Great Quote

"Smiling, it's a whole lot better than being pissed off all the time."
-Joe

What a great quote to get me through the day! Volleyball has been Challenging to say the least. Trying to set standards without pushing too hard . . . learning its a tough balance.

Summer Rewind

What a summer it has been!

Joe and I were able to move out of Stockton (can I get an AMEN?!?), get jobs in a bad economy (thank-you Mills and Apple!), begin our new jobs, and still had the great opportunity for some amazing moments together. Summer '09 has definately been full of changes and so many amazing opportunities to learn and grow. Goodbye summertime, looking forward to seeing you again next year.

And We're Off

To say the least things have been SUUUPER busy!

Between weddings and beginning work the past month has just flown right by.

Coaching is going great. I really love my job. My players work their butts off and that's all I can ask. We are improving, slowly but surely, everyday and it is so rewarding to see their improvement. Coaching has also been extremely challenging, I am understanding that it is more about managing people than it is even about teaching skills. I have much to learn but am enjoying the growing process.

Having said that. . .. .

OUR FIRST MATCH IS TOMORROW!!!! YIKES, WOWZERS, and WAHOO!

As the coach I am excited but feeling a bevy of emotions. . . que the song . . . "sweeeettttt eeeeemmmooootiiooons". Ha, dont know why but that popped into my head.

And, after much diligence and hard work I have finalized our schedule! You can find it here:
http://www.mills.edu/campus_life/athletics_and_recreation/athletics/volleyball_schedule_results.php
Our biggest trip will be to SoCal next weekend. Almost like a little bit of a homecoming trip for me. . .staying in a hotel very close to the Ontario Mills Mall and looking forward to seeing many friends and family at the matches! And, any of you out of towners, please always know that you are MORE THAN WELCOME to attend a match! I would love to see you and have you on the MIlls College Campus. :)

Wish me luck tomorrow! I welcome any prayers or thoughts for tomorrow, especially regarding my patience and being consistent in my support and encouragement.

Mount Everest and Flip Flops

Sometimes I feel like God's challenges are so great, like I am climbing Mt. Everest with Flip Flops.

Lately I have been super worried and nervous for my job at Mills. Just really struggling with the confidence to know that I can do the job . . . that I can effectively lead a group of young women. . . .a group of young women looking at ME for answers, guidance, support, and leadership (overwhelming and SCARY at times . . . right!?!?!)

However, after expressing these apprehensions to Joe I have realized that while I may feel like I am climbing Mt. Everest with Flip Flops, God at the same time has provided me with the world's most caring, encouraging, supportive, patient, and knowledgeable Sherpa. . . My Sherpa Joe :)

Joe (Sherpa Husband) I love you, thank-you so much for you love, patience, and encouragement as I tackle this new challenge, and as we take on this amazing opportunity to grow. I feel so lucky everyday to have you.

San Fran Disctricts

I love this poster!



Points out all of the districts in San Fran in such a creative way! Whenever Joe and I are driving, I'm always asking myself, and Joe, "what district are we in?, I wonder what this district is known for?, I love getting lost. . etc" There just seems so much to explore!!! It's so fuN!

For anyone wondering, Currently, Joe and I live in the Sunset District with Pagra :) From my understanding the Sunset district is known for Golden Gate Park, the Cliff House Restaurant, Fog (read no Sun in the Sunset), and the Zoo. :) We sorta live in the boonies for the city, but loving every minute!

Giants Game

So, yes, it's true when you live in the city there seem to be a lot of things to do!

Joe and I got some sweet (read nosebleed) seats at the Giant's game last weekend. The park is absolutely outstanding and beautiful. All I could pay attention to the whole game were the advertisements and promotions taking place, I guess that is what 2 years of working in athletic marketing do to you. I swear I will never be able to watch a sporting event the same way again! Too much to analyze. . haha.

Anywho, Joe and I felt really proud of ourselves because we took the Muni downtown to the game. It was amazing, literally two blocks from Pagra's we hopped on the N. Judah Muni/Train/Bus (I'm confused as to what it actually is. . . it goes underground, but also on streets, and can definately be mistaken for a BART train when underground in downtown. . .I have never rode on anything so versatile!) rode for about 40 mins (lots of stops), and VOILA we were dropped off it off directly in front of the ballpark! Amazing I say! It reminds of something like the elevator featured at the end of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory movie. . .no? Don't beleive me, then come and visit! ha.

