~ Twenty. Ten. ~

"The most refreshing part of a new year, a new week, and a new day is the word... NEW."

I'm spilling the beans...

Well friends, I'm spilling the beans! My lovely Thia Karen tagged me with the Honest Scrap Award Challenge - to come up with ten HONEST things about myself that you may not know. Little scraps of information that I normally wouldn't share in everyday conversation. So here they are...

* Disclaimer: If you have to stop halfway through, take a breather, and come back to it I won't be offended. After all, one can only handle so much crazy in one sitting. *

1) I often watch Maury. Yes, you read that right... Maury Povich. Why is it so enjoyable to watch crazy people on tv? "You ARE the father!" You just can't make this stuff up.

2) I drink way too much Diet Coke for my own good.

3) I can never pick out a greeting card in less than 10 minutes. No matter what the occasion, I like to try and select the perfect card. I LOVE perusing the aisles to find something funny, or heartwarming.

4) I enjoy driving - I actually enjoy time in the car... it's built in alone time, to drink some coffee, listen to some good tunes, or enjoy the solace. I find that whatever is bothering me from a day at work usually resolves by the time I get home because I've had time to clear my head a little bit.

5) I usually change into my pajamas within 20 minutes of being home. My former room mates can attest to this! If I'm in for the night, the pj's are on right away!!!

6) I check people.com religiously, and am way too fascinated with the lives of celebrities.

7) I really don't like the season of summer, and find myself in an all around better mood when it's the second half of the year in fall and winter. I love cool, crisp, and overcast days!

8) As this past week was "Premiere Week" on TV, and all of the networks are starting their new fall seasons, I have found myself very excited, yet sadly overwhelmed. You know, it's exhausting. There's this internal struggle of "to tivo - or not to tivo?" I mean, there are so many shows that look interesting, but do I really want to invest? Can my heart and mind take any more? Plus, there's this stress involved in making sure that Tivo is catching all of the shows, both old and new. I mean, seriously... it takes a village. It's all about priorities... :)

9) I never throw away shoes. I wouldn't consider myself a huge pack rat, but for some reason, shoes are something that I just can't seem to get rid of easily. I have random shoes and flip flops that I never wear... but can't seem to part with. There has to be a name for this? Help Dr. Phil!

10) I still have my blanket from childhood... but that's not the worst part. I still sleep with it. Forget the crazy shoe problem... I need Dr. Phil on speed dial!

It feels good to air out some dirty laundry! Give it a try! :)

Choosing Civility

With all of the recent hullabaloo surrounding the horrifying outbursts of celebrities and the like, it leaves us wondering what's the deal!? The LA Times wrote a fascinating article on this very subject on the cover of today's paper, and it really got me thinking about what we have become. Why is there suddenly this outpouring of rude behavior by the very people that we are supposed to look up to? And is this really sudden at all, or has it been a slippery slope for some time now?

It seems as though almost everyone has been caught up in this viral infection of rudeness. In the wake of athletes losing their cool over a bad call on the court, politicians yelling out during the president's address to the nation, and of course the widely publicized Kanye West and Taylor Swift drama...

Of course these are celebrities, but it did get me thinking... If celebrities, athletes, and politicians are saying things like this to one another, think of the thousands of others who are treating one another this way that aren't being publicized on the evening news.

I'm not ranting about this subject just to rehash the hash --- my whole purpose in commenting about these crazy things is to offer a small ray of hope! In the wake of all of this, I was reminded this week of the goodness of people, and in the celebrities that some of us look up to. This week was the annual KIIS FM event at CHOC and we were so fortunate to have people donate their time to visit the kids and their families, and bring a smile to their faces. I just have to share one of the stories!

I had the complete privilege to tour a certain british soccer player :) around the hospital to see the kids in their rooms, and let me tell you, it was a complete joy. Yes ladies, for obvious reasons, but even more than that I was in complete awe of his humility, grace and class. He was a complete gentleman for starters... he refused to get in the elevator before me, held open every door, and had all the time in the world for the patients and their families. He was completely unaffected by the media surrounding him, and placed every emphasis on the strength of those kids. Seeing the joy on the kid's faces was heartwarming, and hearing him say that he was forever changed by the experience was priceless. His facial expressions said it all! We were fortunate to have so many celebrities and average joes alike share in the day and I was utterly impressed by all of them. I had been looking forward to this day in preparation for a while now, but I was expecting at least a few out of the bunch to be a little "hollywood." I was pleasantly surprised by their humility and sincerity.

