to claim my new clothes.  BUT... why not check it to make sure the contact solution hasn't spilled or to see how close I am to running out of floss?  So the adventure continues.  No big deal really, I just now am obsessed with pairing down things I don't think I'll need (mouse- nope, that's for humid weather- not snow...) and swapping my lightweight SPF moisturizers for the thicker "Alaska proof" creams.  Why not open the make up bag and see if I want anything special for this trip.  Really Stowman?  Does anyone really care if you're wearing the purple eyeliner as opposed to the brown?  News flash- NO ONE WILL KNOW OR CARE.  I finally give up and toss it in for good measure (I care).  Ok.  I'm done.  

Packing really isn't a skill of mine.  But at least I always have dental floss and enough work-out clothes to last me 8 different sessions if I can't do any laundry.  Oh wait... what if I want to go for a run outside?  Just kidding

Day 2 Part 2: I don't know what to call this blog

Busy day! Four school visits and all of them were great! I love this area and all of the schools were so nice. It was at Bend High School that I made the most connections. Three students were really interested and so I asked if they were doing anything after school and they said they weren't. So all four of us drove to Sisters to go get coffee. They had never been there and it was fun introducing them to the coffee house. We had a lot of fun hanging out. I think all three of them are going to come to Corban Experience and that makes me excited. It's fun building relationships! They said they had friends who were also interested in Corban and they want me to meet them! So we might go bowling tomorrow if it works out with their schedule.

Last night I didn't get a lot of sleep, I was just stressing out for some reason. So I am relaxing a lot right now. And no sugar before bed! I got done with coffee at 5:30 so I picked up dinner and locked myself in the hotel and now I am watching movies. I can feel the exhaustion! Once I hit the bed my eyes started getting heavy. So tired...

I hope all things are going well in the office! How are you all doing?

C Baker

Day 1 Part 2: Here We Go Again!

Off to Bend I go! And it's already an adventure.

This morning I packed and started the drive. It was beautiful! There were many moments along the way that I thanked God for the amazing creation that He has made. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

I arrived in bend at my hotel around 5. I booked my four nights at the Red Lion. Once I arrived I was so disappointed and frustrated. The Red Lion was not a hotel, it was a motel. It looked sketchy and it was an outside entrance which surprised me. I didn't think Red lions did outside entrances. So I pulled up Priceline to see if I could still get a good rate at a better hotel. I found another hotel that is much better and safer. It was in the budget and because of the room I picked at the Red Lion they aren't charging the whole night stay which is also wonderful!

I like this area I wish I could spend a weekend here. Sarah! I want to float down the river with you again! Maybe this time we won't end up in the pond... I am going to go to Sisters Coffee tomorrow and see if some students want to join.

This time I brought audio books to make the drive fun. I love it! Right now I am reading/listening to The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and it is sooooo good. If you like historic fiction and books during the time of the Third Reich then I would suggest this book. I am only two discs in but the writing is stunning. If you want to know more about it please ask me! I would love to talk about it!

Okay that is all for tonight. Enjoy your Monday morning. I miss you all. It's weird to be back in the travel mode.

C Baker

Road Riddler

A riddle for you:

A renter and a chef took a temperament sorter and dedicated gifts while flowering. Where did they go?

Guesses will be taken and a
reward may
even be given to an
adventurer who is brave enough to
trouble with the meaning of this elusive
But entertaining
riddle I have provided.
Incidentally, I may
traverse the way myself
and happen upon a myriad of
items which would no doubt be delightful
native collections made exotic for said sleuth.

Day 16: Going out with a Crash!

Some of you know, but for those of you who don't, I got in a little car accident. I am totally fine and so is the other driver. My rental car wasn't hurt and the only damage was to the other persons car. I just can't believe it happened on my last day in California. Thankfully I was with family and they gave me a home base to calm down. First accident ever! I love my aunt and uncle they were superstars. And we have a GREAT team at Corban! So much help! Thank you so much Heidi for all the guidance through a crazy time, thanks to Ashley for explaining to the last two schools why I would be able to make it for a visit. And thanks for the prayers from the others in the office! But let's not talk about the unfortunate indecent anymore.

I at least got to visit my cousins school. The boys didn't show up but they stopped by after the visit. And guess what!? I actually used "because I like tacos" in my presentation. (For those of you who don't know this saying is used whenever some asks "why" in my family) a girl had asked about ASB and I said you typically run with a campaign and then in chapel, students give speeches for what they are running for. I said "for instance you can say, I am running for president because I like tacos." Oh my gosh, the class laughed but you could tell they were kind of confused. I just can't believe I actually worked it into the presentation. I also told them I was going to their football game and they thought that was so cool.

After the craziness of the rest if the day I was so tired so I a small nap. Then my aunt and uncle said "let's go get car crash cupcakes." So we went to this cupcake shop where the person who bakes them is a Cupcake Wars winner! I have so many ideas for new cupcakes now! I can't wait to test all of the creations on you! And these cupcakes were amazing. Soooooooooo good.

After cupcakes we drove the boys to the football game where they got ready for marching band. It was a wonderful night. I loved watching my cousins doing what they loved. For once I get to be apart of their lives! It's rare for my family to see other family members because everyone lives in California and Colorado. So I was excited for them to show me their high school stuff. They are awesome boys and I am proud to be their cousin!

As of right now I am in the airport and I got here super early! I am almost tempted to buy the new J.K. Rowling book but its so expensive. I think it could pass the tome a lot faster but I can get is cheaper on amazon. This is why I started the last blog for California! Don't be too sad, I still have Idaho! I miss you all but I will see some of you soon. I am so excited to come home! 2 more hours till I board the plane... I really did get here early! But I didn't know how long the rental car place would take... Plus part of the freeway is close in LA so there might have been a lot of traffic. Soon very vey soon I will be back in beautiful Oregon!

Cupcakes consumed: 3
Hours till I am home: 5
Level of excitement to see mom and dad: unmeasurable!

Happy Travels,
C Baker

Day 15: Because I Like tacos!

Santa Barbara is BEAUTIFUL! I should have spent my weekend here. I will remember this for next year. And Ventura! They have the cutest downtown ever. It actually reminds me of Oregon which is probably why I liked it so much. I wish I could have stayed here longer. I would have had a shopping day in all the cute bookstores. I didn't stay because I was so anxious to see my family.

I am staying with my aunt and uncle and it's so fun! I have two cousins here both in high school, one is a freshman and the other a junior. They both want to come to the Corban presentation when I visit there school. We have the running joke that when ever someone asks you why, for anything, you always say "cause I like tacos!!!!" I know it's weird but it's family. The boys want to ask "why should we come to Corban?" and they want me to answer with "because I like tacos." oh boy... We will see. It would be kind of funny but I will feel out the crowd first.

