Crepes On Crepes On...Sunburn

And just like that, two weeks of bliss have ended. 

Apart from my sunburn (which I happened to get the last two days), this may have been one of the best beach trips ever. And I've been coming for quite some time; 23 years to be exact. 

In the past few days, I've continued to learn so much about myself. For example: even after 2 weeks, one can still get burnt; I'm still incredibly paranoid when in the ocean - never know when a shark might make a surprise appearance; I can't sleep as late as I could when I was a child, and much more. And throughout all of this, I've learned that God knows exactly what He's doing in my life. 

On Thursday, we went to perhaps the BEST breakfast place ever created: Bayside Skillet, in Ocean City, MD. It's hard-to-miss hot pink exterior might confuse and scare away passersby, but I'm here to tell you that if you're ever in OCMD, YOU HAVE TO GO!!! Discovered years ago, it's been tradition to go on our vacation ever since. Known for their omelets and crepes, one plate of food and you won't need to eat for hours. I myself couldn't even finish my breakfast. Three crepes (stuffed with 3 kinds of fresh fruit and Chantilly lace cream) and four cups of coffee later, I wasn't sure I'd be able to leave the table. My only solace: knowing I could finish it for a late lunch. And finish it I did. 

In the days since, a few trips into town were made to purchase shirts and other keepsakes, but mostly ice cream. My mom and I were fortunate enough to steal a few hours away on a rainy afternoon. As per tradition, we made sure it happened this year since I don't know what my life will be like next summer. It's funny how time changes things; in high school, we weren't each other's fondest people in the world. But now, especially since college, it's the complete opposite. So it was nice hanging out and doing our usual thing together. It's one of my favorite parts of this vacation. 

My aunt and uncle came down for our last day from NY to spend some time before their family arrived. We stayed on the beach until at least 7:00pm, just hanging out and soaking up every last second we could. The neighbors had three golden retrievers that gave us quite a show, running into the waves to rescue their precious tennis balls. Overall, it was a great last day. Fantastic weather and good company made for a great time. 

I took Mac (our Yorkie) for a walk before bed and for whatever reason, he kept tugging me to go up the boardwalk. 11:40 at night, in my pjs, and my dog wants to head up towards the beach. Well, I figured why not, it's my last night anyway. Almost a full moon, the bright light shone on the ocean so beautifully, I contemplated spending the night on the beach. It was so peaceful and pretty that I didn't do much but stare. Of course at that moment, a million and one thoughts flooded my mind: do I really have to go; wow, it's really nice out here; what if this is my last year; I don't want to go home. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath and the thoughts left, allowing me a peaceful few minutes to simply enjoy and marvel. 

I have no idea what God has planned for me, but after tonight, I've come to realize that I don't need to worry about it. Obviously it's good not to sit around - I won't get a job that way, or other things for that matter. But God is clearly going to set before me which direction my life will take. I just need to trust that everything is under control. 

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him." Psalm 62:5

So after two weeks, I'm really not ready to come home. But, knowing that everything will eventually come to fruition, I'm okay with coming back to reality. Plus, I still have a pool, so there's that. Catch y'all on the flip side. Meaning Pennsylvania.

And that's the way the cookie crumbles, 
Ellie

Not The Fittest Woman In America

One week down. One week to go. One crew out. Another crew in. This week should prove to be a little more ridiculous... Three of Ethan's friends are coming and I may just die. Plus, the beach has become crowded and we are surrounded by some patience-testing neighbors. Thank goodness for ear buds. 

I haven't heard anything from the interview I had last week. BUT. I got some more exciting news with another amazing possibility. Two words: Getty Music. I was fortunate enough to work with them a year ago at Messiah College and I might possibly be even closer to having the opportunity to work for their team. I'm sure a lot of people would say I'm counting my eggs before they hatch. But I can't even begin to explain how excited I am just for the opportunity to talk to their management team and Keith. Prayers would be greatly appreciated as I start the conversation process this week. 

Not surprisingly, we (all 11 of us) are watching the end of the CrossFit Games. I gotta say...these people are incredible. I mean, half the time I'm just trying to figure out how they're doing any of it. But they are seriously so amazing. There's no way I can possibly CrossFit, but I have started a plan for when I'm home from vacation. Here's hoping I actually stick with it. Otherwise it's back to donuts. 

Apart from very minor sunburn, things are pretty great. It's crazy how after the less than awesome events of last week, so many doors have opened for other opportunities. This might sound obvious, but life gets so much better when you trust in God with everything. I've just stopped worrying about the little things...and the big things...and am giving it all to Him.

So this week I'm going to soak up every last minute of sun, cross my fingers for my conversation with #TeamGetty and enjoy my time with family and friends. 

