toodaloo twentytwelve

This has been a pretty great year, perhaps one of the best years of my life. I traveled to Vietnam, moved home from Korea, moved back to Idaho, got accepted into a Master's program, made new friends, reconnected with old friends, and I feel like I really lived a lot this year. 
It's amazing to look back at old journal entries or old blog posts and see specific examples of how faithful God has been. My goal for 2013 is to be reminded of this daily. I have little goals for this next year, some silly and some more important, but really, I want my life to be a testament to God's faithfulness. Wouldn't that just be the best year ever?
In addition to the big things that happened this year, there were some very silly things that happened. Let's be reminded of them, shall we? I am fairly positive that I was poisoned by my school nurse in Korea. I had to have a very, um, awkward medical procedure done in a foreign hospital.  I was assaulted by an astronaut toilet.
Perhaps the most important post I wrote this year, and the one that is dearest to my heart, is this one.
See you next year friends. 

les mis aka les sob fest

I just got home from the theater. I have to write at this very moment because I have so many feelings. 

OH. MY. GOSH.
I can't even handle how great the movie was. I wept every time Anne Hathaway opened her mouth. The acting was phenomenal. I was completely swept away for the duration of the movie. I was brought to another world where I laughed, cried, and felt every emotion in between the two. Any praises I sing this movie (literally sing, I can't stop singing), are not accurate of how incredible it was. 
Every member of the cast is deserving of the Academy Award for Best Actor/Actress. I kid you not, the film was impeccably acted down to the extras. They deserve Oscars.  EVERYONE DESERVES OSCARS. 
I can't speak highly enough of this cinematic masterpiece. It will blow you away. You must see it. I'm already thinking of when I can see it again, and I never see movies twice in the theaters. 
Can you tell that I really loved the movie?

보고 싶어요

Sometimes I miss Korea so much that my heart just aches. It's so difficult having a huge portion of your heart in another country. Those eleven months that I spent living in Korea changed me. There's no way to go through an experience like that and come out unaffected. 
I think of my sweet first graders faces, their eagerness to learn and their pride when showing off their work. My heart breaks when I think of my beautiful sixth graders, they had so much pressure on them but I like to think that our time together was a break for them, a time where they could just be themselves. 
I miss walking around Korea, I miss the shop owners who knew me because I frequented their stores so often, I miss the unexplainable excitement in the grocery store when a new "western" item was placed on the shelves. I miss so much about that country. I miss everything about it. I know that living there isn't in the cards for me again, and don't get me wrong, I'm so happy to be home. I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be, but there are days that my heart hurts because I'm not there. 
Korea, 보고 싶어요.  (I miss you)

in an aeroplane over the sea

I don't want to toot my own horn, but I like to think I'm a pretty great traveler. I've been on twelve different flights this year and I never bring liquids in my carry on, I have easy to remove shoes, and keep to myself. Basically, if you are flying, you want me next to you. I will either be reading or listening to music, so don't worry, I won't try to talk to you (not in a rude way, but in a "I got stuff to be reading" way). You do you and I'll do me. 
That all changed with this last flight. I should have known that something would be different when I went to check my bag and it weighed a whopping 54 pounds.  You guys. 54 pounds. That's an Olsen twin.  (Just joking MK&A, I love you guys more than is socially acceptable for a 24 year old) I tried to shake it off and told the lady at the Alaska counter that I could re-appropriate things and get under that weight limit. I took my Bible and my Beth Moore Esther study book out (Love Beth!) and my bag immediately weighed like six pounds less. Then the unthinkable happened. The precious Alaska Airlines Angel told me that she thought it was great that I traveled with my Bible and then said to go ahead. What a blessing. 
After I checked my Behemoth of a bag, I made my way to the terminal, boarded the plane and realized I had an entire row to myself. That never happens, especially around the holidays!  I feel like I was being built up to be smashed down. Twenty minutes into the flight from Boise to Portland we had horrible turbulence. Turbulence doesn't usually bother me. I'm usually fine with it. This time it was so bad that I hit my head on the window because I was being moved around so violently and so quickly. Before I knew what I was doing, I said, "Sh*t!" I was seriously afraid. After my sinner words (joking), I literally said, "FATHER! INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT!"
Is that overly dramatic? Sorry I'm not sorry about it. I was entirely prepared to die in that plane. Luckily I did not die, but I was definitely freaked out for the next couple minutes as my frail, dainty body (don't you dare laugh) was thrust around the cabin. I disembarked in Portland, kissed the ground, and made the most of my layover. By making the most of my layover, I mean I had dried mangos, tic tacs, and a coke zero for dinner. Traveling is so glam, ya'll. 
My next flight was from Portland to San Diego. I was anticipating an easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl flight, but that's not what I got. I got seated right in front of the baby. The ONE baby no the plane was right behind me. I love babies, but there are few worse things when traveling than being seated near a baby. More often than not, they are whiny. I know that they are just babies, but I also just know that no headphones can drown out a baby screech. I decided to read and ignore the baby sounds, so I cracked open The Hobbit which put me to sleep in .2 seconds. I know that it's a good book, but I also fall asleep every time I try to read it.