I love being here. I had breakfast like a normal person! Usually at Starbucks I stick straws in my ears and shove food up my nose, yelling "elephants are awesome!" it was nice to not have to do that this morning and instead just enjoy a nice bowl of cereal.

I also get to see my two cousins perform in there marching band! Yay! They are really excited about it and so am I. I think I mentioned this in my last blog so I won't keep talking about it.

I get to have Dinner with my friend Kammie tonight! It will be great to see her. German friends unite!

I hope all is going well for you! I get to come home in two days! Got to run to my next school! See ya!

C Baker

Lotion not Conditioner...

Just thought I would let all of you know what I discovered today...

I have been at this hotel for 6 nights and ever since I got here my hair has had this really weird feeling to it. It was gross. At first I thought it was the water but what I realized just now is I have been using the hotel lotion as a conditioner in my hair! I totally thought it was conditioner this whole time! Oh geez...

C Baker

Day 14: Goodbye Bakersfield. Hello Family!

Last day in Bakersfield! Yay! I finished up with visiting all the schools that are left in this area. I should have checked out of my hotel today and left for Santa Barbara but I accidentally made the wrong reservation. I get to get up at 4 in the morning tomorrow to drive to a morning School visit. Oops.

The schools today were great visits, lots of interested students. I got half way through the call list today as well. Hopefully I can finish that tomorrow but I have a lot of driving ahead of me.

After my visits I drove to Target to buy a CD to make the drive tomorrow a little more Fun. I actually bought the CD FUN. Ha ha ironic? I also got Mumford and Sons. Maybe my drive will go a little easier with better music.

Remember Marjorie? The woman who couldn't for the life of her remember when Corban was coming to visit. The woman who wanted me to visit on Saturday with the students? Yeah she emailed me this morning canceling the visit. I was so sad I would never meet this woman but I was impressed that she did remember me. Next year I hope to meet the famous Marjorie!

How is everyone doing in the office? I miss you all but I will see you next Monday! That is either exciting or daunting for you... I hope you are all doing well! Early bed for me!

C Baker

Day 13: I am Sick of It!

I,much like Ashley, I waiting for my next school visit. Ashley, i just read your post! So lucky to have a friend to visit. I hope you had fun. I cant believe you leave california in two days!
My other two school visits in the morning were fine. It looks like I will be having more coffee dates tonight with students.

I am sitting in California Pizza Kitchen eating a chicken thai pizza. It's good but I have to say i am Sick of it! Not California pizza kitchen but eating out. I want a home cooked meal. I have tried the whole going to the grocery store and buying stuff but it's hard. I don't know what to buy that I can keep carrying in my car and hotel room.

I haven't had pizza yet so I chose this place and its a lot nicer than fast food. Yeah it's a little more expensive but I am going to go crazy if I have to eat at McDonalds or Baja Fresh again. Plus the meal is really like two and I will just save it for dinner tonight.

I am tired of eating out and being alone. But I get to stay with family on Wednesday so that will be GREAT! I get to spend time with family that I don't get to see often. My little cousin is going to perform at a football game in the marching band and I am so excited to see his show. And this Thursday I get to see Kammie who is my friend from Ambex. I haven't seen her in two years and I finally get to have dinner with her! I miss her so much and it will be great to catch up. So at least there are things in my week that I am looking forward to. It just seems like forever till I come home. U hear Cara is in the office and Ashley is headed there soon. Everyone is so lucky to get to back in the office and home. I can't wait for Saturday!

Days left in California: 6!
Slices of pizza left: 4
School visits left in CA: 18

C Baker

Day 12: Oh Coffee...

I had another coffee date with two students. They were great and we had a fun time talking about high school, Corban, and study abroad. Amber is really excited to attend Corban experience and Susanna has two schools on her list and Corban is one of them. She is a little worried mom will move to Oregon if she goes to Corban.

Okay, the other thing about Susanna is her last name is Fontana. Say it out loud! Susanna Fontana. Coolest name ever! When she said it out loud I started laughing, which was bad on my part but then she said it's fine because everyone does. She loves her name and so do I! Best name ever! I told her she needs to be in a band.

Another cool thing at Starbucks happened. While I was talking to the girls a woman asked if she could sit next to us because our Starbucks was getting crowded. As I was talking she was asking if Corban had online classes because she was interested in in getting her masters done. Wow look at that! I am a recruiting maniac! I tried to answer her questions as best I could but I didn't know much about what she was asking. She said she will contact the school and get in touch with the right people.

It was a nice day.

Coffee: I am going to stop counting

C Baker

West Starbucks

Hello all,
Currently I am sitting in Starbucks waiting for my next school visit. The people beside me are gathering their things and heading out the door. I have only one thing to say about that...GOOD! Right as I sat down they started talking about how ridiculous the Christian faith is. It's like they knew I was a Chrisitan or something. I didn't say anything, but I looked at them for a while. They finally saw the discomfort I had with the words they were saying and they quickly changed the subject. I guess my inability to hide my emotions on face can come in handy sometimes :) I am somewhat kicking myself, though, because that could have been a great opportunity for me to witness! Agh! Nex time!
Yesterday was a great day! I was able to see my friend Chantel! It was so good to spend time with her! We went out to lunch and I had the best salad ever! Spinach, feta, beets, candied walnuts! Yum. After lunch we went shopping!!! Have I ever told you guys how much I love outlet malls? Oh man! I got some pretty great work clothes for SUPER CHEAP! It was a great day.
After spending time with Chantel I then checked into my hotel room. Not the worst place in the world, but a little run down. And the check in guy...yuck! As I was walking away from the desk toward my room, I just happened to look up in one of those corner mirrors, you know the ones they put up so you don't run into someone on the other side of the wall. Anyway, he was totally checking me out as I walked away! I was anything but flattered! Sick man!
On a more happy note, on Friday the counselor at Dublin high asked if I could stay a few extra minutes so a sub could talk to me after school. Of course I said sure :) Anyway this sub was super nice...I forgot her name, but she was super duper close with Doug West! When she heard a rep from Corban was coming she got all excited! She said, "I know talking with me doesn't mean much to you, but talking with you makes me feel like I'm talking to Doug. So thank you!" She had tears in her eyes and it was the sweetest thing ever! I told her I was glad to meet her and then she hugged me goodbye. Because she was so encouraged my day was phenomenal!
Well, time to talk with some high schoolers! For those of you in the office this week, I'll see you on Wednesday!
-Sis Ash

Day 11: So this is what Admissions is About...

I wish I brought tennis shoes. I have my toms but you can't work out in those. On weekends I would work out but I didn't pack my shoes!

