Brick, Brick, Brick

Hello Friends,

I've survived another great week.  It's wonderful how the timing of my new job has allowed me to ease into the routine.  Gigi and Alicia go to two different schools that are quite a distance apart.   So, I'll be taking Alicia to school dropping her off, then taking Gigi to school.  However, Gigi was in school this week, but Alicia was not.  So, I was able to comfortably drive to school without having to worry about one of them being late or traffic slowing me up, since Gigi's school is heading away from the District, not towards.  I was thankful for my time with Alicia.  She and I had a wonderful week of baking, playing, arts, and just errands.  It's always good to have a little bit of direction too.  When we went grocery shopping together she was able to tell me which kind they usually got, and things like that.  She is a delightful, energetic, artistic child.  

Gigi is quickly holding a very dear place in my heart as well.  She is so smart, yet so unable to grasp what is right in front of her.  She is troubled with doubt and insecurities, but she is a joy.  She makes me smile, and we've had some really important moments.  I'm loving her already. 

My job is a delight, and living her is so very easy.  They've done every thing possible to help me feel comfortable, and I do.  I love my space and time, but I also love spending time with the girls. 

Their piano has quickly become my favorite place in the house.  Anyone who has ever lived with me won't be surprised by that(especially Kendra and Debbers).  I play almost every night.  It brings me a total sense of calm.  I'm thankful for that more than almost everything else.  God has given me that time to just think, reflect on him, and sing praise...even if I can't sing out loud, my heart is rejoicing. 

Living in a Jewish household has been interesting, and I've learned a lot.  I'm overwhelmed with all the traditions, commandments, and Hebrew, but I like learning about it.  Gigi goes to a dual language English/Hebrew school, so needless to say I can't help her much with her Hebrew homework.  :)

As far as finding a church goes, it has been a little bit harder than I thought.  Although I knew it would be difficult, it's been more challenging than I could've imagined.  There are SOOOO many churches here, but knowing which ones are even worth visiting is near impossible.  I emailed one of the HUGE churches I visited and asked if they could make a recommendation to a smaller church.  I wasn't sure if they would email me back, but they did.  One of the pastors recommended a church about 30 min from here.  I'm going to go this Sunday and see what I think.  I liked their website, and it looks to be quite a bit smaller.  I'm in need of some fellowship, and I would love to get plugged into a good church.  I know my Savior knows my needs, and He will provide, so I'm going to keep trying churches and trusting in Him. 

So, as for the "Brick, Brick, Brick" title I will now explain. 

This will be my second installment of:

East Coast Oddities!

#3 Everything is made out of Brick here.  We're used to seeing brick every once in a while, but here 75% of ALL things are made out of brick.  And, we're not just talking houses.  There are high-rise apartment buildings made out of brick.  Businesses, churches, sidewalks, fences!  So Much BRICK!  Adding to the difference of the brick is that the style of buildings are different as well.  The atmosphere is made so different by that one little thing.

#4.  U-turns.  Maybe this is weird to me only because I was born and raised in Yakima, WA, but having U-turns at all the lights is something I've had to get used to.  I know they make sense since turning across traffic would be a nightmare, but they're just strange.  I'm adjusting to the crazy driving, but I still think it looks funny.

#5.  This one is similar to #4 in that it has to do with driving. 

"Photo Enforced" is a sign that has quickly become my friend, and my worst nightmare.  All my friends that know me and my driving will definitely get a kick out of this.  I've often boasted about my perfect driving record, but I'm sure that it is about to come to an end....thanks to traffic cameras.  These pesky little boxes just take your picture and send you a ticket if you're caught speeding.  There is no crying to get out of it, or arguing to be done.  Pay up.  They come in the mail without warning.  Although I can say that I haven't received one...I must add a, yet.  In the mornings I often catch my self just driving along thinking about 1,000 other things...and bam I realize I'm going 5mph over the speed limit.  In a near state of panic I slow down and look at my location.  Had I passed one of the cameras in my distracted state?  This goes on all day while driving.  I'm so paranoid about having to waste money paying these tickets, that I catch my self safely going 2mph under the speed limit, just in case my speedometer is a little wrong.  O, those awful things. 

Well, I hope everyone has had a wonderful week. 

I love you all!