Please try to ignore the monstrosity that is my thumb. 

I was thoroughly enjoying my Hobbit induced plane nap when I was woken up not only by Whiny Baby, but by round two of horrid turbulence. This time I didn't bat an eyelash, turbulence aint no thang when you've already been through it on the previous flight. I'm basically a flight attendant you guys, I didn't even bat an eyelash in the face of turbulence. 

At the end of the two flights, two turbulence scares, one whiny babies, and one horribly unsatisfactory supper was a beautiful city of lights welcoming me home. I am so excited to spend the next twenty days in lovely San Diego. No matter where I go, no matter what cities I fall in love with, or where I choose to set up camp, I will always call San Diego home. 

nordies wishlist

Once upon a time I decided to buy some Frye boots. They were lovely, except they were slightly large so I decided to return them. When I saw how much money they cost again, I realized, "Holy heck Jess, that's a ton of money and spending that all on ONE pair of boots might not be the wisest use of your income right now."  (I have pretty lengthy internal dialogues, if you didn't catch that.) When I made my return, they issued me store credit so I decided that I would then buy a TON of different things that were cheaper instead of one big purchase. More bang for my buck, as I like to say. Let's look at some of the lovelies that are catching my eye right now.

1. Milk Glass Stud Earrings

2. Beaded Glam Headband

 3. Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

 4. Suede Lace-Up Oxford

5. Emporium Oversized Sweater

5. Woven Top

6. Gold Chronograph Watch

If I bought all of these items, I'd still have a lot more to spend because those blasted boots were probably the most foolish decision I've ever made in my entire life. Happy Birthday (in two months) to me? 

prince of peace

There is nothing more difficult for me to comprehend or process than crimes against children. Those sweet cherub faces, those wide eyes so excited about the world, and those innocent hearts were the hope of humanity. I can't begin to fathom the darkness it takes to harm another person, let alone a group of children.  I will never comprehend it. This will never make sense.
I think the more we try to understand, the further we investigate, the more people we talk to about it, the more we become confused and broken. There are no answers in this. There is no why. There is nothing that we could ever learn that would begin to heal this gaping wound.  The only hope in this situation is that Jesus Christ is capable of incomprehensible redemption. He takes horrible situations and can bring good out of them. He is the Prince of Peace. 
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying,  I do not believe there is a divine or cosmic reason that this happened. I do not think that it will ever be a good thing. I am not saying that and I do not believe it. But I do believe that Jesus Christ can work even in the darkest and most barren of situations, which this is.  In these moments of anger and brokenness, I just pray that everyone turn to the Lord. I pray that we cling to him because He is the Great Comforter. He is a Father and His heart has been broken by this. 
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
There is a long, long road ahead of us filled with more confusion, more heartbreak, but have hope my friends, there will be healing. I pray that we remember Sandy Hook Elementary school and we don't allow this to become another tragedy that bothers us for a short period of time but we move on from quickly. We must be bathing this situation in prayer.
Oh Father, make your presence known.  