This whole day gave me hope. It helped me realize that yes, these are people just like the rest of us, and they are gracious, classy and sincere at the core. Choose civility and hopefully it will start a new viral strain of kindness...

CHOC Children's

Well, friends, I have some news! I am now officially a Child Life Specialist at CHOC Children's Hospital!

This is such a dream job for me, and it feels like it's been forever since I've been training for this, and yesterday all at the same time. Thank you so much for your prayers and support, because this is truly an answer to prayer.

I'll be working in the Emergency Department at night during the week (till midnight to be exact - when the ER is abuzz) and then I'll be working on the hospital units - mostly Oncology and ICU on the weekends. I have two days of formal hospital orientation under my belt, and tomorrow is my first official day of training on the units! I am so very excited, and would very much appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Of course I am nervous to start a new chapter, but confident that this is where I'm supposed to be.

Here's to a brand new chapter, and the beginning to an exciting adventure!

Smile...

Just some thoughts and a few highlights that have made me smile this week!

1.) Rice Krispy Treats:

OK, I know what you're thinking - "Chloe, what are you, 12?" But I had to share my new found love for these delightful treats. I've been making them a lot lately, and thanks to my wonderful Mom's recipe, they are sooo yummy. So what's the secret? Add peanut butter. Just add it to the marshmallow before you add the rice krispy cereal. Oooo, and put a square into the microwave for about 20 seconds right before you eat it, to make it extra warm and gooey! Who knew that something so simple could taste so amazing? Try it and let me know what you think!

2.) SHARK TANK:

One of my new favorite shows! It's on Sunday nights, and it's delightfully entertaining. Five self-made millionaire tycoons invest their own money into people's ideas/companies. These people have 90 seconds to make their pitch to "the sharks" and you should see what these people come up with! Some of them are really great businesses in which the sharks fight over to invest in, and others are just plain entertaining! :)

3.) Legally Blonde - The Musical:

The movie was so great, and the musical is now in LA! Yesterday, my Mom and I made our pilgrimage up to the Pantages theatre in Hollywood to see it, and it was very, very good! Incredibly entertaining, great music, and really witty and genuinely funny while successfully sticking to the story line of the movie. And a special hint for students: you can get them for $25 with a student ID! It was a great deal for a fun night!

4.) Sweepstakes:

I already know that I'm going to catch a lot of flack for this one, but it's actually kind of fun! I've been entering into some fun sweepstakes (everything from big to small prizes like vacations etc.) Who knows if I'll ever win anything, but it sure is fun to try with some spare time!

Etsy

I just love ebay. I love the whole concept, and I love the deals and treasures that one can find on that glorious site!

I just have to share my new (well, new to me!) find... www.etsy.com!

This site is so fun... it works like an ebay, but ALL of the items on this site are either handmade or vintage. It's such a blast to comb people's stores and know that everything you see is one of a kind.

Two of my best buds have created an Etsy Shop called J Emporium with the NEATEST stuff!!! They were just handpicked and featured on the homepage! Here's the link....

www.jemporium.etsy.com

J Emporium has really neat vintage stuff like this one....

Jessi also has her own Etsy Shop... Here's the link...

www.spectacleworks.etsy.com

Spectacle Works has really neat photos, and Jessi makes her own journals like this one!

You've just got to check out this site! It's so fun to poke around!

Start your Etsy journey with the links above! :)

Bon Voyage!

Well, we're off! For the next 8 days, I will be happily laying on the beach on Oahu! We're going to Hawaii and I could not be more thrilled! There are few places that are more beautiful and serene. My parents have included me on this wonderful trip for a fabulous graduation gift - I think I have the best parents in the entire world! :) I'm fully prepared for a week of relaxation: sundresses, sunscreen, snorkeling equipment, and some good books!

See you soon friends... Aloha!

Tales from the Recycling Center

Well, it was about that time... today I made the trek to the Recycling Center to cash in my cans and bottles. I present to you this issue of Tales from the Recycling Center. Now friends, I learned something today --- a little nugget that might make your trips to the Recycling Center more convenient and perhaps more fruitful... I present to you the SHOPPING CART. 

I chose to share this nugget of wisdom with you today, because the gentleman above in this photo was one of THREE people there utilizing this method. Who knew that this method of transportation could be so effective? Perhaps there is something to it. 

