Time well spent!

Things to do in Seattle:
Play on Genessa's new laptop, which has "photobooth"


Alien Amber


This is just bad!


Bright as can Be!

This is not my Home.

July 24, 2006

Tonight I'm sitting on my front door stairs in the middle of Arlington, Virginia. An orchestra compiled of crickets, locusts, birds, and my neighbors piano join together to sing me a song. The warmth of the day has settled and a slight breeze sweeps across my face, whisping my hair out of my eyes. The fireflies beam brightly just above the green grass and I am reminded of childhood firefly hunts in Nebraska. The blue sky above turns purple as I look westward; the purple turns to dark blue with hot pink accents melding into the setting sun. As I gaze upward, I see the treetops dance in the wind as if they’re able to hear the same song as me. All creation is singing, shouting, stretching and praising Him right now and I will partake in the praise. The enchantment of tonight is alluring and captivating to my soul. All I can do is sit here, looking up into the open sky and think about the gift of this experience and the gift of life. I get to witness and testify that all creation acknowledges Him. Yet, in the midst of all this, I am reminded that this is not my home. Although this experience seems so unique in the moment, it is all too familiar at the same time. I hear a whisper in my being that says, “there is more”. As I relish in those words, I am brought to tears because inside I know, the more, is my home.

Thank you, Lord.

This morning I was listening to one of my favorite songs by Cindy Morgan. The words are amazing. The simplicity of being with people and experiencing life together sets well with my heart.


THANK YOU LORD, HOW COULD I ASK FOR MORE by Cindy Morgan

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more

Did I Mention River Rafting!!!!!!

This weekend deserves a whole page!

JUNE

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! Psalm 135:1

June, what a month! I have been blessed with great friends.

First, David Lim came to town and that was flash back! We still are goofy together---nerd and nerdier (what we like to call ourselves).



I moved out of the poolhouse and into a house a couple miles away from my place of work. Then, I went home to Torrance, California to visit my Papa and Yaya for a few days. My time with Papa and Yaya was great! I miss them so much and feel blessed to have grandparents as loving and encouraging as them. Not only, did I get good time with Papa and Yaya, I also spent time with friends:





Amber, Alison, Melinda, and Johnny- We all grew up together (next door neighbors). It's strange that even though we don't keep in the best contact, we can always step into each others lives without any awkward tensions (except Johnny trying to kiss me..;) Jk...I love him!


Kate, Mike, Johnny and I went to the Rivera for dinner and then rode bikes to Hermosa Beach.





The next day I went to the AVP at Hermosa Beach--- Katy Butler and I met up with Nickie Sherman. It was great to see Hudson, Katy and Matt's new son! He is so precious, cute and amazing! I love him.
Nickie and I went to Breakfast the next morning...she is doing well and dating a really great guy, Bobby. I loved every moment with them and am excited about what the future hold for them. ;)





















My mom and sister drove down from Chico to pick me up and bring me Chico.








My heart still throbs for Chico and California in general. I suppose it always will because the people I dearly love are there. There is something that fits right when I am at home--- Megan, Jon and me always have so much fun! They truly are my best friends! I love being with them. Mego and Jon, I love you so much and miss you everyday!!!!!!!
Pics of us having FUN! (as usual)

A Special Surprise!

Yesterday I was in Washington and today I am in Chico, CA!

I have always wanted to be one of those people with a great surprise story and last night I became one of them.

My mom has been in and out of the hospital with cancer problems; she had her thyroid removed last week. Wednesday was her birthday and I thought it would be wonderful to fly back to Chico as a surprise. Being that Bart and Linda are in Ecuador, it made sense as far as work goes--- so, I began to look into possibilities. Unfortunately, the flights were very expensive, so I decided against it. Then, Linda got in touch with her sister, an airline stewardess, and I got companion passes.

With all that said, I took at 6pm non-stop flight from DC and arrived last night at 8:40pm. On the way back from the airport Megan and I discussed how we would surprise mom. We had an idea, but when we walked in the door, my dad had an idea too, so we went with my dad's idea.