I got to sleep in today which was nice. I got breakfast and lunch and organized my luggage. At 3:00 pm I had a coffee date with students. It was great. Kim brought her mom and brother. And Cheyenne was there waiting for me. It was funny cause I think Kim didn't really want her mom there. But mom had questions and wanted to learn more. It was funny! I got to use the prezi campus tour with they students and they loved it. They both enjoyed the videos and pictures. Cheyenne's brother said they had to get going but you could tell she didn't want to leave so I offered to drive her home. She was so excited to stay longer. She really wants to come to Corban! She surprised her parents with the idea. They are a little worried for her but ultimately they are excited that she is excited. I am so happy! Kim is a junior and she wants to know what college she is attending by her senior year. Go Kim! There are two major schools on her list and Corban is one of them. Hopefully with contact and the right answers she will make it to Oregon.

These two girls were amazing and I loved hearing from them that Corban was a school they really wanted to attend.

Now I am back in my room and talking with Ashley and watching Friends. A nice relaxing day. Tomorrow I have another coffee date with more students. I am excited. I LOVE MY
JOB!

Coffee: 11
# of times I left the key in my room:1
Almost car accidents: 2

C Baker

Day 10: Typical...

Typical Friday night! Sitting on my king bed, eating junk food, watching a chick flick, and shopping for shoes. And now there is sour patch kids sugar all over my bed! Great... I blame Matthew McConaughey! Yep, it is because of his attractive smile in the Wedding Planner that made me drop my sour patch kids!

Three school visits today. One of them I was late but I still got cards because of Kim! She had all of her friends waiting for me! Good job Kim!

I am having coffee with her tomorrow and her friend Lauren. Another girl is meeting up with us from East Bakersfield. It will be fun!

Have a great weekend everyone!
C Baker

Day 9: Whoa, we're halfway there, Whoa Livin on a Prayer

Good morning everyone! Yesterday was interesting. I only had one school visit and a fair yesterday. (tons of driving) the one school visit was so awkward. Oh my gosh! It was a lunch visit so I set up a table outside where the students eat. I Kid you not I was just starring at them and they were starring at me right back. So awkward... Then I hear this group of girls say "that Corban girl has been sitting there a long time and no one has talked to her. Let's talk to her for a little bit." in my head I was like "I DO NOT NEED YOUR PITTY INTEREST!" but they came over and I was nice and two of them filled out a card. Once they did that I was like "ha ha! Now your going to get all of our mail because you felt bad for me!" ( for the record I did not say that out loud to them.) not that that's a bad thing... It was just weird.

The I got to my hotel and checked in and prepared my my last fair. The fair went great! I had multiple people come up to me when the fair was starting to end and say I was the only counselor who had energy and really related to the students. Okay so now I am worried... Do I need to act more professional? But these students are high schoolers they want a college that is fun and a place where they can grow in their education. Part of it might be that I am one of the youngest college recruiters there. So when Kim visits my table and asks if she can follow me on Instagram of course I am going to say yes!

Guys I love Kim! She is great, when we were talking she would always say "oh you just bumped up to 4, oh, now your a 2" I bumped Corban up to #1 on her list! Yes! And I get to see her today at her high school. She told me she is bringing friends. Yay! I told Kim that if she can get her friends to sign up she will get a free t-shirt!

... Back to the professional thing. I am dressed up more professional than school visits and I have great posture. I feel professional then last night I was watching the others, it's okay to laugh right? The NACCAP people aren't going to kick you out if you have fun right? :) I have also noticed my theater voice comes out at fairs. Especially when I say $500 visit scholarship. It's like parents ears perk up and they come running to the table. Love it!

I love and dislike fairs... I love meeting the students but the awkward moments when you setting up your table and you displays are falling down is the worst. The counselors just stare at me. "no no, I got it, I've only NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE!" Paul was there last night again. I like Paul. He kind of reminds me of my dad. Squirrel! (I feel like my thoughts just jump all over the place when I write on the blog.)

I am kind of dreading the weekend. I wish hotels had DVD players. Then I could at least watch movies. I set up a coffee date with Kim because she is awesome and wants to do it! New best friend! And there are two girls at the fair (and I can only remember one of their names) who want me to attend their church. They said I should bring my Corban stuff and talk to their high school group. "everybody is working on the weekend..." so I have that on Sunday, but then what? I will take suggestions! What to do on the weekend in Bakersfield?

Sorry this blog post was all over the place. Have all of them been like that?

Coffee: 9
Friend requests: 3
Ideas for the weekend: 0

C Baker

Day 8: A Contest for YOU!

Hello all! I am loving the contests! Do the people in the office have contests to compete in cause if not I got one for you!

Hears what you do. I have my Zune on shuffle and I am going to post a few song lyrics from the beginning of the song and then you have to guess what song it is. If you guess the most correct I will bring you back a gift from California! Yay. This is way fun for me too. Here we go!

1. I won't do what you told me, I won't do what you said...
2. Hey, I wanna talk to you. The last time we talked Mr. Smith you reduced me to tears...
3. I've been working so hard, I'm punchin my card, 8 hours for what...
4. Today I don't feel like doing anything...
5. Don't want a lot for Christmas, there's just one thing I need...
6. I say hello to anyone who's listening...
7. Just a small town girl living in a lonely world, she took the midnight train going any where...
8. Don't wish, don't start wishing only ruins the heart, there's a girl I know...
9. Hey mama, hey mama look around everyone is groovin to a brand new sound...
10. Daddy can you hear The devil drawin near? Like bullet from a gun?...
11. You think I pretty without any make up on...
12. There's nothing you do that can't be done, noting you can't sing that cant be sung...
13. Here's the thing we started off friends, it was cool but it was all pretend...
14. All the Girls in the bathroom
Talking who they gonna take to the...
15. Easy come, easy go that's just how you live, oh, take take take it all but you never give...
16. There's a song that's inside of my soul, it's the one that I tried to write over and over again...
17. I'm taking a break because I am losing it again...
18. I'm not surprised not everything lasts I broken my heart my so many times I've stop keeping track...
19. High on the hill was a lonely goatherd...
20. Seems like everybody's got a price, I wonder how they sleep at night..

Okay that is it. Have fun!

Yesterday was good it was actually pretty relaxing. All I had were school visits and drop offs. I also got to Skype with my parents and that was great. It was just a working day.

Coffee: 9
In n out burgers: 2
Times I jumped on the bed: 4

C Bake

Day 7: My Fair City

This was a fun day. Best school visit ever. Some of you got the pictures sent of the class I spoke with. This was at Fresno high school and what happened was I didn't get any sign ups so the high school counselor asked the international baccalaureate class if I could talk with them. None of them had heard of Corban before and once I starting talking they loved it! I had never seen this much engagement with the students before and it was great. They thought I was funny too so that made me feel good. Out of the 30 students I talked with, 20 of them really wanted to know more and they gave me their cards. This was the best way to spend my first day in Fresno.

