Little Bit of Sunshine

found via Pinterest from here

Though much of today was sleepy, gray and rainy there were little bits of happiness. Each day has its own joys of course and all are worth noting. Sometimes I just don't write the details of every day, I think that would a bit too repetitious.

Being that I woke from a bizarre dream that was a combination of "Avengers" and "Harry Potter" (which were super realistic and oddly mixed in with other events in my life) I am glad that the rest of the day was mostly regular. As I was coming to, I noticed a bunch of voices outside that probably had added to the last strange moments of my dream. Groggily, I looked out the window and saw it was the once-per-trimester, 1 hour "community service" high school group (doing SOLV) gathering to go trudge through the creek area behind my house.

In my brightly colored pajamas I scurried through the house hoping no one would see me from the front window, in attempts to find my big orange wussy cat. I didn't want him to be traumatized. Thankfully I found him resting in a flower pot by the house in the backyard.

Unfortunately I had to go back outside within a couple of minutes (yes in a bright red oversized shirt and light pink pants) and entice Cheese out of the flower pot. I had to get him inside because the yard workers arrived and I knew he would freak out. So, with a lot of encouragement and a bowl of food acting as a "carrot" I got the big boy inside the back room. He didn't complain once he was locked in the back-- but why would he when he had breakfast, a warm place to rest his head and a safe haven from the scary things outside?!

Oh yes, in case you're wondering I think I managed to not be seen by the high schoolers but who knows. I did hear an odd whistley noise before going inside. I will assume they were making sounds for fun or to attract birds. Surely they would not pay attention to the red haired, brightly dressed lady calling to "Cheese."

Anyhoo... Around 11 AM I met with one of my girl cousins at a delicious cafe. I devoured a tasty turkey and aged white cheddar sandwhich while having a nice conversation. Though I was partly distracted by the guy behind me bumping his chair next to mine because the tables were too close. At one point I glanced at some part of the cafe and realized chair guy had on Army camo. I was amused. Then that's what reminded me that my all too strange-realistic dream did not include Captain America. Shame.

I am a bit off track now but hanging out was lovely and my tummy was stuffed. I felt energetic afterwards and at peace with the grayness. Thanks cuz :-)

While at the cafe I missed a few phone calls: one from my boss and another for a great friend. My boss left me a message saying I wasn't needed this week for Monday and Wednesday (new schedule starts this week) due to low numbers of kids. So that gives me more time this week to get settled. I am appreciative of this change of plans.

When I got home I called my friend Andrea and helped her out with ideas for a paper. I got all excited for her topic and loved having an in-depth conversation on education topics that are near and dear to my heart. I'm glad that we share similar views on teaching. :)

So, my friends, it's the little things in life that make an ordinary day more colorful. That's probably a cliche but that's okay right?

Sunshine knows how navigate it's way through the raindrops. Hip hip hooray!

New Month, New Name

So, as you might have noticed, my blog is no longer "Cast and Catch." At some point in February, I got this huge desire to change my blog name but had no idea how to do so. While the name "Cast and Catch" served its purpose and was good, it felt vague and not as meaningful anymore (and hard to pronounce-- truthfully, sometimes I would forget which word would come first).

In the first part of this process, I came up with quite a few combinations and eventually decided against them (think the first one was Red Apple Highway). Then I started asking the help of my friends so I could get some feedback-- I didn't want to choose something silly sounding or that didn't represent ME.

After weeks and weeks of trying to figure out a name, I came up with several combinations:

Freckled Joy -- Joyfully Freckled
Freckled Delight -- Delightfully Freckled
Freckled Bliss -- Blissfully Freckled
Freckled Naturally -- Naturally Freckled
Sincerely Freckled
Freely Freckled

I sent an email out yesterday to some of my friends asking for their vote on the ones they liked along with an apology for bugging them for so long (thank you, you all are so special to me!!!!). They were all generous enough with their time to respond and give their opinions. It came down to Joyfully Freckled and Sincerely Freckled. Then one of my friends suggest I ask her aunt because she is good at problems solving (her aunt is also very artistic and talented). She suggested that I use the plural, freckles instead... and go with something like Freckles and _______ or _____ and Freckles. She made a good point that the word freckled gets caught in one's throat-- and why would I want people to choke on my blog name?!

Hm.... So there I was back to the drawing board again. Hemming and hawwwwwing. Lots of it. However, I was determined that on March 1st-- TODAY, I would have this crazy trivial dilemma figured out.

I got stuck on the word sincerely. I love how it sounds. I love what it means.

Like all wonderful thoughts, they happen in the most random of times and rather unexpectedly (ya know the kind where you're on the edge of falling to a deep sleep or driving somewhere). Well, my winning name occurred to me in the shower this morning. One of the greatest places to think. Today, the name just came to me and it was sweetly simple:

Sincerely Angela

As soon as I thought it, I had that happiness all over and was like "OF COURSE! That is ME." I will always be Angela and I am sincere. 