sisterhood

I used to be one of those girls that had much better guy friends than girl friends. I chalked it up to boys being less drama, but it was simply that I was insecure and compared myself to other girls. I did have a handful of strong female friendships, but I wasn't a girl who was part what I like to call "a girl crew." I don't want to discount male friendships, I am beyond grateful for the awesome guys in my life. I firmly believe that one of the reasons I've been able to avoid bad boyfriends and heartbreak is because I receive so much validation, encouragement, and affirmation from wonderful, God fearing men, that I haven't had to seek it out elsewhere. Guy friends are great. They are. They are fun, they are wonderful and lovely relationships. Recently (like the past couple years), I have realized just how beautiful, unique, and loving female friendships are. I have found myself a wonderful group of women that I have allowed myself to bond with and fully immerse myself in those loving relationships. There is something so nurturing, encouraging, and maternal about female relationships. I feel so cared for by my bosom buddies. I no longer feel the need to compare myself to the females in my life, they are not me and I am not them, but we are all incredible daughters of the Lord.  I have been involved in a Bible study the past couple months with some great women that I go to church with. I have been blown away by the blessings that these women have been to me. We laugh together, cry together, encourage and challenge one another. Sometimes I get to be the one giving advice and strengthening my sisters, and other times I get advice and get to be strengthened by them. It's a beautiful give and take relationship.  We may not share pants, but we share so, so much more. I am absolutely loving sisterhood and am perpetually blessed by soul/biological sisters. 

a little thing called the lottery

I have always played the lottery, mentally. That means that whenever I see the signs advertising how much money could potentially be won, I imaginarily spend it all. That's my idea of playing the lottery- sure, I'll never win, but thinking about what I'd do with the money is a great way to pass the time while commuting to and from work. Here are a couple ways I would spend 40+ million dollars: 1. Pay off student loans. I don't owe that much anymore. I'm super grateful for that, but it does suck being so young and having a pretty penny to pay back to the government. I'd pay off my student loans, my sisters student loans, and then provide a college allowance for my youngest sisters. Never having to take out a dime for an education would be perfect.  2. New car. Don't get me wrong, the truck is great. She gets me where I need to go every day without trouble but she's a real doozy on gas mileage. I guess if I had millions upon millions of dollars, gas wouldn't even be an issue, but I'd still want a new car. In theory, I'd want this beauty-

Sure, she wouldn't be any better with gas mileage, but I'm a millionaire! Honey badger don't care!

3. Home

This is where I'm torn. Obviously I'd want to invest in real estate, especially with buying a home being so cheap right now, but where? I know I'll be in Idaho for the next couple years, I love the idea of living in/around Seattle, but so much of my heart is in California. Could I buy more than one house? Is that foolish? I could rent one out and occupy the other. You guys, I obviously take this game very seriously because I'm literally thinking about where I would buy a house and if buying more than one would be a wise way of spending my lottery winnings.

4. Vacation

A vacation would be a must. I think it'd be so fun to do two vacations- the first would be a family one, I'm thinking I'd rent a villa in Italy for a couple weeks and invite my family members to stay with me. We'd laugh, enjoy the local cuisine, and spend our days exploring the beauty of Italy. 

The second vacation would be a gal pal trip. How great would it be to go to a tropical location with your besties for a week or two and soak up the sun Sheryl Crow style? 

5. Poppa Bear

I would buy Poppa Bear a restaurant of his own, a cozy little place with brick walls and perfect lighting just like that darling place in "Return to Me." It would be the perfect family style restaurant filled with family pictures and it would be run by the most jovial Italian man ever, Poppa Bear.

6. Donate/Mission Trips

You guys thought I wouldn't give any of the money away, didn't ya? I saved the best for last! I would definitely give a significant chunk of the money away to different causes/organizations. One thing I would love to do with it would be to go on a mission trip with my family. I think there's something so special about serving right alongside your loved ones. I would give some moola to my university, they deserve it, it's quite a lovely place. 

I seriously could go on and on about other things I'd love to do with it. I'd buy my favorite candle from Anthropology and not freak out over the $28.00 price tag. In fact, I'd buy it for you too, because it smells that nice and because I'm a millionaire, or, I would be if I actually won the lottery. What are some of the things you'd buy with lottery winnings?

seattle//thanksgiving//wedding

This past week I got the opportunity to head to Seattle for Thanksgiving and a dear friends wedding. Although I was just on vacation in Mexico a month ago, I have really been itching to go somewhere else. It's been a weird couple of weeks and the time away in Seattle with some great friends was just what the doctor ordered. Robby, Cody, Autumn and I drove up early (like 5 am early- no me gusta!) on Wednesday morning but the benefit of leaving that early meant we arrived early in Seattle with a full day ahead of us! Oh, woops, by full day, I mean Cody and I parked in on Autumn's couch, ate candy, and watched Pushing Daisies. 