After the amazing school visit I headed over to Fresno Christian. The funny thing about this visit was I didn't set it up. It was just in my calendar. It was a mini fair which is what I kind of expected. I had showed a hour early but it was fine. I got to pick the best table. This was my first fair! It was great I was sharing a table with Messiah University and mostly talked with a guy named Paul. I love Paul he is awesome. I told him I was new and he gave me little inside tips and helped me out a lot. We were both going to the fair later tonight so when I saw him again it was good to have a familiar face.

The Fresno fair was AWESOME! At first I felt awkward but then Sarah from Trinity Western set up next to me and she was so nice. Most of the people I talked to knew Ashley and so it was easy to start the conversation. Actually there was this girl who at first I thought she didn't like me so I went up to her and I said "hello my name is Courtney, I believe you met my coworker Ashley and she said you were great and that I needed to meet you!" after that I had a new friend! Yay! Did I lie...maybe... But you become desperate for someone to talk to so you aren't awkward.

After the fair Sarah and Paul both said I did a wonderful job and I didn't look like I was new at all. They said I looked very natural. Aww thanks Paul and Sarah! I needed some words of affirmation during this travel season .

Once the fair was done I drove back to the hotel, organized one of my suitcases and fell asleep. It was a good thing I had read Ashley's post before I went to bed because I almost forgot to text my mom and I wouldn't want the front desk to call me. Ashley your story made me laugh but I bet it scared the pee out of you.

Well, it is now morning and I am in Starbucks hoping my credit card will work tomorrow. I love my little town of Fowler. There is only a hotel, a Starbucks, gas station, Quiznos and Carl's jr. It's perfect. I like being just out of the big city.

Well I hope everyone is enjoying there travel season or time in the office. Have a great day everyone! It crazy to think I am not even half way down with travel... Oh... Now I am depressed.

Cups of coffee: 8 (if you can even call the coffee I had in the hotel coffee!)
Friends made: 3
new favorite student: Grace

C Bake

Nobody likes a Mr. Sniffles...

First of all, can anybody tell me what movie the title of this post is from? (Fake) Bonus points for whoever knows :) I suppose I should have said "nobody likes a Miss Sniffles"...you guessed it, I'm using tissues like they're going out of style! At first I thought I was getting sick! But then I realized I have allergies. I didn't put two and two together until...well...until a student told me I wasn't sick, that I just have allergies because everyone has allergies in Modesto. My nose is like a faucet and my eyes are puffy and it looks like I'm crying all the day long! No fun! What's a girl to do though. I'll just suck it up (no pun intended).
So, I have a super encouraging story. At least I know you ladies will think so. I went shopping today because I have no more fairs in the evenings! Anyway, I was at jc penny's looking for work clothes because I'm just so professional ;) and a lady walks up to me as I'm holding up a dress and says in a cute old lady Russian accent, "oh yes, that would look so good on you! You have great taste! You the most beautiful girl I've ever seen and you need to buy dress (points to the dress I'm holding up)." that moment made me feel like a movie star! I then saw her in the shoe section and she said, "oh looks like I follow you...ha I do cuz you just so pretty haha. Now you help me find purse?" of course I tried to help but we had no luck. The point of this story is to tell you I think I'm in the running for the most encouraging encounter ;) but also to encourage all of us to do something similar to a stranger, we might make their day :)
One last thing to tell you. So...my mom asked me if I could text her every night once I'm settled in my hotel for the evening, and Ive done great with that up until last night. I got to my room ate dinner, checked emails, the usual. I then dozed off for a wee bit, which means I didn't text my mom when I typically do. Now she was waiting for my text and when she didn't get it, she texted me and because I was snoozin, I didn't text back. So then, she called me, but my phone was only on vibrate so it didn't wake me up. Now at this point she got a little worried. She called the hotel and asked if I was in my room. Now of course the hotel receptionist can't give out that information for safety purposes but the receptionist told my mom she would see what she could do. She called my room phone which is obnoxiously loud and I jumped out of bed startled. Long story short she told me to call my mom because she was worried about me. When I called my mom she was crying and I felt terrible! TERRIBLE! I told her I was fine, but, man alive she was so worried! That was my first major oopsie!
Anyway, that's all I have for now!
-Sis Ash

Alright here is a picture for the contest...
I couldn't decide if this fits under 'best “self-defense/safety ” moment,' or 'best “how am I alive right now” moment.'
This is the AR (Assault Rifle) 15 that I shot on Saturday while up in the mountains. Do you think anyone would notice if I "packed" this into my suitcase for California? Just for self-defense safety of course...

Day 6: Just keep Rollin along

Wow. What a day. This morning I got up and drove 45 minutes to salinas. Great school visit then I got back in the car and drove 45 minutes to Watsonville another nice school visit. Then I got in my car and drove yet again another 45 minutes to Monterey. After that school visit can you guess how long it took me to drive to my next school visit? Yep 45 minutes. I was exhausted. But at the end of all of those visits I got to go to Safeway and get my favorite soup and sit in my rental car and relax. I was wonderful.

After all of that I drove 3 hours to Fresno. Where I went to check into my hotel and my credit card was declined. Yikes. Hopefully that will all get fixed (thanks Jared) and I can use it soon.

Oh my gosh! I almost forgot. I was watching tv last night and there is a tv show called Broadway or Bust! I have never heard of it and it is great! It's like reality tv mixed with show tunes. Two of my favorite things! Not that any of you care it just made me happy.

Well I am super tired and I have another busy day in the neighborhood tomorrow.

And Heidi I love the contest. Here is my first picture.

Cups of coffee: 6
Number of hours driving: 5
Shampoo bottles collected: 9

C Baker

Word of the day: Unconventional

Word of the day: Unconventional =)

A big "Hello" to all of you!! Wow, you do not know how wonderful it has been to hear about the "going-ons" of your days. COURT - atta girl on your 5 zillion posts! Each one of you bloggers have provided me with a good amount of chuckling... as I sit all by myself in the Corban mini van, of course.

It's crazy to think we're all doing the same [unique] job: we're out in the same big wide world, sharing about the same amazing school. But each of us has completely different experiences awaiting us just around the corner of the high school hallway. Oh, and completely different reactions to those experiences. Actually, I think it'd be aaawesome to have something like a national admissions counselor bizarre experiences travel season blog page. Yes please. We'll work on the title later (but honestly it can't get much better than "Admissions Adventures")... =)

We're traveling by car, plane, ferry, bike (that's me!)... Okay not actually to school visits... yet... (I have to be able to tell Jordan SOMETHING unconventional I did during my travels by the time I get back!) If not a bike ride visit, I guess I'll just have to stand on a lunch table during a presentation or something VERY cool like that... (just kidding Jordan!!)