Anyway, here are some pics.



p.s. Rachel you see that Big Coca Cola Bottle in the background, well that happens to be a slide. . I'm envisioning Drew and Sierra going down the slide. . . I'm envisioning a visit to San Fran with fam?!?!? Think about it! :)

Incredibly Inspirational

This quote just seems so perfect for the time

Flowers from Pagra's Yard

These flowers are from Pagras backyard. . .arent they pretty? He really has the most amazing plants back there. Just yesterday I went out and picked some fresh blackberries. Every week the scenery seems to change back there with new plants/flowers blooming, and others going. It is so well planned, Pagra is amazing. Anywho, I think I should have looked for a job as a florist, rather than a coach. . hahah. Don't you think ;p

For Katia

Katie, I know you love this song :)

Joe and I are trying to take full advantage of living in the city. . . It seems like there is always something to go do and see. . .On Sunday we walked across the street to Golden Gate Park to enjoy the sunny weather and a free concert! How cool is that? We brought a blanket, plopped down on a spot of grass, and enjoyed the tunes :)

Donner Lake = Happiness (Pt. 2)

Joe and I had the amazing opportunity to go up to the cabin again! We went up after spending five days in Stockton to finalize my thesis. Thesis is finished! Well almost, waiting to hear back from my advisor, most likely I will have to revise once, but, at least I have all my chapters done. Anywho, so no one in Joe's family was using the cabin so we were able to go up again. It was a great trip. A little chilly for the first couple of days, but so nice. We made fires every night and BBQed our brains out. Nothing beats the cabin charcoal grill. I thought I would finally post some pics of the cabin. . . isn't it quirky and charming?

San Francisco Rooftops

At the Union Street Festival husband and I were commenting on 'how tall the people in the marina' were. As we were saying this we noticed the backside of a pretty tall guy. We looked a little closer and it was Dan Hammer, one of Joe's groomsmen from the wedding! Dan goes to Dental school in San Fran and had just moved into a house with a couple of other dental students a block away from Union Street! He took us over to check it out, to say the least, it was pretty awesome. These photos are from his roof, incredible views of the bay. He invited us over for a BBQ when the Blue Angels come to town. . how fun!

Heck YEs, cool city rooftops!


Can you spot the Golden Gate Bridge?

Salt and Grass Tourney

1. Joe and I SUCK at grass volleyball!!! We went 0-5 on the day in the Marina Open. . . so imbarassing and pathetic!!! The sun, wind, pot holes, etc., all proved too much to handle after being trained to play volleyball in one way for over the past 5+ years!!! Overall it was fun, but, hard to exactly say it was "the best of times" because of all the frustration involved!! Should definately practice playing with elements before next tourney.
2. Pagra, god love him, says the food I cook is "salty". I dont cook with any salt really what so ever!! I usually add more in with my dinner plate!! What to do?? Any help greatly appreciated, dont want to give the poor guy a heart attach thanks to my "salty" cooking. haha.
3. Loving life in San Francisco.

New Address

1216 28th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122

New Home

(that's me in our new digs. . .er bedroom in Pagra's house)

So, it's official, Joe and I are now residents of San Francisco!!! We have been here for three days and are absolutely loving it. . .

Golden Gate Park across the street . . .
Polo Field track in Golden Gate Park, once around = 1 mile =couple times around good workout :). . .
Ocean 20 blocks away. . .
Shopping everywhere, nordstrom, anthropologie, banana republic - can we say heck yes! . . .
Science Center in Golden Gate Park, can't wait to go again, waiting for a 'not-so-busy-day'. . .
Zoo close by, I love animals, especially giraffes. . .
Golden Gate views daily. . .
Park Chalet and Beach Chalet brewery and restaurant within walking, my favorite place to eat, been enjoying the non-ghetto atmosphere when compared to restaurants in stockton
. . .
Great food. . .and
Great family, most of Joe's family in the area.

We are so happy to be here! And the weather has actually been SUNNY! Which is almost unheard of here! Normally you can't even see the sun in the SUNSET district!

We are so looking forward to exploring the city, seems like every time we drive anywhere we discover a cool new neighborhood begging to be explored. Tomorrow we plan to go the Union Street Fair,
and on Sunday we signed up for a double reverse coed volleyball tournament at the Marina. We will be playing grass volleyball with the Bridge in the background, life is good! Wish us luck! Happy weekend to everyone

Mills College!

Yesterday was a big day for us. . .

We moved out of Stockton and have achieved graduation goal number one GET OUT OF STOCKTON.
We moved in with Pagra - God love Joe's grandpa for allowing us to stay with him in San Francisco until we can get this thing called life figured out..
I got a phone call from Mills College and we began to figure out this thing called life as they offered me and I accepted the Head Women's Volleyball Coach position!!!!