Now friends, this post is not only meant to educate, but to warn. I come to you with a contrite heart to share with you the dangers of this means of can and bottle transportation. I was standing in line, minding my own business, day dreaming of anywhere but here, and I suddenly must jump out of the way to avoid a catastrophe... a burst of wind had caught one of the shopping carts and was uncontrollable. Heading into traffic on the other side, I leave my bags (which is of course a huge theft risk at the Recycling Center) and proceed to chase down the cart. I catch it before it hits oncoming traffic and return it to the rightful owner - no, not Ralph's but the man who was borrowing it for the aforementioned means of transportation. We both have a laugh at the "runaway cart" and I did my good deed for the day. There is a true sense of camaraderie amongst those at the Recycling Center - the "Can Code" if you will. 

Well, friends, this concludes this issue of Tales from the Recycling Center. I came away enlightened and $10.15 richer. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse... and be truly entertained. 

Until next time! 

Such Joy...

Don't kids just bring you such joy???

I just get the biggest kick out of kids, and the things that they do and say...

Just this past weekend I was at Olive Garden with my mom and my Aunt Carla - ( I just love Olive Garden - you just can't beat the Pasta Fagioli soup and salad - yummy!!) So we were eating dinner, and we look over and this little boy who couldn't have been older than 4 was chomping away at his spaghetti and meatballs and trying every which way to eat it! It was so adorable because you could tell that he wasn't trying to make a mess, but he was genuinely trying to figure out the best possible way to manage his dinner... we just couldn't take our eyes off of him!

And every day, around 2:30 there are these two little boys that I see walking across the street on their way home from school. They look like brothers: they both have round glasses and belted jean shorts pulled up 6 inches too high. The older one (about 10) always has his arm around the younger one (about 6) in an effort to protect him and look both ways before they cross the street. They are always smiling, and look like they are having so much fun together. The other day they were laughing so hard and cracking themselves up on the way home from school... just another Thursday!!

So sweet... I think we forget sometimes that kids are not just miniature adults, but they are their own little individuals, and bring us such joy if we take the time to notice and invest in them.

Life as a Musical - At least in Central Station

Have you ever dreamt of your life as a musical? I sure have.

Ever since I was little I have had this dream that one day I would be walking down the street and everyone would burst out into song and dance, and I would of course join along in perfect harmony (I guess some things will always remain a dream.) For those of you who have always dreamt of your lives as a musical too - take a look at this!

I just couldn't stop watching this and had to share - over 200 dancers of all ages dressed in street clothes made this possible in Central Station in Antwerp, Belgium. It was a promotional piece for a new television show in Belgium to find the next Maria to star in a theatre production of the Sound of Music. With only two rehearsals they pulled this off and really caught Central Station by surprise! If you have had a rough day... these 4 minutes will pull you out of it and make you smile...

There's No Place Like Home

I'm home!!! It has been almost 6 months since I left for Nashville to pursue an internship at Vanderbilt - and now I'm back. It feels so good to be home, although I miss TN a lot! I really grew to love that city - I loved being near close family and friends that I had been away from for so long. I owe them all so much - they were so instrumental in getting me through. It was such a difficult time in so many ways, and I thank the Lord for the support I had from my friends and family from home and in TN. I miss Grace Chapel - my church for 5 months! What an absolute blessing that church was to me. It was such a great church that helped me grow in some difficult times, and I loved going with the TN Krikacs! And of course I miss the hospital where I lived, I mean, worked! :)  I had so many great experiences there and learned a TON! So many children and families are forever written on my heart. 

It is so great to be home! I missed so much about CA - the beach, the traffic, (just kidding), and most importantly my friends and family back home. I've seriously lived under a rock these past 6 months. It feels so good to be home and surrounded with family and friends that I have missed terribly. My internship required a lot of hours and emotion, and I have felt depleted in many ways. It feels so good to slowly start to feel fueled up again and recharged. I am so blessed with supportive people in my life no matter what geographic location I'm in...

So Toto, although we are not in Nashville anymore, we are back home! And in the words of dear Dorothy ~ 

"Toto, we're home. Home! And this is my room, and you're all here. And I'm not gonna leave here ever, ever again, because I love you all, and - oh, Auntie Em - there's no place like home!" 

My New Home

Hello Blog Buddies!!! It feels so good to be back after a much too long hiatus... First let me say how much I miss all of you back home! Life in Nashville is amazing, but it is just not the same without you. 

So this is my new home...Nashville TN. I still can't believe that I have been living here for about 3 1/2 weeks now. My little apartment is so cute, I will post pictures of it soon, so ya'll (yeah you like that?) can see it. I really like where I live, and it's not too far away from work. Which brings me to my second home...Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. One of my patients (4 years old) asked me the other day, "Do you live here?" And I said, "You know, sometimes it feels like I do!" 