Okay enough chit chat. Obviously I'm not a seasoned blogger.
So onto my travel season so far (all 4 days of them!)
Unconventional. And by unconventional I do not mean I have been standing on top of tables. I mean "not by the book"... and by "book," I mean my planner.
I'll tell you that this girl has had to do a lot of "rolling with it" - schools mixing up the visit date, schools asking to reschedule last minute, schools asking to change the type of visit, schools asking me to stay twice as long for an extra presentation, schools asking me to wait 30 minutes before meeting with students... you get the idea. And "rolling with it" is not how I would describe a typical day in the life of Callie. But for travel season, I guess it's the brand new me!

So my first mini-trip was on the Oregon Coast and I now find myself in Western Washington (Gig Harbor to be exact... Wahoo!)
As for the visits themselves - I LOVE MY JOB!!! Cara, I finally understand all your hype about going back to the same schools with the same counselors! The little things like knowing where to turn without Googlemaps, knowing where Starbucks is, knowing where the Career Center is, knowing who the hs counselor is, or knowing that a lunch visit at the 5A high school means you get to talk about yourself into a microphone from your table (front and center of course!). A year of learning and learning some more has brought me up to a new level of "ecstatic" mixed with confidence... Even in the unconventional situations. Praise You LORD!

Now I will tell you one story that I probably won't tell a tenth as entertaing-ly as any of you would, but nonetheless, hopefully you'll catch the drift...;) Oh, and Heidi, I think this falls under my attempt at "best high school counselor and/or youth pastor encounter"...

First, did you know there is a Seaside HS located both in Oregon as well as California? I did! Well, as of last Wednesday I did. Before that: no clue.
So for the past month I have had a Career Center visit confirmed with Kaylynn from Seaside HS, OR, for 10:30am on Thursday, Sept 13. One day before leaving for my trip to the Coast, I received a call from Seaside HS (a different counselor - Angela), saying that she was very sorry for not calling back for the past month, but would love to have me at 10:30am on Wednesday, Sept 12. "No worries! A different counselor already got back to me and we are all scheduled for the next day," I told her. She didn't see me on the calendar, apologized again, and asked if I could arrive on Wed. instead. "Also," she said, "Would you mind if we changed that Career Center to a Presentation visit? We'll set you up in the cafeteria instead, I'll make 3 classes (a minimum of 60 kids) attend, and you talked to them for the whole 75 minute period?? We've never done it before at our public high school, but this will be a great test run!! I'll try to get MANY more students if possible..."

Okay, so you know when I said I had confidence this travel season? In that moment... NONE. It would be my first presentation, and I really was looking forward to easing my way in - not acting as a guinea pig for in a high school cafeteria. For 75 whole minutes.
So I prayed. And prayed and prayed and prayed, and little by little, the Lord replaced fear with His truth, and the fact that THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME!
So I woke up Wednesday morning, kind of nervous but [unconventionally?] excited, bought a bunch of donut holes (they looked like the perfect "please like me real fast big scary high schoolers" donut holes), and showed up to the career center with enough Fast Facts for an army.
But guess what (I'm sure you already did as I tend to give the punch line BEFORE the story)... My name was still on the sheet as arriving at 10:30 the next morning - in the Career Center. Surprisingly it took me only 20ish seconds and 3 "you are crazy" looks from those in the office before putting two and two together.
OH NO!!
I just bought donut holes for the wrong Seaside HS.

Sweet Kaylynn helped me feel a little better about myself regarding the blond moment, I told her I'd return tomorrow, jetted out of there, and quickly looked up the counselor's number who had called me just a few days prior.
"California" - that's what it said when I Googled the words "Seaside High School." I punched in the number I found, pressed send, got ahold of Angela, asked her right away if she was located in CA, apologized, and we chatted for a good 10 minutes as she told me stories of things that had happened in the past with people leaving voicemails for their school when they meant to reach the Oregon high school. I hate you Google. I liked Angela. I think I'll bring her donut holes if I'm ever in the Seaside, CA, area.
Needless to say, I didn't get my experience in that moment presenting to a bunch of public high schoolers, but I did about 3 hours later... I was so thankful for our God's goodness. Honestly, it is the times that I forget about myself, potential awkwardness with off-the-wall questions/responses, and focus on being not only an ambassador for Corban but one for Jesus Christ that I find success at schools. It is my goal to have that attitude at every single visit this year - all for HIM!!

So speaking of, my days on the Coast could not have been a better timed getaway. In the (super) early mornings, afternoons and evenings, it was sunny and cloudless and my little hotel on the beach at Seaside made for a picture-perfect retreat full of... Well, saltwater and sand.
I was on the beach literally (that word is for you Sars!) every second possible for walks and runs and prayer and journaling and reading and Skype Bible studies with Tyler and watching the sunset with a salmon dinner (bought not caught) and an ice cream cone as an appetizer. Like I said.. Picture perfect. And a little unconventional, too. :)

As for my trip to Gig Harbor, my weekends and late afternoons consist of mowing the lawn, going shooting with an Assault Rifle 15 and Magnum 35 up in the mountains outside Olympia with Dad (NOT unconventional), going on a 10 mile bikeride with Matt (you would think he'd take it easy on his sister!), chores, buying Go-gurt and ice cream and pudding for Matt (bye bye wisdom teeth), going on boat rides for some last minute sun, Farmers Market with old friends, and watching the show Jericho with my mom (she hopes to have me beyond addicted before I leave this house).