I start August 1st!



Overall, Joe and I could not be more thrilled to be able to begin setting our roots in the Bay Area. I really truly feel like this is a God-Given opportunity, he opened a huge door and we are stepping through :) We are so thankful for this opportunity and feel confident that this is where the Lord wants us to be. The more time passes the more we understanding what it really means to trust in God for His Plan and Will in our lives. Brother John said it best, "know His plan is best! Isn’t so comforting that he knows what is best? We don’t have to have it all figured out." John, we could not agree more. :)



So I know some of you may be like, Susan has never even mentioned Mills, where did all come from?? So here is the story. . .It all started about two weeks ago on a Wednesday I received a phone call from a guy named Niel, the swimming coach at Mills college. He explained that they would like to have a phone interview with me as I applied for the Head Women's Volleyball Coach position in April. I was so excited to hear back from them and decided that given the economy it was time to be BOLD. So I called them back and mentioned that Joe and I would be driving through the Oakland area on Thursday and Friday- Joe had an interview in the city and we were going to stay with Pagra Thurs night- and that if if worked for them I would be available for an interview in person on those days. (read Bold move for me!) They called me back and mentioned that due to protocol they would need to interview me over the phone first. . . and were wondering if 3:30 that day could work! (the time was 2:45 ha!). I said 'SURE" and had the interview with them that day. It went well and I heard back from them at about 5pm and they said they would like to have me on campus on Friday for an interview.

Friday rolls around and I was nervous but so so excited! They told me that the interview would consist of a one hour long interview with everyone in their department that was available (11 people total), then I would teach a volleyball skill to a graduating senior, sort of like a pop quiz coaching session and I did not know the skill until the session. Being the planner person that I am I outlined all of the skills ahead of time and made mini practice plans for each skill! ha. I was going to be prepared!!! I hate getting caught off gaurd! Then after the skills session I would have a one-on-one with Themy (TAMMY) their athletic director.

The interview went well, and I actually really enjoyed myself, the nerves wore off, and I walked away really feeling like it would be a perfect fit.



It really feels like such a great fit, the values and goals of NCAA Division III are so aligned with my own, and are such a great match for my degree in student affairs. The focus is on the development of the WHOLE student-athlete, making sure that their experience as an athlete only enhances their growth in college and is an asset to their development. The athletic department at Mills is actually overseen by Student LIfe and I have a degree in student affairs. . .feels perfect. The people within the athletic department seem so kind and supportive and like a group that enjoys having fun. The campus is gorgeous! Almost like a little cottage town with cute little buildings dispersed here and there, tons of trees, and even a running trail and river running through! And it is totally safe! Only one entrance and exit to the whole campus. It reminds me a little of Pacific, a beautiful private school in the middle of a big city. I will also get to be coaching a sport I absolutely love and have missed so much over the years. I get to be proud of being a volleydork and reading volleyball magazine cover to cover. haha. I could go on and on. .
To sum it up, we are thrilled!

www.mills.edu

Interview

The interview at College of the Redwoods went well :) Should hear back in about a week or two. The drive up the coast was absolutely Gorgeous - oh my goodness! The campus was gorgeous!! Joe and I drove around the campus the night before and found deer on campus! So cute! I just love deer. Could be because I feel like I'm the only who never one spotted on in the Lake Arrowhead mountains, or could be just because they are cute. Joe apparently does not understand my fascination with them as they "get them all the time in his back yard in Westport." haha. Excuse me then for getting so excited and posting this little tidbit about deer and nature. haha.

Overall we walked away feeling so so about the experience in Eureka. It is quite an 'interesting' town, very hippy/nature/free feeling vibe there - much more than I could have imagined. . haha. I considered Joe and I pretty easy going and now Im thinking we would be seen as totally straight edge/just walked out of the Gap type of folks if we lived there! haha. We will see I suppose. . . .

Donner Lake = Happiness

view from Joe's family's cabin dock


above Donner Pass

If only there were a job opportunity here! Words cannot explain how much I love it up there. It feels like home to me and has the small town vibe that tahoe seems to be missing. Cant wait to go back, hopefully sometime this summer!

Go Girl

This past weekend was BUUUSSY! We had a three game baseball series. . Friday was a recognition night for the Seniors. . Joe was recognized. .YAY JOE. Since Im all about student-athletes I made a video featuring each senior's picture and some super cool songs to give them as a memento of college. It turned out pretty cool, however, wow, what a project. I had no idea how much time it would take. . get the photos, edit the photos, find cool music, edit cool music, load into imovie, edit imovie, add imovie effects, etc. While it was time consuming and a bit frustrating at times, I will admit in the end it was worth it.