The internship is going really well, although it is extremely challenging at times. I've never had to learn so much in such a short amount of time, and although the learning curve is pretty steep, it's been such a great experience so far. I'm working in Surgery right now which is my first rotation, and let me tell you... the hours have been the biggest adjustment! :) If you know me at all, early mornings are not typically my forte... but I've been adjusting. When my alarm goes off at 3:30 every morning, I now finally understand how my Aunt Karen feels when she gets up so early for work every day. 

More info, stories and pictures to come soon, but I really miss you all! Especially you Mom and Dad and miss you tons... big hugs coming your way. 

Merry Christmas from the Krikac Family

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Tales from the Recycling Center

Oh boy. What a day. So, I recycle my bottles and cans for two reasons: 1) it's good for the environment, and 2) it's fun extra money. I decided to go to the recycling center yesterday, because I had a lot of bottles, and I had let them pile up for way too long! Going to the center is just an experience in and of itself, and yesterday, I was up for the challenge. So I'm waiting in line with my bags (in my sweats of course... there's even a dress code for the recycling center) and I was standing in line behind this gentleman in the red tank top here in the picture above.(I took this photo with my cell phone, I couldn't resist.) He got my attention when he started speaking to the woman next to him giving her advice on how to put the cans in the machine... "you've got to put the CRV label up so that the machine can read it... and above all, you've got to have a little patience." And believe me, patience he had. He was there for a LONG time with all of those bags. 

So I happen to look over at the man (let's call him "Red") and he was desperately trying to inflate one of his bottles that had been flattened. He stood at the machine, and tried every which way to inflate it enough for the machine to accept it. About a minute later, he retired from the process of using his hands apparently, because before I knew it, he had unscrewed the cap of the bottle, put his lips to the rim of the bottle and blew! Well, it worked, the bottle inflated, and the machine accepted it. 

As if that isn't disgustingly entertaining enough, I look over to the other machine in an attempt to avert my eyes, and what do I see? A three year old standing on an upside down trash can, with his mom handing him Coors Light beer cans so that he can feed them into the machine. Sad? Perhaps. Young talent? Absolutely. 

This concludes this edition of Tales from the Recycling Center. I invite you to go to your own recycling center and share your stories... it really is prime people watching! 

He's Back!

I would like to announce, that as of January 2009 Jason Mesnick will be the next Bachelor in his quest for a soulmate. We all fell in love last season (okay, maybe it was just me) with this handsome fella and his sweet son, Ty. And all of our hearts were broken when DeAnna literally left him standing... about to propose. On that dramatic finale, not only was I screaming at the television when she left him brokenhearted, but later that night, I found myself on Delta.com trying to book a one-way ticket to Seattle! Not one of my shining moments. 

Now, we get to see him when the shoe is on the other foot... The tables are turned, and now he has the upper hand to choose. Maybe it's good that I didn't know that they were casting for this... we know he has a track record of liking Greeks right? 

Well, it's time for Jason to move on from the heartbreak, and I'll be right there watching every week. Hopefully, after this season, Jason and Ty won't be sleepless in seattle anymore. Here's to another season of my favorite guilty pleasure TV show, and to the best Bachelor the show has ever had! 

Life's Simple Pleasures

Don't you just love life's little pleasures? Often I think that it is a combination of several small, simple things that make your day. This is one of the reasons why I love the holiday season because this is a time that we often notice these treasures. Here is one of mine: the red cups at Starbucks! Each November, we are greeted by a sea of red in our neighborhood Starbucks, and every time I enter the store and see it, it brings a smile to my face. Not only do these cups hold yummy drinks like pumpkin spice lattes, and peppermint mochas, but they bring a feeling of festivity into my soul. As finals are rapidly approaching, and the end of the semester is in sight, I have been studying for exams, writing papers and working on projects... and I have found solace sitting in Starbucks, in my own little corner sipping on my favorite holiday beverages. I love the hustle and bustle of people coming in and out, laughter, good music, and the smell of cookies, baked goods and spice! 

I love Christmastime, and although I am not quite ready for Christmas music, and to haul out the holly, the red cups offer an entry into the wonderful world of winter. Welcome red cups, welcome winter, now let's bring on the cold weather! :) 

Bonnie and Me

I met Bonnie. I met Bonnie. I met Bonnie. This is the very sentence that I had to keep repeating to myself over and over again last week, and pinching myself to make sure that it was real, and not just another dream. 