I have been incredibly excited for Thanksgiving this year. I knew that I wouldn't be able to make it home, but I was excited for a good, 'ol fashioned American celebration. Last year was great, don't get me wrong. There was something really special about celebrating with my surrogate family in South Korea, but this year, I was beyond excited about celebrating the holiday here. Autumn's family was so wonderful in welcoming us and hosting us. We had the most delicious dinner and then spent the rest of the day snuggling, napping, snacking, and watching "Mixed Nuts." 

Another little fun fact about Seattle is that the company that my dad runs is based there, so that means that my friends and I were treated to a delicious seafood dinner. Oh my gosh, it was to die for. I love seafood. After our delicious crab dinner, we were given a couple of tickets to ride the ferris wheel that was put in this summer. I have a love/hate relationships with ferris wheels. They look so cool and I know that they are "fun," but I am afraid of heights and being extended out over the cold, cold water is semi terrifying. 

One of the things I knew I needed/wanted to do while in Seattle was see my older brother Nicolas. I haven't had the opportunity to see Nicolas too often, so I wanted to get together with him. He is the chef at an incredible restaurant called "Local 360" so he invited me down and I got to eat a delicious meal, catch up with my brother, and meet his girlfriend. The next day I was meeting two friends for brunch and decided the best place to do that would be his restaurant, mostly because I needed more of their delicious macaroni and cheese.

The wedding was a lot of fun, tons of silly dancing and fun moments with friends. I'm a total gooftroop and didn't get a picture of the bride and I, but rest assured, Cutie Cutie Carole Ann looked like a barbie doll. No joke. She was perfect. 

The drive home was so picturesque. The Pacific Northwest is absolutely beautiful. I could live here forever. The colors, the trees, oh my. It's ideal. I can't wait to get back to Seattle, but I'm definitely glad to be back in my own bed in Idaho. 

Only 21 days until home for twenty days. Me oh my! That's quite a long time, but I'm so excited to spend an extended amount of time at home! Happy Monday everyone, hope your Thanksgiving was lovely and that you've returned home safely. 

give thanks with a grateful heart

It is so strange to think that this time last year, I was living in South Korea and feeling quite depressed about being so far away from my family and all things familiar. I remember being in that funk. I remember how ominous it felt. I remember thinking that I would feel that way the entire time I was in Korea. I remember hating that I didn't feel thankful during this season. I remember pulling myself out of it too. I remember verbally reminding myself of every single blessing I had in my life, whether it be large or small.  That is definitely something I want to continue practicing, hence the reason for this post. Here is a list of things I'm thankful for, in no specific order.  1. My family

I know this is a pretty generic one, but I really do have a great family. I am blessed with two parents who love each other very much, four sisters who encourage me, a brother who makes me laugh so hard, and a brother I'm getting to know again.  2. My Job

I get to live on a college campus, throw events for students, eat meals with them, and learn from some of the most creative, encouraging, and loving individuals I'll ever encounter. That's my job. How is that even a real? I assure you that it's real and it's just as lovely as it sounds.  3. My Friends

I am surrounded by the funniest, most caring, and loving individuals. I am positively SPOILED when it comes to the friends department. I am so undeserving of all this love, but I'll soak it in anyways! I wish I could post a picture of every single lovebug that's close to my heart, but if I did, this post would be DAYS long.  4. Glasses

I am thankful for my glasses. They've gone through many different stages: coke bottle, wire rimed, thought-they-were-cool-but-boy-was-I-wrong, colored frames, to the pair I'm currently rocking. I haven't always loved my glasses, and sometimes I wish that I would wake up with perfect vision, but my glasses enable me to see, so for that, I'm thankful.  5. Korea

Korea was the wildest, most difficult, and loveliest thing I've ever done. I can't believe it's over. I am so thankful for the time I spent in that country living, learning, loving, and losing. I didn't intend those words to all start with L's. Sorry for the cheesiness. I miss you Korea, oh so much.  I realize I have so much to be thankful for, and this list doesn't begin to make a dent in the blessings that have been bestowed on me, but it's a start. I won't be with my family on Thanksgiving this year, I'll be in Seattle for a friend's wedding, but I'm thankful for the little surrogate family I'll be celebrating with!  I hope that you are able to realize the abundant blessings that you have, not only this week, but throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving friends!