At Friday's game we also had a check presentation to the St. Joseph's foundation. . they partner with us for Pacific Plays Pink and we were able to raise over $11,000 this year! Anyway, the best part of the night was. . .FREE GO GIRL! Have any of you tried it? Im almost to the point of obsession over this tasty drink. It has less than five calories, is sugar free, is supposed to suppress appetite (im skeptical about that claim), and is SUPER tasty. Even if it werent an energy drink I would be sipping this down I like it that much. Anyway, gogirl also support breast cancer research so I asked the rep to come out and be a part of the game, trying to tie in St. Joe's, with Plays Pink, with Go Girl, with breast cancer. Not sure if anyone made the connection, but who cares, I walked away with a full case of this stuff.. . the rep was nice enough to load her leftovers on me!!!

Anyway, if your in need of energy, reach for this baby. Pink flavor is the best, Peach is really good, and blue is ok.

Gogirl also came out Saturday for our Triple Play Day festivities at Baseball and Softball.. I was stoked let me tell you!

p.s. checked the website for gogirl, too bad they are not hiring! I would love to rep this product. haha.

Baby Ducks

Look really close. . .BABY DUCKS! So cute, they live in the canal by our house. Love to go and visit them :)

Lovely Hawaii

I want to go back! This photo is from Kailua, only a 20 min drive from Honolulu. Just loved it here.

Husband working on his tan. . . look at those white legs! haha. Joe ended up only 'tanning' them for about 2 mins, he said it hurt too bad to leave them out any longer! haha. LOVE YOU JOE!

Banyan Trees

How beautiful are these banyan trees from Hawaii? I was so fascinated by them on our trip. They are seriously so cool, they have one main root and trunk, then other branches of the tree 'touch down' to create even more trunks. Aren't they beautiful? I just love them, I wish we could put one in our backyard. . .er, I mean Pagra's. Could you just imagine Pagra with a banyan tree, it would fit in so well with the randomness of that backyard. I love it. Too bad they dont survive in cold weather.

I had a creativity craving today and decided to redesign the blog. . .its such a happy print, don't you think? I'm trying to figure out how to make my own background, but its not working out too well So I suppose this will haveto do for now.

So, I failed to do my Tidbit Tuesday post last Tuesday. . .it happened to be Cinco De Mayo and I must admit I got sidetracked with my Carne Asada, Gaucamole, and Corona.


Joe and I have befriended a trio of ducks. We first met them by the Venetian pool this winter.-our laundry room is right next to the pool, so whenever we did laundry Joe would take some bread down to feed them. I thought they would eventually move on to the little canal by our apartment, but they have not. Apparently they have really enjoyed our friendship. In fact they even come knocking on our door every once in a while! Numerous times Joe and I have heard them quacking away outside our apartment window asking for food. . .its so funny. We are so lame, we actually enjoy the company so we are quick to feed them. We like training them to come back. :) haha. Im beginning to wonder what the new tenants of our apartment will think when they discover they have a trio of ducks under their balcony every night asking for food?

I got an interview!! Its for a position at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, Ca. Please be praying, I get way too nervous before interviews.

Joe is completely done with school YAY JOE and I am pretty much done, just need to finish this darn thesis project!

I lost my camera :(

Well I guess that is pretty much it for now.

Tidbit Tuesday :)

Im getting better at this blogging thing :)
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My Silly Husband being the goofball he is. . . him and his teammate had a little unspoken competition to see who could walk the furthest out to the net during introductions. . . slightly arrogant, but so funny!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgrzvCV4_LI">
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Did not get the job at Hawaii :(
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Heard back from the internship I applied for at Berkeley. . . they have implemented a hiring freeze given the economy. . .I looked at the list of persons that the email was sent to. . . I was one of about 213 persons who applied for an internship that pays a whopping $1900 a month. . . YIKES!
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Last night I made some yummy fried rice using this awesome spice I bought from the farmer's market in Hawaii. . . I added shrimp. . .it was really good. . . apparently not enough for Joe though. . .he asked me if we would be having another "side dish" for dinner tonight. . .SHeeSH! I should have known it wasnt enough for him. . .he was rummaging the pantry approximately one hour after dinner. . . note to self: double recipe or serve with meat, most likely, preferably, red.


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I dont think I mentioned in the last post how Gorgeous Jen and Phil's wedding was! And so much fun!!!
Here are a couple of pics from the wedding!



So happy for you both, CONGRATULATIONS!

Worlds Best HEALTHY Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

My best advice, bake these first chance you get! They are so good, and relatively guilt free!