Last week, my dear Thia Karen, two of her sweet fun friends and I attended another taping of The Bonnie Hunt Show... but this time, we were VIP guests! We didn't have to wait in line and got to wear those fun passes around our necks and feel like we were really somebody. To our pleasant surprise, Bonnie was coming outside to the audience that day where we wait to get in before the show to do a little pre-show audience taping and talk with some of the audience members about the upcoming election. So naturally I was thinking... Me + Bonnie + talking about things I'm passionate about = Sheer excitement. We were all very elated... especially Karen and I and I'm sure that I definitely scared her sweet friends with my crazy antics. (When Karen and I started talking about the fact that we know that Bonnie dyes her hair from a box from Walgreens, that was our first indication that we may have crossed the line.) 

Anyway, I won't bore you with the details of how this all went down, but here's the bottom line, blog buddies. I met Bonnie. I met Bonnie Hunt. We're not talking a little handshake... she interviewed me on camera, and we had a really fun chat! She put her arm around me, we talked about our hair, she called me 'honey,' we laughed (I mean we might as well just call it a slumber party right?) We also chatted about the election, but don't worry friends, I made sure to make a few jokes in there in addition to talking about my views on things! We laughed together, and I think it's safe to say that it was one of the very best moments. Meeting Bonnie has been on my list of things to do before I die that has been written on my heart for years! Well, actually "lunch with Bonnie" was the thing that is specifically on my list... next time Bonnie (even if it's just a Chicago hot dog before your show!) :) 

So friends, I apologize that it's taken me a week to blog about this marking event, but sadly, it's taken me almost that long to get over it! In times like these however, I can always count on good friends to keep me in check. When I texted Mel to tell her that I met Bonnie, she responded with this message: 

"Oh Clo, please tell me that you were at a taping, and not outside of her house." 

Maybe one day Bonnie will invite me over for coffee, but I would never go uninvited - a girl's gotta have her standards. But I will leave you with my new idea for her next season --- "The Bon and Clo Show" It has a nice ring to it don't you think???? 

A Show Tune A Day Keeps the Doctor Away...

I love Show Tunes. I just love them. I love the theatre, and I love Broadway shows. I'm always the first person to rush the little store and buy the soundtrack and listen to it until I'm blue in the face from singing the amazing ballads and group dance numbers. 

Okay friends, I know it can be tempting to buy the soundtrack, listen to it once or twice, and never really pull it out again. But let me let you in on a little secret blog buddies... a show tune a day does wonders for your soul. There is something amazing that a score from your favorite show or even movie can do for your mood and your day. Whether it's rocking out to a big group dance number from Hairspray, marching into battle with the cast of Les Mis, going through the seasons of love with the cast of Rent, graduating high school with Danny, Sandy and the cast of Grease, or Defying Gravity with Elphaba in Wicked (don't even get me started.) Listening to a favorite show tune can indeed pull you out of a funk, or make your already good mood that much better. 

So friends, take a minute today to dust off that old album, pop it into your CD player,  sing your heart out, and bring out your inner Elphaba. Or do what I do and keep them all in your car so that when the need arises, and you're sitting in traffic contemplating life and wondering where it all went wrong... you can pop in your CD, turn the track to your favorite song and suddenly you're not in traffic on the 5... You're a Broadway star on an amazing set, with a giant orchestra behind you and a packed out house! :) 

Missed Connections and Banana Squash...

So I usually keep my blog free of rantings, however my day yesterday was just too classic to not vent and share with you blog buddies! Yesterday, October 7th, I was supposed to leave for Nashville, TN for an internship interview at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. My flight was supposed to leave at 11:55 so I got to the airport at about 10:15 to give me enough time to check in and get settled before the flight (plus it's always fun to sit with your coffee and people watch - airports are the best!) When I check in, they weigh my bag and it was 54 lbs... 4 lbs. over the legal limit for domestic flights. The nice, older man at the counter (who I think was joking around when he took me by the hand, looked at the absence of a wedding ring and said, "okay hun, now that I don't see a ring on that finger, I think there's something I can do for you.") But hey, I only had to take out a book and he let the rest go, so God bless him!! ;) 

So we're on the plane, getting ready to take off and all of a sudden the captain comes on the PA - never a good sign. He said that the right engine was not starting and that we needed to go back to the gate for the mechanic to take a look at it. An hour later, we take off and I'm trying not to worry about the connection that I have to make in Atlanta which is only an hour layover. We finally arrive in Atlanta at 7:50 p.m. and my flight leaves at 8:06 p.m. for Nashville. Not only that, but it was in a different terminal! By the time I got off the plane (I was in the back of course) it was 7:59. I ran like hell through the airport and got to the gate at 8:03 p.m. only to discover that the doors were closed and my plane that was scheduled to depart at 8:06 had already left. Not only that, there was no representative at the gate!!! So he finally shows up and directs me to the Customer Service Center to see if I can get on another flight. 