the battle for satisfied singleness

This post has been on my heart for quite a while. In the last couple days, my desire to write all of these thoughts down has been amplified, specifically due to reading this article and conversations with friends.  I am single. I am 24 years old and rapidly approaching my 25th birthday. There are no "prospects" nor is their anyone that I'm interested in being pursued by. THAT IS OK.  Most of my friends are married or in relationships.  That is okay too. We are different. They are not better, nor am I better. Our situations are different. I think it is especially difficult to be single and "satisfied" in Christian communities. I wouldn't say I feel pressured, but I get asked about boys, relationships, and timelines quite a bit. My family, God bless their hearts, seem perplexed as to why I am not in a relationship. I feel like any time there is an extended family get together, the questions begin to pour in and I start to feel self conscious of the fact that I'm single.  I love the fact that I am so loved by my family and friends that they seem perplexed as to why no one has "snatched me up." That's very sweet of them to think so highly of me, but maybe I am not ready to be "snatched up." Don't get me wrong, I love the institution of marriage. I believe in it, oh boy do I believe in it! I have had great examples shown to me of marriage, love, and sacrifice. I want to get married. It is one of the deepest desires of my heart, but I do not, in any way shape or form, feel ready to date let alone be married.  I think back to the last couple years and the things I've done, and how they wouldn't have been possible or would have been incredibly difficult to manage in a relationship or as a married woman. I was able to choose whatever college I wanted to attend, so I chose a college in Idaho. I fell in love with Idaho. After graduation I was able to move abroad for a year and teach English in Korea. When my time was up there, I was able to decide to move back to Idaho and begin pursuing a Master's. These are decisions I was able to make for myself without taking anyone else into consideration.  I don't want to seem like I am painting a picture of being this single woman who never, ever wants to be part of a partnership. That's not my intention and it's definitely not reflective of my heart. I can't wait to be a wife and a mother. I love taking care of people, I have known my entire life that ultimately, I want to be a wife and a mother. I know that about myself, but I just don't know the timeline. I could write this entry, hit publish, and meet the man of my dreams today or I could still be single years from now. Both of these are okay. I'm okay. I'm okay not being in a relationship. I am so satisfied where life is right now and I am tired of feeling like I'm not allowed to be satisfied with being single or that my life would be more complete if I were in a relationship. I love my friends that are married, I love them individually and I love them as part of a union. Do I want that eventually? You bet your bottom dollar! Do I want that right now? No gracias.
I whole heartedly believe that there is a season for everything and that our seasons do not always occur simultaneously. This is my season of singleness. This is my season to travel the world, cultivate friendships, go to school, and invest in the wonderful community I am part of. There will come an end to specific things in this season, but their end will make it possible for a new season full of new adventures to enter.  I am so glad I got that off my chest. 

a sad goobye

I mentioned in a past blog post that I had to fill you guys in on a sad goodbye. Remember Piper? Unfortunately Piper had to find a new home. I know, I know. Piper was, how do I say this politely? THE DEVIL. She looks so cute. Trust me, I know she appeared to be a sweet little kitten angel sent from heaven. She fooled us you guys, she fooled us all. Piper started to refuse to use her litter box and was leaving me nice not-so-little surprises all over my floor every day when I got home from work.  BARF ME. I came home from work one day and she had pooped NINE times on my bath mat. NINE TIMES. YOU GUYS HER LITTER BOX WAS CLEAN AND LESS THAN TWO FEET AWAY. After some research on "the google," it was determined that there was no reason she was doing this, other than the fact that she was a more territorial cat or she just hated me. I think it was the latter. The final straw was when I was playing with her and she crawled into my bookshelf. I looked at her and thought she looked oh so cute snuggling on my books. That's when she started to pee all over my Bible. MY BIBE! Is there nothing sacred? I swear she even smiled at me when she did it.  After that, I knew that it was time for Piper Devil Pussycat to find a new home. I tolerated the "accidents" for quite a while and tried to figure out if I had done anything to bring them on. To borrow the wise words of Shaggy, "It wasn't me." It was Piper. It was all her. Of course it was difficult to say goodbye and I never expected anything like this to happen, but living in a community house means I share my space and it's not fair for animal accidents to be all over the house just awaiting discovery. So there you have it, it was quite a sad goodbye, but I haven't missed the accidents or urine soaked Bible pages. 