Again, I'm a rambler, not a blogger. Hope you got through this, and if not, ask me for the Spark Note version once we're back.:) Miss you guys - I feel as though we're a family that's out doing their own thing when we should be together! Honestly, some of the most encouraging things have been seeing pictures from Cara, getting txts from Jared, getting everything from Courtney (Amazing), a phone call with Ash (a voice means so much!), hilarious posts from Jordan, email convos with Heidi, big fat hug from Sars. You guys are great. It's been an awesome time, I'm so ready for more, but you will each continue to be in individual prayer. Let's continuously remember why Christ has us doing what we do. See you.:)

Callie

Special Ed

Yay!!! It's what you've all been waiting for...a post from yours truly! For those of you who have been worried about my well being, I am alive and kicking.
Ok, let's start from the beginning...my flight last Sunday was really great! I had friends drop me off at the airport, I looked like a real adult with my briefcase, and I was feeling super confident! The flight was quick which was nice because my feet didn't have time to swell (my feet usually look like puffer fish on long flights). Once I landed I took the shuttle to get my rental car. After I took a long look at the beautiful Dodge Avenger just sitting there waiting for my tushy to sit down in the drivers seat, I drove off to my hotel. I finally got to my room, plopped my things on the ground, and laid on the bed with a sigh of relief. Now what happened next i did not see coming...I started sobbing! What?!?!?! I was so scared. Travel season became real at that moment and it scared me! It SCARED me! I called my mom and thank God for her! She calmed me down. After that I crawled under the covers and slept as best I could.
I woke up the next morning somewhat refreshed and ready to start the day. My first visit went well and built up my confidence! The movie "The Help" came to mind as I repeatedly quoted "you is kind, you is smart, you is important." After that my visits were wonderful as were the fairs I went to.
Now for something that made me laugh! Many of you have heard me mention Sis Sue, for those of you who haven't heard me talk about her. She is a middle and high school teacher at a school I visited. At this visit I presented and might I add that I did pretty good :) Anyway, at the end of my presentation I opened it up for questions. There were several great questions, but then the students started acting like...well students. One student raised his hand, so I course said, "Yes, young man in the front." He answered "Corban sounds like a cool place, but do you offer special learning services? Specifically special Ed classes?" "We do have a specific contact person for student services, I can talk to you about it if you'd like to come see me after." "Well the reason I ask is because (points to friend next to him) he's gonna need those classes if he goes to college." The class starts cracking up and surprisingly Sis Sue was over in the corner laughing hysterically saying "Good one! Good one!" I had no clue what to say so in uncertainty I said "Yeah, good one ha." After collecting herself Sis then got the class to calm down. Was it funny? Yes. Was it uncomfortable? Absolutely!
Since that comment I've had some great visits, some no shows, and some visits I wish were no shows. I've connected with several students and tons of parents! I don't know what it is about me, but parents just seem to love me! And I am totally ok with that :) 
I just got to my hotel in Modesto and I'm preparing to start my 2nd week in the not so impressive Cali (I really don't see what the hype is all about). I had such an awesome time with Courtney this weekend in San Fran, full of laughter, walking, frigid air, and long lines. It was definitely the highlight of my trip! 
This is Sis Ash and I am over and out! 

Day 5: GOD is BIGGER than my FEAR

Rough night. Oh man. Worst night ever. I am going to start off with this then tell you about the fun adventures Ash and I had in San Fran.

 So around 1 o clock in the morning I woke up just plain scared. I have no idea why. I was terrified. Maybe it was because I knew Ashley and I were parting ours ways tomorrow (or today seeing as it was 1 o clock in the morning) and I am going to miss her. Or maybe it's cause I miss my family. I also had a weird dream. Not a nightmare it was actually kind of cool but maybe that somehow freaked me out. But I could not get back to sleep. So I got my phone and text my mom and then went to Netflix And watched How I Met You Mother. It always helps to watch a show that you don't really have to pay attention and you feel like your best friends with all the characters. Oh Barney... Silly Lilly... You know things like that. Well I watched three episodes cause I could not get back to sleep and my heart was racing. Finally I fell asleep but it happened again at 6 in the morning. So weird. But I got back to sleep faster than last time. I don't know what is happening but I hope this doesn't continue. I don't really like it. 

This morning I got out my phone and my mom text me back and said "Remember Courtney God is bigger than your fears." Now I keep chanting that every time I feel a little frightened. 

Well, let's talk about fun things now! 

So yesterday morning Ashley and I found a Starbucks and mapped out what we wanted to do that day. She wanted to see the full house houses also known as the Painted Ladies. We drove out there and it was pretty difficult to find parking. I think we circled the park three times just trying to find a spot. We managed to park in a spot that I am not entirely sure is a spot but oh well. We didn't get a ticket and we knew we weren't going to be there that long.  We loved it. It was fun. Plus me driving in the city is a scary thing but I am starting to get the hang of it. I find the more people you hit the more like a city driver you become. I am finding much success in this. 

Then we put the car back in the parking lot and bought cable car tickets to go see the golden gate bridge. There were huge lines to get on the cable car but we felt this was important to the San Francisco experience so we waited. As we waited, there was a group of people with a mega phone to tell us and many many others how we are sinners and we are all going to burn in hell. I felt like they were really bringin down the fun atmosphere in the city... Plus I think they were going about it all wrong. Ash and I were about the rip that megaphone out of their hands and yell at them a little while about how they are not very effective. Talking about humbling yourself while you are standing on your soap box condemning others and not walking with the people just as Jesus did is a little hypocritical don't you think? 

Riding the cable car was fun though! It isn't really like how you see it in the movies. You can't really just jump on and ride away in to the sunset. You CAN sit in a strangers lap with someone's bottom in your face as you ride for half and hour. We got off the cable car and walked to the fishermans wharf. Oh my gosh it was freezing. We did not prepare for this. I went into a souvenir shop and bought a fleece because I was so cold. It was 11 dollars and the price was worth the warmth. Ash bought a scarf but I don't think that kept her that warm. We walked around and saw the golden gate bridge and Gheradeli square. It was fun. Oh we also saw Alcatraz, Ashley did not know that the island was mostly a prison. So I taught her something new that day. We both found it really funny. Then we did what any normal Oregonian would do and cased Segways and seagulls. Oh I kinda want to put that as my title. Okay two titles! 

Day 5: Segways and Seagulls 

We went to get back on the cable car and oh my gosh! Jared did you pray for patience for me? If you did you made Ash and I very very mad. We were in line, in the cold, for over 2 hours. It made us so mad! But we did play games that were very entertaining. If everyone in the office was a FRIENDS character who would they be: 

Heidi- Monica 
Sarah - Joey 
Jared - Monica 
Jordan- Chandler 
Cara- Rachel 
Callie- Ross
Ashley- Monica 
Courtney- Phoebe 

We then played What Movie Would People Be and that one was really hard but when we were trying 
to figure out Jordan's I jokingly said What Women Want and we laughed in line for like 8 inches. (8 
inches was like 10 minutes). So funny. We were in line from 4:20 to 6:30 so we needed entertainment  badly. So we finally got on the cable car and back to the hotel where it was warm. But we needed dinner so we headed out again. We weren't that hungry so we grabbed something small at Starbucks and there was a bakery next to our hotel so we loaded up on baked goods. Sooooooo yummy. My favorite was the chocolate macaroons. We relaxed in our hotel room watching Baby Mama and Date Night. Apparently on the TV it was Tina Fey night and we were okay with that. 