In this blog, I write about all kinds of topics and will continue to do so. I'm not defined by any particular thing and that's just who I am. I love hot days and cold nights- if I could choose my own climate I would have it be 80F in the day and 20F at night. I love blue and red. I polka dots and plaid. I believe in structure but freedom. I love Jesus but am not confined to any particular church or theology. I love fashion but I also believe in living simply. I love the snow in winter but the sunshine and warmth of summer. I love rainbows for their order and variety-- but I also love all the colors splattered on a canvas. I see the value in limits but also believe in a life without limits..... and so on.

Through all of this I have learned that I was made to love and appreciate opposites, but to find my place somewhere along the middle. I am learning how to do that, while embracing life's many treasures. 

Perhaps this is all due to me turning 25 years old. Maybe I am going through a "quarter-life crisis," or I am simply trying to figure out who I am in this wonderfully made world. Whatever it is, I will always hold true to being.....

Sincerely Angela

Welcome to my newly named blog :) 

Help Wanted--A Blog By Any Other Name

Oh, I have been going back and forth these days on renaming my blog. I don't know what it is but I am in one of those, "I need to change something" moods and this blog is the what I'm focusing on. So... in between other thoughts in my mind, I have been mulling over new names.

I will say, I do like how I created "Cast and Catch" but 1) feel like it is hard to say and 2) it isn't representing me as much anymore.


Part of this need for a new name has come from the goals I have set for this year. I am trying to talk a little more about each of these along with teaching/educational topics and various personal thoughts/posts (hoping to also talk more about natural products etc...):
-- Faith
-- Finances
-- Giving
-- Personal Style
-- Health and fitness
-- Literacy (read more!)

Hm... What might be a better name?

Here is what I have created so far:
-- "Joy on Peacock Lane"
-- "Bursting to Bloom"
-- "Teal Colored Joy"
-- "Blue Feather Lane"
-- "Red Apple Highway"
*Joy comes from my middle name

.... Ahh... and a few others. I have gotten different kinds of feedback from friends on some of these names. The first one listed is a thought I had this morning, but I'll be honest, I love peacocks but wish 'cock' wasn't in the name. So, I might be back to the drawing board.

I would love any suggestions or advice! Maybe I shouldn't change the the blog name at all-- let me know!

A (Mostly Funny) Wonky Day

Lori411 at Etsy


Today has been one of those random days, not a bad one but just kind of "wonky" (an Angela word).

I keep thinking the weirdness started when I took my sister to an appointment, but it really started early this morning/through the night. Since Mom is gone I am sleeping in her bedroom because that is where the "kitten" sleeps and she needs company. It always feels strange to me for the first day or two to be in that room and not in my own bed. Thankfully the cat was good in the night, she did doze off and didn't bug me too much-- though she enjoys sleeping either on or right next to me. In between me adjusting multiple times, Coco resting in different places, being in a bed that is not my own, and having a stuffed up nose... it was not the most restful night. And go figure (mind you about 6AM and I got to bed around 11pm-ish), the time I am sleeping soundly Coco is ready to rise and shine (which means attacking feet!).

So I put her in the bathroom (there's a window she likes to look out in the mornings) and then go and take care of Cheese. I got up one or two times more to check on things...

Then I went back to bed...

Then it was time to get up and get going since as I mentioned before, I had to take my sis to an appointment at 10:30am. We got to the appointment all in good timing and it was all done within 40 minutes. However, my sis wasn't feeling too good this morning and was rather fainty. Poor gal, her lips went white as a sheet and her face turned an intriguing yellow color. We still aren't sure what made her feel off-kilter, but I am thankful she brought water along. And, lo and behold, I had a (natural) granola bar in my purse. Always, always keep a snack in your purse!

Rest of the morning and early afternoon was good until about 1pm... and that is when I heard a strange POP noise in the living room. At the time, I was typing on the computer and Sarah was relaxing on a couch. I had been aware that Coco was flying around the house- something outside had her attention. I wasn't totally clued into what she was doing, but she often runs around the house, not out of the norm by any means! Anyway... that POP in the living room came from one of the window screens. Turns out, Kitten had gotten so riled up she rammed against the screen and busted out of the house!! I turned and saw a blur in the front yard, something black and gray. I noticed the window screen was off and my sister and I bolted out the front door. We saw Kitten chase a squirrel across to our neighbor's yard!! She quickly turned and came back when she saw us, thank goodness... buuuut she did not make herself easy to catch. Silly 'thang' ran over near our fence- and I knew right away, she was on a hunt for something big, orange and fluffy. Sarah took over the front and I ran to the backyard to rescue my big wuv. I scooped up Cheesie (and sure enough Girl Cat was on the other side of the fence, Sarah got her in time) and took him to safety. Afterwards, of course, I put the screen on the front window. Now folks, that is why we call our kitten, Crazy. ;-)

Rest of the day was peaceful until about 5pm. I was sitting on the couch watching an "All in the Family" episode and was alarmed when I heard cats having an unpleasant conversation. My first thought was, "Kitten?! Did she get out?!" I didn't think she was in that type of mood at the time, but you never know... So again, I raced to the noise and saw Cheesie in the backyard by the zucchini. He was having an argument with a cat named Max (yes we know that is his name!). I walked carefully over to both of them and Max got nervous and turned to go up the fence. As he made an about-face to the fence, Cheese took the opportunity and smacked him on the thigh. Oh Cheese! Once Max hauled himself over the fence, Cheese came towards me and I gave him a good petting... and then left him to go chill somewhere.