So defeated and out of breath, I make my way to the Customer Service Center in the next terminal. After explaining what happened (which they were clearly not interested in my story, but I sure as heck told them anyway) they rescheduled me on the next flight out which was at 9:50 p.m. The name of the center is ironic because there was absolutely nothing customer oriented about this experience, no apology... nothing. BUT, now comes the GOOD NEWS!! I did get a $7 voucher for dinner to use in the food court. I thought to myself... you have got to be kidding me. 

So I make my way over to the food court and decide to get myself some "dinner" - after all it really is about the silver lining. Thank you Delta. So I stand in line at Sbarro and decide to get the #1 combo which comes with a slice of pizza, a side of veggies, and a diet coke for $6.89. So I get up to the counter, give them my voucher, pick up my tray and start to leave with my bags only to discover that my meal came to $7.37. I actually OWED them 37 cents! Of course I didn't have change on me so I had to break a dollar. So I walked over to a table with my bags and my tray and my pocket full of change, and my side of veggies that was primarily composed of cooked carrots and banana squash - (neither of which I eat on a regular basis) and began to pick at my pizza and my side of veggies with a plastic "spork."

So I get to my gate (early I might add) and thankfully right next to my gate is a starbucks. It was like God was sending me a hug from heaven. I make my way over there because I think to myself that the only thing that was going to redeem this day was a venti pumpkin spice latte to take on the plane. I get in line only to learn that they are closing and all they are selling is coffee and tea. So with my dreams of pumpkin spice dashed, I settled for coffee, got on the plane and after another 30 min. weather delay on the runway, I finally got to Nashville!! Hooray for good friends and big hugs to make my day!!! 

So blog buddies... if you ever find yourself walking aimlessly around the Atlanta airport due to a missed connection, eating cold pizza and veggies with a spork, and you have been mistreated by a trusted airline, please know that you are not alone and you have a friend in me. 

Camp Reach for the Stars

I just got back from such a great, memorable weekend in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara! I volunteered as a camp counselor at Camp Reach for the Stars which is a camp that is put on by the American Cancer Society every year for children with cancer and their families. It was such a neat experience, and something new which I always love. It's a great weekend away camping in the mountains for families and kids to not have to think about cancer or treatment and just have fun. 

For those of you who know me, this was definitely out of my comfort zone because I'm not typically a "camper" :), but this was one of the most fun, rewarding experiences. I mean, I hiked...in the rain!! I "braved the elements." This was a great experience, not only with the families, but with the other counselors as well...it's always fun to make new friends and meet new people from all walks of life.

Each camp counselor is assigned to a family for the weekend, and the family that I had was incredible. I took tons of pictures, but for legal reasons due the nature of the camp I can't post the pictures of the kids, but I sure can tell you about them! :) I had the privilege of hanging out with an 8 year old boy battling leukemia and his large, but incredibly precious family with 6 kids under the age of 9!!! I definitely had the largest family there by far, and there was never a dull moment that's for sure. I spent the weekend giving piggy back rides, pushing the tire swing, playing games, running, skipping, hiking, treckin' through mud and giggling. 

As counselors, we also hung out with the kids while the parents participated in much needed facials, massages, and support groups with one another. Some of the families have been coming to this camp for years and have built great relationships. In addition to all of the activities, the camp began on Friday with the opening ceremonies where the families bring ashes of the camp fire from last year to kick off this year's camp with the hopes and dreams from the previous years of staff and campers. Throughout the weekend, the families have "wishing scrolls" where they write down their hopes, wishes and dreams and then they share them with everyone if they want to and then throw them into the fire on the last night to close. A lot of the parents wished for good health, and a cure for cancer. Some of the kids got up to share at the closing campfire and it brought tears to my eyes when one of my kids got up there and said, "I wish for no more cancer." 

Not only was this weekend a new, fun experience but it was so neat to get a glimpse into the lives of these families who are battling this disease. Cancer, or any other terminal disease for that matter, really does affect the whole family, and it truly is amazing to learn about how these families cope with it. So although every muscle in my body aches, and I'm beyond exhausted, it was a fun weekend had by all!