Then I fell asleep quickly and well... Didn't sleep that well. Now it's 10 o clock and Ashley is still sleeping and we have to check out of the hotel at 12. I hope she wakes up well when people suddenly jump on her...

Coffee cups consumed: 5 
People hit by my car: 17 
Actual number of people hit by my car: 0 
Desserts eaten last night: 5 

P.S. the blog template makes it so you can't read the blogs...
Now a picture!

Full house houses ....

C Baker

Day 4: Half Filled Tank and Gold Grillz

Good morning everyone. While Ashley is still sleeping I again have found the time to blog. Yay!

So recap on yesterday.  I visited my schools and went to plug in the address for the hotel in San Francisco when I realized my car is half way hungry. Oh no... Now I learned how to drive in Washington a little bit but most of my driving years have been in Oregon. So now I am standing at the gas pump looking at it like its some kind of robot waiting to attack. Thankfully chevron realized there might be more people with my hair color and lack of experience with a gas pump so they put a handy dandy picture guide. And guess what... It worked! Yep, I pumped my own gas. This is a true test that I am a grown up. I did it! Ha ha TRAVEL I knew you would challenge me but now you must accept your defeat.

So now that my tank is full and the gps is ready to go, I hit the road jack! But I will actually be coming back... So my gps is actually my iPad because it works faster than my phone plus i do not want my phone to die.  The ipad said there was 30% of battery left and I thought okay that should work. Well it was kind of a race against the clock. Because then I hit traffic and I was worried it was going to shut off, but it didn't. Thank you!

Arrving to the hotel was an experience. Ashley had a glamorous time driving through the upscale part of town where I drove through union square and I am pretty sure I was offered drugs. I am not kidding, I was waiting at a red light and this woman opened up the hood of her car. I didn't think anything of it until I made eye contact and she pointed to a black box in the hood of her car. She flashed that winning smile filled with two gold grillz and nodded as if to say "gurl, I know you, you want some of my pixi stixs." I smiled back saying with my eyes "no thank you crazy lady with the creepy candy in your Honda." Thankfully the light turned green and I was on my way through scary town. I was so worried where we booked our hotel. But luckily the more I drove up hill the more classy San Fran became.

I met Ashley is the parking garage and you guys... Parking is SO expensive here. Ashley and I are kind of worried about it. We don't know what the rules are for money and parking lots. Do we pay for it does Corban? We will figured it out.

OUR HOTEL ROOM IS GREAT! We love it! I can tell we are going to have fun on this weekend. We just hung out in our room relaxing and getting ready for tomorrow. It was fun to recap on both of our travels as well. I am so thankful I get to hang out with Ashley for this time. It is so nice seeing someone I know. Well, it is fine to get some coffee and explore San Francisco!

Coffee cups: still 3
Gas tanks filled: 1
Number of times Ashley made me laugh: priceless

C B

My Turn

Permit me to be playfully poetic, provided my proclivity with scattered patterns of prose.

Wednesday, September 12th:

They were Japanese
Haiku seems appropriate
Minimal English

Ridiculous videos viewed: 2
Awkward visitors: 4
Inches of hair growth: 2.5
Times Sarah has put her foot in her mouth: Innumerable

Day 3: WHAT AM I DOING HERE?

Jordan I am enjoying travel and the blog is fun. that is why I post everyday. Or at least I am trying to. And Jordan your post was great it really made my morning which is what I needed. I know I just said I am enjoying travel but this post is going to say otherwise.

Okay this morning seemed to start off great. Got up on time, my hair all done (and it looks good today), checked out of the hotel and was on the road when I needed to be.  I arrived in Watsonville on time and even had time for coffee. So I typed in Starbucks in my GPS and went to drive there. First of all where am I? I do not like Watsonville. Next year there is no way I am coming here it is scary and I don't want to get out of my car. But guess what genius scheduled three schools here... This is what I get when I try to beat Jordan in school visits.

So now I am at Watsonville High School where I can't find the office and there is no parking and now I am sitting in a room where the secretary doesn't even bother to show up. Seriously the room is locked and I am sitting here inside. What the heck?! Want to know how I was greeted today? By a white woman in a sombrero it was the weirdest thing. Maybe there was some holiday that I didn't know about but she was the only one.

I hated it. I did! When I got in the car I couldn't stop laughing and I kept saying to myself. "I hated that. I hated it!" so now I am in the parking lot at what I don't think is a school but a bunch of offices. It's weird all I keep saying to myself is "you get to see Ashley today, you get to see Ashley today and have fun."

More later...

So that was weird...  I think I just talked to a class full of zombies... Awkward... Oh well it had to happen sometime.

Now I am at Aptos high school and I met with one girl she is nice and seems very interested. I hope I
am good at talking about Corban. I feel like I talk to fast sometimes. Slow.....down.....

Now I only have one more visit and then I am off to San Fran with Ashley!!!!!!! I am so excited and
tired. I actually haven't eaten anything today and not even one cup of coffee, it is truly amazing that I am still walking at this point.
.............................................
Okay on more visit and I am done! I am enjoying subway in the car listening to pandora waiting for my visit. There is a girl in the car parked in front of me and now we keep making weird eye contact. I think she wants to eat my sandwich... Or she is confused on why I keep recording videos and sending them to people. Hope you enjoyed yours Sarah! 

Oh my gosh there is a man in the parking lot driving one of those scissor jaxs. You know the ones where James bond jumps on in casino royal in one of the first scenes? Anyways I don't think he knows where he is going. I am trying not to laugh because he can see me but he is spinning in circles. Ha ha ha ha. What is he doing?  this is so funny. Oh no.... Now he is in the middle of the street stopping traffic... Poor guy he doesn't know how to control the thing. This is to funny... Oh man I wish you were all here to see this. Ha! Good luck scissor man! 

Cups of coffee: still 3 
Videos sent: 3 
Potential zombie attacks:1 

C Bake 

Montana: Big Sky Country

Wow, good job Courtney. Two posts in two days. I'm not sure what Courtney's doing because she is sounding way too excited for the normal travel season that I'm accustomed to. I'll have what she's having, know what I'm saying? What's your secret? If Corban was my wife, travel season would be the killing giant spiders, doing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom part of our relationship. It's something you have to do but it's because you love your Corban and you want to see Corban happy.

Montana. I've been here for five days now and I thought why don't I finally blog and tell you how it's been going. These aren't necessarily the highlights; however, these are the stories I can remember at this time. I'm sure I'll tell you more when I get back.