To continue with this wonky day, we will go to dinner time. Being that I am trying to get over this annoying nasaly/sinusey stuff I thought chicken noodle soup would be a good option (canned unfortunately- yeah, yeah). I made it "college style" by pouring the can of soup into a bowl and heating it in the microwave (nothing like making the BPA worse, sarcasm!)... Well it was a good idea, a really good one. Until I sat down on the couch to eat it. Just as I was putting it on my lap, ever so delicately, I managed to spill a good amount of (HOT!!) broth on my inner thighs. YOWCH! I looked at my sister and was gasping, "it is HOOOOTTTT!"  I was seriously panicking, it hurt so bad!

So how did I solve the problem?!

(Mind you, I am in the living room with our big window wide open the the world)

I put the soup bowl on the coffee table and stand up to head to the bathroom... however, as I stand up I take off my PJs as my legs were stinging... so yes, I was undressing myself to the world. Oh well. Not the first time that sort of thing has happened... yes, there is a rather embarrassing church camp story of this nature from days of old (probably my most embarrassing moment!)...

Good thing is, I didn't spill hardly anything on the couch. My thighs took one for the team. ha ha Ouch.

Now we are at this point... in the evening about 8:30PM, with another episode on of "All in the Family," Coco is resting on the couch, Cheesie is outside somewhere (hopefully nearby), and I can hear a football game happening (it is jamboree day for younger Warriors- like in elem & middle school). Ahh... peace, finally.

Let's hope tonight continues as it is now...

Happy Saturday!

Solution to an All-Day Problem

Heavenly days, I don't know what is with me. I am into long titles today. It's good though- a break from my usual neat, crisp and tidy ways on here...

Anyway, more importantly, I finally solved my cravings. All day long I have been needing something sweet, maybe chocolately, and preferably cool. Although despite those specifications I have also been wanting this delicious cobbler from a great soup place nearby.... Too lazy to go get some. Then... after going back and forth on what I want it hit me: frozen yogurt. OF COURSE!

When I went to the movies yesterday with B, we got frozen yogurt...and that only intensified my cravings today. Oh, how I wanted that smooth tasty creamy cool vanilla-y flavor with M & Ms on the top. Not regular M&Ms but mini M&Ms... minis are the best combo with fro yo in my opinion. ;-)

Thanks to my sister and her friend needing a ride this evening, it finally dawned (funny looking word- if you think about it too much... 'dawn' is early and this idea did not come early by any means- yes I am messing with the word, I know it) on me...

Why not get some Haagen Daz Vanilla frozen yogurt and a few small bottles of mini M&Ms?!!

Such a simple solution.

And yes, I feel much better.

------
For the record, I not only posted the picture with this post but also edited it... I am on fire ;-)

My Two Favorite Places

*Slightly random post but this blog serves a variety of purposes. This is one of those "get to know me better" postings. And also just for fun!*

I was just looking my friend Kristin's pictures, who lives in Arizona. Seeing her pictures makes me miss Arizona a lot and her too. Though I feel so fortunate for what I have here I feel like there's a piece of my heart in that desert. There's also a big piece in the ocean too. If I ever have to move for some reason (or decide to) it will be to Arizona. It's the only other place in the U.S. where I'd want to live.

In my kind of world, I would have Arizona and Oregon right next to each other. ;-)

My two favorite places in this world are Phoenix, Arizona...

And Pacific City, Oregon....

I can't get enough of both!

Your Love Is a Song

While I do have a few things to write about-- all I feel like doing is sharing the lyrics to a song I enjoy (I blast it in the car radio!). Hope you like them too.

"Your Love Is a Song" ~ Switchfoot

I hear you breathing in
Another day begins
The stars are falling out
My dreams are fading now, fading out

I've been keeping my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my eyes wide open

Your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me

Oh, Your love is a song

The dawn is fire bright
Against the city lights
The clouds are glowing now
The moon is blacking out, is blacking out

So I've been keeping my mind wide open
I've been keeping my mind wide open, yeah

Your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me

Oh, Your love is a song
Your love is a song
Oh, Your love is a song
Your love is strong

With my eyes wide open
I've got my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my hopes unbroken, yeah

Your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me

Your love is a song
Yeah, yeah
Your love is my remedy
Oh your love is a song