Jared

My dear friend Jared is currently battling cancer. I remember when he was diagnosed (Stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphona) during the fall of my senior year (2010). I couldn't believe it. I was beyond shocked. How can someone I know, someone so young, someone so lovely, be diagnosed with something so horrible? It seemed like cancer was something that old people or strangers were diagnosed with, not friends that I interacted with on a regular basis. We were told Jared was good to go in the summer of 2011, everyone was beyond excited. I saw Jared in that summer and it was just so great getting to see him. He looked so great. He seemed to feel so great. He was beginning to return to that same Jared I had met almost two years earlier. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2011, Jared went in for a routine scan and was told that not only had the cancer returned, but it was much worse. He was classified as having Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. Jared started more treatments and new types of chemotherapy but it was decided that he would have a stem cell transplant. He had that stem cell transplant today. I am not well versed in all of this crazy doctor talk, but all I know is that today was a very big day and there's a long road of recovery ahead of Jared, but things are looking bright.  Please keep dear Jared and his amazing fiancee Stephanie in your prayers. They have had a long couple of years and dealt with more than they should have had to, but not only have they remained faithful to each other, they've remained faithful to God through this entire ordeal. They have trusted in God and continued to speak of God's goodness though they have endured some incredibly trying times. It would mean the world to me if you could pray for Jared the next time you think of it. 

a mexican vacation

Every year since I was about 11 years old, my family has taken an extended weekend and gone camping on the beach in Mexico. A lot of people have made comments like "Oooh Mexico, that's so dangerous!" It's really not. Sure, there are some incredibly dangerous areas, but we're not camping in or even driving through Tijuana. We stay at a sleepy little beach town in Baja about five hours from our house. It's one of my favorite vacations because there's not much to do but read, relax, swim, lay out, nap, eat delicious food, and converse with friends. We make the trip with several other families, in the past there have been as many as 40+ but this year there were 22 of us. I haven't been on the trip since 2007 because of school, work, and then living abroad. This was the year. I knew I wanted to go on this trip. It's one of my favorite vacations because it's so relaxing. I asked my friend Jordan to join me. I knew he'd love it. He lived in Mexico for a couple months this summer and I knew he was itching to get back. My family loves him and he's super great so having him join us was just incredibly natural.  I didn't really take any pictures, other than a couple instagrams, but here are some pictures that my sister Gabby took. 

A big floppy hat is necessary for a beach vacation.
 Luckily my mom is a champ and let me steal hers. Thanks Marmee. 

Jordan got his hair braided. It was the greatest. 

We camped with the cutest kids ever.
Miss waking up to these snuggle bugs!

The tide goes out forever so you wake up to this beautiful picture every morning.
 Not a bad way to greet the day...

So, like I said, the vacation was incredible. Absolutely wonderful. Very needed. A time of rejuvenation, family moments, and many, many laughs. Something happened the last night: two of the people we were camping with got sick. We wondered if it was the food, which was not well received by my father, Aunt Tina, and cousin Vito (yes, that's real) who prepared incredible food for us that weekend. Can I just tell you we had prime rib, lamb, seafood spaghetti, salmon, tri tip, and other insanely delicious meals while we were CAMPING? I guess that's just what happens when you camp with people in the restaurant business. I digress. The sickness. My sister started feeling sick the next afternoon, the afternoon where everyone but my family was packing up to leave. She threw up. Later that afternoon I started to feel sick. That's when it hit. I started to feel like I was going to throw up so I went over to the dumpster and just died, basically. Then Jordan got sick. Then my other two sisters. Then we got word that a bunch of people who we had been camping with that left had gotten sick. You guys, it was like Contagion. We know it wasn't from food but we have a hunch it was something similar to the Norovirus. Let me just tell you that there is nothing worse than heaving your guts out in the sand next to your friend who is also doing the same thing but his is tinted red because of the licorice he ate earlier that day. It was like Bridesmaids. I'm not going to fill you in on all the nasty, gross details because I want you to continue to be my friend, but just trust me. It was horrific yet simultaneously hilarious because of how dramatic it was.  Oh goodness, my family has a way of encountering the wildest things. Better just change our name to the Wildboyz, minus the boyz plus mostly girlz. 

la famiglia

Thank you Brooke for these incredible pictures!