Wishing you all a good week and a happy Monday...if that even exists.

Made in America, 
Ellie

Donuts and Dumbells

Today was a fantastic day. I woke up to find my dad coming back with donuts from the Fractured Prune. Krispy Kreme is typically my favorite, but there's nothing like a hot donut covered in all sorts of goodness. My favorite: morning buzz. Mocha glaze and chocolate cookie crumbs. It's quite literally heaven. Now most of my family, including my brother's beautiful girlfriend all CrossFit. I'm poor so I don't. For those of you who keep up with CrossFit, it is currently the 2015 CrossFit Games. If there's a competition, it's on the TV. So, it seemed quite natural to stuff my face with fattening donuts while watching some of the strongest people on earth. I figure at this point I'll never be as in shape as those people, so I'll just eat their donuts for them. 

The beach was nice, not too hot, but a little windy-er than desired. But we made do. We played a game of Greedy. A game purely the luck of the dice. I lost. By at least 5,000 points, but Grammy won, so all was well. There are more people showing up in the neighborhood, mostly families with a million kids. And they have no fear. At all. Sitting on rafts right where the waves break, not caring if the wave crashes on them. Like I said, today was a great day. But I got to thinking. What if we did things more like kids? What if we didn't care when the waves crash on us? Obviously there's no way we can apply this to every situation, but I think I would be a lot happier if I stopped overthinking everything. 

We're coming to a close on our first week at the beach, and I'm already not looking forward to the next week. It's going to be over in the blink of an eye. Anybody want to stay another week with me?! I'm very lucky to be able to take this trip every year with my family. Of course, it's been different ever since my Pappy passed, but that's where friends came in to the picture. This year has been a bit of a struggle though, as my Grammy's memory has been getting worse. I've been trying not to focus on my issues and cherish the moments I have with her. She's one of the greatest people I know, and I want to soak up every second I can. 

I'm only 23, but I'm starting to see things through a different lens. Spending time with family is so important; even when they test every last thread of patience. There's already been a few times this past week when I've wanted to just throw things or bury my head in my pillow. But it's just not worth it. If you know me, I'm probably one of the sassiest people you know. That being said, it's not surprising that I get overwhelmed and struggle with letting things go right away. Not one of my greatest qualities, but I'm fairly certain I'm not the only person to struggle with this. 

At the end of the day, it's about being with family and enjoying the time you have with them. So now that we've stuffed ourselves on crab dip AND buffalo dip, I'm going to continue marveling at the CrossFit athletes. And probably have a cookie. Or a donut. Or both.

Peace, love and popsicles, 
Ellie

People (And Fish) Are Friends! Not Food!

Today was a scorcher. I mean, it was ridiculously hot. So hot that the "breeze" was just a bunch of hot air blowing around and the biting flies were out. This of course meant that I had no choice than to get in the water. Now, normally, I love being in the water. But after all this shark nonsense, I haven't been too keen on getting in. Today was a different story. I'll admit, the water was refreshing, and I was glad to have gotten in...until something hit my foot. It was probably just a giant rock, but I was outta there. No. Thank. You. (Insert crossing arm emoji).

So there I was, lying out in the sun. Trying to get my tan on. I don't know about any of you, but sand is perhaps one of the most uncomfortable places to lay down - I was practically sculpting the sand so I was comfortable. Sleep did not come easily though, as my brother was "singing" the Star Wars score, among other movie scores. So I was left with my thoughts - millions of them. 

I'm going to admit: I'm not happy 100% of the time. I know it's hard to believe, but alas, it's true. And today happened to be one of those days. I had just received some news and quickly hid my face to conceal the tears that were rolling down my cheeks. It's not always easy to say, "it's okay, I'm going to be okay." Because right now, I don't feel okay. Right now, I want to be snuggled in my bed, surrounded by macarons and Netflix, free to feel however I want. The Netflix will probably come later. Macarons are just so darn expensive. 

While I was getting ready to go out, a song came on my phone by The Brilliance. I met the members of the group a year ago when I was at the Calvin Symposium and have fallen in love with their music. The Sun Will Rise came on (which is one of my favorites) and I felt more at peace about everything. 

"The sun will rise, the sun will rise bringing life to the earth as it springs from the ground. The sun will rise, the sun will rise; won't you dry all your tears, lay your burden down?" 

It's a simple message, but ever so powerful. The sun will still rise, even in seasons of sadness. So dry your tears, give your burdens to your Father and keep on keeping on. There are going to be times when God has a different plan for you - that's okay. Trust in Him and remember He has everything planned out. And it's gonna be great. 

So now I'm going to eat some chili on this not so chilly day, and go hang out in OCM. I think they have fried food, so that will probably happen. 