The flights. So I flew from Portland to Seattle and then from Seattle to Kalispell, MT. First off, I was in the front row of the flight from Portland on a tiny plane where I had to give my consent to helping out if there was an emergency. Plus, because I was in the front, I was 26 inches from the stewardess whenever she's sitting down. Now that may not sound like a bad thing but go and sit facing someone 26 inches away and tell me that's not uncomfortable. It got really weird when she was giving a free credit card promotional speech while she stared into my soul. Now I'm not going to just ignore her, it feels like she's talking to me specifically. So there I was. Looking straight into her eyes, with an occasional smile, as she stared right back telling all of us about the free miles we could earn. after that lovely experience, I made it to Seattle.

On the flight from Seattle to Kalispell. The stewardess listed all of the appropriate carry on items for the plane  like backpack, purse, small luggage piece, etc. but what I thought was interesting is she mentioned specifically that it is okay to bring your "European Man Bag" on the plane. Well, you can imagine how relieved I was to hear this. Thank you stewardess. Ill be sure to pack my feather boa and glitter chapstick next time as well.

Rich Old People are the worst. There I said it. I don't know what happened with some people where they believe that all rules don't apply to them. Here's what I have to say. If you're old...you're not automatically endearing...you need to have a couple qualities such as a simple disposition. A smile here and there. An unsuspecting "I'm lost" persona. These are endearing. Wearing cargo shorts hiked up to your navel with white socks up the calves and a visor for the lady only accompany a snobby attitude that belongs on a yacht only but not in public. Okay, here's the story. Getting on the plane, I let these two older people ahead of me and they say thank you as they turn away but they obviously expected me to let them in line. Then as we are scanning our boarding passes. The older gentleman seems confused that his GIANT duffle bag is too big for carry on. This bag is big enough to fit a person and he acts like the checker is insane because she tells him it needs to be checked. The airport tells you over and over again about the bag limitations...how did this get confusing. So, he begins to start walking through the terminal when the checker finally says okay, we'll find a place for it. Now I'm thinking no! That's just what he wants. Then his wife has three bags and she says she can't consolidate to two carry on items! Ahhhh! I wanted to jump in and say sorry granny! Rules are rules! But I didn't.

I don't know what it is about Montana but within one hour of being in the state I heard this phrase "I'm busier than a one-legged man in a fanny kickin contest." I'm not sure why people don't just say "I'm busy" but hey, Montanans probably wonder why we wear skinny jeans.

Driving. I was driving and saw a billboard for State Farm Insurance that said "For when you get buffalo'd." I'm not sure if this a joke or not, but needless to say I'm keeping an eye out for any buffalo.

I also saw a billboard that said "Testical Festival." I'll let that sink in for a second. It caught me completely off guard so I tried to do a double take four times but all I could figure out was this: there 
was a cartoon bull on the billboard next to it and he seemed to be very angry. I don't know if the bull 
was angry because he lost his or if he still had them. Oh, and I'm too scared to google it and find out.

It wouldn't be travel season without the GPS taking you to a Ford dealership instead of your hotel or taking you to a plot of rocks instead of a giant high school. All I can say, is thank you Mr. iPad man. Between the two of them, they are a lifesaver. 

Irony. I thought this was kind of ironic in a morbid way. So, I'm driving on a freeway which is four lanes across and the speed limit is 75. Two girls on bikes are looking back and forth from another road that feeds into the freeway trying to get across. You know what's at the corner of the road and freeway? Three crosses adorned with flowers and wreaths, apparently where three individuals had been killed. See the irony? Moral of the story is don't try to cross a freeway without a crosswalk...and don't ignore three crosses.

Casinos are like water in Montana. I counted five on one street. Everything is a casino or has a casino attached to it. It's literally crazy. Much to my surprise I visited two, and spent hours inside them, while down here. You know why? Two of my hotels were casinos. Yay!!! You know the type of people that are drawn to casinos? Not the older rich folks I talked about earlier, people who like alcohol and like a lot of it! Needless to say, I wasnt too pleased about that. At least I'll be prepared for next year. Actually one of my hotels had a pool and casino on the main floor and then all of the rooms were facing the "party". It was interesting and I'm still alive, but it wasn't great. Plus it was kind of sad to see a lot of the people gambling who didn't look like they had a whole lot to begin with. 

While visiting one school, I asked them what they knew about Oregon and you know what the response was? "everyone drives a Honda Civic there." then the class laughed and I couldn't disagree with him. Everyone seems to own a truck here, so I fit in great with my rental Nissan Sentra.

My very first visit, I walk into the main office and one lady says to me, you know Daren? I say Daren Milionis? She says yes, tell him I say hi. Before I begin to wonder if Daren has families stashed all around the country I remembered that he has family in Montana, whew! But he does have quite a fan club over here. Daren's like the Wayne Newton of Montana.

I did have a close call and it really shook me up a little. For everyone in travel right now, stay aware. 
It happened Tuesday afternoon and I was on my third hour driving. All of the highways n Montana have a 75 mph speed limit. So we were going about 80 and the highway was just a two lane highway. One lane going north and one going south. There's not a whole lot of traffic in Montana, so it's often just a couple of you on the road at a time. Anyways, something happened where I thought the yellow dashes between the lanes were white dashes. I'm thinking it may have been the sun which whitened the color a little. Anyways, I was driving in the on-coming traffic lane just taking my sweet time when I see a car in the distance coming at me which shocks me into consciousness and become aware of whats happening. The only thing I can think of is gunning it and trying to shoot the gap. Well, something amazing happened and i honestly think an angel intervened because for no apparent reason the car I was trying to get in front of went on the shoulder of the road and I went right in between both cars completely unharmed. It was pretty crazy and could have been really ugly at 80 mph. Anyways, God kept me safe but it was a close call. 

So I visited this one school that really made me laugh. So it was a building without a sign, seriously. 
There were about eight cars on a gravel road. I walked in and it was a couple rooms and a big room. 
When I say big room, it was probably as big as the Emitte Center. Anyways I'm in a place where 
there is about 15 plastic chairs and 5 kindergarten plastic chairs, you know the ones I'm talking about.
 Anyways there is  a pulpit where the receptionist tells me to set up. The room is partitioned off 
with cubicle dividers and there are some kids on the other side not saying a word. Next thing I hear is it's time to go over to the chapel where 12 students saunter as a herd over to me. The chapel is one 
side of the room. 12 students, all in uniforms, sit down and stare at me. There is a podium, and the ten commandments...along with 10 posters, each highlighting one commandment. No windows. Now, I 
start thinking they may not get any of my pop culture references or jokes. They all don't speak. I got 
them to smile and talk once in a while, but it was like Corban was still probably the most liberal school they have ever heard of. They were great students but it was like I was stuck in the Little House on the Prairie and I was John Boy. I'll leave you with my favorite part of the visit. When I asked " who's a junior?" they responded "She's gone." 

Well, I miss you all a lot and I'm excited to be back in the office on Monday!