He went into kiss my mom goodnight and he kissed her, then he said "Wouldn't you like a good kiss goodnight?" and then I popped in the room and said "From Me". My mom was freaked out and so excited. We hugged and hugged and hugged and hugged. She had NO idea.

So, that is my surprise story. Thanks for reading about my special time with my family.

Washington Life, School, Work, Friends and Kicked Out of the Poolhouse

This past week has been epicly eventful in a hectic and emotional sort of way.

1) I had a paper due, so most of my background thoughts were consumed with the fact that I should be writing a paper.

2) Work is good, as usual. I love Bart and Linda. Holding down the fort is one of my specialties and it seems that they like me to hold down the fort, so we are a good fit.
Fitting into the work area, taxes. I got my taxes done today. Just in the nick of time and I have a refund comin', which makes the world seem a little better.

3) My friends in DC are great! We have a ton of fun. Fun is usually consisting of going to get something to eat and then a drive around the city.

4) Michelle and I are kicked out of the poolhouse as of the end of April. I shouldn't say we are "kicked out" because we have been given two extra months in the poolhouse. Plus, everyone is helping us look for a place to live in the area.

With all that said, things are going well.

Successful launch!

Abie Curry is my friend. She is here in Washington DC with me right now. We are having fun! She is a true Nabber of the nugget! If only we all had nabber skills like abber.
She is truly a phenomenon.

Jen Ronconi is better than macaroni. Her heart is like a fluttering little flutter. Don't make her laugh or she will flutter away. She wants to out nab abber, but so far all she can get is macaroni.

If you don't get this then you need to inspect your underwear and label them with your number. Then I will find you.

Peace......mmmm...I love reeses pieces!

Misty's Wedding

Dinner Rehearsal

Let's try this....for more pictures go to this website:

http://web.mac.com/amberrader/iWeb/Site/Library.html

Some of these pictures are horrible because Misty and I were taking them of ourselves. But, as you will see, we had a lot of fun.

Florida is very beautiful and it was great to get out of the DC cold and into the FL sunshine!!

Karaoke AGAIN!

Click on the little "?" to see my photo Library!






More pics- These are some of the worst pictures of me...but once again, the display of fun times over beauty overrides. As you will see...fun things happen in DC at Karaoke Night!

A bunch of us went to karaoke again. This time there were a few little twists! Let me show you.
DEAREST FRIENDS~
William Hung REALLY thinks ya’ll outta come to Karaoke Night.



And if you can’t make it to Karaoke, then William wants you to know that he WILL kick your…Ask me no more questions. ;) Hurry…try and escape the wrath of William….go to the Karaoke Night.



He says “BE THERE OR ELSE!”

And to be honest, I, Amber Rader, would REALLY love your presence at Karaoke Night too!

So, please join us (William and I) for a POTLUCK (that means you bring something to eat) at the Cedar’s Poolhouse at 7pm.

I will need to know if you are attending by 12pm tomorrow. Also, feel free to invite friends, but I will need you to respond for them as well.

SIDE NOTE: You will need to dress up….or at least wear something COMPLETELY out of character. For example, I might choose to dress up as William Hung or I might wear Bart’s snow hat or my HUGE glasses or…you get the picture.

WHO: You

WHAT: Potluck and Karaoke

WHEN: Friday 7pm Potluck, Karaoke at 9pm

WHERE: Cedars Poolhouse and Caf� Muse in Annandale

WHY: Because William Hung says so

Look forward to hearing from ya!

Amber


RSVP to amberrader@gmail.com

Let's Try Again

So, my last post was over a month ago! Posting blogs is not that difficult, however finding time to post is very difficult. With that said, I am going to try and post more often, which means I will MAKE time.

Right now I am in a really cool coffee shop called 'Murky Coffee'. It's the coolest spot in town, in my opinion. It's nearly three stories tall and its really old and they have free wireless internet, so every person has a laptop...literally. And I noticed that everyone downstairs is of the male race. I think there are a lot of men who use this location as their office. If you ever visit me, I will show you Murky Coffee.

One of the most annoying things happened a minute ago....here at Murky Coffee. These men decided to take over the entire table, he literally say right across from me and is trying to get me to move. WELL, guess what, I am still sitting here. yep, I am and I'm not moving either.