the only girl

Communication, money & matters of the heart.

That about sums up my life lately. To elaborate let me write you multiple more than 2-sentence-paragraphs-followed-by very few photos with no captions. ;) It's hard to separate the the 3 categories since they're so closely intertwined. But here goes! 

 

Communication: @ work, @ friends & family, @ boyfriend. 

I am so fortunate to have a general overall people pleasing attitude as far as getting along in social settings. I do what I say and say things how I mean them. That'll get you far. Do not be fooled, I have my moments ... 

 I have been an pretty awful communicator lately when it comes to actually being able to make plans with my friends that live here in town. Either my schedule conflicts, or theirs does, or my phone dies or I just plan drop the ball on what could and would be a great encounter with great people. 

I've been good about keeping up with my family, but could definitely do better.. I need to see my little sister, who btw is now a sorority girl1?! (And I thought we were so similar.. haha) 

The boyfriend communication has been amazing the past few weeks. Can't ask for more than calls, texts & emails that make you smile, smirk & reply with all kinds of sarcastic remarks!

Money: @ work, @ family, @ i hate student loans

I love my job. Unfortunately I feel like I'm drowning in debt and contemplating taking another weekend PRN job to pay some of it down. I figure why the heck not, I'm 25, the boyfriend lives 1700 plus miles away & I'm a true multitasker ... It might interfere with my weekend rowing plans here or there ... but I could always drop the extra job when I needed to .. PS Have I mentioned lately that I'm obsessed with my job at GaHand?!? The pace is fast and the atmosphere is light and fun, but serious and down to business. My co-therapist workers rock! 

Up with Davis' Downs has made over 250 dollars in our (my) quest to raise 1200 to donate to Gigi's Playhouse of Atlanta in Davis' name. They open on Oct 8th and I'm really excited to get involved as an OT volunteer. 

I HATE STUDENT LOANS.. and that I accidentally paid mine twice last month. That's a lot of money. SHEESH!

Matters of the heart: @ work, @ friends & family, @ kujo

I love my job. Enough said. --Okay, maybe not. Honestly who gets lucky enough to find a dream job at age 25 right after 7 years  of schooling!?!? 

My nephews are amazing little boys. Jackson is just in awe of his little brother .. or ignores him. And Davis heads to the cardiologist in the AM again to get checked up on and after turning 2 months old (today!) he's roughly 8 weeks from his open heart surgery. He's a champ for sure. Spent the last 2 Sunday's with them and my sister and Davis is just perfect. PERFECT.
I love my friends. From bicoastal high fives to the cry because some strangers house burnt down, they could not be more supportive of me. 

I miss kujo. I had a moment today where I was doing some mundane task (laundry) and it crossed my mind that she was gone. Then my phone rang. Saved by the really obnoxious droid ringtone.

 

LA fitness

the la freeways on a typical day's commute

la fitness ... los angeles fitness .. I  mean really, it's no where near like working out in smog, traffic, warm, sunny LA atmosphere ... Well, actually, I guess it kind of is. Always busy, sweaty & full of people you'll never know. ANYHOW, not the point. The point is, I'm able to work out again! Granted my 10 min  on a bike the past few days is nothing in comparisson to what I wish I were doing.. BUT today I did 10 min on the bike then swam 16 lengths. That's right 16. My hip, it felt great. If anything, my triceps being so sore from yesterday were the most affected. YAY!!!


Although, part of me still really wishes I would bought myself a cryo cuff -- it's like an ice bath, without all the ice. And without the full body submursion. The cheapest I could find one for the hip (which is also double for the back and ribs?!) was a hundred and seventy five bucks .. which I've yet to decide to part with. Stupid cooler makes it expensive.

etsy

I can talk all the talk I want about being a great Aunt to my nephews, or I can put "my money where my mouth is". 

Officially launched my Etsy website selling handmade, custom scripted bracelets to raise money for Davis' Down's. My goal is to raise $1200 to make a donation to Gigi's Playhouse in Davis' name. 

Wanna help? Spread the word! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ceckelkamp1

Just cut, copy, follow, share, buy, etc with the link above!!

america

10 years ago I was sitting in sophomore high school anatomy when the attacks on the World Trade Center towers happened. When the bell rang we switched classes to art, where there were tv's in the new building of the high school. I remember just sitting there for the remainder of the day. Shocked. Emotionless really. Not really sure why, or to what magnitude, it would affect our country.

Today, the 10 year anniversary of the greatest loss of life in America, I sit here on my couch with my newspaper & coffee watching the Mayor Giuliani special on HBO, emotionless is no longer the word to describe it. It's awful. To watch the events unfold and hear the stories of those who were there is just heart wrenching. It makes you a little angry, a lot sad, and yet still hopefully.

As someone who was not directly connected with the +3000 lives lost, I can only reflect on the heroic acts of those who didn't have to be there. Our countries service men are incredible, here and overseas. The concept that if my house, not even the World Trade Center, were on fire and about to collapse that someone would still run in and attempt to save my life. It's hopeful.

So, hats off and safe thoughts to all those firefighters, police officers, & military who are at work doing what they do best.

five more minutes

five nights of awesome. Boyfriend awesome that is.

Made it to the opening of the GT football season, spent a great day at the lake, a perfect day in the mountains, and 2 lazy days of just being us. Throw in some family, friends, great food and a major downpour and well, it's safe to say that I'm a happy girl. Well, I mean I could do without him being back in Utah ... but fingers crossed their may be a trip out to visit in the works soon (ish).