Remember that you are loved. God has a door that He will open for you, probably when you least expect it. Be patient. Enjoy every moment in front of you. 

Let the good times roll, 
Ellie

Seagulls, Starfish and Sand Crabs

Did you know that you shouldn't really be calling star fish star fish?! In order for a creature to be a fish, it needs both gills and fins. Star fish don't have either, so really, we're supposed to call them sea stars. Or at least that's what the author wrote in the book I've been reading. 

It's amazing how much can change so quickly. One minute you have one expectation, and the next, it can be completely different. Sometimes good, others not so much. In this season of change in my own life, I'm learning to just roll with it. I'm in no way perfect at the rolling, but I'm certainly trying. 

My sister will soon go off to her first year of college, and my brother returning for his last year of undergrad. For the first time in forever (you're welcome Frozen fans), I'll be the only "kid" living at home. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. I mean, don't get me wrong; being able to live at home for free is a life saver. I'm not exactly Miss Moneybags over here. It will, without a doubt, be a new experience, one that I am both excited for and leery of encountering. Although, I suppose after my room being used as extra closet space while I was in college, I can return the favor to both of my siblings when they leave. 

I was watching the sand crabs on the beach today and actually marveled at how quickly they can move. Two were attacking each other, one was desperately searching for food, and the other two were simply watching it all take place. A seagull came out of nowhere, and I kid you not, the crabs camouflaged into the sand so fast I wondered if they had actually been there before. And then I started thinking that those sand crabs have to make a split-second decisions and go for it. They risk being eaten or washed away by the waves. Now I know that crabs don't have nearly the same brain function as humans, but they must have enough to know when to hide and when to go back into their tunnels. 

So while sand crabs may not seem the most likely of wisdom gurus, I've decided to just go for it. Of course not every decision can be made this way, but some can. If we don't muster up the strength and courage to ask that burning question inside, make a move on that crush of ours or even apologize for something in the past - if we just sit around not making any kind of decision, that seagull is going to eat us. And then what?!

I guess what I want to say is this: there are going to be good times, and there are going to be hard times. There's also going to be a lot of times when you have absolutely no idea what's happening. Guess what - it's okay. Take each day as it comes, trusting in the One who loved you before you were born. You're on a journey specific to you, so take it all one day at a time, and enjoy it. Reach for the "impossibles," take a chance, and have fun. 

Only you can prevent forest fires, 
Ellie 

Initial Musings

It would seem that most people jot their thoughts down in journals or even diaries. Are diaries still a thing?! But arthritis-ridden me can't hold writing utensils well, so I've opted to try out this blog thing. Believe it or not, I'm not as hip as you might think. (Shocker, I know). I don't know that I'm trying to accomplish anything specific with this blog, but I hope I can shed light on dreary days, bring smiles to otherwise smile-less faces and perhaps even encouragement for those days when you "just can't." 

Well, it will soon be three months since graduating from college. Five years of college that is. And I think the most productive thing I've done since moving back home was getting rid of items hidden in my room from middle school. It's amazing what kids are capable of hiding and losing when cleaning their room is the last thing they want to do. I'm here to tell you that was me; I usually tossed things in any opening I could find. Of course, I lost plenty of things over the years, but at the time it seemed so much easier. It's also crazy what I thought was worthy of keeping; I found notes from my middle school crushes that made me blush more now than I probably did when I was younger. Funny how I was so much smoother in that department as a kid. 

I'm currently on vacation with my family and then some in Bethany Beach. We've been coming to Bethany since I was a kid - actually since my mom was a kid. Not that I was here then. Two weeks at the beach may seem like way too much time, but by the end, I wish I had weeks more. These two weeks are typically a time when I can just escape. This year is a bit of a different story though. I don't have a job yet - life was so much easier in college - BUT I had an interview with my dream job. For those of you who know me and where that is, you know how big this is for me. So even though I'm "friendless" at the beach these next two weeks, getting an interview was pretty awesome. 

Recently I've had my own mixture of ups and downs. Right when I think I've caught a break my world gets flipped upside-down. Sometimes I feel like I'm literally upside-down. It totally sucks. Yeah. It sucks. I'm learning however, that with every passing storm, something positive and beautiful isn't too far behind. Like how I went from not having a job all summer to getting an interview at the place of my dreams. I don't know what's going to happen from one day to the next, but my best friend told me this today: "giving it up to God is usually when He drops the right one in your lap." So for now, I'm going to stop worrying about every little thing and give it to God instead. 

It's like C.S. Lewis said: "When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place."

So for now, I'm going to let God take control and focus on the good things I have in life. Like family, friends (even if they aren't at the beach), and death by chocolate cupcakes baking away. 

Over the river and through the woods,

Ellie